Dual Cultivation God Returns

The Imperial Palace was not actually within the City itself, and required some travel away from the densely populated areas.

In a slightly wavy pattern, the central district stretched from the edge of the waterfall into the depths of the lake, and then gradually transitioned into more affluent districts which stretched further and further, eventually reaching the other side of the lake.

In these districts one could see the buildings housing the Wei Dynasty Branch of the Martial Alliance, the local Pill Tower – a subsidiary organization of the Alchemy Association – and other such notable organizations, showing that these places were already closer to the seat of power.

From then on Wu Long and the Imperial Guards boarded a boat that went upstream of a wide river, one of the many that supplied the lake waters, on two sides of which were picturesque hills with the truly richest districts of the Imperial City.

Not only restaurants and high-class boutiques of luxury goods, but also houses and expansive mansions of the most influential people within the Wei Dynasty, including but not limited to high noble houses.

The winding path of the river eventually took them to another tall waterfall, at the foot of which was a significantly smaller, but deep lake.

The Imperial Palace stretched from the shore and further to one side, and rose uphill to climb the high mountain which peaks were stretching up and disappearing beyond the clouds, from which the waterfall was throwing its waters down into the lake.

The portion which went up the mountain looked the most grandiose, no doubt being the official seat of power that overlooked the whole of the city and the lower grounds of the Imperial Palace in one sight. It was the Palace of the Emperor.

The lower palace grounds were not only for the ministries and government officials, but also housed numerous side palaces for the vast Imperial Family.

There was also a smaller water canal going through the lower palace grounds, which the boat they were riding entered, passing under numerous bridges over the canal to – after quite some time – reach the palace of the fifth prince.

There a different squad of Imperial Guards waiting for them upon arrival, both captains making a salute with fist to the armor towards each other. Then the one who greeted them looked Wu Long up and down with a slightly doubtful look, eventually adding “His Highness awaits you”

Wu Long’s attitude remained the same nonchalant one he kept throughout the journey to the palace, as he was escorted through the side palace grounds and numerous halls and corridors.

Chen Hui noted there was mostly disinterest in Wu Long’s eyes, as none of what he saw made him show awe and wonder. Rather, it looked as if none of it particularly impressed him at all.

‘What a dull reaction… makes me wonder if he witnessed even greater splendor, and quite often…’, Captain Chen thought as they passed the various gardens and rooms filled with luxury.

As they reached the hall in which the fifth prince sat behind a fine silk curtain that hid his appearance, Wu Long saw several other men of notice there.

One was a Soul Master standing a bit behind to the side, and then there were three people wearing noble garments, with hats confirming they were also government officials of relatively high rank, and an older warrior in decorated armor stood to the side of the curtain as well.

“Greetings, Your Highness”, Wu Long made a fist and hand salute while Chen Hui went on one knee, his men remaining outside the hall.

“Presumptuous!”, one of the government officials spoke out in outrage.

“Kneel before His Highness in formal greeting!”, another one added while the third one only sighed, shaking his head in a somewhat resigned manner.

Chen Hui’s face stiffened. He expected it, but it still was nerve-wracking.

“I am not a subject of the Wei Dynasty, I would greet your Emperor in the same way”, Wu Long spoke in a calm tone as his hands went behind his back.

“You-….”

“Hahaha, what an audacious man, just as Captain Chen described”, the prince behind the curtain laughed, interrupting the outrage of his subjects, but then added, “Of course, if one has the ability to stand straight before me, one should. General Ri, don’t you think so?”

The old warrior cupped his fist toward the curtain with a smile, “Of course, Your Highness, if one has that ability”, and turned back to Wu Long.

Chen Hui paled, realizing something, slightly raising his head to object but felt an oppressive pressure come down on him to shut him up.

Wu Long, on the other hand, was bearing the most of the pressure that the old warrior in the Essence Ignition Realm was exuding. However, to the shock of all present, neither his posture or facial expression changed much. Only light annoyance appearing in his eyes, seemingly aimed at the fact it had to go this way.

“Hoh~… you can withstand that? Then…”, General Ri also looked surprised and grinned, increasing the pressure further.

“I’ll commend you for the precise control to not crack the floor around me, but I must say that I won’t be staying here much longer if this is how things are going to proceed”, Wu Long spoke in a slightly colder tone of voice than Chen Hui was now used to hearing, causing the latter to panic.

“What insolence!”, one of the government officials immediately reacted.

“Hah! Are you still saying we should have approached him with that ‘diplomacy’ of yours?”, another shot at the third government official who was staying silent all this time.

“G-General! Your Highness… Master Wu is-…”, Chen Hui spoke up, trying to salvage the situation, but felt crushed by pressure again, shutting him up.

“Silence!”, the General also seemed to not appreciate Wu Long’s attitude. Not only his defiance, but the stance of evaluating him. It seemed now it started to slowly change into the issue of his pride.

“Haa~”, the look in Wu Long’s eyes started shifting as he sighed, when…

“Brother! I heard you brought in the guy who the palace was full of whispers about! So I came to visit to see that face! Hahahaha!”, a loud rowdy voice came from outside of the room along with numerous panicking voices of the fifth prince’s subordinates trying to unsuccessfully stop someone from coming in.