Chapter Forty-Five: The Royal Technique of Righteous Qi

What is the royal family? Perhaps ordinary people are unaware, but as the young lady of the first cultivation clan in China, Linwen Xuanyuan could hardly be ignorant of it. Ming Duguli, too, had the fortune of reading this legend in an ancient text.

As the name suggests, the royal family refers to the families of emperors throughout history. Every dynasty that unified China could claim the title of royal family.

It is said that after Pangu created the heavens and earth, a miraculous book was born. Its name remains unknown, but from the era of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, everyone who obtained this book could unify the central plains. Thus, it was called the Royal Righteousness Manual.

Legend has it this manual is supremely powerful, capable of enchanting minds, allowing its possessor to command others unconsciously, turning them into loyal followers. In this, it bears a resemblance to the Great Sun Mantra from the Middle East and the Holy Bible of Europe.

Whoever obtained these secret texts could achieve supremacy. During the time of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, the book was bestowed upon sages. But when the First Emperor of Qin acquired it, fearing usurpation, he sought to destroy it. Yet the book possessed a spirit, and when he found it indestructible, he hid it within the Imperial Seal.

Thus arose the saying, "With the Imperial Seal in hand, I own the world."

After the fall of China's last dynasty, the Imperial Seal was lost, and the Royal Righteousness Manual vanished as well. Only a century after its disappearance did the Xuanyuan family, relying on their clan's secret canon, come to dominate all of China.

Now, the sudden reappearance of the Royal Righteousness Manual naturally shocked Linwen Xuanyuan. In truth, it was the Xuanyuan clan that had seized everything that rightfully belonged to the royals.

At this moment, Ming Duguli was not pondering these things. His thoughts dwelled on the sudden appearance of the Royal Righteousness Manual, lost for a hundred years, now surfacing in Ningxia, the very place his father had sent him. Did his father know of this?

He suddenly realized that his father, the man who raised him, was far more mysterious than he had imagined. He resolved to seek him out, to clarify matters, to have questions answered. But, as always, Duguli's calls to his father remained unreachable.

He glanced at Linwen Xuanyuan, whose face was filled with astonishment. Understanding her thoughts, he reached out, wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her into his embrace, and whispered in her ear, "After class, let's go find him. Don't worry, whatever happens, I'll protect you."

Linwen Xuanyuan looked at her man, and his words filled her heart with a sweetness akin to honey.

Li Yunren continued lecturing at the podium. Until the bell finally rang, not a single student lost focus, played with their phone, or daydreamed. Everyone listened attentively as Professor Li finished his class.

Observing their classmates' behavior throughout the lesson, Duguli and Xuanyuan could not help but silently marvel, "The Royal Righteousness Manual truly lives up to its reputation—how terrifying it is."

When the bell rang, Duguli told Zhang Liming and the others he had something to attend to, then took Linwen Xuanyuan's hand and headed to the faculty office in search of Li Yunren.

Li Yunren, as the secretary of the university, was easy to find. His office was spacious, located in a luxurious building. As they walked, Duguli suddenly pondered a question.

This man, claiming to be Professor Li Yunren, appeared no older than thirty. How did someone so young become secretary of Ningxia University? Clearly, there was more to this than met the eye.

Nevertheless, Duguli trusted his father. If he sent him to Ningxia University, he would not lead him into harm's way. It meant his father was convinced he would be safe here. Though they rarely met, the bond of blood remained unchanged.

Duguli often felt his father's presence late at night, gently covering him with a blanket. Though his father left early the next morning, these small acts moved him deeply and taught him the meaning of love.

Reflecting on this, Duguli realized it had been a long time since he last saw his father. Though their meetings were brief and words few, their silent understanding perhaps best embodied the affection between father and son.

Lost in thought, Duguli felt a gentle squeeze on his hand. Linwen Xuanyuan, seeing his sudden silence, worried something was amiss, and squeezed his hand.

He looked at her, smiled, and patted her arm to signal he was fine. By now, they had reached Li Yunren's office door.

Duguli knocked.

"Who is it? Please, come in," Li Yunren's voice sounded from inside.

Duguli opened the door and, pulling Linwen Xuanyuan with him, entered together.

Li Yunren glanced at them, seemingly unsurprised. He rose and motioned for them to sit.

They took seats on stools before his desk.

"All right, I know why you've come to see me. Let’s have Miss Xuanyuan speak first—I think your questions will be easier to answer," Li Yunren said to Linwen Xuanyuan.

Originally, upon hearing the first part of Li Yunren’s words, Duguli was about to ask his own questions. But hearing this, it was clear Li Yunren had anticipated their visit, and evidently knew what they would ask. Judging by his words, Duguli’s questions would be harder to answer.

Well, that could wait. Let’s see what his beloved wife wished to ask, Duguli thought, turning to Linwen Xuanyuan.

"Are you a member of the royal family?" Linwen Xuanyuan asked.

"Yes and no," Li Yunren replied.

"What do you mean?" she pressed.

"Strictly speaking, I am not. I was once just an ordinary citizen, not a descendant of any emperor who unified China."

"Then how did you obtain the Royal Righteousness Manual?" Linwen Xuanyuan asked, concise and direct.

Li Yunren showed no irritation at being questioned in such an assertive tone by a junior; instead, he replied kindly, "Rather than saying I acquired the book, it is more accurate to say the book found me. I believe you understand what I mean."

Of course Linwen Xuanyuan understood. A divine book possesses its own spirit; after a century of disappearance, it would not willingly remain silent but would seek a suitable inheritor to pass itself on. The Xuanyuan clan had long since known this.

Yet Duguli and Xuanyuan had no idea why the book would choose this moment to reveal itself.

"So it is," Linwen Xuanyuan closed her eyes and spoke softly.

"Now, it’s your turn, Duguli," Li Yunren said, turning toward him, resting his head on his hand, and looking at Duguli with curiosity.