Several hours later.
Outside the Longwind Capital, dawn is about to break across the vast horizon.
The azure Treasure Ship pierced through the clouds and landed smoothly in front of the Imperial Palace in the north of the city.
After days of running around...
Qin Baiyi and Pei You'an, who returned with the ship, went back to their rooms to rest. An Ziqing also went back to his temporary residence after stepping off the deck.
Ye Li then walked straight into the Imperial Palace.
Let's calculate the time.
Only a few hours remain before the appointed time to enter the palace and meet the emperor, as stipulated in the imperial edict.
After dismissing the attendants outside the hall.
Ye Li sat cross-legged on the main couch, closed his eyes, and meditated alone.
Although he had destroyed several sects of True Person Mountain Gate in the past two days, it had not taken much of his strength.
But since we're going to the Imperial Palace to see Longwind Divine Dynasty Emperor later, and might even have to face the True Lord behind the royal family, it's best to get into top condition beforehand.
At the same time.
Inside another residence not far from the Imperial Palace.
An Ziqing had only been back in the courtyard for a short time when the steward outside rushed over to announce that He Jingming, an official from the Eastern Palace, had come to visit.
An Ziqing's eyes flickered, and then he agreed to the meeting.
A moment later, inside the front hall.
He Jingming dismissed his attendants and greeted An Ziqing, who was walking out, with a broad smile and cupped his hands in a gesture of respect:
"I have taken the liberty of arriving at dawn, disturbing the tranquility of the Cold Purity Palace Heir. I hope you will forgive me."
An Ziqing stopped in her tracks, recognizing the special form of address the other person had used, and asked with a cool expression:
"Fellow Daoist He, what brings you here so early?"
He Jingming's smile remained unchanged as he took out a sealed invitation from his pocket and handed it forward:
"To be honest, I am here on the orders of my Crown Prince to invite you."
"In a few hours, Ye Li will enter the palace to meet the emperor and hear his questions. At that time, all eyes in the capital will be on the Imperial Palace."
"His Highness has prepared tea at his villa in the city and wishes to take advantage of the time during the audience with the Emperor to have a private conversation with Cold Purity Palace Heir."
An Ziqing looked down at the invitation, not immediately reaching out to take it, and said in a slightly indifferent tone:
I appreciate Your Highness's kindness.
"However, I came here with the Alliance Association, and the current situation is so delicate, it would be inappropriate to meet in private... If word gets out, I'm afraid I won't be able to explain myself."
Although he was verbally refusing...
However, his words left room for discussion.
Having observed people's expressions for many years, He Jingming immediately noticed the change in their stance. He sighed softly and lowered his voice, saying:
It's understandable that Palace Heir An has some concerns.
"But Palace Heir was originally the heir to the renowned Cold Purity Palace, famous Three Continents. In terms of status and talent, in what way was he inferior to that Supreme Clarity Palace Son?"
"Now that we've crossed continents, not only is our original name being ignored, but we also have to endure humiliation and suppression on a daily basis, and have to be mindful of others' moods in everything we do."
"After hearing about these things, His Highness has privately expressed his indignation on behalf of the Palace Heir on many occasions!"
Upon hearing this statement...
The atmosphere in the lobby immediately turned cold.
An Ziqing's fingers tightened slightly inside her sleeve, and her expression darkened noticeably.
"Fellow Daoist, please be careful with your words! This is my own business, and it's none of your business to comment!"
"I misspoke."
He Jingming not only ignored her cold expression, but also became even more polite, cupping his hands in greeting:
"But His Highness is truly sincere and genuinely intends to help the Palace Heir out of her predicament."
"Ye Li's visit to the palace today is a rare opportunity. If we miss this chance, it will be difficult to find such a convenient opportunity again in the future."
An Ziqing stood still.
Her expression shifted constantly, as if she were going through some intense internal struggle.
Several breaths passed.
As if struck on a sore spot, she angrily snatched the invitation away, gritting her teeth and saying coldly:
"... good!
"I've noted down the time and place; I'll go there in person!"
"Your Palace Heir is indeed straightforward; I will await your arrival at the other courtyard!"
He Jingming's smile grew even more genuine, and he felt extremely satisfied.
Really!
Those top geniuses who have cultivated all the way to this level are all inherently proud and arrogant.
How could they possibly endure such humiliation?!
The reason it hadn't acted up before was simply because it was isolated and helpless!
Now that the Eastern Palace Prince has extended an olive branch, how could she possibly let it slip by?!
Having achieved his goal, He Jingming did not linger any longer. After politely bowing, he turned and quickly left the residence.
Once the figure in red robes had completely disappeared into the distance...
"..."
An Ziqing's feigned anger vanished instantly, replaced by a look of surprise in his eyes.
Good heavens.
She could hardly believe her acting was so good.
Even the veteran officials from the Eastern Palace couldn't see any flaws. So, perhaps her True Person really thought she had suffered a great humiliation.
I suddenly feel a little ashamed...
Her heart was in turmoil, but she quickly put away the invitation and left her temporary residence, intending to go all the way to Ye Li's temporary Imperial Palace.
As soon as he stepped out of the Mansion Gate, he saw a figure in Green Robe under the shade of a tree not far away.
It was Ye Li.
As expected, he couldn't be fooled... An inexplicable emotion welled up in An Ziqing's heart, and she quickly stepped forward to hand over the invitation she had just received.
Ye Li quickly glanced at it, then listened to her repeat He Jingming's words, and chuckled:
"This Longwind Divine Dynasty Prince Changfeng is quick enough."
"I specifically chose to meet you alone during my audience with the Emperor, and I even prepared a route in advance to avoid the city's surveillance cameras."
He quickly made a judgment in his mind:
Judging from this situation, we should be able to meet the so-called crown prince directly this time.
Two days ago, I traveled south and successively destroyed the gates of Life-Extending Temple and other Mountain Gate.
The memories obtained from the soul search and the secret ledgers that were copied contained a lot of evidence of crimes directly linked to the Eastern Palace.
This prince's background is not clean to begin with, and now he's secretly meeting with An Ziqing right around the time of his audience with the emperor; he's clearly up to no good.
It just so happened that the timing coincided with his entry into the palace...
Ye Li leaned against the tree trunk, tapping his fingers lightly, and remained silent for a moment.
Although he already had an idea in mind, putting it into practice would be quite difficult for him.
A long silence fell over the hall.
An Ziqing stood quietly in front of the desk, her gaze fixed on him, waiting for his decision.
Thoughts raced through Ye Li's mind.
Since the Eastern Palace dared to make such a move at this time, he must have arranged for a master of the Fortune-Mastery level to accompany and protect him.
Right now, I'm not far from taking that step.
A sufficient amount of Malice Points is needed to pave the way.
In order to achieve a breakthrough in the future, there is absolutely no reason not to let go of these guys who have taken the initiative to come to us!
As for the audience with Longwind Divine Dynasty Emperor, it's not too late to go after we've settled things at the Eastern Palace.
Much later.
Ye Li finally snapped out of his thoughts, took a deep breath, stood up, and said:
I'll go in your place this time.
An Ziqing was taken aback upon hearing this, and asked with a puzzled expression:
How are you going to go in my place?
"The Eastern Palace's Palace definitely has spies both inside and outside the Capital City. The moment you show your face, you'll be exposed. If they sense something's wrong, they'll definitely run away."
Ye Li took another deep breath, shook his head, and said:
"You don't need to worry about that, I have my own way of doing it."
The words had barely left his mouth.
His gaze fell on An Ziqing, scanning him carefully from head to toe, and he spoke casually:
"You, turn around in one go and let me see."