Eternal Sacred King Chapter 291 to 300

 Chapter 291: Mass Gathering

Mo Ling, Su Zimo...

The emperor furrowed his brows as he fell into deep thought.

How was that possible?

Even though the truth was seemingly out, the emperor was still unwilling to accept it.

In his heart, he could not comprehend how the two completely different people became one!

After some thought, he ordered in a deep voice, “Men!”

Before long, two guards appeared and knelt on one knee. They had respectful expressions as they awaited the emperor’s orders.

“Summon the Imperial Army vice commander, Dai Xu.”

The emperor did not know much about the Su family’s situation and intended to summon Dai Xu to ask the latter once more.

Upon hearing the emperor’s order, the two guards froze up and exchanged glances. Looking troubled, they did not leave immediately.

“What’s wrong?” The emperor’s gaze turned cold.

The two guards shuddered and one of them replied hurriedly, “Your Majesty, Vice Commander Dai died about ten days ago and his corpse was discovered in the forest tens of kilometers outside the capital.”

“He’s dead?”

The emperor narrowed his eyes and a cold light flashed.

The other guard said, “Vice Commander Dai’s throat was shattered. From the looks of it, the claws of a demon beast should have ripped it apart. Our preliminary guess is that he was attacked by a spirit demon.”

The emperor asked expressionlessly, “Is his storage bag still there?”

“No.”

The emperor scoffed coldly. “If his storage bag is not there, it means that he was murdered by someone!”

While spirit demons possessed intelligence, they were unable to open the storage bags of cultivators and as such, it would be meaningless for them to take the storage bags away.

Generally speaking, the death of an Imperial Army vice commander was nothing much in the palace and news of it would not reach the ears of the emperor.

Even if he heard about this news, the emperor would not be bothered about the death of a Foundation Establishment Cultivator either.

However, the emperor felt that something was amiss right now.

Things were way too coincidental!

Pondering for a moment, the emperor said in a deep voice, “Summon the Imperial Army soldiers who accompanied the third princess to Ping Yang Town of Yan Country a couple of years ago. Also, summon the soldiers that were patrolling with Dai Xu in the palace before his death!”

“Understood!”

The two guards retreated.

...

People came and went on the long streets.

Among the crowd, two cultivators attracted the attention of many other cultivators who looked on with awe and fear.

“See that? The emblem on their sleeves and the sect badges on their waists indicate that they’re from one of the five major sects, Southern Mountains Sect!”

“The one in front should be Perfected Being Yun Shan and the young man behind him should be the number one of all Foundation Establishment Cultivators in Southern Mountains Sect, Shi Jian.”

“I heard that Shi Jian is extremely strong and has already unlocked five meridians. He should be able to get a spot on the Spirit Ranking.”

Before long, the two of them were submerged in the crowd.

Soon, another female cultivator arrived in the crowd that caused another commotion.

“Look, that seems to be Perfected Being Yi Ning from Azure Frost Sect!”

“Yes, it’s really her. Although she’s a little old, she still looks ravishing as ever.”

“Seems like Perfected Being Yi Ning must be the one leading the group from Azure Frost Sect for the sect competition.”

Before long, Perfected Being Yi Ning left in front of everyone’s gazes.

Not long later, another three cultivators arrived.

Their leader was dressed in aquamarine robes and was at Golden Core realm. With one hand behind his back, his eyes were long and narrow as he walked over slowly with a cold, sharp gaze.

That man was accompanied by a man and woman walking side by side behind him – they were both Foundation Establishment Cultivators.

The man was extraordinarily handsome and his eyes were like stars. Smiling, he was chatting with the woman beside him.

She wore a faint green dress and looked to be in her twenties, exuding a gentle temperament with skin as fair as snow.

“Look, those three are from Iridescent Clouds Palace!”

“If I’m not wrong, the aquamarine-robed cultivator at the front should be Perfected Being Cang Lang. It’s said that he’s immensely strong and has even cultivated an extremely powerful Golden Core phenomenon! He’s one of the top experts among Golden Cores!”

“The handsome man behind him is Si Yutang and he should be here for a spot on the Spirit Ranking! It’s said that he has already unlocked five meridians and is a genius of the Iridescent Clouds Palace Foundation Establishment Cultivators!”

“That woman’s name is Mengqi or something. She is rather comfortable to look at.”

“To be able to be brought by Perfected Being Cang Lang and stand on Si Yutang’s side, she’s probably rather capable.”

As everyone discussed, the three of them gradually walked away.

“Eh? Look at the cultivators from Southern Mountains Sect, Azure Frost Sect and Iridescent Clouds Palace. They seem to be walking in the same direction. Could something big be happening over there?” Right then, someone suddenly realized and asked aloud.

“Don’t you know?”

“Today is the day for Mo Spirit Weapon Workshop’s monthly auction! Those cultivators must be heading there to customize supreme-grade spirit weapons.”

Listening to the discussions around them, the handsome man from Iridescent Clouds Palace, Si Yutang, smiled. “Junior sister, look. The auction that’s held at Mo Spirit Weapon Workshop at the start of every month is a rare event in the capital.”

“Yes.”

Shen Mengqi nodded and a trace of shock flickered through her eyes.

Along the way, almost all the cultivators were discussing about the auction at Mo Spirit Weapon Workshop today.

Furthermore, they were not the only ones – even Southern Mountains Sect and Azure Frost Sect were taking part as well!

The fact that a Weapon Refinement Master could command such immense influence in the capital where he could almost have anything he wanted was something that Shen Mengqi was completely impressed with.

Even with the strength of her master, Perfected Being Cang Lang, he was not able to achieve some influence!

Shen Mengqi was looking forward to it as she said, “I wonder how Mr. Mo looks like. It’ll be great if we have a chance of befriending him.”

“That’s going to be difficult.”

Si Yutang shook his head. “It’s said that only a few people had the chance to see Mr. Mo in the three years that Mo Spirit Weapon Workshop had been open. Let alone befriending, even the chance to catch sight of Mr. Mo would be something worth bragging about.”

Shen Mengqi pursed her lips, feeling a little disappointed.

Si Yutang comforted her, “However, don’t worry too much, junior sister. Master’s purpose for heading there is to auction for a supreme-grade spirit weapon! If he succeeds, we might be able to bask in his glory and have a chance to meet Mr. Mo.”

Shen Mengqi nodded.

“I’ll definitely succeed!”

Right then, Perfected Being Cang Lang remarked indifferently with certainty without looking back.

He had prepared for three years just for this auction and was confident that he would be able to bid for the chance to customize a supreme-grade spirit weapon!

Before long, the three of them arrived in the vicinity of Mo Spirit Weapon Workshop.

Looking over, all three of them could not conceal the shock in their eyes and were dumbfounded.

Even Perfected Being Cang Lang’s expression changed slightly.

There were way too many people at the entrance of Mo Spirit Weapon Workshop!

A single glance over could tell that there were tens of thousands of cultivators gathered in the area. It was so densely crowded that it was like a sea of people – it looked extremely majestic!

A rough scan of the crowd showed that just Golden Cores alone amounted to more than a thousand people!

It was rare to see so many Golden Cores gathered.

However, all of them were now gathered in front of this seemingly ordinary residence, looking at it from time to time with expectant expressions.

Chapter 292: Auction

“There’s so many people?”

Ji Yaoxue was a little shocked when she saw the dense crowd before her.

Even though she had long heard of the reputation of Mo Spirit Weapon Workshop, she never expected that an auction at the start of the month would attract so many cultivators!

“Yaoxue, you have no idea. I heard that this auction could very likely be the last.”

The person who spoke was dressed in a pure, white shirt – she was the commander of the White Hawk guards, Bai Yuhan.

The two of them were on very good terms and could address each other as they pleased in private.

“The last?” Ji Yaoxue was puzzled.

Bai Yuhan explained, “Yes, I heard that Mr. Mo’s going to leave the capital after the sect competition. These Golden Cores are probably worried that they might not have such an opportunity again after Mr. Mo leaves.”

Pausing for a moment, Bai Yuhan swept her gaze across the crowd not too far away. “Look over there. There’s Golden Cores from Iridescent Clouds Palace, Southern Mountains Sect and even your Azure Frost Sect. I reckon that this auction will be extremely intense!”

Ji Yaoxue nodded somewhat distractedly, looking a little troubled.

Noticing Ji Yaoxue’s strange behavior, Bai Yuhan asked softly, “What’s wrong? Is something bothering you?”

Ji Yaoxue lowered her head in silence.

“You had a fight with Your Majesty and it’s because of that Su Zimo?” Bai Yuhan probed further.

“Yes.”

Ji Yaoxue replied and did not hide anything.

She had spoken to Bai Yuhan about this matter a couple of years ago.

Bai Yuhan continued, “Your Majesty probably had a motive for letting you collect this supreme-grade flying sword. He wishes for you to get to know Mr. Mo, right?”

Ji Yaoxue nodded. She hesitated for a moment before asking, “Sister Bai, what do you think of this?”

“Me?”

Bai Yuhan chuckled. “Even though I’ve never met that Su Zimo, I’ve met Mr. Mo. I dare to say that Su Zimo is definitely inferior to Mr. Mo.”

In the Rain Admiration Pavilion, that green-robed cultivator was neither servile nor overbearing. He remained calm against the pressure of two immense forces, True Fire Sect and the Scarlet Vulture guards. The way that he overturned the entire situation with a few words left a deep impression in Bai Yuhan.

Ji Yaoxue frowned.

Bai Yuhan said, “Yaoxue, you may not believe me when I say that. However, you will definitely feel that this Mr. Mo is different from everyone else the moment you meet him.”

Ji Yaoxue replied indifferently, “We’ll see.”

...

Perfected Being Cang Lang had his hands behind his back and his gaze was cold. Puffing his chest out, he led his two disciples, Shen Mengqi and Si Yutang, into the crowd with a sharp aura.

Many people turned around instinctively when they sensed it.

Iridescent Clouds Palace was one of the five major sects. In addition, Perfected Being Cang Lang was famous and ruthless to begin with.

While the crowd pushed against one another, many cultivators were wary and still chose to make a path.

Before long, Perfected Being Cang Lang and the other two arrived at the front of the crowd.

Other than Perfected Being Cang Lang and his two disciples, there was Perfected Being Yun Shan and his legacy disciple from Southern Mountains Sect as well as Perfected Being Yi Ning from Azure Frost Sect in the first row.

“I’m determined to get my hands on the supreme-grade spirit weapon this time round. Don’t fight with me for it, fellow Daoists,” Perfected Being Cang Lang glanced sideways. Even though his tone was calm, it had an unquestionable authority.

“Fufu.”

Perfected Being Yun Shan laughed. “Cang Lang, your words are meaningless. You’re determined to get it? So am I!”

Right after, Perfected Being Yun Shan turned to ask, “What do you think, Fellow Daoist Yi Ning?”

“Nothing much. Since it’s an auction, we’ll just have a fair competition. There’s nothing much to think about.”

Perfected Being Yi Ning had prepared a long time for this supreme-grade spirit weapon auction as well and naturally would not leave just because of a single statement from Perfected Being Cang Lang.

Perfected Being Cang Lang scoffed coldly and said nothing more.

Creak!

Right then, a small gap opened from the main door of Mo Spirit Weapon Workshop suddenly.

Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh!

Countless gazes landed on Mo Spirit Weapon Workshop’s door in excitement and anticipation.

A girl came out of the door. Her hair was yellowed and disheveled. However, she was so beautiful that people would subconsciously ignore that flaw.

“Fellow Daoist Nian Qi, you’re finally out.”

“Fellow Daoist Nian Qi, you’ve gotten more beautiful,” A Golden Core said shamelessly.

“Fellow Daoist Nian Qi, it’s me. Cough, cough... I’m here again.”

All the cultivators who had stayed in the capital for over a year knew that Mr. Mo would not appear at every auction and Nian Qi would always be the one hosting.

Even though she was dressed like a maidservant and was only at Foundation Establishment, none of the Golden Cores present dared to look down on her.

Nian Qi did not say anything and pushed down against the air with both hands.

That initially noisy scene quietened down.

There were tens of thousands of cultivators present with Golden Cores among them. However, a simple hand gesture from a maidservant was enough to have everyone quieten down!

Shen Mengqi’s eyes revealed a trace of envy.

What sort of an extraordinary character was this person’s master if she could possess such power even as a maidservant.

“I see many new and foreign fellow Daoists present today so I’ll repeat the rules of the auction once more in simple terms. All bidders will obtain a number from me and they will need to prepare 30 sets of materials. The starting price will be at 500,000 superior-grade spirit stones and each bid must be no less than 10,000. The highest bidder will win.”

With it, Nian Qi took out a large number of jade tokens from her storage bag. They had numbers marked on them and were scattered into the air.

Perfected Being Cang Lang waved his sleeves and snatched the first token.

Perfected Being Yun Shan obtained the second token and Perfected Being Yi Ning obtained the third.

The other numbered tokens were taken away by the many Golden Cores behind them.

While there were many people present, of the tens of thousands of people, most of them were disciples of the Golden Cores.

The true bidders were the thousands of Golden Cores present.

“Let the auction begin!”

The moment Nian Qi’s voice faded, someone in the crowd started bidding.

An exquisite carriage was parked in a small alley not far away from the crowd.

There were two women sitting inside the carriage. One of them was voluptuous with a curvy figure, exuding a mature and alluring aura.

The other woman wore a pink dress with a veil over her face. While her appearance could not be seen, each time she blinked her eyes, there was a ripple of light that bewitched one’s soul!

“Auntie Gu, what’s the background of this Mo Ling? He’s stealing business away from Sky Treasure Auction House with his auction,” The girl in pink frowned slightly with a tinge of anger and curiosity in her voice.

“I’m not sure,” The mature woman referred to as Auntie Gu shook her head.

“I heard father mention that he’s a young man in his early twenties. He seems to admire this man a lot and has high regards for him,” The girl in pink replied.

“Why? Our great mistress of the Pure Maiden Sect is personally interested in him?”

Auntie Gu looked at the girl in pink with an ambiguous smile and asked jokingly.

“Tsk.”

The girl in pink pursed her lips in slight disdain and raised her chin, saying confidently, “If I were to show myself, all I need to do is beckon my finger at him and that so-called Mo Ling is going to bow beneath my feet obediently!”

Chapter 293: And the Winner Is?

Auntie Gu smiled without saying anything. Suddenly, a strange energy fluctuation emanated from her glabella and scanned through the courtyard of Mo Spirit Weapon Workshop.

That was the spirit consciousness that only Nascent Souls possess!

It was even more powerful than the five senses of cultivators. Unblocked by any obstructions, it could permeate to every single corner like an air current.

After a while, Auntie Gu’s expression turned extremely strange as her eyes widened in shock. She muttered to herself in disbelief, “It’s him?”

“Who?” The girl in pink leaned over and asked curiously, blinking her sparkling eyes.

Auntie Gu smiled. “Yan’er, this is someone... that you can’t do anything to even if you beckon your finger.”

“I don’t believe you!”

The girl in pink pouted and said, “If I meet some old monster, perhaps my powers might not be enough to charm him. But a young man in his early twenties that’s hot-blooded? Hmph, hmph! There’s no way he can escape my grasp.”

“What I’m worried about now is that you’ll chase after him like a silly lass if he beckons his finger at you...” Auntie Gu shook her head and smiled gently. However, a simple motion and smile of hers possessed a flirtatious allure.

“Auntie Gu, I’m even more unconvinced when you put it that way!” The girl in pink wheedled and pounced into Auntie Gu’s arms while fondling wildly with both hands.

If any men were to witness this scene, they would definitely lose control instantly.

Auntie Gu smiled tenderly and waved her snow-white arms a few times, pushing the girl in pink back. “You don’t believe me? You ran off previously with someone without even leaving me a message to tell me that you were safe, making me worried for nothing.”

“Oh my, that’s already a couple of years ago. Furthermore, that Su Zimo was rather interesting. It was quite fun teasing him for no reason,” The girl in pink giggled.

“Is that so?”

Auntie Gu laughed. “In that case, this Mo Ling is quite interesting too.”

“Ah?

Stunned for a moment, the girl in pink could not react in time.

However, she could tell that Auntie Gu was implying something and she could not help but tilt her head slightly in deep thought.

After a moment, the girl in pink clutched her mouth and nearly exclaimed. She asked with widened eyes, “Su Zimo, Mo Ling... they can’t be the same person, right?”

“It’s him.”

Auntie Gu retracted her smile and looked in the direction of Mo Spirit Weapon Workshop through the curtains. “To think that I have still underestimated him.”

Of the two women, one of them was the chief steward of Sky Treasure Auction House, Gu Xi. The other was the pure maiden of Pure Maiden Sect, Demoness Ji – the daughter of the emperor, the Great Zhou Dynasty’s youngest princess.

“It’s really him?”

Demoness Ji clapped and laughed. “Auntie Gu, didn’t I say that he was interesting? I really want to know how he did it! Was it only because of that ancient tempering manual?”

“You want to go in and meet him?” Gu Xi could not help but ask after seeing how eager Demoness Ji was.

“That’s right.”

Demoness Ji was about to step out of the carriage when she sat back down after sweeping her gaze.

“What’s wrong?” Gu Xi asked.

Demoness Ji shook her head. “Sister’s over there. I had better not go.”

Chuckling, Gu Xi turned back to look in the direction of Mo Spirit Weapon Workshop in deep thought.

...

“Number 975, 1 million!”

“Number 68, 1.01 million!”

“Number 32, 1.02 million...”

In just a short while, the price of the supreme-grade spirit weapon had already surpassed a million superior-grade spirit stones under the immense bidding of the Golden Cores!

Before most of the Golden Cores present could bid, the price had already exceeded their capabilities and they could merely watch the crowd dejectedly.

After crossing the million superior-grade spirit stones mark, the speed of the bids slowed down.

The Golden Cores became extremely prudent with every bid, increasing it by 10,000 each time.

Normally, the price of a supreme-grade spirit weapon would be around a million superior-grade spirit stones at most.

However, supreme-grade spirit items were treasures that had limited supply and were rare to see in the market.

Typically, cultivators who could obtain supreme-grade spirit weapons would use them personally and would not bear to sell it.

Furthermore, this bid was for a customized supreme-grade spirit weapon and was a once in a blue moon opportunity that was even rarer!

In the first row, the Golden Cores from the major sects of Iridescent Clouds Palace, Southern Mountains Sect and Azure Frost Sect had yet to make their bids.

Seeing that the price had already reached 1.11 million, Perfected Being Cang Lang said all of a sudden, “Let’s not waste any more time. Number 1, 1.5 million!”

The moment he said that, the crowd fell into an uproar.

The sudden raise of 400,000 superior-grade spirit stones was more than enough to discourage more than half of the cultivators who wanted to continue bidding.

1.5 million superior-grade spirit stones was not something that every Golden Core could produce.

Spirit stones were consumables after all. For cultivators, the most important thing was still to raise their cultivation realms.

If one wanted to raise their cultivation realm, they would have to expend spirit stones to cultivate.

Not to mention the Golden Cores of itinerant cultivators and some minor sects, even Perfected Being Yun Shan and Perfected Being Yi Ning felt their mouths cramp up slightly. Their expressions changed when they heard of the bid of Perfected Being Cang Lang.

After Perfected Being Cang Lang’s bid, a couple of breaths passed without anyone continuing to raise the bid.

“Number 3, 1.51 million spirit stones.”

Right then, Perfected Being Yi Ning spoke and raised the bid by 10,000.

Perfected Being Cang Lang sneered and turned to Perfected Being Yun Shan, asking, “Fellow Daoist Yun Shan, aren’t you bidding? If you wait any longer, you’re not going to have the chance soon.”

Perfected Being Yun Shan gritted his teeth and said in a low voice, “Number 2, 1.52 million!”

The moment he said that, Perfected Being Cang Lang spoke again with a calm expression, “Number 1, 1.8 million!”

That single statement raised the price by nearly 300,000!

Perfected Being Yun Shan’s expression darkened as he glared at Perfected Being Cang Lang viciously.

Perfected Being Yi Ning took a deep breath of air and said slowly, “Number 3, 1.81 million!”

2 million superior-grade spirit stones – that was her limit.

If it exceeds 2 million superior-grade spirit stones, she would have to back down no matter what.

The Golden Cores at the back were already silent as they watched the scene quietly.

The price of the supreme-grade spirit weapon was now so high that it was basically a tussle between Perfected Being Cang Lang and Perfected Being Yi Ning – even Perfected Being Yun Shan no longer dared to speak.

Perfected Being Cang Lang seemed to sense the pressure on Perfected Being Yi Ning. Raising his brows slightly, he spoke, “Number 1, 1.85 million!”

Perfected Being Yi Ning’s heart surged when she caught sight of Perfected Being Cang Lang’s provocative gaze as she declared loudly, “Number 3, 2 million!”

That was her limit. If Perfected Being Cang Lang raised the bid again, she would back off!

This time, Perfected Being Cang Lang finally laughed as he commented leisurely, “Fellow Daoist Yi Ning, that’s your limit, right? Number 1, 2.01 million.”

Perfected Being Yi Ning’s eyes dimmed as she shook her head.

Her final gambit of raising the price to 2 million was to exert immense pressure on Perfected Being Cang Lang, hoping that he could withdraw from the bid. But, it was to no avail.

Five breaths passed and no one raised the bid further.

Perfected Being Cang Lang scanned his surroundings with a sharp gaze. In fact, there was even a vague hint of threat in them.

There was a clear meaning in his gaze – whoever dared to cause trouble now would be making an enemy of him!

Chapter 294: Our Young Master Makes the Decision

When Perfected Being Cang Lang made the high bid of 2.01 million superior-grade spirit stones, there was no longer any suspense in the auction.

If even Perfected Being Yun Shan and Perfected Being Yi Ning who were similarly from the five major sects had to lower their heads helplessly, cultivators of minor sects or itinerant cultivators stood no chance at all.

As long as ten breaths passed without anyone raising the bid, the opportunity for customizing a supreme-grade spirit weapon this time round would belong to Perfected Being Cang Lang!

“It’s basically settled.”

Outside the crowd, Bai Yuhan said softly.

Ji Yaoxue nodded. “Yes, judging from Perfected Being Cang Lang’s attitude and tone, he must have prepared more than 2 million super spirit stones.”

Bai Yuhan smiled. “That determined aura of his alone is enough to suppress the crowd. Even if someone jumped out to raise the bid right now, it would be hard to win against him. Furthermore, they would sow a grudge with him and it wouldn’t be worth it.”

“That’s right.”

As the two of them conversed, the ten breaths passed.

Indeed, despite having more than a thousand Golden Cores present, none of them had what it took to raise the price!

The dust had settled.

Perfected Being Cang Lang heaved a sigh of relief.

Even if he came prepared, 2 million superior-grade spirit stones was not a small sum to him.

If someone really jumped in to raise the bid at this moment, he could only grit his teeth and continue bidding.

Thankfully, nothing of the sort happened.

Happiness flashed in Perfected Being Cang Lang’s long and narrow eyes as he revealed a smile – he could not conceal the delight on his face.

In a small alley not far away, Gu Xi lowered the curtains and said slowly, “Let’s go back. There’s nothing much to see anymore.”

“Yes, let’s go,” Demoness Ji nodded as well.

The driver rode the carriage and began to turn it around.

The crowd in front of Mo Spirit Weapon Workshop began to disperse as well.

Many Golden Cores were in low spirits as they looked longingly at the doors of Mo Spirit Weapon Workshop.

Perfected Being Cang Lang turned to look at Perfected Being Yun Shan and Perfected Being Yi Ning at the side, smiling faintly. “Thank you for giving in.”

“Fellow Daoist Cang Lang is so rich. I truly can’t beat you, congrats!”

Perfected Being Yun Shan laughed coldly and left with Shi Jian.

Perfected Being Yi Ning harrumphed coldly without saying anything, but she felt indignant.

Perfected Being Cang Lang laughed lightly at the sight of the two of them. Feeling smug, he turned around and raised his chin at Nian Qi. “Hey, young lady. Announce the results.”

Si Yutang said in a low voice, “Junior sister, master succeeded in his bid. We might have a chance to meet Mr. Mo later!”

“Yes!”

Shen Mengqi clenched her fists tightly in anticipation and nodded.

Ever since the auction began, Nian Qi had not said a single word. She stood in front of the door looking at the many Golden Cores bidding below with a calm expression.

It was only at this moment that Nian Qi raised her voice and said, “I hereby announce that the fellow Daoist who has obtained the rights to customize a supreme-grade spirit weapon in this auction is... Number 3!”

The crowd was originally starting to disperse.

However, everyone’s footsteps came to a gradual stop not long after Nian Qi spoke. They had puzzled expressions on their faces.

Number 3?

Wasn’t Perfected Being Yi Ning from Azure Frost Sect Number 3?

Did she announce wrongly or were they hearing things?

Everyone turned around subconsciously.

In the small alley, just as the carriage was about to leave, a soft hum suddenly sounded from within.

“Why Number 3?” A gentle voice sounded, filled with confusion.

Outside the crowd, Ji Yaoxue and Bai Yuhan exchanged glances in shock as well.

“This...”

Bai Yuhan was also a little confused as she blinked her eyes. “Normally, it’s the highest bidder that gets it. Why would it be Number 3?”

Perfected Being Cang Lang’s smile froze on his face when he heard Nian Qi’s voice at the entrance.

Perfected Being Yun Shan’s footsteps came to a stop as he turned back and looked in deep thought.

Perfected Being Yi Ning stood rooted on the spot, unable to react for a moment after being struck by the surprise that fell from the skies.

“Young lady, did you announce it wrongly?”

Perfected Being Cang Lang frowned slightly with a displeased expression.

“No?”

Nian Qi replied naturally.

Perfected Being Cang Lang’s expression darkened. Flipping out his number token, he showed in and said in a deep voice, “Look carefully, I’m Number 1! Earlier on, Number 1 was the highest bidder with 2.01 million superior-grade spirit stones!”

“Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.”

Nian Qi nodded. “You’re right.”

Perfected Being Cang Lang’s expression relaxed slightly when he heard that.

Unexpectedly, Nian Qi changed the topic and said in a serious manner, “But, the one who obtained the right to customize a supreme-grade spirit weapon is Number 3.”

Initially, everyone thought that they had misheard things when the result was announced.

But this time round, all the cultivators present heard it clearly.

Something was happening!

The cultivators who had already left gathered in front of Mo Spirit Weapon Workshop at an even faster speed, most of them gloating and waiting to watch the show.

There was initially no one left around Perfected Being Cang Lang but in the blink of an eye, he was surrounded by people once more!

A mocking look flashed in Perfected Being Yun Shan’s eyes as he asked out of pretension, “Fellow Daoist Cang Lang, what’s going on?”

“Humph!”

Perfected Being Cang Lang had an ugly expression on his face as he snorted coldly. Glaring at Nian Qi with a dark expression, he asked slowly, “Young lady, are you joking with me?”

A terrifying aura was emanating from Perfected Being Cang Lang that slowly closed in to pressure Nian Qi.

Everyone could tell that Perfected Being Cang Lang was really furious at the moment!

Nian Qi was expressionless against Perfected Being Cang Lang’s oppressive aura as she asked instead, “Do I look like I’m joking?”

“Fine! I demand an explanation!”

Perfected Being Cang Lang strode forward. His long and narrow eyes shone brightly as he questioned with an intimidating aura.

Against Perfected Being Cang Lang’s aggression, Nian Qi looked impatient as she frowned and asked, “What explanation do you need?”

“I was clearly the highest bidder at 2.01 superior-grade spirit stones! Why are you giving others the chance to customize a supreme-grade spirit weapon?”

Perfected Being Cang Lang said slowly, “Young lady, if you didn’t hear clearly, I can repeat it to you. I, Perfected Being Cang Lang, was the highest bidder! All the cultivators present can vouch for me!”

“Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.”

Nian Qi responded calmly, “And, then?”

Perfected Being Cang Lang felt a dull pain in his heart as he shuddered and nearly spat out a mouthful of blood.

Hopping with rage, he was on the verge of breaking down. However, the other party was carefree as ever.

Everyone tried to hold back their laughter when they saw Perfected Being Cang Lang’s pale expression.

“My master was the one who bid for 2.01 million superior-grade spirit stones, didn’t you hear that?!” Si Yutang, Perfected Being Cang Lang’s disciple behind him, could no longer take it as he stood out and shouted.

Nian Qi covered her ears and replied loudly in a coquettish manner, “What are you shouting for? So what if you’re rich!”

Her words almost choked Si Yutang to death...

“Pfft!”

Finally, someone burst out laughing, unable to contain themselves any longer.

Perfected Being Cang Lang took a deep breath. The muscles on his face and the corners of his eyes were twitching madly as he said with gritted teeth, “You clearly said that the highest bidder would win. I want to ask, where are the rules of Mo Spirit Weapon Workshop! Where is the fairness!”

“Rules? Fairness?”

Nian Qi looked at Perfected Being Cang Lang with an ‘you are so naive’ gaze and said, “All the rules and fairness in Mo Spirit Weapon Workshop... are decided by our young master.”

Chapter 295: Unreasonable

In other words, it meant that putting aside the fact that the bid was at 2.01 million superior-grade spirit stones, even if the bid was at 10 million, none of it matters if the young master did not want to make that person a spirit weapon...

Perfected Being Cang Lang’s face darkened and his mouth twitched.

At that moment, he felt an extreme discomfort as though he had just punched a cotton ball and could not exert any strength at all.

Sensing the mocking gaze of everyone around, Si Yutang and Shen Mengqi felt their cheeks burn in shame.

Si Yutang had experienced Nian Qi’s savageness in rebuttals and was still shrouded in the trauma of ‘so what if you’re rich’, so he naturally did not dare to provoke her anymore.

Shen Mengqi was angry and indignant. She could not help but head up and question, “Fellow Daoist, aren’t you unreasonable? It was agreed on at the start that the highest bidder would win!”

“Please don’t try to reason with me.”

Nian Qi waved her hands hurriedly and blinked her big, sparkling eyes as she explained in all seriousness, “That’s because, Mo Spirit Weapon Workshop has never been a reasonable place.”

“You... ”

Shen Mengqi’s body swayed and her face turned pale – she felt stifled and lost.

“Hahahaha!”

A series of laughter burst forth from the crowd.

Naturally, this was a pleasant surprise for Perfected Being Yi Ning.

She stepped forward with a smile and cupped her fists. “Thank you, Fellow Daoist Nian Qi.”

Nian Qi nodded.

Perfected Being Cang Lang tried his best to calm himself down and suppress his anger. “Young lady, since you said that your young master makes the decision, fine! I want to meet Mr. Mo!”

“You think he’s someone you can meet at your behest?” Nian Qi glanced sideways at Perfected Being Cang Lang and scoffed coldly.

“Young lady, I don’t understand why the rights of customizing a supreme-grade spirit weapon for this auction went to someone else. But I would like you to inform him that Perfected Being Cang Lang of Iridescent Clouds Palace wishes to meet him!”

Perfected Being Cang Lang reared his head slightly with a proud look in his eyes. “I’m sure Mr. Mo must have heard of my name before!”

“Young lady, I can understand if you’re insensible. However, through my experience, I’m advising you not to make a decision for your young master regarding this matter or you might get punished for it!”

Nian Qi frowned slightly and hesitated.

Perfected Being Cang Lang continued, “I believe that no one in the territory of the Great Zhou Dynasty will reject to being friends with me!”

His words were extremely arrogant and firm!

Indeed, Perfected Being Cang Lang was qualified to speak of such words given his status and cultivation.

No matter what, Nian Qi was not even 20 years old and was still a Foundation Establishment Cultivator. For a moment, she was stunned by Perfected Being Cang Lang’s aura and could not make a decision.

Nian Qi’s expression was apprehensive.

Prior to this, Su Zimo had only instructed her to ignore any bids from cultivators of Iridescent Clouds Palace.

She did not know the reason why either.

At this moment, the aggressive and confident aura exuded by Perfected Being Cang Lang filled her heart with worry.

Was she being too reckless by making an unilateral decision of her own and establishing a powerful foe as such for her young master?

“Fellow Daoist Nian Qi, since it has already been decided, let’s not...” Perfected Being Yi Ning said hesitantly.

She was a little anxious that things might change if Nian Qi heads in to ask Mr. Mo about things. However, she could not bring herself to say everything openly.

Perfected Being Cang Lang spoke again with great confidence, “I dare to declare that Mr. Mo will definitely change his mind if you inform him about it! Additionally, if the spirit stones are not enough, I can raise it to 2.5 million superior-grade spirit stones!”

Psst!

Everyone gasped when they heard that.

He raised the bid to 2.5 million just like that!

Everyone could feel Perfected Being Cang Lang’s determination in getting his hands on that supreme-grade spirit weapon.

When she heard that, Perfected Being Yi Ning sighed and shook her head as well.

She could retain her confidence if Perfected Being Cang Lang’s bid was a mere 10,000 above hers.

However, Perfected Being Cang Lang’s bid was 2.5 million right now. If she was Mr. Mo, she would choose him as well.

Everything aside, the price alone was an entire 500,000 superior-grade spirit stones higher!

There was no reason for Mr. Mo to reject this offer at all.

Nian Qi pondered for a moment and said, “Wait a moment. I’ll go in and ask my young master.”

Returning to the residence, Nian Qi closed the door shut and sped towards Su Zimo’s cultivation room.

Before long, she arrived in front of his room and knocked on the door gently.

“Come in.”

Su Zimo’s voice sounded.

Nian Qi pushed the door open and went straight to the point. “Sir, something happened at the auction.”

“What’s wrong?” Su Zimo sat on the ground without rising up and asked casually.

“There was indeed a cultivator from Iridescent Clouds Palace that arrived for this auction. I ignored him entirely and gave the rights to customize a supreme-grade spirit weapon to another cultivator. However...”

Nian Qi sorted out her thoughts before continuing, “That Iridescent Clouds Palace cultivator seems rather powerful and says that he wants to meet you. He even said that you must have heard of his name and will definitely change your mind.”

“Oh?” Su Zimo raised his brow.

“Right,”

Nian Qi added, “That Iridescent Clouds Palace cultivator has already raised the bid to 2.5 million superior-grade spirit stones. It’s an entire 500,000 more than the second place bidder!”

“So amazing?”

Smiling, Su Zimo turned and stretched his body while asking in a relaxed manner, “What’s his name?”

“Perfected Being Cang Lang.”

Su Zimo’s actions suddenly paused.

“What’s wrong, sir?” Nian Qi asked curiously.

Su Zimo smiled with a hint of mockery flashing in his eyes. His tone was filled with emotion as he replied softly, “Nothing, he’s an old acquaintance.”

“So, are you meeting him?” Nian Qi could not figure out Su Zimo’s intentions.

“Yes, definitely. But now is not the time.”

Su Zimo replied calmly, “Furthermore, he’s right about one thing. I have indeed changed my mind.”

...

“By the looks of it, Mo Spirit Weapon Workshop must have some special rules?”

Outside the crowd, Ji Yaoxue asked in a puzzled manner.

“I don’t know.”

Bai Yuhan shook her head. “However, there must be some deeper meaning as to why Mr. Mo laid down such a rule.”

Ji Yaoxue frowned and fell into deep thought. Her gaze changed as she murmured softly, “Or could it be that Mr. Mo has some sort of a feud with Iridescent Clouds Palace?”

“I’m not sure about any feuds he has with Iridescent Clouds Palace, but I know he’s definitely at loggerheads with True Fire Sect,” Bai Yuhan replied.

Within the carriage in a small alley not far away.

Demoness Ji suddenly said, “I remember something. Su Zimo seems to have a grudge with Perfected Being Cang Lang!”

“Oh?” Gu Xi was surprised.

Demoness Ji recalled. “Back in the palace of Yan Country, he killed a cultivator of Iridescent Clouds Palace and even had another disciple of Iridescent Clouds Palace relay the message that he would definitely take the life of Perfected Being Cang Lang!”

“If that’s the case, that would explain the strange outcome from the auction just now.”

Gu Xi thought for a moment before shaking her head. “However, Su Zimo is only a Foundation Establishment Cultivator. He is still far from being able to take Perfected Being Cang Lang’s life.”

“One is at Foundation Establishment while the other is at Golden Core, there’s definitely a difference in strength. However, they are definitely comparable in terms of status by now,” Demoness Ji replied.

Everything aside, the mere weight of the words ‘Mr. Mo’ was definitely enough to match Perfected Being Cang Lang!

“Now that that is clear, the outcome of Nian Qi relaying the message will be...”

Demoness Ji grinned from ear to ear. “Hehe, there’s going to be a good show to watch!”

Chapter 296: Kneel Down!

Si Yutang said softly, “Master, don’t worry. The maidservant is just ignorant and has not heard of your name, that’s understandable. Once she reports the matter, Mr. Mo will definitely change his mind.”

“Yes.”

Perfected Being Cang Lang nodded.

He had the confidence that there was no reason Mr. Mo would reject someone who bid 2.5 million superior-grade spirit stones and select somebody else.

Si Yutang turned to his side and said tenderly to the dejected Shen Mengqi, “Junior sister, you don’t have to be upset too. There’s no need for us to stoop to the level of a maidservant.”

Right then, the door to the residence opened with a creak and a gap opened.

“She’s out, she’s out!”

A commotion broke out among the crowd.

Perfected Being Cang Lang was not the only one; the surrounding cultivators were also awaiting a final outcome.

Nian Qi walked out with a calm expression as she looked at Perfected Being Cang Lang and nodded. “You are right, Perfected Being Cang Lang. Our young master has indeed heard of your name and as you have expected, he has changed his mind as well.”

The dark clouds on Perfected Being Cang Lang’s face dissipated and he smiled again, looking to his sides smugly.

Perfected Being Yi Ning’s eyes dimmed.

Although she had expected this outcome, she could not help but feel disappointed still.

Si Yutang even sneered unreasonable, “Little maidservant, didn’t your young master ask you to apologize to my master?”

Nian Qi smiled without saying anything.

“Time to go, time to go!”

Some cultivators did not linger and turned to leave the moment they saw that there was an outcome.

Nian Qi continued, “Our young master even said that if it’s Perfected Being Cang Lang, he’s willing to customize a supreme-grade spirit weapon for you for free without accepting any spirit stones!”

Perfected Being Cang Lang was elated upon hearing that.

A huge sense of pride and happiness rose within him over the change from 2.5 million spirit stones to a free customization.

“Is Perfected Being Cang Lang that amazing?”

“He’s pretty much. He’s only a little over 200 years old and he’s already at perfected Golden Core. He has the greatest hope of advancing to be a Nascent Soul Perfected Lord.”

“Perfected Being Cang Lang is truly influential. To think that he could get a free customization.”

In fact, Perfected Being Cang Lang felt light-headed as he listened to the discussions in the crowd and enjoyed everyone’s envious gazes.

This was someone who had lived for more than 200 years after all. Perfected Being Cang Lang contained the ecstasy in his heart and nodded his head with cupped fists in every direction.

Although he seemed like he was indifferent, as if he had already expected this outcome from the start, he could not hide the smugness between his brows.

“Haha!”

While Perfected Being Cang Lang was able to hold back his excitement and pretend to be calm, his disciple, Si Yutang, could not hold it in any longer as he burst into laughter with a glowing expression.

Nian Qi smiled and said, “However, my young master said that he has a request for helping you to customize a free supreme-grade spirit weapon.”

“Say it.”

Perfected Being Cang Lang was in a good mood as he waved his hand and said proudly, “As long as I can do it, I’ll definitely do my best to accommodate.”

“Rest assured, Perfected Being, this request is very easy for you.”

Suddenly, Nian Qi retracted her smile. Her tone turned cold as she enunciated word for word, “My young master said... He. Wants. You. To. Kneel. Down!”

The crowd fell silent.

There was complete silence and one could hear even a pin drop!

Every cultivator present was stunned and dumbfounded, looking towards Nian Qi and Perfected Being Cang Lang instinctively.

“He. Wants. You. To. Kneel. Down!”

Although the crowd was noisy, everyone heard those six words clearly and there was no mistake about it.

Ji Yaoxue and Bai Yuhan were frozen.

Not far away, within a carriage in a small alley, a sweet voice sounded with laugher. “Ha, I knew it! Su Zimo is very interesting!”

Si Yutang’s laughter stopped abruptly.

Perfected Being Cang Lang’s expression stiffened. Turning his head slowly, he narrowed his gaze and asked faintly, “Young lady, what did you just say? If you have the guts to say it again, I’ll listen.”

“You didn’t hear it clearly?”

Nian Qi was nonchalant towards Perfected Being Cang Lang’s threat as she replied indifferently, “As long as you kneel down, my young master will refine a supreme-grade spirit weapon for you.”

“Oh, right! He even said that if you were to kneel down AND kowtow, he can refine an additional supreme-grade spirit weapon for you!”

Humiliation!

Although the cultivators present did not know why Mr. Mo would make such a decision, it was a complete and absolute humiliation to Perfected Being Cang Lang!

No matter how valuable a supreme-grade spirit weapon was, how could Perfected Being Cang Lang kneel in front of everyone?

While kneeling down was easy, he would definitely lose all face in the cultivation world from this day forth.

“Fufufufu... ”

Perfected Being Cang Lang suddenly laughed.

“You’re a Foundation Establishment Cultivator, a mere maidservant. How dare you insult a Golden Core! Even if this is the capital, I can kill you right now!”

Perfected Being Cang Lang’s long and narrow eyes shone with a cold killing intent. His hands that were originally behind his back were now placed on his storage bag and his voice was chilling.

Everyone could sense Perfected Being Cang Lang’s killing intent!

In the eyes of everyone, Nian Qi was only a maidservant.

Given Perfected Being Cang Lang’s status and position, he might not be severely punished if he were to kill a maidservant forcefully right now.

Nian Qi’s expression remained unchanged as she continued, “Our young master has already expected that you would definitely be enraged out of shame upon hearing the request and that you will try to kill me. However, this is the capital. If you dare to strike first, the other cultivators will have enough reason to stop you.”

“Hehe!”

Perfected Being Cang Lang smiled. “Who would dare stop me for a mere maidservant like you!”

Nian Qi nodded. “That’s why my young master said that whoever beheads you will get a customized supreme-grade spirit weapon from him!”

Perfected Being Cang Lang’s expression changed.

Those were savage words that had set him on fire!

The other party was not only humiliating him, they were forcing him to endure it with nowhere to vent!

At this moment, as long as Perfected Being Cang Lang dared to attack Nian Qi, the other cultivators would have enough reason to strike and they would definitely join forces to kill him.

After all, his head could be exchanged for a supreme-grade spirit weapon – who wouldn’t be tempted?

Even if some of the cultivators were worried about his status and did not dare to attack, the commanders of the Scarlet Vulture and Azure Falcon guards had already approached not far away.

If he dared to make any movements out of the blue, those two would definitely strike without hesitation!

Perfected Being Cang Lang looked extremely ugly and unpredictable.

No matter what, his pride was completely smashed today.

However, Perfected Being Cang Lang could not understand why Mo Ling hated him so much.

The fact that he was able to get to where he was today meant that his hands had already been tainted by endless fresh blood – he no longer remembered when and where he sowed a grudge with any cultivator with the surname of Mo.

“From the looks of it, Mr. Mo definitely knows me then?”

Perfected Being Cang Lang was a top Golden Core cultivator after all and he adjusted himself quickly. A look of mockery flashed in his eyes as he sneered, “Since we were acquaintances, why is he being mysterious and hiding inside instead of meeting me directly?”

Nian Qi replied, “My young master said that he would definitely meet you, but now is not the time.”

“When will be the time then?”

“The sect competition!”

“Alright!”

Perfected Being Cang Lang nodded and said coldly, “Come that time, I’ll see for myself just who this Mo Ling is!”

Chapter 297: Invitation From the Young Master

Now that everything was as such, Perfected Being Cang Lang naturally could not stay any longer. With a darkened expression, he turned to leave with his two disciples.

As Perfected Being Cang Lang left, the many surrounding cultivators began to disperse as well.

In a small alley, a coachman drove a horse carriage into the distance.

Outside the crowd, Ji Yaoxue and Bai Yuhan stood at the side, looking emotional after witnessing the entire auction.

Bai Yuhan said, “Did you see that? Mr. Mo played with Perfected Being Cang Lang in the palms of his hands without even making an appearance such that the latter could only leave in shame.”

Ji Yaoxue nodded as a look of appreciation flashed in her eyes. “Mr. Mo is indeed impressive. He expected all of Perfected Being Cang Lang’s reactions beforehand and dealt with it.”

Pausing for a moment, Ji Yaoxue smiled. “If father had not told me that he’s only a young man in his twenties, I would have thought that it was some scheming old man.”

“Fufu.”

Bai Yuhan looked at Ji Yaoxue slyly and chuckled. “Why? Are you starting to get curious about Mr. Mo?”

Ji Yaoxue shook her head and smiled helplessly.

“Don’t worry, when you see Mr. Mo later on, you will forget that Su Zimo cleanly,” Bai Yuhan assured her.

Just as the two of them conversed, Perfected Being Yi Ning had already handed Nian Qi a storage bag with 30 sets of materials and 2 million superior-grade spirit stones for the supreme-grade spirit weapon.

Ji Yaoxue and Bai Yuhan headed towards Mo Spirit Weapon Workshop.

Perfected Being Yi Ning seemed to have said something to Nian Qi, causing the latter to shake her head.

That had Perfected Being Yi Ning turning to leave with a disappointed look.

“Greetings, master.”

Ji Yaoxue happened to approach and bowed slightly, greeting in a gentle voice.

Although Ji Yaoxue was dressed ordinarily right now and bowed towards Perfected Being Yi Ning, she exuded an air of royalty from head to toe that was extremely noble!

“Ah, Yaoxue. You don’t have to bow.”

Perfected Being Yi Ning nodded and stretched her hands to help Ji Yaoxue up.

While the disciples of Azure Frost Sect did not know of Ji Yaoxue’s identity, she knew.

Ji Yaoxue was only at Azure Frost Sect to cultivate for ten years. Thereafter, she would return to the capital of Great Zhou for the sect competition and she would never return to Azure Frost Sect ever again.

In fact, now that Ji Yaoxue had returned to the capital, her status as a princess was already reverted.

“Congratulations, master.”

Ji Yaoxue smiled and said.

“Fufu.”

Perfected Being Yi Ning could not hide the joy in her eyes as she chuckled. “It’s a freak accident and totally by fate. Who would have thought that Mr. Mo would have chosen me in the end.”

Bai Yuhan asked, “What did you say to Nian Qi earlier on, Fellow Daoist Yi Ning?”

“I wanted to meet Mr. Mo to thank him in person, but he didn’t agree and rejected me right away,” Perfected Being Yi Ning smiled bitterly.

Ji Yaoxue consoled her, “From what Fellow Daoist Nian Qi said, Mr. Mo will appear for the sect competition. You’ll definitely see him then.”

“Yes, I hope so.”

The three of them chatted for a while before Perfected Being Yi Ning left.

Ji Yaoxue turned around and smiled. “See, the number one Weapon Refinement Master of the Great Zhou Dynasty is not someone you can meet at any moment. Even my master was given the cold shoulder.”

“We’ll just give it a try. Who knows, we might succeed?”

Bai Yuhan joked, “At the very most, we’ll just announce your title as the third princess and we might be able to change the situation!”

“Sister Bai, you’re teasing me again,” Ji Yaoxue shook her head and laughed.

The two of them walked up and Bai Yuhan knocked on the door.

Before long, the door opened to the knock and Nian Qi poked her head out. She looked at Ji Yaoxue and Bai Yuhan curiously with her big, sparkling eyes.

“The auction has already ended. Fellow Daoists, you are late.”

Ji Yaoxue smiled gently. “Fellow Daoist, we’re not here for the auction. The emperor customized a supreme-grade spirit weapon through Mr. Mo previously and I’m here to collect it.”

“Oh.”

Nian Qi came to a sudden realization as she looked at Bai Yuhan.

She recalled that this was the commander of the White Hawk guards. Since this yellow-robed lady was with Bai Yuhan, there should be no mistake.

“Please wait a moment. The supreme-grade spirit weapon is with our young master. I’ll retrieve it right away.”

Nian Qi said and was about to close the door.

“Hey! Hey!”

Bai Yuhan held Nian Qi back when she saw that Ji Yaoxue was looking indifferent and did not mention anything about wanting to meet Mo Ling. Coughing softly, she said, “Fellow Daoist Nian Qi, can we enter with you and visit Mr. Mo? After all, we’ve been admiring him for a long time.”

“Nopes!”

Nian Qi shook her head without thinking.

Pausing for a moment, she looked at Bai Yuhan and asked confusedly, “Commander Bai, haven’t you met my young master before?”

“I did, but she hasn’t,” Bai Yuhan pointed at Ji Yaoxue who was beside her.

“Nopes still!”

Nian Qi still shook her head and closed the door.

“Right, she’s the third princess of the Great Zhou Dynasty! Hey...” Bai Yuhan hurriedly called out, not knowing if Nian Qi heard her.

Ji Yaoxue could not help but laugh. “Sister Bai, stop shouting. Don’t you find it embarrassing when they’re ignoring you? I do.”

Bai Yuhan pouted. “If he doesn’t want to meet us, so be it! What’s so great about him!”

After a while, the door opened once more and Nian Qi appeared in a flash, looking at Ji Yaoxue with a curious expression.

“Where’s the supreme-grade spirit weapon? We’ll leave after taking it.”

Bai Yuhan felt indignant after being rejected twice in a row by Nian Qi.

Nian Qi said, “The spirit weapon is with our young master.”

Frowning, Bai Yuhan asked, “Then what were you doing just now?”

Nian Qi bowed slightly and made an inviting gesture as she smiled gently. “Our young master invites you in.”

Both Ji Yaoxue and Bai Yuhan were stunned.

The two of them originally thought that they would never be able to meet Mr. Mo. But now, things had taken a sudden spin.

Mr. Mo’s thoughts were truly unfathomable.

Ji Yaoxue was rather calm and composed.

To her, it did not matter whether or not she met him.

However, Bai Yuhan smiled delightedly as she pulled Ji Yaoxue’s wrist while urging, “Let’s go! This is a rare opportunity!”

Under Nian Qi’s lead, the two of them entered the residence hailed as the most mysterious in the capital of Great Zhou.

The houses in the courtyard were neat and tidy and the courtyard itself was clean with the lawn neatly arranged. Not far away, there was a stone table and a couple of stone stools. Apart from those, there was nothing else.

On the shore beside Jishui River, a large black dog that was covered in scales sprawled down, seemingly resting with its eyes closed.

“Please have a seat.”

Nian Qi led the two of them to the stone table where there was already a pot of tea. It was emitting steam and a fragrant aroma.

Ji Yaoxue and Bai Yuhan sat down where they were served a cup of tea each by Nian Qi.

Bai Yuhan felt uneasy seeing Nian Qi like this.

While Nian Qi seemed like she was a maidservant on the surface, there were not many cultivators in the capital of Great Zhou that could have her pouring tea for them.

“Sister Yaoxue, it’s really you!”

Suddenly, an exclamation sounded nearby.

Ji Yaoxue turned around and saw Su Xiaoning sprinting towards her with a delighted expression.

“Xiaoning, why are you here...”

Ji Yaoxue was stunned.

Right then, another voice rang out, gentle as jade.

“Miss Ji, how have you been?”

Chapter 298: You Are Mr. Mo?

Ji Yaoxue’s petite body shuddered slightly as she turned around.

Not far away, a delicate and scholarly cultivator strode over. He wore green robes that fluttered gently in the wind and he had clear eyes with a faint smile on his face.

Ji Yaoxue was stunned, stuck in a trance for a long time.

For some reason, she felt a lump in her throat as tears welled up in her eyes.

That figure had appeared in her mind countless times.

Yet, now that she actually saw it, everything felt surreal.

It was as though everything else was silent as the only thing reverberating in her ears was that sentence, “Miss Ji, how have you been?”

“You’re good! So, you knew Mr. Mo long ago but you’ve kept it so well-hidden from me!” Bai Yuhan leaned in and whispered to Ji Yaoxue.

When she heard that, Ji Yaoxue gradually returned to her senses. By then, the green-robed man was already close to her.

“Greetings, Mr. Mo.”

Bai Yuhan stood up immediately and cupped her fists.

The green-robed man merely nodded. He shifted his gaze and looked at Ji Yaoxue’s beautiful face again with a smile in his eyes.

Bai Yuhan looked at Ji Yaoxue, then back at the green-robed man.

She was confused.

If they knew each other, why were they not saying anything?

If they did not know each other, what did Mr. Mo mean by that question earlier?

“You are Mr. Mo?”

After a while, Ji Yaoxue finally spoke.

“I think so?” The green-robed man nodded.

“Should I call you Young Master Su, Mr. Mo or... Zimo?”

“As you wish.”

As soon as he said that, the two of them looked at one another and smiled as though telepathically, just like before.

“Have a seat.”

Su Zimo pointed to the stone stool beside him and sat down with Ji Yaoxue.

Bai Yuhan stood rooted to the ground, still in a daze.

“What Young Master Su? What Zimo?”

Bai Yuhan turned around and hurried to Ji Yaoxue’s side, asking in confusion, “Yaoxue, what did you mean by Young Master Su and Zimo earlier on? This... this is Mo Ling! Mr. Mo!”

Ji Yaoxue smiled without saying anything and turned to look at Su Zimo.

Glancing at Bai Yuhan, Su Zimo said frankly, “Let’s get to know each other again. I am Su Zimo.”

“Which Su Zimo?”

Bai Yuhan was a little confused and asked subconsciously.

“Su Zimo of Yan Country.”

“Ah!”

Bai Yuhan exclaimed and her face was filled with disbelief. “You’re that useless Su Zimo who has no spirit root and is unable to cultivate?”

At the mention of the word ‘useless’, Ji Yaoxue frowned. She glanced sideways and said softly, “Sister Bai!”

Nian Qi was displeased and could not help but blurt, “Commander Bai, how can you say something like that? If my young master is useless, who isn’t useless in this world?”

“H-How is this possible?”

For a moment, Bai Yuhan was unable to accept the truth as her eyes darted between Su Zimo, Ji Yaoxue, Nian Qi and Su Xiaoning – none of them seemed like they were joking.

In Bai Yuhan’s memories, Su Zimo from Yan Country and Mr. Mo who was before her were from completely different worlds!

One was high up in the heavens. As the number one Weapon Refinement Master of the Great Zhou Dynasty, he was renowned and almost all Golden Cores wanted to befriend him.

The other was far down on the ground. Born from a small vassal state far away, he had no spirit root and was unable to cultivate – a most common mortal.

How did the two people become one?

Su Zimo smiled and replied indifferently, “That’s right, there are many impossible things in this world.”

Ji Yaoxue changed the topic and asked curiously, “Why are you called Mo Ling?”

Su Zimo pointed to the plaque above the door. “Mo Ling is merely the name of the weapon workshop. However, others instinctively thought that it was my name. Because I’m too lazy to explain anything, that was how it spread.”

“To think that you’ve changed so much after not seeing you for a couple of years. You are now Mr. Mo who is renowned throughout the capital and it’s difficult to even meet you,” Ji Yaoxue teased.

Su Zimo laughed as well. “You’ve already reported your title as the third princess of the Great Zhou Dynasty, how would I dare to not meet you?”

“Pfft!”

Ji Yaoxue covered her mouth and chuckled while rolling her eyes at Bai Yuhan. “It’s all Sister Bai’s fault.”

In Bai Yuhan’s eyes, Ji Yaoxue seemed to have changed into another person ever since she met Su Zimo – the gloominess in her eyes were gone and they were now beautiful like clear waters. She smiled enchantingly with every word and action of hers and was extremely beautiful.

Pondering for a moment, Ji Yaoxue continued, “Right, father has high regards for you as well.”

“Of Mo Ling, you mean,” Su Zimo’s tone was calm.

“It’s all the same. You’re both the same person,” Ji Yaoxue replied.

Su Zimo smiled but did not say anything.

He knew clearly well that if the Emperor of Great Zhou knew that he was Mo Ling, it would be hard to tell the kind of attitude the latter would have towards that fact.

The emperor’s heart was unfathomable.

If he was enraged, he would be able to find sufficient reason to kill Su Zimo!

“The supreme-grade spirit weapon that Your Majesty customized was a gift for you, right?” Su Zimo asked.

“Yes.”

Ji Yaoxue nodded and extended her palms with a smile. “Hand it over. I want to see the quality of a flying sword customized by Mr. Mo and whether it catches my eye.”

Su Zimo grinned and took out a flying sword from his storage bag.

The sword was three feet long and about two feet wide. it was engraved with mysterious mystical patterns and was breathtaking – it could be described as a work of the gods!

Su Zimo injected spirit energy to it.

Whoosh!

The sword lit up with four spirit patterns in a bedazzling manner!

A four-patterned supreme-grade spirit weapon!

Bai Yuhan’s eyes flashed with envy as she looked at the flying sword.

Even though she was the commander of the White Hawk guards, she did not possess a supreme-grade spirit weapon.

Ji Yaoxue received the flying sword with both hands and wiped her fingers across the sword. She could sense the coldness of the sword but a current of warmth seeped into her heart.

Buzz!

Brushing her finger against the tip of the sword, Ji Yaoxue flicked it gently and the sword trembled, reverberating with a clear ringing sound!

The sound of the sword alone was enough to tell that even amongst supreme-grade spirit weapons, this was definitely a top-notch flying sword and was infinitely close to being a perfect spirit weapon!

Su Zimo took out another long pale yellow dress from his storage bag and passed it to Ji Yaoxue. “This dress is for you too.”

Ji Yaoxue took it.

The pale yellow dress was extremely thin and light with a hint of coldness to it.

Ji Yaoxue’s heart stirred and she injected spirit energy into the dress.

Whoosh!

Four rays of light burst from the dress, shining brightly!

“Ah!”

Both Ji Yaoxue and Bai Yuhan exclaimed at almost the same time.

It was another supreme-grade spirit weapon!

And, it was an extremely rare defensive supreme-grade spirit weapon at that!

The cutting of the dress seemed as though it was custom-made for Ji Yaoxue entirely.

At that moment, Bai Yuhan was no longer filled with envy – it was jealousy!

This was way too extravagant!

Who would give away supreme-grade spirit weapons as gifts just like that?!

Ji Yaoxue lowered her head and pretended to check out the dress in her hands. However, her cheeks were slightly red and her heart was racing.

Su Zimo frowned slightly when he noticed Ji Yaoxue’s expression.

He had only given her the dress because he saw Ji Yaoxue as a good friend. Furthermore, she was his and the Su family’s benefactor.

Su Zimo did not wish to cause Ji Yaoxue’s misunderstanding.

After pondering for a moment, he said in a seemingly casual manner, “I just bought some thousand year old Sky Silk recently and made them into three dresses. Apart from you, Xiaoning and Nian Qi each have one too.”

When she heard that, Ji Yaoxue’s eyes dimmed.

However, she recovered very quickly and was smiling by the time she raised her head. “Thank you very much then.”

Chapter 299: Hongmen Banquet

Xiaoning blinked and could tell that there was something wrong between the two of them. Thus, she held Ji Yaoxue’s hand and smiled. “Sister Yaoxue, why have you only just returned? I’ve missed you.”

Ji Yaoxue rubbed Xiaoning’s forehead and asked tenderly, “How are you doing in Azure Frost Elixir Workshop? Did anyone bully you?”

Su Xiaoning froze momentarily and averted her gaze while smiling. “No, all the seniors are taking good care of me.”

“Hmm?”

Ji Yaoxue hummed softly.

While Xiaoning had hidden herself well, Ji Yaoxue still found some contradictions.

She turned to look at Su Zimo and asked with a frown, “Zimo, what happened?”

“Nothing much, Sister Yaoxue! Stop asking,” Su Xiaoning added hurriedly.

Ji Yaoxue smiled faintly. “Even if you and your brother refuse to tell me, is there anything that can be hidden from me within the Great Zhou Dynasty if I want to know about it?”

“It’s nothing much. There’s just a cultivator in Azure Frost Elixir Workshop called Yang Yu who has a feud with you I guess,” Su Zimo spoke but did not elaborate.

Back in Azure Frost Elixir Workshop, he had already told Yang Yu that someone would deal with her.

“It’s her?”

There was a cold glint in Ji Yaoxue’s eyes as her aura changed immediately.

“I’ve already warned that Yang Yu not to provoke me anymore!”

It was only at this moment that a unique sense of royalty dignity and ferociousness was exuded from Ji Yaoxue.

Her body carried the bloodline of the emperor after all – that was someone who could smite a million corpses in a fit of anger!

Right then, a red dot flew over from the void not far away. It was extremely fast and was headed towards Mo Spirit Weapon Workshop.

Bai Yuhan frowned. “It’s the Scarlet Vulture guards. What are they coming over for?”

Su Zimo’s heart skipped a beat as he vaguely guessed something.

Not long after, several dozen Scarlet Vulture guards descended outside Mo Spirit Weapon Workshop and the leader of the group was a bald man with no eyebrows – he was none other than the commander of the Scarlet Vulture guards, Bald Vulture.

Bald Vulture rode on a Scarlet Vulture expressionlessly and cupped his fists. “Your Majesty has given orders for the third princess to return to the palace. Also, Your Majesty is holding a banquet at the Rain Admiration Pavilion and Mr. Mo is invited to it!”

Ji Yaoxue frowned.

She could tell that something was amiss through Bald Vulture’s eyes.

“Commander Bald Vulture, did father mention why he is setting up a banquet for Mr. Mo?” Ji Yaoxue’s eyes sparkled as she stared into Bald Vulture’s eyes and asked with a raised voice.

Bald Vulture bowed slightly and averted Ji Yaoxue’s gaze. “I don’t know.”

Ji Yaoxue’s heart sank.

She had grown up in the palace since she was a child and knew everything about it. She could sense a faint killing intent emanating from Bald Vulture!

That killing intent was definitely not directed at her.

It went without saying who it was directed to!

“Don’t go.”

Ji Yaoxue turned around and shook her head at Su Zimo with a grave expression.

Su Zimo smiled calmly.

In truth, he had expected this day to arrive.

When he acknowledged Su Xiaoning in the capital more than a month ago, he had already expected that given the emperor’s intellect, it was only a matter of time before the latter discovered his true identity.

Furthermore, there was no way he could hide his identity at the sect competition.

Su Zimo had not intended to hide it either.

Now that the emperor had set up a banquet and the Scarlet Vulture guards had appeared, it was basically confirmation that his identity had already been exposed.

This was clearly a Hongmen Banquet[1].

However, Su Zimo had to attend it.

This was the capital of Great Zhou – he had no other choice.

“I’ll accompany you.”

Ji Yaoxue had also realized that even if Su Zimo were to reject the invitation, the Scarlet Vulture guards were going to bring him along forcefully.

By then, things might get worse.

“You guys stay here and await my return. Don’t worry.”

Su Zimo turned around and reminded Nian Qi and Xiaoning before glancing at Night Spirit who was sprawled in a corner.

“Let’s go.”

Su Zimo, Ji Yaoxue and Bai Yuhan each got onto a Scarlet Vulture and sped towards the palace under Bald Vulture’s lead.

After a while, everyone arrived at the palace.

Flying was forbidden within the palace and everyone got down from the Scarlet Vultures.

Bald Vulture bowed. “Third princess, please head back. I’ll lead Mr. Mo to the banquet right now.”

“I’m coming along as well,” Even though Ji Yaoxue’s tone was calm, it was unquestionable.

Bald Vulture frowned darkly and said in a low voice, “Third princess, please don’t make things difficult for me. I’m only following orders.”

“Oh?”

Ji Yaoxue asked indifferently, “You have objections towards me making things difficult for you?”

Instantly, Bald Vulture’s heart skipped a beat as he replied hurriedly, “I wouldn’t dare.”

Turning around, Ji Yaoxue’s gaze was sharp and intimidating as she questioned, “Your orders are to bring Mr. Mo with you. How am I conflicting with your orders by following along?”

“I...” Bald Vulture was speechless.

Within the palace of Great Zhou, Ji Yaoxue seemed to have transformed into a different person as she revealed her prowess and displayed a unique sense of dominance and royal dignity!

Ji Yaoxue asked again, “I’ve just returned from Azure Frost Sect and haven’t had dinner with father for a long time. Now that he’s hosting a banquet today and I want to join him for a meal, you’re trying to stop me?”

“I wouldn’t dare.”

Bald Vulture found himself breaking out in cold sweat against Ji Yaoxue’s three consecutive questions.

Ji Yaoxue waved her hands. “Lead the way.”

“Yes.”

After a moment of hesitation, Bald Vulture glared at Su Zimo gloomily before nodding his head reluctantly.

Everyone headed towards the Rain Admiration Pavilion.

Before long, they arrived at the entrance of the Rain Admiration Pavilion.

On the small path in the middle of the pool, cold-looking Imperial Army soldiers guarded both sides. They wielded long sabers and axes while exuding a faint scent of bloodlust!

These were truly Imperial Army soldiers who had experienced battle and undergone a baptism of blood!

The cultivation of these Imperial Army soldiers were at perfected Foundation Establishment – they were above Su Zimo.

As for how many meridians they had unlocked, the Spirit Peering Art could not reveal that.

The remaining Scarlet Vulture guards remained outside while Su Zimo, Ji Yaoxue, Bald Vulture and Bai Yuhan passed the emperor’s Imperial Army and entered the Rain Admiration Pavilion.

The moment they entered, Su Zimo felt a murderous aura!

A ring of cultivators surrounded the Rain Admiration Pavilion, all of them at Golden Core realm. They glared at Su Zimo with cold, expressionless eyes.

Within the Rain Admiration Pavilion, a table was set in the middle with exquisite dishes that were still emitting steam displayed.

A noble middle-aged man dressed in the emperor’s robes sat in the seat opposite the entrance. His forehead was wide and he had a gaze deep as water where his emotions were impossible to read.

The Emperor of Great Zhou!

The emperor’s gaze was fixed on Su Zimo’s face, lingering for the longest time as though he was scrutinizing to determine carefully just who this green-robed scholar was.

Coupled with the fact that he had ascended the throne for a long time, the emperor’s razor-sharp gaze naturally carried an authority that looked down on the masses such that even cultivators would not dare to meet it head on.

However, Su Zimo’s expression was calm and he met the emperor’s gaze without any intention of avoiding it at all!

Perhaps Su Zimo might have felt a little guilty if this was in the past.

However, he had ascended to fame and gathered influence in the past three years under the name of Mo Ling.

In addition, Su Zimo was someone with an innate sharpness to begin with – even the emperor’s authority was not enough to suppress someone like him!

[1] This refers to an event in history and typically represents an ambush or trap.

Chapter 300: Unsolvable Trap

The emperor retracted his gaze from Su Zimo and instantly, the suppressive feeling earlier on disappeared as though everything was just a hallucination.

“Come here, Xue’er.”

Turning his head slightly, the emperor looked at Ji Yaoxue and smiled while beckoning with his hand.

Ji Yaoxue frowned slightly and did not budge.

The emperor asked with a smile, “What’s wrong? You don’t wish to have a meal with your father?”

At that moment, the emperor had a kind and benevolent expression as he looked at Ji Yaoxue endearingly – he looked completely like a slightly aged father.

While Su Zimo could not sense any killing intent or enmity from the emperor, his spirit perception told him that this person was extremely dangerous!

Furthermore, he was at the edge of life and death.

Ji Yaoxue hesitated for a moment before she walked over slowly and sat down beside the emperor as per his intentions.

“Father, Mr. Mo...”

“Let’s eat.”

He interrupted her before she could continue. Although his tone was calm, it was impossible to rebut him.

With that said, the emperor started eating the dishes on the table as if no one else was around. He ate elegantly and chewed slowly without letting out any sound.

At that moment, even Ji Yaoxue could not figure out the emperor’s thoughts.

She glanced at Su Zimo, feeling perturbed. While she looked like she was eating as well, everything tasted like wax to her.

In the Rain Admiration Pavilion, Su Zimo seemed to have become an extra person.

The emperor seemed to have forgotten about him as he was left standing on the spot.

Su Zimo smiled calmly and was not vexed. With one hand behind his back, he strolled to the side and looked at the pleasant scenery outside in a leisurely manner.

Time passed bit by bit. The Rain Admiration Pavilion was silent and Su Zimo seemed to be completely immersed in the beautiful scenery, forgetting everything around him.

At that moment, Bai Yuhan nodded her head with admiration.

Not everyone could remain this calm before the Emperor of Great Zhou.

After a long while, the emperor wiped his mouth and a chilling glint flashed across his eyes.

Ji Yaoxue put down her utensils and coughed lightly. “Take it away.”

In part, Ji Yaoxue was summoning the maidservant to take the dishes away. At the same time, it was a reminder for Su Zimo.

He gradually came back to his senses and returned to stand not far away from the emperor.

“Should I call you Mr. Mo, or... Su Zimo?”

The emperor spoke suddenly and asked directly without beating around the bush!

Su Zimo replied, “Both works. It depends on which one Your Majesty prefers.”

Bang!

The emperor’s palm struck the table heavily all of a sudden, giving off a loud bang.

Ji Yaoxue was shocked.

“Su Zimo, are you aware of your crimes?!”

The emperor slapped the table and stood up. Instantly, his aura changed completely, as though he was an angry lion that was gushing forth with an immensely intimidating pressure!

Those words were deafening like the sound of a huge bell.

Su Zimo’s body swayed.

Against the pressure of the emperor, he felt like he was suffocating – his security was at stake now and his head could fall at any moment!

“Father...” Ji Yaoxue’s expression changed as she stood up hurriedly.

“Don’t interfere in this matter!”

The emperor did not even look at her as he waved his sleeves gently, sending Ji Yaoxue to the side.

Ji Yaoxue did not know what spell he used but she could not move her body at all. While she was agitated and her eyes revealed endless worry, she could not speak at all.

Su Zimo closed his eyes and took a deep breath. When he opened them again, they were brimming with a dazzling light of life!

“What are my crimes?” Su Zimo asked instead.

The emperor’s gaze was dark as he said slowly, “You hid your identity in front of me. That’s deceiving the emperor and you should be executed!”

Everyone in the Rain Admiration Pavilion could sense the emperor’s killing intent!

However, Su Zimo’s expression was unchanged as he replied calmly, “Your Majesty, you have never asked me about it. How does that equate to me hiding things from you?”

“Bullshit!”

The emperor shouted, “Back in Mo Spirit Weapon Workshop, I asked you personally what sect you were from and who your master was. How dare you try to deny now that things have come to this!”

Su Zimo replied indifferently, “That day, Your Majesty paid a visit in secret. How was I to know of your identity, Your Majesty?”

The emperor frowned slightly.

Su Zimo’s meaning was simple – the source of this matter was not him, but the emperor.

Right from the start, the emperor had not inquired about Su Zimo’s background using his identity as the emperor. As such, there was naturally no way the latter was deceiving the emperor.

No matter what, Su Zimo had saved Ji Yaoxue’s life before.

Furthermore, his alter ego was Mr. Mo who was renowned throughout the capital.

In terms of both logic and sentimentality, the emperor should not kill Su Zimo.

However, the moment the emperor found out about the truth, he felt a sense of shame as though he was played and cheated by someone.

He would feel indignant if he were to let Su Zimo leave just like this!

He wanted to kill but he did not want to kill at the same time!

The conflict within the emperor’s heart had reached an extreme!

That was why he had to look for a reason that he could convince himself with if he wanted to kill Su Zimo.

Right from the beginning, when Su Zimo entered the Rain Admiration Pavilion, his spirit perception had already sensed the immense reason – that was because the emperor wanted to kill him but lacked a reason.

That was also the reason why the emperor left Su Zimo hanging on the spot.

As long as Su Zimo did anything unusual, the emperor would strike immediately and kill him on the spot!

Normally, someone of Su Zimo’s age would be the most brash. Coupled with his title as the number one Weapon Refinement Master of the Great Zhou Dynasty, he would definitely be enraged for being ignored as such.

He would then either rush up and reason about it or turn to leave.

No matter which choice it was, Su Zimo would have definitely died.

However, of all things, he was neither angry nor vexed and walked to the side to admire the scenery.

Helpless, the emperor could only strike again and accuse him of deceiving the emperor while using that as an excuse to kill him.

However, Su Zimo managed to resolve the contradiction within a couple of sentences, leaving the emperor without any reason to refute.

Although everything seemed like it was a simple exchange of words, there were swords and sabers lying beneath – a single mistake and Su Zimo’s blood would fill the Rain Admiration Pavilion!

Ji Yaoxue, who had seen through everything, heaved a sigh of relief and her expression eased slightly.

“Very good.”

The emperor nodded expressionlessly and his tone was cold – no one could tell if he was giving a compliment or being sarcastic.

“Let’s leave the matter of deceiving the emperor aside first.”

The emperor’s gaze was cold as he asked in a frosty voice, “Do you admit that you killed the Imperial Army soldier, Dai Xu?”

As long as that matter was thoroughly investigated, Su Zimo would definitely be implicated.

Back then, Dai Xu had tailed Su Zimo after catching sight of him outside the Rain Admiration Pavilion. The fact that he died that very night made it obvious who the murderer was.

Su Zimo pondered for a moment before nodding. “I killed him.”

“Alright!”

A cold glint flashed in the emperor’s eyes. “Since you admit it, there’s nothing to say anymore! A life for a life!”

Raising his head, Su Zimo looked at the emperor and asked, “Why can’t I kill Dai Xu since he wanted to kill me?”

“As long as someone wishes to kill you, you have to kill them in return?” The emperor raised his brows.

“Yes!” Su Zimo replied without hesitation.

Suddenly, the emperor’s eyes narrowed as he slowly asked, “Then, I want to kill you now. What do you want?”

Ji Yaoxue shuddered when she heard that question.

This was an unsolvable question!

No matter how Su Zimo replied, he would be in the wrong!

If he displayed weakness and did not dare to rebut, he would be contradicting his previous statement and the emperor could go along with that flow and kill him.

If Su Zimo’s stance was overly tough and replied that he would kill the emperor, that would be regicide and he would definitely be killed!

It was an unsolvable trap.