Cultivating Immortality, Starting from Childhood Sweethearts

As Xu Ming’s blade rose and fell, Prince Qi and his co-conspirators were all beheaded.

The moment their heads hit the ground, it signified the end of the matter.

No matter what had happened before, no matter if other culprits remained undiscovered, and no matter who else might have been involved—this case was now sealed.

With this single strike, Xu Ming did not just execute Prince Qi and his faction; he also severed the hopes of those in the court who had lingering doubts or hidden guilt.

Xu Ming calmly gazed at the severed heads rolling on the ground, then let out a deep breath.

The Shangfang (Imperial) sword in his hands remained pristine—without a single trace of blood.

He stepped forward, holding the sword, and bowed deeply before Emperor Wu. “Your Majesty, I have avenged my blood feud. I am grateful for this opportunity Your Majesty has granted me!”

Xu Ming’s voice echoed across the grand plaza.

Hearing this, many officials revealed knowing smiles.

Some even sighed in relief, murmuring, “Though the top scholar is young, he certainly understands how things work.”

Maintaining peace and stability was the best outcome. There was no need for endless bloodshed.

Emperor Wu glanced at Xu Ming, then at the Shangfang sword in his hands. He spoke slowly, “For now, you should keep this Shangfang sword.”

The moment these words fell, the hearts of the officials clenched once more, afraid that this sword might one day land upon their own necks.

It didn’t matter whether the sword was sharp or whether it was truly an immortal weapon.

Even if it were a common iron blade, once it was raised against them, what excuse could they possibly have to evade it?

When this sword was swung, it wasn’t just the wielder who wished for their death—it was the will of the Emperor. It was the will of the Wu Kingdom.

How could they resist? How could they escape?

Not just the officials—even Xu Ming himself was surprised.

To him, this matter should have been concluded. Any wise ruler would want to keep the damage contained.

The death of a Equal Rank King—a prince equal in rank to a king—should have been enough.

What was this?

One such prince had already been executed, yet now the court was to be turned upside down? Would the Emperor not rest until every last trace, down to the very soil, was eradicated?

That was impossible.

No ruler would allow such a thing.

And Xu Ming was no royal relative.

Even if he were, this level of vengeance would be excessive. No matter how it ended, he was still alive, wasn’t he?

Xu Ming understood the situation well. He knew that pressing further would yield little benefit and instead bring significant danger upon himself.

Thus, it was best to set this matter aside for now. If anyone else emerged to challenge him in the future, he would deal with them accordingly.

But for the Emperor to say this…

It was intriguing.

Could it be that Emperor Wu did not want this matter to end?

“Your Majesty, this Shangfang sword—I have neither merit nor virtue to accept it. I do not dare to receive such an honor,” Xu Ming respectfully declined.

He was beginning to find it difficult to read the Emperor’s intentions.

They say that the mind of a ruler is unfathomable, but if one does not attempt to understand it, how could one survive?

“What is there to fear in accepting it? If you are without merit, then who in recent years has greater merit than you?” Emperor Wu continued, his tone making it clear that refusal was not an option.

Then, he turned to the gathered officials and declared:

“From this day forth, the Jinyiwei (Embroidered Uniform Guard) shall be established, with Xu Ming as its Commander. A Second Rank official, overseeing five thousand eight hundred and eighty-eight Jinyi Guards.

The Jinyiwei shall serve the Emperor, carry out military expeditions beyond the capital, monitor civil and military officials, and investigate crimes!

The Jinyiwei shall answer only to me!

Ministers, do any of you have objections?”

When Emperor Wu made his announcement, the entire court erupted in shock.

Overseeing princes and officials alike? And answering only to the Emperor?

For the Emperor, the Shangfang Sword in Xu Ming’s hand had now expanded into an entire Jinyiwei—an unyielding blade of imperial authority.

For the officials, the last thing they wanted was an institution that could stand above them, watching their every move.

But as they looked at the severed heads and the blood pooling on the ground, not a single person dared to voice opposition.

“Since none of my beloved ministers have any objections, then it is settled,” Emperor Wu said as he turned to Xu Ming. “Now, I wonder if my dear subject is satisfied with this appointment?”

The Emperor did not ask whether Xu Ming willingly accepted the position—only if he was satisfied with it.

How was Xu Ming supposed to answer that?

Say he wasn’t satisfied?

Who would dare express dissatisfaction with the Emperor’s decree?

Say he was satisfied? That would mean there was no choice but to accept the role.

It seemed as though Xu Ming had a choice, but in reality, he had none at all.

“Your subject thanks Your Majesty! I will give my utmost, sacrifice everything, and serve Your Majesty with unwavering loyalty until my last breath!” Xu Ming declared loudly, as if swearing an oath of fealty.

“Good. Very good.” Emperor Wu personally helped him up. “The affairs of the capital will require your careful attention.”

Xu Ming bowed his head slightly. “Your Majesty flatters me.”

“Now that the matter is settled and Prince Qi and his conspirators have been punished, all of you may take your leave. The Commander has had a long day—he should rest. You will officially assume your duties in half a month.” The Emperor spoke with finality, leaving no room for further discussion.

“As Your Majesty commands!”

The officials responded in unison and began to take their leave.

Xu Ming, too, departed from the palace.

Outside, a carriage from the Xu residence was already waiting.

To his surprise, the one waiting for him was not the household steward but his so-called father.

“Heh heh heh, Ming’er, your old man came to pick you up in person! Get in, get in!”

Xu Zheng waved enthusiastically when he saw his son, his entire demeanor that of an idle, frivolous noble. His pale complexion made it clear that he had indulged in excess for far too long.

Xu Ming stepped forward and, with his sword in hand, bowed. “Father.”

“Why so formal between father and son?” Xu Zheng laughed, then, as if trying to earn some credit, he added, “The moment I heard you were back, I personally drove the carriage here to pick you up!”

Xu Ming smiled. “Father has worked hard.”

“Hah! Not at all, not at all!” Xu Zheng beamed, as if he truly believed his son was moved by the gesture. “Come on, let’s go home. By the way, that sword of yours looks rather nice. What’s it called?”

As he spoke, he reached out, intending to touch the golden-hilted blade.

“This sword is called the Shangfang Sword.”

The instant Xu Zheng’s fingers were about to brush the hilt, Xu Ming instinctively withdrew his hand, reacting as if he had almost touched a thorn-covered porcupine.