Chapter 85.2: The Generous Lu Fei

The hall filled with murmurs until a sharp cry rang out. "His Majesty arrives!"

Everyone looked up as the king of Great Shang was led in by a stately beauty. He coughed with every step, his face pale and wan. He seemed every bit on the verge of collapse.

Qi Yuan studied him briefly.

[He is an ordinary emperor. Gravely wounded and grievously ill. By all accounts, he has only a month left to live.]

An aging ruler, frail and near death, he was devoid of any imperial dignity.

The crowd saluted. "Greetings to Your Majesty, greetings to Her Majesty."

"

Cough, cough...

"

Just standing there left the king breathless. He slumped onto the dragon throne with the queen's help.

Seated beside him, the queen radiated far more presence than the king himself. "In two days, the Celestial Dragon Realm will open, and thus began the Dragon-Seizing Contest. Within the realm lie countless treasures. The rules are simple: whoever acquires the most valuable treasure shall be the future king of Great Shang."

Her words were few but weighty. All the princes immediately grew restless. Some clenched their fists, some wore dark expressions, some appeared resigned and hopeless. Even Dong Xian grew excited. He too longed to be emperor.

The queen departed as swiftly as she had come. "His Majesty is unwell. All of you, disperse.”

The king himself had barely spoken a word. Thoughts swirled among the gathered cultivators, while Qi Yuan fixed his gaze once more on Lu Fei, hoping to catch her thoughts.

She met his eyes, smiling playfully. "Come find me tonight, Little Brother. I'll leave my door half open, waiting for you."

With sultry grace, Lu Fei left with the Seventh Prince.

The hall emptied.

The female swordwoman from Xuanfu San Sect watched Lu Fei's retreating back.

Glancing down at her own flat chest, she cursed silently.

Shameless hussy!

***

Night fell.

Qi Yuan burned with the urge to slip away to Lu Fei, but he couldn't leave just yet. Kang Fulu had said guests would arrive tonight.

Sure enough, soon two young cultivators entered the hall, their sharp sword aura unmistakable.

"Greetings, Senior Brother Kang. Greetings, Junior Brother Qi."

They were Lei Wen and Miao Li, the two Foundation Establishment disciples of Xuanfu San Sect. When Miao Li entered, she cast Qi Yuan a displeased glance.

Kang Fulu welcomed them warmly. "Please, sit."

Once seated, Lei Wen laid his intentions bare. "Regarding the Dragon-Seizing Contest, our master has made it clear that no outsiders should interfere with the Great Shang’s affairs. The Xuanfu San Sect Sect and Divine Radiance Sect must unite against the Bright Palace. Let's drive them out and consider the rest after that."

Kang Fulu nodded. "Indeed. My master also commanded me before I came. Great Shang must never fall under the control of the Bright Palace."

If that happened, the three great sects would all suffer.

Lei Wen said, "I've contacted other sects. Five have agreed to join us. There are a few with closer ties to the Divine Radiance Sect. I'll leave those to you two."

In Great Shang, the three great sects were paramount. The smaller ones all leaned on them in some way.

"Consider it done," Kang Fulu said smoothly.

"Po Lang of the Bright Palace is an enigma. When the time comes, us three will need to work together and bring him down."

He didn't mention Qi Yuan at all. A newly advanced Foundation Establishment cultivator wasn't worth counting on.

"Very well," Kang Fulu agreed. "As allies of the Great Shang, we must stand as one."

An accord was reached.

As the two prepared to leave, Miao Li said softly, "Lu Fei is ruthless. She cultivates the art of draining yang to nourish yin.

Some

ought not be deceived by her beauty."

With that, she left with Lei Wen. Qi Yuan frowned in puzzlement. After thinking it over, he said to Kang Fulu, "Senior Brother, I think Senior Sister Miao was warning you not to get lost in Lu Fei's charms."

Kang Fulu was at a loss for words

***

Night deepened. A half-moon hung in the sky.

Qi Yuan slipped out of the palace and used stealth to move through the brightly lit grounds.

"The Demonic Desire Sect's quarters should be just ahead, right?" he muttered, hesitating.

His purpose tonight was simple: to eavesdrop on Lu Fei, his white moonlight. Maybe he'd overhear a Profound-tier technique.

Besides, that big-breasted senior sister was such a kind, generous soul. She'd even invited him to her room. Nevertheless, Qi Yuan was far too modest and shy to go barging in, hence he'd just eavesdrop outside her wall instead.