“Director Lu, His Majesty specifically ordered me to come and receive you!”
Man Qingqiu’s expression became extremely composed as she succinctly stated her purpose to Lu Xuan.
Then, Man Qingqiu raised her hand and made a gesture inviting him to follow her.
“Then I’ll have to trouble Director Man.”
Lu Xuan wore a warm smile, cupped his hands together at an unhurried pace, and gave a gentle bow.
However, Lu Xuan was completely unaware that the moment he appeared outside the imperial palace gates—
this seemingly ordinary action—had spread throughout all of Tiandu within a quarter of an hour.
In Tiandu, all the renowned and powerful major forces received the news from their informants at the same time.
Even the eight great families—who stood high above, controlling countless martial arts resources and power—
as well as the mysterious five transcendent forces, were all secretly watching Lu Xuan’s every move.
“Heh heh!”
From deep within the mansions of certain court officials, meaningful laughter could faintly be heard.
“Lu Xuan?”
Someone murmured softly, “Is that the Deputy Director of the Xuanbird Guard who possesses the power of a Prime Spirit True Person?”
“The man personally entrusted by His Majesty with the important task of presiding over the Martial Arts Tournament?”
These words carried a tone of inquiry and amusement. “How interesting!”
Of course, these veiled discussions were all quietly taking place in the dark corners of their own mansions.
Among these court officials, even the Left Chancellor Chang Mingsheng—who ranked first among all officials—was no exception.
Inside the mansion of Left Chancellor Chang Mingsheng!
In the main chamber, this official who stood at the pinnacle of power in the Great Xia imperial court—Chang Mingsheng!
At this moment, his face was full of reverence as he performed a grand bow toward the empty void.
Chang Mingsheng’s posture was bent extremely low, his forehead almost touching the ground. His devout appearance was as if he were facing the most revered existence in the world.
If anyone were to witness this astonishing scene, they would surely be deeply shaken by what they saw.
What kind of person could make the dignified Left Chancellor of Great Xia—this Left Chancellor who stood second only to one and above ten thousand—perform such a grand salute?
The next moment!
Chang Mingsheng suddenly raised his head, as if he had sensed something.
He slowly walked to the center of the main chamber, his expression respectful, his gaze lowered, his hands clasped together, and bowed deeply toward the void, speaking with utmost reverence.
“Your disciple Chang Mingsheng, greets Master!”
Suddenly!
A faint gray light and shadow intertwined in the void, then slowly condensed.
It was as if a person was walking out from the empty space.
The gray light and shadow gradually solidified into an old man dressed in a gray robe.
The old man wore a long gray robe, his silver hair as smooth as snow, his beard also white and neat, naturally hanging down over his chest.
At the same time, the old man had a kindly face, the corners of his mouth slightly upturned, as if always wearing a faint smile, giving off an extremely benevolent feeling.
However, when he raised his eyes to look at Chang Mingsheng, those deep eyes—calm and wave-free on the surface—surged with unfathomable power beneath.
The pressure that unintentionally leaked out made Chang Mingsheng’s heart suddenly tighten—the oppressive force was immense!
The identity of this old man before Chang Mingsheng was an absolute secret throughout the entire Great Xia Empire.
Those qualified to meet him face to face were as rare as phoenix feathers and qilin horns—countable on one hand.
And every one of them stood at the very top of the pyramid of power and strength in Great Xia.
The master of the Daoxu Temple—one of the five transcendent forces—Ying Lingfeng!
The Daoxu Temple was the most powerful existence among the five transcendent forces.
Close behind it was the Jingxin Temple.
Ying Lingfeng waved his hand lightly, his tone gentle yet dignified: “Mingsheng, there’s no need for such formality. Rise.”
Only then did Chang Mingsheng straighten up, his expression still extremely respectful: “Thank you, Master.”
Ying Lingfeng nodded slightly, his gaze toward Chang Mingsheng carrying a hint of depth.
If the world knew that the Left Chancellor of the Great Xia imperial court, Chang Mingsheng, was the disciple of the Daoxu Temple’s master, it would probably cause another huge uproar!
One could only say that Chang Mingsheng had hidden it too well—or rather, that the Daoxu Temple’s internal information was too well concealed.
The world could never truly peer into the real situation of this Daoxu Temple.
If some people familiar with the Daoxu Temple were to learn of Chang Mingsheng’s true identity, they might completely lose their minds.
Some might even dare to point at Ying Lingfeng—that old Taoist priest—and curse him out loudly.
Didn’t they say the Daoxu Temple never interfered in mortal affairs?
So it was all a lie!
In the void, Ying Lingfeng’s phantom image was like a ethereal yet solid light and shadow, with threads of extremely ancient aura winding around him.
Ying Lingfeng’s phantom sat cross-legged in mid-air, his robes fluttering without wind, as if an immortal had descended to the world.
“Mingsheng!”
Ying Lingfeng spoke slowly. His voice seemed to come from the distant horizon, carrying a certain ethereal quality, yet it could clearly fall into Chang Mingsheng’s ears.
“What could make you—the Left Chancellor of Great Xia—contact your master in such a hurry?”
Hearing this, Chang Mingsheng’s expression turned serious. He immediately clasped his hands, leaned forward slightly, and said with urgency in his voice: “Master, circumstances have changed!”
“It’s about the person I mentioned to you before—that extremely rare martial arts prodigy.”
Chang Mingsheng paused briefly, took a deep breath, and silently uttered two words.
“Lu Xuan!”
Although the sound of these two words was not loud, it was exceptionally clear in the quiet room.
“This Lu Xuan disappeared for half a year, and now he has returned to Tiandu. He has already entered the palace to meet that Empress!”
Upon hearing the two words “Lu Xuan,” Ying Lingfeng’s originally calm eyes instantly flickered with a trace of imperceptible surprise.
Then, Ying Lingfeng instinctively stroked his beard gently, his movements unhurried, and spoke with a depth that was hard for others to fathom.
“This Lu Xuan—achieving so much at such a young age—is truly extraordinary.”
Ying Lingfeng narrowed his eyes slightly, as if recalling or pondering. “Even in the Tianwu Realm, this Lu Xuan is in no way inferior to any prodigy of the holy lands!”
“Including the Dao Child of our own sect—at Lu Xuan’s age, he was slightly inferior.”
As Ying Lingfeng spoke, his usually unruffled face actually showed some uncontrollable fluctuation.
It was genuine admiration for Lu Xuan’s astonishing martial arts aptitude!
One should know that within the Great Xia Empire, things that could make someone like him—a Dongxu True Lord standing at the peak of cultivation—feel utterly shocked were truly few and far between. It could even be said that there was almost no such possibility.
Hearing his master Ying Lingfeng’s evaluation of Lu Xuan, Chang Mingsheng’s heart couldn’t help but tremble.
He knew well how high his master’s standards were, and how rarely he gave such high praise to anyone.
“Master, this Lu Xuan…?”
“How should your disciple choose?”
Chang Mingsheng couldn’t help but ask—he needed to know his master’s intention.
Should he choose to befriend this Lu Xuan, or choose to oppose him?
Ying Lingfeng smiled faintly, his gaze deep, as if recalling something.
As the master of the Daoxu Temple, he had also learned about places beyond the Great Xia Empire.
That was the Tianwu Realm!
The world of the Great Xia Empire was merely one continent within the vast Tianwu Realm.
Yes!
To be precise, it was a continent sealed off by that Great Xia Saint Ancestor with supreme power.
Then, Ying Lingfeng said slowly: “Mingsheng, do you know how vast the Tianwu Realm is?”
“The prodigies there are like clouds, and the holy lands stand like a forest. Every person who can be called a ‘prodigy’ is a one-in-ten-thousand existence.”
“And this Lu Xuan—even among those holy lands—is in no way inferior to any prodigy.”
Hearing this, Chang Mingsheng was even more shaken.
He couldn’t wait to say in a low voice: “Master, if this Lu Xuan continues to grow, I’m afraid he will pose a great threat to our plans.”
“Moreover, this Lu Xuan seems to have already been regarded as a trusted confidant by that Empress!”
“Should we… eliminate him as soon as possible?”
A thick killing intent flashed through Chang Mingsheng’s eyes—he was also extremely wary of this Lu Xuan.
Because!
This Lu Xuan’s martial arts aptitude was simply too exaggerated.
It was said that at only twenty years of age, he already possessed the power of the Shenfu realm’s great accomplishment—that is, a Prime Spirit True Person.
Meanwhile, he himself—an old fellow who had cultivated for several hundred years—was only now at the same level as this Lu Xuan: a Shenfu realm great accomplishment.
Ying Lingfeng gently shook his head, his tone carrying a certain depth: “Mingsheng, you are too impatient.”
“Although this Lu Xuan’s talent is astonishing, as long as he doesn’t break through to the Dongxu realm, he cannot affect our great matter.”
“Moreover, his existence may not be entirely a bad thing for us.”
Chang Mingsheng frowned slightly and asked in a low voice: “Master means…?”
“If this Lu Xuan can be used by us, then he is a sharp sword that can clear away many obstacles for us.”
“Even if he cannot be used by us, we can borrow others’ hands to eliminate him.”
“Why act personally and invite unnecessary trouble?”
This Lu Xuan’s martial arts talent was indeed monstrous, but his ability to make enemies was also on par with his martial arts aptitude.
Among the eight great families, several had already begun targeting Lu Xuan.
Hearing this, a flash of understanding crossed Chang Mingsheng’s eyes.
He nodded respectfully: “Master’s insight is wise. Your disciple understands.”
After hearing his master Ying Lingfeng’s analysis, Chang Mingsheng’s heart suddenly opened up.
He had originally felt greatly threatened by Lu Xuan’s existence and had even once wanted to secretly act to eliminate him.
However, his master’s words made Chang Mingsheng realize that Lu Xuan’s existence might not be entirely a bad thing—he might even become a sharp sword in their hands.
Chang Mingsheng then asked in a low voice: “Master, how should we act now?”
“Should we secretly fan the flames and let those forces dissatisfied with Lu Xuan strike first?”
Ying Lingfeng stroked his beard, but under Chang Mingsheng’s gaze, he shook his head in refusal.
“There’s no need to rush. Although this Lu Xuan has provoked the eight great families, he is now deeply valued by that Empress, and his position is stable.”
“If we act rashly, we’ll only alert the enemy. Better to observe quietly and wait for the right moment.”
Hearing this, a flash of understanding crossed Chang Mingsheng’s eyes: “Master means—let those forces dissatisfied with Lu Xuan strike first.”
“And we secretly fan the flames, reaping the benefits of the fisherman’s fight?”
Ying Lingfeng nodded, his face showing approval: “Exactly.”
Chang Mingsheng nodded respectfully: “Your disciple understands. Master, rest assured—your disciple will act carefully and will never alert the enemy.”
Ying Lingfeng nodded slightly, then gazed into the distance, as if piercing through the void and seeing the direction of the Tiandu imperial palace.
He murmured in a low voice: “Lu Xuan… this one is indeed interesting.”
“However, talent alone is still not enough to qualify him to participate in that matter.”
“Heh heh!”
“The origin power of the Earth Venerable Realm—this time, I am determined to obtain it!”
After speaking, Ying Lingfeng finally looked down and said something that shocked Chang Mingsheng.
“Mingsheng, remember—for the time being, don’t worry about other matters.”
“Those old fellows have all come out of seclusion early, just like me!”
“The Spirit Void Land!”
Ying Lingfeng’s final four words made Chang Mingsheng understand.
Immediately, Chang Mingsheng bowed deeply, his tone extremely firm: “Your disciple will certainly not fail Master’s trust.”
Only after Ying Lingfeng’s figure completely disappeared did Chang Mingsheng straighten up, a gleam of light flashing through his eyes.
“It seems I’ll need to secretly send word to Uncle-Master Daofeng in the Xuanbird Guard.”
In the Great Xia Xuanbird Guard, if this newly emerged Lu Xuan was included, there were a total of four Deputy Directors.
They were Zhang Daofeng, Lu Xuan, Mu Yun, and Li Chengxing!
And Zhang Daofeng was the junior brother of the Daoxu Temple’s master—that is, his own uncle-master!
A half-step Dongxu realm existence!
If Uncle-Master Daofeng was a visible piece of the Daoxu Temple, then he himself was the Daoxu Temple’s hidden piece!
……….
Meanwhile, the other major forces in Tiandu had also gathered together to discuss Lu Xuan’s appearance.
Inside the mansion of the Li family—one of the eight great families.
The Li family’s grand elder council, who usually kept to themselves and rarely appeared, had unexpectedly gathered together with the Li family head for the first time, and the atmosphere was exceptionally solemn.
Among these people, there was an acquaintance of Lu Xuan’s—Li Chengxing.
A white-haired grand elder with a graying beard stroked his beard gently and spoke slowly: “That prodigy Lu Xuan has returned to Tiandu.”
Li Chengxing quickly nodded, taking the opportunity to follow up, sparing no praise for Lu Xuan: “Indeed!”
“I returned to Tiandu together with Old Lu!”
Then, Li Chengxing changed the subject: “Our Li family befriending Old Lu was truly the wisest decision.”
“Tracing it back, we owe it all to that girl Yanran for making the connection, which allowed our Li family to befriend such a martial arts prodigy.”
Hearing Li Chengxing bring the topic to Li Yanran, most of the grand elders’ gazes simultaneously turned toward an old man dressed in a blue-striped silk brocade robe.
This man was named Li Chengping—Li Yanran’s father and Li Chengxing’s fifth younger brother.
Although Li Chengping was over seventy years old, his whole body faintly emanated a calm aura that came from years of accumulated experience.
Seeing everyone staring at him, Li Chengping remained unfazed and simply said quietly:
“That girl Yanran has already come out of seclusion.”
“Everything depends on her own decision.”
………
Before the Xuanyi Hall.
The Xuanyi Hall—this towering and solemn palace—was where Empress Xia Mingyue reviewed memorials and summoned court officials.
The palace doors were tall and imposing. When the guards before the hall saw Man Qingqiu and Lu Xuan, they all bowed and saluted, their expressions extremely respectful.
“Your subordinates greet Director Man!”
Man Qingqiu stopped and turned to Lu Xuan with a slight smile.
“Director Lu, His Majesty is already waiting inside. Please enter.”
Lu Xuan nodded, his face calm as water. He cupped his hands slightly and said calmly: “Thank you, Director Man, for guiding me.”
Man Qingqiu nodded lightly, then stepped aside, watching Lu Xuan’s figure enter the Xuanyi Hall, as if pondering something.
Inside the Xuanyi Hall, it was quiet and solemn. Only the vast array of rare treasures illuminated the entire hall brilliantly.
At this moment, Empress Xia Mingyue sat within the hall.
Unlike her usual casual demeanor, today she wore a deep, night-like Great Xia Nine Heavens Xuanbird Imperial Robe.
On the black imperial robe, xuanbird patterns outlined in gold and silver thread were embroidered, occasionally radiating an incomparably noble luster.
Against this solemn imperial robe, Empress Xia Mingyue’s fair and delicate skin gave off a soft glow.
It was a kind of sacred, inviolable radiance that came with every gesture—making people feel awe and not dare to look directly at her.
Lu Xuan walked in without pause. After entering the hall, he quickly arrived below the steps of the imperial desk, hundreds of meters away from Empress Xia Mingyue.
Then, Lu Xuan respectfully clasped his hands and saluted: “Your humble subject Lu Xuan, greets Your Majesty.”
Empress Xia Mingyue raised her eyes slightly, her gaze falling leisurely on Lu Xuan.
Just as Lu Xuan bowed his head in salute, unaware—Empress Xia Mingyue’s eyes suddenly narrowed sharply.
Her originally composed expression instantly changed drastically, her eyes full of disbelief, as if she had seen the most incredible thing in the world.
However, this fleeting emotional fluctuation came swiftly and left just as fast.
A moment later, Empress Xia Mingyue’s expression had already returned to calm, her bearing dignified as before.
She gently raised her hand: “Minister Lu, there’s no need for such formality.”
Lu Xuan straightened up and looked directly upward without avoiding her gaze, meeting Empress Xia Mingyue’s eyes.
“May I ask why Your Majesty has summoned your humble subject?”
At this moment!
Empress Xia Mingyue slowly rose from the imperial throne, walking down the steps with light footsteps.
The black Nine Heavens Xuanbird Imperial Robe swayed gently with her steps, like a divine bird spreading its wings to fly.
Before Empress Xia Mingyue reached Lu Xuan, she spoke unhurriedly: “Minister Lu, regarding the Wen family matter, I am very satisfied.”
Before Lu Xuan could respond to Empress Xia Mingyue, he saw her expression shift slightly, and she spoke again: “Xingyue, come out!”
The next moment, a light sound of footsteps came drifting from the rear of the hall, faint and barely audible.
Lu Xuan instinctively looked toward the sound, and saw a woman with a beautiful face walking gracefully toward him with delicate steps.
Indeed!
Lu Xuan thought to himself!
This woman was none other than Princess Xingyue, who had previously been taken away by Man Qingqiu!
The Great Xia imperial family, like the eight great families, possessed the power to bring the dead back to life.
One should know that Princess Xingyue’s heart had already been shattered into dust by that old fellow Wen Fengyuan!
“Xingyue greets Director Lu!”
