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

Imperial Capital, Chengping Palace.

Although it had been repaired for several months, this palace, which symbolized the center of the imperial dynasty's power, could still not hide the traces of the great battle. The newly added carved patterns on some of the pillars were slightly different from the original simple style, and the traces of repairs on several parts of the palace dome were faintly visible under the light passing through the glazed skylights. However, the solemn and respectful atmosphere in the hall had been restored, and even added a few more points of gravity and vitality due to the new emperor's keen drive.

Emperor Chengping Huangfu Hao sat on the dragon throne, wearing bright yellow casual clothes and a wing-shaped crown. His face still carried the handsomeness of a young man, but the steadiness and majesty belonging to an emperor had already settled between his brows, and dragon energy flowed faintly in the opening and closing of his eyes. After months of painstaking governance, most of the greenness had faded from his body, replaced by a demeanor that controlled the overall situation.

Below, the civil and military officials were divided into left and right. The Inner Court Surveillance led by Eunuch Wei, several Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet, the Ministers of the Six Ministries, and several generals and guest ministers who had made meritorious service in the rebellion suppression and reconstruction formed the new core of the court. The power vacuum left by the rebellious families such as the Zhao Clan had been quickly filled, but in the court, undercurrents were still surging between the new and old forces, only maintaining a temporary balance under the iron fist and prestige of the new emperor.

At this moment, what was being discussed was the urgent report from the eastern coast—about the strange silver giant boat that had suddenly descended and was hovering outside the national border.

"... According to observations by the 'Sea-Watching Guard' and secret reports from the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion, this flying boat is ancient in shape and not something from our Tianyuan Continent. The emblem on it is suspected to be the mark of the overseas 'Star Palace'," the Minister of War said, holding a jade tablet and reporting in a deep voice. "It has hovered 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 it is feared it is not well-intentioned. I ask for Your Majesty's holy decision."

The Minister of Revenue stepped out: "Your Majesty, the national treasury is already tight after the demonic disaster and reconstruction. If overseas enemies invade, military expenditures..."

"Worrying about defeat before fighting, the Minister of Revenue is wrong!" a general wearing armor said loudly. "Although that flying boat is strange, it may not be invincible. Our imperial dynasty has just been established, and we need a victory against the outside to boost national prestige! This subordinate requests to lead the 'Dragon Soaring Guard' to the border to find out what is going on!"

"Do not be reckless!" Old Minister Li, the Grand Secretary of the Cabinet with white hair and beard, shook his head. "The enemy situation is unclear; rash provocation may invite disaster. Observing its actions, hovering without advancing, it seems to have the intention of watching. Perhaps we can send an eloquent envoy with profound cultivation to negotiate and find out their intentions."

In the court, the debate between those advocating war, peace, and investigation began to rise.

Huangfu Hao listened quietly, his fingers tapping lightly on the armrest of the dragon throne. He knew better than anyone what that "Star Raft" might mean. The Pavilion Master of Heavenly Secrets had privately told him about the secrets of the Endless Hanhai and the Return to Ruins Sea Eye, as well as the other party's possible intentions. Chaotic power, the new emperor's fortune, Star Essence Gold, Chaos Breath Soil... these keywords swirled in his mind.

What he needed was not debate, but how to use this opportunity to win the greatest benefits for the imperial dynasty, which had just experienced a catastrophe and was in urgent need of breathing room and development, while avoiding new crises.

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

"Overseas guests, whether they are friends or foes, is not yet known. However, since they have arrived at our borders, our Tianyuan Imperial Dynasty should treat them with the demeanor of a great nation, neither humble nor arrogant." Huangfu Hao's gaze swept over the officials. "Pass my decree: Order the Ministry of Rites to immediately prepare the highest-standard welcoming ceremony. Order the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion to issue an official invitation in the name of the government to that 'Star Raft,' inviting its envoys to move to the imperial capital. I am willing to receive them personally to show our dynasty's friendly and open-minded spirit."

He paused and continued: "At the same time, order the various military towns on the eastern border to increase vigilance, but without a decree, they must not provoke them on their own. In addition, secretly dispatch the elite of the 'Shadow Guard' to lurk at the border and monitor every move of the Star Raft; if there is any anomaly, report it immediately."

"Your Majesty is wise!" Old Minister Li and other steady old officials were the first to agree. This showed demeanor and also made preparations, with a basis for both advance and retreat.

"But Your Majesty, if they are not well-intentioned, inviting them into the capital, wouldn't it be..." some generals were still worried.

Huangfu Hao's mouth curled slightly, revealing a meaningful smile: "The imperial capital is my imperial capital. Do you ministers think that the imperial capital after the baptism of the demonic disaster is so easy to break into?"

As his voice fell, dragon energy appeared around his body, and an invisible pressure filled the hall. Everyone then remembered that this new emperor was not only Emperor Chengping, but also the Son of Heaven to whom dragon energy had returned on its own and who had gathered hearts in the ruins! Although the imperial capital array was damaged, it was more powerful than before after repairs and the addition of dragon energy, and there was a mysterious powerhouse like the Pavilion Master of Heavenly Secrets sitting in town. And that one... thinking of the green-shirted figure who had shaken the Refining Void demonic shadow with Soul Formation cultivation and finally turned the tide of the battle, many people's hearts settled.

"We obey the decree!" There was no more objection.

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

Shortly after the decree was issued, a barely perceptible blue-gray stream of light quietly swept into the imperial city, ignoring layers of restrictions, and landed directly in the courtyard before the "Nurturing Heart Hall," the sleeping palace of Emperor Chengping.

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

"Who is it?!" The imperial guards on duty were instantly alert, swords drawn, their energy locked on.

"Retreat." Huangfu Hao's voice, slightly excited, came from inside the hall. He walked quickly out of the hall door, waved his hand to let the guards retreat, and looked with burning eyes 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 profound, and his aura was completely restrained. If one hadn't seen it with their own eyes, they would have thought he was a mortal without any cultivation. But Huangfu Hao possessed dragon energy and had keen perception, and he could feel the terrifying power within Lin Xuan, like an abyss or a sea, waiting to be unleashed—it was more than ten times stronger than before he fell unconscious! Moreover, the nature of that power seemed more complex and dangerous.

"Brother Lin!" Huangfu Hao stepped forward, his face full of genuine smiles and relief. "You are finally back!"

Lin Xuan looked at his old friend, whose temperament had changed greatly, and could also feel the increasingly vigorous and condensed imperial dragon energy within him, as well as the heavy responsibility and perseverance between his brows. He smiled slightly and bowed: "Your Majesty, I trust you have been well."

This "Your Majesty" made Huangfu Hao pause slightly, then he shook his head and laughed: "Brother Lin, in private, just call me Huangfu Hao, or... Brother Huangfu is also fine. If it weren't for you, this throne, this imperial capital, would have long since ceased to exist."

Lin Xuan did not act coy, nodding: "Brother Huangfu. It seems you have done very well in these few months."

"Just barely holding on," Huangfu Hao said with a wry smile, then said seriously: "Brother Lin, your injuries are fully recovered, and your cultivation has greatly advanced; this is truly the fortune of the imperial dynasty! It just so happens that there is a tricky matter that needs you to deliberate together."

He led Lin Xuan into the secret room of the Nurturing Heart Hall, waved his hand to set up a soundproof barrier, and told him everything about the arrival of the Star Raft, the secrets of the Hanhai revealed by the Pavilion Master of Heavenly Secrets, and his own response strategy.

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

"Endless Hanhai, Star Palace, Return to Ruins Sea Eye, Source Primordial Demonic Energy..." He repeated these terms in a low voice. "Is the 'Source Primordial Demonic Energy' leaking from the Return to Ruins Sea Eye the same source as the Ruins Abyss Demonic Awareness that descended upon this realm?"

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

Lin Xuan nodded: "True. If we can use this to understand overseas, obtain resources, and even learn higher-level array sealing knowledge, it will be of great benefit to our response to the Demonic Abyss threat in this realm. But we must also guard against them bullying the weak, seizing by force, or even... noticing the connection between the dragon energy in your body and the star core (star core), or having excessive interest in my chaotic tribulation power."

"I have the same concern," Huangfu Hao said. "Therefore, this negotiation must show the potential and value of our dynasty, making them feel that there is significance in equal cooperation or even investment, while also appropriately revealing our strength and foundation, making them have some scruples and not dare 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 Soul Formation cultivator who could resist the Refining Void demonic shadow represented a significance and potential that would make any force look twice.

"I will naturally do my best," Lin Xuan said. "However, my Dao path is special and should not be fully exposed. At that time, I will appear as your guest minister or guest elder 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 place in the imperial palace, under the watch and guidance of reliable people), as well as the placement of Feng Xi, etc.

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

In the curious and awe-filled eyes of countless imperial capital citizens, the massive silver Star Raft finally slowly sailed into the sky above the imperial capital, and finally hovered above a giant square specially cleared for it.

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

First to walk down was a young cultivator wearing star robes, his face like a crown of jade, his eyes gentle yet carrying a faint sense of detachment. He looked to be only twenty years old, but his cultivation had already reached the Late-Stage Soul Formation, his aura round and unified, starlight faintly circling his body, his steps calm, as if walking on star tracks. He held a silver scroll in his hand; he was the direct disciple of the Star Palace, the head of this mission—Xing Lan.

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

The third was a woman in plain white palace attire, her appearance cold and otherworldly, 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, but she landed without sound. She was the Elder of the Mystic Ice Pavilion, Xue Chan, also at the peak of Soul Formation, her aura bone-chillingly cold.

The three envoys had different temperaments, but all emitted a deep foundation and pressure far exceeding that of cultivators of the same rank in the Tianyuan Continent. Behind them were several followers in uniform star-patterned clothing, with cultivation ranging from Golden Core to Soul Formation, among whom an old man's eyes were like electricity, constantly scanning the surrounding environment and arrays; he was clearly a master of arrays.

"Star Palace Xing Lan, by the order of Palace Master True Person Xinghe, accompanied by Elder Man Shi of the Giant Spirit Sect and Elder Xue Chan of the Mystic Ice Pavilion, specifically come to pay a visit to His Majesty Emperor Chengping of the Tianyuan Imperial Dynasty." Xing Lan's voice was clear, neither humble nor arrogant, carrying a natural sense of superiority, yet 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, Emperor Chengping of the Tianyuan Imperial Dynasty, welcome the Star Palace and all overseas fellow Daoists who have come from afar. Please!"

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

Afterward, the mission was welcomed into the "Welcoming Immortal Hall" prepared for them to rest. That night, Emperor Chengping hosted a banquet.

The banquet was held in the newly repaired "Qianyuan Hall," with delicacies and fine wine, immortal music drifting, and extreme luxury, intended to show the foundation of the imperial dynasty.

After three rounds of wine, the atmosphere seemed harmonious, but in reality, it was hidden with sharp edges.

Xing Lan raised his glass, his gaze sweeping inadvertently over Lin Xuan (who was sitting beside Huangfu Hao and was unremarkable in aura, as Lin Xuan had deliberately restrained it), and smiled: "Your Majesty, we are far overseas, but we have also heard that the Tianyuan Continent experienced a demonic disaster not long ago. Your Majesty was ordered in a time of crisis and turned the tide, and there was even a fellow Daoist possessing chaotic power who appeared to help, sealing the demonic awareness, which was truly a great merit. I wonder if that fellow Daoist is present today?"

It was here. Huangfu Hao and Lin Xuan both moved in their hearts.

Huangfu Hao remained calm and smiled: "Fellow Daoist Xing Lan is well-informed. That Fellow Daoist Lin indeed had the merit of saving the imperial dynasty from extinction. However, he is naturally fond of quiet and dislikes noise. After the demonic disaster, he sought a place for seclusion, hoping to go further and deal with future potential troubles. He is indeed not present today."

"Oh? What a pity." A trace of imperceptible disappointment flashed in Xing Lan's eyes, then he said again: "Chaotic power is mysterious and unfathomable, even in the Endless Hanhai, it is a legend. I wonder if Your Majesty knows where that fellow Daoist is practicing? My Star Palace also has some research on the Dao of Chaos, perhaps we could exchange some ideas."

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

Xing Lan smiled and did not ask further, instead saying: "Actually, we came here this time, in addition to befriending Your Majesty and your dynasty, we also have a request. There is a hidden danger in our Hanhai that concerns the safety of all living beings, called the 'Return to Ruins Sea Eye,' which needs 'Star Essence Gold' and 'Chaos Breath Soil' and other items to stabilize the seal. I heard that the Tianyuan Continent is full of outstanding people, and there may be clues to such treasures. I wonder if Your Majesty knows?"

The topic was led to the main point.

Huangfu Hao pondered: "Star Essence Gold... I have indeed seen relevant records in the imperial family's ancient books, which seem to be related to the fall of ancient stars. As for Chaos Breath Soil, I have only heard its name. However, I can issue a decree to mobilize the power of the imperial dynasty to keep an eye out for the fellow Daoists. It's just..."

He changed the subject: "The Hanhai is vast, with many immortal sects, and its resources are far superior to our Tianyuan Continent. Why is it uniquely lacking these two items? And what kind of hidden danger is that Return to Ruins Sea Eye that needs such divine objects to suppress?"

Xing Lan exchanged glances with Man Shi and Xue Chan.

Finally, Xing Lan spoke, his tone becoming more serious: "Since Your Majesty asks, I will speak frankly. The Return to Ruins Sea Eye is a terrifying rift in the Hanhai that connects to an inexplicable place of nothingness, and it is leaking 'Source Primordial Demonic Energy' every moment. This energy is different from ordinary demonic energy and has more ability to erode and assimilate. If this continues, it may endanger the entire Hanhai 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 Breath Soil, according to ancient array diagrams, the chaotic creation power it contains is the key to neutralizing and transforming Source Primordial Demonic Energy and preventing it from corroding the array."

He looked at Huangfu Hao, pointing out: "Your Majesty possesses imperial dragon energy and is favored by fortune. That Fellow Daoist Lin possesses chaotic power. Both of these may be 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 definitely be grateful and will definitely have a generous reward."

Promises and vague pressure were given at the same time.

Huangfu Hao understood in his heart that this was drawing a big cake, and also made clear the pros and cons—the demonic disaster is a common one, and you also have the responsibility to contribute.

He was thinking about how to respond when the Elder of the Mystic Ice Pavilion, Xue Chan, who had been silent, suddenly spoke coldly, but her gaze was directed straight at Lin Xuan:

"Fellow Daoist, your aura is deep and restrained, as if subtly in harmony with the surrounding heavens and earth; your cultivation base must have reached a state of perfection. Observing the peculiarity of your hair and eye color, could it be... that you have also used thunder to temper your body and touched upon the intent of annihilation?"

She actually saw through part of the characteristics that Lin Xuan had deliberately hidden!

In an instant, the eyes at the banquet were all focused on the green-shirted cultivator who had been drinking quietly and seemed to be just an ordinary guest minister.

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

"Elder Xue Chan, good eyesight." ===== CHAPTER 128 =====