Dragon Canon

“... Appoint Wei Yuan as the Military Commissioner of Western Pacification, granting him authority over all military affairs, and bestow upon him the privilege of entering the court with half-ceremonial respects. So ordered[1]!”

The resonant voice echoed across the realm of Qingming. The young nobles standing behind Wei Yuan wore dazed expressions, and the Palace of Absolute Beginning cultivators in the distance were similarly baffled. It was because the post Wei Yuan was bestowed was... a lot higher than they were anticipating.

After listening to the decree until the end, Wei Yuan knelt on one knee and responded, “Many thanks to His Majesty!”

Zhao Tong rolled up the royal decree and handed it to Wei Yuan. He also took Wei Yuan’s hand while doing so and said with a chuckle, “Remember this, Wei Yuan: when you meet the king in the future, you must address him as His Holiness the Holy King, not His Majesty.”

Wei Yuan hurriedly replied, “Thank you for your guidance, Eunuch Zhao!”

He used the salute as a pretext to withdraw his hand without appearing impolite.

Zhao Tong said, “To only pay half the ceremonial respects upon entering the court—you are the only one to receive this honor among the high-ranking officials of our Great Jin! From now on, you are also a high upper second rank official.”

Wei Yuan hurriedly replied, “You flatter me, Eunuch Zhao. I shall rely on your continued guidance in the future!”

Zhao Tong glanced at Wei Yuan and smiled. “You have your own connections within the court, Military Commissioner Wei. There isn’t much where I can be of use. However, I find you quite personable, so I hope we’ll keep in touch more often in the future.”

“But of course!”

“Since I’m already here, I’ve long heard of the many wonders of the immortal stone, Qingming. Do you mind taking me to see it for myself, Military Commissioner?”

Suddenly, the atmosphere grew somewhat tense. Wei Yuan paused for a second before breaking into a smile and replying, “If you wish to see it, why not? This way please.”

Moments later, Wei Yuan and Zhao Tong stood beside the realm stone, Qingming. At the moment, it was no larger than a tabletop, but it was crystalline throughout with a blue mist swirling around it. Wispy wisps of vapor could be seen forming and dispersing continuously into the surroundings.

Zhao Tong took a deep breath, inhaling some of the wispy vapor through his nostrils. He savored the scent, then looked slightly disappointed.

He raised his left arm, and the young eunuch with red eyebrows rushed over to cup his hand and serve as a human handrail.

“Let’s go. We’ll take a look around elsewhere.”

Leaving the secret chamber where Qingming resided, Zhao Tong continued to tour the realm but did not look particularly interested in anything. After a quick tour of the armament workshop, he specifically asked to see the herb garden. So, Wei Yuan accompanied him there.

Before stepping into the array, Zhao Tong said with a chuckle, “Herb gardens, you see, best embody the aura of an immortal. Just imagining one that is filled with the Elixir of Longevity of Mount Nan is enough to—”

The second he set foot into the array, gusts of bone-chilling cold wind and waves of nether qi washed over him. If a couple devilish spirits or ghostly creatures were to drift by, Zhao Tong could be convinced into believing that he had set foot into the netherworld.

The eunuch swallowed the rest of his words, observed intently for a few moments, and turned to ask Wei Yuan, “Is this the herb garden?”

“This is the herb garden!” Wei Yuan affirmed.

“Is this really the herb garden?”

“This is most definitely the herb garden!”

Zhao Tong couldn’t believe it, but two eerie red lamps suddenly flared up from within the black mist, and a foul stench immediately filled the air! Zhao Tong’s face turned pale, and the young eunuch by his side was trembling as well. However, he still stepped forward to block the way and stammered, “W-what kind of demon is this? Begone at once....”

His words were bold, but his tone was pleading.

It was at this moment an old Daoist emerged from the black mist, chuckling. “What’s this? Are you interested in my spirit plants, Eunuch Zhao?”

Zhao Tong’s interest was piqued as he asked, “May I ask what kind of spirit plants you have cultivated, old immortal?”

The old Daoist immediately perked up. With a sweeping gesture of his hand, the array shrouding the three plots of farm soil before them immediately opened up and revealed the scene within.

All three plots of farmsoil soil were a dark reddish-black color, with thick, blood-like liquid seeping out from time to time. Three small vines were planted in them. Two looked relatively normal, but the upper body of one vine had turned ink black in color. Its body was also transparent like glass. The moment the array opened, several of its branches immediately turned over as if staring at Zhao Tong!

The old Daoist explained smilingly, “These three were originally Demon-Eating Vines, but I cultivated them in nether soil and buried the remains and blood of a Great Shaman beneath the soil. As a result, one of them had transformed into this form. I’ve named it the Ink Jade Demon-Eating Vine. Don’t let its small size fool you—it is already strong enough to prey on Dao Foundation stage cultivators with ease. When it reaches full maturity, it can kill or severely injure even an Avatar.

“Besides that, it possesses a highly potent venom that excels at eroding one’s lifespan. A single whiff is enough to shave ten years off one’s life, and a single bite—”

Face spasming, Zhao Tong hurriedly interrupted, “Enough, enough! Please close the array, master immortal!”

The old Daoist obeyed, waving his hand and sealing away the restless Demon-Eating Vines once more.

Zhao Tong peered deeper into the garden and saw that it was suffused with yin energy everywhere. Though it was overflowing with spirit qi, there was clearly nothing here that he sought. In an environment like this, only poisonous creatures and demonic vines could thrive.

Upon exiting the herb garden, Zhao Tong waved for the young eunuch to step away. After Wei Yuan came to his side, he began, “Lord Wei, I’ve heard you have an immortal tree. Might I ask what wondrous uses it has?”

“It is merely a branch of an immortal tree bestowed by the Immortal Lord of my sect. It excels in the art of slaughter. I have since refined it into an immortal sword.”

Wei Yuan manifested the Crimson Night Slayer of Immortals and handed it to Zhao Tong. The eunuch examined it closely while praising repeatedly, “A fine sword, a fine sword!”

A while later, he returned the sword to Wei Yuan and sighed. “It’s a pity I’m getting on in years. I’ve long lost all interest in fighting and killing and just want to live out my remaining years in peace.”

The two chatted as they walked and eventually returned to Guest Town. Upon settling down, two cultivators carried a chest into the room. The chest wasn’t large, but it was quite heavy. The table’s legs creaked audibly when it was placed on it.

Wei Yuan said, “My domain has only just been established, so there really isn’t much of value here. Please accept this small token of appreciation of mine.”

Beside Zhao Tong, the young eunuch gauged the weight of the chest. His breathing grew slightly ragged when the answer came to him.

Zhao Tong’s eyes were as bright as a torch. He didn’t even need to use a mystic ability to know that the chest contained at least 15,000 taels of immortal silver. Instantly, the corners of his mouth curled upward as if they were hooked by a pair of hooks. Try as he might, he could not suppress his smile.

“Aiya! Lord Wei, how can I possibly accept this?”

“It’s just a few local specialties.”

Zhao Tong let out a hearty laugh before saying, “You truly are a remarkable man, Lord Wei. No wonder you managed to carve out your own domain and rise to the upper second rank at such a young age. Did you know that Lord Chen, Chen Dao once said the exact same thing, and over half of his gifts are actually local specialties? Ha ha ha!”

Wei Yuan laughed along with him.

Zhao Tong then said, “Since you are so generous, this eunuch shall be honest with you. If you come across any treasure elixirs of longevity in the future, do your best to acquire them—they’ll be of great use.”

Wei Yuan’s heart stirred, and he asked, “Can you enlighten me a little more, Eunuch Zhao?”

“The very place where you are now is known for producing such treasure elixirs—oh right, you’ve only recently arrived in the western regions. I shall make it even clearer for you then. The Shamans possess a secret elixir of longevity known as the Yingluo Pearl. Although it carries endless repercussions, it can serve as a lifesaver when all else fails. Therefore, when you deal with the Shamans in the future—whether by force, deception, or trade—you must acquire at least a few of these Yingluo Pearls. Otherwise, many lords will be disappointed in you.”

“Yingluo Pearls?” Wei Yuan had never heard of such a thing. They weren’t listed in the exchange catalog of the merit hall of the Palace of Absolute Beginning, nor were they found in Xu Jingfeng’s father’s secret vault. No records had ever mentioned this item.

The young eunuch quietly slipped out of the room and closed the door behind him. Zhao Tong then lowered his voice and said, “Yingluo Pearls are also known as Blood Yingluo. The upper grade ones are known as Soul Yingluo. They are... small objects that appear during the Shamans’ Sacrifice to Heaven rituals. If consumed using a secret technique, they can replenish lifespan that is lost due to various causes!”

Now Wei Yuan had a general understanding of what the Yingluo Pearl was. While keeping his reactions perfectly in check, he asked, “If one were to consume too many, wouldn’t it incur the wrathful retribution of the Sword of the King of Humans?”

“A long time has passed. Many obfuscation methods have been developed since,” Zhao Tong said meaningfully.

Wei Yuan’s thoughts raced as he replied, “I’ll keep that in mind.”

ZhaoTong sighed and said slowly, “If there weren’t absolutely no other options, who would want to set foot on such a path? Of course, it would be best if there were other treasure elixirs available. I’d heard of Qingming’s miraculous Jia Wood Nurtures Life and your immortal tree, which is why I’d thought to come and take a look. But alas, such worldly treasures are rare and hard to come by.”

Wei Yuan asked, “You are in the prime of your life, Eunuch Zhao. Why are you already thinking about extending your lifespan?”

“Indeed, this eunuch does not need it at the moment, but it is just a matter of time, is it not? Also, there are elderly lords who simply cannot wait any longer. Well, I have said all that needs to be said. It is time for me to return and report this to His Majesty. But one more thing: as per the ancestral custom, you must enter the capital and pay your respects to the king within three months. This is a matter of great importance, so you must not forget it, Lord Wei.”

Having truly conveyed all that needed to be conveyed, Zhao Tong handed over the seal of a military commissioner and the ceremonial robes to Wei Yuan. Then, he returned to the capital just like that.

Before departing, Zhao Tong weighed the box in his hands and added, “By the time you reach the royal capital, it will be late autumn. The journey will be long, and the winds will be cold. It would be better if you are dressed warmly, Lord Wei.”

After seeing Zhao Tong off, Wei Yuan finally allowed himself to break out in a light sweat. Being in the presence of the Grand Eunuch meant that he had to be on his toes every single moment. It was truly a harrowing experience.

After that, Wei Yuan immediately summoned the cultivators of the Palace of Absolute Beginning to discuss the King of Jin’s decree.

Zhang Sheng spoke first. “This is more or less the most legitimate path forward. It is a good thing.”

Cui Yu echoed in agreement. “Paying only half-ceremonial respects when entering the court! Even among the aristocratic families, only a handful have ever received such an honor. This is truly... rather improbable, I must confess. Could it be that the King of Jin has recently suffered a mental ailment?”

The jealousy in his words were palpable.

Ji Liuli argued, “Immortal sects have always had the right not to pay any ceremonial respects, but Lil Wei Yuan still has to pay half!”

Zhang Sheng replied, “That right is reserved for True Lords and Immortal Lords only.”

Ji Liuli harrumphed and dropped the argument.

The so-called “half-ceremonial respects” referred to Wei Yuan’s kneeling on one knee when receiving the imperial decree today. Aside from the King of Jin, he was not required to kneel before anyone else either. One could say that it was a special privilege. It was just as well. According to the historical records, those who received even greater honors than this usually met with rather unfortunate ends.

Next came the various actual powers that were granted to Wei Yuan. they had been compiled into a separate document accompanying the decree.

First and foremost was the command over all military affairs. It was also the most crucial. Put simply, Wei Yuan was responsible for overseeing all military matters, including the establishment and training of troops. In other words, he was authorized to form his own army. However, there was a catch: he was only allocated one “town” of troop strength.

According to the military system of Great Tang, one town comprised five battalions, and one battalion comprised 1,000 men. The town general could be a deputy general, a skirmish general, or a regional chief commander.

Upon reading this provision, Yu Zhizhuo remarked, “Only five thousand? That’s nowhere near enough. Just the next batch of breastplates number twenty thousand.”

Zhang Sheng replied, “Five thousand is the number recognized by the court and the basis they use to distribute equipment and provisions. Aside from the garrison troops, there are plenty of other categories one can use to hoard additional forces such as personal guards, local militia, civilian volunteers, even household servants and bodyguards.”

“I see!” Yu Zhizhuo exclaimed with realization. “Junior Brother Zhang truly is a man of many talents! There is nothing you don’t know!”

Zhang Sheng felt uneasy to receive such an earnest compliment from Yu Zhizhuo. He was afraid that his senior brother was once again brewing devious ideas in his mind.

Sun Yu also said, “Well, that makes things easy. We’ll start by recruiting forty thousand household bodyguards... Oh, wait a second. Would it be a problem if our household bodyguards wield poisoned weapons?”

Wei Yuan shook his head in amusement. Forty thousand household bodyguards? Just how big would the courtyard have to be? He cleared his throat to steer the conversation back on track and said, “There’s another major matter we need to discuss: traveling to the capital to pay my respects to His Ma—His Holiness.”

His fellow cultivators furrowed their brows slightly. This was indeed a major matter. After all, everyone knew that Wei Yuan’s strength would plummet if he strayed too far from Qingming.

The good news was that they probably didn’t need to worry about Wei Yuan’s life. After all, the investiture had been held with great fanfare and would be proclaimed to all under heaven. Both the feudal lords and the Son of Heaven cherished their reputations a lot, and it was extremely unlikely for the King of Jin to slap his own face.

However, Wei Yuan had risen to an extremely high position suddenly. While no one could do anything to him while he was in Qingming, things would be different went to the capital. There would probably be people who would step forward to test Wei Yuan’s true worth.

1. This is tentative. I know it’s really a modern phrase set in a court of law but looking at the definition it’s close enough. But if I find something better or more fitting in the future I may change it. ☜

Visit and read more novel to help us update chapter quickly. Thank you so much!