Chapter 285

"All disciples must immediately surrender their Star-Taking Tokens—no questions asked. Just do as I say; they will be returned to you shortly."

As the returning disciples were rejoicing, Supervisor Chen Liao arrived at the second floor of the Star-Taking Tower with several black-robed Supervisors, unleashing his seventh-rank aura without restraint, causing the disciples to glance in alarm at Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao.

"Follow the Supervisor's instructions—it's just routine training."

With Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao saying so, the disciples had no choice but to surrender their Star-Taking Tokens immediately, then were led one by one by the black-robed Supervisors into pre-prepared silent chambers.

Xu Jin, Dong Zhao, and others surrendered their Star-Taking Tokens as required; only when it was their turn did they fully understand what was happening!

Secrecy.

All disciples had their Star-Taking Tokens seized at once to prevent anyone—intentionally or unintentionally—from transmitting information outward.

In addition, each disciple was taken alone into a silent chamber to be instructed on confidentiality: they must not disclose any observations, sounds, or discoveries from this Tower Tribute Battle to anyone except the Grand Master, the Left Sacrificial Officer, or the Supervisor.

Simultaneously, Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao had reinforced the seal with the Nine Sheng Bronze Bells.

Xu Jin didn't know how effective this so-called seal, reinforced by the Nine Sheng Bronze Bells, truly was—but its deterrent power was overwhelming.

Even if someone truly wished to leak information, they would have to consider the consequences.

What if the Nine Sheng Bronze Bells' seal actually activated?

That was a national treasure of Chen Guo; once its power erupted, who could withstand it?

The purpose of this was primarily to keep the conquest of multiple star domains utterly secret.

Conquering a third-rank star domain was already rare.

But this time, Chen Guo had conquered four at once!

If you count the Purple Wind Star Domain, that's five.

This alone was terrifying enough!

In Xu Jin's view, this was a supercharged version of the Tang Dynasty's jimi policy.

The Tang's jimi policy merely sought to co-opt and control—but the star domains conquered by Chen Guo could, after control, yield vast resources continuously, and sometimes even provide reinforcements.

Their nature fell short of territorial expansion, yet surpassed vassal states by far.

Moreover, they had unprecedentedly conquered a fourth-rank star domain.

Another fourth-rank, Giant Elephant Star Domain, also held future potential for conquest.

If this news leaked, the situation Chen Guo would face was unimaginable.

Thus, everyone—including Xu Jin, Dong Zhao, Pan Hong, Meng Yanhui, Yu Da, and others—had to undergo the Nine Sheng Bronze Bells' seal.

Without exception.

The National Dao Academy's action was also extremely advantageous to Xu Jin.

At the very least, Xu Jin's true combat strength, star-art characteristics, and actual battle record could be perfectly concealed.

Plucking six golden stars alone marked him as a super-genius.

But a super-genius who could directly slay a fifth-rank, ninth-layer alien king? That was entirely different.

The Top Floor of the Get Yue Tower in the Chen Guo Imperial Palace.

Emperor Gao Ye gazed far off toward the National Dao Academy, while Grand Supervisor Chu stood beside him, hands clasped in his sleeves, slightly hunched.

"Grand Companion, the Tower Tribute Battle should be nearly over, yes? Have the participating disciples returned?" Emperor Gao Ye suddenly asked.

"Your Majesty, it will end in less than an hour, and the results are likely as expected! Your humble servant dares to congratulate Your Majesty—this year's Tower Tribute Battle, our Chen Guo has crushed the Tianyang Star Palace and claimed first place. For the next three years, our Chen Guo's Star-Taking Tower tribute burden will be extremely light, and Your Majesty's burdens will ease greatly. As for the participating disciples, they have already returned," Grand Supervisor Chu said softly.

Emperor Gao Ye gave a silent nod, "And the details?"

"It's said that as soon as the disciples returned, the Grand Master issued a gag order and activated the Nine Sheng Bronze Bells. Your humble servant arrived too late—no information could be extracted. The Grand Master said that once he finishes the Tower Tribute Battle's affairs, he will submit a detailed report to Your Majesty," Grand Supervisor Chu replied.

"Submit a detailed report!"

Emperor Gao Ye sneered, "More likely a disguised chronicle! He even dared to deny to me that Xu Jin plucked six golden stars—what wouldn't he dare to do?"

At these words, Grand Supervisor Chu shrank his neck, then after a long silence whispered, "Your Majesty, the Grand Master must have his reasons."

Emperor Gao Ye let out a cold laugh, "This is clearly biased historiography! He dared deny to me that Xu Jin plucked six Golden Stars—what wouldn't he dare do?"

"Is that his excuse for deceiving the throne?"

"When I asked him how to handle Xu Jin's final golden star, he dodged. Tell me—is this still my Grand Master?"

Emperor Gao Ye's question drained the color from Grand Supervisor Chu's face—this was a dangerous reply.

If he agreed, he'd be sowing discord between the Grand Master and the Emperor.

If either the old Grand Supervisor or the Grand Master found out, they'd flay him alive.

But if he disagreed, the Emperor would grow angrier.

Yet honestly speaking, Chen Guo—at least Chen Guo as it stands now—truly could not do without the Grand Master.

"Your Majesty, the golden stars are still in Xu Jin's hands," Grand Supervisor Chu ventured cautiously.

But frankly, Chen Guo—at least Chen Guo as it stands now—truly cannot do without the Grand National Teacher.

Emperor Gao Ye snorted, "And how many golden stars does Xu Jin truly hold? The Grand Master claims only one remains—I find that hard to believe."

"Your humble servant… does not know."

Hearing this, Emperor Gao Ye turned and glared at Grand Supervisor Chu, making him lower his head further, "Ultimately, it's because your cultivation hasn't broken through to the eighth rank. Otherwise, your or my spine might be a little stiffer."

He paused, then asked, "How is that matter arranged? What's the final success rate?"

"Your Majesty, it's all arranged! Six days to complete! Estimated to yield two pills—each can raise the probability of breaking from sixth to seventh rank, or seventh to eighth rank, by one-tenth."

"Two-tenths, plus your own three-tenths success rate—that's five-tenths. Add that artifact, and you have seven-tenths. You should have no trouble breaking through, right?" Emperor Gao Ye asked.

"Seven-tenths—on paper, no problem."

"Good."

"Your Majesty, rest assured—I will use the two pills only at the final moment of my breakthrough. If I break through prematurely, these pills can then be used by Your Majesty," Grand Supervisor Chu said.

"Do as you wish—but you must break through! As for my own breakthrough, don't worry—I've already made arrangements," Emperor Gao Ye said.

"Your Majesty means?"

"I suspect Xu Jin still holds at least two golden stars. Have him use all remaining golden stars to deduce the Earth-Origin Star Pattern. If there's a seventh-rank or higher Earth-Origin Star Pattern, my probability of breaking into seventh rank will be greatly increased," Emperor Gao Ye said.

"I fear the Grand Master has other plans," Grand Supervisor Chu said.

He could not exacerbate the tension between Emperor Gao Ye and the Grand Master—that was the only instruction the old Grand Supervisor had given him.

"So what? I'll issue a direct imperial decree to Xu Jin—dare he defy it?"

"Also, such an unparalleled genius as Xu Jin deserves greater rewards—including his family! Choose a princess and betroth her to Xu Jin. Make him a royal in-law—wouldn't that be sufficient favor?"

"I've heard Xu Jin dotes on his younger sister. Let her marry into the imperial family—let her rise from humble origins to phoenix status. Would that not be a great grace?"

"In a few days, after you break through, invite Xu Jin's sister into the palace and let several of my sons see her—whichever one takes a fancy to her, she becomes his. At that time, prepare a posthumous title for Xu Jin's father, and one for his deceased mother. Arrange it all early."

Grand Supervisor Chu nodded, "Your Majesty, should we inform the Grand Master?"

"The Grand Master? Forget it. If I inform him, he'll think I'm trying to steal Xu Jin. Once everything is ready, issue the decree directly! I don't believe the Grand Master would dare openly defy an imperial order!" Emperor Gao Ye said coldly.

"Also, such a peerless genius as Xu Jin deserves greater rewards—including his family!"

Inside the National Dao Academy, Right Sacrificial Officer Song Bing gazed toward the Star-Taking Tower, suddenly feeling a deep loneliness.

It felt as if everyone in the Academy was busy.

Only he was idle.

Song Bing knew clearly—he had been cast aside by the Grand Master.

In a few days, once you've broken through, bring Xu Jin's sister into the palace and let the imperial princes see her—whichever one takes a fancy to her, she's his.

A move made, no turning back.

After some thought, Song Bing quietly left the National Dao Academy and soon appeared at the palace gates.

Inside the National Dao Academy's Xumi Palace, Fourth Young Master Dai Guanwen, accompanied by Left Sacrificial Officer Meng Yanhui, enjoyed the gratitude banquet with great delight. The ingredients were truly rare delicacies, all available. Even some ingredients he had never seen before—Chen Guo had truly gone all out.

But when the banquet reached its most important phase—the gift-giving—the color drained from Dai Guanwen's face.

The so-called token of gratitude? Two crates of Chen Guo's local specialties.

The items were neatly packaged, but utterly valueless.

Dai Guanwen felt deceived.

Yet he still clung to hope for long-term cooperation.

Meng Yanhui had indeed discussed long-term cooperation with him—and successfully secured it.

But the so-called long-term cooperation left Dai Guanwen even more disappointed.

It felt like everyone in the National Dao Academy was busy.

Only he was idle.

Song Bing knew clearly that he had been cast aside by the Grand Master.

But he had no regrets.

Once the stone is placed, no taking it back.

After thinking it over, Song Bing silently left the National Dao Academy, and not long after, appeared at the palace gates.

At the Grand Chen National Dao Academy, the Fourth Young Master of Xumi Palace, Dai Guanwen, enjoyed this gratitude banquet immensely, accompanied by Left Sacrificial Officer Meng Yanhui. All manner of ingredients were present—exotic delicacies without end.

Some ingredients he had never even seen before—Grand Chen had truly gone all out.

But when the banquet reached its most crucial moment—the so-called gift-giving segment—Dai Guanwen's face instantly darkened.

The so-called token of gratitude turned out to be two crates of Grand Chen's local specialties.

The items were neatly made, but held virtually no value.

Dai Guanwen felt he had been deceived.

Yet he still clung to hope for the promised long-term cooperation.

Meng Yanhui did indeed discuss long-term cooperation with him—and successfully secured it.

But the so-called long-term cooperation left Dai Guanwen even more disappointed.

Because the so-called long-term cooperation from the Chen Guo Dao Yuan meant increasing purchases from Xumi Palace.

What used to be buying one set of fixed star-gate space jade tablets and related materials annually became buying two sets annually.

This year, they must also buy an extra set.

This is indeed long-term cooperation.

But it has nothing to do with him.

He was merely asked to deliver a message.

Dai Guanwen's original intention was for Chen Guo to cooperate long-term with him, entrusting him with all future incremental business; he had even considered offering discounts on fees.

But Chen Guo gave him not the slightest opportunity.

This is precisely what it means to come with high hopes and leave in disappointment.

Dai Guanwen no longer wished to stay in Chen Guo; he wouldn't endure another half-minute.

He felt disrespected—even scorned.

Yet Meng Yanhui still wore a smile, speaking respectfully as he accompanied him.

Dai Guanwen did not know that Chen Guo had already confirmed the leak originated from him.

Cooperate long-term with Dai Guanwen?

Is Chen Guo stupid?

Only someone with a broken mind would cooperate with such a person.

Dai Guanwen's disappointment was only natural.

Had Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao not feared the Xumi Palace's master, Dai Guanwen would never have left the Chen Guo Dao Yuan alive.

In truth, the deputy dean who died in battle, Shen Wei, was killed because of Dai Guanwen!

Without Dai Guanwen's intelligence, the Tianyang Star Hall could never have known Chen Guo had chosen the Lingwu Star Region as its fifth-rank star domain.

Left Sacrificial Officer Meng Yanhui's smiling face now was merely to avoid a public rupture.

By the end of the banquet, the time for the Lou Gong battle was nearly here.

Dai Guanwen had no desire whatsoever to linger in Chen Guo; he wanted to leave immediately.

Upon seeing his little junior sister Haoyue after five or six days apart, Dai Guanwen was startled.

She's gotten rounder!

She used to be tall and slender; now, she's grown noticeably plumper.

She looks even better.

She now has more of a young maiden's charm.

Upon hearing they were about to leave, the Xumi Palace's little princess, Princess Haoyue, refused, "Brother, I must meet someone before I go. If I don't see them, I won't leave."

"Who do you want to meet?" Dai Guanwen, helpless before his little junior sister, asked.

"Xu Jin."

"I must meet Xu Jin, the top scorer of this year's autumn examination at the Chen Guo Dao Yuan! These two sisters have praised him as if he were a god—capable of everything, skilled in all things, nearly invincible. I must see him for myself."

"I don't believe such a person really exists," said Princess Haoyue.

"Little sister, you actually believe such exaggerations?" Dai Guanwen groaned.

"Then go back first—I'll meet him and follow later!" Princess Haoyue didn't indulge Dai Guanwen; on the contrary, he had to indulge her.

Unable to persuade her, Dai Guanwen helplessly turned to Meng Yanhui, the left sacrificial officer of Chen Guo.

"Since the little princess so wishes to meet Xu Jin, I'll ask him whether he's willing," said Meng Yanhui.

Princess Haoyue froze. Someone didn't want to meet her?

But she hadn't wasted her time these past few days with Tang Chuo and Jiang Yuan; she'd grown a bit grounded.

"Then please ask him," Princess Haoyue said. "I truly wish to meet him."

A few breaths later, Xu Jin, who had just returned to his small courtyard and was speaking with his little sister Jiang Er, suddenly received a starlight message from Left Sacrificial Officer Meng Yanhui.

He immediately frowned.

Princess Haoyue of Xumi Palace wished to meet him?

He'd originally planned to refuse outright.

But Xu Jin remembered Dai Guanwen.

He had to meet this bastard, lock onto his aura—so that even if he couldn't kill him openly, he could ambush and eliminate him later.

A grudge must be repaid!

Half a breath later, Xu Jin arrived to meet Princess Haoyue.

At first, he saw only her back; only then did she turn around.

He had seen Princess Haoyue once before, and though her silhouette had seemed familiar, he hadn't paid attention.

Now, seeing her back again, it became unmistakably familiar.

Simultaneously, he recalled her identity.

The little princess of Xumi Palace—space?

Rare space star technique.

In an instant, two figures merged!

Zuiyue Immortal!

The moment she saw Xu Jin, Princess Haoyue smiled faintly.

In the combat secret realm, one never saw faces clearly; now, at last, she could see him properly.

So this is what he looks like.

Beside him, Dai Guanwen, watching Xu Jin return unharmed, felt a stir in his chest and immediately sent a message via his Star-Picking Token to his second senior brother.

【Xu Jin has returned safely from the fifth-rank Lingwu Star Region.】

Dai Guanwen no longer cared; since Chen Guo wouldn't give it to him, he'd take it himself.

After all, any news about Xu Jin was worth a thousand strands of starlight.

Who would ever turn down starlight?

【Xu Jin appears in good condition, his spirit strong—so his senior in the fifth-rank star region must still be alive.】

Dai Guanwen sent another message.

Nearby, seeing Xu Jin and Princess Haoyue chatting amicably, Left Sacrificial Officer Meng Yanhui suddenly suggested, "Little princess, since you and Xu Jin are getting along so well, why not add each other on your Star-Picking Tokens? That way, you can stay in touch."

At this suggestion, Xu Jin froze.

But Princess Haoyue reacted first, "No."

Amid Meng Yanhui's puzzled gaze, she quickly added, "We've just met—we're not familiar yet. We'll add each other later, when we know each other better."

"Fourth brother, let's go."

Joking? If she added him now, her identity as Zuiyue Immortal would be exposed on the spot!

How embarrassing!

She'd already met the Great Sage Equaling Heaven, and he certainly didn't know who she was—so she'd have fun teasing him later.

That would be delightful!

Thinking of this, Princess Haoyue—Zuiyue Immortal—smiled to herself.

That genuine smile left Xu Jin momentarily stunned. Zuiyue Immortal, this little rich girl, was quite beautiful—and even more so when she smiled.

"Sister Tang, Sister Jiang, I'm off—until we meet again!"

With a bow to Xu Jin and Left Sacrificial Officer Meng Yanhui, Princess Haoyue stepped onto the starboat.

A few breaths later, she dissolved into starlight and vanished.

(End of Chapter)