“Master,” Yu Huashang greeted softly when she saw the Jade Cauldron True Immortal.

“Are you all right?” the Jade Cauldron True Immortal asked.

“It’s nothing serious,” Yu Huashang shook her head slightly.

She was injured, but not too badly.

“True Immortal, are you hiding something from me?” Second Prince Chen Luo looked at him and asked.

“That Thousand-Ox Dao Court you just mentioned, what exactly is it?”

“I cannot tell you. But if you want to know, ask the King yourself,” the Jade Cauldron True Immortal replied.

The King here was none other than the current ruler of the Star River God-Dynasty.

He had governed the empire for three thousand years, a sovereign worthy of the title of a great ruler.

“In any case, I must thank True Immortal for saving my life,” Chen Luo said, his mood easing a little. He added with some resentment, “Tranquil World Tower is becoming less and less bound by its own rules.”

“When a Grand Era arrives, rules are meant to be broken,” the Jade Cauldron True Immortal answered. “Enough. I came here under the order of the King. From here on, I will escort you all myself.”

After arriving, the Jade Cauldron True Immortal exchanged only a few words with Chen Luo.

As for the people of Martial Heaven Sacred Ground, he completely ignored them.

Even when Li Xiaoyuan and the others greeted him, he didn’t bother to respond.

The difference in status was simply too great. In his eyes, Martial Heaven Sacred Ground was not even worth a glance.

Of course, unless the Martial Heaven Emperor himself returned.

With a Grand Emperor presiding, not to mention the Star River God-Dynasty, even the Thousand-Ox Dao Court would have to show some respect.

After some minor delays, the group set out again.

This time, they encountered no further danger along the way.

Seven days later, they arrived at the capital.

The imperial city of the Star River God-Dynasty was called Vast Sky.

Upon entering the city, Chen Luo had to return to the palace. He turned to Li Xiaoyuan and said, “Take Miss Xia and the others to find an inn and rest. Once I finish my affairs, we will set off together for the Mystic Realm.”

The Mystic Realm of the Nine Nights Immortal Sovereign had been discovered, and since it was within the territory of the Star River God-Dynasty, it was immediately placed under strict protection.

No outside power was allowed to interfere.

Anyone wishing to enter had to obtain the empire’s approval.

As Chen Luo departed, the white-robed woman cast Xu Zimo a glance before following along.

“Sixth Elder, Miss Wanqing, let’s go find an inn. I know this city well,” Li Xiaoyuan said with a smile.

“No need. We can manage ourselves,” Xia Wanqing refused outright.

She pulled Shangguan Lan and Xu Zimo with her toward a nearby inn.

Sixth Elder chuckled and followed after them.

Li Xiaoyuan stood rooted in place, his expression stiff. His eyes narrowed for a moment, but soon his face returned to normal, and he too followed.

“The World’s First Inn.”

That was the name of the inn. Its interior was fairly well decorated.

The five of them entered, each taking an upper room.

Then they gathered at a table on the first floor.

After traveling in dust and haste, they hadn’t eaten a proper meal.

With steaming dishes served, they ate heartily.

At the table, Sixth Elder reminded them, “This time in the Mystic Realm, do not force yourselves too much. Gaining something is best, but if not, your safety comes first.”

“Don’t worry, Sixth Elder,” Li Xiaoyuan said with a grin. “With the Second Prince around, nothing will happen.”

“Even so, the Second Prince is royalty. We are disciples of Martial Heaven Sacred Ground. Brother Li, don’t confuse the two,” Xia Wanqing said pointedly.

Li Xiaoyuan laughed awkwardly and did not respond.

In truth, he had already thrown in his lot with the Second Prince.

If Chen Luo became emperor in the future, he would be credited as one of his early supporters.

That future was limitless. Why would he remain in a small sect like Martial Heaven?

At that moment, a youth in a yellow robe descended from the second floor.

“Ladies and gentlemen, my master invites you,” the youth said with a smile.

“And who is your master?” Xia Wanqing asked.

“You will know when you meet him,” the youth replied.

Xia Wanqing exchanged a glance with Xu Zimo.

“Let’s go,” Xu Zimo said with a smile. “Whatever happens, I’m here.”

The group stood up, ready to go upstairs, but the yellow-robed youth blocked their way.

“My master only wishes to see Miss Xia and Young Master Xu. The rest of you need not come,” he said.

“Then let’s go,” Xu Zimo said calmly.

The three of them climbed the stairs. The upper floor was well-kept, and after passing through several rooms, they arrived before a private chamber.

“My lords, please enter. I will stand guard outside,” the yellow-robed youth said.

Xu Zimo and Xia Wanqing pushed the door open and entered.

The chamber was not large. By the window stood a young man, hands clasped behind his back, gazing at the streets below.

When he saw the two enter, he smiled.

“Forgive me for summoning you here unannounced. Allow me to introduce myself, Chen Tiansheng.”

“So it is His Highness the First Prince,” Xia Wanqing quickly reacted and offered a respectful greeting.

“Just call me Brother Chen. Calling me First Prince makes things sound too distant,” Chen Tiansheng said with a laugh.

“May I ask what matter Your Highness has with us?” Xia Wanqing asked.

“Tomorrow, I will head to the Mystic Realm. I trust you know of the Nine Nights Immortal Sovereign?” Chen Tiansheng said. “I am short of capable people at my side. Would the two of you be willing to accompany me?”

“We have already promised the Second Prince. It would not be proper to break our word,” Xia Wanqing replied.

“In that case, I shall speak plainly,” Chen Tiansheng said. “My father will soon formally establish the position of Crown Prince. I am eager to recruit worthy people. If you two join my ranks, once I ascend the throne, you may choose any post you desire among the court officials.”

Hearing this, Xia Wanqing glanced at Xu Zimo.

The offer was undeniably generous.

“Up to you,” Xu Zimo said with a smile.

After thinking a moment, Xia Wanqing shook her head.

“Forgive me, Your Highness. Our Martial Heaven Sacred Ground has no intention of being involved in imperial struggles.”

“I am not inviting Martial Heaven Sacred Ground, only the two of you,” the First Prince smiled. “This concerns your own futures. There’s no need to rush your answer. You may think it over first.”

“No need. I truly appreciate Your Highness’s generosity, but I personally have no interest in imperial struggles right now,” Xia Wanqing refused firmly.

Her focus at present was securing the position of Young Sacred Lord.

Matters beyond that did not concern her.

“In that case, I won’t press the matter,” Chen Tiansheng said with a smile.

But after Xu Zimo and Xia Wanqing left the room, the smile faded slowly from his face.

“Master,” the yellow-robed youth outside stepped in and asked, “How should we deal with them?”

“If they cannot be used, then kill them,” the First Prince said coldly with a wave of his hand. “I don’t want them to see tomorrow’s sunrise.”

“I understand,” the yellow-robed youth replied, his figure melting into the shadows.