In the tent, after hearing Tang Zhong's indifferent words, Lin Sheng felt a sense of speechlessness.
These Cultivation Techniques, which could cause a stir if placed outside, seemed like common goods in his eyes.
“However…”
Tang Zhong then changed the subject.
“This Supreme Heavenly Demon Scripture you cultivate is still somewhat special. Other Cultivation Techniques can more or less be traced back to their origins, but the roots of this Cultivation Technique are hard to find, so it is probably extremely ancient.”
He paused here, and seeing the confusion on Lin Sheng’s face, he smiled and explained.
“Mystic Skills are already at the Peak of Martial Dao, basically created by Supreme Grandmaster level experts who integrate their own Bloodline Power.”
“So behind every Mystic Skill, there is a Supreme Grandmaster level expert. Those Supreme Grandmasters will more or less have legends and deeds left behind, but this Heavenly Demon Scripture ancient scroll has no record of its background.”
“Moreover, its cultivation method is also different from most Mystic Skills, quite peculiar, or perhaps ‘Weird’ (weird) is a more suitable description. I hope you can successfully cultivate this Cultivation Technique.”
“Junior understands.”
After hearing Tang Zhong’s words, Lin Sheng’s heart stirred, and he immediately cupped his hands in greeting.
In fact, he had always felt that this Cultivation Technique was quite different from other Cultivation Techniques he had cultivated in the past.
Whether it was the cultivation method or that strange space, both seemed quite bizarre.
However, it was undeniable that the concept of its Cultivation Technique was extremely profound and mysterious, indeed the most advanced Cultivation Technique he had encountered so far.
After chatting for a few more sentences, Lin Sheng bid farewell and left.
He had not expected to obtain the subsequent cultivation methods of the Supreme Heavenly Demon Scripture from Tang Zhong this time.
This would save him from waiting for news from Dark Star.
Perhaps he could find an opportunity to attempt to Breakthroug to the Divine Form Realm. If he could enter Divine Form, his combat power would undoubtedly increase significantly.
It could be said that everything was developing in a good direction.
Leaving the military camp, Lin Sheng did not delay and galloped straight towards Nanzhao Imperial City.
He had already delayed for a considerable amount of time, and he should reach Nanzhao Imperial City as soon as possible.
At the same time, Nanzhao Imperial City.
In the imperial court.
All officials entered.
Jing Emperor of Southern Qi sat on the Dragon Throne.
He wore a dark dragon robe, exuding an air of natural authority.
Although he was over eighty years old, he appeared to be only a middle-aged man in his early forties.
As the Emperor of Southern Qi, although his Bloodline Power was not as powerful as Lingyu Princess’s atavism, it was definitely among the top ranks in the imperial family.
His cultivation had already reached the Peak of the Divine Form Realm.
His gaze swept over the officials below, and he spoke faintly.
“If you have anything to report, present it.”
One person from the front row of officials immediately stepped forward.
This was a tall figure in a purple official robe. Although his hair and beard were white and he was old, he still exuded a vigorous aura. He wore a long sword at his waist, making him unique among the officials.
Such an honor clearly indicated he was no ordinary official.
Moreover, the old man’s cultivation was even above Jing Emperor’s, clearly a Grandmaster expert.
“Your Majesty, in the Haihe Valley area, pirates have been appearing frequently during this period, and there are many experts among them. The Crimson Feather Army has suffered considerable losses and needs increased military supplies. I hope Your Majesty will grant this.”
The old man bowed slightly, finished speaking, and then stood up, quietly awaiting a reply.
“Haihe Valley?”
Hearing this, Jing Emperor’s brows furrowed slightly.
“Gongsun Privy Councilor, we have increased military supplies to the Crimson Feather Army several times during this period. Are the pirates truly so fierce?”
Upon hearing this, the old man’s expression remained unchanged, but he replied in a deep voice.
“Your Majesty, disasters are frequent in Siro Country, and many of the pirates are from Siro Country. Haihe Valley is a key hub for sea transport, so it naturally needs more protection. Now that the war between the two countries is at a critical juncture, if there are insufficient military supplies and the Crimson Feather Army makes a mistake, it could lead to a major disaster.”
After listening to the old man, Jing Emperor’s brows furrowed even tighter, but he finally nodded and said in a deep voice.
“Since that is the case, then this matter will be handled according to Gongsun Privy Councilor’s suggestion. The required military supplies can be drawn from the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Revenue.”
“Your Majesty is wise.”
As if knowing Jing Emperor would agree, the old man showed no change in expression. After cupping his hands again, he returned to the ranks of officials.
“My beloved ministers, do you have anything else to report?”
Jing Emperor asked again.
This time, no one spoke.
Seeing this, Jing Emperor calmly waved his hand.
“Since there is nothing, then the court is dismissed.”
As his voice fell, the officials bowed and then exited one by one.
Before long, only Jing Emperor and a few trusted confidants remained in the hall.
“What exactly is the situation in Haihe Valley?”
Jing Emperor asked in a deep voice.
The nearby imperial attendant immediately whispered.
“Reporting to Your Majesty, there have indeed been pirates in Haihe Valley during this period, and there are indeed quite a few more pirates from Siro Country. However, they are not a significant force, and the Crimson Feather Army’s strength is sufficient to eliminate them.”
“Then why aren’t they eliminated?”
Jing Emperor narrowed his eyes and said coldly.
“This subordinate does not know, after all, most of the generals in the Crimson Feather Army are Gongsun…”
At this point, the attendant did not continue speaking, but the meaning was already self-evident.
“Hmph…”
Jing Emperor snorted coldly, his heart already understanding.
He did not bother to say anything more, stood up, and left the hall.
Imperial City Villa.
A graceful figure, holding a long sword, moved like a phantom, constantly shifting in the courtyard.
The mysterious and elusive sword momentum, with each movement, continuously accumulated, becoming increasingly powerful and sharp.
Until the graceful figure stopped in the center of the villa.
Light surged in her dark blue eyes, and she thrust out a sword.
The long-accumulated sword momentum instantly erupted, the sword light like a green Dragon, shooting straight towards the old woman on the other side of the courtyard.
Facing this sharp sword momentum, the old woman’s expression remained unchanged. She merely raised her walking stick and pointed it forward, accurately striking the Dragon’s head.
The incomparably sharp sword light instantly stalled, then rapidly shattered.
The graceful figure couldn’t control herself and retreated several steps before dispelling the force.
“Princess, are you alright?”
Seeing this, the old woman quickly asked.
“I’m fine, Shi Po.”
The graceful figure stopped, her aura restless, but it quickly calmed down. She said with a smile, it was none other than Lingyu Princess.
“Princess, you seemed a bit distracted just now.”
Shi Po looked at Lingyu Princess and said slowly.
She often sparred with her and naturally knew her strength. If Lingyu Princess hadn't been distracted, such a situation wouldn't have occurred.
“Yes… yes, I was.”
Lingyu Princess lowered her head and whispered.
Since returning to the Imperial City, for some reason, she kept thinking of that tall figure who gave her such a sense of security.
As a result, even her cultivation, which she usually took most seriously, had been hard to focus on these past few days.
“I wonder when that boy will come. He said a few days, but it’s been so long now, and there’s still no news.”
Shi Po naturally knew everything and spoke with some dissatisfaction.
“He should be on a mission. After all, Dark Star’s situation is not optimistic right now, so it’s normal for him to be delayed for some time.”
Lingyu Princess put away her sword and had no desire to continue cultivating.
As if remembering something, she looked at Shi Po and asked.
“Shi Po, have those Yao Beast Bloodline collected these past few days?”
“Several kinds have been collected. Even if they weren’t the specified Yao Beasts, corresponding substitutes were used. It’s already been arranged that the essence of those Yao Beast Bloodline will be temporarily sealed and not allowed for use by others.”
Shi Po said with a hint of annoyance.
Although she admitted that Lin Sheng’s strength and talent were indeed terrifying and unlike anything she had ever seen, seeing Lingyu Princess in this state still made her feel a little displeased.
After all, she had watched Lingyu grow up, and in her heart, she had long considered her as her own grandchild.
Moreover, she herself had imperial Bloodline, so she was, in fact, an ancestor of Lingyu Princess, of grandmotherly status.
Not minding Shi Po’s dissatisfaction, Lingyu Princess smiled easily.
“That’s good. When Lin Sheng arrives at the Imperial City, he can use them directly.”
Seeing Lingyu’s demeanor, Shi Po couldn’t help but shake her head secretly.
*
*
Three days later.
“This is Nanzhao Imperial City.”
On the official road, Lin Sheng’s figure appeared. He was dressed as a wandering hero, covered in dust from his journey.
He had basically not stopped along the way, which was why he had reached the Imperial City in just three days.
Looking at the majestic city walls before him, although Lin Sheng was mentally prepared, he was still inevitably a little surprised.
This Imperial City, from its scale, was completely comparable to Jushi City.
It even covered a larger area.
Far surpassing Fulong City in Northern Yan back then.
The giant city, a hundred zhang high, had specially carved patterns on it, resembling several enormous exotic beasts.
Clearly, there was a specialized defensive Formation on the city wall, and the strength of the Formation was definitely not comparable to that of Yu Hai Pass back then.
Even though the Formation was not activated at this moment, Lin Sheng could feel a magnificent charm emanating from the city wall.
It was as if what stood before him was not a thick city wall, but a terrifying giant beast lying on the ground.
“If activated, even an ordinary Grandmaster would probably be unable to Breakthroug.”
“As expected of the capital of Southern Qi.”
After a sigh of emotion, his figure shot forward.
He soon arrived at the city gate. With the token Lingyu had left, he entered the city smoothly.
And there was a dedicated city gate official leading the way, heading towards the central Imperial City.
Before long, he arrived within the inner city.
As soon as he entered the inner city, he saw a graceful figure in a green palace dress.
“Lingyu.”
Seeing the person, Lin Sheng’s face showed a hint of a smile.
“You finally came. I thought you weren’t coming?”
Lingyu Princess walked forward with a hint of resentment on her face.
“Something just delayed me.”
Lin Sheng explained with a smile.
“Are you injured?”
“No.”
“That’s good.”
“Let’s go, come into the city with me. My Imperial Uncle has wanted to see you for a long time.”
“Okay.”
Led by Lingyu Princess, Lin Sheng went directly deep into the Imperial Palace.
He was quite curious about this Jing Emperor of Southern Qi.
Northern Yan and Southern Qi were originally one, and although they had been divided for many years, if he remembered correctly, the ruler of the Northern Yan imperial family also seemed to be called Jing Emperor.
Although the journey was unobstructed, within this Imperial Palace, Lin Sheng could clearly feel multiple strong auras, with dozens of Divine Form level Qi.
Even three Grandmaster level Qi were felt, one of which was not much inferior to Huyan Ji.
And this was only what he felt, definitely not the entirety of the Imperial Palace.
It was indeed the Imperial City, and as expected, experts were as numerous as clouds.
Lin Sheng sighed in his heart.
Soon, he followed Lingyu Princess, turning left and right, to a secluded courtyard.
In the courtyard, a tall figure in casual clothes sat cross-legged before a rockery, eyes closed in contemplation, seemingly cultivating.
Hearing the movement, the tall figure opened his eyes, a glimmer of sharp light flashing within them.
His gaze fell sharply on Lin Sheng and Lingyu, giving the impression of an untamed tiger.
Upon seeing Lingyu Princess, the sharpness in his eyes instantly dissipated, replaced by a warm smile.
“Lingyu, you’re here.”
“Imperial Uncle, your cultivation has improved again. It seems it won’t be long before you enter the ranks of Grandmasters.”
Lingyu Princess, with a girlish demeanor, immediately walked forward.
“You little girl, how can the step to Grandmaster be so easily taken? Although I have gained something recently, there’s not much chance without several years.”
The middle-aged man, or rather Jing Emperor of Southern Qi, shook his head repeatedly and scolded with a smile.
“Imperial Uncle, this is Lin Sheng. Haven’t you always wanted to meet him? Lingyu has brought him to you.”
Lingyu Princess then introduced him.
Lin Sheng immediately cupped his hands in a bow.
“Junior Lin Sheng, greets Your Majesty Jing Emperor.”
“No need for formalities. I’ve heard Mr. Tang mention you before. Seeing you today, you truly are a hero in your youth.”
Jing Emperor smiled and waved his hand.
He had already known Lin Sheng’s identity, having seen his portrait countless times.
“Your Majesty is too kind.”
Lin Sheng said neither humbly nor arrogantly.
“I have no intention of joking. Your presence and charm are unmatched by any of the younger generation in the entire imperial family.”
Jing Emperor said with a smile.
He could feel the natural Qi emanating from Lin Sheng, which even posed a considerable threat to him.
This alone indicated that his strength was definitely not below his own.
No wonder he could single-handedly slay Yao Beasts.
He could say that he was extremely satisfied with Lin Sheng.
He immediately continued.
“Since there are no problems with your marriage to Lingyu, then let’s set it. Tomorrow, I will officially send down the decree, and when the flowers bloom next year, it will be your wedding day. At that time, I will personally preside over your wedding.”
“Imperial Uncle…”
Lingyu Princess’s face flushed, and she murmured softly.
Lin Sheng, however, nodded seriously.
“Everything according to Your Majesty’s arrangements.”
“Good!”
Seeing Lin Sheng agree, Jing Emperor’s smile deepened, seemingly quite pleased.
“Ah Fu, give orders to immediately arrange a banquet.”
The eunuch nearby immediately responded, hurrying to send people to make arrangements.
“Imperial Uncle, Lingyu wants to extract some of those Yao Beast Bloodline from the warehouse. I mentioned it to you before, and now that he’s here, please order someone to retrieve them.”
Lingyu Princess suddenly spoke, as if remembering something.
“Yao Beast Bloodline? Yes, that’s right, but…”
Jing Emperor’s face showed a thoughtful expression. Soon, as if remembering something, he nodded, but halfway through his sentence, a hint of difficulty appeared on his face.
“What’s wrong, Imperial Uncle?”
Lingyu’s face showed a puzzled expression.
“Recently, the war has been urgent, and much of the Yao Beast essence has been used to refine precious elixirs. The quantity of Yao Beast Bloodline you requested, Lingyu, is not small, and they are all essences. In the past, it wouldn’t have been an issue, but at this time, it is indeed a bit troublesome.”
Jing Emperor said in a deep voice, his gaze falling on Lin Sheng.
“Drawing out so much Yao Beast Bloodline at once might give the imperial relatives and civil and military officials something to talk about. After all, you and Lin Sheng are not yet married and are not yet part of the imperial family.”
“Is that so?”
Lingyu’s brows also furrowed.
“How about taking a little less for now?”
Jing Emperor, however, shook his head slightly.
“Actually, there’s not no way. How about this, Lin Sheng, I’ll first grant you an official position. With an official position, I imagine it will silence those people.”
“That’s good, Imperial Uncle is indeed thoughtful.”
Lingyu’s eyes lit up, and a smile immediately appeared on her face.
But Lin Sheng felt a bit strange in his heart.
He always felt as if he had fallen into some kind of trap.