IDWBE -Chapter 348 Immortality

After saying this, sweat immediately streamed down his forehead.

He noticed that his elder brother’s expression was off—was he about to get beaten? He instinctively stepped back, then remembered: his elder brother’s martial skills weren’t strong; even if he kicked and hit, what could he really do?

Lin Yi raised an eyebrow. “Are you feeling hot?”

“Brother, I’m not hot,” the Twelfth Prince said, collapsing to his knees, his face filled with woe. “Brother, I truly forgot. The first time you led the army to Ankang City, I, following Mother’s instructions, quietly left the palace. Passing the Diligent Governance Hall, I saw Elder Wuxiang come out, looking extremely displeased, seemingly in conflict with Father. I was so scared that I hid behind a stone lion, using Turtle Breath to hold my breath. I heard him sigh, saying there is no such thing as immortality in this world—why obsess over it? Now, hearing Sixth Brother say this, I connect it with what Elder Wuxiang said, and I think Father may truly be pursuing this so-called path of immortality.”

“You should be certain, without doubt—Father truly is seeking immortality.”

Lin Yi suddenly understood. All the previously irrational events now made sense, including why Elder Wuxiang suddenly left the palace—Father simply wasn’t aware of it himself.

Even the most capable ruler, in old age, when constantly facing the shadow of inevitable death, would inevitably feel anxious.

“But does immortality really exist in the world?” the Twelfth Prince asked, confused.

“How could it? No one lives forever, and nothing is indestructible.”

Lin Yi attributed his own transmigration to a fantastical event but still followed scientific reasoning.

Even in a fantastical world, energy conservation and scientific principles must be respected! At most, some, like Wen Zhaoyi or the Princess, can preserve their appearance, but in the end, death comes for all.

“But…” the Twelfth Prince worried, “what if Father really succeeds?”

“Foolish dreams,” Lin Yi scoffed. “Let them be—that’s fine too.”

He dared not disturb Father’s sweet dreams now. One wrong move, and his father’s heart might explode.

His father could not die yet—he still had uses.

The Twelfth Prince asked, “Brother, then when Father seeks the Princess, does she know this method of immortality?”

“Go back and ask her,” Lin Yi shrugged. “It’s been a long time since I last saw her—let’s go back to the mansion and check.”

Jiao Zhong brought the donkey over. Lin Yi waved off riding it and instead got into the prepared sedan chair. He had drunk a lot and was too sleepy; better to lie down.

If it weren’t for the last shred of reason and resolve, he might have stayed overnight in the palace.

One wrong step—something every man might fail at—and the whole world would condemn him.

Better to take things slowly.

At the Prince Mansion, the sedan chair stopped. Jiao Zhong lifted the curtain, hesitating whether to wake the sleeping prince. He Hong motioned not to disturb him, having two maids lift the side curtains for ventilation instead.

When Lin Yi awoke, he groggily climbed out, seeing people on both sides, and sighed. “Next time, wake me if needed. Sleeping is much more comfortable in a bed.”

He Hong acknowledged with a “yes.”

Inside the mansion, Lin Yi drank a cup of tea. Half-sober now, his drowsiness disappeared.

The moon hung high.

“Has the Princess slept?”

Lin Yi asked suddenly.

“Your Highness,” Jiao Zhong cupped his hands. “If nothing unexpected occurs, at this hour, the Princess is likely still practicing swordsmanship.”

Lin Yi laughed. “No wonder they are siblings—both so diligent.”

He thought again of his father, so persistent and hardworking, even in things he wasn’t particularly skilled at.

He Hong gave an awkward smile. When it comes to royal affairs, it’s best not to speak carelessly—a lesson passed down from the past commanders of the guards.

The more you meddle, the more you get hit.

Even if Commander Hong isn’t around, one must still be careful with words and actions.

He watched Lin Yi head toward the Princess’s residence, glancing around. He knew Ye Qiu and the blind man were likely nearby, but seeing no sign of them made him uneasy.

Without them, they would never allow the prince easy access to the Princess.

If she suddenly struck, he and the guards would be powerless to protect the prince.

“I’m here, stop looking,” Ye Qiu emerged from the shadows, hands behind his back. “That woman’s skills are getting too dangerous. Have someone summon Wang Dong.”

“Can’t you handle it alone?”

He Hong, seeing Jiao Zhong and others following Lin Yi, paused.

Ye Qiu considered, then shook his head. “Not now. She’s progressed too quickly—just over a month, and her speed is incredible.”

Though he reached Grandmaster late, previously, whether facing the Princess or Liu Chaoyuan, he remained fearless.

But in just over a month, the change was so fast that even from afar, he felt fear.

“Understood.”

He Hong no longer hesitated and immediately sent the guards to summon the blind man.

Lin Yi passed through one courtyard after another, one path after another, until in the fifth courtyard of the Prince Mansion, he finally saw the Princess practicing swordsmanship.

He could see her sword, but its shadow was invisible—as if she held nothing.

He simply felt that her performance was excellent, but exactly why, he couldn’t explain—he could only clap.

The Princess continued practicing, undisturbed by the outside.

After a long time, she stopped, threw her sword toward the scabbard hanging on the pillar—clang! The scabbard didn’t move, but the hilt vibrated.

“Good!”

Lin Yi was utterly amazed. “Aunt, this skill—what a pity not to perform it at Tianqiao!”

He meant it sincerely. Such a talent would be a sensation if displayed in public. “Hmph!”

The Princess snorted. “You entered the palace?”

“Nothing escapes you, Aunt,” Lin Yi grinned. “Not only did I enter the palace, I saw Father and the Crown Prince. Father said he misses you and asked me to bring you to the palace.”

“I won’t go.”

The Princess answered without hesitation.

“One is my father, the other is you, Aunt,” Lin Yi said helplessly. “I’m in a dilemma—please advise me.”

The Princess said lightly, “Are you troubled?”

Lin Yi smiled. “Father said if I bring you to the palace, he would teach me the method of immortality. If not, he won’t. It’s really troubling.”

He watched her expression as he spoke.