Chapter 127: Audience Before the Throne, Visit of the Star Envoys

Imperial Capital, Chengping Palace.

Despite several months of repairs, this palace, which symbolizes the central authority of the imperial dynasty, could still not hide the traces of the great battle from before. Some of the newly added carvings on the pillars differed slightly from the original simple and unadorned style, and the traces of repairs on several parts of the grand hall's dome were faintly visible under the light filtering through the glazed skylights. However, the solemn and respectful atmosphere within the hall had already been restored, and even added a touch of gravity and vitality due to the new Emperor's determination to forge ahead.

The Chengping Emperor, Huangfu Hao, sat upright on the dragon throne, dressed in bright yellow casual robes and wearing a winged cap. His face still carried the handsomeness of a young man, but the composure and majesty belonging to an emperor had already settled between his brows. As his eyes opened and closed, dragon Qi flowed faintly within them. After months of painstaking governance, the immaturity on him had faded for the most part, replaced by a demeanor that commanded the overall situation.

Below, the civil and military officials were lined up on the left and right. The Directorate of Palace Attendants led by Eunuch Wei, several Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet, the Ministers of the Six Ministries, as well as several generals and honored guests who had rendered meritorious service in suppressing the rebellion and reconstruction, formed the new core of the imperial court. The power vacuum left by rebellious noble families like the Zhao family had been quickly filled, but within the court, undercurrents still surged between the new and old factions, merely maintaining a temporary balance under the new Emperor's iron fist and prestige.

At this moment, what was being discussed was an urgent report from the eastern coast—regarding that strange, massive silver ship that had suddenly descended and was hovering outside the national borders.

"...According to observations by the 'Sea-Watching Guard' and secret reports from the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion, this flying ship is of an ancient and mysterious design, not belonging to our Tianyuan Continent, and the emblem on it is suspected to be the mark of the overseas 'Star Palace'." The Minister of War held a jade tablet and reported in a deep voice, "It has been hovering outside the border for three days without further action, nor has it responded to any contact signals sent by our side. However, the aura it emits is unfathomable, and I fear it is not well-intentioned. I request Your Majesty's holy judgment."

The Minister of Revenue stepped out: "Your Majesty, the national treasury is already strained following the demonic disaster and the reconstruction. If a powerful overseas enemy invades, the military expenditures..."

"To fear defeat before even fighting—the Minister of Revenue is wrong!" A general clad in armor said loudly, "Although that flying ship is strange, it is not necessarily invincible. Our dynasty is newly established and is in need of an external victory to boost our national prestige! This subordinate requests the command to lead the 'Dragon Soaring Guard' to the border to investigate!"

"Do not be reckless!" The Senior Grand Secretary of the Cabinet, the white-haired and white-bearded Elder Li, shook his head and said, "The enemy's situation is unclear; to provoke them rashly may invite a great disaster. Observing their actions, they hover without advancing, appearing to be in a wait-and-see state. Perhaps we can send an eloquent envoy with profound cultivation to negotiate and ascertain their intentions."

In the imperial court, the sounds of debate between the pro-war, pro-peace, and pro-investigation factions gradually rose.

Huangfu Hao listened quietly, his fingers tapping lightly on the armrest of the dragon throne. He knew better than anyone what that "Star Boat" might signify. The Master of the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion had already privately informed him of the secrets regarding the Endless Vast Sea and the Return to Ruins Sea Eye, as well as the other party's possible intentions. Chaos energy, the new Emperor's fortune, Star Essence Gold, Chaos Breathing Soil... these keywords swirled in his mind.

What he needed was not debate, but how to use this opportunity to secure the greatest benefits for the dynasty, which had just experienced a catastrophe and was in urgent need of a respite and development, while simultaneously avoiding a new crisis.

"Enough." Huangfu Hao spoke slowly, his voice not loud, yet it made the entire grand hall instantly quiet. All eyes were focused on the young emperor on the dragon throne.

"Whether these overseas visitors are friends or foes is not yet known. However, since they have arrived at our borders, our Tianyuan Dynasty should treat them with the demeanor of a great power, neither humble nor arrogant." Huangfu Hao's gaze swept over the officials, "Convey my decree: Order the Ministry of Rites to immediately prepare the highest-standard welcoming ceremony. Instruct the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion to issue a formal invitation in an official capacity to that 'Star Boat', requesting its envoys to move to the Imperial Capital. I am willing to receive them personally to demonstrate our dynasty's friendly and open-minded spirit."

He paused and continued: "At the same time, order all military garrisons on the eastern border to increase vigilance, but without my decree, they are not to provoke them without authorization. Additionally, secretly dispatch the elite 'Shadow Guard' to lurk at the border and monitor every move of the Star Boat; if there is any unusual activity, report it immediately."

"Your Majesty is wise!" Elder Li and other steady veteran officials were the first to agree. This demonstrated both demeanor and precaution, with a clear strategy for advancement and retreat.

"But Your Majesty, if the other party is ill-intentioned, bringing them into the capital, wouldn't that be..." A general still expressed concern.

The corners of Huangfu Hao's mouth lifted slightly, revealing a meaningful smile: "The Imperial Capital is my Imperial Capital. Do you ministers think that the Imperial Capital, after being baptized by the demonic catastrophe, is so easy to intrude upon?"

As his voice fell, dragon Qi appeared faintly around him, and an invisible pressure permeated the grand hall. Only then did everyone remember that this new Emperor was not only the Chengping Emperor, but also the Son of Destiny to whom the dragon Qi had voluntarily attached itself and who had gathered the hearts of the people amidst the ruins! Although the Imperial Capital's great array was damaged, after repairs and the blessing of the dragon Qi, its power was even greater than before, and there was also a mysterious powerhouse like the Master of the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion sitting in command. And that person... thinking of that green-robed figure who had used Nascent Soul cultivation to shake a Void Refinement demonic shadow and ultimately turn the tide of the battle, many people felt their hearts settle.

"We obey the decree!" There were no more objections.

The decree was quickly conveyed. Officials from the Ministry of Rites and the Court of State Ceremonial became busy, and the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion also used a special method to transmit an invitation letter, personally stamped by Huangfu Hao and written with spiritual sense, to the airspace where the Star Boat was located.

Shortly after the decree was issued, a nearly imperceptible blue-gray stream of light quietly swept into the Imperial City, ignoring layers of restrictions, and landed directly in the courtyard in front of the "Yangxin Hall," the Chengping Emperor's sleeping quarters.

The light dissipated, revealing the figures of Lin Xuan and Feng Xi.

"Who goes there?!" The imperial guards on duty were instantly alert, swords drawn, their Qi locking onto the intruders.

"Stand down." Huangfu Hao's slightly excited voice came from inside the hall. He was seen walking quickly out of the hall door, waving his hand to dismiss the guards, his eyes burning as he looked at the familiar yet somewhat strange figure in the courtyard.

Lin Xuan's appearance had changed slightly; his gray-purple long hair was simply tied up, his eyes were clear and deep, and his aura was completely restrained—if not seen with one's own eyes, one would almost think he was a mortal with no cultivation at all. But Huangfu Hao, burdened with dragon Qi, had keen perception and could better feel the terrifying power within Lin Xuan that was like an abyss or the sea, held back but not unleashed—more than ten times stronger than before he had fallen into a coma! Moreover, the nature of that power seemed even more complex and dangerous.

"Brother Lin!" Huangfu Hao stepped forward, his face full of genuine smiles and relief, "You have finally returned!"

Lin Xuan looked at this former friend whose temperament had changed drastically, and he could also feel the increasingly vigorous and refined imperial dragon Qi within the other party, as well as the heavy responsibility and perseverance between his brows. He smiled slightly, cupped his hands, and said, "Your Majesty, I trust you have been well."

This "Your Majesty" made Huangfu Hao slightly stunned, then he shook his head and smiled: "Brother Lin, in private, you can still call me Huangfu Hao, or... Brother Huangfu is also fine. If it weren't for you, this throne, this Imperial Capital, would have long ceased to exist."

Lin Xuan was not pretentious and nodded: "Brother Huangfu. It seems you have done very well these past few months."

"Just barely holding on." Huangfu Hao gave a wry smile, then said solemnly, "Brother Lin, that your injuries have fully recovered and your cultivation has greatly advanced is truly the fortune of the dynasty! It just so happens that there is a thorny matter that requires your consultation."

He led Lin Xuan into the secret chamber of the Yangxin Hall, waved his hand to set up a sound-insulation barrier, and told him everything about the arrival of the Star Boat, the secrets of the Vast Sea revealed by the Master of the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion, and his own countermeasures.

Lin Xuan listened quietly, his fingers unconsciously rubbing the edge of the teacup, a thoughtful light flashing in his gray-purple eyes.

"Endless Vast Sea, Star Palace, Return to Ruins Sea Eye, Primordial Demonic Qi..." He repeated these terms in a low voice, "Is the 'Primordial Demonic Qi' leaking from the Return to Ruins Sea Eye of the same origin as the Ruins Abyss Demonic Qi that descended upon this realm?"

"The Master of the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion speculates that even if they are not of the same origin, they must have a very deep connection. Perhaps they both point to some higher-level, more fundamental 'destruction' or 'chaos'." Huangfu Hao's expression was grave, "Their trip here is, first, to investigate the chaos energy (which may be related to the Chaos Breathing Soil), second, to observe me, the new Emperor, and third, to seek resources like Star Essence Gold to stabilize the great array. For us, this is both a crisis and an opportunity."

Lin Xuan nodded: "Indeed. If we can use this to understand the overseas, obtain resources, and even learn more advanced knowledge of array seals, it will be of great benefit to us in dealing with the threat of the Demonic Abyss in this realm. But we must also guard against them bullying the weak, seizing by force, or even... discovering the connection between the dragon Qi in your body and the Star Core, or becoming overly interested in this chaos tribulation power of mine."

"I have the same concern." Huangfu Hao said, "Therefore, this negotiation must not only demonstrate the potential and value of our dynasty, making them feel that there is significance in equal cooperation or even investment, but also appropriately reveal our strength and foundation, making them wary and afraid to act rashly. Brother Lin, your return is just in time; you are one of our greatest 'foundations'."

Lin Xuan understood what he meant. A Nascent Soul cultivator who could resist a Void Refinement demonic shadow represented a significance and potential that would make any force take notice.

"I will naturally do my best." Lin Xuan said, "However, my Dao path is special and should not be fully exposed. When the time comes, I will appear as your guest or honored guest and act according to the situation."

"That would be excellent!" Huangfu Hao was overjoyed.

The two discussed some details, including how to arrange for Zhao Yuan (temporarily placed in a secret location in the imperial palace, guarded and guided by reliable people), as well as the placement of Feng Xi.

Three days later, at the East Gate of the Imperial Capital, flags were fluttering and the honor guard was strict.

Under the curious and awe-filled gazes of countless citizens of the Imperial Capital, that massive silver Star Boat finally sailed slowly into the sky above the Imperial Capital, eventually hovering over the huge square that had been cleared specifically for it.

The cabin door of the Star Boat slid open silently, and silver stairs extended downward.

The first to walk down was a young cultivator wearing star-patterned dharma robes, with a face like jade and a gentle yet faintly distant expression. He looked to be only in his twenties, but his cultivation had already reached the late Nascent Soul stage; his aura was harmonious, surrounded by faint starlight, and his pace was composed, as if he were walking on star trails. He held a silver scroll in his hand; he was the direct disciple of the Star Palace and the head of this mission—Xing Lan.

Following closely behind was a bald, burly man nearly a zhang tall with knotted muscles, wearing only unknown animal skins on his lower body. He carried a pitch-black giant axe the size of a door panel on his back. Every step he took caused the ground to tremble slightly, and his blood energy was as vast as a furnace. He was the Elder of the Giant Spirit Sect, Man Shi, with peak Nascent Soul cultivation, specializing in body refining.

The third was a woman dressed in plain white palace attire, with a cold and otherworldly appearance, as if she did not eat the food of mortals. Within three feet of her, the air condensed into tiny ice crystals, and her lotus steps moved, yet she landed without a sound. She was the Elder of the Profound Ice Pavilion, Xue Chan, also at peak Nascent Soul, with an aura as cold as bone.

The three envoys had vastly different temperaments, yet all exuded a profound foundation and pressure far exceeding that of cultivators of the same rank on the Tianyuan Continent. Behind them were several attendants wearing uniform star-patterned clothing, with cultivation ranging from Golden Core to Nascent Soul, among whom one old man's eyes were like lightning, constantly scanning the surrounding environment and arrays; he was clearly an array master.

"Xing Lan of the Star Palace, on the orders of Palace Master True Person Xinghe, accompanied by Elder Man Shi of the Giant Spirit Sect and Elder Xue Chan of the Profound Ice Pavilion, has come specifically to pay a visit to His Majesty, the Chengping Emperor of the Tianyuan Dynasty." Xing Lan's voice was clear and resonant, neither humble nor arrogant, carrying a natural sense of superiority while maintaining basic etiquette.

Huangfu Hao, who had been waiting on the high platform in the square, led the civil and military officials and responded loudly: "I, Huangfu Hao, the Chengping Emperor of the Tianyuan Dynasty, welcome the Star Palace and all fellow Daoists from overseas for coming from afar. Please!"

The etiquette was cumbersome and solemn. After the two sides exchanged greetings, Xing Lan presented a personal letter from True Person Xinghe and a gift list; the gifts were all overseas rarities of great value, demonstrating their sincerity.

Subsequently, the mission was welcomed into the "Welcome Immortal Hall" prepared specifically for them to rest. That night, the Chengping Emperor hosted a banquet to entertain them.

The banquet was held in the newly restored "Qianyuan Hall," with delicacies, fine wine, and immortal music, extremely luxurious, intended to show the dynasty's foundation.

After three rounds of drinks, the atmosphere seemed harmonious, but in reality, it hid sharp edges.

Xing Lan raised his glass, his gaze sweeping unintentionally over Lin Xuan (who was sitting below Huangfu Hao and had deliberately restrained his aura to appear ordinary), and smiled: "Your Majesty, we are far overseas, but we have also heard that the Tianyuan Continent recently experienced a demonic catastrophe. Your Majesty took on the task in a time of crisis, turned the tide, and had the help of a fellow Daoist who possessed chaos energy to seal the demonic consciousness—truly a great merit. I wonder if that fellow Daoist is present today?"

It had come. Huangfu Hao and Lin Xuan felt a stir in their hearts at the same time.

Huangfu Hao remained calm and smiled: "Fellow Daoist Xing Lan is well-informed. That Fellow Daoist Lin indeed rendered the service of preserving the dynasty. However, he is by nature fond of quiet and dislikes noise, so after the demonic catastrophe, he sought a place to cultivate in seclusion, hoping to make further progress to deal with potential future troubles. He is indeed not present today."

"Oh? What a pity." A trace of imperceptible disappointment flashed in Xing Lan's eyes, and he then said, "Chaos energy is mysterious and unfathomable; even in the Endless Vast Sea, it is a legend. I wonder if Your Majesty knows where that fellow Daoist is cultivating? My Star Palace also has quite a bit of research on the Dao of Chaos, and perhaps we could exchange some pointers."

"Fellow Daoist Lin's whereabouts are erratic, and I do not know his specific location either." Huangfu Hao was watertight, "However, when he leaves seclusion, I will certainly convey the greetings and desire for exchange from the fellow Daoists of the Star Palace."

Xing Lan smiled and stopped asking, turning instead to say: "Actually, we came here this time, besides to make friends with Your Majesty and your dynasty, also to ask for one thing. There is a hidden danger in our Vast Sea that concerns the safety of all living beings, called the 'Return to Ruins Sea Eye,' which requires 'Star Essence Gold' and 'Chaos Breathing Soil' to stabilize the seal. I heard that the Tianyuan Continent is rich in talent and resources, and there might be clues to such treasures. I wonder if Your Majesty knows of them?"

The topic had led to the main point.

Huangfu Hao pondered: "Star Essence Gold... I have indeed seen relevant records in the royal ancient books, which seem to be related to the falling of ancient stars. As for Chaos Breathing Soil, I have only heard the name. However, I can issue an order to mobilize the power of the dynasty to keep an eye out and investigate for you. It is just that..."

He changed the subject: "The Vast Sea is vast, with many immortal sects and abundant resources far exceeding those of our Tianyuan Continent. Why is it that only these two items are missing? And what kind of hidden danger is that Return to Ruins Sea Eye that it requires such divine objects to suppress?"

Xing Lan exchanged glances with Man Shi and Xue Chan.

Finally, it was Xing Lan who spoke, his tone becoming a bit more serious: "Since Your Majesty has asked, I will speak frankly. The Return to Ruins Sea Eye is a terrifying rift in the Vast Sea that connects to an unknown place of nothingness, and it is constantly leaking 'Primordial Demonic Qi' every moment. This Qi is different from ordinary demonic Qi and has a greater ability to erode and assimilate. If this continues, it may endanger the entire Vast Sea and even the surrounding realms. Three thousand years ago, our overseas predecessors joined forces to set up the 'Nine Heavens Demon-Suppressing Array' to seal it. However, time has passed, the core of the array is damaged, and it is in urgent need of repair. Star Essence Gold is indispensable for attracting the power of the stars and stabilizing the array base. And Chaos Breathing Soil, according to ancient array diagrams, contains the power of chaos creation, which is the key to neutralizing and transforming the Primordial Demonic Qi and preventing it from corroding the array."

He glanced at Huangfu Hao, implying something: "Your Majesty possesses imperial dragon Qi and is favored by fortune. That Fellow Daoist Lin possesses chaos energy. Both of these may be mysteriously related to resolving the demonic disaster and seeking divine objects. If Your Majesty and your dynasty are willing to help, my Star Palace and even the entire overseas righteous path will certainly be grateful and will definitely have a generous reward."

A promise and subtle pressure were given at the same time.

Huangfu Hao understood in his heart that the other party had drawn a big cake and also made the stakes clear—the demonic disaster is a shared one, and you also have a responsibility to contribute.

Just as he was thinking about how to respond, the taciturn Elder of the Profound Ice Pavilion, Xue Chan, suddenly spoke coldly, her gaze directed straight at Lin Xuan:

"This fellow Daoist, your aura is deep and restrained, as if you are faintly in harmony with the surrounding heaven and earth; your cultivation must have reached a state of perfection. Observing the difference in your hair and eye color, could it be... that you have also used thunder to temper your body and touched upon the meaning of nirvana?"

She had actually seen through some of the characteristics that Lin Xuan had deliberately hidden at a glance!

In an instant, the gazes at the banquet all focused on the green-robed cultivator who had been drinking quietly, as if he were just an ordinary guest.

Lin Xuan put down his wine cup, raised his eyes, and calmly met Xue Chan's crystal-clear yet sharp gaze, a hint of a curve appearing at the corners of his mouth:

"Elder Xue Chan, good eyesight."