The Return of Stars to the Jianghu

Chapter 110 The Tang Dynasty dispatches an envoy to Lanting County

The Floating World Continent, Tang Kingdom, capital city, also known as Golden Lion City.

The morning court session has begun again today.

As soon as the court assembly began, ministers began to report on the upcoming opening of the Immortal Ascension Road in Lanting County, Western Shu Kingdom.

"Your Majesty, I believe we should send someone to Lanting County to investigate," said Guo Qijian, Minister of Rites.

"Three months ago, Sect Leader Li reported this matter to me. Now, most of the martial arts practitioners in Lanting County are swordsmen from the Tang Clan. They must have spread the news about the Path to Immortality. However, this is not unfounded; there are various signs that it may be true. What do you, my esteemed ministers, think?" the young emperor asked from his dragon throne.

"Your Majesty," said the Vice Minister of War, "I believe this path to immortality is utterly absurd and untrue. The Emperor of Qi has been searching for this path for decades, yet he has perished, a truly disastrous end. Your Majesty is wise and will not abandon this path. However, I fear that the court officials and the people will believe these rumors, and if this continues, it could jeopardize the stability of the nation. I implore Your Majesty to issue a public announcement to the world and clarify the truth."

"Your Majesty, I believe the Vice Minister of War is absolutely right. The path to immortality is nothing but nonsense. Your Majesty should prioritize the well-being of the nation and make this clear to the world. Do not listen to slander and jeopardize the affairs of the state."

"Your Majesty, I disagree. The path to immortality may sound absurd, but its existence cannot be ruled out. If we miss this opportunity, we may regret it later," Guo Qijian retorted.

"Your Majesty, I also believe that we should send someone to Nanting County to investigate. Even if the Path to Immortality does not exist, it will still demonstrate the magnanimity of our Tang Dynasty and let the people of the world know Your Majesty's spirit of exploration for the unknown," another minister said.

In the imperial court, the ministers discussed the matter animatedly, each holding their own opinion. The emperor listened quietly, but he already had a plan in mind.

"What my ministers have said makes sense. The Path to Immortality may sound bizarre, but we cannot completely rule out its possibility. I have decided to send an envoy to Lanting County to investigate the truth behind the Path to Immortality," the Emperor said.

"Your Majesty is wise!" the ministers exclaimed in unison.

"As for the selection of the delegation, I have already made my plans. Guo Qijian, Minister of Rites, you are in charge of preparing for the delegation and selecting suitable candidates. Fan Shoujing, Vice Minister of War, you are in charge of the delegation's security and ensure their safe return," the Emperor instructed.

"Your Majesty, we obey!" the two ministers replied.

After the morning court session ended, the emperor returned to the inner palace, but his mind was still preoccupied with the matter of the path to immortality. A month ago, Li Chao, the leader of the Tang Clan, had reported to him that if anyone in the court mentioned the path to immortality, he should take the opportunity to suggest sending envoys there, as this would be a preparation for the Tang Kingdom to become the ruler of the world.

The states of Chu and Wu have become allies, cooperated with the Nanzhao Kingdom, and maintained a non-aggression pact with the Southern Song. Qi is already a foregone conclusion, and the Northern Liao and Northern Liang have signed a ceasefire agreement with Wu. The Western Shu Kingdom's focus remains entirely on the western continent, leaving it with no time to attend to the eastern continent. This presents the Tang Kingdom with its best opportunity to become the supreme ruler of the world.

The path to immortality is the best opportunity.

The emperor knew that once news of the path to immortality spread, it would cause a sensation throughout the land. At that time, all nations would send envoys to explore it. And Tang, as the host country, naturally had a greater advantage.

If the secret of the path to immortality can be grasped, the Tang Kingdom can seize this opportunity to unify the world and become the true ruler of all under heaven.

"Your Majesty, I heard that Your Majesty intends to send someone to Lanting County to search for the path to immortality?" the Empress asked as she entered.

"Yes, Your Majesty. I have decided to send a delegation to Lanting County," the Emperor said.

"Your Majesty," the Empress said, "I feel there is something amiss with this matter. The path to immortality sounds too far-fetched. If it truly exists, it must be defying the heavens. I worry that forcibly seeking it will bring unnecessary trouble."

"The Empress is right. But I believe that some things, you'll never know if they're true or false unless you try. Besides, this is also an opportunity, an opportunity for Tang to become the ruler of all under heaven," the Emperor said.

"Your Majesty, I understand. I will support Your Majesty's decision, but I hope Your Majesty will act cautiously and not be too hasty," the Empress said.

The emperor nodded, already having made his decision. He knew that this search for the path to immortality not only concerned the future of the Tang Dynasty, but also his own destiny. He had to be extremely careful to ensure everything went smoothly.

……

In the Tang Kingdom, in Lin'an City (now called Ning'an City), Li Chao, the leader of the Tang Clan, was drinking tea in the courtyard.

Song Han, a swordsman from the Tang Clan, returned to the Southern Song Dynasty after traveling from the Wu Kingdom through several countries. He had made considerable gains along the way and was now preparing to report to the Clan Master.

"Sect Leader, I'm back." Song Han walked up to Li Chao and said, cupping his hands in greeting.

"Song Han, you've had a long journey. What have you gained along the way?" Li Chao asked.

"Reporting to the sect leader, I have indeed gained a lot on this journey. I have not only learned about the situation in various countries, but also made some friends in the martial arts world," Song Han said.

“Very good, tell me in detail,” Li Chao said.

Song Han then recounted to Li Chao everything he had seen and heard along the way, as well as the friends he had made. Li Chao listened with great interest, nodding in approval from time to time.

"Sect Master, there's been a lot of new information regarding the Path to Immortality," Song Han said.

"The path to immortality? Tell me more about it." Li Chao perked up immediately when he heard that it was about the path to immortality.

Song Han then told Li Chao about the rumors he had heard on the road regarding the path to immortality, as well as the reactions of various countries to this matter. After listening, Li Chao frowned and fell into deep thought.

"Sect Master, I feel there's something fishy about this matter," Song Han said.

"Oh? What do you find strange?" Li Chao asked.

“First of all, the idea of ​​a path to immortality sounds too far-fetched. Secondly, all countries have shown great interest in this matter, and some have even started organizing teams to explore it. This makes me feel that, besides us, there are other people pulling the strings behind the scenes,” Song Han analyzed.

Li Chao nodded, indicating his agreement with Song Han's view.

"Sect Master, what should we do?" Song Han asked.

“It’s most likely the Wu and Chu kingdoms,” Li Chao said. “If the Path to Immortality truly exists, it will surely cause chaos throughout the world. If it’s false, this is Tang’s chance to unify the world. We must first ensure the stability and security of Tang.”

"Yes, Sect Master," Song Han replied.

Li Chao pondered for a moment, then said, "Go and inform the other swordsmen immediately, and tell them to be on high alert and ready to deal with any possible changes."

"Yes, Sect Master," Song Han replied.

Li Chao stood in the courtyard, gazing at the distant sky, his heart filled with worry. He knew that the matter of the Path to Immortality was likely true, and if so, it could bring unprecedented challenges to the Tang Kingdom. He had to be prepared to ensure the safety and stability of the Tang Kingdom.

"By the way, is there any news from Qi Yuan?" Li Chao asked.

“He stayed in Fengliu Village for three months. A couple of days ago, I heard from the swordsmen there that he went to find a wandering doctor to treat his leg,” Song Han replied.

"Treat my leg?" Li Chao was taken aback for a moment, then laughed, "This guy is really persistent."

“Yes, Sect Leader. Although Qi Yuan has broken his leg, his spirit remains undiminished. He has been searching for a way to heal his leg, hoping to return to the martial world,” Song Han said.

"It's quite a coincidence that he was able to find that itinerant doctor. He's a legend in the martial arts world. I hope he can heal his leg and return to the martial arts world," Li Chao said.

"Sect Leader, there's one more thing," Song Han suddenly remembered something and said, "I heard that people in the Wu Kingdom are also looking for that itinerant doctor. I heard that the itinerant doctor's name is Huo Qubing."

"Oh? Wu is also looking for that itinerant doctor?" Li Chao raised an eyebrow and asked, "What do they want with that itinerant doctor?"

"I'm not entirely sure, but I've heard that the Emperor of Wu has always been in poor health, and he might be looking for that itinerant doctor to treat him," Song Han guessed.

Li Chao nodded, pondering to himself. The health of the Wu emperor had always been a mystery. If he really sought treatment from that itinerant doctor, the internal situation of Wu might change. This would be both an opportunity and a challenge for the Tang kingdom.

"Continue to monitor the movements of the Wu Kingdom, and report any news to me immediately," Li Chao instructed.

"Yes, Sect Master," Song Han replied.

Li Chao knew that the Tang Kingdom would face even more challenges and opportunities in the days to come. He needed to maintain a clear head to lead the Tang Clan and the Tang Kingdom to a more glorious future.

Li Chao pondered for a while, then suddenly said, "There's one more thing. Go and investigate the background of that itinerant doctor Huo Qubing, and see what kind of person he really is."

"Yes, Sect Master." Song Han nodded in agreement.