Visitors from the Imperial Palace

"All right, everyone, please take your seats," King Fenghe said with a smile. Almost everyone expected had arrived, and they took their seats.

At the head table sat King Fenghe and his son, Zhuge Xiang, Wu Zhao, and the two National Teachers, Niu and Hu-six people in all. Two seats remained empty. There was nothing particularly noteworthy about the other seating arrangements.

"Why hasn't White National Teacher come?" Once everyone was seated, King Fenghe addressed the two National Teachers. White National Teacher was foremost among the three National Teachers. All three had exerted themselves inside the Heaven-Piercing Tower, so naturally he had been invited as well.

"Fellow Daoist White gained quite a bit from his journey through the Heaven-Piercing Tower, so he entered secluded cultivation after returning. He won't emerge for at least six months to a year," Niu Dali replied, unable to conceal the envy in his words.

Once one reached the Void Returning Stage, every improvement was exceedingly precious. Advancing another step atop a hundred-foot pole was incomparably difficult.

"I see. Then congratulations are in order," King Fenghe said upon hearing Niu Dali's explanation. His gaze then fell on Zhuge Xiang. "What about Fellow Daoist Phoenix Tree? Why hasn't it come either?"

During the journey through the Heaven-Piercing Tower, those who had fought Fire Control King Ming Yan and the Golden Winged Corpse King had all indirectly looked after Li Zhi. Thus, the Phoenix Tree Divine Wood had also been among King Fenghe's intended guests. The two empty seats at the eight-seat head table had been reserved for White National Teacher and the Phoenix Tree Divine Wood. This banquet of thanks was, on the one hand, to thank Zhuge Xiang, Wu Zhao, and the others for looking after Li Zhi inside the Heaven-Piercing Tower. On the other, King