Chapter 544: Let's Have a Meal Together Next Time

The next day, the emperor did not show up at the spectator stand reserved for him on the Emperor's Mound.

After all, the claim that he was occupied with a million national affairs each day was no exaggeration. If he were to sit idly here like a common street loafer for seven days straight, the entire court might come to a standstill.

This was also why Mingde said Di Nufeng was not suited to be an emperor. A serious emperor was always busy. If she had to attend the morning court session daily and deal with national affairs afterward, she would likely give up within a short time.

Of course, if she didn't quit, things might become even worse.

Even though the emperor was busy, the court officials still attended after the morning session. Some were there out of genuine interest, while others likely placed bets using their own belongings.

With the emperor gone, everyone on the viewing platform appeared more relaxed. They gathered in small groups, chatting loudly, much like the commoners below the Emperor's Mound.

There were two large groups present. The first consisted of military officers from the court. Although their leader, the Grand General of the Nation, was absent, the soldiers still gathered, creating a noisy scene.

The second group was led by Chancellor Su Qian, the head of all officials. Most of the civil officers gathered around him, engaging in lively conversation and laughter.

Many of the individuals present were of such low rank that they wouldn't have been able to clearly see whether the chancellor was even wearing clothes during the usual court sessions. However, in this relaxed setting, they had the rare opportunity to exchange a few words with the chancellor, and naturally, they went out of their way to flatter him.

Their compliments mainly revolved around praising the chancellor's talent for recognizing capable individuals.

Before Su Qian became a court official, he was just a commoner with no connections. The sects and clans in the Sixteen-Faction Alliance that he helped promote were mostly unknown before he gave them a chance. They were people who had nothing prior to joining his alliance.

But under Su Qian's leadership for over a decade, twelve of these factions managed to participate in the Great Selection of the Four Seas, with six making it to the Competition of the Hundred Sects.

Considering that half of these factions managed to make it to the second round, it showcased the value of the newer generation within the Sixteen-Faction Alliance.

As the officials around the chancellor talked about the Sixteen-Faction Alliance, they were obviously praising the chancellor for having a keen eye to recognize talent.

To be honest, this was not mere flattery.

It was truly remarkable that Su Qian, a man with no background, was able to build such a large faction on his own, even with the position and resources of a Chancellor. After all, many past chancellors ended up in pathetic circumstances, regardless of their status.

Even with such achievements, there was no trace of joy on Su Qian's face; instead, he faintly furrowed his brows.

"This Chu Liang from Mount Shu..." he murmured softly.

Chu Liang had single-handedly taken down over ten opponents yesterday, eliminating the alliance of three sects led by the Five Poisons Sect. Now, it appeared he was set to target the alliance of three sects led by the Earthfire Sect. Naturally, this caught Su Qian's full attention.

Hearing the chancellor's tone, someone nearby immediately whispered, "This Chu Liang is truly too much. He's always targeting the sects under the Chancellor's command. It's obvious he's doing it on purpose."

"Yesterday, the Five Poisons Sect was limited by their techniques. The Earthfire Sect will definitely send him back in defeat!"

"He always wears a fake smile. I've found his face repulsive for a long time."

"..."

"Although Chu Liang held the title of Imperial Younger Brother, most people only recognized him for his achievements in the capital of Yu. He had no real official rank or power, and ultimately, he was just another figure from the martial world. To curry favor with the chancellor, they naturally didn't hold back their criticisms.

Unexpectedly, Su Qian changed his tone and said, "This Chu Liang is indeed extraordinarily gifted—a true dragon among men. Losing to him wouldn't be shameful."

"Haha, yes indeed!" The people around him nodded enthusiastically. "He truly is a dragon among men, deserving of the title of Imperial Younger Brother bestowed by His Majesty."

"He and the members of the Chancellor's Earthfire Sect are well-matched opponents"

"'I've long thought he has striking features, quite pleasing to the eye"

"..."

The ways of officials, with their constant flip-flopping, might seem ridiculous to outsiders, but within this circle, it was nothing out of the ordinary.

But soon, their focus shifted once again.

"What are the people from the Thunderbolt Stronghold doing?!"

…

Du Wuhen, Wei Tiandi, and Deng Yixiao had just lost their junior sister, and they were filled with frustration and dissatisfaction.

However, even if they wanted to charge into Misty Waters City, they were still intimidated by the powerful Yang Shenlong.

After all, their junior sister hadn't truly been killed—she had simply been eliminated. Though they were angry, they had no choice but to endure for now.

They still carried a heavy burden on their shoulders.

They searched further away from Misty Waters City. The Azure Mysterious Wind Bird soared through the sky like a divine breeze, whistling past before quickly returning.

It then landed back on Du Wuhen's shoulder.

"My bird has located Chu Liang of Mount Shu. He's about a few dozen li to the northwest, and the others shouldn't be far from him," Du Wuhen said. "Let's go!"

The three brothers quickly accelerated, skimming low as they rushed in the direction the Azure Mysterious Wind Bird had indicated. Before long, they spotted a concealed valley.

The Azure Mysterious Wind Bird returned once more, bringing more news.

"Chu Liang is heading this way. Let's hide in this valley and ambush him. We can catch him off guard and take down one of his men first," Du Wuhen suggested.

His two brothers followed his lead without question, and the three of them stealthily entered the valley.

The valley was thick with trees and foliage, abundant in spiritual qi, and with a bit of stealth, it was hard to be noticed. It was the perfect place to hide. However, as soon as the three brothers landed, they sensed that something was off.

Unfortunately, Hua Hua, the Snow Mountain Divine Hound, had been eliminated along with Huang Ling'er. Otherwise, it would have sniffed out the chaotic qi inside the valley before they even approached.

As soon as they landed, Deng Yixiao's Five-Fire Divine Ape was the first to react, letting out a sudden roar, "

Raaar!

"

The ape's body expanded to several times its original size, transforming into a massive fire ape nearly ten zhang tall. It roared ferociously in one direction.

"It sensed the presence of another kind of flame," Deng Yixiao said.

At the same time, several figures gradually emerged from the depths of the valley, and cultivators appeared on both sides.

More than ten people surrounded the three disciples of the Thunderbolt Stronghold.

The group was led by two boys who looked very similar. They seemed to be twins. The one on the left was a bit taller, with long, fine hair and a sharp look, while the one on the right was shorter and stockier, wearing a wicked grin.

The three brothers from the Thunderbolt Stronghold recognized them as well. These were the Ling family brothers, the dark horses from the Earthfire Sect who had made a big impression during the Great Selection of the Four Seas just a few days earlier.

The one on the left was the older brother, Ling Xiao, while the one on the right was the younger brother, Ling Yan. The flames of the powerful Primordial Earth Core Fire flickered in their hands.

Alongside them were two fellow disciples, who also appeared to be from the Earthfire Sect.

To the left was a group of three cultivators, each carrying a large wooden box on their backs. They were likely from the Puppetry Sect of the Chancellor's Sixteen-Faction Alliance.

They believed that puppets refined and sacrificed held a semblance of life, so it was a strict rule in their sect never to store these life-bound puppets in enchanted tool storage.

The group on the right looked even more peculiar. Each of them had only their upper bodies exposed, while their lower halves were fused with trees and vines. Their qi harmonized perfectly with the forest, making them undetectable unless they chose to reveal themselves.

These were undoubtedly members of the Kuimu Sect from the Chancellor's Sixteen-Faction Alliance that had specially cultivated the wood-based art of the Five Elements. The sect itself had their own unique mystical arts and techniques.

Although the three brothers had no fear of these individuals, their main target was still the members from the Mount Shu Sect, and they wanted to avoid any unnecessary complications.

Since Chu Liang was nearby, they didn't want to make a rash move that might alert him.

Thus, Du Wuhen clasped his hands and said, "We apologize for the intrusion. We mean no hostility. Since you've claimed this spot first, we'll take our leave."

"Heh." Ling Xiao from the Earthfire Sect chuckled. "I know you guys, the brothers from Thunderbolt Stronghold—quite the reputation you have. Do you really think we're hiding here for no reason? We're waiting for someone, of course."

Du Wuhen's expression darkened, and his gaze turned as sharp as a saber. He shot a glance at Ling Xiao, making him instinctively step back half a pace.

"You won't be able to take us down. We're not after you either, so it's best for both of us to take a step back," Deng Yixiao chimed in.

However, the hot-tempered Wei Tiandi was already itching for a fight. He stroked the head of his Purple-Lightning Divine Turtle, looking ready to strike at any moment.

"Whether we can or can't, we'll only find out once we try. If no one dares to make a move, why are we even here?" Ling Yan shouted as he stepped forward. "Attack!"

At his command, a deafening roar echoed through the valley.

Boom!

…

Meanwhile, Chu Liang was a dozen li away from the valley, leisurely following the disciple of the Puppetry Sect who had been sent to lure enemies but was, in reality, acting as a guide for him.

As the outline of the valley came into view ahead, a sudden series of loud booms echoed from within, indicating that a fierce battle had started.

"Huh?" The disciple stopped mid-air, muttering to himself in confusion. "I haven't even returned yet. Who are they fighting?"

"This is the valley, right? It seems quite lively," Chu Liang remarked as he caught up, walking alongside him.

"This place is so far from everything else. How could anyone come here?" The disciple remained confused but added, "Since someone is here, we might gain something today. You should really leave. You seem like a decent guy, and if you follow me into the valley, you'll be killed."

"I haven't gained anything yet, so how could I leave?" Chu Liang laughed. "You seem like a good guy too. How about we grab a meal together next time?"

"Sure," the disciple said with a chuckle.

Just then, Chu Liang caught hold of a tentacle that attempted a sneak attack.

"Why are you attacking while we're still talking?" he asked with a smile.

The disciple awkwardly rubbed his nose. "Well, it's a competition after all."

"No worries, I understand," Chu Liang said with a nod. "We're on the same page."

Unbeknownst to the disciple from the Puppetry Sect, Chu Liang's clone had appeared behind him. At that moment, the clone swung his fist at the disciple.

Boom—

The wooden box on the disciple's back suddenly burst open, revealing a disc-shaped object with ten tentacles extending from it, resembling a giant octopus.

Chu Liang's sneak attack was intercepted by the puppet, and his punch struck the disc with a thunderous sound, leaving only faint cracks behind.

The octopus then coiled around Chu Liang with its ten tentacles, as if it was trying to restrain him.

But in the next instant, Divine Dragon Fire ignited in Chu Liang's palm.

Boom—

The crimson-gold flames immediately engulfed the wooden puppet and the disciple. Amidst a painful scream, the entire figure vanished into thin air, leaving only a soul crystal falling to the ground.

Chu Liang caught the soul crystal tightly in his grip before continuing heading toward the valley.

GLTD Alternate Universe's Thoughts

Translator: GT