Chapter Sixty-Six: The Eighteen Golden Blade Guards

Luo Tong pondered for a moment. "The Eighteen Golden Blade Guards—such an imposing name. Not bad, not bad..."

"Since you agree, from now on, that’s what they’ll be called! Also, their uniforms need updating, and they must be inducted into the Imperial Guards; otherwise, they won’t be allowed into Lizheng Hall!"

"That’s a minor matter. I’ll take them to handle it shortly."

According to the usual procedure, joining the Imperial Guards required being the offspring of an official ranked fifth or above, or having spent years on the battlefield with distinguished achievements. Only after rigorous selection could one enter.

To serve within Lizheng Hall in the palace, the requirements were even stricter: a spotless family background, exceptional martial skills, unwavering loyalty to the Tang Dynasty—demands that were countless.

The process usually took half a year.

But with Li Zhi and Luo Tong’s endorsement, the Eighteen Golden Blade Guards bypassed all tests and were stationed directly.

"Ding! Congratulations, Host, you have completed the task of establishing your guard. Reward: 10 points added to your martial attribute!" As he was about to enter the palace, Li Zhi heard the system's notification in his mind.

Delighted, Li Zhi quickly glanced at his attribute interface.

Host: Li Zhi.
Gender: Male.
Age: 3 years.
Martial: 15
Intellect: 119 (Transcendent)
Speed: 41
Politics: 66
Charm: 72
System Function: Infinite Healing
Title: King of Cuisine (Cuisine perfection increased by ten percent)
...

His intellect remained highest; martial had just increased by ten points to reach fifteen—a rather modest amount. But with more tasks, reaching a hundred within a year or two wouldn’t be hard.

By then, it would be just like his intellect—straight into the realm of the extraordinary.

In the Hall of Supreme Harmony,

The morning court had just ended.

Li Shimin kept Cheng Yaojin behind. "General Cheng, what exactly happened last night? Zhi’er was attacked again? How much do you know about this?"

"Well, um..." Cheng Yaojin hesitated, cursing his misfortune inwardly. He resolved never to help Li Zhi again—every time, he ended up in trouble.

"Your Majesty, I..."

"Why are you faltering? Speak plainly!"

Cheng Yaojin took a deep breath, bracing himself for Li Shimin’s scolding. "This morning, I went to the city gate and saw the young prince safe and sound. I don’t know much about last night. According to the city guards, when they saw trouble in Loujia Village, they rushed over to investigate. By the time they arrived, the fighting was already over. The bandits had all been subdued!"

"Thank goodness Zhi’er is unharmed!"

"Go to the city guards and issue a strict order: from now on, princes and princesses are absolutely forbidden from leaving the city. If discovered, bring them back to see me immediately!"

"Yes!" Cheng Yaojin wiped sweat from his brow. Luckily, he’d managed to evade responsibility.

Next time, he’d be careful—not to repeat such foolish mistakes.

"On the ninth day of next month, the God of Cuisine Tournament will be held. It will determine whether our Tang Dynasty’s culinary culture can reach its peak. I attach great importance to this event; find Zhi’er and have him participate!"

"Oh, yes... and your son as well!"

"I’ve heard his culinary skills are extraordinary. Everyone who’s tasted his dishes praises them highly. Let him show his talent for me—perhaps he’ll be crowned this year’s God of Cuisine!"

...

Li Shimin had long accepted Li Zhi’s proposals for diversifying the Tang Dynasty. Not only military, agriculture, and economy, but also cuisine and entertainment should flourish.

He wanted people from all over the world to come to Tang and leave in awe.

As a great nation, this was essential.

Cheng Yaojin arrived at Lizheng Hall.

After greeting Empress Zhangsun, he said to Li Zhi, "In twenty days, the God of Cuisine Tournament will begin. His Majesty wishes for the young prince to participate!"

"General Cheng, Zhi’er is only three years old—isn’t that a bit young?"

"Mother, if I recall correctly, in two months I’ll be four!" Li Zhi replied stubbornly.

"Four is still young. Four-year-olds aren’t chefs, let alone competitors. Isn’t this inviting ridicule?" Empress Zhangsun, wanting to protect Li Zhi, was reluctant to let him be exposed.

"Alright, alright..." Li Zhi agreed on the surface, but then took Cheng Yaojin to the back garden. "I’m definitely participating in the God of Cuisine Tournament, and I’ll win the championship!"

"General Cheng... I have a small request!"

"Your Highness, please speak freely!"

"Then I’ll be blunt—tell Cheng Chubi to focus on the restaurant and skip the competition..." Li Zhi’s eyes darted, seemingly afraid of Cheng Chubi joining.

Cheng Yaojin burst out laughing. "How rare—to see the prince afraid of someone? Are you worried Chubi will steal your God of Cuisine honor? Hahaha... Looks like he’s truly inherited your skills!"

"Nonsense!" Li Zhi cursed. "Why would I fear him? I’m worried he’ll lose to me and it’ll affect his future!"

"What do you mean?"

"Think about it... The God of Cuisine Tournament is held every three years. This is the first one—I claim the title. Next time, I don’t participate, and the honor goes to him! No one can take it away. But if he insists on joining this time, loses to me, how will he face taking the title next time? Don’t forget—I’m only three years old! Do you really want your son to lose to a three-year-old child?"

That was indeed a problem.

Cheng Yaojin had to analyze it objectively.

Given his son’s current skills, could he defeat Li Zhi? If not, then it was pointless to compete.

He paused for a moment.

"I’ll go to the restaurant at noon and see how the boy’s cooking is. If it’s not up to par, he’ll train for another year! The God of Cuisine title goes to the prince!"

"That’s more like it!" Li Zhi was overjoyed.

With his culinary skills, defeating Cheng Chubi would be easy.

But if earth was to be used as an ingredient, that would be far too difficult.

Now, with Cheng Yaojin persuading him to drop out, it was the safest solution.

"Don’t just stand there—go!" Li Zhi urged.

"Alright, alright..."

Cheng Yaojin turned and left.

The Eighteen Golden Blade Guards took up residence in Lizheng Hall, becoming Li Zhi’s personal attendants under Luo Tong’s command.

To guard against looming danger,

Li Zhi issued a strict order: at all times, they must remain within his sight. That way, even if assassins appeared, he could respond calmly.

Time passed swiftly.

Five days went by in a flash.

The assassins had yet to appear.

Li Zhi was growing impatient.

As the saying goes...

It’s not the thief you fear, but the thief who keeps you in mind!

How true that is!

Several days had passed, and he was constantly tense—so much so that even going to the restroom required checking behind him. The Eighteen Golden Blade Guards never left his side, providing constant protection.

At this rate, the assassins wouldn’t come, but he’d go mad first.

"Your Highness... It seems your intuition was off. It’s been days, and there’s no sign of assassins." Luo Tong spread his hands, then added confidently, "I don’t believe anyone would dare enter Lizheng Hall as an assassin—unless they have a death wish!"