Chapter 187: |
In the morning conversation with Changle, Su Li remained steadfast in his belief that he wasn’t some mythical immortal. However, at this moment, surpassing the 200-point mark for each attribute had freed him from his doubts. He realized he had truly attained a transcendent state.
Su Li lightly clenched his fist, sensing the abundant strength that felt unchanged. Yet, he distinctly noticed that the air around him faintly resonated when he closed his fist. His feet firmly planted on the ground gave rise to a deep sense of grounding. As long as he kept his feet on the ground, strength would continuously surge through him.
Turning his gaze towards a vase of orchids on the table, he noticed something remarkable. Despite the absence of any indoor breeze, the orchids gently swayed towards him. This phenomenon resulted from his heightened Charisma attribute—biological affinity, they called it.
After his Constitution broke through to an impressive 219 points, Su Li’s fundamental life essence underwent a profound transformation. His bodily fluids had become a miraculous elixir capable of influencing vitality. Though these effects were subtle, Su Li believed that his bodily fluids might become comparable to life-extending potions with further development. If he raised his Constitution to 300 points, wouldn’t he practically become a Tang Monk capable of conferring immortality with just a piece of his flesh? Su Li couldn’t help but chuckle at the thought.
As for the enhanced Intelligence, its hidden effects were even more extraordinary. Lowering his head, Su Li gazed at his body, and for a brief moment, his vision blurred. He saw a wondrous scene. His body turned transparent, revealing his muscles, bones, and the flowing blood within them. It was as if he possessed internal vision.
After surpassing 200 points in his attributes, the essence of life had already begun to transform, and all great power originated within oneself. His current abilities could subtly influence the natural environment around him. If he were to raise all his attributes to tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of points, what kind of scene would that be? He might become a true mythical deity, possessing extraordinary powers. At that point, a mere thought could unleash natural disasters—a task easily accomplished.
In this tranquil moment, Su Li, who had become as serene as a calm lake and felt he had few desires, suddenly felt a new surge of excitement. It was similar to the joy he experienced when he first learned he had been chosen as the princess’s prospective groom. He was filled with exhilaration and eager anticipation for the future.
Meanwhile, Emperor Li Er paced alone in the grand hall in the imperial palace during the nighttime. His face betrayed his concerns. Over the past three years, he had poured significant resources and manpower into searching for signs of immortals, yet his efforts had yielded nothing.
Li Er was keenly aware that throughout history, numerous emperors had mobilized their entire nations to pursue immortality, and they had all come up empty-handed. While the Tang Dynasty possessed more strength than its predecessors, it still had its limitations. He couldn’t realistically expect to succeed where others had failed.
Of course, the quest for immortality hadn’t been entirely fruitless. The more Li Er searched, the more he realized the extraordinary nature of Su Li. Many mythical legends seemed to align with the abilities Su Li displayed, and the descriptions of immortal deities in those legends closely mirrored Su Li’s style.
With immense power, a detachment from the mortal world, and no attachments to the earthly realm, Su Li’s demeanor perfectly matched that of a true immortal. The person he faced was undeniably immortal.
Today, after bidding farewell to Li Chunfeng, Li Er’s mood was profoundly unsettled. The mere thought of Su Li filled him with an overwhelming sense of helplessness. What made it even more challenging was that he had carried out all his actions without concealing his fear of Su Li. It was almost as if he had broadcasted it to the world.
From Su Li’s perspective, could he truly let go of his past grievances? Li Er knew better than anyone how Li Jiancheng had met his end.
After a prolonged contemplation, Li Er let out a sorrowful sigh. “Fortunately, he’s my son-in-law. Between him and me, there’s at least a bond of marriage…”
Though reluctant to admit it, Li Er had come to terms with his powerlessness when facing Su Li. Why had he harbored reservations about Su Li in the first place? If he had known, he would have maintained a positive relationship with Su Li all along. What a grave mistake he had made! Regret gnawed at Li Er.
A palace servant abruptly replied, “Your Majesty, Princess Changle has arrived.”
Li Er was momentarily shocked but quickly decided, “Hurry, please bring her in.” After a brief pause, he corrected himself, “No need, I will personally go to greet her.”
Before he reached the doorway, he spotted Changle approaching.
Li Er’s expression turned complex as he looked at his daughter, whom he hadn’t seen in a long time. Over the past three years, his actions created an invisible divide between father and daughter. Aside from special occasions, they rarely interacted during regular days. This marked the first time Changle had entered the palace of her own accord in three years.
“Father!” Changle greeted Li Er with respect.
Li Er nodded, feeling a pang of sentimentality. “You haven’t changed at all. You seem to be growing younger.”
Changle remained composed and responded, “I’ve been managing our household and caring for our children. Since I have nothing to worry about, I naturally maintain a positive mindset, which keeps me looking youthful.”
Her composed words stirred mixed emotions in Li Er’s heart. “Have you been holding a grudge against me, Changle?” Li Er hesitated.
Changle shook her head and said, “Father, in your position, many things are beyond your control. I understand that.”
Li Er felt a tinge of bitterness. Understanding, he thought, doesn’t necessarily mean acceptance.
After all, he was still the emperor, and true emotions only peeked out for a moment. When he regained his composure, Li Er resumed his regal demeanor.
His tone turned composed, and he inquired, “What brings you to the palace this time?”
“Father, my husband told me about the matter concerning Bai Yujing,” Changle began.
Li Er immediately straightened up, his eyes lighting up, and he fixedly stared at Changle, waiting for her to continue.
“This was the first time my husband mentioned Bai Yujing to me. I am certain that Bai Yujing truly exists…” Changle sighed and went on to recount the scenes Su Li had described.
After listening for a while, Li Er let out a long breath. The astonishment on his face was still difficult to conceal. Indeed, Bai Yujing truly existed, and at this moment, Li Er was finally convinced.
Li Er’s mind buzzed with countless questions he wanted to ask Changle. However, her next words left him utterly dumbfounded. “My husband said he can transform the Great Tang into another Bai Yujing. Father, do you have such intentions?”
