Taiyi Dao Fruit

This funeral ceremony lasted from day to night, and then until the sun rose the next day, before it finally concluded.

Although the Emperor's burial date was abruptly decided, the necessary rituals could not be omitted, only tailored to special circumstances with slight simplifications. Jiang Li and his two disciples couldn't abstain from attending the funeral for inexplicable reasons; such would have been far too irregular.

Yet, fundamentally, Jiang Li participating in this Great Emperor's funeral itself could very well become a source of dark humor.

Even so, Tianxuan and Gongsun Qingyue gained substantial insights from this discourse.

During the process, they were at times dazzled and entranced, their eyes unfocused; at times, they sang aloud, their voices lingered in the air for three days; at times they hummed softly, their sounds mournful and enchanting, like lament and admiration, like weeping and storytelling, lingering like a delicate thread...

Jiang Li's rapid advancement in strength was terrifying; his realm had entirely surpassed Tianxuan, and even though Gongsun Qingyue possessed the Sun Dharma Form, she too was hard-pressed to rival him.

Half a day and a night were indeed sufficient.

In the following days, Jiang Li and his disciples participated in the funeral, and the Divine Capital, even the entire realm, was draped in mourning cloth, conveying Jiang Li's intentions to the people.

Once the funeral rites were completed, the Emperor's remains were to be interred in the Imperial Mausoleum. Although the Great Emperor left no remains, this did not hinder the funeral.

This process naturally differed from common funerals, such as the Emperor's coffin, not called a coffin but a "Zigong"; moreover, the vehicle carrying the Zigong had a special name, the "Dragon Chariot," with dragon patterns on the shafts.

The grand funeral procession emerged from the Imperial City, stretching thirty miles long, making its way from the Divine Capital's North Gate towards the Imperial Mausoleum.

This journey alone, from the Imperial City to outside the Divine Capital, spanned nearly three hundred miles. Fortunately, those attending the funeral all possessed cultivation, untiring under such trials.

Jiang Li walked ahead of the Dragon Chariot, accompanied by Royal Family members, followed by Jiang Family Elders and some key figures. Beside him were Tianxuan, Gongsun Qingyue, the Primordial Lord Rain Master, and the Princess.

Having worn mourning attire during the earlier funeral, the four were now dressed in simple white garments, their attire and temperament both uniformly elegant yet uniquely charming.

This added a splash of color to the otherwise monotonous procession.

Finally, the funeral procession reached Tian Shou Mountain, one hundred and fifty miles north of the Divine Capital, where for eight hundred years, the tombs of twelve Emperors of the Great Zhou were located.

Since the Grand Ancestor, every sixty years a new Imperial Tomb is added at Tian Shou Mountain, and now was the thirteenth tomb waiting for its master.

Due to the lengthy journey, even though all possessed cultivation, it was already dusk when they reached Tian Shou Mountain on the second day. However, this was all anticipated. The predicted auspicious day for burial was not today, so there was no rush.

The Dragon Chariot carrying the Zigong stopped at the reed palace, which was built with reeds, while Jiang Li and the other royal clan members entered the nearby palace.

Tomorrow, the Great Emperor's Zigong would be placed in the underground palace, set on the coffin bed, then sealed with the Dragon-breaking Stone, concluding the grand funeral.

However, before this, an inevitable sacrificial ceremony was to take place.

When the Great Emperor's Zigong was interred the next day, the next Emperor would offer condolences and wine in front of the Zigong, followed by the royal clan and officials paying respects.

The issue arose: a successor to the throne had yet to be established.

Although preparations had long been underway, with everything ready, the tide of persuasion had yet to fully surge.

At the end of the day, Jiang Sikong had a legitimate claim to succession, unlike some treacherous ministers who usurp the throne, there was no need for radical acts. 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

Still, by now, the owner of the Emperor's throne should be decided.

As Jiang Li entered the palace, he heard a commotion outside. He stepped out to see the officials gathered before the hall in an orderly manner, as during court sessions.

Zhu Huì'ān, at the forefront, saluted Jiang Li and declared loudly, "Sikong, the country cannot be without a master for a single day. Now the Great Emperor has passed, the Princes are unworthy. Zhu Huì'ān dares to entreat Sikong to officiate the Great Emperor's rites and usher in a new ruler for the Great Zhou. We implore Sikong to undertake the governance of the Nine Provinces."

"We implore Sikong to undertake the governance of the Nine Provinces."

All officials followed Zhu Huì'ān's lead, bowing in unison, wishing for Jiang Sikong to become the new ruler.

"No!" Jiang Li resolutely refused, saying, "The Princes may be unworthy, but I, along with you, will assist them. How could it be my place to rule the Jiangshan Mountain?"

"The Ji and Jiang together govern the realm, it is an ancestral rule, why not?" Zhu Huì'ān declared loudly.

"For eight hundred years the Ji Family has ruled, such change cannot be made hastily," Jiang Li refused again.

"Sikong, your words are mistaken."

On the side of the officials, Ji Changfeng, leading the royal clan members, stood tall despite his old age and said loudly, "Now the Great Zhou is amidst turmoil, with unworthy Princes presenting a grave threat. The Emperor's position should be held by the deserving. Only Sikong can now turn the tide and support this crumbling structure. How can you not bear the grand responsibility for such outdated customs? Ji Changfeng of the Ji Family, representing the royal clan, requests Sikong to undertake the governance of the Nine Provinces."

"This…" Jiang Sikong seemed swayed but insisted, "A decision regarding the Emperor cannot be made lightly. Even if not the Emperor, I will still dedicate myself fully to protecting the Great Zhou's Sacrificial Altar."

"This is not a decision made lightly, but a collective wish of the eminent officials and the royal clan."

The Princess emerged from the palace behind, stepping forward to Jiang Li and, with a respectful bow, said, "The stability of the country rests on Sikong, we earnestly hope Sikong will not refuse."

Jiang Li had already declined three times, and with both officials and the royal clan unanimously supporting him, he showed increasing hesitation, as if still deliberating.

At this moment, Yang Yan, from behind Zhu Huì'ān, presented an Imperial Robe, which Zhu Huì'ān accepted and quickly approached, saying, "Sikong, I ask your forgiveness."

He spread out the Imperial Robe, revealing the twelve chapter patterns.

The Three Dukes and princes wore the Nine Chapter Robe, with an exception for the Jiang Family Master who was permitted three patterns of the sun, moon, and stars among the nine, symbolizing their shared rule of the realm with the Ji Family.

The complete twelve chapters were the attire of the Emperor.

"I am willing to risk my life to implore Sikong to ascend the throne. If Sikong deems me guilty, then strike me dead with one blow."

As he spoke, Zhu Huì'ān draped the Twelve Chapter Robe over Jiang Li's shoulders.

Jiang Li's face showed anger, suggesting punishment, yet he could not bear to let Zhu Huì'ān meet his death.

He couldn't help but show anger, yet was unable to hide his helpless sorrow. Finally, he closed his eyes, seemingly unable to bear it, or unwilling to unleash his fury, only speaking in a deep voice, "You all… you all have…"

"Done me a grave disservice!"

"You all have done me a grave disservice!"