Chapter 2812

The Emperor had come to understand Yun Xi over the years. He knew Yun Xi was not the type to seek him out without cause. "Speak."

Yun Xi smiled faintly and handed the Emperor a prepared memorial. "It is better to read than to speak. Your Majesty, please read this first."

The Emperor took the document and began to read. Gradually, his expression grew grave. "Foreign trade… I have considered this in the past."

She set the memorial down and continued, "But our position as Da Ru is inconvenient. As you know, we are surrounded by the three nations of Yong, Wu, and Xia. Each has its strengths. Although our four nations appear similar in size, their lands are actually more fertile than ours. If we open up trade, we fear it will attract spies from these nations."

Yun Xi smiled lightly. "Your Majesty, you could simply announce that you have achieved Golden Book Qi."

"You mean, you want to face the pressure yourself?" The Emperor looked at Yun Xi.

The reason Da Yong dared not provoke the border regions was the lack of a Golden Book Qi master. Even the retired Regent King was only at the Purple level, while the other three nations each had a Golden Book Qi master guarding their borders.

Yun Xi nodded with a smile. "Exactly. I recently discovered that there are cultivation levels above Golden Book Qi. I have entered a bottleneck. I suspect it is because I lack pressure. If I announce this publicly, the external pressure might provide the motivation I need."

Yun Xi paused. "Furthermore, we can invite the other nations to celebrate with us. At that time, we can propose foreign trade. Of course, I will handle the negotiations personally."

The Emperor looked at Yun Xi, a glint in his eyes. "Are you certain? Once announced, this pressure will not be merely talk."

Yun Xi laughed. "Your servant knows this naturally."

"Stop pretending to be a servant before me." Since Yun Xi reached the Golden Book Qi level, the Emperor no longer dared to act casually imperial before him.

"Very well." Yun Xi smiled faintly, looking relaxed. "Your Majesty, to speak honestly, I can protect all of Da Yong for at most fifty years. During these fifty years, Da Yong must develop on its own. Only then can I leave with peace of mind."

It turned out that when Yun Xi entered the Golden Book Qi stage, Liang Chen had given him a new cultivation method. Liang Chen explained that what they called "Book Qi" was actually the Qi Condensation stage in cultivation. However, this world’s Qi Condensation stage seemed slightly different. The ability to transform Black Book Qi into Golden Book Qi indicated that Yun Xi had reached the peak of Qi Condensation. The next step was Foundation Establishment. Once successful, he would become a true cultivator.

After listening carefully to Liang Chen’s explanation of cultivation, Yun Xi realized he had gained a tremendous opportunity.

But this was his homeland. He wanted to settle everything here so he would have no worries behind him. Thus, he set himself a goal.

"Where do you plan to go?" The Emperor asked, slightly stunned.

Yun Xi replied, "After fifty years, I will go to another world to pursue the path of cultivation. Our Book Qi is actually the simplest form of all cultivation paths. Even though I am now at the Golden Book Qi level, it is merely a foundation for the true path of cultivation. However, this foundation has reached its peak. The next step allows me to enter the true path of cultivation."

Yun Xi looked at the Emperor and did not hide anything. He wanted the Emperor to know that his existence brought unimaginable benefits to Da Yong.

The Emperor could not believe there were other levels of cultivation, and that their Book Qi was the lowest tier. "Yun Qing, is what you say true? What are the requirements for cultivation?"

Yun Xi thought for a moment. "Your Majesty, I understand your meaning. This is what I plan to do next. While improving Da Yong’s martial strength, I will try to create a basic cultivation manual. Then, anyone who can generate Book Qi can cultivate, allowing Da Yong to achieve universal cultivation. However, I am still searching for this cultivation secret and have not yet obtained it. Therefore, this plan cannot be moved forward yet. What we can do now is make money."

Hearing this, the Emperor felt a surge of ambition. If Yun Xi was right, and there were other manuals and higher levels of cultivation, then Da Yong would have no trouble dealing with other nations. At the very least, Da Yong would be able to defend itself without issue.

"Good. You are responsible for this matter. Go ahead and do it." The Emperor made the decision immediately.

Yun Xi smiled and agreed, then left.

Half a month later, Da Ru announced to the outside world that the Fourth-Rank Vice Minister of Revenue, Yun Xi, had broken through to Golden Book Qi and was appointed as the Duke of Da Ru.

The world was shocked. Da Ru celebrated, while the three surrounding nations—Yong, Wu, and Xia—were slightly startled. Although they stood equal to Da Ru, they had looked down on Da Yong because it lacked a Golden Book Qi guardian. Now, one had appeared.

This meant that Da Ru would now have the confidence to face them.

"It seems we need to find a way to visit Da Ru," the King of Yong said to his Crown Prince.

Not only did the King of Yong think this, but the Kings of Wu and Xia did as well. As if to give them the opportunity, Da Yong hosted a celebration banquet and sent invitations to the other three nations and nearby vassal states.

Thus, the various nations became busy.

Similarly, the Yun family became busy.

"Wang Ge'er, why didn't you tell us you broke through to Golden Book Qi?" Yun Jian said. "Knowing would have made us happy too."

Wang Lanxuan entered just in time to hear Yun Jian complaining to Yun Xi. Thus, Wang Lanxuan learned that Yun Xi had not even told his own family about his breakthrough to Golden Book Qi. He found it amusing.

"Why has the Grand Secretary Wang come?" Yun Xi laughed dryly. Seeing Wang Lanxuan, he felt as if he had met a savior.

"I came to discuss foreign trade with you. I didn't expect to hear this news upon entering," Wang Lanxuan said helplessly. "Your secrecy is too good."

Yun Xi looked helpless. "I never considered my breakthrough to Golden Book Qi something to be happy about, especially since I know that so-called Book Qi is merely the most basic process in cultivation. Therefore, I didn't think to tell anyone."

In his heart, Yun Xi was quite grateful to Liang Chen. Without Liang Chen, he might have been smug about his breakthrough to Golden Book Qi. But with Liang Chen, he realized how vast the outside world was.

Wang Lanxuan pointed at Yun Xi. "Alright, let's go discuss trade matters first."

Yun Xi had no objections and led Wang Lanxuan to his study.