Chapter 602: The Friendship That One So Desired (II)

In recent years, the Celestial Charm Sect had become increasingly active, with frequent reports from various regions, including the chaos during the Grand Capture Ceremony in the capital of Yu. As the reigning emperor, he was deeply aware of this grave threat.

The Celestial Charm Sect thrived on chaos, as it fueled their power. Their leader was the Dao Master of the Great Dao of Chaotic Separation. Whenever the world descended into disorder and murderous energy filled the air, his strength would peak. However, during times of peace, the Celestial Charm Sect would fade into obscurity, the power of the Chaotic Separation Great Dao would diminish, and his source of power would vanish.

This Celestial Master was extremely mysterious. No one knew how long he had led the Celestial Charm Sect, nor did anyone know his true origins. What was certain, however, was that even the most ruthless, evil, and powerful individuals within the sect followed his commands without question.

He seemed to be a master manipulator, often achieving his goals through cunning and deception rather than brute force. At its height, the Celestial Charm Sect had gained the trust of the emperor and his officials, and the court paid a heavy price for it.

And yet, he had not shown himself in the past eighty years.

"So, this is his handiwork?" After a moment of contemplation, the emperor asked, "This is the Thirteenth Prince's jade pendant?"

"Indeed," Yao Dengxian replied. "When the Thirteenth Prince brought this pendant into the Dragon-Keeping Pool, the formations within the jade pendant activated, disrupting the pool’s restrictions and allowing the Golden Dragon to escape. This is likely part of the Celestial Charm Sect’s scheme, aimed at releasing the Golden Dragon, which stabilizes the fate of the empire."

"Once again, they’ve meddled within the imperial city. How bold of them!" the emperor remarked, his expression calm, though his heart grew heavy with concern.

From ancient times onward, the greatest fears of rulers were the dangers closest to their thrones.

After all, the last time the Celestial Charm Sect caused chaos, it nearly led to regicide.

Yao Dengxian continued gravely. "Releasing the Golden Dragon is likely just the beginning. They won’t stop here."

The Golden Dragon, as the celestial beast that suppressed the dynasty’s fate, shared a symbiotic relationship with the imperial family’s fortune. The rise and fall of both were intricately linked.

The fate of the dynasty was not solely shaped by the Golden Dragon, but its departure could lead to a decline or halt the upward momentum of the nation’s fortune.

While the Golden Dragon played a crucial role, the nation’s karmic fate was also shaped by many other factors.

Moreover, the consequences of losing the Golden Dragon would not be immediately apparent but would likely unfold over hundreds or even thousands of years.

The biggest danger of the Golden Dragon escaping was that the people might lose faith in the current imperial family. If the people found out, it could lead to widespread unrest, and ultimately, the dynasty’s fortune could begin to decline, just as was predicted.

If the goal was to destroy a nation by releasing the celestial beast that suppressed the nation’s fate, it would be like trying to harm someone by making them an alcoholic.

Theoretically, it might work, but the impact would be unpredictable.

"The members of the Celestial Charm Sect are always meticulous in their planning," the emperor said. "There is likely more to their scheme. We must stay vigilant while we search for the Golden Dragon."

"Your Majesty!"

At that moment, the voice of a palace attendant echoed from outside.

A guard from the Dragon-Keeping Pool entered, bowing deeply. "Your Majesty, the Thirteenth Prince has awoken."

"Have him come here immediately!" the emperor ordered.

While the Thirteenth Prince may not have directly caused this incident, it had been set in motion by his actions, and the emperor couldn't help but feel a hint of resentment.

Moments later, the Thirteenth Prince, appearing pale and visibly weak, stepped forward and bowed deeply. "This humble son pays my respects to you, my father. Greetings to Warrior Yao..."

With that, he fell to his knees. "It was because of me that we lost the nation’s celestial beast. Father, please punish me!"

"Enough!" the emperor said irritably. "Get up and explain where this jade pendant came from!"

"This jade pendant..." The Thirteenth Prince hesitated, seemingly unwilling to explain.

"What are you hiding?" the emperor frowned. "Could it be that you’re colluding with the Celestial Charm Sect, trying to protect their allies?"

"I would never dare!" the Thirteenth Prince replied hastily. "It’s just that..."

After a pause, he explained, "This jade pendant was a protective talisman that my mother gave me before the Assembly of Immortal Sects happened. How could my mother collude with the Celestial Charm Sect? There must be more to this..."

The mother he spoke of was, of course, Empress Wu. Though all the princes referred to her as mother, her only biological child was the Second Prince.

Upon hearing this name, the emperor's suspicion deepened. "The empress?"

...

After Chu Liang discussed and finalized the plan with the Little Golden Dragon, he asked to be released. The Little Golden Dragon flicked his finger, and Chu Liang’s eyes opened.

"You're awake?"

The first thing Chu Liang saw when he opened his eyes was Jiang Yuebai’s concerned gaze.

A wave of relief washed over him.

"I'm just glad you're still here," he said, pulling her into a hug. "What happened just now?"

"A golden light suddenly shot toward you and struck you. After that, you lost consciousness," Jiang Yuebai explained. Her shoulders tensed slightly in his embrace, but she didn't pull away.

"I'm fine. Just passed out for a moment," Chu Liang reassured her.

"A moment?" Jiang Yuebai asked. "You've been unconscious the whole night."

"What?" Chu Liang exclaimed in surprise.

I was just having a quick conversation with that Little Golden Dragon and a whole night had passed?

Looking around, he saw that it was indeed broad daylight.

He didn’t just see the bright sky; he also saw Wang Xuanling, Xu Ziyang, Ling Ao, Lin Bei, Shang Ziliang, and Lackey A. In fact, everyone in the temporary imperial residence that could breathe was there.

"Ah..." Chu Liang snapped out of it, awkwardly releasing Jiang Yuebai. "Everyone’s here."

"No worries," Lin Bei waved dismissively. "Carry on. Pretend we are not here."

Chu Liang glanced out the window and sighed.

What is there to carry on? It was almost time to enter the imperial palace.

It seemed the Golden Scale Hall had some power to alter the flow of time—what felt like less than half an hour inside had actually been an entire night outside.

That Little Golden Dragon is really a troublemaker.

𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

Sure enough, Wang Xuanling cleared his throat and said, "I checked your pulse earlier and found nothing wrong—you were just asleep. So, we let you rest while Yuebai stayed by your side all night..."

Chu Liang glanced at Jiang Yuebai beside him, feeling a warmth in his heart.

"However..." Wang Xuanling added slowly, "It's almost time to enter the imperial palace. We mustn't be late for the Qinghong Banquet. Whatever you have to say, perhaps you could save it for later?"

"Haha." Chu Liang chuckled lightly.

I’d like to say no, but can I?

The imperial palace sent a convoy, led by the Celestial Golden-Winged Horse at the forefront, to fetch them. The long procession stretched from the palace to the base of the Emperor’s Mound, a grand spectacle befitting the champion of the Assembly of Immortal Sects.

As they rode toward the imperial city in their carriages, Wang Xuanling suddenly raised his eyebrows.

"The imperial city feels... unusual today," he remarked.