>>5532152 >>5532212 >>5532253 >>5532433 >>5532560<span class="mu-i">I cannot endorse this course of action. Such a journey is far too dangerous. It would be best to wait until you have some accomplishments in cultivation to make it. In the meantime you may prepare yourself.</span>
Kinzou disagrees with your judgement, but after some time you do manage to talk him down, and convince him to quietly train and bide his time here before embarking on such a travel. With the promise of cultivation only a few months away, it's more tempting to him than before.
Just as winter is about to go into full swing, you observe a major incident. In the early afternoon, as Takigi, Nui, and Kinzou eat lunch, a high-pitched noise suddenly rings out across the village, reminiscent of a musical instrument. Takigi and Nui freeze up, while Kinzou just appears confused. 「Dad, what's that?」Takigi forces himself to calm down. "A government envoy bearing important news." Kinzou tilts his head. 「What kind of news?」"I don't know. I've only heard of two of their visits. Once in my father's generation, when the war in the north began. Once when I was a child, when it ended."
It is not long before the majority of the village is gathered into the main square, sans those in the agricultural district. In front of the crowd stands a young man in formal dress - a jacket of some sort upon an outer shirt, upon another under shirt. The pants are simply made, but a large, elaborately made pair of boots cover up their bottoms. Every part of the outfit is in black.
With the crowd gathered, the young envoy clears his throat. The sound resounds across the square, and those gathered quiet down. "Freemen of the empire, it is with heavy heart and deepest sorrow that I must share a piece of grave news with you all. Our beloved emperor, The Second Immortal Emperor, Shen Zheng Fu, has passed away in secluded cultivation at the age of 1019. Sheng Zheng Fu was a shining beacon of wisdom and justice, and his steady hand guided our Immortal Empire with unmatched strength and grace during his 483 year reign. His name will forever be etched into the annals of history as a ruler among rulers, who ushered in a second golden age for our nation. He will be missed greatly, and surely be remembered fondly in the hearts of each and every one of his citizenry, for whom he was the wisest of shepherds."
The envoy stops speaking for a moment. Among the entire crowd not a single person responds - it is almost deathly quiet. Then, the envoy continues.
"Starting in Sheng 484, a period of mourning will be observed for a year. During this period federal taxes will be waived, so as to allow you all to manage in this time of grief. A new emperor will be crowned after this period is over." The envoy stops for a moment. "That is all."
