Chapter 735: Just a

As soon as these words were spoken, the court atmosphere, which had just relaxed, tightened slightly again.

The ministers looked at each other, not knowing what medicine the new Daluo Emperor was selling in his gourd.

Li Chen was also slightly stunned, a trace of surprise flashing in his eyes.

"Chat alone? Could he have recognized me?"

This thought flashed by, but was immediately dismissed.

He was confident his disguise was seamless; his aura, appearance, and temperament were completely different from the Wuzu state, and it was absolutely impossible for Ma Te to see through it.

"Then why does he want to meet alone? Is he trying to beg for more lenient terms? Or is there some secret regarding Daluo's internal affairs he wants to report?"

After a moment of contemplation, Li Chen decided to see what he was actually planning, so he said indifferently: "Granted. After court is dismissed, you shall follow Me to the Imperial Study."

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace!" Ma Te kowtowed again, though his heart was like fifteen buckets drawing water—seven up and eight down.

He couldn't explain why he had suddenly made this request; there was simply an inexplicable impulse deep within his heart, driving him to have closer, undisturbed contact with this May Tian Ce Emperor.

Inside the Imperial Study, sandalwood incense curled, the atmosphere even more quiet and oppressive than in the Golden Throne Hall.

Li Chen sat upright behind the wide purple sandalwood desk, holding a memorial, appearing to be reading attentively, while in reality, his peripheral vision was calmly observing Ma Te, who was kneeling on the floor below.

Looking at this "disciple" who had knelt before him countless times, now kneeling before him again as a surrendered sovereign of an enemy state, Li Chen couldn't help but feel a strange sensation.

He did not speak first, maintaining the dignity and silence expected of the May Tian Ce Emperor, wanting to see what Ma Te's sudden request for a "private chat" was intended for.

After all, he hadn't instructed this before he came; perhaps this kid was improvising?

Eunuch Cui, the Head Eunuch standing to the side, although low-browed and submissive, had his entire body's energy locked onto Ma Te.

Although he knew His Majesty's cultivation was heaven-defying and he didn't need his protection at all, this was his duty, and no mistakes could be tolerated.

Ma Te felt the silent gaze from above and grew even more nervous, his back already soaked with cold sweat.

He took a deep breath, kowtowed again, and then carefully took out an exquisitely crafted jade box that emitted a faint chill from his robes, holding it high with both hands.

"Your Majesty," Ma Te's voice carried a trace of deliberate respect and flattery, "official business is concluded. This is a small personal tribute from your subject, not a national gift; I hope Your Majesty will accept it with a smile."

Li Chen raised an eyebrow, still not speaking, only signaling Eunuch Cui with his eyes.

Eunuch Cui understood, stepped forward to take the jade box, and gently opened a crack. Immediately, a refreshing, exotic fragrance permeated the air; inside the box were three strange fruits the size of dragon eyes, icy blue all over, with snowflake-like patterns slowly flowing on their surfaces.

"This is the 'Ice Soul Snow Spirit Fruit,' unique to the ten-thousand-year glaciers in my Daluo's north. It has miraculous effects for nourishing the soul and purifying spiritual power, and is extremely rare."

Ma Te explained hurriedly, then changed the subject, beginning to pull at their connection.

"My subject... my subject has heard that my master, the 'Wuzu' lord, is an old acquaintance of Your Majesty, and that you are close friends. That Your Majesty could be so magnanimous this time, accepting my Daluo as a vassal state and ending the hostilities, must surely be out of respect for my master's thin face. My subject is endlessly grateful and has nothing to repay you with, so I can only borrow flowers to offer to the Buddha, using this meager item to express my heart—both to thank Your Majesty for your great grace and to convey my master's greetings to Your Majesty." ===== CHAPTER 736 =====