An Actual Historical Celebrity!

After sorting through his gains, Chen Qing reined in his surging internal energy. He made a quick calculation and revealed a look of surprise. He then said to Lu Feng and Yin Lin'er, "This enlightenment took three whole days! I wonder if the Empress has made a move yet?"

"I haven't heard any commotion," Lu Feng sighed. "The Emperor ascended, his merits immeasurable, bestowing golden rains of creation. In Yujing City, from the highest nobles to the lowest street vendors, who isn't seizing this moment of celestial connection to comprehend profound mysteries?"

Yin Lin'er chimed in, "The streets have been remarkably calm these past few days. Even the usually arrogant Sky Patrol Guard have kept their doors shut! I heard there are spiritual energy vortexes at the Sixth Prince's mansion day and night; he must be comprehending the Dao Rhyme left behind by the Emperor."

"It seems they are preoccupied for now, but..." Chen Qing continued, "With the Immortal Emperor's ascension, the original plan is no longer viable. Moreover, the creation rain has already stopped."

Lu Feng sighed and nodded. "Indeed. These past two or three days were the lingering aftermath of the ascension, with no movement from any faction. But in the coming days, it won't be so peaceful. We need to find another way to locate the Red Vein Stone, and there's no time to waste!"

"Alchemy is important, of course, but if the Empress takes power, even if we succeed in refining the great elixir, it will likely be useless," Chen Qing's gaze swept towards the distant, majestic palace complex. "However, when the Immortal Emperor was on the throne, the Empress still had to rely on his imperial authority. Now that the Immortal Emperor has ascended, what is the foundation of the Empress's power? The Sixth Prince covets the throne, but is the Dragon Throne truly his for the taking?"

Lu Feng was taken aback, then said, "Before the Emperor ascended, surely he made arrangements?" He suddenly realized, "That's right. The Great Dao is transcendent; worldly power is but fleeting clouds. Since he has ascended to immortality, why would he concern himself with these mortal disputes?"

Chen Qing nodded slightly, spiritual light flowing within his Niwan Palace, reflecting the Immortal Emperor's final glance as he severed worldly ties before ascending. He couldn't help but wonder, if it were him, what choice would he make?

But he immediately shook his head. That moment was too far removed from him.

"You want to leverage the situation?" Lu Feng pondered for a while, then gave a wry smile and shook his head. "With our meager cultivation, we don't even qualify to be pawns! Moreover, with the unpredictable hearts of people in Yujing City now, who can be truly trusted?"

As he spoke, his expression turned serious, and he earnestly advised, "Young friend Chen, the best course of action now is to lie low and bide your time! Although you have good fortune on your side, your foundation is still shallow. Heed this old man's advice; lying low is the best strategy! Such matters are not for us to meddle in. I will take you out of the city now. With your talent..."

"No matter how great my talent, how can it contend with the Immortal Dynasty?" Chen Qing stared out the window, his eyes deep. "Leaving the city is easy, but have you considered, Elder Lü? If the Sixth Prince ascends, a single imperial decree could leave us with nowhere to hide. The Empress has been building her influence within the Immortal Dynasty for years; how long can we hide? This is not a wise strategy; it's like drinking poison to quench thirst!"

His current body was merely a dream avatar, so he didn't fear death.

Furthermore, Chen Qing's mind was clear: Elder Lü's suggestion seemed stable, but he didn't realize it still involved another player, the mysterious "Mystic Bright Layman." The machinations of the Sixth Prince and the Empress might very well be paving the way for someone else!

This foreknowledge was the key to breaking the stalemate, but how to make his move still required careful planning.

At this thought, spiritual light flickered in his Sea of Consciousness, and past figures flashed through Chen Qing's mind like a revolving lantern.

Suddenly, one figure froze—

Clad in fine brocade, with a hint of cynicism in his eyes.

"Could it be that you already have a plan?" Lu Feng's vacant eyes "stared" at Chen Qing, yet he cautioned, "The other factions are not to be trifled with either. Approaching them rashly could be like jumping from one fire pit into another!"

Chen Qing didn't answer, instead asking, "Elder Lü has lived in Yujing for a long time; do you know of Lu Qiyuan, Young Marquis Lu? Does he have a residence in the city?"

"Lu Qiyuan?" Lu Feng showed surprise. "He's a notorious dandy! Relying on the prestige of his father, the Marquis of the East Sea, he acts with impunity in Yujing. He usually stays at the Moon Embracing Villa, which is the Marquis of the East Sea's property in Yujing, located in the Golden Scale District. It's quite grand."

Chen Qing was taken aback. "Marquis of the East Sea?"

Lu Feng nodded. "The Marquis of the East Sea commands a thousand miles of sea territory and his wealth rivals that of a nation. His fleet, the Sea Suppressing Galleons, strikes fear throughout the Eastern Spirit Realm."

Chen Qing's mind instantly recalled fragmented records of the Marquis of the East Sea from Immortal Dynasty Anecdotes—

[The Marquis of the East Sea's 'Coral Palace' was built upon ten thousand acres of coral, with crystal palaces where nightly revelries were held; mountains of thousand-year-old profound ice were carved into rockeries, with living springs flowing over them, and spirit fish swimming within...]

This person was a representative of the Immortal Dynasty's decadent atmosphere after the Immortal Emperor's ascension!

He had actually met the future Marquis of the East Sea long ago?

He wondered if the "Marquis of the East Sea" recorded in Immortal Dynasty Anecdotes was Lu Qiyuan himself or his descendant.

"However, with his notoriety and his father's considerable power, it increases our chances!"

"You want his help?" Lu Feng frowned. "Although he once had designs on the Princess, the current situation is treacherous. He's also a notorious opportunist, acting recklessly and with a terrible reputation. The risk is too great!"

Chen Qing didn't reveal his thoughts, only saying, "We are confined to this Qin Lu now, our senses blocked. We are no different from the blind and the deaf. The threats from the Empress and the Sixth Prince hang over us like dark clouds, and the storm could descend at any moment. Rather than wait for the lightning to strike, it's better to actively seek a whisper of the wind."

Lu Feng fell silent. After a long pause, his hoarse voice rang out with a hint of resolve. "Fine! It's a gamble with our lives either way! How do you plan to proceed? The Moon Embracing Villa is not a dragon's den or a tiger's lair, but the security is tight. Lu Qiyuan must have experts around him; a direct assault is impossible."

"A direct assault?" Chen Qing chuckled. "That would be the worst possible strategy. What I want is for him to invite me in. However, leaving the estate this time might attract some attention, so we should prepare for a change of location."

"Invite you in?" Lu Feng was stunned.

Golden Scale District, Moon Embracing Villa.

Chen Qing stopped and looked up.

The three-zhang-high mansion gate stood majestically, carved entirely from ten-thousand-year-old darkwood. Two Suan Ni statues carved from deep-sea blue crystal stood guard on either side, their eyes inlaid with luminous pearls, emitting a faint glow.

Above the gate, a purple jade plaque bore the four characters "Moon Embracing Villa" in elegant, flowing calligraphy, with the faint sound of waves emanating from it.

"Halt! This is a restricted area of the Marquis's estate. Civilians, withdraw!"

The guards at the gate wore fish-scale soft armor and exuded a formidable aura. Seeing Chen Qing pause to observe, they immediately shouted sternly, their hands already on the water-splitting daggers at their waists.

Chen Qing said nothing more. He flipped his palm and revealed a crimson token, the Crimson Fire Token that Young Marquis Lu had given him after hearing his plan to pacify the people and absolve sin.

"Buzz—"

The token's crimson patterns flared, and the surrounding water vapor instantly steamed!

The faces of the two guards turned instantly pale!

"Crimson Fire Token?!" The two no longer dared to show any arrogance. "Esteemed guest, forgive our ignorance! Please follow us!" One of them bowed, almost crawling, to lead Chen Qing inside.

Passing through the gate, the scene suddenly opened up!

The entire courtyard was built on a spiritual pond. Azure waves rippled, exotic spirit fish swam among coral, and a warm jade Rainbow Bridge spanned the water's surface.

"Truly eye-opening! Compared to this, Bai Shaoyou seems quite modest." Chen Qing stepped onto the Rainbow Bridge. The bridge surface was smooth and warm, with a gentle heat seeping into the soles of his feet. "This extravagance must be hereditary."

On either side of the Rainbow Bridge, golden-scaled dragon carp leaped out of the water, blowing colorful bubbles.

The guiding guard dared not breathe heavily and escorted Chen Qing to a white jade terrace.

On the stage, Lu Qiyuan reclined lazily on a soft couch, with veiled maids kneeling on either side, some massaging his legs, others peeling glistening Spirit Fruits for him.

"Reporting, Young Master! A distinguished guest holding the Crimson Fire Token requests an audience!" a guard announced loudly from outside the terrace.

Lu Qiyuan, who had been enjoying the gentle massage with his eyes closed, suddenly opened them. Upon seeing the visitor, he leaped down barefoot and strode forward with a hearty laugh, "Hahaha! Chen Xu! It really is you! I knew you would come!"

His voice was full of vigor and a certain boldness. "The Holy Emperor has ascended, and the Princess is at her wit's end. You should have pledged allegiance to a wise ruler long ago! Coming to me is the right choice! With your abilities and my influence, where in Jade Capital can we not go? Riches, honor, and eternal life are within your grasp!"

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