"Four years ago, you were merely a bandit chief whose cultivation was only at Martial Entry. Four years later, you have ascended to Heavenly Being."
"I must say, you have truly piqued my curiosity."
Xi Yang spoke calmly, his expression composed.
Qin Shujian smiled faintly. "Just a few little tricks, not worth Your Majesty's concern."
"If reaching Heavenly Being in four years is not worth my concern, then there can be very little in this world that is." Xi Yang suddenly smiled, then walked into the pavilion and sat down.
Qin Shujian followed him inside.
"No need to stand on ceremony. Sit!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Qin Shujian did not demur. After cupping his hands in salute, he sat down opposite Xi Yang.
Seated across from him was the reigning sovereign of Great Zhao.
It would have been impossible to say he felt no pressure at all.
Even though the Imperial Court was now in dire straits, Xi Yang's status remained exalted as long as it survived.
And even setting his status aside...
The man was also a powerhouse of unfathomable strength.
Moreover, although Xi Yang had only been on the throne a short time, he had spent thousands of years as an imperial prince. He possessed all the dignity expected of him.
Still...
Although Qin Shujian felt uneasy inside, he showed little of it on the surface.
"Come to think of it, Sect Master Qin, you have had many dealings with our Great Zhao. You also contributed greatly to quelling the demon calamities across the land recently. On behalf of the common people, I must thank you!"
"You are too kind, Your Majesty. Demon calamities concern everyone under heaven. I am one of them, so how could I simply watch them run rampant?"
"Indeed. If everyone thought as you