Journey to the West: Treasure Vase of the Great Dao

Lu Yu's face was pale as he looked at the fresh blood he had spat out, and he said with a bitter smile, "I've only realized the terror of the Three Calamities today!"

He had originally thought that having taught himself the ways of transformation, he could easily overcome the Three Calamities. However, it wasn't until he truly faced them that he realized the transformation technique had only given him a buffer period, allowing him to face the disaster calmly, but it didn't mean the disaster was any less severe.

The calamity originated from within, starting from the acupoints, mysterious and unfathomable, a single misstep could lead to death and the extinction of his path. He had used up all his strength to overcome this tribulation and even then, he had sustained injuries.

Of course, Lu Yu also knew that due to his short period of cultivation practice and insufficient accumulation of mana, he struggled so hard against the disaster. If he had a thousand years to cultivate, he certainly wouldn't have been so disheveled.

"What a ruthless ancestor, intent on driving me to my death!" Lu Yu murmured to himself. He had not expected that the ancestor would have left a last move for the final critical moment. He felt very annoyed in his heart. If not for the huge gap between them, he would have wished to take up his sword and head to the Sea of Blood right then.

"Hmph, there's still plenty of time. One day I will settle this cause and effect," Lu Yu secretly vowed. Presently, he was far from being a match for that great power, but who could predict the future? If one day he gets the chance to outwit that person, he certainly won't mind giving him a push.

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"Alas, I'll need to properly recuperate for a while now." Thinking this, Lu Yu couldn't help feeling somewhat dismayed, the fiery excitement that had been kindled now disappearing without a trace.

While Lu Yu was meditating and cultivating, far away in Fengjing, Liu Qingyun had already proposed his resignation to Lu Zhang.

"Qingyun, you are still young. Why harbor thoughts of retreating from the world? The realm has just been stabilized; the time is ripe for young people like you to shine. Why resign now?" Lu Zhang tried to retain him.

Lu Zhang truly liked Liu Qingyun from the bottom of his heart—skilled in martial arts, first-rate at leading troops, good-natured, and having significant connections with his own family, as well as maintaining sentimental bonds with the loyalists of the former dynasty. He was undoubtedly one of the most promising young talents in Great Chu. Everyone knew his potential was limitless.

Lu Zhang had even planned, after his hundredth anniversary, for Liu Qingyun to assist his son in creating a remarkable story.

"Liangyuan, though pleasing, is not a place to stay for long. To me, where my mentor is, that is my home. Now that I have avenged my great enemy and His Majesty has obtained his wishes, it is time to return to my mentor's side. The military and search for fame and fortune are but passing clouds to me.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

My mind is set, Your Majesty, please do not persuade me any further," Liu Qingyun said with finality, and anyone who heard his words would know that this man's decision to leave was unchangeable.

Lu Zhang's face showed reluctance, but he could hear the determination in Liu Qingyun's speech and knew he couldn't change his decision. A sense of melancholy surged in his heart since Liu Qingyun had been at the forefront in every battle, slaying generals and capturing flags, conquering cities and forts—his military achievements were indeed glorious.

To see such a strong warrior leave was bittersweet.

"It seems your decision is made, so be it. I shall not stand in your way, lest uncle be displeased. But don't rush off. I will arrange a banquet to send you off properly, and there are some treasures in the Imperial Palace that a cultivator can use. When the time comes, you can take them with you for uncle," Lu Zhang said with waning enthusiasm.

"Thank you for Your Majesty's gracious gift," Liu Qingyun replied respectfully, bowing.

The following day, all the civil and military officials in the court were aware of Liu Qingyun's impending departure, and their reactions varied greatly. Some showed reluctance—these were the veterans who had helped Lu Zhang establish his rule and had grown fond of Liu Qingyun over the years, naturally reluctant to see him go.

Some, however, showed signs of happiness. For them, the existence of someone like Liu Qingyun, with his formidable martial prowess and command over troops, was a deterrence, keeping them on tenterhooks.

Lu Zhang sat on the Dragon Throne, silently observing the ministers in the grand hall. He was well aware of some people's thoughts, but he was not in a hurry. The realm had just been stabilized, and he couldn't free his hands to deal with these people yet.

However, he now had the patience to slowly engage with these folks, especially since his uncle had told him he had a long life ahead and there was no rush.

After the court session, a grand banquet was held in the Imperial Palace to bid Liu Qingyun farewell. Regardless of their feelings towards him, everyone displayed an outward appearance of being very reluctant to let him go, as after all, he would no longer threaten their interests in the future, and it wasn't worth offending him at this juncture.

At the end of the festivities, the Crown Prince, Lu Chengqian, personally escorted Liu Qingyun out of the palace gates.

It was already deep into the night, and darkness had enveloped the land. The bright moon showered the earth with its pristine moonlight, laying a thin veil of silver over everything. In the palace, all the lanterns were lit, their glow exceptionally beautiful against the night.

"Who would have thought you'd leave just as the nation is founded," Lu Chengqian lamented.

Lu Chengqian and Liu Qingyun were not much different in age and had deep family connections, making their personal relationship quite close. Seeing his good friend about to depart, Lu Chengqian rarely showed a look of reluctance.

"Each person has their own aspirations, and you know me well. After the destruction of my clan, I experienced the full spectrum of life's hardships and only found hope when I met my mentor. I've enjoyed riches and honor, and I've endured the disdain of the world.

Looking back, the time spent cultivating with my mentor was the most blissful," Liu Qingyun revealed his true feelings, expressing his emotions slowly.

"Sometimes I think meeting my mentor was probably the greatest luck in my life," Liu Qingyun added with a smile.

"Alas, with you leaving, who knows when we'll meet again. I'm now trapped in this Capital City, unable to take a single step freely. Sometimes I feel it's not as good as before," Lu Chengqian shared his lamentations. Ever since he entered Fengjing City and became the Crown Prince, everyone told him that he must not behave unworthily of his status.

There were so many restrictions—places he could not go, things he could not do. It was frustrating for him to no end.

Liu Qingyun understood his friend's nature very well; although officially dignified and upstanding, at heart he was mischievous and playful. Now within the strict confines of the Imperial Palace, it was difficult for him to act the same as before.

"You are the current Crown Prince, heir to the throne; it's an unavoidable situation. If you find it unbearable, you could ask His Majesty to assign Luwu Shenjiang to protect you, and sneak out for a bit of fun now and then, ensuring no one finds out," Liu Qingyun consoled him.s

The two chatted while walking along the palace road, and before long they had arrived beside the palace wall. Lu Chengqian knew the time to part had come.

"Qingyun, may there be other meetings in the future!" Lu Chengqian said, bowing with his hands clasped.