Xuanhuan: The Empress and I Swapped Bodies - Chapter 16
Liu Shengsheng had become an overnight sensation at the Royal Academy. Nearly everyone knew his name now.
What spread even faster was the news that Yu Meiren, after entering the Royal Academy, had taken Liu Shengsheng as her first disciple.
But the real talk of the academy wasn’t Liu Shengsheng—it was the sword technique Ye Wushuang had taught him.
Ten Thousand Swords Merged, All Laws Return to One—it sounded like a myth, yet it had manifested before everyone’s eyes.
Especially that ten-thousandfold combat power boost—countless cultivators yearned for it.
Naturally, such a supreme technique wasn’t something just anyone could glimpse.
But some people had the privilege.
Like the Imperial Grand Elder.
Though he didn’t have the same unrestricted access as the Imperial Clan Elder or the Divine Dragon Empress, his merits and status were high enough.
After paying a considerable price, he finally gained permission to enter the highest level of the Imperial Archives.
Yet, standing before the entrance, he hesitated.
“Should I really use this once-in-a-lifetime chance to exchange for the Empress’s self-created technique?”
“No one has ever mastered her techniques to a profound level. No one’s even verified if they truly work!”
“And didn’t the Imperial Clan Elder say that unless your comprehension is peerless, you shouldn’t even attempt it?”
“Even he admitted his own understanding wasn’t enough. So how could I—?”
The thought made the Grand Elder waver again.
A supreme technique like this could shape a cultivator’s entire destiny.
One wrong choice, and he might never get another chance in his lifetime.
But then he remembered Liu Shengsheng.
“If that kid could fuse three sword techniques, what do I have to fear?”
“And that ten-thousandfold combat boost…!”
The temptation was too great. After a long internal struggle, the Grand Elder finally gave in.
He decided to cultivate Ye Wushuang’s All Laws Return to One.
But the moment he stepped into the highest level of the archives, something felt off.
Someone was already inside.
And that person was acting… suspiciously.
“Did someone sneak into the Imperial Archives’ forbidden section?”
Logically, that should’ve been impossible.
The highest level was protected by formidable formations, and a hidden Supreme Elder was said to be in seclusion here.
Even an Immortal Emperor would perish if they trespassed.
Yet, the Grand Elder distinctly sensed a furtive presence—one that felt oddly familiar.
He just couldn’t place it.
Cautiously, he crept forward.
And then—shock.
“Lord Imperial Elder… what are you doing?”
“Ah! I—I’m studying the Dao techniques!”
The Imperial Clan Elder jumped, startled.
He had been deep in meditation, completely unaware of the Grand Elder’s approach.
In his panic, he hastily stuffed the scripture he was holding into his robes—an undeniably suspicious move.
But the Grand Elder didn’t dwell on it. The Imperial Clan Elder had every right to be here. He could’ve been in seclusion, for all anyone knew.
So the Grand Elder decided to leave him be and search for Ye Wushuang’s All Laws Return to One instead.
But after scouring the entire floor, his expression darkened.
The technique was nowhere to be found.
“Has it been stolen?”
Just as the thought crossed his mind, the Imperial Clan Elder—who had been watching him nervously—cleared his throat.
“Uh… is this the one you’re looking for?”
“Ah! So Lord Imperial Elder is already studying it! My apologies for interrupting. I’ll come back another time.”
“No, no! I’m not studying it! This was created by my disciple—my comprehension isn’t high enough to grasp it. It just… happened to be near me!”
“What I’m actually studying is the Eight-Nine Heavenly Technique! I wanted to refine my understanding of it!”
With that, he reached for another scripture—only to freeze.
The Eight-Nine Heavenly Technique was on the opposite side of the room.
Right next to the Grand Elder.
An awkward silence fell.
Fortunately, the Grand Elder was a man of experience. He recovered swiftly.
“Ah, I see! This technique is indeed… difficult. I considered cultivating it too, but I knew my comprehension wasn’t up to par, so I gave up.”
“If Lord Imperial Elder has time in the future, perhaps you could… guide me?”
“Of course! Of course!”
The Imperial Clan Elder handed over All Laws Return to One, while the Grand Elder passed him the Eight-Nine Heavenly Technique.
Then, they both turned away—as if nothing had happened.
But the moment his back was turned, the Imperial Clan Elder’s face twisted in agony.
“Agh! Damn it! He caught me secretly studying my own disciple’s technique! This is so embarrassing!”
“Should I silence him? Should I? Should I?!”
The question echoed in his mind.
Meanwhile, the Grand Elder—whose instincts were razor-sharp—felt the killing intent the instant it surfaced.
A cold sweat drenched his back.
He’d clearly stumbled upon something he shouldn’t have. Something that could ruin the Imperial Clan Elder’s reputation.
And if that happened, even his status as Grand Elder might not save him.
In that life-or-death moment, his mind raced—
Then, impulsively, he blurted out:
“Uncle!”
“Huh?”
“Uncle, it’s been so long since I last visited you. I’d like to come by in a few days… if that’s alright?”
“Oh. Sure. Come whenever.”
Just like that, the killing intent vanished.
The Imperial Clan Elder suddenly remembered—the Grand Elder wasn’t just a high-ranking official.
He was also his nephew.
Killing some random witness? Fine.
But his own flesh and blood? That would be monstrous.
Besides, he trusted his nephew wouldn’t spread the embarrassing truth—that he’d been secretly studying his disciple’s technique.
So he let go of the murderous impulse.
The Grand Elder exhaled in relief.
He’d narrowly escaped death.