Chapter 3: The Sovereign's Decree (Please Add to Favorites)

"A poem recognized by the Dao of Literature, its aura of refinement emerges naturally."

"A gift from the Dao of Literature—he has entered the first rank of the literary path."

"For years, Qin has produced no true literary works. Could the path of literature be revived?"

"Incredible! His martial foundation destroyed, yet with a single poem he turns to the literary path. But alas, no matter how gifted he is, the path leads nowhere—literature has long since withered."

"With sincere patriotism, he gains the approval of the Great Dao. The Champion Marquis is worthy of his family's legacy of loyalty and valor."

"..."

All the officials, regardless of their true feelings, were left utterly astonished by the spectacle Yang Tian had created. They stared, incredulous, at what was unfolding before them.

Yang Tian himself had not expected that reciting a poem so casually would trigger such a transformation. The brilliance gradually subsided, and within him, a new energy was born. This energy surged throughout his body, then settled in his mind.

He had entered the realm of the first rank of the literary path.

On the continent of Nine Provinces, the practice of the literary Dao had long since faded, its glory lost for a thousand years.

He did not recall many famous poems, and the one he had recited was not a perfect match in its intent, yet it had brought about such results.

He heard the sighs of many civil and military officials. He understood the reason.

The path to literary sainthood had been severed, and now, few pursued the literary Dao. Advancement was difficult, martial prowess weakened, and the future bleak. The officials were merely astonished that Yang Tian’s poem had gained recognition from the Dao of Literature; none believed he would rise to greatness.

Yang Tian noticed a flicker of complexity in the ruler’s gaze.

"Sire, your humble subject Yang Tian is willing to accept punishment on behalf of my father. The Yang family’s spear techniques and all battlefield strategies, every item, I am willing to hand over to the ruler, in hopes that Qin will grow ever stronger."

"I earnestly request the ruler’s decree: revoke the hereditary title of Champion Marquis. Your humble subject is willing to guard the frontier wastelands for Qin, to atone, to expand the borders and serve the nation."

"If you believe the Champion Marquis household deserves death, your humble subject will harbor no complaint. May the ruler be blessed, and may Qin prosper."

Yang Tian struck first, ending his plea with the resolve of a general, hoping to avoid a death sentence.

The outcome, however, rested with the ruler.

The hall fell silent, and the officials looked at Yang Tian with newfound respect.

The second son of the Champion Marquis was not simple!

They had not expected Yang Tian to act so decisively.

His willingness to cut off his own path—a desperate act—was a way to seek survival in the face of doom.

To voluntarily relinquish his hereditary title, surrender family secrets, and accept exile to a wasteland no one wished to go to—his resolve was terrifying.

Moreover, his words were pleasing, his flattery well-placed.

Yang Tian’s situation was indeed dire; he even faced execution.

But by taking the initiative, the outcome was entirely different.

Some eyes flashed with dark thoughts.

---

The officials wished to speak, but the ruler waved them silent.

He no longer had the bearing of a mighty sovereign, but his authority remained.

The hall quieted once more.

The ruler gazed at Yang Tian, his eyes drifting, as if lost in memory.

He knew well the details of the Champion Marquis; he was no ignorant tyrant, but fully aware.

He recalled years past, when the Champion Marquis accompanied him to battle, nearly dying to save his life. Had he not been king, perhaps they could have been brothers.

He reflected on his own situation—he feared he would not live much longer.

He understood Yang Tian’s intentions and felt a measure of comfort. The Champion Marquis had a worthy successor; Yang Tian would never be mediocre.

Enough. Let him go. The fault lies with Qin’s treatment of his family. Let him live well.

The ruler made up his mind.

"Yang Tian, hear my decree: your requests are granted. You are now appointed Lord of the Wasteland City, tasked with defending it from savage threats. Without royal command, you shall never set foot in the capital again."

At that moment, something stirred in Yang Tian’s mind—the vast, ancient Book of China seemed to open a page.

But the location was not quite right. Yang Tian suppressed his curiosity.

"Thank you, Sire, for your graciousness. Your humble subject—no, your minister—will not fail your expectations." Yang Tian breathed a sigh of relief. He had passed this trial of life and death.

For some, this was not the ideal outcome.

But the ruler's word was final; there was no need to argue further.

The Champion Marquis’s position was vacated, and everything of the Yang family would be confiscated.

With only Yang Tian left, he posed no threat.

And the Wasteland City, though its lord, was as good as nothing.

Many officials quickly realized Yang Tian’s purpose and the ruler’s intent.

To keep Yang Tian away from the capital's intrigues was, in fact, a protection.

Soon, court was dismissed.

The ruler’s orders were issued, and the court sent officials to accompany Yang Tian back to the Marquis’s estate.

They oversaw the confiscation of everything; Yang Tian was eager for the process to be swift.

The Yang family’s spear techniques and resources were merely possessions.

Preserving his life was paramount.

He was no longer a warrior; keeping the spear techniques was useless.

Surviving made these things burdens instead.

Having nothing would make others lose interest in him.

Yang Tian was impatient to leave the capital; the longer he stayed, the greater the danger.

Of course,

He still had to pass through another life-and-death crisis before he could plan his future.

---

His thoughts turned again, seeking a way to break the stalemate.

Soon, he returned to the Marquis estate.

Yang Tian looked at the plaque above the door, his gaze growing resolute.

The officials waited outside, giving him a moment to arrange things.

"Young master, you’ve returned…" Old Fu hurried to greet him, concern in his voice.

Yang Tian explained briefly, then calmly instructed, "Old Fu, gather everyone—I have something to say."

In no time, everyone in the estate had assembled.

Their eyes were filled with anxiety, worry, hope, and countless emotions.

With their lives hanging in the balance, none could remain calm.

"I’m all right now, so you needn’t worry. Soon, everyone will register with Old Fu, receive three months’ wages, and then leave to begin a new life."

"No discussion, just listen to me."

"There will be no more Marquis’s estate. I will leave the capital as well. If you follow me, I can’t pay you anymore—ha…"

"Thank you all for your dedication to the Yang family. I, Yang Tian, wish you well in the future. Thank you."

"Say nothing. I don’t want to see anyone cry. Act quickly; the officials will soon enforce the decree. Don’t make things hard for me."

"Old Fu, I leave it to you. You know what to do. When it’s time to cut, cut cleanly."

With that, Yang Tian turned away from the gathered crowd and entered his room with resolute determination.

He needed to prepare for his final departure.

His consciousness entered his mind.

The Book of China was open; the first page bore radiant script.

When the ruler decreed him Lord of the Wasteland City,

Yang Tian was linked to Qin’s national destiny. Though faint, it was enough to unlock the Book of China.

He touched the page with his mind, and the first leaf detached, merging into his consciousness as a stream of light.

He was wild with joy!

He immediately took out paper, ink, brush, and inkstone, grinding the ink while adjusting his state of mind.

His essence, spirit, and vitality fused together. He stood upright as a blade, his grip on the brush strong, literary power flowing to its tip.

Swiftly, he wrote—his strokes sharp as swords, each character like a battle-hardened warrior.

"Knock, knock, knock!"

A knock sounded at the door. Without pausing, Yang Tian replied, "Come in."