Cultivating Immortality, Starting from Childhood Sweethearts - Chapter 495

The emperor’s voice echoed through the Imperial Study.

Wu Yanhan had long guessed her father’s intentions regarding Shengsheng.

His purpose was simple—not because Shengsheng was beautiful and had caught his eye. Though she was indeed beautiful, such things no longer held much appeal for him.

His ambitions lay elsewhere—always centered on expanding the power and interests of the Wu Kingdom.

That was why he wanted the palace’s medical cultivators to study Shengsheng—to uncover the secrets behind her existence and determine whether it was possible to create an army infused with the bloodline of magical beasts.

With such an army, they would be invincible. And losses would never be a concern, for both magical beasts and humans were resources that could be replenished endlessly.

But to Wu Yanhan, this was utterly unacceptable!

Leaving aside the fact that Shengsheng was involved—someone she could never hand over—even if it were a complete stranger, she still wouldn’t allow her father to carry out such an atrocity.

To let human bodies flow with the blood of magical beasts—this was against the natural order, a violation of the Dao itself!

If such a thing were done, retribution would surely follow!

Magical beasts were magical beasts. Humans were humans. The two could never be mixed.

Shengsheng was merely an exception—an anomaly granted by fate, not a precedent to be exploited.

As soon as the emperor finished speaking, Shengsheng’s small hand tightened nervously around Wu Yanhan’s.

Wu Yanhan stood up and declared firmly, “Father, please forgive me, but I cannot leave Shengsheng in the palace!”

Her voice rang throughout the grand hall, unwavering in its resolve.

The emperor regarded his daughter with a calm expression. “Yanhan, you rejected me so decisively—surely you must have a reason?”

Wu Yanhan met his gaze steadily. “Your Majesty, to both me and Xu Ming, Shengsheng is the most important person. She is frail and inexperienced in the ways of the world—she needs to stay by my side.

If she remains in the deep confines of the palace, exposed to the imperial aura, I fear it will only worsen her condition.”

She spoke with conviction, as if these were the true reasons for her refusal.

But in reality, these explanations were weak at best.

If her father chose not to accept them, no argument she made would change his decision.

Their eyes locked, father and daughter engaging in an unspoken battle of wills.

A tense and oppressive silence filled the Imperial Study.

After a long pause, the emperor suddenly chuckled. Looking at his daughter, he said, “Since my dear daughter has spoken so sincerely, what else can I say?

Indeed, as you mentioned, Miss Shen has had a tragic past. Alone and abandoned in the palace, she would surely find it difficult to adjust.

You and Xu Ming should take good care of her. If you need anything, just come to me.”

His words sounded kind and understanding.

Wu Yanhan nodded. “Thank you for your consideration, Father.”

The emperor smiled. “Why be so formal? We are father and daughter, after all.

Yanhan, remember—no matter what happens, you can always come to me. I will always stand by your side.”

“…Yes, Father.” Wu Yanhan’s voice carried a hint of emotion.

“Alright, you may go now. You’ve both had a tiring few days.

As for Xu Ming, there’s no need to worry. The imperial physicians have already told me—he’s not in any serious danger. He’ll wake up in a few days.”

The emperor waved a hand, dismissing her.

“Then, Father, your daughter takes her leave.”

Wu Yanhan bowed respectfully.

Shen Shengsheng quickly stood up as well, mimicking her movements, though her bow was slightly unpracticed.

“This humble commoner, Shen Shengsheng, takes her leave.”

With that, Wu Yanhan and Shen Shengsheng departed from the palace.

Once the doors of the Imperial Study closed behind them, the emperor let out a deep sigh, a flicker of regret passing through his eyes.

“Your Majesty.”

At that moment, Wei Xun stepped forward, taking his place beside the emperor.

“You heard everything outside, didn’t you?” the emperor asked.

Wei Xun kept his head lowered, his posture respectful.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

He had considered pretending otherwise, but since the soundproofing array hadn’t been activated, claiming ignorance would be futile—perhaps even considered a crime of deception against the emperor.

The emperor studied him for a moment before speaking again.

“So, tell me, you old tortoise—what do you think of all this?”

Sweat beaded on Wei Xun’s forehead as his eyes darted about.

There was no good way to answer this.

This was a matter of the imperial family—despite being the emperor’s most trusted servant, he was still, ultimately, an outsider.

It was not his place to comment on such affairs.

Seeing his hesitation, the emperor waved a hand dismissively.

“Just speak your mind. I grant you immunity from blame.”

Wei Xun hesitated for a moment longer before carefully choosing his words.

“This… Your Majesty, no matter what decision you make, it must surely be the right one.

Your Majesty has shown great understanding toward the princess. In the imperial family, who else places such importance on the bonds of kinship as you do?”

The emperor fell silent.

He knew full well that Wei Xun was simply flattering him—saying whatever would align with his decisions.

But still.

Hearing such words was undeniably pleasing, making him feel just a bit less troubled.

“You old fox,” the emperor chuckled, sipping his tea.

“Even at a time like this, you still have that silver tongue of yours.”

After a moment of contemplation, the emperor’s expression darkened slightly.

“To be honest, that girl, Shen Shengsheng—she is truly tempting.”

“She is the Black God Sect’s greatest masterpiece!

If I could control her… If I could create an army of humans infused with the blood of magical beasts, bound to my command… The strength of Wu Kingdom would increase beyond measure.”

Wei Xun remained silent.

“Forget it,” the emperor sighed, shaking his head.

“In the end, this goes against the natural order.

And if I were to truly pursue this, Yanhan and Xu Ming would surely turn against me.”

It was as if he were convincing himself, trying to banish the dangerous thought before it could take root any further.

The emperor exhaled, pressing his fingers to his temple.

“Has Prime Minister Fang arrived in the capital?”

Wei Xun nodded.

“The Tingfeng Pavilion sent word—Prime Minister Fang departed three days ago.

In no more than five days, he will arrive in Wu Du.”

The emperor nodded.

“This time… Wu Du will be quite lively.”