blogombal Chapter 86 : I Do Not Accept
Chapter 86 : I Do Not Accept
Chapter 86: I Do Not Accept!
“As for the Profound Dao Sect, it has also obtained some Daoist inheritance from the Age of Immortals and Gods.”
Hall Master Liu gently rocked in his reclining chair and continued, “It can be considered the head of the Daoist sects, and it also ranks among the top among the hidden sects.”
“The Sword God Sect is the strongest, but it has few successors. It is said to inherit from the sword sect of the Age of Immortals and Gods.”
“These sects are all quite good and very suitable for you.”
Listening to Hall Master Liu’s words, Li Yunqing felt somewhat puzzled and asked, “These hidden sects are all related to the Age of Immortals and Gods?”
“More or less.” Hall Master Liu nodded. “All hidden sects have some connection to the Age of Immortals and Gods.”
“Even the Tiangang Alliance is the same… Hmm, the Tiangang Alliance is a coalition formed by thirty-six sects in the martial world.”
“Although they are martial sects, their strength is extremely formidable—stronger than most hidden sects.”
At this point, Hall Master Liu seemed to notice Li Yunqing’s confusion and smiled. “You have never left home and have had little contact with martial sects, so there are many things you don’t understand.”
“Have you ever heard of the Evil God Forbidden Zone?”
“The Evil God Forbidden Zone?” Li Yunqing blinked and slowly shook her head.
She had seen occasional mentions of it in books, but she did not know what kind of place it was.
“The Evil God Forbidden Zone is the place left behind when the immortals and gods were destroyed.”
Hall Master Liu spoke softly, with a trace of sighing. “The Great Yu Imperial Dynasty and the Demon Kingdom are both located in the northern lands, opposing each other from east to west.”
“And the southern part of this land is almost entirely covered by the Evil God Forbidden Zone, isolating this region from the rest of the world.”
“That land of destruction from the Age of Immortals and Gods is filled with endless dangers, hence it is called a forbidden zone.”
“The Evil Gods in various regions have almost all emerged from that forbidden zone.”
“Speaking of it, although the Great Yu Imperial Dynasty and the Demon Kingdom seem vast, they are actually only a corner of this world.”
Hearing this, Li Yunqing finally understood.
The Great Yu Imperial Dynasty was indeed vast, stretching tens of thousands of miles from east to west and north to south.
It was even larger than Earth in her previous life, yet compared to the million-mile mountain ranges of the Demon Kingdom, it was merely a corner.
For an ordinary person to travel across the Great Yu Imperial Dynasty would likely take more than a decade.
Even for martial artists, it would take three to five years to traverse it completely.
And at the southern border of both the Human Race and the Demon Kingdom lay the Evil God Forbidden Zone, cutting off this land entirely.
Seeing the look of understanding on Li Yunqing’s face, Hall Master Liu continued, “Although the Evil God Forbidden Zone is dangerous, both the Human Race and the Demon Race constantly explore it.”
“Because of this, quite a few items from the Age of Immortals and Gods have been brought out from the forbidden zone.”
“The cultivation techniques of those hidden sects were mostly obtained from relics of that era.”
“After thousands or even tens of thousands of years of transformation, they have become the martial cultivation methods of today.”
Li Yunqing felt enlightened. The destruction of the Age of Immortals and Gods had left behind forbidden zones, yet fragments of inheritance remained.
Through generations of exploration, the Human Race had gained rewards and likely realized that beyond the Evil God Forbidden Zone lay an even greater world.
That was why it was said that even something as vast as the Great Yu Imperial Dynasty was only a corner.
‘Once my strength is sufficient, I should also be able to explore the forbidden zone and obtain more cultivation inheritances, right?’
Thinking of that land that severed the world, Li Yunqing felt a sense of longing. What she lacked most was inheritance.
If she had enough techniques to study, she would surely be able to create a perfect method to fully unleash the power of Immortal Martial Arts.
‘So for now, I just need to continuously improve my strength.’
‘However, I still need a complete martial cultivation method.’
The Medicine King Scripture was a complete immortal cultivation technique that could lead directly to the Transformation Realm, so she did not lack that. But she lacked a complete martial path inheritance.
“Thank you, Master Liu, for clearing my doubts!” Li Yunqing bowed and took her leave, turning toward the Medical Hall.
As for those sects, she would not consider them for now.
Based on the time it took the Sixth Prince to rush to Qingzhou—three days and three nights even at full speed—the capital was nearly ten thousand miles away.
Such a distance made her uneasy about her current strength.
And riding a horse…
She lowered her head and glanced at her chest. If it bounced violently up and down, wouldn’t that be unbearably uncomfortable?
Even if she could endure it, her backside probably could not.
Moreover, she was not skilled in horsemanship.
Two days later, at Ziyun Pavilion.
Sitting cross-legged on a soft couch, Li Yunqing suddenly felt her body tremble slightly.
The Greater Yin True Qi in her lower dantian and the Greater Yin magical power in the sea of consciousness between her brows suddenly surged violently.
After two days of cultivation, her magical power had reached the fifth layer of Qi Refinement. Although the quality of her True Qi had not changed, its quantity had more than doubled.
At this moment, it surged like a roaring ocean, all pouring into the Tanzhong acupoint in her chest.
Within the Tanzhong acupoint, the sphere resembling a moon grew increasingly radiant.
Threads of Immortal Martial Power, like thick moonlight, illuminated the entire acupoint.
It was extremely gentle, yet lacked any sense of coldness.
Clearly, Immortal Martial Power also belonged to the Yin attribute, making Li Yunqing’s features appear even softer.
Her delicate face seemed sculpted from flowing water.
A warm, jade-like glow adorned her pupils, bright and clear, as though moonlight had melted into water, filled with boundless tenderness.
“As expected, when True Qi and magical power improve simultaneously, Immortal Martial Power increases as well.”
Li Yunqing murmured softly, her gaze falling onto the panel.
Name: Li Yunqing
Lifespan: 15/∞
Strength: Mid-Tier Qi Realm
Frost Sword Intent: Mastery (52% → 61%)
Yin Spirit: Mastery (7% → 10%)
Skills: Zither, Chess, Calligraphy, and Painting (Perfect Completion)
Traits: Undistracted Mind, Vigorous Spirit, Photographic Memory, Naturally Endowed with Spiritual Grace, Eight Tones Enter the Soul, Unparalleled Comprehension
Frost Sword Canon (Mastery 3432/5000)
Traits: Innate Sword Bones, Clear Sword Heart
Medicine King Scripture (Major Completion 712/10000)
Traits: Glazed Medicine King Body
Five Elements Secret Manual (Minor Completion 166/1000)
Traits: None
Mingyu Divine Art (Mastery 565/1000)
Traits: Ice-Like Skin and Jade-Like Bones, Clear Mind, Pure Yin Body, Greater Yin Eyes
Blazing Flame Ocean-Burning Finger (Minor Completion 99/500)
Traits: None
Wind and Cloud Movement Technique (Minor Completion 123/500)
Traits: None
“The Mingyu Divine Art is already past halfway. In a few more days, it will reach Major Completion, and my cultivation speed will increase further.”
“My Sword Intent will likely reach Major Completion in about ten days. By then, I can break through to the Upper Tier of the Qi Realm.”
After a rough estimate, Li Yunqing felt that if her Sword Intent improved quickly enough, reaching Qi Realm Perfection would not take long either.
“With nothing weighing on me, I feel completely at ease!”
She stretched lazily and threw herself onto the soft couch, rolling around freely.
“Miss, it’s time to go to the City Lord’s Residence.”
Xiaolan pushed the door open and said, “Today, the Sixth Prince will read the imperial decree at the City Lord’s Residence to reward merits. Miss has merits as well.”
As a physician, Li Yunqing had treated over ten thousand soldiers in five days, naturally earning merit.
Or rather, everyone who participated in defending the city against demons had merit.
“Got it!”
Li Yunqing lazily got up from the couch, tidied her clothes and hair, and then headed out.
These past few days, no one had disturbed her, and she had lived exceptionally comfortably.
If not for her awareness that her martial cultivation was still insufficient, she might have even relaxed enough to sleep soundly at night.
Past the midpoint of the Hour of Si.
With Xiaolan lightly supporting her, Li Yunqing had just stepped into the City Lord’s Residence when she saw a dense crowd of people.
Armored soldiers stood in formation, upright and disciplined.
In front of them stood members of the major families, men and women separated, including even the smaller families—all had arrived.
The entire plaza of the City Lord’s Residence was nearly filled.
Through the main hall doors, Li Yunqing could see Qin Wan’er of the Qin Family, Zhou Ru of the Zhou Family, and the young ladies of various families, dressed splendidly.
They all surrounded the Sixth Prince, who wore a dark blue robe embroidered with golden dragons, chatting and fawning over him.
The lofty royal status was enough to drive all women into a frenzy.
Even those unwilling would still act this way for the sake of their families.
Moreover, for women in this world, even becoming a concubine of the royal family was a step to the heavens.
However, although the Sixth Prince remained polite with a gentle expression, he seemed somewhat distracted, occasionally glancing toward the entrance of the City Lord’s Residence.
“She’s here!”
As if spotting that familiar purple figure, the Sixth Prince suddenly stood up. “The time is about right. Let’s begin.”
Following his words, a eunuch holding the imperial decree bowed slightly before walking toward the high platform in front of the plaza.
The Sword Saint of Cangshan, the slightly hunched elderly eunuch, and various family heads, young men, and women followed behind.
Everyone took their positions in an orderly manner. On the platform stood only the eunuch delivering the decree, the Sixth Prince, and the elderly eunuch.
The Sword Saint of Cangshan did not approach.
“By imperial decree!”
The eunuch’s slightly sharp voice rang across the plaza, reaching everyone’s ears.
Even a decree-delivering eunuch possessed Upper Tier Qi Realm strength—quite remarkable.
“Long live His Majesty!”
Everyone bowed and shouted in unison.
The eunuch slowly unfurled the decree and read aloud:
“By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Qingzhou suffered an attack from demons. Thanks to the steadfast defense of all soldiers who did not retreat and protected their homeland, all who have merit shall be rewarded.”
“Ordinary soldiers are granted three pills and three months’ salary. Mid-level officers are granted six pills and six months’ salary.”
“High-ranking officers are granted nine pills and nine months’ salary. Those with great merit shall be promoted one rank. Fallen soldiers shall receive triple bereavement compensation, and their sons shall inherit their positions.”
“Additionally, Qin Changqing of the Qin Family died for the nation and is posthumously titled Earl of Qingzhou, granted the salary of a Fourth-Rank official, hereditary for three generations.”
“…”
The eunuch read for the duration of a cup of tea. Everyone in the plaza showed joy and excitement.
Pills, salaries, official positions—even Fourth-Rank titles were granted. It was clear how much the Emperor valued this.
All families received rewards without exception—truly a moment of shared celebration.
“This Emperor is quite wise.”
A trace of admiration rose in Li Yunqing’s heart.
Even a small family like the Li Family in Qingzhou was awarded ten thousand gold and granted the option to choose positions within the Demon Suppression Division, the City Commandant Office, or the stationed army.
Though the positions were not high, they were limited slots.
With official status, the Li Family could step into the mid-to-upper ranks of Qingzhou society, with a promising future ahead.
“Li Yunqing of the Li Family, receive the decree.”
The eunuch’s voice rang out again, causing Li Yunqing, who stood quietly among the crowd, to pause.
At that moment, she felt many gazes fall upon her.
Especially those from the Jiang Family—extremely complex.
Even Jiang Yu’s eyes revealed suppressed anger and unwillingness.
Meanwhile, the Sixth Prince on the platform wore a gentle smile, gazing at Li Yunqing with deep affection.
There was also a hint of curiosity and probing.
He seemed to want to know what reaction this gentle and quiet young physician would have upon hearing of the bestowed marriage.
“Will she jump with joy?”
The Sixth Prince’s thoughts stirred, his smile growing even softer.
Marrying into the royal family and rising like a phoenix from the branches—that was the dream of countless young women.
At least, among all the women he knew, none would refuse.
Feeling his gaze, Li Yunqing’s heart sank, and she suddenly understood the reason behind Jiang Yu’s broken engagement.
Back then, the Jiang Family had forced their way in, leaving the Li Family no room to refuse.
Now that the Sixth Prince had spoken, how could the Jiang Family possibly refuse?
The power of the royal family—who in the world would dare to reject it?
Even if unwilling, once an imperial decree was issued, one would have to strip clean, bathe, and wait smiling to be favored.
“The Sixth Prince? How could he…?”
Anger rose within Li Yunqing.
From beginning to end, she had never sensed anything special in his gaze. He had not even revealed his identity or name.
Their interactions had been nothing more than ordinary exchanges between physician and patient.
Yet now, this change made her deeply understand the hardships faced by women.
Those with power and status could, with a single word, make others unable to resist—treating them as mere ornaments or playthings.
Or even… simply for desire.
As anger surged within her, a sharp aura began to emanate from Li Yunqing.
An aura carrying the intent of destruction.
Beside her, Li Yansong suddenly stiffened.
Although he knew his daughter’s medical skills were extraordinary, there was no reason for her to be singled out by an imperial decree.
“By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Li Yunqing of Qingzhou, gentle and virtuous, graceful and refined, now of marriageable age.”
“It is heard that the Sixth Prince is enamored with her. Thus, by this decree, she is granted as a secondary consort to the Sixth Prince. May the two of you be of one heart and not disappoint My will.”
As the eunuch finished reading, the entire plaza fell into dead silence.
All eyes shifted between the Jiang Family and Li Yunqing.
Li Yansong stood frozen, disbelief written across his face.
His daughter’s beauty and bearing were indeed exceptional, but he had never imagined she would catch the eye of the Sixth Prince.
That was the royal family—marrying into it required status, position, and family background. Beauty was only the most basic requirement.
Yet now, this opportunity had fallen upon his daughter.
Within the crowd, Jiang Yu’s eyes reddened as he clenched his fists, blood seeping between his fingers.
Qin Yu stood stunned, filled with disbelief and unwillingness.
Even Jiang Jing, who had come to watch, froze in shock, his expression dimming.
At the entrance of the main hall, Lu Xingzhou’s expression tightened as he subconsciously gripped his sword.
“Rising to the branches and becoming a phoenix!”
“An imperial marriage decree— the Li Family is about to prosper!”
“She has become what all women dream of… even as a secondary consort, that is still a prince!”
After the silence, the entire plaza erupted into noise and discussion.
Many women from noble families looked on with envy and jealousy, their eyes reddening as they stared at Li Yunqing.
Marrying into the royal family was the dream of countless women—a step to the heavens, forever setting them apart.
Ordinary women would not even dare to dream of it.
“Miss Yunqing, why not receive the decree?”
The eunuch called out, holding the decree high above his head.
“Receive the decree?”
Li Yunqing remained calm, but her mind was already made up.
Even two months ago, she would not have accepted such a decree.
Breaking off an engagement with an ordinary family might bring trouble, but the Li Family could still manage—at worst, abandoning everything and fleeing.
But rejecting a royal marriage was no different from defying an imperial decree.
How could she accept it?
“Father… forgive me, I cannot do this!”
“I… will do everything I can to protect the family, to repay Father and my brother for their years of care!”
“Please apologize to my brother for me. Father, take care!”
Her lips trembled slightly as her voice, wrapped in True Qi, entered Li Yansong’s ears.
Li Yansong’s expression changed drastically.
Offending a family and defying the royal family were worlds apart.
But at this moment, Li Yunqing had already made her decision.
“In the past, I had no choice but to repay the family’s kindness!”
“Now, I choose not to choose!”
“And I will never choose again!”
Li Yunqing stepped forward out of the crowd, her eyes calm like water, her lips moving slightly.
“I do not accept!”
Her voice was not loud—almost faint—but with the amplification of True Qi, it clearly reached every ear.
The moment those words fell, everyone was shocked, staring at Li Yunqing in disbelief.
Even the Sword Saint of Cangshan, Lu Xingzhou, and Xun Fei at the entrance of the hall all turned their gaze toward her.
The Sixth Prince had been smiling, waiting to see her delighted reaction.
But now, his smile froze, shock flashing in his eyes.
“How could she? How would she dare?”
The Sixth Prince was shaken.
Such a gentle and quiet girl—even if she were not overjoyed, she should not defy the decree.
And certainly not dare to.
Yet what had he just heard?
Even the eunuch delivering the decree could hardly believe it, his voice trembling as he spoke, “What did you say?”
Li Yunqing stood tall in her purple dress.
Her expression remained as gentle and composed as ever, but beneath her sleeves, her hand gripped the Flying Sword.
Her clear eyes locked onto the platform, sharp and resolute.
Each word fell like a nail.
“I said—I do not accept!”