My Cultivation Starting from Archery

"Your Majesty."

The Black-robed Monk spoke respectfully, "This humble monk has a request."

"What is it?" Find your next adventure on My Virtual Library Empire

Emperor Longqing waved his horsetail whisk, "Speak freely."

"Amitabha."

The Black-robed Monk spoke somberly, "It is widely known that Emperor Dasheng aspires to devote himself to the path, a clear-minded person destined for monastic life. Seeing you today, it is indeed the case, but..."

He shifted his tone, "One cannot have both the fish and the bear's paw."

"Since Your Majesty is the ruler of a nation, you should prioritize the welfare of Society. This is your duty to fulfill."

"Pursuits such as Cultivating Immortality are endeavors suited for monks like myself, from the wilderness."

"If Your Majesty persists in this...

"Why not abdicate the throne? In doing so, you could focus on deep cultivation, and perhaps even make greater breakthroughs on the Immortal Path."

"Indeed, Your Majesty."

An older minister, over a hundred years old, with skin like withered tree bark, struggled to kneel with the help of several people..

This person.

He was the Emperor's teacher, the former Grandmaster, who had been ennobled as Duke for his scholarly achievements, and held in high esteem at court.

"Your Majesty!"

His voice, aged and somewhat unclear, said, "Looking back through history, Your Majesty has already been one of the longest-reigning emperors, bound to be remembered through the ages. If you were to practice the ancient abdication tradition, you would truly be a unique emperor in a thousand years."

"Grandmaster Xu, I granted you the privilege to attend court without the need to bow long ago, so why bother with such formalities?"

Emperor Longqing, facing those who had come to force the palace, issued a directive, "Why aren't you assisting the Grandmaster to stand and offering him a seat?"

"This..."

Fan Tianfa and the others were taken aback.

But they eventually followed the instruction.

"Your Majesty!"

Grandmaster Xu, seating on the chair, still insisted, "It doesn't matter whether or not I have a chair to rest, what's important is that our Great Sheng Dynasty needs rest."

"Enough, I understand your point."

Emperor Longqing interrupted, "You all just think I'm old and senile, wanting me to abdicate. Fine, then tell me, whom would you recommend to succeed if I abdicate?"

"Amitabha, naturally it would be the Crown Prince."

The Black-robed Monk rotated his Buddha Beads, "In terms of sentiment, reason, and ritual, it should be the Crown Prince who has been Supervisor for over forty years to inherit the throne, to stabilize the world and ensure the continued prosperity of the Great Sheng Dynasty."

"The Crown Prince is indeed not bad."

Emperor Longqing spoke calmly, "He has been filial from a young age, diligent, ambitious, and capable. There is nothing wrong with what you have said, and I should indeed pass the throne to the Crown Prince."

"..."

The fingers of the Black-robed Monk manipulating the Buddha Beads paused.

Ever since they had burst into the sleeping quarters,

everything had been too quiet.

The Old Emperor's attitude towards them was just like an ordinary court meeting, as if it were genuinely a discussion about abdicating and naming a successor, rather than a coup.

But the Emperor is old, not foolish.

With such big commotion, how could he possibly not know what was happening?

In the eyes of most people,

The Old Emperor was being dignified and sensible.

"If Your Majesty truly thinks so, it couldn't be better."

The Black-robed Monk brought his hands together, "Then, please draft the edict, Your Majesty. I promise here that after you abdicate and become the Supreme Emperor, you can reside in Kunlun Mountain to cultivate in seclusion without any disturbance."

As he spoke,

someone had already brought out the prepared writing brush, ink, and silk paper.

"Well, well, it's clear that you are all concerned for the country and its people. Today's actions are also for the good of the Sheng Dynasty. The Sheng Dynasty is fortunate to have such a group of loyal subjects and good generals, ensuring the nation is without worries. It's just that..."

Emperor Longqing paused, and although his voice didn't change, his words sent chills down the spine, "Have I really grown old?"

"..."

The ministers fell silent, exchanging glances, uncertain of how to reply.

In terms of age,

This year Your Majesty is ninety-nine, soon to turn one hundred.

He is indeed as old as one can be.

There's a saying among the common folks that "It is rare for one to live past seventy," and even in the families of high officials, living past eighty is considered a long life, thanks to treasure medicine keeping them healthy; those living longer are one in ten thousand.

Master Yu is now a hundred and two.

He has lived long, but that's a matter of the last few years.

But comparing that to His Majesty...

During his middle years, he was plagued with illness, and even after taking up cultivation, he frequently took ill. Five or six years ago, he looked like someone at death's door, until everything suddenly improved more than two years ago.

Not to mention,

Just a few days ago.

The Emperor led the civil and military officials to climb the mountains and enjoy the scenery, showing that despite advancing years, his health was improving.

"None of you speaking? Hehe~"

Emperor Longqing laughed softly, "It seems that in your hearts, I'm not so old as to be dying any time soon. Then why bring up the matter of abdication? Are you not afraid that after I step down, the world will descend into chaos?"

"Your Majesty, what do you mean?" The Black-robed Monk asked, "The Crown Prince's accession is the will of the people; how could it possibly cause chaos in the world?"

"The Crown Prince is indeed the Crown Prince, but my beloved subjects..."

Emperor Longqing's words flowed calmly but as chilling as ever, "Have you forgotten? The Crown Prince has been ill, and today he has been shocked by the disturbance. It was with great difficulty that he had just unburdened himself from the responsibilities of Supervisor, ready to rest and recuperate for a while. Yet here you are, making a commotion with this act.

"Are you prepared to watch the Crown Prince exhaust himself with state affairs while he is unwell, and let him die of overwork?

"He is the Crown Prince, the heir, but also my son.

"You may not care, but as his father, it pains me.

"If you all continue to insist on pushing the Crown Prince forward...

"Then I really must wonder.

"Among this group of loyal ministers and good generals, there really might be someone, or a few individuals, who are treacherous, with ulterior motives."

"Cao Fan, is what Grandpa Emperor saying correct or not?"