Cultivation Begins from Infancy - Chapter 377

Volume 3 - Chapter 92: Yu Emperor's Justice

Hearing the murmurs of the Yu Emperor, the expressions of the courtiers who had earlier condemned Li Hao drastically changed. Even those who had defended Li Hao were momentarily stunned. Back when that youth's name first rose to fame in Liangzhou, there had been praise claiming that this individual alone could rival an army of a million.

At the time, most dismissed such statements as exaggerated flattery, thinking they were far too overstated. After all, what concept could truly encapsulate an elite force of a million soldiers? Such a force could sweep across the land unchallenged, victorious wherever they went.

Later, it was proven that this was, indeed, an overstatement—but not for the reasons they initially thought.

A mere million soldiers could not compare to that youth. Could a million troops save Liangzhou? Could they rescue Qingzhou? Could they bring salvation to Youzhou?

No, they could not!

Even the combined might of the Li family's three million elite soldiers had been decisively beaten in Qingzhou, forced to retreat and take shelter within Qingzhou City, relying on the supreme-level array, Serpent's Blessing, just to barely hold on.

And yet, that youth had only needed to appear for a single day to slay the demon leaders, destroy the avatar of the Desolate God, and cut down the seemingly endless tide of demons outside Qingzhou City with one sword strike.

Could such strength be replaced by sheer numbers?

It was like comparing a Grandmaster from Qiandao Palace to an ordinary army. Stationed in Great Yu, the Grandmaster's very presence rendered any number of troops, whether in the millions or tens of millions, irrelevant. Against a top-tier expert, even the most carefully crafted mass assault was meaningless.

Even if the strategy was commanded by Four Pillar Realm generals, with Immortal Realm warriors at the vanguard, it would still fail.

Thus, although the Yu Emperor's words were softly spoken, they awakened everyone present.

The 8 million disciples of the Buddhist Sect sounded like an overwhelming force, spread across the nineteen provinces. Yet, upon closer thought, how did they compare to that youth?

Indeed, as the Yu Emperor said, they did not compare—not even remotely.

Xia Linglong straightened her back, her eyes shining as clarity returned to her thoughts.

The Buddha himself had perished. Could eight million disciples replace him? Absurd!

At this moment, even those ministers who had criticized Li Hao earlier realized the gravity of the situation. They looked visibly uncomfortable. The Buddhist Sect disciples were countless, their numbers spanning cities and towns across each province. Surely anyone else would bow and step aside before such a colossal force.

But not that youth.

His position was already as lofty as a Grandmaster of Qiandao Palace, detached from mundane considerations.

“Your Majesty,” one of the critical ministers finally spoke through clenched teeth. “While it is true that the millions of Buddhist Sect disciples may not rival that youth, his actions cannot be ignored.”

The minister's voice grew sharper. “He dared to kill the Buddha. Who can say he will not turn against us one day? Such a person is no different from a tiger we are raising to later devour us. Is this not true? The entire realm belongs to Your Majesty. If we yield to his strength, are we to do the same when faced with demons? Is there any difference?”

Xia Linglong was so enraged by this speech that her soul almost seemed to leap from her body. She bellowed, “You pack of treacherous fools! How dare you speak such nonsense! Has the paltry wealth bestowed by the Buddhist Sect made you blind to reason? Do you plan to summon a Grandmaster to execute General Wu Tian, casting aside a hero who has saved three provinces with your sycophantic words?”

“You vile ministers!”

Even some Confucian scholars, enraged by such logic, let out bitter laughter. These people were not foolish—they were wicked. What appeared to be utter stupidity on the surface was, in fact, malice veiled in calculation. Such words concealed their selfish scheming, ensuring their personal benefits remained secure.

One of the ministers retorted angrily, “General Summer, this is the royal court! You cannot insult us as you please. I am a Marquis of the Third Rank; such slander cannot go unpunished!”

Xia Linglong’s gaze was icy. “Your rank may be high, but your sins are greater. Were it not for the court’s decorum, I would have already cut you down where you stand!”

“You claim this youth is worthless, yet I ask you: what happens if we strip him of his merits and titles, only for him to rebel against the court? Can any of you bear the consequences of him siding with the demons?”

Her voice was cold and unyielding as she declared, “If such an event were to transpire, could you summon a Grandmaster capable of defeating him? Could any of you afford such a gamble?”

Her words sent shockwaves through the hall. Even the ministers criticizing Li Hao were left speechless.

Xia Linglong sneered. “If you believe it’s so easy to strip him of his merits, why don’t you take responsibility? Go ahead, announce to the world that it was your suggestion. When this youth, a supreme Dao cultivator, infiltrates the imperial city, you can personally explain your decision to him at your own residences!”

Hearing this, the critics’ faces turned ashen.

Who would dare provoke someone capable of slaying the Buddha?

“Protecting the imperial city is the responsibility of the Divine General’s Mansion,” one of the ministers argued indignantly. “We are merely speaking for justice. The Buddha cannot die in such an unclear manner; otherwise, how would the disciples of the Buddhist Sect view this? If unrest spreads, who will suppress it?”

Xia Linglong let out a cold laugh, ready to respond, but at that moment, the Yu Emperor’s voice resonated through the hall:

“Enough!”

The simple command immediately quelled the heated debate, silencing the hall like the aftermath of a storm.

“Among the disciples of the Buddhist Sect, is there anyone who can replace General Wu Tian in slaying demons?” the Yu Emperor asked calmly.

The ministers who had been condemning Li Hao exchanged uneasy glances. Who could possibly do such a thing?

The Buddha was their greatest leader, yet even he had fallen. Now, demons ravaged the lands, bringing chaos to Ji Province, disaster to Cang Province, and displacing countless refugees in You Province...

The Yu Emperor’s voice remained steady, exuding a calmness that penetrated the hearts of all present. “If you claim to speak for the world, consider what is best for it. Without a stable world, where is there room for your justice?”

Xia Linglong and her allies felt a rush of relief and secretly rejoiced at the Emperor’s words.

However, the critics’ faces darkened further. While they had to admit that Xia Linglong’s words were reasonable, it was undeniable that the youth’s current status and strength placed him beyond their reach.

The Yu Emperor’s expression suddenly turned cold as he declared, “But in Great Yu, all who violate the law shall face justice. No one is exempt—not even the royal family. If they commit crimes, they will be punished as deserved. No leniency will be shown.”

“Merit and fault are separate matters. Merits can compensate for faults, but they cannot erase them. All must abide by Great Yu’s laws.”

Xia Linglong and her allies were stunned by the Yu Emperor’s shift in tone, their faces pale with shock.

Meanwhile, the critics of Li Hao suddenly lit up with hope, their earlier dismay turning into quiet satisfaction.

The Yu Emperor’s gaze swept across the court as he slowly continued, “The death of the Buddha is a tragedy. From today onward, the palace will abstain from consuming meat for seven days to honor his soul. After this period, I will visit Saint Virtue Temple to offer incense and prayers.”

The critics could not help but cheer in response, praising the Emperor’s decision.

Xia Linglong’s face was pale as she lifted her gaze to the Emperor, searching his expression for a hint of intention. Yet, the Yu Emperor remained composed, his demeanor unchanged as he added, “There is no need for concern. The Buddha’s virtue was unparalleled, and I will not allow his death to go unexplained. I will assign the Demon Subduing Division to collaborate with the Ministry of Justice in investigating this matter. All suspicions must be thoroughly examined.”

These words left the court stunned.

Xia Linglong, who had been fuming moments earlier, froze in place. She quickly regained her composure, realizing what had just happened, and almost laughed aloud in astonishment.

“Of course,” she thought, “the Emperor truly knows how to steer the narrative.”

The critics, too, were momentarily dumbfounded.

“What does this mean?” one of them wondered aloud. “The Buddha’s death is beyond doubt. With so many witnesses, what is there to investigate?”

The Yu Emperor did not answer. Instead, a minister from the crowd stepped forward and spoke coldly, “Your statement is far too absolute. This case is riddled with mysteries. Witnesses do not guarantee truth. Do you understand the capabilities of a Dao cultivator at the Supreme Dao Realm? Do you comprehend the illusions and trickery that demons of the Dao Realm and beyond can wield?”

“Even low-level demons possess methods to deceive mortals. Can you so confidently assert the truth of what was witnessed?”

“Moreover,” the minister added, “if General Wu Tian truly killed the Buddha, what could possibly have compelled him to act so? Do you have a reasonable explanation?”

“Consider this: what if some demon impersonated General Wu Tian to sow discord between him and the Buddhist Sect, paving the way for an invasion?”

“Furthermore, does it not strike you as strange that General Wu Tian, who has cultivated for only sixteen years, could slay the Buddha, who has cultivated for over a thousand? Does that not seem improbable?”

“Are you suggesting that General Wu Tian’s talent is so exceptional that he is an unparalleled prodigy?”

The critics were left speechless, feeling as if something foul was lodged in their throats.

Xia Linglong and her allies were so overjoyed they nearly applauded.

“This,” Xia Linglong thought, “is simply brilliant.”

“You pretend to seek justice? Fine, we’ll pretend too. Let’s see who can pretend better. And as it turns out, the Emperor outshines everyone.”

“That’s right,” Xia Linglong said aloud, seizing the opportunity. “Justice must prevail. Since the Emperor has promised us justice, I am confident that His Majesty will not allow the Buddha’s death to remain unresolved. This matter must be thoroughly investigated.”

The critics’ expressions twisted with frustration.

“The Buddha’s death unresolved? That is clearly ridiculous!”

They wondered whether the Emperor was genuinely serious or merely protecting General Wu Tian.

Their thoughts swirled with suspicion. Was the Emperor afraid of the youth’s power? Or was he truly unconcerned by the youth’s potential to rebel?

...

In the imperial garden, Chu Jiuming accompanied the Yu Emperor on a stroll.

“That young man is truly troublesome. His audacity knows no bounds,” the Yu Emperor sighed as he casually plucked a flower petal, rubbed it between his fingers, and let it fall into the pond, where it was swiftly devoured by a goldfish. A faint smile played on his lips as he walked, his hands clasped behind his back.

Moments later, a eunuch arrived with a message, announcing that some ministers sought an audience with the Emperor.

Chu Jiuming glanced at the Yu Emperor, who waved dismissively.

Chu Jiuming immediately understood and turned to meet the ministers, intercepting them with a stern warning. “Do not bring up the Buddha again. His Majesty is deeply grieved.”

The ministers exchanged bewildered looks.

“Truly?” they asked skeptically.

Chu Jiuming frowned, lowering his voice. “Of course. His Majesty held the Buddha in high regard, often visiting Wuliang Mountain to discuss the Dao with him. Do you think His Majesty is not mourning?”

The ministers fell silent, unsure whether to believe him.

“Yesterday, upon receiving the news, His Majesty was so distraught he skipped his evening meal. Do you doubt his sincerity?” Chu Jiuming asked sternly.

Feeling helpless, the ministers had no choice but to retreat, though one could not resist asking before leaving, “Is His Majesty truly grieving?”

Chu Jiuming’s expression turned icy.

The minister realized his error, forced a smile, and departed.

As Chu Jiuming watched them leave, a cold smile crept onto his face.

“Fools,” he thought. “They have no idea how much His Majesty favors that young man. Truly grieving? His Majesty is so 'grieved' he can hardly suppress his laughter.”

...

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