Chapter 578 - 577: Hospitable Reception, Divine Palace Movement

On the way back to the Sky Monster Palace, Jin Ritian didn’t walk too fast.

A master of etiquette, he was.

He believed in treating special guests like Li Jing with hospitality once they arrived in his palace.

So, the moment he confirmed that Li Jing didn’t plan to leave, he sent a secret message to his subordinates to prepare a banquet.

Li Jing understood it quite well.

Jin Ritian was taking his time driving his carriage, hinting that there’d be a meal for him at the Sky Monster Palace for the sake of politeness - a chance to familiarize himself with the top-ranking members of the palace staff.

Admittedly, it was a bit tedious.

Li Jing absolutely despised having to go through these customary exchanges and formalities.

Even so, Jin Ritian did resolve a major obstacle for him concerning the development of Chen Tang City during this trip, and as a bonus, he even offered, quite liberally, two "use as you wish" Emperor-grade sisters.

Though he did have to give up something too,

the favor was huge nonetheless.

...

The return journey took Jin Ritian a good hour and a half.

An hour and a half!

Nearly three hours.

Li Jing was getting impatient all the way.

The earth realm of Zhong Shen Zhou wasn’t any smaller than any other part of the Four Realms of Immortals.

But given Jin Ritian’s speed, was it really necessary to take so long to cross it?

Not to mention, he came rather fast, didn’t he?

Li Jing, however, couldn’t rush him.

One can’t criticize others’ hospitality is one.

The second reason being, if he was taking his time, it must have been because he had instructed his people to prepare something special that would take time.

Seeing his good intentions, how could Li Jing not appreciate it?

Thankfully, it wasn’t just Jin Ritian in the carriage, there were two beautiful female emperors as well.

Even though he knew their pure demeanor was just a façade and their true nature was much different.

At least, they were a feast for the eyes, weren’t they?

Having random chats with the three, the four of them finally arrived at the Sky Monster Palace.

The Sky Monster Palace was the palace of the Southern Monster Realm located in Zhong Shen Zhou, and its grandeur goes without saying.

From a distance, you could see.

A total of nine giant statues erected around the Sky Monster Palace, the one in the middle belonged to Jin Ritian, the other eight were of men and women, but it was unclear who they were.

However, that didn’t stop Li Jing from appreciating.

These statues belonged to the "heavyweights" of the Southern Monster Realm.

They could be divine beasts or great demons not weaker than the divine beasts.

These statues were not just simple decorations.

Each statue was imprinted with immense power.

These powers weren’t rule imprints but they were not inferior either.

Li Jing, who controlled the rule of Heavenly Fire, could easily perceive it.

Within the statue belonging to Jin Ritian, there were ample amounts of demon fire of great sunlight, the purity of which was hundreds of times greater than what Jin Ritian himself could produce.

Li Jing didn’t know how Jin Ritian managed to infuse his energy into the statue and enhance its purity to such a horrifying level.

One thing was certain.

If anyone were to trigger this thing one day,

If nobody tried to prevent it effectively, half of Zhong Shen Zhou would probably ascend to heaven right away.

The abilities of the Emperors were known to destruct heaven and earth.

Power that is a hundred times that of an Emperor.

Think about that...

Take a moment to ponder on it.

There weren’t just one, but a total of nine statues each accommodating different powers on sight.

If these were to explode all at once,

The vast Zhong Shen Zhou would probably face a catastrophic disaster.

This arrangement akin to laying out legit nuclear weapons as strictly as the Blue Star Tactical, its deterrence was truly remarkable,

It also reflected that compared to the other three immortal realms, the monsters of the Southern Immortal Realm preferred to "show off their muscles".

Soon.

Guided by Jin Ritian, Li Jing entered the Sky Monster Palace.

Then, he came to a spacious hall.

By now, the hall was prepared.

One after another, Great Demons with long and thick health bars and enticing numbers for their Essence Source, were waiting here.

Despite having seen no legitimate divine beasts here,

At a glance, you could tell that every single breathing official of the Sky Monster Palace was present.

Li Jing could really use a shot of the Forbidden Skill of Sky Burning at this sight.

Just those present alone were enough for him to level up several times by staying in place!

Of course,

Li Jing was just thinking about it.

If these were obliterated, Jin Ritian would get frantic, it’s estimated that the Southern Monster Realm would collapse, and chaos would inevitably ensue throughout the Immortal Realm.

On the other side.

All members of the Sky Monster Palace stood up as Jin Ritian led Li Jing in, saluting him in unison.

"Greetings, Monster Emperor."

After greeting Jin Ritian, all the monsters turned to Li Jing, bending over in a most respectful manner

"Greetings, Sky King Great Emperor."

"..."

Li Jing.

Jin Ritian has done an excellent job with his "ideological work".

Monsters are indeed much purer than human cultivators.

The Sky Monster Palace is absolutely dominated by Jin Ritian, with no other distractions.

The same thing.

If it were the Donghua Immortal Palace or the other two Underground Palaces, it’s needless to say how difficult it would be.

But you...MUA!

These people greet him as Great Emperor whenever they see him.

If others heard this, there would likely be misunderstandings, wouldn’t there?

Each of the Four Realms of Immortals has only one Emperor, and can only have one.

The Emperor represents status and power, not strength.

And that’s not all.

These people call him the Sky King Great Emperor.

What the hell?

Because his Emperor title does not have a proper name, they just found one that can match "number"?

This is even more outrageous than the Donghua Immortal Palace!

Li Jing silently paused, smiling faintly.

"I am but a solitary figure with barely emperor-level strength, there’s no need for so much formality."

As he spoke, he gave Jin Ritian a faint glance.

Jin Ritian felt a tremble in his calves, and was completely confused .

Li Jing’s gaze.

It looked as if he couldn’t wait to stew him on the spot.

But he didn’t understand.

Where had he gone wrong, why was the man so unhappy?

Ordinarily,

Jin Ritian, given his nature, would definitely ask right away.

When he interacts with others,

what he finds most annoying is when people beat around the bush.

A real man should have the courage to act!

However, in front of his subordinates, Jin Ritian couldn’t recklessly open his mouth.

He led Li Jing towards the center of the grand hall with a smile, introducing him to the various monsters and their positions along the way.

However, the ones receiving the most attention were not Li Jing, the honored guest,

but Jin Ling and Jin Yue.

The two followed behind Li Jing like coy maidens, which didn’t resemble the two demon queens who usually moved mountains and beat up Great Demons.

The Sky Monster Palace members who had suffered greatly from them were simply shocked.

These two female demon emperors could be so "docile and likable"?

Under the astonished gaze of the Sky Monster Palace members, Li Jing followed Jin Ritian around the grand hall and settled at the center. Jin Ling and Jin Yue naturally sat beside him, like two dutiful wives.

This,

almost caused the Great Demons present to pop their eyeballs out.

The Sky King Great Emperor, he...

Could it be that he had taken these two female demons who had tormented the members of the Sky Monster Palace for countless years?

That must be it!

Otherwise, why would the two be so obedient and docile?

Think about it carefully.

Even if they are the daughters of the Emperor, marrying an emperor who the Emperor himself greatly values and fears is perfectly reasonable, isn’t it?

From now on,

Chen Tang City and the Sky Monster Palace would be in-laws!

Of course, that’s secondary.

The key is, what great merit and virtue Li Jing has contributed for this to happen!?

For a moment, all the monsters present regarded him with solemn respect, and saluted with their gaze full of reverence.

"..."

Li Jing.

His eyes were sharp, weren’t they?

Just from the expressions of the Great Demons when they saw Jin Ling and Jin Yue, it’s not hard to see that these two didn’t have a good reputation in the Sky Monster Palace.

But, at this moment, it seems that.

It wasn’t just a simple case of having a bad reputation for these two.

Glancing casually at the two women around him, Li Jing didn’t pay much attention.

No matter what these two are usually like, at least they are well-behaved in front of him.

Everything had been set with Jin Ritian, he couldn’t really say "returns" now.

As for sharing a seat with the two people.

That really wasn’t a big deal.

The banquet tables at the Sky Monster Hall were tremendous. Normally accommodating three or five people wasn’t a problem and did not look crowded.

For now, both of them were sitting decorously on either side without any unnecessary actions.

Just as they sat down, Jin Ritian, seated at another long table, clapped his hands.

Smack, smack.

One after another, beautiful figures carrying various delicacies came filing in from the outside of the hall to start serving the food.

In addition, over twenty gorgeous women with fox ears on their heads, large tails hanging from their waists, and various musical instruments in their arms came in. They stood together in the center of the hall, swiftly took out chairs, and sat down, crossing their legs.

This "Fox Demon Formation," was as eye-catching as it sounds.

Even Li Jing, who could transform into a fox demon and who had a fox demon amongst his Taoist companions, couldn’t help but be drawn in on-site.

No choice.

Fox Demon.

Naturally born with a scent of playfulness...

Um!

A natural charm.

Even without trying, naturally charming fox demons were simply refreshing to look at!

Seeing the twenty-plus fox demons sitting with their long legs lifted, Li Jing was taken aback.

The side slit of the long skirts revealed pair after pair of black stockings.

This Jin Ritian.

Making quite a bit of progressive strides!

Li Jing couldn’t help but wonder.

Did his Chen Tang City ever sell these things?

Upon closer examination, he had an epiphany.

What these fox demons wore on their legs were not ordinary black stockings, but black, silk-like spiritual objects woven into the shape of a sock.

Just as he figured it out, all the fox demons simultaneously started a gesture.

"Thump thump."

?

Li Jing.

Just as the question mark appeared, the fox demons started playing classical music in harmony.

This melody.

It’s indeed the classic Elysium.

Wordlessly turning his head, Li Jing looked towards Jin Ritian.

Meeting his gaze, the latter grinned.

"Little brother, you should recognize this as the brainwashing divine tune from your Blue Star. I heard it once at an amusement park and found it quite nice, so I simply copied it."

Saying this, he pointed to the outside door with his mouth with a smug expression.

"Little brother, look, my specially trained girl group has arrived."

"..."

Li Jing.

God’s fucking girl group!

What does that mean?

Is this dude tired of being an emperor, wanting to be a tycoon instead?

Li Jing was speechless and subconsciously turned his head.

What came into view.

Were three vixens, far more glamorous than the fox demon formation, blood bar assessment revealed they were later Venerable, wearing flaming hot skirts that need not be described, and began to dance.

"... "

Li Jing.

These three female vixens, of course, were dancing to the Elysium that matched the tune.

So...

Was this necessary?

For this trivial matter, making the three female venerables practice this crappy dance as an entertainment for guests.

How much spare time does Jin Ritian have?!

And how much is he obsessed with Blue Star culture?

Looking again at Jin Ritian, who didn’t announce a start to the meal but was already enjoying his drinks and appreciating the vixens’ dance, Li Jing silently sneered and admired alongside him.

Outrageous indeed.

But you can’t deny this scene is pleasing to the eye!

Those playing the music.

Are fox demons of no small cultivation.

Those dancing.

Are plainly female Venerable fox demons!

A spectacle like this, you wouldn’t easily find anywhere else.

Nothing more to say.

Jin Ritian does have the potential to be a tycoon.

...

It must be said, Sky Monster Hall really is quite casual.

Jin Ritian had not yet announced the start of the feast.

However, the Great Demons present naturally started drinking and laughing, while also appreciating the tantalizing dance of the female fox demon group.

This atmosphere...

Li Jing didn’t exactly dislike it.

He was thinking of grabbing a bite and leaving after a short while when Jin Yue, beside him, looked at a Rat Demon with a sharp, thin face and prominent monstrous traits sitting at a distant table.

"Zi Shu."

She called out, softly hey beckoning him.

The Rat Demon looked slightly stunned but quickly stood up to respond, not daring to delay.

Li Jing had just exchanged pleasantries with him.

He knew that this Rat Demon was a well-informed figure in the Heavenly Demon Hall.

Despite the Rat Demon looking a bit unseemly with his name based on the zodiac sign Rat...

Almost all the information related to Zhong Shen Zhou was collected by him.

Undeniably, this guy was competent.

Over there...

Zi Shu quickly approached, first saluting Li Jing, then turned to Jin Yue.

"Your Highness, do you have any instructions?"

"This is Brother Li’s first time in Zhong Shen Zhou. Later, we hope to take him around."

Jin Yue spoke.

Before her words had fully fall, Jin Ling, seemingly telepathically connected, asked,

"Has there been any interesting places in Zhong Shen Zhou lately?"

"Interesting places?"

Zi Shu paused, turning to glance at Li Jing.

Clearly...

He knew a lot and was a clever man.

He was well aware.

That even though Jin Ling and Jin Yue may like a place, Li Jing might not necessarily enjoy it and wouldn’t necessarily entertain their whims.

So, the question became...

What are his preferences?

Li Jing immediately recognized that Zi Shu was trying to figure out his preferences and responded with a casual smile.

"Personally, I prefer mystical places or places where treasures and opportunities arise, to sum it up, I like to treasure hunt."

Hearing these words, Zi Shu immediately displayed a look of understanding, and after a moment of thought, he started speaking;

"About half a month ago, geomagnetic disturbances appeared in a barren land within the Beiming Divine Palace territory. It is claimed by reliable sources that this is a blessed land with a gate to heaven that has been unknown for its extremely rare opening intervals. Legend has it that this land conceals the inheritance of a Great Emperor who successfully broke through and went to the Upper Three Realms from Beiming Divine Palace."

"Of course, rumors are just rumors. Since the downfall of the Ancient Fairyland and the relocation of the cultivators to the Immortal Realms there hasn’t been a single sighting of anyone breaking through the Venerable state and ascending to the Upper Three Realms. But recently there have been quite a number of people from the Beiming Divine Palace entering the site of the geomagnetic disturbances, seemingly waiting for something."

After saying this, Zi Shu cups his fists in respect.

"For more detailed information, I’m unable to investigate. Presently, the Earth Realm has been completely occupied by the Beiming Divine Palace. Ordinary people can’t get involved at all. Sky King Great Emperor should just listen to this information. If interested, you may go and have a look."

Before Li Jing could respond, Jin Ling spoke, furrowing her delicate brows.

"If we, as living beings, go to the Earth Realm, occupied by the dead cultivators from Beiming Divine Palace, troubles will inevitably arise. Of course, considering Brother Li’s power, it would pose no problem. Although if we go, we might have to fight or kill those frenzied dead cultivators, especially as the place Zi Shu mentioned is deep within the territory of Beiming Divine Palace."

Just as she finished speaking, Jin Yue started speaking too.

"Not long ago, the Emperor Beiming stepped down and the new emperor has not yet ascended to the throne. The Beiming Divine Palace is particularly chaotic at this time."

"The Beiming area is indeed chaotic recently."

Zi Shu responded.

"In order to fight for the emperor’s throne many old monsters who used to live in the Northern Immortal Domain and never ventured out have moved their whole families to Zhong Shen Zhou, hoping to become the emperor and establish roots in Beiming Divine Palace. Their descendants are hardly capable of controlling themselves when they see living beings."

As he spoke, he continued,

"Regarding the Blessed Land with the gate to Heaven, the main competitors for the emperor’s throne probably won’t have the time to pay attention to it. However, their families are now free and eager to step on someone’s head to prove their family’s power. At present, the Blessed Land hasn’t officially opened and they might not participate, but once it’s open, they certainly will not miss it."

Hearing the conversations, Li Jing thoughtfully said,

"Going to Beiming Divine Palace’s territory will indeed be a bit troublesome and its inconvenient to operate. However, I think the problem won’t be too big, so let’s decide to go there."

As he spoke, he smiled.

"Apart from the former Emperor Beiming and some top-level dead cultivators who still retain their sanity, I have never seriously seen the corpse cultivators from the rumors who would become frenzied upon seeing living beings. It just so happens I can go there and look."

With Li Jing speaking like this, Jin Ling and Jin Yue naturally did not object any further.

Both of them were at the Emperor Level of cultivation, fearless of anything.

They were just worried that going there would stir up some unwanted trouble.

If Li Jing thought it wouldn’t be a problem, the two of them would just follow him and blend in.

What did their father say to them?

Upon meeting Li Jing...

Don’t try to figure out what he will do or think. Just follow him and you’ll be fine.

Problems might arise, but they wouldn’t be much difficult to handle.

Benefits...

If they come, you will definitely get a share too.

Zi Shu, on the other hand, kept his eyes on his nose and nose on his heart, quietly stating the location of the geomagnetic disturbance.

The species of rat are naturally timid and cautious.

He also adhered to principles in his work.

The information, he would offer to the Heavenly Demon Hall in exchange for resources and status.

But no matter who got the information he shared, he would not further participate or attempt to follow up.

Even if Jin Ritian himself asked, he would still stick to his principles.

...