The Human Emperor c1-2382

by Huangfu Qi (皇甫奇)

  “There’s nothing that our Wang Clan cannot defeat. I believe that you can eventually overcome the Berserker Syndrome!”

  Wang Chong spoke deeply.

  Within the cell, upon hearing the words ‘Don’t allow your soul to anguish over your form’, Wang Bei’s figure suddenly shuddered. But soon, he regained his calmness.

  “Leave, don’t bother me!”

  Wang Bei waved his hands.

  Wang Chong’s eyes darkened as he stared at Wang Bei’s back.

  “Second brother, I’m actually here to bid you farewell. I’m going to join Kunwu Training Camp soon. I don’t have sufficient time on my hand; Great Tang is in great danger so I might have to get onto the battlefield soon. There are some words that I can’t tell the others but I’ll tell them to you.”

  “In the future, Great Tang will be swept by a catastrophe. I don’t know whether my plan will succeed or not. Perhaps it might, perhaps it wouldn’t. But regardless of the outcome, I’ve no regrets!”

  Just when Wang Chong spoke these words, the voice of the Stone of Destiny sounded:

  【Warning! User is trying to exceed his boundaries. Ten Destiny Energy is deducted. If it happens again, user will be killed!】

  …

  A violent pain abruptly spread across Wang Chong’s body, causing his face to pale. His hands began convulsing violently but he didn’t allow it to show in his voice.

  “Second brother, I need your help! If you can muster your courage, leave this cell and assist me. The Berserker Syndrome may be a huge issue in the capital, but on the battlefield, it won’t be a problem at all. ——I hope that you can consider this matter!”

  After saying these words, Wang Chong turned around and left.

  Behind, Wang Bei remained unmoved. Only after Wang Chong disappeared at the entrance did he finally turn around to stare at Wang Chong’s back. A complex emotion appeared on his face.

  “Little brother…”

  As though the silent mutterings of the wind, his voice echoed faintly in the passageway.

  I know it’s mind-blowing how more heinous criminals are housed in the Imperial Prison instead of the Death Prison, and the Death Prison actually doesn’t really implement death sentence. It’s the same for the raws as well so I’ll be keeping the name.

  Imperial Prison is a historical matter but as for Death Prison, I can’t seem to find any result on it. There’s a ‘Underground Prison’ though.

  (Literally,

  Imperial Prison -> Heaven Prison

  Underground Prison -> Earth Prison

  But as heaven usually refers to the emperor [Son of Heaven] so I decided to go with Imperial Prison instead,)

  Chapter 187: Set Off, The Three Great Training Camps!

  Amidst the silence of the morning, Wang Chong sat cross-legged on the floor of his bedroom, motionless. On his abdomen, one could vaguely see two bundles of light, one big one small, one gold one silver, and they resembled a miniature version of the sun and the moon.

  The ‘sun’ and the ‘moon’ both trembled slightly, attracting one another. Under the influence of these two bundles of light, the Origin Energy in the air began gushing swiftly into Wang Chong’s body.

  This was the technique that Wang Chong had just mastered recently, ‘Little Yinyang Art’. Putting aside its offensive capability, its ability to hasten the absorption of Origin Energy from the surroundings already made it a valuable cultivation technique.

  Having reached a certain mastery in both Might of the Barbaric God and Little Yinyang Art, Wang Chong’s rate of cultivation was enhanced significantly.

  Time slowly passed as Wang Chong continued meditating on the ground. His aura gradually grew stronger, and after an inestimable period of time——

  Weng!

  All of a sudden, a huge gale suddenly blow. It carried an immense force that distorted even space itself.

  For a moment, Wang Chong’s figure seemed to warp slightly amidst the wind as well.

  【Congratulations to user for successfully tiding past the second World Constraint. 30 Destiny Energy is consumed. Remaining balance: 15 Destiny Energy】

  【Countdown to the next World Constraint: 6 months!】

  【Destiny Energy required: 40 points!】

  …

  As soon as that immense force vanished from Wang Chong’s room, the voice of the Stone of Destiny sounded.

  Hu!

  Wang Chong heaved a long sigh of relief. When he opened his eyes once more, he realized that beads of sweat were dripping profusely down his forehead.

  “I’ve finally tided through the ordeal!”

  Even though the ‘World Constraint’ was said to be three months, the actual timing of the occurrence was actually between three to four months. Wang Chong had gone through it once before but it still felt like a nightmare to him.

  However, despite his aching and exhausted body, it wasn’t like the ordeal was completely devoid of benefits. After surviving the World Constraint, Wang Chong could clearly sense his root bone becoming more compact. At the same time, his muscles and tendons became more resilient and powerful as well.

  Not only so, Wang Chong felt a portion of the energy seeping into his meridians as Origin Energy.

  Just this surge of energy was equivalent to three months of his cultivation. His overall strength had been boosted significantly just by surviving the World Constraint.

  “However, the Destiny Energy consumption required for the World Constraint is growing higher. Initially, it only took twenty points. It has risen up thirty now, and the next time is going to be forty…”

  Upon recalling this, Wang Chong couldn’t help but feel slightly fearful. If he hadn’t obtained the 50 Destiny Energy from the Consort Taizhen and regional commanders policy incidents, he would have probably been killed by this World Constraint.

  The strength of the World Constraint was growing significantly with each passing. It wouldn’t be easy for him to ward it off.

  “It’s fortunate that the intervals are increasing—the first one is one month, the second one is three month, and the third one is six month. Otherwise, I’ll really be unable to keep up with the cost.”

  Wang Chong thought as he felt a heavy pressure weighing him down.

  As the World Constraint hadn’t worked up for the past three months, he had nearly forgotten about it. This matter had reminded Wang Chong to remain alert at all times.

  Without sufficient Destiny Energy, he could very possibly end up dead.

  “However, six months is sufficient time for me to accomplish many different matters.”

  Wang Chong thought.

  Changing destiny wasn’t an easy matter. The greater the degree of change, the stronger the World Constraint.

  Wang Chong wasn’t too surprised by this outcome.

  In any case, since he had survived the current World Constraint, he should turn his attention to what he should do in the next six months instead.

  Klang!

  After recovering some strength, Wang Chong suddenly recalled something. Klang, with a metallic sound, he drew a sword placed beside him.

  This sword wasn’t Wang Chong’s Wootz steel sword but a three chi long crimson sword. It had some inscriptions reminiscent of a snake’s scales on it.

  The sword didn’t look as sharp as the Wootz steel but it carried a unique aura.

  “This is the Little Yinyang Sword?”

  Looking at the sword in his hands, a peculiar gleam flashed across Wang Chong’s eyes. This was the sword that Wang Chong’s master, the ‘Demonic Emperor Old Man’, had tasked someone to send to him upon learning that Wang Chong had successfully completed the cultivation Little Yinyang Art.

  The martial arts of the Demonic Emperor Old Man’s lineage walked down a very unconventional path. For normal martial arts, one would be able to achieve a higher degree of mastery through training diligently.

  The 《Little Yinyang Art》 didn’t obey this conventional law. To reach higher realms, one had
to absorb Origin Energy from others.

  In other words, Wang Chong had to kill others.

  The reason why the Demonic Emperor Old Man was considered to be a member of the ‘unorthodox ways’ and had so many enemies in the pugilistic world was mainly because of this.

  Due to the mastery of Wang Chong’s 《Little Yinyang Art》 being too low, he could only absorb Origin Energy from enemies far weaker than him. At present, he could only take in Origin Energy from animals such as tigers and panthers.

  This was also the reason why the Demonic Emperor Old Man’s lineage crafted the ‘Little Yinyang Sword’.

  “As long as one’s enemy is on the verge of death or in an extremely weak condition, the Little Yinyang Art allowed one to absorb the other party’s Origin Energy.”

  “Just like you said, whether the Little Yinyang Sword is righteous or malevolent depends on the one using it. You’re a member of nobility so you probably have your own considerations. Thus, I’ll leave the decision in your hands.”

  …

  These words came in a letter delivered along with the sword. The cultivation techniques of the unorthodox ways were peculiar and hard to accept, especially techniques like this which involved killing to cultivate.

  In the Demonic Emperor Old Man’s view, given that Wang Chong had come from a prestigious clan of generals and ministers, it wouldn’t be appropriate for him to go about slaughtering others. However, Wang Chong thought that the Demonic Emperor Old Man was worrying needlessly.

  “The most suited location for the cultivation of Little Yinyang Art isn’t the pugilistic world but the battlefield. Only in the battlefield will this ultimate art shine through. With endless enemies on the battlefield, one will be able to reach a high level of accomplishment within the shortest period of time. Master, you’re worrying needlessly!”

  Wang Chong muttered as he slid his finger across the crimson blade of the sword. A clear crisp sound echoed in the air.

  The 《Little Yinyang Art》 and 《Great Yinyang Heaven Creation Art》 were demonic arts—there was no doubt about it. However, from the very start, Wang Chong had never intended on using it anywhere else but on the battlefield.

  The problems that the Demonic Emperor Old Man had been worrying over were non-existent to Wang Chong.

  Di da da!

  Just as Wang Chong was still deep in contemplation, the sound of the galloping of a horse sounded, and even from afar, one could hear the neighing of a war steed.

  “Hahaha, Wang Chong, are you done with your preparations yet? The training camps are about to open!”

  Wei Hao spoke passionately, and his voice echoed throughout the entire Wang Family Residence.

  “I’m coming!”

  Wang Chong chuckled as he placed the Little Yinyang Sword back into its sheath. After waiting for such a long period of time, the matter that he had been anticipating was finally about to come.

  The Three Great Training Camps—Kunwu, Shenwei, and Longwei—was finally about to be opened.

  Today was the day of their official opening.

  After making arrangements for all of the matters he had at hand, he invited Wei Hao to set off together on this day. After bathing, changing into a fresh set of clothes, and fastening his coronet with a pin, Wang Chong walked out from his room revitalized. In his current dress-up, he looked extremely dashing.

  Neighhhh!

  Just as he walked out from his room, the neighing of a young colt sounded. With a flash of light, a huge shadow suddenly charged into Wang Chong’s embrace.

  While munching on the tree leaves torn off from the trees in the courtyard, the indigo colt licked Wang Chong fondly.

  Wang Chong immediately understood its intentions. He hurriedly grabbed a sack from his waist, took out a few yellow beans, and fed it to the indigo colt through cupped hands.

  As expected of a spirit colt!

  In just two short days, this White-hoofed Shadow had already regarded Wang Chong as its true owner. At the same time, Wang Chong also treated him as a fellow peer. Rather than locking it in the stable, he allowed it to wander around the courtyard freely, heading and eating wherever and whatever he wanted.

  This was beneficial to the maturing of a spirit colt.

  “Little Shadow, let’s go! I’ll bring you over to somewhere bigger today.”

  When the indigo colt was finally done eating the yellow beans, Wang Chong patted its neck and led it forward. By the time he walked out of the Wang Family Residence, a huge row of people were already lined up by the entrance.

  “Young master!”

  Upon seeing Wang Chong, Shen Hai, Meng Long, Tuoba Guiyuan, and Miyasame Ayaka lowered their heads in respect. Even though Li Zhuxin didn’t lower his head, he gestured through a nod.

  “Un, time to set off!”

  Wang Chong smiled.

  Outside the gates, seated proudly upon several dashing and valiant war steeds, Wei Hao and his group of followers were waiting outside.

  On the other side, Zhao Jingdian was holding onto several war steeds while waiting for his arrival. Standing by him were Elder Hu, Duke of Hu, and the others.

  Today was the day that the Three Great Training Camps was going to be launched, as well as the day of Wang Chong’s enlistment. Those who had received the news had come to see him off.

  “Chong-er, this is your first time being placed in a military environment. Mother won’t be around so you’ve to learn to take care of yourself.”

  The madam stood at the doorstep with eyes reddened in sorrow.

  Even though this couldn’t truly be considered as enlistment—after all, it was only a training camp—this was the first time that Wang Chong was leaving her side.

  The hatchling had finally grown up, and it was time for it to soar into the vast world.

  “Mother, don’t worry. Take care as well.”

  Wang Chong smiled.

  “Hmph, third brother. I heard that the people there are quite formidable, but if they dare to bully you, tell me. I’ll deal with them for you!”

  The Wang Family’s little sister pouted in Madam Wang’s embrace. She waved her two little fists, as though trying to vent Wang Chong’s indignance as she did back in the Vast Crane Pavilion.

  Wang Chong burst into laughter. His little sister was probably the only one who thought of him as the same weak third brother of the past.

  “Little sister, I got it.”

  “Hmph, don’t pinch my nose! Otherwise, I’m going to get angry!”

  …

  Seeing that his little sister was going to fly into a tantrum, Wang Chong laughed heartily. Then, he slowly backed away and bowed.

  “Mother, little sister, and the elders here, I’ll be taking my leave!”

  Wang Chong bided everyone here farewell before leaping onto the horse. Then, along with Li Zhuxin, Miyasame Ayaka, Wei Hao, Zhao Jingdian, and a few others, he galloped off into the distance, leaving behind a trail of dust.

  “The start of a new journey! ——”

  Chapter 188: Kunwu Training Camp

  Di da da!

  There was a huge crowd within the capital. Group after group of steeds galloped out from the capital’s East, West, and North Gates. Riding on these steeds were neither the members of the Imperial Army nor the troops of the border regiments; rather, they were the haughty scions of Great Tang.

  Son of nobles, wealthy merchants, powerful generals, prestigious clans… Figures from different powerful clans could be seen on the backs of the horses.

  “Hahaha, how lively!”

  Wei Hao laughed excitedly from the back of his horse when he saw this sight.

  “Wang Chong, look, there are so many people!”

  “Un!”

  Wang Chong nodded but a slight frown appeared inconspicuously on his forehead for an instant. Perhaps his presence had changed this world far much but he realized that the Three Great Training Camps were vastly different from how he remembered it to be.

  Back then, the Three G
reat Training Camps didn’t attract the attention of so many people when it first opened, and there were only a handful of people who registered for it.

  On top of that, the number of personnel accepted was significantly greater than that in his previous life.

  “Looks like everything has changed!”

  Wang Chong thought. It seemed like his actions didn’t come without a cost, and this cost wasn’t just limited to the ‘World Constraint’.

  At present, it was hard to tell whether these changes were good or not.

  But regardless, he didn’t have a choice.

  “… No matter what, at least the matter of the Three Great Training Camps didn’t change at all.”

  While such thoughts flashed across Wang Chong’s mind, the group left via the East Gates, heading into the distance.

  Many news regarding the details of the Three Great Training Camps had been released.

  The opening of the training camps was a matter proposed and approved by the Sage Emperor, and under the collaboration of the Bureau of Military Personnel, Bureau of Punishments, Bureau of Works, Bureau of Revenue, and Bureau of Personnel, along with the assistance of the Imperial Army, the Longwei, Shenwei, and Kunwu Training Camps were created.

  The training grounds were located in the mountains twenty li away from the east, west, and north of the capital. The proximity of the camps from the capital was actually rigorously debated upon.

  Too far and the Three Great Training Camps would lose its protection, making it unsafe. Too near… and everyone would be thinking of returning to the capital. That would limit the effectiveness of the training.

  As for the Kunwu Training Camp that Wang Chong and the others were heading to, it was located in the mountains east of the capital.

  Walking along the main route initially, they turned into a bend and around six hours later, they finally saw a massive mountain which peak shot straight into the clouds. It resembled a behemoth compared to the cluster of mountains around it.

  At the top of the mountain was not lush greenery but wood-crafted halls, infrastructures, and training grounds.