Chapter 173: Chu Ying Hou and Luo Feng

Chu Capital, Chu Ying Hou Mansion.

"That's the situation," Emperor Chu Ying said with a sigh. "Of the thirteen imperial clans, only seven first-rank marquises hold guest-elder slots. I've visited them all—none would agree."

Luo Feng listened, then smiled and thanked him: "Chu Ying, thank you. I know some of the thirteen imperial clans have strained relations."

"My guest-elder is Luo He the Great Sage—they may be rude, but they dare not force me," Emperor Chu Ying chuckled. "Still, they never used their guest-elder slots for previous Class-Tier missions. These slots… are indeed hard to get."

Luo Feng nodded. From his dealings with Emperor Chu Ying, it was clearly troublesome.

"The first-rank marquises of the imperial clan care most about their own cultivation paths," Emperor Chu Ying mused. "After this Class-Tier mission, the next major one may not come for a thousand eons… Luo He will become a Divine King soon enough, and won't be able to compete in the Chaos Realm anymore. Their refusal is understandable."

"I can't really help them," Luo Feng nodded.

In the governance of Yanfeng Ancient Nation, over ninety-nine percent of affairs are handled by the thirteen imperial clans' first-rank marquises; only true major matters fall to the Divine Kings. Even Divine Kings dare not bully and kill first-rank marquises—doing so would likely draw the Emperor's direct intervention.

First-rank marquises are the core elites cultivated by the imperial clan. Internal competition at their level is tolerated by Yanfeng Ancient Nation. But bullying from above? Absolutely forbidden!

So even if Luo Feng becomes a Divine King, what difference would it make? A peerless Divine King of the First Stage—how much could he truly aid a first-rank marquis?

"Besides the first-rank marquises selecting guest-elders, is there another way?" Luo Feng asked.

"Our imperial clan's rule: first-rank marquises select Chaos Realm guest-elders; imperial Divine Kings select Divine King guest-elders," Emperor Chu Ying said. "Also, the reigning Emperor may, by exception, directly appoint certain guest-elders."

"The reigning Emperor?" Luo Feng lightly shook his head. This matter didn't warrant involving the Emperor.

"If our Ancestor were to speak, it certainly wouldn't be difficult," Emperor Chu Ying said.

"I'll think of something else," Luo Feng rose. By nature, he disliked troubling his Master, Emperor Chu.

Yuan was still newly ascended to the Chaos Realm—not yet urgent.

Wait until I become a Divine King, then find another way.

Seeking a legacy isn't limited to becoming a guest-elder. Even as a guest-elder, I don't need to be bound to Yanfeng Ancient Nation.

"No rush," Luo Feng thought, his mind brimming with ideas.

…

Chu Capital, Chu Ying Hou Mansion.

Chu Ying Hou, who ranked first in the last Class-Tier mission, naturally received vast resources. He was also personally praised by Emperor Qing—a highly promising imperial clan prodigy.

Emperor Qing was the most transcendent among the thirteen imperial emperors. His praise made even some Divine Kings eager to befriend Chu Ying Hou.

"My Lord, Luo He truly seeks a guest-elder slot. Recently, Chu Yu Hou has traveled to many of the thirteen imperial clans, approaching several first-rank marquises—all refused," a steward said respectfully.

"Guest-elder slot?" Chu Ying Hou's gaze turned cold. "For whom?"

"Rumors say it's a newly ascended Chaos Realm cultivator. Intelligence indicates the Eternal True God 'Yuan' in Luo He's cave residence has just reached the Chaos Realm," the steward replied.

Chu Ying Hou smiled: "His old servant Luo Sashen has long been a Chaos Realm cultivator, yet Luo He never sought a guest-elder slot for him. But now that Yuan has just broken through, Luo He immediately scrambles to secure one. Clearly, in Luo He's eyes, 'Yuan' is the most important."

"That's all. You may leave," Chu Ying Hou ordered.

"Yes," the steward bowed and withdrew immediately.

Chu Ying Hou gazed into the distance.

"After so long in seclusion, I've just emerged—and hear this news," Chu Ying Hou chuckled. "It seems Luo He and I are truly fated."

Chu Ying Hou had always been the most deeply accumulated among the seven first-rank marquises. With the vast resources from his Class-Tier mission victory, over a hundred eons of cultivation had allowed him to comprehend a branch of the Dao—only now had he emerged from seclusion.

The moment he opened his eyes, he learned of Luo He's quest for a guest-elder slot.

"I've just comprehended a branch of the Dao. My miniature universe hasn't yet transformed. My divine body hasn't yet transformed. Officially, I'm still a first-rank marquis," Chu Ying Hou thought. "Using my privileges and spending some imperial clan merit, I can apply for another guest-elder slot."

Within the imperial clan, first-rank marquises were treated differently.

A few Chaos Realm transcendents among the first-rank marquises could even gain free access to Yuan's sacred grounds! Since Emperor Qing had taken notice of Chu Ying Hou, his privileges had risen dramatically.

"Once I break through, I'll be a Divine King. I must plan for the future."

"A being who can become peerless in Divine King First Stage without external aid—there are barely a handful across the Origin Continent," Chu Ying Hou knew well how immense Luo He's potential was.

Having made his decision, Chu Ying Hou immediately left alone, flying above Chu Capital until he quietly arrived before Luo He's cave residence.

…

Chu Ying Hou stood outside Luo He's cave gate.

"Go and announce me," Chu Ying Hou said to the guards at the gate. "Tell them Emperor Chu Ying comes to visit Luo He the Great Sage."

"Emperor Chu Ying?" The two guards were startled. He came alone, without any retinue? One guard immediately ran inside to deliver the message.

Chu Ying Hou waited at the gate.

"Emperor Chu Ying?" Luo Feng also arrived at the gate, curious. Most powerful cultivators simply sent mental messages—this Chu Ying Hou was unusually formal, sending a guard to announce him.

"Luo He the Great Sage," Chu Ying Hou smiled at Luo Feng. "I've come regarding the guest-elder slot."

Luo Feng's eyes lit up. Was there a chance?

"Please, come in," Luo Feng immediately led the way.

Inside the reception pavilion, both sat. Luo Feng personally poured wine and asked: "From your tone, Emperor Chu Ying, you have a way to secure the guest-elder slot?"

Chu Ying Hou nodded. "Among the thirteen imperial clans, the first-rank marquises are in constant competition—resources are never equal."

Luo Feng nodded.

"I happen to be among the most outstanding first-rank marquises, so I have certain privileges," Chu Ying Hou looked at Luo Feng. "I can arrange for another guest-elder slot."

Luo Feng's heart leapt with joy.

"Guest-elder slots are rare. What must I pay? Say it plainly," Luo Feng said. Though he'd had little dealings with Chu Ying Hou, he had to admit—Chu Ying Hou's bearing was the most extraordinary among Emperor Chu's seven first-rank marquises.

The other six naturally bowed before Chu Ying Hou.

Because in long-term competition, Chu Ying Hou had always led far ahead! In the last Class-Tier mission, had Luo Feng not intervened, Chu Ying Hou would have led first in all three subtasks.

Even with Luo Feng's interference, Chu Ying Hou still ranked first overall.

"Just one slot," Chu Ying Hou smiled. "I came today to befriend you, Luo He."

!.

Luo Feng had carefully researched guest-elder slots these past days—he knew that even with Chu Ying Hou's special status, securing another slot would demand a price. Imperial clan rules were clear: any resource beyond the free quota required merit to obtain.

"Chu Ying, thank you," Luo Feng said. "I'll remember this favor."

Chu Ying Hou nodded.

That was enough!

The stronger the being, the more they valued karmic ties!

Chu Ying Hou knew well how brutal the high-level struggles on the Origin Continent were. The two ancient nations' imperial clans competed against each other; ancient non-imperial beings also had those who could challenge Emperor-level and Lord-level powers.

Like the Lord of the Ten Thousand Worlds, the Eastern Pole Domain, the few most brilliant Second-Stage Divine Kings, and hidden alien experts.

All vying for Yuan's legacy.

"I'm among the most outstanding first-rank marquises—but once I become a Divine King, staying ahead will be far harder. I'll need both my own strength and allies," Chu Ying Hou had great faith in Luo Feng.

"Is this slot for Yuan?" Chu Ying Hou asked.

Luo Feng nodded. "Yes, him."

"Have him come to my mansion," Chu Ying Hou said. "When he arrives, the slot will already be secured."

"Agreed," Luo Feng nodded.

…

"I'm becoming a Chaos Realm guest-elder?" Yuan, still newly ascended, his divine body still developing, had been in seclusion to consolidate his breakthrough when Luo Feng summoned him out.

Luo Feng said: "As a guest-elder of Yanfeng Ancient Nation, you'll receive a hundred thousand merit points immediately. You can then choose any legacy you need from the Legacy Hall. Later, you can slowly accumulate more merit for resources."

Yuan had lived in Chu Capital long enough to know how precious a guest-elder slot was!

Many Chaos Realm cultivators lingered in Yanfeng Ancient Nation, willing to serve first-rank marquises, all just to secure a slot.

"Is this slot hard to get?" Yuan asked.

"Yuan Ancestor, go directly to Chu Ying Hou's mansion. He will meet you—and handle everything," Luo Feng said.

Yuan nodded without speaking. "Alright."

He immediately set off for Chu Ying Hou's mansion.

Luo Feng watched Yuan depart, then smiled.

"Finally settled," Luo Feng exhaled. The other pillar of humanity, 'Yuan,' was now a guest-elder. With proper legacies and resources, his path ahead would be far smoother.

…

Chu Ying Hou acted swiftly. That same day, Yuan became a Chaos Realm guest-elder—and chose his desired legacy from the Legacy Hall.

When the news spread, some Chaos Realm cultivators in Chu Capital fumed. They had schemed endlessly and failed to get a slot—yet a newly ascended Chaos Realm cultivator received one outright!

But this newcomer was backed by Luo He the Great Sage and Chu Ying Hou—they could only grumble in frustration.

Not long after, Chu Ying Hou broke through—became a Divine King!

He was the fourth Divine King of Emperor Chu's imperial lineage, sparking great celebration. At Chu Ying's Divine King banquet, Luo Feng personally brought gifts to offer congratulations.

After Chu Ying became a Divine King, Luo Feng entered seclusion, focusing entirely on his cultivation.

Days passed.

The effect of the Pureheart Elixir finally faded, and the residual effect of the Primordial Crystal Fruit still lingered—

"Ten Directions World Form?" Inside the Star Tower, Luo Feng sat cross-legged, staring silently at the materials before him.

He had been deeply meditating on the extremely difficult "Ten Directions World Form," never demanding he master it in the Chaos Realm. Even failure would refine his comprehension.

Yet at this moment, the complete "Ten Directions World Form" fully formed in Luo Feng's mind.

"I've mastered it?" Luo Feng whispered.

Sometimes, joy arrives so suddenly.

(End of Chapter)