Peace Order

Chapter 1896: Chapter 13: The War Begins!

The chaotic battles across the world happen in the blink of an eye; the generals each receive their orders and retreat. Li Guanyi, with a peaceful expression, watches the distant silence. Chen Wenmian and others also leave. Li Zhaowen waves his hand, signaling his subordinate warriors to retreat first.

Emperor Qin gazes at the world.

Li Zhaowen simply stands behind him, watching.

After a long time, Li Guanyi regains his senses and says, "What is Zhaowen looking at?"

Li Zhaowen looks at his back and smiles, saying, "Looking at the world." His palms are behind him, with a relaxed and unrestrained demeanor, yet his fingers lightly grasp the sleeve, his nails pinching the superior-material battle robe. He first takes a deep breath and then exhales slowly, repeating thrice.

Previously, with an attitude of easy-going and calmness, he steps forward.

As he steps, heel touching the ground, he feels the sensation between his footsteps and the earth, lightly walking across. His sleeves flutter and fall, standing shoulder to shoulder with Emperor Qin, seemingly ordinary, he says, "How many years have passed? That poor little pharmacist now nearly owns the world."

"The wonders of the world, none surpass this."

Li Guanyi replies, "Indeed, many things have changed."

Li Zhaowen notices Emperor Qin’s voice is calm, seemingly without the usual jovial interest. She slightly raises her eyes, looking at the profile of Emperor Qin, and says, "Guanyi, in this battle, will surely defeat the enemies."

Li Guanyi replies, "In this world, there is no certain victory."

"But you and I, and everyone here, have no path of return. We must win, relying on our human efforts alone."

Li Zhaowen lightly laughs, "What a statement, relying on human efforts."

"The so-called doing one’s utmost and listening to the Heavenly Mandate."

Li Guanyi replies, "Not quite. When I was young, I studied Taoist techniques with Elder Zu and received Taoist talismans, counting me as a Taoist disciple. Yet, all people in this world who cultivate the Tao only achieve a superficial [Wuwei]."

"They do not realize that pure Wuwei is merely an escape, telling oneself not to strive, but they do not realize that true Wuwei follows with a second half — [Nothing Impossible to Achieve]."

"The world is vast; in a Taoist’s eyes, Wuwei is nothing impossible to achieve and remains unrestricted."

Though youthful, he has already experienced storms, gaining and losing, traversed the world’s battlefields. The Martial Arts Legend Realm is no longer ordinary. Li Zhaowen says, "Thus, it seems even if Guanyi does not live in the world, becoming a ranger Taoist is also fitting, and not inferior to the realm of that Taoist Sect elder."

Emperor Qin says, "Confucianism claims people inherently possess compassion."

Li Zhaowen glances at him, smiling, "So?"

He responds, "Simply because you and I have seen this chaotic era, our hearts and minds stirred, witnessing those who turned their backs on the people and hid away. Yet, some, like you and me, see it and cannot let go."

"Taoism claims not to dare to lead the world."

"Confucianism says to act without hesitation."

"Buddhist Sect says all phenomena are due to cause and destiny."

"It appears you and I rely on Confucianism as our foundation, so Taoist Sect also has those who wield swords down the mountain, Buddhist Sect has those who show Vajra wrath."

Li Zhaowen slightly lowers her gaze, smiling as she looks at Emperor Qin, quietly speaking in her heart, "Indeed, but many will rise amidst chaos, claiming kingship and dominance. Not doing so is merely because their path intersects with yours, the little pharmacist."

"A pharmacist heals the world."

"Watching the myriad forms of the world, valuing the people as one."

"A good name."

Li Guanyi replies, "What are you saying?"

Li Zhaowen smiles, "I said your name sounds good."

Li Guanyi replies, "Indeed, it’s given by my parents. Probably because of Wan Li, Guanyi, it sounds smooth. My father likely had little education. Even his battlefield skills were honed through experience."

Li Zhaowen cannot help but chuckle, saying, "But you are different, having studied under Wen Zhongzi and trained by Elder Zu. Your martial arts are varied yet have your style. Naming is bound to be unique."

In this sentence lies all of Li Zhaowen’s courage and hints.

The illustrious general on the battlefield sometimes shows hesitation. Whether Emperor Qin noticed the underlying meanings in these words, he only smiles to mask it: "Thinking back, after the battle with the Wolf King in the Western Regions, one of my six steeds was killed. When burying him, we made three agreements."

"First, in times of swirling chaos, accept Xiyi city."

"Second, fearing the emotional turmoil when the Red Emperor passes, you must venture out with me to relieve your mind."

Li Guanyi looks at Li Zhaowen, saying, "So, are you invoking the third agreement this time?"

Before the Heavenly Strategy Mansion, Li Zhaowen smiles at the person in front of her.

She might possibly speak of marriage, as wished several times before.

Initially just admiration, later a friend sharing the same aspirations, yet gradually her gaze was drawn. The world is vast; Li Zhaowen does not conceal her mental state, as she is a first-rate talent of the generation.

Only worldly extraordinary talents might catch her eye.

However, at this moment, she does not speak of such an agreement. Should this become an agreement, she would cease to be Li Zhaowen, either believing she could achieve those things on her own or fearing Emperor Qin’s refusal.

Perhaps, it’s the unbridled ambition to conquer the world and swallow it whole.

That’s where she and Li Guanyi are similar yet different.

She simply extends her hand, punching Emperor Qin softly on the chest, with a smile, leaps back a little, saying, "Then, the third agreement, Emperor Qin."