Chapter 118: An Unexpected Surprise (Part I)

What could this parting gift be? A manual on military strategy? A book of secret martial arts techniques, or perhaps some clever stratagems? Li Xian was naturally burning with curiosity regarding the gift Li Boyao had bestowed upon him. Never one to stand on ceremony, he pulled the mysterious little box from his voluminous sleeve the moment he boarded his carriage. After weighing it in his hand, he impatiently twisted the latch, flipped open the lid, and saw only three books inside—two thick and one thin. The covers were fresh and new, yet they bore no titles, giving no hint of their contents. Consumed by curiosity, Li Xian did not hesitate to take all three out. He opened the first one at random, but after a quick glance, a trace of disappointment flickered across his face. The book contained only two sets of martial arts: the Seven Supremacies of the Tyrant Blade and the Tyrant Spear Technique. While both were top-tier, Li Xian had already learned them; he only lacked the necessary tempering.

"Oh well, it is a gesture of my master's goodwill, so I shall keep it." Li Xian leafed through the first book and saw that the text was entirely in Li Boyao’s own hand. Not only were the moves and chants of the two martial arts rigorously recorded, but they were also accompanied by numerous detailed annotations and diagrams. Clearly, Li Boyao had put a great deal of effort into this, even if it provided little additional help to Li Xian at this stage. Nevertheless, since it was a gift from Li Boyao, Li Xian would not treat it lightly. He returned the first book to the box and picked up one of the remaining two. Upon opening it, his heart immediately began to race.

"The Wei Gong Military Strategy!" It was actually the *Wei Gong Military Strategy*. Though it was not an original, but merely a copy made by Li Boyao, it was truly something Li Xian had dreamed of. He could not tell if it had been abridged, but a cursory glance revealed everything: from the selection, training, and maintenance of troops to the art of formation warfare, as well as comprehensive details on both offensive and defensive tactics. It was far more exhaustive than the *Sun Tzu’s Art of War* he had perused in his spare time. This was not to say that Li Jing’s grasp of military strategy necessarily surpassed the legendary Master Sun, but rather that the two books had different focuses. *Sun Tzu’s Art of War* emphasized strategy and the grand picture, while the *Wei Gong Military Strategy* focused on practicality. Clearly, for Li Xian, the latter was exactly what he needed.

"Hmm? Wait, the ink is new. Could it be..."

Li Xian had been so busy enjoying his excitement that it took a while for him to notice that the ink in all three books was fresh. Judging by the color, they could not have been written more than a month ago, or six months at the very most. In other words, Li Boyao had foreseen their parting months in advance. The implications were profound. To Li Xian, such a move was impossible without a sharp mind and extraordinary political foresight. Recalling Li Boyao’s parting words, Li Xian felt a sudden thrill—Li Boyao had inherited not only the martial prowess of the legendary Military God Li Jing, but also his astonishing political wisdom.

"Ha! Excellent! Truly the descendant of a Military God. This is a gift from the heavens to aid me! That old goat Li Chunfeng was right!" The mere thought of having Li Boyao under his command made Li Xian feel almost giddy. By comparison, the joy of obtaining the *Wei Gong Military Strategy* seemed almost trivial. As for Li Boyao being sent away to a remote post, Li Xian didn't mind at all. Let Li Boyao gain experience in the army first; once Li Xian had secured his footing in the imperial court, he would find a way to summon him back. With his skill and experience, Li Boyao would then become Li Xian’s most formidable asset.

Li Xian had always believed that failure awaited those who did not plan ahead. Now that his position was not yet stable, he had no intention of acting rashly. The current priority was to consolidate his strength. Beyond his existing retinue, he had already instructed Lin Hu and Deng Cheng to work together and draw significant funds from the profits of their business ventures. Under the guise of charity for orphans and widows, they were to take in orphans, train them in both literacy and martial arts, and indoctrinate them to serve as the foundation for his future endeavors. With a commander as formidable as Li Boyao, Li Xian was confident that in time, he would be able to confront Empress Wu head-on. And when that day came, he was certain that victory would be his.

How refreshing! Truly, immensely refreshing! He had never expected such a harvest from a simple farewell. Li Xian’s previously gloomy mood was swept away, and in his excitement, he couldn't help but hum a little tune. Had he not been on the road, he would have loved to shout to the heavens. His smug satisfaction persisted even after he stepped out of the carriage. The brightness of his smile was so intense that Gao Miao was left stunned, unable to fathom what had gotten into his young master to make him beam like that. However, confused as he was, Gao Miao wouldn't dare ask for an explanation. He could only follow cautiously behind Li Xian toward the open gates. But before the group could enter, a figure suddenly appeared from the side.

"Immeasurable Longevity. Your Highness, pray, stay your steps. This humble priest offers his greetings." The figure was a Daoist, no older than seventeen, of average height, with a warm smile on his face. Yet, there was a faint, incredibly sharp aura surrounding him that made one hesitate to underestimate him.

"Audacious! Who are you to dare—"

Gao Miao, sensing the unsettling aura about the Daoist and fearing for Li Xian’s safety, rushed forward to block him, shouting in protest.

Hm? It was him! Li Xian possessed an extraordinary memory; he never forgot a face, even years later. The moment the Daoist appeared, he felt a sense of familiarity, and upon hearing his voice, he recognized him. It was Yujizi, the young acolyte who used to guard the gate for the legendary Li Chunfeng.

"Gao Miao, step back." Li Xian did not know the purpose of Yujizi’s visit, but out of respect for Li Chunfeng, he could not be rude. Seeing Gao Miao scolding the priest as if he were a servant, he stepped forward and gave a low command to silence him, then bowed politely. "So, it is Daoist Yujizi. It has been several years, yet you remain as elegant as ever. I am quite envious."

"This humble priest has only met Your Highness once, yet you have such a fine memory. I am impressed, truly impressed." Yujizi clearly had not expected Li Xian to recognize him so quickly. He stood stunned for a moment, then shook his head with a sigh.

"How is Master Li these days?" Li Xian did not rush to ask the purpose of the visit, nor did he pay heed to the other's look of surprise, choosing instead to ask in a calm, casual tone.

"My master..." Upon hearing Li Chunfeng’s name, Yujizi’s expression darkened. He spoke only half a sentence before changing the subject. "Your Highness, might we speak in private?"

"Very well, please, Daoist!" Li Xian’s ability to read people was superb. Seeing the look on Yujizi’s face, he knew that things were likely not well with Li Chunfeng. Since Yujizi was unwilling to speak plainly, Li Xian did not press him in the open. After a moment’s thought, he gestured for Yujizi to enter the estate. They made their way to the study, chatting casually. Once they were seated, servants served fresh tea and then retreated.

"Please, Daoist, enjoy your tea."

Though young, Li Xian was remarkably mature. He did not rush to fire questions, but instead smiled and raised his teacup in a gesture of hospitality.

"Many thanks, Your Highness." Yujizi bowed in acknowledgment but did not touch his cup. Instead, his face clouded over, his lips twitched, and after a long silence, he sighed and shook his head. "I must inform Your Highness: my master has passed away."

"What?" Although Li Xian had sensed something was wrong, the confirmation hit him like a physical blow. His hand trembled, and his teacup fell to the floor with a crash, shattering and scattering tea and shards everywhere. Li Xian ignored the mess, standing up abruptly and staring at Yujizi in shock, unable to utter a word for a long time.

Li Xian was skilled at acting, but this shock was genuine. They hadn't interacted much—they had only had one real, deep conversation—but he had felt a sense of warmth from the old man and had received much guidance from him. He had intended to visit Li Chunfeng again to seek more wisdom. Now that the mysterious and powerful old man was gone, Li Xian felt a sudden, sharp pang of grief.

"Master Li was a man of legend. His passing is a true loss for the Great Tang. I shall immediately submit a memorial to request a posthumous title for him!" After standing in silence for a long time, Li Xian sat down, looking dejected, and spoke with deep regret.

"Before he passed, my master said that his earthly ties were severed and that he had let go of worldly honors. He instructed me not to report this to the court, saying that it is better for all things to take their natural course." Yujizi also looked deeply sorrowful, but he rejected Li Xian’s proposal, sighing as he explained.

"This... very well. Since it was Master Li’s final wish, I shall respect his choice. Let dust return to dust. I only hope his spirit will protect the eternal prosperity of our Great Tang. If it is convenient, Daoist, please choose a day to take me to pay my respects at his grave." Li Xian thought it over and agreed that he should not defy the old man’s wishes, but he felt he could not simply do nothing. He made the request in a firm, non-negotiable tone.

"Your Highness’s kindness is appreciated; I thank you on behalf of my late master." Yujizi looked moved but did not dwell on the matter. Instead, he bowed and asked about the mysterious box Li Chunfeng had given Li Xian years ago. The moment the question was asked, a strange expression appeared on Li Xian’s face...