The moment Mu Yun laid eyes on Lu Xuan, his reaction was even quicker than Li Chengxing’s. His aged, time-worn face instantly broke into a smile so warm it bordered on fawning.
Completely ignoring Li Chengxing beside him, Mu Yun strode forward briskly to greet Lu Xuan, even changing his address from “Director Lu” to the more familiar “Old Lu.”
“Well, if it isn’t Old Lu!”
Seeing this, Li Chengxing bristled with indignation, his beard and mustache practically standing on end. He hurried after Mu Yun and called out to Lu Xuan in a loud voice.
“Old Lu! We’ve been waiting for you!”
The group of Xuanniao Guards stationed at the main gates witnessed the entire scene, their eyes widening to the point of being perfectly round. All their gazes locked onto Lu Xuan in unison.
Not knowing the full story, they assumed that Mu Yun and Li Chengxing—both esteemed Vice Directors—shared an extraordinarily deep and special relationship with Lu Xuan.
Even Lu Xuan himself couldn’t help but feel a twinge of surprise. Director Mu’s enthusiasm seemed just a little too fervent.
Of course, what puzzled and intrigued these Xuanniao Guards the most was the identity of this remarkably young, exceptionally dignified man.
Was he from a noble clan?
A disciple of a major sect?
Or perhaps a member of the imperial royalty?
“Old Lu, now that you’re here, please don’t stand on ceremony with us!” Li Chengxing said, his face beaming with a warm, earnest smile.
“Yes, yes! Old Lu, please come in!”
Mu Yun chimed in quickly, his smile as radiant as the spring sun.
Today, Mu Yun had firmly decided to latch onto Lu Xuan’s coattails, and nothing—no one—was going to stop him.
Li Chengxing and Mu Yun positioned themselves on either side of Lu Xuan, their bodies leaning forward slightly in a respectful posture.
Simultaneously, they extended their hands in a “please” gesture, their eyes brimming with eager anticipation, signaling for Lu Xuan to proceed inside.
This spectacle was simply astonishing—like a thunderclap exploding right above everyone’s heads.
The Xuanniao Guards, who had been standing rigidly to the side, now had eyes as wide as bells and mouths hanging open so far their jaws nearly dropped to the ground. Their faces were etched with utter disbelief.
Seeing this, Lu Xuan didn’t say much. He simply gave Mu Yun and Li Chengxing a slight nod of acknowledgment.
Just as Lu Xuan was about to lift his foot to step forward, he suddenly halted without any warning—as if he had detected something unusual in the distance behind him.
This abrupt and peculiar pause struck like a heavy hammer against the hearts of Li Chengxing and Mu Yun.
Though filled with suspicion and confusion, they managed to restrain their curiosity and refrained from asking any questions.
Lu Xuan placed his hands casually behind his back, his expression calm and composed, his posture straight as a pine. He didn’t turn around; he simply stood there in silence.
Strange. Why would that old fellow from the imperial palace suddenly leave the palace to come looking for him?
Could it be that the Empress still has unfinished business to convey?
Or perhaps that old eunuch wants to avenge the one Lu Xuan had killed?
Just as Lu Xuan was lost in thought, time slipped by in the blink of an eye. High up in the distant sky, a shadowy, ghost-like afterimage appeared before everyone’s eyes.
This fleeting image shot forth like an arrow loosed from a bow, piercing through the thick layers of clouds and diving straight down toward the main entrance of the Xuanniao Guard headquarters.
In the span of a single breath, the afterimage hovered steadily in midair before slowly descending onto the open ground.
This sudden, unforeseen development startled both Mu Yun and Li Chengxing, their bodies jolting as they exchanged wary glances, their eyes filled with caution and vigilance.
Because the speed of the newcomer was simply beyond their imagination.
Such terrifying speed!
Even they—two of the most elite Grandmasters at the pinnacle of martial arts—had failed to detect his presence in time.
Unlike Li Chengxing and Mu Yun, the Xuanniao Guards at the gates reacted as if pulled by the same string.
As if moved by a single mind, they swiftly sprang into action, aligning themselves in a neat, orderly row.
Each guard’s eyes burned like torches, fixed intently on the rapidly approaching uninvited guest.
At the same time, their right hands moved in unison, resting on their sword hilts, ready to draw their weapons at a moment’s notice.
“This is—!”
Mu Yun and Li Chengxing squinted to make out the newcomer’s face, and the tension that had been gripping their hearts instantly eased.
The anxiety and vigilance that had been so palpable moments before dissipated without a trace.
So it’s just that old monster from the deep palace!
And the only person who could make that old monster leave the palace is Her Majesty herself.
The Grand Steward of the Inner Servants—Leng Yuanjun!
A cultivator at the minor attainment of the Divine Mansion realm, with one foot already stepping into major attainment.
Leng Yuanjun landed firmly, his feet planting solidly on the ground behind Lu Xuan. In his hands, as if cradling a priceless treasure, he carefully held a rolled-up scroll of profound black.
On the scroll, a black Xuanniao bird pattern could be faintly seen, appearing as if it were spreading its wings to soar through misty clouds. The embroidery was exceptionally fine, flawless in every detail.
The next moment, Leng Yuanjun bowed slightly and spoke in a tone that sounded exceptionally respectful.
“Director Lu, it’s good to see you again.”
“After our parting at the palace, I never imagined I would have the fortune to witness Director Lu’s presence once more!”
Leng Yuanjun, as the Grand Eunuch of the Imperial Palace and an expert at the Divine Mansion realm, was showing such proactive warmth. Naturally, Lu Xuan wouldn’t brush him off coldly.
In the next second, Lu Xuan slowly lowered his hands from behind his back, moving at an unhurried pace.
Then, he turned around calmly, his gaze fixed directly on Leng Yuanjun, and spoke in a light tone.
“So it’s the Grand Steward himself. I must apologize for not receiving you properly.”
“May I ask what matters bring the Grand Steward out of the palace specifically to find me?”
Out of the corner of his eye, Lu Xuan discreetly glanced at the scroll in Leng Yuanjun’s hands—more precisely, at the pitch-black rolled cylinder he was holding.
Aside from that person’s belongings, what else could make Leng Yuanjun act with such cautious reverence?
Lu Xuan understood instantly.
If he wasn’t mistaken, the Empress indeed had something else to convey to him.
However, even though he had already guessed the answer, Lu Xuan’s expression remained undisturbed, revealing none of his inner thoughts.
“Director Lu!”
Leng Yuanjun’s face was plastered with a fawning smile, his voice rising to a high-pitched, syrupy tone. “Your humble servant brings wonderful news, specifically to inform you!”
With that, Leng Yuanjun gestured with cupped hands in an obsequious manner. “Your humble servant offers you his congratulations in advance, Director Lu!”
No sooner had Leng Yuanjun finished speaking than the smile on his face vanished, replaced by an expression of utmost gravity, as if winter had suddenly descended.
An aura of lethal solemnity rapidly spread outward, enveloping everything around and seeming to freeze the very air itself.
In an instant, Leng Yuanjun’s demeanor turned severe. He raised the black scroll steadily above his head with both hands.
His movements were slow and deliberate, as though bearing an immense weight.
Now fully solemn and serious, he gently lowered the scroll once more.
Then, before everyone’s eyes, Leng Yuanjun slowly unrolled the pitch-black cylinder.
He lifted his head slightly, his expression profoundly grave, and enunciated each word clearly and forcefully.
“The Imperial Decree has arrived!”
“Lu Xuan, receive the decree!”
The moment those words left Leng Yuanjun’s mouth, Li Chengxing reacted with remarkable speed.
Without a moment’s hesitation, he dropped to one knee with a heavy “thud.”
Li Chengxing’s decisive action showed not the slightest doubt regarding the authenticity of the decree in Leng Yuanjun’s hands.
Because Leng Yuanjun was the Grand Steward of the Inner Servants—there was absolutely no way he would dare to fabricate an imperial decree.
Mu Yun, thinking the same as Li Chengxing, knelt on one knee without hesitation, his movements clean and sharp.
With Mu Yun and Li Chengxing—two Directors of the Xuanniao Guard—taking the lead, the other Xuanniao Guards didn’t hesitate for a moment.
They instantly knelt in perfect unison, their heads bowed low.
The atmosphere in the area suddenly condensed, enveloped by an air of solemn dignity.
Outside the Xuanniao Guard headquarters, it was eerily quiet, as if time itself had stood still.
At this moment, even if a single needle were to drop to the ground, the faint sound would probably be clearly audible.
Unlike the rows of kneeling figures behind him, Lu Xuan stood upright and unwavering.
He raised his hands slightly and made a slight bow toward the decree in Leng Yuanjun’s hands.
“Your humble servant receives the decree!”
As a cultivator of the Divine Mansion realm within the Great Xia Dynasty, there was no need for him to perform the ritual of kneeling on one knee.
Leng Yuanjun’s sharp eyes swept over the surroundings. Once he saw that everything was in order, he cleared his throat, fixed his gaze on the decree, and began to speak slowly.
“By the Emperor’s decree, proclaimed to all under heaven!” Leng Yuanjun raised his volume gradually, his voice sharp yet clear, carrying an unmistakable authority.
“Lu Xuan is hereby appointed as Vice Director of the Xuanniao Guard. He is specially granted the Purple Extreme Xuanniao Robe, as well as the Seven-Mark Moon Artifact, the Blazing Nether Saber!”
Having spoken, Leng Yuanjun drew out his final syllables and announced loudly.
“Thus decreed!”
These few seemingly simple words from Leng Yuanjun struck like a boulder plunging into a tranquil lake, instantly stirring up towering waves in everyone’s hearts.
Everyone present was shaken by this astonishing news—everyone except Lu Xuan, whose expression remained perfectly calm.
Lu Xuan slowly made a bow toward the black imperial decree, his voice clear and composed.
“Your humble servant accepts the decree and thanks His Majesty for her boundless grace!”
Seeing this, Leng Yuanjun moved swiftly, quickly rolling up the black scroll in his hands.
His footsteps seemed hurried as he closed the distance to Lu Xuan.
In the next instant, the Grand Steward’s normally withered, wrinkled face—etched with deep lines and crevices—burst into a rich smile, with even the folds seeming to hold warmth and deference.
Good heavens!
I’ve truly underestimated this Director Lu!
That damned Luo family nearly caused me to offend such an important figure!
Judging by the decree Her Majesty issued, even a fool could see it.
Her Majesty held Lu Xuan in extraordinarily high regard.
No one had anticipated that she would even make an exception to grant him the Purple Extreme Xuanniao Robe.
That robe—it was a symbol of status and standing!
Compared to the Purple Extreme Xuanniao Robe, the Seven-Mark Moon Artifact, the Blazing Nether Saber, was actually a step below.
Because, within the Xuanniao Guard of the Great Xia Dynasty, only one person had ever possessed the Purple Extreme Xuanniao Robe.
That person—the Director of the Xuanniao Guard, Zi Yao!
And from this moment onward, this long-standing precedent had finally changed.
Lu Xuan was the first person in the nearly two-thousand-year history of the Great Xia Dynasty to receive the Purple Extreme Xuanniao Robe while holding the position of Vice Director.
This was precisely why Leng Yuanjun had become so humble and obsequious.
Because from the moment Lu Xuan received that robe, even Leng Yuanjun—Grand Steward of the Inner Servants—could not compare to Lu Xuan’s noble status.
And it wasn’t just status and rank—even in martial prowess, Leng Yuanjun couldn’t measure up to Lu Xuan.
Lu Xuan’s gaze fixed on the decree held in Leng Yuanjun’s hands. Then, he slowly extended his hand and took it steadily.
The moment Lu Xuan firmly grasped the decree, the others who had been kneeling on one knee behind him rose to their feet.
However, after standing, their faces bore exaggerated, strange expressions. Their gazes, as if pinned in place, remained locked on Lu Xuan’s back.
The shock they felt at this moment was beyond any words they could find to describe.
“Director Lu, these are the two items Her Majesty has bestowed upon you.”
After seeing Lu Xuan accept the decree, Leng Yuanjun gave a slight wave of his right hand, and two black wooden boxes floated out from behind him, hovering gracefully in the air.
One was square, with sharp, distinct edges; the other was rectangular, with smooth, flowing lines.
The two black wooden boxes had been steadily controlled by Leng Yuanjun’s spiritual power throughout the journey, silently floating behind him the entire time, never straying an inch.
“Director Lu, since I have delivered Her Majesty’s decree, I shall not disturb you any further.”
The moment Leng Yuanjun finished speaking, without any delay, his figure flickered like a phantom.
In an instant, he transformed into a blurry, indistinct rainbow streak, piercing through the dense clouds and vanishing into the distant horizon before anyone could blink.
“The Seven-Mark Moon Artifact, the Blazing Nether Saber, eh?”
“Now that’s a fine treasure!”
Lu Xuan’s gaze remained fixed on the rectangular wooden box, not even glancing at the other one.
Unlike Leng Yuanjun’s perspective, Lu Xuan was most interested in the Blazing Nether Saber—a seven-mark, moon-grade artifact.
As for the Purple Extreme Xuanniao Robe—a symbol of status and rank—Lu Xuan paid it no heed, showing not the slightest interest.
This fine blade couldn’t have come at a better time!
Lu Xuan slowly raised his right hand, his movements gentle, and traced it across the rectangular box floating before him.
As his fingertips brushed the box’s surface, a fire seemed to blaze in his eyes—an unmistakable, fervent desire.
With this Blazing Nether Saber in hand, his strength would see another dramatic leap forward.
Deep within the Xuanniao Guard headquarters!
In a heavily guarded courtyard, Lu Xuan sat cross-legged inside a room.
Before him floated a box made of pitch-black crystal.
Host: Lu Xuan
Realm: Divine Mansion True Person (Minor Attainment)
Cultivation Methods:
- Burning Heaven Saber Technique (4/9)
- Inch Step, Horizon’s Reach (1/9)
- Undying and Indestructible (4/9)
Points: 32,660
“A Cave Heaven Spirit Object—Black Spirit Wood?”
Lu Xuan was genuinely curious about how many system points this object, which surpassed even the finest heavenly and earthly treasures, could bring him.
According to the Empress, this Cave Heaven Spirit Object even contained a trace of the Laws of the Dao.
