Chapter Eight: The Mad Emperor

Page 1/3

Recently, a rumor began circulating within Douling City: whenever someone falls gravely ill, a mysterious figure appears by their side, bestowing a miraculous spirit herb that aids in their recovery.

At first, people scoffed, dismissing it as the fanciful tale of some dreamer. After all, no one would casually give away precious spirit herbs.

That changed when, in broad daylight, a man was crushed under a carriage and lay at death’s door. Suddenly, an exquisitely handsome stranger appeared. Gazing sorrowfully at the injured man, he produced a spirit herb and administered it. In no time, the man healed completely and even gained soul power.

The crowd erupted in excitement, surging toward the mysterious figure, only to have him effortlessly evade them and vanish into the sea of people.

The rumor had turned into fact; everyone knew of this benevolent individual who possessed an endless supply of spirit herbs. People resorted to all means just to catch a glimpse of him, some even deliberately inflicting severe injuries upon themselves.

Though it was plainly a lie anyone could see through, the mysterious man continued to appear and heal without uttering a word. His saintly demeanor inspired awe and respect.

Some dared to set traps to seize his herbs, but before they could act, he vanished without a trace. Those who realized this grew solemn, and no one else attempted such schemes.

The mysterious man never revealed his name and spoke little in public. Over time, as he healed all manners of diseases and afflictions like a physician, people began calling him the Apothecary.

Inspired by his conduct and character, some common folk spontaneously organized similar healing initiatives.

In no time, Douling City was swept by a wave of compassion and relief efforts. Injuries became rare; even when they occurred, help arrived swiftly.

Someone asked, “What if they can’t be saved?”

Someone else replied, “Isn’t there the Apothecary?”

Unconsciously, the respect people held for the Apothecary sparked unforeseen transformations.

At this very moment, the saintly Apothecary, praised for his compassion, sat sipping tea in a garden.

After hearing Heral’s report, Lu Chuming took a sip and said calmly, “Those lost in darkness reach out when they see a light. But if that light seems far beyond reach, they simply pray it never fades.”

“The world is like an ocean, and people like sailing ships. Without the beacon’s guidance, how can they navigate back at night?”

In this ancient, shadowed nation, the Apothecary’s presence was like a blazing flame—warming hearts but drawing many dangerously close, even willing to leap into the fire.

“Your wisdom shines like a star in the night,” Heral said reverently. “May I record your profound words? Having them is like having you ever by my side.”

Page 2/3

Lu Chuming was silent for a moment before replying, “Those are not my words. They come from a poet named Lord Yan.”

“Oh! It is truly his honor to be remembered by you, Master!”

Finding Heral’s flattery almost unbearable, Lu Chuming impatiently asked, “What about the matter I asked you to watch?”

“Apologies, Master. So far, there is nothing unusual in the palace. That old immortal remains confined to his chambers; my agents have uncovered no news.”

Fearing he might seem useless, Heral hurried on, “However, I have leads on the survivors brought back by the Day Feather Golden Cavalry. A few days ago, spies saw them taken into the palace but never emerge.”

“I see.”

Setting down his cup, Lu Chuming narrowed his eyes, lost in thought.

After a while, he instructed, “Stop stirring the rumors behind the scenes. Those responsible can take over the welfare organizations used by the frivolous nobility. We must seize control quickly.”

“Tonight, dismiss everyone from the mansion except you and that Soul Douluo—only you two remain.”

Heral accepted these orders without hesitation or doubt, executing them methodically.

Alone in the garden, Lu Chuming sat quietly, savoring his tea. Suddenly, a faint smile appeared.

“First, Daji the demoness brought ruin to the nation. Then Yuan Miao, the demonic Taoist, brought disaster upon the people. Perhaps I too should bring ruin and disaster.”

Vines and flowers quietly sprouted from the corners, spreading wildly, climbing over Lu Chuming’s body. Amid the fragrant blooms, his face took on a strange, uncanny look.

…

“Your Majesty, this is the finest batch of the Elixir of Longevity, now presented to you.”

As the delicate jewel box was opened, a thick metallic scent of blood filled the air. A single scarlet pill rested quietly inside.

The emperor of the Douling Empire, the longest-reigning and longest-lived monarch, grasped the withered arm and swallowed the pill. A faint unnatural flush appeared on his face. He exhaled deeply, seeming to grow younger.

But the next moment, his expression darkened terribly. With a slap, he knocked the attendant to the ground.

Page 3/3

“Your Majesty, forgive me! Your Majesty, forgive me!”

Seeing the attendant’s gray hair and white beard framing a ‘youthful’ face, the Douling Emperor felt a surge of disgust and said coldly,

“Kill him.”

A streak of golden light flashed; blood stained the steps. A severed head slowly fell, its eyes still shimmering faintly with confusion, as if unaware of what had happened.

The supreme commander of the Day Feather Golden Cavalry knelt beside the emperor—the very man who had just slain the attendant.

Grasping the commander’s shoulder, the emperor rose slowly from the throne. Seeing the silent attendants around him, he roared,

“Useless! All of you are useless!”

“You are! The Xuan Shui Sect is! And those creatures even more so!”

Tears, thick and bitter, streamed down his cheeks as he choked out, “Is there truly no one who can bring me the Elixir of Immortality? Whatever it is, if I have it, I will give it to him!”

Everyone lowered their heads, too afraid to look or speak, lest they share the fate of the slain man.

The Douling Emperor was not always like this. Though not a great strategist or restorer of the realm, his youth had been marked by cunning. Externally, he eased tensions with the neighboring Tianhun Empire, forming an alliance to resist the eastern Xingluo Empire.

Domestically, he balanced the powerful dukes, resolving problems left by his predecessors. With years of favorable weather, the Douling Empire once flourished.

Yet, like every ruler in history, as he aged, the emperor grew desperate for immortality. He squandered resources, built countless temples, and held grand sacrifices.

He married off his youngest, favored daughter to a Xuan Shui Sect member in exchange for an Elixir of Turtle Breath personally refined by a titled Douluo.

Secretly, he bred many evil soul masters to extend his life through shapeshifting.

In the blink of an eye, the once-prosperous empire reverted to its former stagnation.

In many eyes, the once wise sovereign was gone, replaced by a mad emperor, obsessed with power and immortality.