Cultivation: I Can Reincarnate Into Various Worlds

Chapter 485 - 254, A dispute about grand ceremony, a son of an enemy.

After these words were spoken, the expressions of those present instantly varied. Some furrowed their brows, some displayed discontent, while others wore faces filled with suppressed anger. Even Huan Shideng, who had appeared perfectly composed just moments before, now showed a hint of displeasure, his expression turning somewhat grim. He had finally caught Emperor Xiaochang in a verbal misstep and was about to make a major issue of it, hoping to compel Empress Dowager Li to yield...

But Xu Xing’s few, simple words had ruined everything.

"Feudal Official Yan..."

"Those discussing important matters in Ziwei Palace are all Pillars of the National Dynasty. How can such affairs be likened to the gambling in a casino?"

Seeing this, Deputy Wang Min pondered for a moment, breaking the silence that had followed Xu Xing’s words, and was the first to question him. However, he chose his words carefully, merely offering a slight rebuttal to Xu Xing’s earlier statement, without leveraging it to list various accusations against Xu Xing.

Criticizing Imperial Court officials.

Showing contempt for the Public Hall.

These were offenses punishable by imprisonment...

Of course, his restrained approach was not out of good conscience. Rather, from what Empress Dowager Li had said earlier, he knew that Xu Xing was no ordinary individual, suspected to be a legendary Cultivator. It was best not to offend such a person if it could be avoided.

"I, Yan, am a man of the wilderness, unversed in your partisan strife..."

Xu Xing, hearing this, showed no intention of backing down. He sneered, then placed the wine cup in his palms and, with a firm grip, crushed it. Instantly, the Gold cup turned into fine Gold powder, sifting through his fingers like sand to form a small pile on the table.

"Long ago, I, this humble Daoist, received Emperor Zhaoshun’s aid, which allowed me to achieve some success in my Cultivation on Guiyuan Mountain. I have come to help Emperor Zhaoshun’s descendants preserve the Rivers and Mountains of the state, not to help you, Huan Shideng!" Xu Xing declared, his eyes flashing coldly.

At his words, the members of the Xu Royal Family present seemed to find their courage, and their gazes towards the Huan faction immediately filled with contempt.

Cultivators transcend mortal kingdoms.

With a Cultivator openly taking their side, the Huan faction, even with Empress Dowager Li’s "support," was like a grasshopper in late autumn—not long for this world.

"Threatening His Majesty..."

"This is the crime of deceiving the sovereign!"

Seizing the chance, Yongan Duke immediately stood up to make his accusation. After bowing to Emperor Xiaochang, he said in a grave voice, "Some days ago, I too heard in Shenjing... that this Huan Shideng is secretly hoarding armor and weapons, showing clear signs of rebellious intent. Your Majesty must not be incautious."

"Your Majesty must be on guard," Prince Rui’s eyes lit up, and he stepped forward to add.

Following this, officials and princes of the Xu Royal Family came forward one by one, heaping accusations and calumny upon Huan Shideng, seemingly intending to seize this golden opportunity to settle matters once and for all.

"Huan Xiang has toiled arduously for the nation and is hailed as the prime minister who saved the era! Were it not for Huan Xiang, how could the National Dynasty enjoy its current peace?"

"Although the matter of the armor and weapons is true, the talk of rebellion is mere fabrication."

"Even powerful local families maintain household guards. Huan Xiang, laboring for the state, has offended innumerable officials and nobles. If he lacked such protection... one can only imagine Huan Xiang’s fate."

Deputy Wang Min and Ministry of Rites Minister Meng Du, both exceptionally shrewd individuals, seeing the Xu Royal Family launch their assault on Huan Shideng, did not hesitate for a moment before speaking out in his defense. They deftly avoided the crucial points, and with a few well-chosen words, easily neutralized the accusations the Xu Royal Family had brought against Huan Shideng.

However, after speaking, they did not let down their guard, not believing for a moment that Huan Shideng would be safe simply because of these defenses.

Ultimately, in partisan struggles, the exchanged slanders are not the crucial factor. What truly matters is which side the ruling arbiter favors, for that determines the victor in these contests. Previously, the arbiters were Empress Dowager Li and Emperor Guangwen. Later, as circumstances changed, Huan Shideng became the one with the greatest influence.

Today, however, was different. With the intervention of Xu Xing, this Cultivator, Emperor Xiaochang and Xu Xing were now the ones who would truly decide the victor of this power struggle.

Emperor Xiaochang’s confidence was rooted in Xu Xing, the Cultivator.

"Your Majesty is a descendant of Emperor Zhaoshun... You should decide by your sacred judgment alone and need not ask my opinion."

"I am a Cultivator. Worldly power and position are to us but fleeting clouds. Easily obtainable should we wish it."

Sensing all eyes upon him, Xu Xing smiled faintly, offered Emperor Xiaochang a Daoist salute, and then spoke. As he finished speaking, he retrieved a jade cup from his Storage Bag, poured himself some Water Wine, and began to sip it alone, at his own pace.

"Since Feudal Official Yan puts it that way... Then I, Zhen, shall accept Feudal Official Yan’s graciousness in protecting the lineage of our Han Dynasty and make my imperial decision!"

Upon hearing Xu Xing’s statement, Emperor Xiaochang’s heart instantly settled. He removed the Silk Handkerchief that had veiled his face, and a touch of healthy color returned to his pale cheeks.

His eyes flashing with a severe light, he rebuked: "Huan Shideng has formed factions for personal gain, undermined imperial power, and acted with arbitrary authority! Although he may have brought some benefit to the state, his true intentions... were to overstep his station and claim supreme dignity! He is a ’village worthy,’ a thief of virtue!"

The moment his voice fell, Huan Shideng, his face flushed with apoplectic rage, opened his mouth to argue. But before he could utter a word, he was unexpectedly seized by several strong Eunuchs at Emperor Xiaochang’s side, who muffled his mouth and forcibly detained him by the side of the hall.

He cut an utterly wretched figure!

What is to be done? Deputy Wang Min and Meng Du, the Assistant Minister of Rites, were dumbstruck by this. They had never imagined that Emperor Xiaochang, always perceived as timid, would, with a Cultivator’s backing, undergo such a shocking transformation and so directly threaten Huan Shideng.

With Huan Shideng’s fall, they knew they wouldn’t escape unscathed either. Both men were overcome with anxiety.