Li Chang’an paid no mind to Emperor Wu of Zhou’s reaction.
This so-called father of his was nominally the Emperor of Great Zhou, but in reality, there was only one person in the entire Great Zhou who could truly make decisions: Ancestral Master Li Lin, who was at the peak of the Martial God Realm.
Therefore, under the predatory gazes of the Inner Guard, Li Chang’an’s expression remained unchanged as he chose to ignore them all completely.
He let Emperor Wu of Zhou’s scolding and curses go in one ear and out the other.
He turned to look at Li Lin, who stood not far away.
Li Chang’an said with a smile, "Ancestral Master, these are the Immortal Skill and Immortal Pill brought by the Old Ancestor. Would you like to see what’s written on it?"
Hearing Li Chang’an’s words and looking at the shattered remains of the Old Ancestor’s avatar on the ground, Li Lin’s expression grew complicated. "There’s no need to look. I have a rough idea of what’s written inside..."
Having lived for several thousand years, Li Lin knew many secrets.
Of course, he knew that the things their Old Ancestor provided were problematic.
For one thing, back when he was young, Great Zhou still had several Elders in power!
After they cultivated the so-called ’Immortal Technique’ brought by the Old Ancestor, he had even witnessed their final fate with his own eyes.
At one time, he had been indignant about it.
He felt that the Cultivators were far too dismissive, not treating them as human beings.
He had even privately questioned those controlled Ancestral Masters, thinking them far too afraid of death, preferring to be the Cultivators’ dogs rather than daring to risk their lives in a desperate struggle.
But the years passed, one after another.
It wasn’t until one day, when he found himself growing older and older, his body and mind gradually stiffening like decaying wood, that he finally understood why all those old masters had, without exception, chosen to lower their proud heads...
’Death and aging are terrifying!’
When one truly reaches the moment their life is about to end, no one can resist the temptation of eternal life and immortality.
Even if this so-called eternal life was likely a sham, even if the price was to be a dog for the Cultivators for a lifetime, constantly under their control.
But at least cultivating the Immortal Skill could extend their lives, and being a dog still offered a glimmer of hope of ascending to the Immortal Realm, didn’t it?
’How many people begged for such treatment and could never obtain it!’
...
At this thought, the expression on Li Lin’s face became even more complicated. He paused for a long time before he finally continued, "Do you have any idea what you’re doing right now?"
"Of course!" Li Chang’an laughed. "I believe I will win, so I did it!"
Li Lin glanced at the Cultivation Technique in his hand, then at the two Elixirs. He sighed and shook his head. "Shattering the established Order will invite a joint attack from the other nations. Great Zhou is not prepared at all. Your actions will push everything into an irreversible abyss... Or is it that you simply don’t care about any of this?"
Li Chang’an was also smiling.
It would be a lie to say he didn’t care at all.
But it would be bullshit to say he truly cared, either.
In any case, his attitude had always been simple.
—Do one’s best and leave the rest to fate.
Elder Hun had given him a mission. He would do his best to complete it, but if it was too difficult and he truly couldn’t, then there was nothing he could do about it.
Of course, that was what he thought, but he obviously couldn’t say it out loud.
Li Chang’an spread his hands. "Ancestral Master, how can you be so sure I’m not prepared for this? Since I dared to make a move, I naturally have confidence. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to stand here and speak so freely, would I?!"
Hearing this, Li Lin closed his eyes, his face full of exhaustion.
After another dead silence, he sighed. "I’m old. I was already prepared to accept the Immortal Technique and serve as the Old Ancestor’s dog, managing Great Zhou for another thousand years. But I never expected a brat like you to cause such a massive mess at this critical juncture..."
At this point, Li Lin’s voice paused. After collecting his thoughts, he continued, "Since you say you’re prepared and haven’t given up on Great Zhou for the time being, then this country will be yours to manage from now on!"
"Betraying the Old Ancestor is the same as rebelling against the entire world. I don’t know about other things, but I know an unprecedented storm is coming. I hope you truly have the ability to lead Great Zhou through it..."
Hearing this response, Li Chang’an understood Li Lin’s meaning.
Although Li Lin hadn’t moved against him this time, it wasn’t because he agreed with Li Chang’an’s actions, but because he felt he couldn’t stop him.
Now that things had reached this point, he still didn’t have faith in Li Chang’an’s chances.
But from the moment Li Chang’an killed the avatar of Great Zhou’s Old Ancestor, he had already cut off all paths of retreat for Li Lin and Great Zhou.
Li Lin had no choice. He could only follow Li Chang’an down this dark path to the very end.
At this moment, Li Lin’s figure was somewhat stooped. He turned, preparing to leave.
Li Chang’an watched him and said with a smile, "Ancestor, there’s actually no need to be so pessimistic. Who told you that Martial Artists and the Martial Dao can’t achieve immortality and live for millions of years, just like Cultivators?"
Hearing this, Li Lin, who had been utterly dejected, froze.
Then, his eyes widened involuntarily, and his voice trembled slightly as he asked, "Could it be that you’ve pioneered a new path for the Martial Dao?"
At his level, things like money and power were nothing but passing clouds.
The only things that could truly cause such a drastic fluctuation in his emotions were cultivation and lifespan. Almost nothing else mattered.