Chapter 289: 226 – Who Can Resist the Temptation of Longevity? First Update
Chapter 289: 226 – Who Can Resist the Temptation of Longevity? First Update
It was just a momentary spark of inspiration from hearing Pei Xuanjing talk about the pursuit of longevity, recalling a record he had come across long ago, that prompted him to ask.
However, it turned out that his guess was accurate.
If this matter was true, then things would become even more significant.
It meant that their original conjecture when he was discussing with Wang Qiong could be completely overturned since their objective was entirely different from the one they anticipated.
Moreover, if that was the case, it implied that they were determined to achieve this, and they would not give up easily.
“Hehe.” From Gu Ji’S reaction, Pei Xuanjing understood that the former seemed not to know much about this issue.
Pei Xuanjing speculated that Gu Ji might have only gathered snippets of information from somewhere, and simply blurted it out unintentionally.
However, he was not worried about Gu Ji revealing anything, admitting that, “Indeed! Longevity could be achieved if the Ground Divine Dynasty were established.”
Although Pei Xuanjing was unsure if establishing the Ground Divine Dynasty could truly guarantee longevity, it did not stop him from using it as a temptation.
Longevity!
Gu Ji chewed over this word.
Up until now, Gu Ji believed there was nothing besides power that could attract him.
However, upon hearing about the prospect of longevity, he had to admit that he was tempted.
Especially after seeing Pei Xuanjing for the first time just a while ago, he felt the merciless passing of time.
Despite ten years passing since their last meeting, Pei Xuanjing still appeared vibrant and unchanged.
As for himself, his hair was graying, and as a Third-grade never having made a breakthrough, his health was declining, and his life was nearing its end.
The pursuit of longevity is almost instinctively linked to life itself.
Throughout history, many emperors, despite possessing boundless wealth and riches, failed to transcend life and death.
As a mortal, how could he refuse such an offer?
“Can it really guarantee longevity?” Gu Ji asked in a deep voice, his eyes full of anticipation.
Pei Xuanjing looked at Gu Ji and was reminded of their first meeting decades ago.
Back then, Gu Ji, being a prefectural governor, was full of ambition and driven by his determination to climb the hierarchy, his eyes brimming with desire.
At this moment, Gu Ji’s ambition and spirit were even stronger than they were in the past.
“At least it can prolong life!” Pei Xuanjing’s response was exactly what he had hoped for.
Huu huu huu…
Gu Ji closed his eyes, taking long breaths, as if he were making a difficult decision.
Pei Xuanjing was not in a hurry, just silently waiting for him to decide.
Maybe a long time passed, or maybe it was just a moment, when Gu Ji slowly opened his eyes again, regaining his initial calm, yet one could still see the indelible ambition hidden deep in his eyes.
“Can I… believe you?” Gu Ji asked slowly, his eyes locked intensely on Pei Xuanjing.
Pei Xuanjing did not avoid Gu Ji’s gaze. His eyes were full of sincerity, “Just as when I ventured into the forbidden blessed land alone to bring you a miraculous item decades ago. I don’t break my promises!”
Boom!
The final vestige of hesitation in Gu Ji’s heart was shattered by these words.
The initial agreement with Pei Xuanjing, who risked his life to venture into the forbidden blessed land and obtain a miraculous item for him.
Even when he could have escaped, Pei Xuanjing chose to keep his promise and handed over the mysterious item to him, giving him the chance to return to Tiandu.
It was because of this particular incident that they formed a substantial friendship.
And today, with Pei Xuanjing referring to this incident once again, he was ready to trust Pei Xuanjing one more time!
“Once I return today, I’ll persuade the old man for you”. Gu Ji made a promise.
He decided that he would attempt to convince Wang Qiong to agree once he returned, to ensure that this cooperation would happen.
“In the future, the chance at immortality will assuredly include Mr. Gu and Minister Wang,” Pei Xuanjing solemnly nodded.
His promise was no ruse. Currently, Wang Qiong and Gu Ji were their best potential partners, and neither parties had significant disagreements. Looking into the future, both stood to gain from their shared interests, a long-term cooperation was not implausible.
Some may argue that with their sheer strength, Pei Xuanjing and his comrades could easily wipe out those who currently held the power , without having to concede so much or compromise.
Indeed, with their power, they could easily achieve this. Even if Wang Qiong decided to put aside his prejudice and ally with Yang Tinghe, they would have a hard time stopping them.
But what about afterwards?
After clearing out these individuals, what would become of the world?
Even if they had sufficient power among them, how many capable people would they need to manage a territory of ten thousand miles, home to a hundred million citizens?
If they were to incite nationwide turmoil and widespread rebellions, it would not serve their interests.
By then, how much time and energy would they have to devote to suppressing the unrest, and how long would it take for things to return to the way they were?
If it came to that, when would they be able to implement their plan? They might even incite a mass revolt against them.
‘Whether it’s the people currently seated in the court or us pulling strings to replace them with others, the final result will remain unchanged,” Pei Xuanjing mused to himself.
He knew that, given the lack of potential replacements, they couldn’t simply eliminate everyone.
And even if they managed to get rid of these individuals, those who eventually filled their places would be the same people.
Everything would be meaningless; it would just be a cycle!
Pei Xuanjing knew that even if he was personally involved, he could not achieve this. It was not a matter of the moment, but something almost infinite in time.
This was a task almost impossible even for a saint, let alone Pei Xuanjing.
“Alright!” Gu Ji nodded, deciding to take his leave resolutely.
Today’s negotiation outcome was beyond his expectation, and the information he received was beyond his imagination. Thus, he needed to discuss with Wang Qiong to ensure that his decision was the right one.
“I’ll await your good news.” Pei Xuanjing said with a smile.
Watching Gu Ji hastily leave, Pei Xuanjing called over Yu Zhenzi and Pang Hong. To Yu Zhenzi, he
sma, “Escort mm nome m secret.’
“Yes!” Yu Zhenzi received his order and left.
Pei Xuanjing turned to Pang Hong, who understood that there was something he needed to do, “What do you need me to do, Master?”
Pei Xuanjing smiled and replied, “Brother Lin brought you to Tiandu initially, which was a significant favor. Since you’ve returned to Tiandu, it’s necessary to pay a visit.”
Pang Hong grasped Pei Xuanjing’s meaning and cautiously asked, “I’m afraid of saying the wrong thing.”
He needed Pei Xuanjing to draw a line so that he could gauge the situation.
Pei Xuanjing whispered instructions into Pang Hong’s ear, who nodded in understanding, “I understand.”
With that, he turned and left..