Journey to the West: Treasure Vase of the Great Dao-Chapter 504 - 275: Outsmarting Oneself

Once authoritative and imposing Lu Zhang, the founder of the Great Chu, now stood in front of Lu Yu like a child, his face full of anxious unease.

"Let's discuss this inside," Lu Yu said to Lu Zhang with a gentle glance.

The Dragon Court at this time, compared to the Imperial Palace of Great Chu in the Mortal World, was second to none, except that unlike the Mortal World's preference for yellow, the Underworld revered black, which made the palace appear somewhat gloomy. However, for those who had passed by, being ghosts of the Netherworld, it mattered little.

Led by Lu Zhang, Lu Yu entered into the grand hall, his first entry after the expansion of the Dragon Court, he sat in the main seat in the center of the hall, immediately taking over Lu Zhang's role. Yet, none of the emperors or famous ministers below dared to question him.

This was a revered Immortal, a Human Sage, and the great ancestor of the Lu Family; no one was more qualified to sit there than he was.

Lu Yu glanced at the many people below him. To be honest, he did not recognize most of them, as he mostly devoted himself to cultivation following Lu Zhang's establishment of power and seldom dealt with worldly affairs.

"Let's hear your plans," Lu Yu began, his commanding voice echoing through the grand hall.

Lu Zhang quickly replied, "Uncle, by right, our Great Chu should have a national fate of nine hundred years. However, we, ultimately, were not willing to accept this and decided to break and rebuild to extend our reign." He finished speaking and looked at Lu Yu nervously, fearing his uncle's anger.

Lu Yu sighed lightly and said, "Why did you make such a decision without consulting me first? You do realize you have made a grave mistake."

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone in the grand hall was solemn, knowing that since the great ancestor had spoken such words, there must be a significant reason, and all were stunned.

"A crucial event concerning the fate of heaven and earth is currently unfolding within the three realms. Once it's completed, heaven and humans will be separate, and the Human Path will truly belong to humans. That will be the perfect time to break and rebuild, cutting off Dragon Court's ties with the Mortal World, freeing us from the influence of dynastic changes, and achieving true liberation."

"If Great Chu falls before the separation of heaven and humans, the Nether Dragon Court too will become a rootless tree, weakening day by day. If we fail to restore the country, it's likely we'll repeat the past mistakes of the Dragon Court."

Lu Yu slowly explained, and everyone then realized that their presumptive actions had instead backfired, and now they had missed the perfect opportunity.

Lu Zhang too was filled with regret. Such a significant matter should have been discussed with his uncle, and only his overconfidence, clouded by complacency, led to this missed opportunity.

"However, thankfully, there's still room for redemption; it's not yet beyond help," Lu Yu said softly, pulling everyone back from the brink of despair as they all looked up to him with widened eyes.

"The only recourse now is to continue the fate of Great Chu before the separation of heaven and humans is finalized."

"Uncle, how many years until the separation of heaven and humans?" Lu Zhang asked anxiously.

After a moment of contemplation, Lu Yu knew that the separation would occur after the 'Journey to the West' with Kyushu sealing off all transcendent powers and the realms gradually dividing. This wouldn't be too soon but wouldn't be too distant either—about thirty years should suffice for restoration. If that couldn't be achieved, then it would be fate.

"Roughly thirty years."

After hearing this, everyone finally breathed a sigh of relief. If only six or seven years were left, Lu Xun, given his current age, would never achieve unity. But thirty years would be enough for him to grow. Each of them, eminences during their lifetimes and continuously strategizing for long years in the Underworld, had high confidence in their judgment and arrangements.

Lu Zhang also spoke softly, "Thirty years, that's manageable."

With this time, he believed his descendants could turn the tide and rebuild Great Chu. The nation's fate was still ongoing, and therefore the younger members of his family were promising. Lu Xun had shown signs of a wise leader from a young age. If it were in the last days of the nation's fate, when descendants were incompetent, even if they wanted to continue the national fate, they, as ghostly beings, would be powerless.

Everyone's hearts, previously lifted in anxiety, now gradually settled back down, and the atmosphere in the grand hall once again lightened.

"Go over your plans with me," Lu Yu said to Lu Zhang by his side.

Lu Zhang quickly whispered his and his people's plans to his uncle. Lu Yu listened and nodded occasionally; if it weren't for the major event of the separation of the three realms, Lu Zhang's strategy would have had a high chance of success. Unfortunately, it now seemed somewhat unnecessary.

"Now that it has come to this, the only path left is successful restoration. Now, let's see if Lu Xun can shoulder such a heavy burden as you have described," Lu Yu said, nodding slightly.

At that moment, Lu Xun, the main character everyone was talking about, was still ardently learning various survival skills. Raised in luxury from adolescence, he had never known such hardship. It was the first time he truly understood the difficulties faced by farmers as described in the books.

Yet, Old Apricot would not relax at all. With the fate of the dynasty resting on Lu Xun, he was truly the so-called Child of Heavenly Destiny, whose life easily made smooth progress.

However, such ease was more a curse than a blessing for someone determined to restore a nation. It could easily foster arrogance, making one look down on the heroes of the world. At critical moments when wills clash, he could easily be overwhelmed by difficulty. Thus, Old Apricot used such methods to temper Lu Xun, helping him stay vigilant against arrogance and gain a clearer understanding of himself in the future.

Indeed, Lu Xun lived up to expectations; he was bright and learned things quickly. Most valuably, he lacked the arrogance typical of those raised in luxury. In interacting with others, he was as refreshing as a spring breeze. Even in this short period of time with each other, Old Apricot grew very fond of this young man.

Time flowed like water, stealthily slipping away. In just a short time, Lu Xun transformed dramatically. The image of a pampered young master completely disappeared. His skin turned darker and shiny from prolonged exposure to the sun, and his body, due to prolonged physical labor, developed a robust aura, making it difficult for anyone to connect him with the former Crown Prince.

One day, as usual, Lu Xun held an ax, chopping wood in the courtyard. He took particular care in his task, ensuring each chop was straight and even, as if measured, while adjusting his breathing rhythm. This small trick he had discovered helped alleviate physical fatigue, allowing him to work longer.

Strangely, back when he lived in the Imperial Palace, indulging in rich foods with the Imperial Physician regularly conditioning his body, he was often sick. But here, with simple meals and labor, he was healthier than ever.

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