Chapter Sixty-Seven: Liu Erlong
Page 1
Xianyang
Because today there was court assembly, Li Yu dressed early, attended by Yanfei. At dawn's first light, he made his way toward the royal palace.
With more than half a year of adaptation, Li Yu had come to understand the structure of the court. There were now three main factions. The first was led by Lü Buwei, an external power composed of elites from various states who had converged in Great Qin. Lü Buwei, representing the outsiders, was the gatekeeper for all those seeking advancement in Qin.
The second, headed by Lord Changping, was the Chu faction—a legacy from history. Ever since Queen Dowager Xuan favored her own kin, the Chu faction had grown over generations, intertwining deeply with Qin. Even Fusu’s mother was a princess from Chu.
The last faction was the native Qin people. In the nation's hardest days, it was these old Qin men who fought, blade and spear, to carve out the realm.
Li Yu stood at the sixth seat. Compared to the aged veterans before him, he was a rarity by age; those positions were earned only through years of service.
King Zheng of Qin was in high spirits today. Upon ascending, he immediately issued an edict: “I wish to grant my brother the title of Marquis within the Pass. What say you all?”
Lü Buwei stepped forward, bowing: “It is right and proper. Our state is founded on military merit. If those who conquer states are not rewarded, who would serve Qin?”
Lord Changping also spoke: “I believe he should be granted a lordship.”
Li Yu hurried to stand, bowing: “Thank you, Royal Brother, for your favor.”
Ying Zheng smiled warmly: “The fief shall be at the present Xinzheng. I wish to name it Yuanling. Are you satisfied, my brother?”
Li Yu bowed again in gratitude: “Thank you, Royal Brother.”
Only then did Ying Zheng address the day’s main topic: “I am preparing to wage war against Zhao. What advice do you offer?”
Lü Buwei said, “Han has just been subdued; if we attack Zhao now, the other four states may unite.”
Li Yu responded, “Yan is already looking to Qin for guidance; we can have Yan restrain Wei, while Qi’s policy has always been one of seclusion. The only problematic state is Chu, which is now controlled by Li Yuan. We can exploit this.”
Lü Buwei interjected, “I can contact Li Yuan.”
Li Yu continued, “I have already made arrangements in Zhao. I will ensure Zhao deliberately loses this war.”
Ying Zheng grew intrigued: “How will you do it?”
Li Yu smiled: “The crown prince is not born of the queen, which is their main vulnerability. I will use the throne as bait, leading them to lose, so Zhao Jia will come to Qin as a hostage.”
Ying Zheng: “Brother, you are indeed formidable. Let it be done.”
Many more details were discussed, with each giving their opinions.
Returning home, Li Yu found Zi Nu looking at him with a face full of grievance.
He hurried forward: “Zi’er, who has upset you?”
Zi Nu’s heart warmed at Li Yu’s concern: “Husband, we sisters have troubled you for so long. It is inconvenient. I wish to open a new Violet Orchid Pavilion in Xianyang, but—”
Li Yu laughed: “That’s easy. Find a suitable place and tell me; I’ll handle everything else. I’ll turn it into a national grand theater.”
Zi Nu’s elegant eyes blinked curiously: “National grand theater? That’s a good name.”
Li Yu: “Hehe!”
...
When Li Yu took to the sky, gazing at the receding city of Xianyang and feeling the landscape flash by, he curiously examined the flying mechanical beast crafted by the Gongshu family.
“Grand Artisan, this beast is called the Azure Hawk. It’s an early creation of mine, never unveiled. This time, I lend it to you.” As he spoke, he gently stroked the mechanism.
Li Yu recalled Gongshu Qiu’s reluctance to part with his treasure, amused—it was not as if he were lending his wife, so why be so sentimental?
Li Yu gazed toward the distance, thinking, Mirror Lake, here I come.
...
Handan
Li Yu, holding a folding fan, strolled the streets with ease and grace.
Better to keep a low profile! Now, even walks in Xianyang are impossible.
Glancing at the large chest carried by four men behind him, he quietly cautioned, “This item is precious; handle it carefully.”
The porters laughed heartily: “Rest assured, sir. Even if I broke myself, the chest would be unharmed.”
Soon they arrived at their destination.
“Prime Minister Guo is indeed extravagant,” Li Yu admired the grand entrance, impressed by Guo Kai’s favor.
This was clearly beyond bounds.
He stepped forward, informing the gate guards: “I am Yan Yu. I arranged to visit the Prime Minister yesterday.”
The guard glanced at the chest behind Li Yu, gestured aside: “The Prime Minister instructed me to await you. Please enter.”
Li Yu raised his fan, bowed, beckoned his followers, and entered the mansion.
He observed the lavish decorations—the value of every ornament was immense. Exquisite carvings and extreme opulence. Truly, decadence behind red gates.
Li Yu calculated how many commoners could be fed by killing one Guo Kai.
Soon Guo Kai arrived, his laughter preceding him. His eyes immediately locked onto the chest Li Yu had brought, squinting with delight.
“It’s enough for you to come. Why bring such a valuable gift?”
Li Yu thought, If I came empty-handed, I’d probably not even get through the door. Despite the thought, he wore a smile: “A small token of respect. Why not appreciate it, Prime Minister?”
Guo Kai, curious about the gift, readily agreed.
As the porters unpacked, the item gradually emerged—a coral sculpture as tall as a person, crystalline and vibrant.
Li Yu had asked Liu Feixu to procure it from the merchants’ alliance. With Ying Zheng covering expenses, Li Yu felt no pain.
“Are you satisfied, Prime Minister?” Li Yu asked, watching Guo Kai’s delighted smile.
“Yan, my brother, if you need anything in Zhao, come to me.”
Li Yu smiled: “Actually, I do need your help, Prime Minister.”
Guo Kai was startled—he was only being polite, not expecting Li Yu to seize the opportunity. His face darkened: “What is it?”
Li Yu: “You know I am now the tutor to Prince Qian. I wish to help Prince Qian advance further, and that depends on your assistance.”
Guo Kai paused, then smiled: “Prince Qian grew up under my eye. We’re close; I’d help even if you didn’t ask.”
Li Yu: “I have a suggestion—why not imitate the current king and send Prince Jia to Qin as a hostage?”
Guo Kai stroked his beard: “With no cause, how do we send Zhao Jia to Qin?”
Li Yu leaned in, whispering his plan.
Guo Kai’s eyes lit up.
The two then shared a conspiratorial laugh in the hall, perfectly matched in their schemes.
As Li Yu departed, Guo Kai personally escorted him to the gate, watching him leave, eyes narrowing thoughtfully.
...
When Lan Li’er arrived at her son’s residence, before entering, she heard inside the sound of heavy breathing and seductive moans, mingled with her son’s cheerful reading voice—curiosity piqued, she peered in.
Inside, a handsome youth paced the outer room, folding fan in hand, reciting: “Behold the Qi Ao.” Then came Qian’er’s voice from the inner room: “Luxuriant bamboo.” Li Yu continued: “That noble gentleman.” Qian’er: “As if cut and polished.”
If not for the woman’s moans, Lan Li’er would have thought her son was seriously studying.
Lan Li’er, unbothered, gracefully approached Li Yu: “Tutor, what’s the meaning of this?”
Li Yu had noticed her the moment she entered, smiling: “Li’er, I’m teaching Qian’er to read.”
“Bah! What Qian’er—what kind of reading is this?” She glanced at her son behind the curtain, legs instinctively pressed tightly together.
Li Yu, seeing this, took the courtesan queen into his arms, caressing her.
“Li’er, you’re not wearing underwear?” he asked, surprised.
“Do you like it?” Lan Li’er’s eyes grew hazy, lips exuding a seductive fragrance.
Li Yu whispered into her ear: “You enchantress, I adore you.”
He lifted her skirt to her waist and thrust in, unhindered.
He quickly covered her soft lips, silencing her moans.
The battle inside neared its end. Li Yu withdrew, leaving Lan Li’er unsatisfied.
He called toward the inner room: “Prince Qian, your mother has come to visit.”
Zhao Qian, now dressed, walked out, legs trembling slightly.
He greeted his mother: “Why didn’t you announce your visit?”
Lan Li’er composed herself, gave Li Yu a glare: “Qian’er’s study method is rather unique!”
Zhao Qian, proud instead of embarrassed, replied: “This method was created by Tutor. Interest is the best teacher. I can now recite over a hundred poems from the Book of Songs. Tutor deserves reward, Mother.”
Lan Li’er twisted her heated thighs, mind lingering on earlier excitement. Unable to bear it, she told Zhao Qian: “I wish to speak with Tutor about your studies. Go outside, and take your wives with you. No one may disturb us.”
Zhao Qian, suspecting nothing, called out, and led his two barely-dressed concubines from the main room.
As soon as the door closed, Lan Li’er pinned Li Yu to the ground. Without undressing, she climbed atop him.
...
Page 2
The mechanical beast of the Gongshu family proved extraordinary. In just two days, it brought Li Yu a thousand miles to Mirror Lake in Chu.
Nestled beside mountains and water, the lake was crystal clear; fish could be seen swimming below.
With a wooden stick in hand, Li Yu walked the last three miles to the lake, surveying the shore but finding no boat to cross.
Unhurried, he took out his fishing gear and cast into the lake, sitting by the water, fishing without bait.
Soon, a small wooden boat appeared on the lake.
Li Yu reeled in his line, waved and called: “Miss Rong, I’m here!”
The boat’s occupant, hearing his call, paddled toward Li Yu.
He saw a headscarf of alternating vine purple and white, a deep blue tube dress, with a short-sleeved jacket of gray-blue and creamy white, blue-violet ribbons at the wrists, and creamy white mid-calf boots—adorable indeed.
A slender ponytail, fresh bangs framing two long, thin brows, and large, deep purple eyes full of vitality. Beneath her elegant nose, pink lips; a swan-like neck. She appeared to be in her early teens, with a refreshing and unique aura.
“Li Yu at your service, Miss Rong,” he greeted, hands clasped.
“You know me?” Duanmu Rong asked, curious.
Li Yu smiled: “Of course. Who doesn’t know the famed Little Medicine Immortal of Mirror Lake?”
Duanmu Rong was still a young girl, not yet matured as in the main story. Blushing at Li Yu’s praise, she asked, “Did you come to Mirror Lake for medical treatment?”
Li Yu shook his head: “I heard the medical family cares for all under heaven. I have something useful to your sect, so I brought it personally to benefit the people.”
The Little Medicine Immortal blinked curiously, looking at the wooden box at Li Yu’s feet.
“What is it?”
Li Yu smiled: “Your master will know at a glance. Please introduce me.”
“Alright!” Duanmu Rong, naive, docked her boat.
Li Yu carefully placed the box at the bow, then boarded.
As the boat glided through gentle ripples, it painted a serene landscape.
“Those seeking treatment at the door are not treated. Those needing house calls are not treated. Those with the surname Duanmu are not treated?” Li Yu read the wooden sign by the door, bemused.
“Miss Rong, aren’t you a Duanmu?” he asked.
Duanmu Rong sighed at the sign: “I’ve always diagnosed myself and prepared my medicines.”
Li Yu: “Your master is quite unique.”
Duanmu Rong did not comment, and led Li Yu inside.
“Master, a guest has arrived,” she called.
Soon, the door opened and a plainly dressed woman appeared.
Li Yu set down the box and bowed respectfully: “Li Yu at your service, Senior Nianduan.”
Nianduan frowned at the male visitor, speaking curtly: “What is it?”
Li Yu smiled: “I have a gift for you, Senior.”
Nianduan glanced at the box: “I don’t need it. Leave.”
Li Yu: “…”
Stubborn indeed.
But Li Yu would not be dismissed so easily.
He continued smiling: “A visitor is a guest, and I have traveled a thousand miles from Xianyang. Even if I bring only a feather, you shouldn’t be so cold. Moreover, this gift concerns the welfare of all under heaven; only in the hands of the medical family can it flourish.”
Nianduan, now slightly interested, turned and walked inside.
“Come in and speak.”
Li Yu, delighted, brought the box inside, with Duanmu Rong following curiously.
Li Yu set the box carefully on the table, then opened it.
Nianduan peered at the object—a simple microscope.
Duanmu Rong examined it, asking, “What is this?”
Li Yu smiled: “May I ask, Senior, your thoughts on epidemics?”
Nianduan glanced at him: “You know medicine?”
Li Yu bowed: “A little, yes.”
He paced the room: “All things, besides those visible to the naked eye, are mostly unseen—bacteria.”
He paused, pointing to the microscope: “This can magnify tiny creatures, making them visible.”
Duanmu Rong’s curiosity grew: “Really?”
Li Yu nodded: “Of course.”
He pointed to the water basin outside: “Miss, fetch a bowl of water and test it.”
Duanmu Rong: “There are creatures in water?”
Li Yu: “Certainly. Even the air is full of them. Otherwise, why do diseases spread?”
Duanmu Rong ran to fetch water.
After Li Yu’s demonstration, Duanmu Rong peered into the lens.
“Master, master, so many bugs—so many tiny bugs! Master, look!”
...
Tiandou City
Towering city walls stood a hundred meters high, built entirely from marble, seamless and majestic.
The Tiandou Empire’s Royal Etiquette Academy sat at the city’s center, just a street away from the palace.
Li Yu looked at the academy, holding Xiao Wu’s hand: “We’ve arrived.”
Yuexuan—the Royal Etiquette Academy—trained nobles in courtly manners.
Li Yu and Xiao Wu entered the grand hall, with its luxurious European decor dazzling Xiao Wu.
“Brother, it’s so beautiful!”
Li Yu smiled: “It’s nothing. One day I’ll take you to the palace; that’s the most lavish place on the continent.”
Xiao Wu clung nervously to Li Yu’s arm.
He patted her for comfort: “Let’s go there.”
...
Tang Yuehua, master of Yuexuan, stood elegantly in the dance studio, watching Princess Xueke perform. She danced like a swan, each movement graceful and pure.
Suddenly, piano music sounded from outside, growing clearer, its melody exquisite and moving.
A song never heard before piqued Tang Yuehua’s curiosity.
“Who plays so beautifully?” she mused.
“Teacher, is it a new student?” Princess Xueke asked, her curiosity awakened.
“Princess, let’s go see.” Tang Yuehua gracefully descended to the corridor.
At the staircase, they saw a youth at the piano, eyes closed, fully absorbed in his music. Beside him, a cute girl listened with her chin in her hands, her gaze showing hints of fascination.
When the piece ended, Li Yu withdrew his hands and opened his eyes.
He saw Xiao Wu and, beside her, Tang Yuehua.
Her sky-blue hair was pinned up, with twin bangs framing gentle eyes—her aura was soft, unlike the domineering Bibi Dong. Tang Yuehua felt like spring—gentle and noble. Her silver court dress showed off her proud figure without losing dignity.
Li Yu stood elegantly, bowing with a hand to his chest: “Li Yu at your service, Master.”
He then noticed Princess Xueke, with silver short hair and a petite, charming face, her figure graceful and full of youthful energy. Silver stockings paired with a high-slit dress highlighted her shapely thighs and round hips.
Li Yu’s eyes scanned her quickly, then he bowed politely: “Your Highness.”
Tang Yuehua felt a sudden affinity for Li Yu, inexplicably drawn by his mysterious aura. Her innate sensitivity made her receptive to such things.
“Who are you, sir?” she asked.
Page 3
Li Yu smiled: “My sister Xiao Wu and I are passing through. I wish to teach at Yuexuan for a month. Would you find this appropriate?”
Tang Yuehua nodded: “Your piano is excellent. You may try for a period.”
Li Yu: “My true strength is in the flute.”
Tang Yuehua: “What is a flute?”
Li Yu took a jade bamboo from his soul guide, spun it in his hand, and played it.
As he pressed his fingers, a beautiful melody filled the hall, evoking visions of landscapes—boats, fishing, egrets, mist—truly enchanting.
When the music ended, Tang Yuehua applauded: “I never imagined such a beautiful instrument existed. An eye-opener today.”
Li Yu smiled: “I have other instruments. I can show them to you when there’s time.”
Tang Yuehua’s curiosity deepened.
Princess Xueke stepped forward: “Teacher, may I learn your instrument?”
Li Yu smiled gently: “Of course. If you wish to learn, I will teach you all I know.”
Princess Xueke bowed: “Thank you.”
Li Yu bowed again to Tang Yuehua: “This is my sister Xiao Wu. May she stay by my side?”
Tang Yuehua was delighted by Xiao Wu’s pure and lively nature, agreeing without hesitation: “If your sister wishes to learn etiquette, she may study with the princess.”
Li Yu smiled: “My sister is very clever; she learns quickly, especially in dance.”
Tang Yuehua’s eyes brightened, examining Xiao Wu. Though young, her legs were particularly long and well-proportioned.
Li Yu, satisfied, left Yuexuan.
On the road, Xiao Wu regained her lively spirit: “Brother, so many rules! I feel pressured.”
Li Yu ruffled her hair: “Learn whatever you like. No one will force you. You’ll always be my most beloved Xiao Wu.”
Li Yu himself disliked the overly refined court etiquette, but endured it for his plans.
Next, Li Yu headed to a grove near Tiandou City.
“Brother, where are we going now?” Xiao Wu, riding on his arm, swung her legs and gazed at the distance.
Li Yu laughed: “Taking you to an academy; we’ll stay there for now.”
Xiao Wu tilted her head: “Aren’t we learning etiquette?”
Li Yu waved: “Etiquette is easy to learn. On a continent where strength matters, it’s better to learn more skills.”
As long as she was with Li Yu, Xiao Wu cared not where they went.
“Blue Tyrant Academy? Strange name.” Xiao Wu saw the gate, curious.
“There are strong people here—the dean, for instance, is a seventy-eight-level Soul Sage.”
“Soul Sage! Sounds powerful,” Xiao Wu said playfully.
Li Yu: “She has the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon bloodline, able to fight across levels; even ordinary Soul Douluo struggle against her.”
Blue Tyrant Academy catered to the poor.
Li Yu easily brought Xiao Wu to the teaching building.
An elderly man led Li Yu to the principal’s office.
He knocked.
“Come in,” a woman’s voice called.
The elder opened the door: “Principal, these two are applying as teachers.”
Li Yu stepped forward, glancing at the woman—likely Liu Erlong. He bowed: “Li Yu at your service, wishing to apply as a teacher; this is my sister, seeking admission.”
The woman, focused on her paperwork, looked up. Fifteen or sixteen, not robust but well-proportioned, with a fair and refined face—a scholarly look.
“Are you applying for a clerical position?” the principal asked firmly.
Li Yu shook his head: “No, I teach combat.”
Liu Erlong felt she’d misheard, frowning: “What? I didn’t hear clearly.”
Li Yu smiled: “I teach combat. I’m confident in my abilities.”
He stepped forward: “This beautiful principal may test me.”
“Hm? You’re courting death.” Liu Erlong’s brows shot up, slamming the desk.
Xiao Wu was startled; Li Yu comforted her.
“Principal Liu judges by appearances! No wonder—” he shook his head.
“No wonder what?” Liu Erlong grew angry—no one usually dared speak to her thus.
If not for years of cultivation, she’d have struck already.
“Fooled and unaware,” Li Yu teased, poking at her nerves.
“Come—let’s go to the arena. I’ll beat you till you regret it.” Liu Erlong kicked away her chair and stormed out.
In a simple blue dress, her green hair draped over her shoulders, features like a painting, big black eyes alive with spirit, and her dress accentuated a fiery, perfect figure.
Li Yu couldn’t help admiring her peach-shaped hips as he followed.
At the plaza, Liu Erlong immediately took her stance, like an enraged dragon. Her soul rings were impressive.
Her presence quickly attracted a crowd.
Xiao Wu, worried, asked: “Brother, can you win?”
Li Yu: “A week ago, maybe not. Now, we’ll see.”
He owed thanks to Yan Lingji and Lan Li’er for his growth.
Li Yu calmly stepped onto the plaza, smiling at Liu Erlong: “Principal Liu’s temper is fiery. Let’s add a wager.”
He tapped his soul guide, producing a purple card: “This card holds one hundred thousand gold soul coins. If I lose, it’s yours.”
Liu Erlong frowned, sensing something off.
Li Yu continued: “If you lose—be my girlfriend. Agreed?”
Liu Erlong paused, feeling she must be hallucinating.
The crowd was stunned—did this boy not fear Liu Erlong’s wrath?
“Brother, how could you?” Xiao Wu was teary-eyed.
Li Yu hurried to reassure her: “I’ll explain later. Let’s settle this first. Trust me.”
He returned to the plaza: “What’s wrong? Afraid? Not confident?”
He shook his head: “Against a sixteen-year-old boy, Liu Erlong has no confidence?”
Liu Erlong clenched her fists, face reddening: “Dare mock me? I’ll tear you apart!” She released her martial soul, her soul rings dazzling.
Li Yu grew serious, raising his hand and tapping his toes.
Whirlwinds surrounded him, blowing the crowd back.
When they opened their eyes, mysterious patterns covered the plaza, rotating and glowing faintly.
Liu Erlong was shocked, realizing she’d underestimated him.
“True Red Dragon Form!” she unleashed her strongest soul skill, determined to win.
“Chaos,” Li Yu intoned, two fingers at his brow.
With a word, Liu Erlong’s attack was frozen—her blue dragon halted, and she herself was immobilized.
Li Yu calmly approached, touched her flawless cheek: “Long’er, you lost. This is interest.” He kissed her, then retreated, releasing the spell.
The crowd stared in shock.
Liu Erlong wiped her face angrily: “What sorcery is that?”
Li Yu: “Not sorcery—authentic Daoist arts. Would you like to learn? I can teach you.”
Liu Erlong scowled: “Daoist arts? Never heard of them. That didn’t count; let’s fight again.”
She lunged, fists ready.
Li Yu’s eight trigrams hadn’t been withdrawn. He tapped his brow: “Heaven.”
He vanished, appearing behind Liu Erlong.
“Long’er, want to keep fighting?” he patted her shoulder.
“Of course!” Liu Erlong spun and punched, but Li Yu dodged.
“All you do is dodge. Are you a man?” she complained.
Li Yu smiled: “If you like head-on, I’ll oblige.”
He adopted the Tai Chi cloud hand stance.
When Liu Erlong charged, he drew her into his embrace and redirected her force.
He advanced, stepping in the eight trigrams, drawing her in, throwing her aside.
“Heaven,” he said.
He caught her in a princess hold, cradling her.
“Long’er, convinced?” he asked gently.
“Not convinced!” she turned away.
“That’s fine—challenge me anytime in a month. If not convinced then, I’ll use family discipline. A wager’s a wager; you’re not one to go back on your word.”
“One word, settled. I keep my promises. In a month, I’ll challenge you again.” She freed herself and strode off.
“Long’er, let’s go on a date tonight!” Li Yu called after her.
Liu Erlong quickened her pace, hurrying to her office.