Slag Shou Cultivating Manual Chapter 2

Chapter 2: Regret Is Too Late

The path to becoming an Emperor was smooth for He Zheng; no one could match his ruthlessness and thoroughness. Thus, he emerged as the ultimate victor.

When he ascended the throne, the officials who had previously opposed him and supported other imperial heirs were all ashen-faced. They trembled amidst the congratulations of their fellow courtiers, some finally resigning to submit to him.

He felt a sense of satisfaction, and it was only fitting to smile. However, upon truly sitting on the broad and cold Dragon Throne, he found no joy within.

Feeling lost and disoriented, he returned early to his resting chamber. To his dismay, even the maidservants were utterly incompetent, failing to prepare the calming soup he often drank. With weariness in his eyes, he asked, “Where is my calming soup?”

Hearing He Zheng’s question, several maidservants responsible for attending to his meals looked at each other in panic and knelt down to plead, “Your Majesty, Your Majesty, forgive us. There is no calming soup tonight…”

He Zheng furrowed his brows impatiently, “Why? Where is the cook?”

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Rd vbl rypv, bl oswze dsv byhl eolzzle sd y csoz sq vsdkn pswr, cwv vbkp nyzxkdt pswr oyp lppldvkyz vs bkx, bszekdt rasqswde pktdkqknydnl. Fkdnl vbl eyu bl elnkele vs plkgl rsola, vbl eykzu nyadytl yde kdvaktwlp zlqv bkp xkde ryavknwzyazu olyau. Pwakdt vbl dktbv, bl pllxle vs blya naklp vbyv ekpvwacle bkp pzllr.

Mbkp nyzxkdt pswr oyp zkjl y ralnkswp valypwal—dsv clnywpl vbl kdtalekldvp olal ayal, cwv clnywpl vbl alnkrl oyp byae vs nsxl cu, yde kvp lqqlnvp olal alxyajyczl. Oynb dktbv, yqvla nsdpwxkdt kv, bkp vldpl dlahlp oswze pzktbvzu lypl, yzzsokdt bkx vs alpv rlynlqwzzu.

Zlv, yv vbkp xsxldv, lhld vbkp ayal pszynl oyp eldkle vs bkx.

Bdvkz vbl psqv hsknl sq y xykeplahydv xwaxwale, “Gnvwyzzu… Mbl nyzxkdt pswr oyp pldv cu vbl Mbkae Vakdnl. Tl kdpvawnvle wp dsv vs vlzz Zswa Yyflpvu…”

Ebu oyp vblal ds nyzxkdt pswr vsdktbv? Mbl ydpola oyp lhkeldv: vbl Mbkae Vakdnl oyp yzalyeu elye, jkzzle cu bkp sod bydep, yde ds sdl oswze cakdt bkx vbl pswr yv dktbv.

Tl Hbldt oyp vyjld ycynj, dlhla lmrlnvkdt pwnb yd ydpola. G pwqqsnyvkdt pldpyvksd olktble blyhkzu sd bkp nblpv, xyjkdt kv ekqqknwzv vs calyvbl.

Tl nzldnble bkp vllvb, ps obyv kq kv oyp pldv cu bkp lzela casvbla, obs oyp dso elnlyple? Gddsule, bl pyke, “Mbld zlv psxlsdl lzpl xyjl kv!” Tl alqwple vs clzklhl vbyv y pkxrzl csoz sq blacyz pswr oyp osavb tlvvkdt ydtau shla.

Tl Hbldt’p lxsvksdp olal wpwyzzu olzz-nsdvykdle, lhld obld qllzkdt xwaelaswp sa ydtlale. Tl pwrralpple vbspl qllzkdtp lqqlnvkhlzu yde plzesx zlv vblx pbso. Tsolhla, vbl xykeplahydvp olal ps qaktbvldle cu vbl bspvkzkvu kd bkp lulp yde casop vbyv vblu bwaaklezu ytalle yde kxxlekyvlzu caswtbv y csoz sq oyax vsdkn pswr.

As a result, He Zheng took only one sip of the soup before shattering the finely crafted porcelain bowl on the ground, breaking it into pieces. 

“No, this taste is not right! It’s not!” The unfamiliar flavor seemed to stir up numerous thoughts within him, making him realize that many things had gradually slipped out of his control, becoming irretrievable like spilled water.

The attendants around him could not fathom his thoughts and, without hesitation, knelt down in fear, repeatedly begging for forgiveness. The pleading faces and the subservient demeanor of the maidservants irritated He Zheng, and their cries seemed unbearably noisy to his ears. In exasperation, he dismissed everyone from the hall.

Left alone in the inner chamber, he removed his outer garments, washed himself, and prepared to sleep.

He Zheng thought he would spend the night sleepless, but as the late hours approached, he dreamt of the deceased He Lang. The stifling feeling in his chest seemed to dissipate, and his nerves relaxed as he sank into the realm of dreams.

Yet, this felt different from a mere dream—it was a memory.

Back in their youth, their relationship was quite close. They studied together, practiced calligraphy, and did not partake in the games of the other imperial princes. He Zheng was disdainful of engaging in such childish play, while He Lang was reserved and uninterested in their antics.

His mother was the most favored consort, and he was born with an air of self-importance and basking in endless adoration. Although he did not dislike He Lang, he still looked down on his lowly-born mother, which indirectly led him to view He Lang’s status as inferior to his own.

He was arrogant and overbearing even at a young age. However, everything changed after his mother’s death. He plummeted from the skies to the depths, and those who used to flatter him now mocked him. Feeling both helpless and infuriated, he often sought solace by secretly crying in the imperial gardens after enduring humiliation.

Meanwhile, He Lang sat quietly in a distant pavilion, observing him. Once his tears ceased, He Lang would approach and ask if he still wanted to cry.

He remembered the resentment in his eyes as he made a vow, declaring that he would become the most esteemed person in the world, controlling the fate and lives of everyone.

How was the Third Prince at that time? He regretted not having remembered every detail, but he vaguely recalled He Lang’s soft and warm hands gently caressing his head. The falling pear blossoms created an enchanting scene, and He Lang’s voice was as tender as jade. There was no persuasion, no fear, and no mockery—only a smiling response, “You will.”

“You will achieve your heart’s desire and reign over the world—”

The night felt as cold as water. The young emperor awoke from his slumber, gazing into the pitch-black darkness. He shed all pretense and arrogance, crouching in a posture that reflected vulnerability and exhaustion.

In his mind, the image of the person he once played hide-and-seek with seemed to surface again.

At that time, He Lang would often disappear suddenly, leaving him frustrated when he couldn’t find a trace and then reappear before him.

But now, would his elder brother still appear?

…

He Lang felt as though he were dead, as his body had turned chillingly cold. Yet, at the same time, he sensed his soul gradually leaving his body, floating lightly and freely, carried away by the wind.

He had no idea where he was heading; he drifted aimlessly, wondering if he should be reborn. Would he ever meet He Zheng again in the next life? He couldn’t let go of the attachment in his heart.

His soul ascended halfway into the air, surrounded by emptiness, seeing not a single thing.

“Before you are reincarnated, how about making a deal with me?” A middle-aged man’s voice echoed in the void, though He Lang couldn’t determine where the voice originated from.

Curious about the first person he encountered after death, especially the notion of a “deal,” He Lang inquired if it was impossible to make the exchange after reincarnation.

The same voice resounded again, “You will surely agree with me. This is a worthwhile trade. Little brother, you shouldn’t have died prematurely, and it won’t be long before your soul is called to be reincarnated. You must know that humans have three souls, representing intellect and six spirits representing mortal desire, and I only require one of your spirits to resurrect you. Intriguing, isn’t it?”

The voice seemed somewhat cunning, but He Lang remained unmoved, his words filled with desolation and despair, “What good is resurrection…” His loved ones were gone, and the one he admired held no feelings for him in their heart. Being alive only seemed to bring trouble to innocent people around him.

The unnamed entity sounded displeased, “You shouldn’t say it that way. It’s precisely because you died prematurely that you should relish the human world after resurrection.”

Truth be told, before he found He Lang, he encountered another wandering soul. However, that soul seemed lovesick, unable to let go of their beloved from their previous life, unwilling to surrender their precious emotions for resurrection. For that person, there was no allure in being reborn, as their loved one had passed away many years ago.

He had to admit that casually convincing someone to give up their cherished emotions was quite challenging.

The unnamed entity had no intention of forcing He Lang, but the words he spoke earlier sparked something in He Lang’s heart.

Indeed, he had spent his entire life within the deep palace, surrounded by flowers and moonlight, accompanied by books or the ancient Buddha’s teachings. Unlike other princes who had opportunities for battle or governance outside the palace, he had not experienced life beyond the palace walls, nor had he seen many of the worlds depicted in novels.

Because he had never experienced them, these thoughts now arose, leaving him with an insatiable longing. Being alive meant having infinite possibilities and hope. He still wanted to live.

“I agree,” He Lang nodded, giving a definite response.

The unnamed entity was satisfied with his decision and waved his hand, taking He Lang’s spirit.

Something transparent yet tangible was pulled out from the top of He Lang’s head, causing a sharp pain to shoot through his brain and even his soul. He resisted the urge to cry out, gritting his teeth tightly. A strange feeling, a mix of desolation and anticipation, surged within him.

When that fragment of his spirit finally left his body with great difficulty, there was a loud sound, as if the soul and flesh were reuniting. When he opened his eyes again, he had a body, and the sensation of his warm and real skin comforted him as he stood firmly on the ground.

He gazed at the scattered villages in the distance, and the boiling blood in his veins instantly cooled. Thinking of He Zheng, his heart became calm like a still lake, without any ripples. The once numb heart, burdened with emotional scars, now felt unprecedented tranquility. Losing his spirit in exchange for a new life, who could say this was a bad thing?

Unshackled from emotional pain, he was reborn. He Lang looked up at a faint point in the void, sensing that the unnamed entity hadn’t disappeared. He immediately expressed his gratitude and, after much hesitation, made another request.

The unnamed entity was straightforward and amiable. After fulfilling his own wish, he was willing to help He Lang with his request.

“I want my jade.” It was the jade pendant that his mother had left him.

In He Lang’s eyes, the unnamed entity possessed vast powers. His other half of the jade had been given to He Zheng, but now that he had lost his spirit and all affection for him, he naturally wanted it back. However, he couldn’t return to the palace, so he sought help from the unnamed entity.

He initially thought his request would be difficult to fulfill and was prepared for rejection. But the unnamed entity seemed powerful and took it lightly, agreeing nonchalantly, “It’s an easy task. Consider it done.”

After finishing his sentence, the unnamed entity emitted a long “Hmm,” seemingly searching for something.

He Lang waited quietly, and suddenly, something weighty appeared in his hand. The familiar touch restored a hint of warmth to his cold heart.

His lips curled, thanking the unnamed entity, but it seemed that he had already departed.

He Lang took out his other half of the jade, merging it perfectly with the other piece. When the two jade fragments touched each other, they seemed to attract like magnets, blending together seamlessly into a complete jade with no visible seams.

He Lang furrowed his brow, curious about the mysterious jade pendant. Just as he was about to examine it, a dazzling light flashed, prompting him to close his eyes. Unconsciously, he loosened his grip, worried that the jade might fall and break. When he looked down, he discovered a small all-black booklet lying on the ground.

He was certain the booklet hadn’t been there before. He picked it up and continued searching for his jade while muttering to himself, “Where is it?”

Unexpectedly, the booklet seemed to understand human speech. It shook slightly, producing a crisp sound of flipping pages. He Lang turned to the first page, where a few clear large characters caught his eye.

【I am here.】

He Lang was momentarily stunned, not feeling afraid but rather intrigued. He continued to inquire, “Do you have intelligence?”

The booklet ignored his question and continued flipping its pages.

【Now that you’ve opened the booklet, you are already bound to it! I hope the host accepts the arrangement of fate and successfully completes the tasks in each world…】

Although He Lang couldn’t understand its meaning, he vaguely grasped that he seemed to be arranged to go to other worlds. He furrowed his brow. “What if I refuse?”

【The host has no choice. Soon, the host will be automatically sent to other worlds!】 

“What if I don’t do the tasks you mentioned?”

【You will die.】 The booklet’s response was concise and clear.

He Lang felt helpless. He had just been resurrected, and now he faced the threat of death again. Since he had nowhere else to go, he compromised and stopped resisting. He continued to ask, “What kind of booklet are you? What do I need to do in the worlds you mentioned?”

The small booklet in front of him paused for a while before slowly flipping to another page to explain, 【I am a manual that helps the male protagonist succeed in each world. The host’s mission aligns with my goal.】 

He Lang nodded in understanding. A true gentleman achieves greatness; if he could help others succeed, he would gladly do so. Since he couldn’t resist, he decided to accept everything and experience a different kind of life…

***

After ascending to the throne as the new emperor, He Zheng seemed to undergo a dramatic change in temperament. He, who had previously displayed a bloodthirsty nature, now became extremely fearful of blood. His once composed and steady personality turned into unpredictable fits of rage, during which he would punish a large number of palace servants.

With all his brothers dead and only a few remaining relatives, he hadn’t married any wives or concubines, and the palace was sparsely populated. He always seemed particularly lonely.

As he passed by the Royal Garden, countless memories surged like a tidal wave, engulfing He Zheng. Fearfully, he realized how much he longed to see that figure sitting in the pavilion again.

The constant watching, the regular presentation of gifts, the nightly servings of calming soup, and the box full of paintings and calligraphy about him – all the love and affection that had supported his rise to the throne had, in fact, originated from that person.

He Zheng had never noticed it before, but that person had always been quietly behind him, so insignificant, willing to stand by his side even when his hands were stained with blood. He had supported He Zheng’s cruelty without a second thought. Only after that person had died and he achieved his desires did he realize how beautiful that love had been. It had been his only solace, yet he remained oblivious and destroyed that tenderness with his own hands. He wanted to turn back, but the person who had always been there behind him was no longer there.

Feeling weak, He Zheng curled up his tall figure. When he remembered the many things He Lang had given him, he suddenly felt a surge of strength. He immediately summoned a palace maid and ordered her to bring all the gifts that He Lang had sent, thinking that even if it was just a way to remember him, it would make him feel better.

However, the palace maid timidly replied that, before, they had been instructed not to accept any gifts from the Third Prince, so all the items had been discarded as ordered…

So, he didn’t even have that bit of memory left? Thinking of this, He Zheng felt utterly drained. He lifted his head in a daze, feeling a coldness on his cheeks, as if he were crying.

 Why did he not know this? By the time was made aware, He Zheng lost his strength, and was so weary that he had no energy to be angry. He dazedly lifted his head up, and on his cold face, tears flowed. 

 The frail appearance of the emperor frightened the maid servant, who hurriedly kneeled down and reminded him that they kept the piece of jade in the palace hall. She had barely finished speaking when the emperor stood up and rushed to check on it, disregarding his image, and frantically turned over his cabinet. When he finally found the small, bright box, there was nothing inside. 

“Where’s my jade? Where is it?!!” He Zheng incoherently shouted repeatedly. Unresigned, he searched the cabinet frantically, and kicked it over and over. 

It was smashed into smithereens. 

Several palace maids were frightened and teary-eyed, not understanding what was happening. They had indeed taken good care of that half piece of jade pendant, and no one had ever come near it… How could it disappear? Looking at the emperor now driven to madness, they felt utterly hopeless.

He Zheng’s body collapsed to the ground with a thud, and the coldness of the floor seeped into his heart. Pushing away the palace maid who tried to help him up, he weakly covered his eyes with his arm.

The only thing that person had left for him was gone… Everything was gone… And he was gone too…

Lying in a wretched state on the ground, the emperor felt the world spinning around him. All the chaotic sounds and blurry images shattered, and in the pitch-black despair, they formed the face and laughter of He Lang.

He Zheng, who used to consider himself unparalleled, now had to admit that his entire world revolved around He Lang, with not an inch of space left for anything else.

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