The new Prodigy Rankings soon sent shockwaves through the Shenzhou Vast Land. Twenty-three Human Emperors, including the Profound King, arrived at the Imperial Palace on nearly the same day.
They hoped to find some clues in the human race's historical records. If demons had struck in secret, or if some ill-intentioned members of their own race had killed Shi Lan by bullying the weak with their strength, they would naturally demand justice for her.
This was not just a matter concerning Shi Lan; it concerned the entire human race.
Taishi did not appear. Liu Yunzheng received the assembled Human Emperors in the main hall. After the time it took to drink a cup of tea, they dispersed, each wearing a different expression. The murderous fury they had arrived with was nowhere to be seen.
Chu Hanzhou did not leave. He stayed behind alone and asked to see Taishi.
His identity was extraordinary. After giving it a moment's thought, Liu Yunzheng agreed to his request.
"What do you want to ask?"
The setting sun sank in the west. Within the main hall, Taishi sat high upon the imperial throne and looked down at Chu Hanzhou. His burning golden eyes were filled with a detached indifference that seemed to look down upon the world.
Chu Hanzhou had nearly forgotten what Taishi had looked like in his youth. Seeing this incarnation before him, he was momentarily at a loss.
After a brief silence, he stepped forward, bowed, and came straight to the point.
"I want to know how you feel about Shi Lan, and who you've chosen as the next master of the Imperial Court."
For an emperor with little life left, asking so bluntly about his successor was clearly a grave sign of disrespect. Yet Taishi did not grow angry. Instead, he