Cultivating Immortality, Starting from Childhood Sweethearts - Chapter 505

“Brother Xu, we should get going now, Brother Xu.”

Sheng Sheng stood beside Xu Ming at the Jinyiwei Commander’s residence, gently nudging him.

Xu Ming slowly opened his eyes, and the first thing he saw was Sheng Sheng’s delicate, oval-shaped face.

Her big, bright eyes blinked at him.

“Mm.”

Xu Ming sat up from the bed and yawned.

“Sheng Sheng, step outside for a moment. I need to change my clothes.”

“Sheng Sheng can help Brother Xu change clothes,” she said, blinking at him. “Sheng Sheng has grown up now and can be Brother Xu’s maidservant.”

Xu Ming chuckled. “Why would you want to be my maidservant? I don’t need someone to serve me like that. Besides, you’re my little sister, not someone in a servant-master relationship.”

“But Brother Xu,” Sheng Sheng pouted, “I heard from Sister Chunyan that men must be taken care of.

“Plus, Brother Xu, you’re always so busy. If I can look after you, you’ll have more time for other things.

“You don’t have to worry. These past few days, I’ve been learning a lot about being a proper maid from Sister Chunyan.

“I’ve picked up many things, and I’ll definitely take good care of you.”

Xu Ming looked at Sheng Sheng.

Her eyes were filled with nervous anticipation, and her face looked slightly pale, as if she were afraid he would refuse her.

“Alright then,” Xu Ming smiled and didn’t turn her down.

He knew that Sheng Sheng was still feeling guilty about what had happened before and wanted to make it up to him.

But the truth was, she didn’t need to.

She probably didn’t even know what she could do for him since he truly lacked nothing.

It was likely that during her time with Chunyan, the latter had said something to her, planting this idea in her mind.

That must be why Sheng Sheng was so determined to become his maidservant.

But to Xu Ming, this was completely unnecessary.

He never blamed her for what had happened. It wasn’t Sheng Sheng’s fault at all—it was simply another side of her.

As long as she could keep her rationality stable in the future, that was all that mattered to him.

Still, since she was so insistent, refusing her outright wouldn’t do much good.

Agreeing might at least help put her heart at ease.

Besides, both the palace and his own household had long been trying to assign him a maid, arguing that a Jinyiwei Commander should not be without proper attendants.

He had always refused.

But now, letting Sheng Sheng take on that role didn’t seem like a bad idea.

After all, in terms of mental maturity, she was no different from an adult—she just lacked some understanding of worldly norms, which he could slowly teach her.

And keeping a close eye on her was important too, given the instability of her condition.

Of course, in Xu Ming’s mind, Sheng Sheng wasn’t his maid.

She was his secretary.

And this secretary—he could guarantee—would never betray him.

Upon hearing Xu Ming agree, Sheng Sheng’s eyes instantly lit up.

It was as if, to her, becoming Xu Ming’s maidservant was the happiest thing in the world.

“Brother Xu, you don’t have to doubt me! These past few days, I really have learned a lot from Sister Chunyan—I can definitely take care of you!” Sheng Sheng said excitedly.

Then, her cheeks turned slightly red, and in a soft voice, she called out:

“For example…” Sheng Sheng hesitated, her face flushing even more. Then, in a shy, delicate voice, she murmured:

“Young Master Xu.”

Hearing Sheng Sheng call him “Young Master Xu,” Xu Ming couldn’t help but shiver. A tingling sensation ran through his entire body.

It felt just like when a sweet-voiced girl from a certain island nation calls out “Onii-chan” in a soft, coquettish tone.

Cough, cough, cough.
Xu Ming cleared his throat, adjusting his expression. “Sheng Sheng, just call me Big Brother Xu. There’s no need to call me ‘Young Master.'”

“Oh… alright.” A trace of disappointment flashed in Sheng Sheng’s eyes.

She actually thought calling him “Young Master Xu” sounded quite nice.

Sheng Sheng picked up the azure robe from the clothing rack and brought it over. “I’ll help Big Brother Xu get dressed.”

Xu Ming stood up, and Sheng Sheng carefully helped him put on his clothes, piece by piece.

She moved with great caution, afraid of missing any details. Though her actions were still somewhat clumsy and unfamiliar, she managed to dress Xu Ming properly and neatly.

It was clear that she had been taking her lessons from Chunyan very seriously these past few days.

Afterward, Sheng Sheng helped Xu Ming wash up and then served him breakfast.

She really was taking this maidservant role quite seriously.

“You seem to have learned quite a bit from Sister Chunyan recently,” Xu Ming said with a smile.

“Of course!” Sheng Sheng’s eyes curved into crescents as she beamed. “I’ve been learning how to take care of Madam Wang under Sister Chunyan’s guidance!”

Xu Ming nodded and put down his chopsticks. “Alright, let’s go. We should head to the Grand Assembly of Ten Thousand Arts.”

“Yes!”

Sheng Sheng gave a slight bow, then quickly went to prepare the carriage for him.

By the time Xu Ming stepped out of the courtyard, the carriage was already waiting.

He climbed in and closed his eyes to rest, while Sheng Sheng sat beside him, her large eyes blinking as she gazed at him.

After waking up today, she had realized something—something she had never noticed before.

She never used to think that Brother Xu was particularly handsome.

But now that she had grown up…

She realized that he was actually really good-looking.

Mhm.

Far better looking than any other man she had seen.

Not long after, Xu Ming and Sheng Sheng arrived at the gates of the imperial palace.

“Sheng Sheng, you can head back now. The Grand Assembly will last until this time tomorrow, so just come pick me up then.”

Sheng Sheng couldn’t enter the palace—doing so would make her feel unwell. Besides, unauthorized individuals weren’t allowed inside.

“Alright, Brother Xu.” She nodded, though there was a hint of reluctance in her expression as she drove the carriage away.

Xu Ming stepped into the palace, where a palace maid greeted him and led him toward the assembly’s venue.

For this Grand Assembly of Ten Thousand Arts, all officials of the fifth rank and above were required to attend.

As always, the assembly was being held in the open space by the Northern Hall of the palace. This had been the traditional venue for past assemblies, and this time was no exception.

Along the way, civil and military officials alike greeted Xu Ming with the utmost respect, careful not to make a bad impression on him.

After all, the Feiyu (Flying Fish) robe of the Jinyiwei was far too conspicuous.

One could never predict when a group of men dressed in the same robes might storm into their homes, arrest them, and confiscate all their property.

Before long, Xu Ming spotted Zhao Feiyan, Yu Ping’an, Li Han, and the others.

They all had the qualifications to enter and had been waiting for him along the main path to the assembly.

Naturally, the others stood behind Xu Ming.

The civil and military officials took note of their attire and couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease.

Everyone was well aware that after Xu Ming had withstood the Three Strikes of the Grand National Pillar, a new faction had already begun to take shape.

“Greetings, Lord Commander.”

As Xu Ming and his group continued forward, an elderly voice suddenly rang out.

Xu Ming turned to see two figures approaching—Liu Feng, the former Prime Minister of Wu Kingdom and a remnant of the Prince Shan’s faction, alongside Tang Ningzhi, the princess of Chu Kingdom.

“Greetings, Your Highness. Greetings, Master Liu.” Xu Ming cupped his hands and bowed slightly.

“Is Lord Xu’s health holding up well?” Liu Feng asked, his expression carrying a hint of genuine concern—like an old village elder checking in on a younger generation.

“Thanks to your concern, Master Liu, I am doing well,” Xu Ming replied with a faint smile.

After more than ten days of recovery, while he hadn’t yet returned to peak condition, he was more or less back to full strength.

“That’s good to hear.” Liu Feng nodded and stroked his beard. “This Grand Assembly of Ten Thousand Arts is bound to be quite eventful.”

Xu Ming’s heart tensed slightly, but his expression remained composed. “With the Grand Assembly gathering sects from all around, it’s naturally going to be lively. Master Liu, Your Highness, please, this way.”

“Please,” Liu Feng said as he and Tang Ningzhi walked ahead.

—

Before long, Xu Ming arrived at the assembly grounds.

Most of the officials had already gathered.

Wu Yanhán was also seated in her designated spot.

Xu Ming’s seat was arranged right beside Wu Yanhán, while the rest of the officials were seated according to their rank. If their ranks were the same, the seating order was determined by the number of strokes in their names—those with fewer strokes sat in front.

The officials of Wu Kingdom were chatting and laughing, treating this Grand Assembly as nothing more than a routine event.

After all, they were used to it.

The Grand Assembly of Ten Thousand Arts was held once every four years, and it had always proceeded smoothly—mostly just an occasion for dining and casual conversation.

Many of the sect leaders present also appeared calm, though a few of them seemed impatient, their frustration written plainly on their faces.

The reason was simple—Emperor Wu had disrupted their plans by moving the assembly up by a year.

Not to mention, in previous years, while the official decree required sect leaders to attend personally, everyone turned a blind eye, and it was perfectly acceptable to send a high-ranking representative instead. No one had ever pressed the issue.

But this time, Emperor Wu had explicitly demanded that the sect leaders themselves be present. No exceptions. No excuses.

This had left many of them quite irritable, though they couldn’t afford to openly oppose the emperor.

—

After the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, nearly everyone had arrived and taken their seats in the grand plaza.

Palace maids stepped forward, pouring wine for the esteemed guests.

Dong.

Dong.

Dong.

The sound of a bell echoed through the imperial palace, reverberating across the vast space.

All conversations ceased instantly.

“His Majesty approaches!”

The shrill voice of Eunuch Wei Xun rang out.

Emperor Wu strode into the plaza.

Everyone rose to their feet in unison, their voices resounding:

“Respectfully welcoming Your Majesty!”

Emperor Wu continued forward without stopping.

Ascending to the high platform, he turned, his gaze sweeping across the assembly.

His sharp, commanding eyes carried an innate authority, striking unease into the hearts of many.

Even though many of those present were cultivators with lifespans spanning millennia, this mortal emperor held dominion over the fate of an entire nation.

“This Grand Assembly of Ten Thousand Arts has been convened once again. I am pleased that the sect leaders from all over have come to attend. I hope that during this gathering, all of you will exchange techniques, challenge one another, and progress together.”

Emperor Wu’s words were the usual pleasantries.

“Ministers, sect leaders, please be seated.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

The attendees slowly took their seats.

Soon, palace maids entered, dancing gracefully as platters of exquisite dishes were served.

Everyone enjoyed the performances, sipped their wine, and carried on as if today was just another Grand Assembly—nothing more than an ordinary banquet.

No one knew what was about to happen.

Only Xu Ming and Wu Yanhán exchanged a glance.

Neither of them spoke.

There was no need to.

They both understood—this calm was merely the silence before the storm.

Something monumental would unfold today.

And it would change the fate of Wu Kingdom forever.

As the banquet progressed and the officials and sect leaders enjoyed their feasting, Emperor Wu suddenly stood up.

The moment he rose, every pair of eyes instinctively turned toward him.

Lifting his cup, Emperor Wu addressed the crowd, “Today’s Grand Assembly of Ten Thousand Arts is a grand occasion for both our dynasty and the sects. Over the years, Wu Kingdom and the sects have supported one another, helping each other thrive, and it is through this unity that we have reached where we are today.”

One sect leader after another stood up, raising their cups in response.

“Your Majesty is too humble. Wu Kingdom’s rise to become one of the Ten Great Human Dynasties is the result of generations of wise rulers, and especially Your Majesty’s diligent governance!”

Another sect leader followed suit. “The Wu Kingdom army is renowned across the world—who does not know of its might?”

Yet another added, “The Four Seas bow before Your Majesty. The Southern Demon Kingdom dares not make a move upon hearing Wu Kingdom’s name. In the North, King Beiliang has struck fear into the barbarian hordes, slaughtering them on the battlefield! Wu Kingdom’s fortunes are flourishing!”

One by one, the sect leaders took turns offering flattery.

On the surface, their words dripped with loyalty and admiration for Emperor Wu.

But in truth, neither Xu Ming nor Wu Yanhán took their words seriously.

These old foxes had lived for centuries—some even for over a millennium.

They had spoken these same praises to the rulers of countless other dynasties before.

Flattery was free, after all.

To these sect leaders, a powerful dynasty was like a worthy spouse—something to be respected and maintained.

But if the dynasty’s strength waned?

Then, all apologies.

The sects would start poaching talent, propping up new regimes, or even replacing the dynasty altogether—turning it into a mere puppet under their control.

That way, they could avoid the constraints of dynastic fate while still reaping its benefits.

Emperor Wu, ever composed, replied in kind, “You flatter me. Wu Kingdom stands strong not because of me alone, but due to the dedication of our officials who serve the people and the valiant efforts of the sects, who exorcise demons and uphold stability.”

His words were diplomatic, polished—just enough to stroke the sect leaders’ egos.

And indeed, the sect leaders seemed quite pleased, nodding along, enjoying the moment.

But then—

Emperor Wu’s next words made every sect leader freeze in place.

“However,” he said, his voice calm but resolute, “I still believe that the relationship between the sects and Wu Kingdom is not yet in its ideal state.”