World's First Traitor System (423)

Chapter 423 - The Arrogant Divine Beast

A battle of recognition. Fan Li hadn't expected, after so many years, to face another such trial.

He was instantly transported to a separate dimension, a battlefield created solely for this purpose.

The divine beast stood before him.

Its fur was pristine, as pure and unblemished as snow. Twin horns sprouted from its head, resembling both gold and jade, radiating an aura of holiness. Nine patterns adorned its body, vibrant with color, like totems representing some ancient power, or inscriptions engraving the Dao of Heaven.

Even a mortal could tell at a glance that it was, undoubtedly, a divine beast.

But with Fan Li's experience and knowledge, even the descent of a divine beast merely piqued his curiosity.

Shock? Ecstasy? Such turbulent emotions were now rare for him.

He carefully examined the divine beast. From its elegant posture and enchanting demeanor, he could even deduce that it was a female.

But...

Fan Li frowned.

He had briefly met the beast's gaze, and in that fleeting moment, he had perceived a shift in its eyes.

First, anticipation. Then, surprise. Finally, only deep disappointment and disdain.

The divine beast was looking down on him? Why?

As he pondered, an elegant yet haughty female voice suddenly resonated within his mind.

"The founding Emperor is so weak? I wasted a hard-won opportunity to descend to the mortal realm. To encounter such a useless creature, truly detestable!"

Was this the divine beast communicating with him through thought?

But how was this communication? It was clearly an insult!

Fan Li's heart sank. Any fondness he might have felt for the divine beast vanished instantly!

Divine beasts were rare and precious, but they weren't so important that they could defecate on Fan Li's head. Especially one with such a temperament – he wouldn't want it even if it were given to him for free!

"Leave," Fan Li said coldly. "I have no interest in you. Go back where you came from."

As an Emperor, his dignity would not be challenged.

But his attitude surprised the divine beast.

"Ignorant fool! Weak mortal ruler, you probably have no idea what kind of great opportunity you face."

The divine beast communicated again, maintaining its arrogant tone.

Fan Li said calmly, "The opportunity you speak of, is it perhaps the [Investiture of the Gods]?"

"What? You actually know?!"

This time, it was the divine beast's turn to be surprised.

"The chance for a kingdom-wide ascension is right before you, and you don't cherish it?"

The Investiture of the Gods could record the names of subjects. The legendary saying, 'When one attains the Dao, even chickens and dogs ascend to heaven,' referred to the Investiture of the Gods.

All those whose names were on the list could ascend with the Emperor.

Fan Li shook his head, offering no explanation.

From their brief exchange, he was certain this divine beast was nothing special. Its character might even be inferior to the Vermilion Bird of Great Ming, or Xuanwu and Tuan Tuan of Great Han.

Furthermore, the third generation Guiguzi, Wang Ban, could construct an Investiture Platform. Fan Li naturally had no need for a descended divine beast.

"I repeat myself. I have no interest in you. Go back where you came from."

Respect given, respect earned. And with Fan Li's personality, he was always the one bullying others; there was no way he would be bullied.

Thus, he directly issued an eviction order.

"My Great Jin has no need of you."

"No!" The divine beast shook its head, continuing to communicate through thought. "The battle of recognition has begun. We must determine a victor. I will defeat you, and then choose another master."

Fan Li was rather surprised.

From the beginning, he had sensed something different about this divine beast.

The mortal realm, it seemed, was a place it had actively chosen to come to. Choosing another master was something unheard of!

Throughout the world, only Yao Guang, Cao Cao, Liu Bei, and Sun Quan, four emperors, had yet to acquire a descended divine beast.

Given its temperament, Fan Li could guess with his toes that there was a ninety percent chance it would seek refuge with Empress Yao Guang.

A stronger enemy meant weakening himself! This realization ignited a rare killing intent within Fan Li!

To slay a descended divine beast in the [Battle of Recognition], he would likely be the first in history.

Unfortunately, the moment Fan Li's killing intent surfaced, the system immediately 'advised' him.

"Friendly reminder: The [Battle of Recognition] cannot inflict fatal damage on a descended divine beast."

"Detected that the host's relationship with the divine beast has deteriorated, triggering the random mission [Arrogance is a Sin]."

"[Arrogance is a Sin]: If the host defeats the divine beast, he may strip it of some of its memories. If the host is defeated, the system will permanently reclaim the [Emperor's Staircase]."

The system's swift response was quite satisfying to Fan Li.

Stripping the divine beast of its memories would ensure Great Jin could continue to remain hidden.

However, the punishment was severe – the permanent loss of the [Emperor's Staircase].

This battle could only be won, not lost!

"Let's begin quickly."

The divine beast, growing impatient, urged him.

Fan Li looked at it coldly.

"Good, as you wish."

…

The Golden Luan Palace of Great Jin.

The court officials, led by Wang Ban and Hu Zongxian, waited anxiously.

They all knew their Emperor was currently engaged in battle with a descended divine beast.

This was a good thing.

Only with Heaven's recognition would a divine beast descend.

"His Majesty will surely prevail," Yu Shenzi said, stroking his beard with a smile. "I am merely curious as to what kind of divine beast has descended this time."

"There are many auspicious beasts."

In terms of scholarly lineage, no one in the court could surpass the third generation Guiguzi, Wang Ban.

He counted on his fingers. "Descended divine beasts, such as the Four Symbols – Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, Black Tortoise – or the Phoenix, Qilin, even the Twelve Zodiac Animals, Peacocks, Rocs, and so on, can all be classified as divine beasts."

As he spoke, the space above the palace suddenly warped! A rift, as if sliced open by a blade, appeared. Fan Li emerged alone.

"Why are all my beloved ministers staring at me?"

He had completely forgotten that the [Battle of Recognition] would inevitably draw the attention of his court.

"Um..." Hu Zongxian glanced around, then stepped forward and asked, "Your Majesty, have you already subdued the descended divine beast?"

Fan Li came to his senses.

He shook his head. "No."

The officials were all astonished!

Failure to subdue?

How could that be?

Even a weak ruler like Emperor Xian of Han had subdued Xuanwu after a difficult battle.

The officials examined Fan Li. He was well-dressed and composed, showing no signs of a difficult battle. How could he have lost?

"Cough!"

It was Hu Zongxian who spoke again.

"Your Majesty, do not be concerned. A mere divine beast cannot determine the fate of the dynasty. As long as Your Majesty governs diligently, Great Jin will surely flourish..."

To be honest, Hu Zongxian wasn't suited for flattery.

Fan Li saw his awkward expression and finally understood.

"Beloved ministers, you misunderstand. The descended divine beast has been defeated by me. But that creature displeased me, so after giving it a beating, I let it go."

Hearing Fan Li's words, the officials' jaws nearly dropped to the floor!

"Your... Your... Your Majesty, you truly abandoned the divine beast?" Yu Shenzi cried out, a pained expression on his face. He rarely looked at Fan Li with the eyes of someone looking at a prodigal son. "What a pity, what a waste!"

Among the officials, the patriarchs of the five great families wore even more complex expressions.

Lu Zhi's face was filled with disappointment. Had he misjudged? Was the new Emperor even worse than the old one?

Even Emperor Xian of Han could do it, yet Fan Li couldn't?

"Beloved ministers."

Seeing the officials' reactions, Fan Li's expression gradually turned serious.

"The fate of a dynasty lies with the Emperor, the civil and military officials, and the common people. How can we place our hopes on a so-called descended divine beast?"

Fan Li's words were firm and resolute, displaying immense confidence.

The officials were moved by his conviction. While feeling awful, they also felt ashamed for their momentary wavering.

"Your Majesty's wise teachings, your servants will forever remember!"

The ministers knelt and kowtowed, both to express their resolve and to admit their fault.

Fan Li smiled with satisfaction.

In the Golden Luan Palace, the Emperor and his ministers continued to discuss the unresolved affairs of state.

But after only half a day, a voice suddenly echoed from the distant horizon.

This was the technique of a Great Vehicle realm cultivator, transmitting their voice across the world!

"I am Yao Guang of Great Ci, and I have now subdued the descended divine beast, the [Nine-Colored Deer]."

"Heaven blesses Great Ci, may it last for eternity!"

…

Video call.

"Fan Li, look at this."

Xiang Ning held a painting, which she had just completed.

The subject of the painting was, surprisingly, the divine beast, the Nine-Colored Deer.

Xiang Ning's painting skills were quite impressive. The Nine-Colored Deer was vividly depicted, even its graceful and elegant feminine form was captured.

"The divine beast newly subdued by Empress Yao Guang. She rode it around outside the Pure Land, showing off, trying to persuade Han Yue to surrender."

"I remembered the beast's appearance and painted it. But I don't know what species it is. Fan Li, you are knowledgeable. Tell me, is this divine beast... a deer... or a horse?"

When she spoke the last few words, Xiang Ning emphasized them, her tone carrying a hint of gritted teeth.

"Um, this, Your Majesty?"

Fan Li was quite embarrassed.

He never dreamed he would face retribution for such a thing.

"Speak!" Xiang Ning urged. "Why aren't you speaking? My good Prime Minister, my good Duke Jin? I am young and ignorant, unable to tell whether this beast is a deer or a horse. Please enlighten me."

Fan Li suddenly wondered who had given Xiang Ning the courage to bring up the past with him. Was it Han Yue? Or was it... himself?

The phrase 'spoiled and arrogant' strangely flashed through Fan Li's mind.

He looked at Xiang Ning again. On her delicate and lovely face, there was indeed a hint of coquettish pride.

Scold her? He was afraid she would cry.

Strike her? He couldn't reach her. If he truly did, she would likely cry even harder.

"Alas! How can a true man be subdued by others?" Fan Li lamented inwardly.

Fortunately, he knew the best way to handle this situation was to change the subject.

"Your Majesty, I have something to report."

Xiang Ning was startled.

It had been years since she had seen Fan Li so serious.

Something to report?

This tone and manner, it was a major issue, even a matter of state!

She immediately put aside the matter of calling a deer a horse, sat up straight, and almost blurted out 'approved,' before remembering she wasn't in the Great Chu palace.

"You... you speak. I'm listening."

"Yes."

Fan Li nodded, his expression solemn.

"Your Majesty, recently, Great Ci envoys have been frequently traveling between Wei, Han, and Wu. From the intelligence I have gathered, it seems Yao Guang believes the time is ripe and is finally about to move against Emperor Jiajing."

Xiang Ning was shocked.

"Yao Guang and the three kingdoms are finally going to besiege Emperor Jiajing? Are they confident of success?"

Fan Li shook his head.

"How Yao Guang is planning, I am excluded from the details, I do not know. But I can conclude that this battle will unveil the prelude to the unification of the world. Your Majesty, the brief peace is over. War is about to begin."

Xiang Ning asked urgently, "Will Great Chu be drawn into the war? What do you plan to do?"

"With the world in chaos, how can Great Chu remain unaffected?" Fan Li paused briefly, then slowly spoke. "I will personally lead the army, conquer Great Ci, depose the false emperor Xiang Chong, and welcome Your Majesty back to the court!"