The Wei Emperor Arrives

----Outer Sea, Billowing Dream Palace

Kuang Liuting stood before the crystal pillar, bowed to Vice Envoy Changxiao in farewell, and said, "I am grateful for your care during this time, Vice Envoy."

The latter accepted it readily, partly because the master and the direct line of the Kuang Household were irreconcilable enemies, with virtually no possibility of reconciliation. As one of the deputy envoys of the Billowing Dream Palace, Changxiao True Person couldn't be too close to Kuang Liuting, this rising star, but forming a good relationship with him wouldn't be a problem.

After all, how many years has it been since Upper-Grade Golden Core emerged within the territory of the Great Wei Immortal Dynasty? Not to mention the four Spirit Transformation sects around it, even on Bitter Spirit Mountain, this is considered a rare occurrence.

It's perfectly normal, both logically and emotionally.

Vice Envoy Changxiao smiled faintly and did not answer. He only glanced at True Person Moon Hidden beside Kuang Liuting again, and then sneered inwardly, "Is the Emperor of Wei's lineage really so desolate that they can even use someone like this to protect their own family? If they really encounter a tough opponent, wouldn't they be left with nothing?"

However, he was also aware that the current situation was still unclear. The various True Person of the Great Wei Immortal Dynasty were used to playing both sides. As long as those few forces that directly raised the banner of rebellion were put to rest, there was no need to worry too much about Kuang Liuting's safety.

Deputy Envoy Changxiao remained silent, but True Person Moon Hidden spoke up. He was a white-haired, long-browed Daoist, dressed simply in his robes and hemp shoes, showing no trace of the dignity of a True Person.

Furthermore, he was extremely respectful to Vice Envoy Changxiao when speaking, "Vice Envoy, please allow me to report. Last time, the Prince of the South requesting that I take the Earl of Fengen with me on my return journey. I wonder if this is possible, Vice Envoy?"

Vice Envoy Changxiao raised an eyebrow, his voice laced with sarcasm. "Yueyin has asked the wrong person. Return to the Ruins Spring is not under Non-Self jurisdiction. Perhaps this matter should be discussed with Vice Envoy Jinyun."

Having followed True Person Moon Hidden Kuang Liuting in his cultivation in the outer seas for so long, how could Master Yueyin not know about this matter? However, upon hearing Vice Envoy Changxiao's words, he knew that his plan had failed. After bowing and thanking him, he never mentioned the matter again.

Upon hearing what Deputy Envoy Changxiao said, Kuang Liuting frowned, then sighed. He glanced once more at the magnificent Billowing Dream Palace, then remained silent and boarded the Chi Dragon Jade Carriage with True Person Moon Hidden Yueyin.

"Please wait a moment, Marquis of Earl of Nan'an and Fellow Yueyin."

Kuang Liuting looked around, and at that moment a red light broke through the sea in the distance. Its true form arrived a few breaths later than the sound. After the red light dissipated, a burly man in a red robe was revealed.

The burly man, with a gentle expression, presented a water-stained Storage Bag to Kuang Liuting: "My lord instructed me to go out today to prepare some local products for the Earl of Nan'an. The Fourth Tier Demon Lieutenant was difficult to catch and escaped, while I did find a few Third Tier Demon Officer, but the time was too short to slaughter and dry them properly. Therefore, I have no choice but to trouble Fellow Yueyin to prepare them for me."

Kuang Liuting didn't know whether the burly man in red robes before him had come to show off or to sincerely see him off, but he bowed respectfully without any arrogance and said, "Thank you for seeing me off, Deputy Envoy Chiguang. Please convey my gratitude to you, sir."

Master True Person Moon Hidden leaped to Kuang Liuting's side, bowed, and accepted the gift. Deputy Envoy Chiguang disembarked and landed alongside Deputy Envoy Changxiao, watching the two depart.

Kuang Liuting withdrew his gaze from behind, and True Person Moon Hidden's hand seals changed for a moment, the mountain-patterned thumb ring on his right thumb suddenly lit up.

The sea surface suddenly caved in, creating a ten-mile-long whirlpool, and the dragon-headed jade wheel crushed the foam and floated to the surface.

The illusory image of the black jade dragon coiled around the carriage, radiating a ghostly blue light. The openwork dome, forged from spirit jade and coral, was emitting clouds and mist. Hundreds of bone crystal palace lamps on the carriage were lit up, reflecting the surrounding seawater within a hundred feet into a flowing turquoise.

As the spiritual light around him gradually brightened, the dormant dragon scales began to open and close one by one.

At that moment, thunder roared at the horizon where the sea met the sky. The dragon's claws gripped the void for a split second, and the entire sea suddenly became as still as a mirror—the silver fish frozen on the crests of the waves, the seagulls hovering in mid-air, and even the salty sea breeze were imprisoned in an invisible barrier.

"Start."

As the shouts of the boatmen echoed from the chariot, the silk curtains trembled in unison.

Golden flames ignited in the pupils of the outermost dragon, and the sea began to boil wherever its whiskers swept.

Countless translucent runes gushed forth from between the spokes of the carriage, spreading out on the waves like a bright band of light resembling the Milky Way. When the waves touched them, they all transformed into ice crystal lotus leaves, blooming one after another along the path the carriage had traveled.

When the jade carriage soared into the air, it created a thousand-foot-long curtain of water. The water droplets, which were carried by spiritual energy, did not fall. Instead, they hung in mid-air and formed a ring-shaped star map, making the dark patterns on the dragon scales seem to come alive and move around incessantly.

As the last dragon scale emerged from the water, the entire carriage transformed into a blue light and plunged into the cloud vortex, leaving only a trace between the sea and the sky, resembling a tear in silk.

The master of Palace Master of Billowing Dream was looking in that direction when Jinyun, the deputy envoy who had just been mentioned by Deputy Envoy Changxiao, boldly spoke up beside him, "My lord, if we go to stop him now, it might still be in time."

Kuang Chexiao sneered, then withdrew his gaze and muttered in a low voice, "Yueyin is quite incompetent, but the Chi Dragon Jade Carriage passed down from Five Old Mothers Mountain is quite something. His escape skills are probably among the best in the Great Wei Immortal Dynasty. If the five of you can't catch up, then who will?! Me?! Do I have no shame?!"

Vice Envoy Jinyun immediately prostrated himself on the ground and confessed his guilt. "I am utterly incompetent! I am unable to share the burdens of my lord!"

"Why should I need your help?!" Kuang Chexiao ignored the deep bow from Vice Envoy Jinyun, and strode back to his golden throne, saying nonchalantly, "If any of Kuang Cheyun's descendants can produce an Upper-Grade Golden Core cultivator, send him to the Billowing Dream Palace for my instruction. This was agreed upon with me by that good-for-nothing a thousand years ago, how can he go back on his word?"

Mentioning Kuang Liuting this time seemed to soften the cold expression on Kuang Chexiao's face somewhat. He pondered for a while, then said again, "However, judging solely on that kid, he is indeed not bad, unlike that good-for-nothing descendant of Kuang Cheyun."

Jinyun, the deputy envoy, was always by Kuang Chexiao's side and knew that the latter was truly interested in talent. So he stopped mentioning Kuang Liuting and instead asked, "Your Majesty, that Earl of Fengen in Return to the Ruins Spring hasn't come out yet."

Kuang Chexiao raised an eyebrow and said calmly, "No rush. It's fine if I've already nurtured Shen Lingfeng for Great Abyss Capital, but I can't keep having to subsidize him again and again. If Mystic Firmament Palace doesn't send over that piece of demon general's Blood Amber from Two Rivers Circuit, Return to the Ruins Spring won't be in a hurry to send it back."

"Your humble servant obeys!" Vice Envoy Jinyun bowed respectfully, then asked with a doubtful voice, "And what about the supplies?"

The burly lord on the golden throne chuckled, "Put away that shabby air about you. Why be stingy with such meager resources? This kid may also come from humble beginnings, but having the 'Primordial Chaos Mysterious Pivot Physique' doesn't mean he'll have a smooth journey."

In truth, this child's temperament and comprehension are far inferior to Shen Lingfeng's. Even if that brat in the Mystic Firmament Palace were willing to pour resources into him, it would be a stroke of luck if he could even reach the Nascent Soul Nascent Soul.

As Kuang Chexiao finished speaking, the smile on his face gradually faded, and after a long while, he said in a low voice, "The year after that old man, there were events such as the six kings vying for the capital and the nine dukes coming to the aid of the sea."

These two great wars, which affected the entire world, lasted for three to five hundred years. Not only did more than half of the True Person perish, but even the Kuang Household clan had long since fallen into ruin.

To this day, not only has the nation failed to recover, but even its youngest children have been granted titles of nobility. Under such circumstances, how can Emperor of Wei possibly overcome all opposition and sacrifice the Kuang Household to raise a non-King Nascent Soul? I simply do not believe it."

Vice Envoy Jinyun could tell that Kuang Chexiao was sighing, so he didn't say anything more. He then stood silently without making any move.

"Alright," Kuang Chexiao said, calming himself down without needing anyone to persuade him. He then left the golden throne, patted Vice Envoy Jinyun on the shoulder, and said softly:

"Alright, let's get our minds back on that shallow pool. The petty squabbles inside are nothing to worry about. I have a feeling that within the next hundred years, those four powerful families outside will make some moves again. The Dark Abyss Merfolk Guard need to be trained continuously, lest I be left without troops."

Kuang Chexiao paused abruptly at this point, glancing past Deputy Envoy Jinyun and then looking at the wisp of smoke in the sky. He thought to himself, "That kid really does have a bit of the old man's style. Upper-Grade Golden Core is indeed rare, I am no match for him. His chances of advancing to the Nascent Spirit Transformation stage might be even greater than mine."

This dragon blood has bound me to five thousand years of lifespan, yet it also hinders my ability to break free from the shackles of the Spirit Transformation stage! It would be good if this brat could grow up; the old man left behind this Great Wei empire of twenty-seven provinces and over four hundred prefectures—it can't all be carried on my shoulders forever."

Thinking of this, he turned his gaze to the three ancient swords hanging on the palace roof, sighed sadly, and left Deputy Envoy Jinyun behind before returning to his palace.

Ten days later, Little Ring Mountain

As Fei Nanying stated in his letter, it is true that the Three Administrations under the jurisdiction of the Star-Picking Pavilion have been preparing for war, but they have yet to take any action.

Even in Jingnan Prefecture and Ding Prefecture, no battles occurred. The so-called battle between the Yue Household and the Tie Household, the vanguard summoned by the Two Instruments Sect, and the Xie Yi defeat of Jieyi Shangxiu by Senior Cultivator Wufeng and Yuan Buwen were all just rumors spread by three people.

Only Shu Zhengde led the Imperial Guards to garrison the Mountain South, while the cultivators of Five Old Mothers Mountain could not come over, because many families in the Mountain North Circuit had been incited and started a rebellion.

It is said that the disciple of Wang Beixing, the elder of Two Rivers Circuit Battle Hall who had just died at the hands of Shu Zhengde, came to join them, but he did not see the real leader. So he was unwilling and still incited the various families to raise the banner of rebellion and respond to the other families' extermination of Wei in Mountain North Circuit.

The position of the leader of the Mountain North Circuit Five Old Mothers Mountain was already unstable, and now there is no True Person in charge. Therefore, the fact that his family did not need Shu Zhengde to bring troops to help is already a great effort. They really have no more strength to send troops.

Therefore, the only reinforcements that Cloud Horn Prefecture Court could obtain in a short time were the troops Shu Zhengde, and even the mostly decimated Mountain North Circuit troops could not be easily mobilized.

According to Five Old Mothers Mountain, they still need to continue to work diligently for the Marquis of Changshun of Changshun Yao Gu, in order to stabilize the area Mountain North.

Under such circumstances, given Sect Leader Kang Da's cautious nature, he naturally dared not be careless.

After all, in Gao Xiu's eyes, losing ten or so True Cultivator and a thousand or so Qi Refinement in one battle could be considered "nothing serious".

But in Kang Dabao's eyes, this was a disaster that would destroy his family. If he were to suffer such a fate, he would be no different from when he was the leader of the three sects.

Chongming Small Pavilion began to disregard profits and purchase large quantities of war supplies; the various staff, instructors, and disciples of the Hundred Arts Pavilion began to work day and night to refine all kinds of elixirs, artifacts, talismans, and formations;

Sects within the alliance that False Core cultivators, such as the Stone Mountain Sect, need to muster their troops and prepare for war. Similarly, independent Xiu Household in Cold Crow Mountain must register their members.

Just as Sect Leader Kang Da often said, if we put our hearts into it, we can always save lives.

Kang Dabao's efforts seemed to have been in vain. When Kuang Liuting arrived in Xuanwei City in the jade carriage of the True Person Moon Hidden, neither side saw any fighting.

This time, both sides deployed tens of thousands of troops in a standoff, yet not a single Qi Refinement lost their life, demonstrating that it was all bark and no bite.

However, Sect Leader Kang Da could vaguely guess that Kuang Liuting's return to Mountain South would be a major event that could shake the world.

Since his own Boyue was being secretive and unwilling to reveal more, Kang Dabao could only hold several discussions with his fellow disciples, but they still couldn't come to any conclusions.

Left with no other choice, they could only send letters to Madam Qi, Fearless Tower, and the Yang Household.

Madam Qi is still in seclusion, and as usual, Master Qi asked Kang Changyi to reply on her behalf. Naturally, the two of them are unaware of the inside story. It is also strange that no one from Fearless Tower replied. As for the Ye Prefecture Yang Household, Yang Wuwei is out seeking Core Formation fortuitous opportunity and perfect his Core Thesis, while the two advanced cultivators, Yang Baoshan and Yang Yongcheng, are not at home.

After their efforts were in vain, Kang Dabao and the others did not have much doubt before they received a letter from the state government, ordering them to go to Xuanwei City to attend the ceremony.

As for the matter, it was not mentioned. However, the edict specifically emphasized that Sect Leader Kang Da should wear a blue official robe and bring his wife and son, which made it seem rather solemn.

The deadline given by the imperial edict was not long, Kang Dabao did not linger in the clan for too long before heading to Xuanwei City with Fei Shuhe and Kang Changxi.

Contrary to expectations of fluttering banners and a forest of spears, the moment Sect Leader Kang Da and his family landed in Xuanwei City, they sensed a festive atmosphere pervading the city.

Unable to obtain any information from the city gatekeeper, Kang Dabao had no choice but to travel to the prefectural government office with a belly full of doubts.

According to the clerks of the Sima Office, Fei Nanying is currently busy entertaining distinguished guests, and Fei Tianqin is nowhere to be seen. The couple is being entertained by Fei Enhua, who is already serving in the state court's military.

"Thirty-seventh brother, what exactly happened?" Fei Shuhe asked softly.

Fei Enhua shook his head for a moment, then asked softly, "I don't know either. I only know that recently, the leaders of five sects— Green Jade Pavilion of Liangxi Circuit, Buried Spring Mound of Two Rivers Circuit, Hehuan Sect of Guandong Circuit, Myriad Weapons Formless City King Yu Circuit, Nine Heavens Calamity Sea Sect—have all come to visit in person. Other Nascent Soul forces have also sent many important figures to visit."

Kang Changxi stared wide-eyed for a moment, then grabbed Fei Enhua's arm and exclaimed, "Uncle, doesn't that mean at least five True Person have come?!"

The latter shook his head and explained calmly, "That's not it. Apart from the Guandong Circuit Sect of the Hehuan Sect and the Green Jade Pavilion of Liangxi Circuit, the leaders of the other three sects are not True Person."

Upon hearing this, Kang Dabao realized it was normal. If five True Person were to arrive from outside, would Bai Canhong, the Master of the Star-Picking Pavilion, really remain calm? Fei Enhua seemed to have guessed what the Sect Leader Kang Da was thinking, and then said to Kang Changxi, "I heard that the Master of the Star-Picking Pavilion will also be coming in person this time, but I don't know if it's true."

The Sect Leader Kang Da was terrified, realizing that the relationship between these Nascent Soul sects and the Kuang Household clan was far more complex than simply being described as "enemy or friend."

Fei Enhua was too busy to sit still, so the Kang Dabao of three sat in the cave abode they had been arranged for two days. But after two days, Kang Dabao became restless and was about to go to the Qi residence to check on Kang Changyi's Fei Shuhe as Fei Shuhe had suggested, when another Sima Office.

---- Cloud Horn Prefecture Court

"Brother Kang, come here!"

Yang Wuwei hadn't seen them for a long time, was overjoyed to see Kang Dabao and his family of three, who had just arrived outside the state hall, and immediately called out to them.

Seeing this, the Sect Leader Kang Da, who was full of doubts, was also delighted and stepped forward. Fei Shuhe came from a noble family, and even without any attendants by her side, she knew that after greeting Kang Changxi and Yang Wuwei, she would go and talk with the latter's wife.

After the two of them were alone together, things became much easier to discuss.

"Brother Yang, do you know what has happened?"

"Eh, Brother Dao, as Sima's son-in-law, you don't even know?"

Yang Wuwei spoke with a look of surprise, then said in astonishment, "I've just happened to be here today. To be honest, I've never seen so many True Person in my entire life. Something big is bound to happen today."

"A big event? True Person?"

"Besides the two from the Green Jade Pavilion and Hehuan Sect, there were also True Person Moon Hidden from Five Old Mothers Mountain, Master of the Star-Picking Pavilion, and a Grand Eunuch from the Mystic Firmament Palace present. Such a grand gathering is rare in recent years."

Yang Baoshan was full of amazement, but Kang Dabao vaguely sensed something. The two families did not talk for long before they were led to the main hall of the state court by a cleansing official.

This main hall was originally Dingnan Niu Household with a thousand years of hard work. However, after Kuang Liuting took over, he first ordered a high-ranking geomancer to swap this hall with the sword-nurturing hall used by the Han City Yue Household.

Not long after it was used, Fei Tianqin came from Ying Prefecture again. This old bird felt that the Sword Nurturing Hall was cramped and small and did not match the dignity of the clan, so he started a large-scale construction project, conscripting cultivators from various families as laborers to expand the Sword Nurturing Hall to more than five times its original size before he stopped.

Sect Leader Kang Da had visited this place many times before, but upon entering today, he noticed that the entire palace had been thoroughly cleaned and was exceptionally radiant.

Halfway there, they saw that even Venerable Fei Nanying could not get close, and could only sit in the middle with the other envoys who had come to observe the ceremony. Yang Wuwei could not even get close to the middle, and could only sit on the edge with the two senior cultivators from the Ye Prefecture Yang Household.

As for the core area, there were only a few honored seats, all prepared with spiritual fruits and fine wines, as well as beautiful maids and handsome men, which were obviously reserved for those True Person.

The Kang Dabao, however, benefited from the Fei Household's connections and ended up with a group of top-tier Golden Core cultivators. Just as Fei Nanying finished dealing with the assembled high-ranking cultivators, Sect Leader Kang Da was about to ask a question, he was stopped by Fei's words. "This matter was only hastily decided by the Imperial Clan Court this morning. Even before that, neither I nor Ancestor Tianqin were certain. Don't ask anymore, just wait and see."

No sooner had Fei Nanying finished speaking than Kuang Liuting arrived at the foot of the jade steps in front of the Yangjian Hall, riding in Chi Dragon Jade Carriage.

As soon as his feet touched the ground, the golden bell in the hall suddenly rang, and several True Person who came to witness the ceremony, some riding magical Law Treasure and others riding spirit beasts, landed in turn on their seats of honor.

As a cultivator from the Shannan Circuit, Kang Dabao had seen countless portraits of the Master of the Star-Picking Pavilion, yet he was only able to see his true face when he was nearly a hundred years old. The other True Person were also profound and imposing, exuding an aura of authority that inspired awe and made people dare not look directly at them.

After all the True Person had taken their seats, another sharp cry rang out from the sky.

Suddenly, a pale-faced eunuch dressed in purple robes landed on the high platform in front of the hall, riding a Third Tier spirit bird. As soon as he stood firm, the four-symbol banners on the platform rose in the wind, and the entire Sword Nurturing Hall was suddenly illuminated.

The closest group of True Person, some with impatient expressions, others with utmost respect, some expressionless, and others with hidden resentment, showed no sign of arrogance at this moment, and bowed respectfully to the eunuch on the platform:

"Greetings, angel!"

"An angel?!" Young Kang Changxi was still in astonishment when, in the next instant, his parents pulled him to the ground in worship, their voices booming Like a Mountain collapsing, deafeningly loud. "Greetings, angel!!"

The Emperor said: Rise!

"Thank you, Angel!!"

Although there were clearly a group of True Person below the stage, the pale-faced eunuch on the stage had ninety percent of his attention focused on Kuang Liuting, a member of the royal family who had reached the Golden Core Early Stage realm.

He let out a long breath, unfurled the gleaming golden silk scroll, and called out loudly, "Kuang Liuting of Earl of Nan'an, step forward to receive the imperial decree."

Kuang Liuting bowed deeply and said, "Your subject Kuang Liuting, receives the imperial decree!"

The Emperor said, "I have heard that the movement of the Heavenly Pivot requires the support of pillars and beams; the rotation of the earth's axis relies on the merits of pillars and stones."

I gaze upon the starry sky, where the Purple Star shines upon the Qin River; Heaven bestows its profound secrets, and the Crimson Clouds bear witness to the flourishing of the Daoist tradition. You, Liuting, possess the Golden Core elixir reflecting the Big Dipper, your nine orifices opening to the mysteries of the netherworld, your hundred bones absorbing the essence of mountains and rivers.

I hereby command you, Taiyi Qingming, to receive the seal of the Duke. You inherit the twelvefold Daoist Dao Rhyme and control the three thousand miles of dragon veins. I urge you to sharpen your sword and hone your lofty ambitions; to nourish yourself with the clouds and drink the dew, and to forever cherish the heart of a child. If the snow clears from Kunlun, I will see you riding a crane soaring into the vast sky; if dust rises from the ocean, I await your flick of the finger to reshape the universe. Respectfully obey!

"A royal conferment of the title of Duke? No wonder there's such a grand display." Just as the thought crossed Kang Dabao's mind, he heard the pale-faced eunuch on the platform announce again, "The Emperor decrees: Earl of Nan'a Kuang Liuting, Earl of Nan'an, is hereby conferred the title of Duke of Qin, Commander-in-Chief of the military affairs of the Mountain South and Mountain North circuits, and granted the authority to establish his own government with the same rank as the Three Excellencies."

"The Duke of Qin?!" Fei Nanying lit up with joy, for before the current emperor Nascent Soul Formation stage and was granted the title of King, he was already the Duke of Qin! "Ancestor Ye Shui's gamble has finally paid off halfway."

"To be granted the title of Grand Master of the Three Offices and to be the Military Governor of the Mountain South and Mountain North Circuits?!" Bai Canhong, the Master of the Star-Picking Pavilion, murmured. Seeing that the True Person Moon Hidden beside him showed no sign of surprise, he chuckled and closed his eyes without saying a word, seemingly unconcerned about the commotion before him.

Even a Nascent Soul True Person like the Master of the Star-Picking Pavilion could remain completely unconcerned, but all the other cultivators in the audience were blushing furiously. Kang Dabao even saw his usually composed wife unable to hide her excitement, demonstrating just how captivating the scene was.

Kuang Liuting, without changing his expression, loudly replied, "Your subject Kuang Liuting, obeys the Emperor's decree!"

On the high platform, the coiled dragon pillars suddenly spewed out large plumes of purple qi, and the golden bells wrapped around the pillars trembled in unison, emitting a vast and clear sound that resembled both the roar of a dragon and the cry of a sword.

Kuang Liuting stood with his hands behind his back below the high platform, his moon-white python robe fluttering without wind, his face remaining as calm as a still well.

The pale-faced eunuch waved his hand, bestowing the sacred silk upon Kuang Liuting. At the same time, a rainbow suddenly appeared in the sky outside the city, and the clouds parted to reveal patches of warm rosy light.

Kang Dabao saw the pale-faced eunuch moving incessantly, unaware that the latter was taking out a rare and precious Immortal Shadow Stone, which even Kuang Liuting treasured greatly.

Welcome, Your Majesty!

The pale-faced eunuch's voice boomed so loudly that it caused waves hundreds of feet high to rise in the river outside the city. Everyone present was astonished. Even the Master of the Star-Picking Pavilion, who had been keeping his eyes closed and silent, could not remain calm and stood up to stare at the center of the high platform.

"During the ceremony this morning, did Grand Eunuch Wei mention that His Majesty would be attending the promotion ceremony with the Immortal Shadow Stone? Was it changed at the last minute?" Fei Nanying, his face full of surprise.

Before the cultivators in the arena could remain stunned for long, they quickly responded, led by the True Person Moon Hidden, who was the first to react, and shouted in unison:

Welcome, Your Majesty!

The Immortal Shadow Stone floated up from the white-faced eunuch's hand, hovering three zhang above the high platform before abruptly stopping, only to suddenly burst forth with several beams of spiritual light.

A few breaths later, the figure of Emperor of Wei appeared in the void. Although it was only a projection, the noble aura emanating from his black robe with gold patterns still aroused admiration in the hearts of all the cultivators.

"This crown was passed down from the time of the founding emperor!"

Even the Master of the Star-Picking Pavilion, who was somewhat resentful, gradually suppressed his discontent after understanding the matter. This was the Lord of Great Wei before him!

"Kuang Liuting, Duke of Qin, receive the imperial edict."

The phantom of Emperor of Wei raised his hand and tapped lightly, causing the Immortal Shadow Stone to explode and transform into eight golden dragons of fortune that coiled into a palace.

As the palace gates opened, an imperial edict, made of silk embroidered with dragon-like threads and ink printed with the blood of a dragon, was slowly unfurled.

When each character floats into the air and manifests, it resonates with the corresponding Principle heaven and earth: the title "Qin" transforms into the phantom of a continuous mountain range, the character "Guo" solidifies into a surging river, and the character "Gong" reveals the phantom of nine tripods.

Kuang Liuting knelt on one knee, yet the radiance of his Golden Core grew even more intense. The cloud-patterned brick beneath his feet transformed into jade inch by inch, overflowing with pure Spiritual Qi to condense into a lotus platform.

Emperor of Wei spoke again, "I bestow upon you a cave abode dwelling in Great Abyss Capital, for your cultivation."

A jade tablet transformed into a stream of light and landed in Kuang Liuting's hand as Emperor of Wei spoke. Kang Dabao didn't know how precious this cave abode was, but just by looking at Fei Nanying beside him, who could hardly maintain his composure, he knew that it must be extremely rare.

"I bestow upon you an Azure Nether Whip, to punish the disobedient."

The phantom of Emperor of Wei pointed his fingers like a sword, and the sky seemed to be torn open, from which a bronze ancient sword flew out with a clang, before slowly returning to its original state.

Kang Dabao had no idea what this Law Treasure was all about, but he could see a hint of envy in the eyes of some of the True Person ahead.

"The nation is in dire straits, and the people are weeping. May you not forget your personal principles, nor fail in your duty to the royal family."

"Your subject Kuang Liuting, is determined! I would gladly die a thousand deaths!!!"

Emperor of Wei smiled with satisfaction. He ignored Kuang Liuting, whose eyes were bloodshot from the gratitude shown to him, and instead took this rare opportunity to greet each of the Nascent Soul.

"The affairs of the nation are fraught with difficulties, and I require all of you to work together with one heart and one mind."

The reactions of the True Person varied. Emperor of Wei paid no attention and remained silent, only lingering his gaze on the Master of the Star-Picking Pavilion looked up for a few moments before withdrawing his gaze and loudly addressing the cultivators in the arena:

"I thank you all for attending this ceremony today. The world is undergoing a major upheaval, and a time of great contention has arrived! Those who are loyal to the country will have a bright future, while those with treacherous ambitions will face calamity! I could see this clearly Great Abyss Capital. Loyal and righteous ministers will be generously rewarded!"

After these words were spoken, apart from a few remaining True Person standing in the field, the rest of the crowd naturally collapsed like wheat harvested in autumn.

Whether it was Kang Dabao's imagination or not, as he prostrated himself, he seemed to feel the incredibly powerful phantom in the sky casting its gaze upon him. And it seemed that several breaths passed without it looking away.