Recognizing the immense supernatural power and the shared heritage of the elderly figure before them, Lucius
instinctively knelt to the ground, his voice choked with emotion. “Honored master, our people are now under the
cruel yoke of the Tartars. Our homeland lies in ruins and our people suffer unimaginably. The younger generation,
though willing, lacks the strength to oppose the brutal rebel forces. We can only watch helplessly as our Dynasty
crumbles. Since you too are of our blood and kin, we beseech you to intervene, to banish the rebel invaders and
restore the glory to our people.”
Morgana, too, regained her senses and swiftly joined Lucius in prostration.
She spoke with utmost respect, “I implore the venerable master to take action.”
Morvel found himself mildly surprised by their actions, responding with a mocking chuckle, “I have secluded myself
here for centuries. The affairs of the outside world no longer concern me. Whether the Chinese, Mongols, or
Manchus ascend the throne matters not to me.”
Lucius and Morgana felt a profound despair wash over them. They had assumed that the old deity’s incredible
power, capable of vanquishing rebel troops with a mere flick of his fingers, would effortlessly grant them access to
the Imperial City and the rebel Emperor’s head. Yet they had overestimated Morvel’s devotion to the cause.
In reality, Morvel, in his advanced age, had long forgotten any sense of national justice and integrity.
With an indifferent expression, he continued, “This is my sanctuary for cultivation. I would advise you both to leave
and cease disturbing my meditation. I have dispatched the troops pursuing you. You are free to go.”
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtLucius knelt firmly, pleading, “Ancient one, driving the scourge from the land and saving countless lives is an act of
great merit. It would surely aid in your spiritual pursuits. Besides, such a task should be child’s play for you. I
beseech you to reconsider!”
Morvel sneered, “Merit? Merit is as fleeting as a memorial arch. What use is accumulating more merits? Can they
grant you eternal life?”
Lucius was taken aback. The concept of longevity was foreign to him and he couldn’t grasp the significance behind
those words.
Seeing his confusion, Morvel explained calmly, “Do not assume I am the sole possessor of such power. Those who
ascend to the throne are in harmony with the times, circumstances and their allies. Invading the pass and seizing
the Dynasty’s imperial city indicates a superior fate, dragon veins from other clans and the Manchu national destiny
surpassing the Chinese at this juncture. They must have expert allies.”
Morvel paused briefly and added, “I advise you not to act recklessly. With your abilities, defeating a nation on the
rise is nigh impossible.”
Lucius’ spirits plummeted upon hearing this.
He held his head high and spoke resolutely, “Even if I, Lucius Clark, cannot aid my people, I shall never cease
opposing the rebels. Though they number only a million, they have conquered our land. If every Chinese person
remains indifferent, we shall never reclaim our homeland!”
Morvel offered a wry smile, saying, “Your ideals and ambitions hold little value in the face of the fleeting years. If
you live to my age, it will matter little who sits upon the throne.”
Unwilling to yield, Morgana hastily interjected, “Master, the rebel army advances relentlessly southward, their
momentum unstoppable. They have reached Hillcrest and are poised to enter these Mountains. After that, they will
encroach upon southern territories. Even across the Central Plains, you may find no refuge.”
A hint of unease crossed Morvel’s face at her words.
Morgana seized the opportunity, her voice resolute, “Honored Immortal, your presence exudes strength and
majesty, especially your long hair, a finishing touch!”
Then, turning sharply, she continued in a loud voice, “My Jagoan, the rebels are forcing all Chinese to shave their
heads and sport a meager rattail braid. Defiance leads to beheading. They demand we forsake our hair. Can you
accept such an affront?”
Morvel’s expression darkened noticeably. For centuries, he had enjoyed solitude in this cave, and visitors were a
rarity. Yet today, the tumultuous rebel soldiers had disrupted his peace. What Morgana said now made him
profoundly uneasy. He remained silent for an extended moment.
As the mountain below ignited in flames, a wildfire set by the rebel army, Morvel suddenly changed his tune. “Very
well, if you both are determined to aid your people, I shall grant you an opportunity.”
Lucius’ face lit up and he eagerly responded, “My Jagoan, please instruct us!”
Morvel spoke calmly, “Today, you shall become my disciples. I shall impart to you techniques for combating this
threat. Once you leave Shiwan Mountain, you may continue your battle against these Manchus and support your
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmpeople.”
Lucius could barely contain his excitement, declaring, “I, Lucius Clark, humbly accept your teachings, Master!”
Morgana followed suit, kneeling and proclaiming, “I, Morgana, express my gratitude, Master!”
Back then, Morgana had no inkling of why Morvel had this change of heart. However, as she recalled this event
from over three hundred years ago, she began to piece together a different story.
In 1650 AD, there remained thirteen years before Morvel’s supposed limit. Perhaps Morvel had accepted them as
disciples to delay the rebel army’s advance upon Shiwan Mountain after their training was
complete. In other words, Morvel had a larger scheme in mind. He had taken Lucius and Morgana under his wing
for his own purposes, to ensure thirteen more years of undisturbed peace.
As these realizations struck her, Morgana felt an overwhelming sense of regret. “Master has always been obsessed
with extending his life. He couldn’t have so readily accepted his fate back then. The only logical explanation is that
he had already discovered a method to defy the limits. He concealed it all along, even feigning farewell to me and
my senior brother. I fear we’re mere pawns in his grand scheme. If the Master demands my loyalty and the entire
broken society’s submission in exchange for longevity, what shall I do?”
At that moment, Morgana deeply regretted her journey.
She regretted not having come to China. But now, her course was set and all she could do was distance herself as
far as possible.
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