CHAPTER 495: CHAPTER 395 AM I SHARP WITH MY SWORD?_2

On the other side.

Watching the Daxuan Emperor’s furious performance, the Phoenix Princess and the Crown Prince hastily lowered their heads in submission.

But in their hearts, they scoffed, sharing the same thought:

Acting, still acting. Who was it that wanted to use Bo Qing to intimidate us? Sovereign Father, you truly have aged. It’s time for you to abdicate and let someone more capable take over!

...

The Eastern Wilderness Academy was hidden within Bayong Mountain, inaccessible to those without destiny or ability.

Here, birds sang amidst fragrant flowers, the weather was pleasant, and immortal mists swirled about, creating a wondrous landscape with waterfalls that seemed to fly across the sky. Ancient trees, robust and vigorous, teemed with life.

This night, Hong Yuan’s Sword Body found himself at the gates of the Eastern Wilderness Academy.

It was a very simple wooden gate, one that only those recognized by Book Mountain, inheritors of the spirit of Human Tao, could open.

Dim starlight spilled over Hong Yuan’s blue robe, further highlighting his transcendent aura.

SQUEAK—

With a slight effort from his hands, Hong Yuan easily pushed open the wooden gate.

And it was at this moment he saw an unexpected figure.

Zhang Yinghe!

The passionate youth who had earned Book Mountain’s recognition and inherited the true essence of Blood Tao.

But unlike the gaunt and timid boy of the past, the current Zhang Yinghe possessed a resolute expression and a calm aura. He stood tall, projecting an air of complete command. He now seemed to embody cold-bloodedness rather than the hot-blooded passion of his youth.

Zhang Yinghe’s cultivation was now at the peak of the fifth order and, barring any unforeseen circumstances, he was here to attempt a breakthrough into the Saint Realm.

"Bo Qing... Senior Brother?" Zhang Yinghe asked hesitantly.

Hong Yuan’s eyes twinkled with a smile as he nodded slightly. "You may call me that."

Meeting an old acquaintance who did not recognize him was a peculiar, yet wonderful, feeling.

Moreover, the fact that his Sword Body had once obtained a fortuitous opportunity from Book Mountain thanks to Zhang Yinghe made the current situation feel even more marvelously indescribable.

...

...

Dawn had just broken, the sun not yet risen, but the Capital City of the Daxuan Dynasty was already bustling.

The carriages of officials from all ranks sped along the main roads of the Capital City, all to ensure their timely arrival at the Morning Court meeting.

As the war on the front lines intensified, everyone knew the Daxuan Emperor was not in a pleasant mood.

Moreover, the news that Marquis of Dragon Sword, Bo Qing, had returned to the capital added further ripples to this morning’s court session.

Under such circumstances, not a single official wanted to be late to Morning Court, regardless of their rank.

During the Morning Court meeting.

Newly arrived officials intended to head southeast, back to their usual spots. However, in the next moment, they were pulled away by familiar associates towards the eastern side of the hall.

"Don’t go there. Didn’t you see Marquis of Dragon Sword standing there all alone?"

Similar remarks faintly reached Hong Yuan’s ears.

With an unchanged expression, Hong Yuan stood proudly beside a red pillar, occupying a large area to the southeast alone, in stark contrast to the throng of courtiers.

He wasn’t being overbearing; rather, the courtiers in the hall all kept a wide berth from him, which naturally led to this situation.

So this is the legendary Morning Court meeting. My first time witnessing it, Hong Yuan mused, curiously soaking in the atmosphere.

A quarter of an hour later.

The Daxuan Emperor arrived and, at his direction, officials gradually gathered around Hong Yuan.

Hong Yuan received no special treatment—

Everything proceeded smoothly without disruption.

Whenever an official submitted a report implicating Hong Yuan, just as he thought he was being targeted, other officials would invariably speak in his defense.

This turn of events surpassed Hong Yuan’s expectations.

He had actually anticipated something more eventful today.

As a result, he drew even more scrutinizing gazes from those around him.

As the saying goes, ’After a separation of three days, one should be seen in a new light.’ Worthy of being a Saint renowned throughout the Five Great God Continents, he actually makes me feel a slight threat. He has only been a Saint for less than a hundred years, right... The Daxuan Emperor, while assessing various matters, watched Hong Yuan from the corner of his eye.

Marquis of Dragon Sword, oh Marquis of Dragon Sword, I hope you won’t get involved with Xi again. As long as you stop aiding Xi in her bid for the throne against me, when I ascend, I will surely appoint you as a Different Surname King! Crown Prince Tang Anshi glanced sidelong at the blue-robed figure of Hong Yuan, silently making his vow.

Within her wide, white palace gown, Phoenix Princess Tang Xi’s delicate hand suddenly clenched into a fist. As if envisioning a splendid future, her eyes lit up for a moment:

To seek peace through peace is to lose peace. To fight for peace is to retain it. I must gather all the power I can to my side. Brother Bo Qing, join me in forging the glory of our dynasty.

Thus, Hong Yuan navigated the Morning Court meeting with serene composure, and it concluded without incident.

After the Morning Court meeting ended, Hong Yuan, along with several other marquises and princes also departing for the conflict, headed towards the front lines.

...

「Ahead.」

Within the main command tent of the Daxuan Dynasty’s military camp, the Saints were gathered, discussing pressing matters.

They were all vexed by Baixiang Xuanjiang of the Phoenix Creek Sect and the "Ancient Year Beast River of Time" Holy Array.

"Baixiang Xuanjiang’s strength is paramount; he can even contend with seventh-order big shots. Coupled with the ’Ancient Year Beast River of Time’ Holy Array bolstering him, Heaven Sea Pass is impregnable as long as he defends it. Unless," Wooden Phoenix Marquis stated gravely, "we are prepared to sacrifice our lives to forcibly breach the array."

Lang Daohou sighed lightly. "I can contend with Baixiang Xuanjiang, but you are all aware of the ’Ancient Year Beast River of Time’ Holy Array’s formidable power. Sending sixth-order cultivators against it is tantamount to suicide; sheer numbers will be useless. The Sect Alliance is truly showing their hand this time."

"You have the audacity to say that!?" Marquess Flame Sun exploded, his face crimson with rage. "Isn’t this all your fault for your ruthless attack on Qinghuo!?"