Chapter 62: The Tribulation Arrived in the South

“The Tribulation has arrived. It appeared in the south. Go and inform His Majesty. Whether it becomes a great Tribulation or a small one depends entirely on his decision. This is his Tribulation from cultivation.”

Chen Xiyi suddenly spoke. His words surprised many Eunuch Officials in the Yongning Palace.

The leading Eunuch Official hurriedly said, “Yes, Great Immortal. I will inform His Majesty immediately.”

After saying that, the Eunuch Official ran quickly toward the Imperial Study.

Chen Xiyi thought he had given advance notice, even specifying the direction. This allowed the emperor to react early and avoid delays in receiving the message.

Moreover, he had given a reminder. If handled well, it would be a small Tribulation, just a minor issue.

If handled poorly, it would naturally become a great Tribulation, one that could even destroy the Great Li Kingdom.

After all, when people rebelled, they aimed to take your life. It was either they died or you died. There was no room for negotiation or appeasement.

Chen Xiyi also reflected on whether he should reduce the supply. But upon further thought, while it seemed he had guided the situation, it was ultimately due to people’s greed. If Wang Li had exercised restraint like his elder brother, this would not have happened.

However, Wang Li, in order to consolidate his legitimacy, had all the officials at court practice cultivation. This naturally led to a large consumption of resources.

He wanted to use Chen Xiyi’s hand to monopolize the food, thereby controlling the officials’ Nourishment Resources for cultivation—specifically, the food produced by Chen Xiyi.

As a result, while there might be disputes at court, in reality, everyone was aligned with the imperial faction.

Did they want to practice immortal arts and achieve Immortality?

Did they want to obtain Nourishing Spiritual Food to replenish themselves or speed up their cultivation?

It was possible, but they needed sufficient political achievements. Only the high-ranking officials and Noble Houses at court could receive one portion of Nourishing Spiritual Food daily. To obtain additional portions, they had to earn enough merits to be rewarded.

As for the Magic Sword, they had to buy it with their own money. Wang Li turned a blind eye to this.

It was worth noting that a single Wooden Sword from Chen Xiyi cost a hundred chests each of gold, silver, and jewels. The price was indeed steep. Aside from the wealthiest individuals, few could afford it.

Nevertheless, the Noble Houses purchased them, as this was an opportunity for Immortality. While eating Nourishing Spiritual Food was beneficial and had some health benefits, they felt it was a waste not to use it for Nurturing Spirit to Enter the Dao.

Chen Xiyi was certain there were no actual health benefits. At most, it restored some Health Points.

However, when their Health Points were restored, they felt a sensation of wellness. It was this feeling that fooled them.

Additionally, the Vigorous state, caused by exceeding their Satiety Level, made them feel energetic and restored their physical strength, giving them the illusion of improved health.

Chen Xiyi strongly suspected these people had absurdly low Satiety Level caps, probably not even reaching 50, unlike his own cap of 100.

After fooling them with the map, Chen Xiyi returned to the study in the Yongning Palace to continue reading. What else could he do?

Go to the front lines and deal with the rebels himself?

No, that would make it seem he cared too much about Dali, which would undermine his persona. As long as the rebels did not reach the Capital, he could remain perfectly calm.

With Immortality and Nourishing Spiritual Food in his hands, Wang Li had no trouble mobilizing the army.

In terms of control, Wang Li’s grip on the court was even stronger than that of the previous Emperor Li. When he spoke, no one in the court dared to oppose him.

…

The Eunuch Official ran frantically to the Imperial Study, disregarding all decorum. With the Yongning Palace waist token, no one in the palace dared to stop him, especially given the urgency of the situation.

Without even waiting for permission, he rushed somewhat disheveled into the Imperial Study. At that time, Wang Li was discussing expedition matters with the six ministers. Annoyed by the intrusion, Wang Li said, “What is the matter? Why such haste? Do you not know the rules of the palace?”

“Your Majesty, this humble servant has urgent news. I beg Your Majesty’s forgiveness and ask that you listen…” The Eunuch Official quickly apologized and repeated what Chen Xiyi had said.

After hearing this, Wang Li was also startled. He knew about Tribulations.

For example, his elder brother, the former Emperor Li, had died due to a Tribulation, as Chen Xiyi had mentioned. Now, unexpectedly, the Tribulation of cultivation had come to him.

What made it worse was that the scale of the Tribulation was uncertain—it could be big or small—which made it hard for him to gauge.

Moreover, based on Chen Xiyi’s tone, it seemed unavoidable.

“The south?” Wang Li’s voice carried a hint of killing intent. Could it be that the Noble Families in the south were causing trouble?

The six ministers present looked at each other, unsure of what to say.

“Indeed, the south. However, the Great Immortal was vague and did not specify further,” the Eunuch Official confirmed.

Wang Li calmed himself and carefully analyzed Chen Xiyi’s words. He thought to himself, ‘It seems I hold some importance in the Great Immortal’s eyes. As soon as the Tribulation arrived, he sent someone to warn me.’

Comparing his situation to his elder brother’s sudden death, he felt his choices had been correct.

The Immortal Fuyao valued old ties. As long as he remained close to the immortal, even if he failed to overcome the Tribulation, the Great Immortal would surely plan for his next life.

As for seeking help directly, Wang Li considered it but decided against it.

He clearly remembered Chen Xiyi’s earlier warning: if he intervened in the Tribulation, it would only expand and lead to widespread suffering. The Tribulation had to be faced alone.

“Mobilize the army and prepare for deployment. Order officials and relay stations in the south to report back and send scouts to check for any anomalies.” Wang Li was a decisive person. A Tribulation? He would march his army forward and see who could stand against him.

Hearing this, the six ministers stopped their usual disputes and responded directly, “Yes, Your Majesty.”

At this point, anyone who dared to argue about provisions, military pay, or equipment would immediately be stripped of their position.

With Wang Li’s life at stake, no one could afford to be careless.

With Wang Li’s decision, all departments at court began to mobilize in an orderly manner. This meant the bargaining phase was over, and the distribution of benefits had been settled. Anyone who caused delays or trouble would be charged with military negligence.

This was a matter of shared interests. Anyone who disrupted it would stand against this collective and be crushed without mercy.

After the six ministers withdrew, Wang Li did not rest. Mobilizing an army was no simple task. There were still many appointments and arrangements to handle.

“Go and summon the Piaoqi, Fuguo, and Zhenjun generals for an audience. Also, summon…” One by one, Wang Li listed the military ranks, and the Eunuch Officials began arranging for these officials to enter the palace and meet the emperor.