Chapter 2814

The emergence of a Golden Book Qi master in the Great Ru Dynasty was undoubtedly the most significant news of the day. Following this, the Great Ru invited nations from across the land to celebrate this momentous occasion.

Naturally, this news also stirred the Regent, who had long since retired from public life.

The Regent was nearing eighty years of age, yet he appeared no older than forty, radiating vitality and sharpness. He was, in truth, a man of profound wisdom. When the young emperor ascended the throne, the Regent served as regent with meticulous care. The moment the emperor came of age, the Regent swiftly stepped down and retreated into seclusion, ensuring no one could use his name to suppress the sovereign. This act of restraint earned him the emperor’s deep respect.

Upon hearing the news of the Golden Book Qi master, the Regent immediately emerged from retirement and entered the palace to see the emperor. Confirming the truth of the matter, he laughed heartily. "Heaven blesses the Great Ru! Heaven truly blesses us!"

The emperor nodded in agreement. "Indeed, Uncle. I never imagined Heaven would gift our Great Ru with such a genius."

"This proves that Heaven acknowledges the Great Ru," the Regent said seriously. "Your Majesty, might this old servant meet this Yun Wangzhi?"

The emperor nodded promptly. "Naturally." He then provided the Regent with the address. "However, Uncle, you know his status is unique. I treat him with particular courtesy."

"Rest assured, Your Majesty. This old servant merely wishes to meet him and inquire about the path to breakthrough. I have been stuck at the Purple Book Qi stage for many years, unable to advance," the Regent explained earnestly.

For years, the Regent had dedicated himself to breaking through his cultivation limits. He understood the immense importance of a Golden Book Qi master to the Great Ru. With one already existing, if he could also break through, the Great Ru would possess two such masters. In conflicts with the other three major powers, the Great Ru would face no fear, with the odds of victory significantly higher.

The emperor understood the Regent’s intent and replied quickly, "That would be ideal. But Uncle, cultivation requires patience. Do not rush and invite fire into your heart."

The Regent smiled and nodded, then took his leave to visit the Yun residence.

When Yun Xi heard of the Regent’s arrival, he raised an eyebrow, understanding the situation immediately.

Over the years, the Regent had avoided the court for two reasons: first, to avoid suspicion, as his long involvement in politics had made some uneasy about the Great Ru’s peace; second, to focus on his cultivation breakthrough.

Now that news of Yun Xi’s Golden Book Qi had spread, the Regent’s visit was entirely predictable.

Yun Xi entered the reception hall and saw the Regent. He paused slightly. It had to be said that if he did not know the man was the Regent, Yun Xi would not have recognized him. The Regent’s aura was so restrained and内敛 (introverted) that it blended seamlessly into the background.

Seeing this restrained energy, Yun Xi suspected the Regent should have broken through long ago. The fact that he was stuck suggested other underlying causes.

"Liangchen, what do you think of this Regent?" Yun Xi asked mentally.

Liangchen replied slowly, "He has been drugged. His breakthrough bottleneck is restricted by external means."

"Is there a solution?" Yun Xi continued.

"Yes. Use your Black Book Qi to gently clear the blockage. Your Black Book Qi is the most miraculous; it can包容 (embrace) all types of Book Qi. You might call it your exclusive 'Yun Qi' (Cloud Qi)."

"Yun Qi?" Yun Xi was speechless. "What nonsense are you talking?"

"It is not nonsense, but the truth. Do you not have the surname Yun? This exclusive aura belonging to you is, in essence, your Cloud Qi. So calling it Yun Qi is quite appropriate," Liangchen explained.

Yun Xi considered this and found it somewhat logical.

"I did not know the Regent was arriving. Please forgive my lack of proper welcome," Yun Xi said with a gentle smile.

As Yun Xi observed the Regent, the Regent was equally observing Yun Xi. He saw a young man not yet twenty, yet possessing cultivation beyond imagination. Despite his high power, Yun Xi exuded gentleness and approachability. Such a person would be the most terrifying if he were an enemy.

"I came uninvited. I should be the one asking for your forgiveness, Lord Yun," the Regent said quickly.

Yun Xi smiled faintly, glancing at the nervous Yun Jian beside him, then turned back to the Regent. "I have some homemade tea here. Why not follow me to the study to taste this year’s new harvest?"

"I shall trouble you then," the Regent said, noticing Yun Jian’s tension.

It was no wonder Yun Jian was nervous. Although he knew his son had met many important figures, including the emperor and the Grand Secretary, Yun Jian always avoided these encounters. To him, these people were towering figures, and as a minor character, he felt immense pressure.

Now that the Regent had arrived, the pressure was even greater. Seeing Yun Xi lead the guest away, Yun Jian finally breathed a sigh of relief, though pride swelled in his heart. His son was indeed exceptional.

Yun Xi led the Regent to his study. After serving a cup of tea, he asked directly, "Regent, what brings you here?"

Hearing this, the Regent realized Yun Xi was a straightforward person, or at least direct in certain matters, avoiding unnecessary circumlocution. He smiled bitterly and said, "To be honest, I have been at the Purple Book Qi stage for thirty full years. Despite all my efforts, I have failed to break through to the Golden stage. I came to ask how it might be done."

Yun Xi looked at the Regent and said, "Your demeanor is restrained, and your state of mind has long since surpassed the necessary threshold. Breaking into the Golden stage should be a natural progression. Why are you stuck?" Yun Xi paused. "Please extend your hand. I will use my Book Qi to examine your body."

"I trouble you," the Regent said.

Using someone else’s Book Qi to examine one’s body was inherently dangerous. Yet, the Regent trusted Yun Xi without question.

She did not need to ask why. Yun Xi was a Golden Book Qi master. Such a person could not be a villain. The Regent understood well that for cultivators of Book Qi, state of mind was paramount. Any hidden schemes or malice would block their progress, sometimes even creating heart demons, leading to permanent stagnation.

The Regent extended his hand. Yun Xi placed his hand on the Regent’s and began to slowly scan him with his Book Qi. When he reached the blocked meridians, he applied a slight amount of Black Book Qi, clearing the obstruction.

As Yun Xi withdrew his hand, the Regent felt his internal Book Qi surging. He immediately closed his eyes. Half an hour later, he successfully broke through to the Golden Book Qi stage.