Chapter 4: The Power of an Emperor

As the darkness before his eyes faded, Li Mingxing found himself lying on the bed in that small room. Sunlight was already streaming through the modest window. If it weren’t for the scroll still clutched in his hand, he might have wondered if it had all merely been a dream.

Leaping up from the bed, he checked to make sure all his limbs were intact before finally unrolling the scroll he held. He couldn’t tell if Raymond had done it on purpose or not, but this scroll was written on the finest rice paper, with the task for this round inscribed in bold, imposing calligraphy. If this had fallen into the hands of a scholar, they would have treasured it as a priceless artifact. But in Li Mingxing’s hands—he, a recent college graduate struggling even to feed himself—he could only frown and puzzle over the literal meaning of each phrase.

After great effort, he managed to finish reading, and then he stood stunned. The task was exactly as Raymond had described: Li Mingxing needed only to familiarize himself with his three skills and his new body. As long as he got used to his skills and body, the task would be considered complete. But what did it mean to “familiarize” oneself? Was moving around a bit enough? Did regaining control of his body qualify? Not to mention the three skills, all passive abilities according to Raymond, impossible to consciously manipulate—how was he supposed to get accustomed to them?

While Li Mingxing was at a loss, the scroll rolled itself up. When he opened it again, the task had changed slightly. The main objective remained, but now three minor side quests had been added: subdue a follower, concoct a vial of poison, or use the “Dragon of Lust” constitution to find a girlfriend. Each of these counted toward the main goal—becoming familiar with his skills. Completing any one would suffice, while finishing two or all three would earn extra rewards.

Gazing at these clearly marked paths, Li Mingxing took a deep breath. The three side quests had laid out a route before him—a clear way to consider how to accomplish his task. Back in the real world, his thoughts quickly became more agile, and before long he had devised plans for each of the three options.

He fetched a clean shirt from his suitcase, put it on, and tucked a notebook and pen from his bag into his pocket. Then, in a relaxed manner, he stepped out of his room, only to sense something amiss as soon as he emerged.

Beneath the feet of everyone he encountered, there appeared an almost invisible white ring of light. Anyone touched by it would, without fail, glance at Li Mingxing, nodding in friendly acknowledgment. He also noticed that the radius was about twenty meters from where he stood—anyone within that range, as long as there were no visual obstructions, would be enveloped by the circle. Yet some, very few, seemed immune. From his lodging to the nearby street, he only came across two such unaffected individuals.

As he walked, Li Mingxing gradually understood the purpose of the light ring. He experimented with controlling it, testing its limits, but in the end realized he could not stop its appearance. Anyone within twenty meters would be affected—no matter their number—and fall under the influence of his imperial aura.

This was no small inconvenience for Li Mingxing, who had always preferred to blend into the crowd unnoticed; now, wherever he stood, he was the center of attention. Still, he did his best to adapt, searching for clues among the many glances cast his way.

Arriving at the internet café, he remembered his purpose. Ignoring the watchful gaze of the attendant, he turned on a computer and began browsing. After spending some time on games to divert attention, he started searching for ways to make simple poisons. Disappointingly, most of the methods he found were either jokes or required ingredients he couldn’t obtain. Some seemed plausible, but the required chemistry knowledge had long since faded from his memory.

Even so, Li Mingxing took notes on several techniques. For others, he would need to consult more original materials at the library—there simply wasn’t enough online to produce anything truly effective.

After some thought, he left the café, unaware that a shadowy figure had begun trailing him from a distance.

Without pause, he boarded a bus to the city’s largest library. There, he witnessed the full power of his imperial aura. Normally, without a library card or reader’s pass, entry would have been impossible. But when he approached the librarian and politely stated his need for certain books, not only was he allowed in, but the librarian enthusiastically assisted in finding exactly what he needed.

This revelation deepened Li Mingxing’s understanding of his aura. Curious, he beckoned to a nearby college student. Though the student had no idea why he was being summoned, he felt an inexplicable compulsion to approach.

“I need to wait here for someone,” Li Mingxing said, eyes never leaving the student’s face. “Could you help me buy something?”

Surprise flashed in the student’s eyes, then he replied with delight, “Of course! What do you need? I’ll go right away.”

Li Mingxing glanced at the small shop outside the library and smiled. “My pen has run out of ink. Could you buy me a new one?”

The student jogged out. Even after leaving Li Mingxing’s range, he hesitated briefly, but eventually returned with a fresh pen. As he approached, Li Mingxing observed keenly: outside the twenty-meter radius, the student looked confused and dazed; upon entering the aura’s influence, his sole focus was the joy of helping.

Accepting the pen with thanks, Li Mingxing sat down to reflect on his imperial aura.

Just then, the librarian returned with the books. As Li Mingxing accepted them, the librarian announced, “These books can only be read here. You may not take them out.” He was taken aback, then realized there were limits to his aura—it could not exert unlimited influence, especially beyond its range or when it came to specific duties.

While pondering this, a voice suddenly sounded in his mind: “Level 0 Imperial Aura, King’s Domination type passive skill. Naturally emanates an aura that inspires obedience. Affects everyone within twenty meters, up to those two ranks below.”

The description was more detailed than what he’d initially received, spelling out exactly what his aura could do and whom it could affect. Perhaps, Li Mingxing thought, this was because his understanding of the skill had deepened—and perhaps this was why his mentor’s first real-world task was to familiarize himself with his abilities.

With the books he needed and a clearer grasp of his aura, Li Mingxing shelved further experimentation and devoted himself wholly to his reading. Four hours passed before he noticed the time; when he’d entered the library, it was nearly noon, and now it was past four in the afternoon.

He packed his densely written notebook, returned the books, and walked out of the library. The moment he stepped outside, he sensed something was wrong. More than ten people nearby were immune to his imperial aura. What was more, they all had legitimate reasons to be there—some were cab drivers, others shoppers—yet none so much as glanced at him, though Li Mingxing was certain they were there for him.

A chill ran through him. Had he inadvertently exposed himself at the bar last night and drawn these people to his trail? The suspicion grew so strong that he instinctively stepped back, which immediately drew someone’s attention.

A man swept a glance at the lurking figures, then strode up to Li Mingxing. “Shall we find somewhere to talk?”