Chapter 54: Reward, Title.

Chapter 54: Chapter 54: Reward, Title.

"That is the sword technique manifestation of one of the Chen Family’s ancestors."

"You know it?"

"Yes. I recognize it, Princess."

She then looked toward the enormous blade with an apprehensive gaze. "That is the manifestation of the sword technique wielded by one of the three Chen Family ancestors during the Battle of the Six High Lords."

Zhao Linger continued staring.

Even from this distance, the sword was enormous, its blade extending high into the sky above the mountain. The clouds were swirling around it, and even from afar, there was a slight sensation of sharpness whenever one looked at it.

It was not enough to harm anyone, but it was more than enough to make everyone from a distance understand not to underestimate the place. It was as though the very air itself had been turned into countless sharp blades.

"That sword technique was revealed during the battle at Blue Cloud Mist City," Zhao Lianyu continued. "When the two-way gate to the Blackmoon Demonic Kingdom was opened, countless demons crossed through it."

Her voice became quieter.

"That senior used this technique to wipe out the entire demon army on the other side of the gate with a single strike."

Zhao Linger’s expression froze when she heard it. "T-the entire army?"

Zhao Lianyu nodded seriously, her gaze never leaving the embedded sword at the center of the mountain. "A High Lord is fundamentally different from other Foundation Establishment cultivators for one reason alone. Their destructive capability."

Zhao Linger slowly turned her gaze back toward the gigantic sword. She had heard reports of what happened at Blue Cloud Mist City, but hearing about it was one thing, and seeing the manifestation of the technique responsible for it with her own eyes was another.

No, it couldn’t even be called a weapon since, according to the report’s information, it was a technique manifestation and was listed as a Spiritual technique.

Though what everyone didn’t know was that it wasn’t a Spiritual technique but rather a sword intent technique!

The carriage continued forward.

The gigantic sword gradually became clearer and clearer to them, towering above the mountain like a monument. The land surrounding it gradually came into sight, and before Zhao Linger could say anything else, something even more unusual caught her attention.

There, the central mountain in between the other two was glowing red from her vantage point.

At first, she thought it was sunlight reflecting from the peak. Then, as they approached closer and closer, she realized the light was actually moving.

Countless crimson points of light filled the sky above the mountain. They drifted through the air in an enormous swarm, covering the peak like a vast ocean of crimson fireflies.

Some remained close to the mountain, while others floated higher into the sky, forming streams of red light that moved gently with the wind.

Zhao Linger’s eyes widened again, the grip of her fingers over the window tightening. "T-those are... fire?"

"Fireflies, Princess," Zhao Lianyu corrected and looked toward the central peak, and again, the familiar expression appeared over her face.

"I-it’s the other Chen Family ancestor’s technique. The Lord of Fireflies, High Lord of the Flame, Lord Chen Yuan."

"So far, he’s the only named High Lord that we know of. I’ve tried asking the Blue Cloud Mist City’s Lord before, but he doesn’t seem to be willing to share the names of the other two High Lords of their family."

The crimson fireflies continued to fill the sky, their combined light making the entire mountain appear as though it were surrounded by a sea of red stars.

Zhao Linger stared at it for several breaths before finally looking toward the third mountain. Unlike the other two, there was no enormous sword and no sea of crimson fireflies.

Instead, the entire peak was covered with strange buildings.

They were large and square, with simple, sturdy structures arranged across the mountain slopes.

Their designs were unfamiliar compared to the elegant pavilions commonly seen in the central region, yet there were still clear touches of the eastern region’s architecture in their roofs, pillars, foundations, and decorative details.

Zhao Linger blinked.

"Those buildings..."

She looked between the three mountains.

"A sword, a sea of crimson fireflies, and... square buildings?"

Zhao Lianyu’s lips twitched slightly as she stood on the side, her mind sharing the same thoughts. "It seems each of the three peaks has its own character, Princess. The Chen Family is unique on its own."

The carriage continued forward. The closer they came, the more impressive the three peaks became.

The gigantic sword seemed to pierce the heavens, the crimson fireflies covered the central mountain like an endless ocean of red light, and the third peak revealed more and more of its strange buildings, each one becoming clearer as they approached.

Zhao Linger had seen the Imperial City.

Yet she had never seen anything quite like this. There was no enormous city here. Only three mountains standing together in the wilderness. It wasn’t even the size that impressed her, but the way each peak carried different styles that surprised her.

And somehow, that sight alone made Zhao Linger understand that they had finally arrived at the territory of the Chen Family.

"What in the world is wrong with this family?"

She murmured under her breath, puzzled and yet excited as they arrived. Eventually, the three mountains grew larger with each passing breath, and the details that had been impossible to see from a distance slowly became clearer.

Zhao Linger could now make out the roads winding around the mountainsides, connecting the various buildings scattered throughout the territory.

Except for the central mountain, where the family grounds were hidden behind a wall, the other two peaks still seemed to be in the middle of construction. Some of the infrastructure was already completed, while other parts were still being built.

People could be seen everywhere.

Some carried baskets of herbs, while others walked along the roads in groups. Several young cultivators could be seen practicing sword techniques in open courtyards, their movements occasionally drawing the attention of those passing by.

The scene was far more ordinary than Zhao Linger had expected. The carriage continued forward, gradually approaching the central mountain.

Unlike the other two peaks, the central mountain appeared far more complete. A tall wall surrounded the family grounds, separating the inner Chen Family residence from the rest of the territory.

The carriage passed through the outer area before following a wide stone path that gradually climbed the mountain.

The further they went, the quieter the surroundings became. There were fewer people on this mountain, evident enough to highlight its status compared to the other two. Eventually, the path led them directly toward the main gate of the Chen Family’s grounds.

The carriage slowly came to a stop, and Zhao Linger lifted the curtain and looked outside.

Several young cultivators were stationed outside the gate. Among them were Chen Minghao, Chen Yichen, and Chen Yuexin.

The three stepped forward as the carriage stopped before the wide platform at the gate, standing respectfully before the Royal Family delegation.

"Welcome to the Chen Family," Chen Minghao said, cupping his hands. "This junior greets the Imperial Envoy and the Royal Princess."

Chen Yichen and Chen Yuexin followed his example.

"This junior greets the Imperial Envoy and the Royal Princess."

"Greetings, Princess."

Zhao Linger slowly went down from the carriage and looked at the three young cultivators before giving them a polite smile. "There is no need to be so formal. We have come here as guests of the Chen Family."

Chen Minghao nodded respectfully.

"Thank you, Princess."

Beside him, Chen Yichen maintained a calm expression on the outside.

Inside, however, he was already complaining.

Why did they choose us for this?

He had thought that receiving the Royal Family would be the responsibility of the elders.

Yet somehow, the task had fallen to the three of them.

Of all the people in the family, why us?

He kept his thoughts to himself, his expression remaining perfectly respectful as he stood beside Chen Minghao and Chen Yuexin.

He then gestured toward the path behind them. "The Patriarch is already waiting for you in the main hall. If you don’t mind, I will guide you there."

One of the two guards standing behind Zhao Linger frowned.

His gaze swept over the three young cultivators before him. None of them appeared particularly important, at least not compared to the people he had expected to see waiting for the Royal Family.

Wasn’t this disrespectful to the Royal Family? What is the Chen Family trying to accomplish by doing this?

Zhao Linger and Zhao Lianyu naturally noticed this situation, and despite the thoughts they had in mind, they didn’t dare to voice them out yet.

Then, as if the guard couldn’t contain his dissatisfaction, he took a step forward. "Wait a moment. The Royal Family has travelled all the way here, and yet..."

Before he could finish, Zhao Lianyu turned her head and gave him a cold glance.

The guard immediately stopped speaking.

Her expression remained calm, but her eyes carried a clear warning.

Don’t make trouble. The meaning was obvious since they were on someone else’s land, not in the capital. The guard clenched his jaw and reluctantly stepped back.

Zhao Lianyu then turned toward Chen Minghao.

"Then we’ll trouble you to lead the way."

Chen Minghao nodded.

"Of course, Imperial Envoy."

He turned around and began walking toward the main hall, with Chen Yichen and Chen Yuexin following beside him.

Zhao Linger followed as well, while Zhao Lianyu walked alongside her.

The two Zhao Family guards could only follow silently behind them and swallow their breath.

The journey through the Chen Family grounds continued without much conversation.

As they passed through the family grounds, Zhao Linger’s gaze wandered around curiously.

The central mountain was clearly different from the other two.

The buildings here were more complete, and the roads were carefully maintained. Small courtyards could be seen on either side of the path, while several family members occasionally passed them.

Some noticed the Royal Family delegation and quietly stepped aside, their eyes following the group with curiosity.

The further they went, the quieter the surroundings became.

Eventually, the path opened into a large courtyard at the center of the family grounds.

A massive building stood there. It was several stories high, with wide stone steps leading toward its entrance.

"This is the main hall," Chen Minghao said.

He stopped before the steps and turned toward them. "The Patriarch is waiting inside."

Zhao Linger nodded.

"Thank you."

Chen Minghao bowed slightly before turning around and leading them inside. The moment they crossed the entrance, the outside noise seemed to disappear.

The main hall was spacious.

A long red carpet stretched from the entrance toward the far end of the hall, where a raised platform stood beneath a large wooden plaque bearing the Chen Family’s emblem.

Rows of wooden chairs were arranged on both sides of the hall. Several Chen Family elders were already seated there. Their expressions were calm, though their gazes naturally fell upon the Royal Family delegation as they entered.

At the very front, seated behind a wide wooden table, was Chen Haoran.

He was not wearing any elaborate clothing.

A simple dark robe covered his body, while his long hair was neatly tied behind his head. His posture was straight, his hands resting calmly upon the table.

He had clearly been waiting for them.

When the delegation entered, Chen Haoran slowly raised his eyes.

His gaze first fell upon Zhao Lianyu.

Then Zhao Linger.

He recognized the Imperial Envoy immediately.

But when his eyes settled upon the young princess standing beside her, his expression became slightly more serious.

Chen Haoran rose from his seat.

The elders on both sides followed.

"Imperial Envoy Zhao Lianyu."

His voice was calm and respectful.

"Welcome to the Chen Family."

His gaze then shifted toward Zhao Linger.

"And welcome, Princess Zhao Linger."

Zhao Linger returned the greeting with a slight bow, her hands lifting her long dress slightly. "Patriarch Chen."

Zhao Lianyu cupped her hands.

"Patriarch Chen."

Chen Haoran gestured toward the seats prepared on the opposite side of the hall. "Please, take a seat. You have travelled a long way."

Zhao Linger nodded.

"Thank you."

She walked forward with Zhao Lianyu and took the seats opposite Chen Haoran. The two guards remained standing behind them.

Chen Minghao, Chen Yichen, and Chen Yuexin quietly moved to the side of the hall. Once everyone had settled down, Chen Haoran returned to his seat.

The elders followed.

Chen Haoran remained seated for several breaths before finally breaking the silence. "Before we begin, I believe there is something I should explain."

Zhao Linger looked toward him.

Chen Haoran’s gaze briefly shifted toward Chen Minghao, Chen Yichen, and Chen Yuexin, who were standing quietly at the side of the hall.

"I apologize if the manner in which Your Highness were received seemed somewhat unusual."

Zhao Linger blinked.

Chen Haoran continued calmly.

"The decision to have those three receive you was not mine."

His eyes briefly moved toward the ceiling, as though acknowledging someone who was not present in the hall.

"It was the Ancestor’s order. I am simply following it."

He looked back toward Zhao Linger and Zhao Lianyu. "I hope Your Excellency and Princess Zhao Linger will not take offense."

Zhao Linger was slightly surprised. She had expected Chen Haoran to explain the matter, but what caught her attention was something else.

"You know my name?"

Chen Haoran gave a small nod. "Of course. Chen Guanshan had already sent someone ahead to inform us of your arrival."

He paused briefly. "And as the Patriarch of the Chen Family, it is only natural that I know the names of the princes and princesses of the Great Yan Kingdom."

Zhao Linger stared at him for a second before a faint smile appeared on her face.

"I see."

She glanced toward Chen Minghao and the other two before looking back at Chen Haoran. "Since it was the intention of one of the respected High Lords, then there is no need to apologize. I don’t mind."

Zhao Lianyu also nodded on the side. "Indeed. We came here as guests of the Chen Family, so there is no reason to concern ourselves over such a small matter."

Zhao Linger waited until the conversation settled before straightening her posture slightly. "Then, Patriarch Chen, allow me to explain the reason for our visit."

Chen Haoran nodded.

"Please."

Zhao Linger reached into her storage ring and retrieved a golden scroll. The scroll was bound with a thin golden thread, and faint spiritual energy lingered around its surface.

"This is a decree personally issued by His Majesty."

She held it out with both hands.

Chen Haoran immediately rose from his seat and accepted it with the same solemnity. "Thank you, Princess."

He carefully unbound the golden thread and slowly opened the scroll, his eyes carefully moving across the written characters.

The hall gradually became silent. Chen Haoran’s expression remained calm as he read the contents from beginning to end.

The decree formally recognized the Chen Family as the Lord of the Eastern Region, granting the family authority over the territory under the recognition of the Great Yan Kingdom.

But as Chen Haoran continued reading, his expression became slightly more serious.

The decree also acknowledged the Chen Family’s contribution during the Battle of the Six High Lords, particularly their role in eliminating the demonic forces that had established themselves within Blue Cloud Mist City and preventing the two-way gate from becoming a passage through which the demons of the Blackmoon Demonic Kingdom could enter the eastern region.

His Majesty expressed his appreciation for the Chen Family’s actions in protecting the people of Great Yan and preventing further damage to the kingdom.

The decree further stated that the Royal Family recognized the Chen Family’s strength and contribution to the kingdom and would not interfere with its management of the Eastern Region so long as the family remained loyal to Great Yan.

At the end of the decree was another proclamation.

Chen Yuan, Ancestor of the Chen Family, shall be granted the title of Lord of Fireflies.

Chen Haoran’s eyes paused on those words and slowly read the final line once more before lowering the scroll. The elders remained silent, but several of their expressions had changed.

The title was not merely an acknowledgment of Chen Yuan’s strength. It was a title personally granted by the King of Great Yan.

Chen Haoran carefully rolled the golden scroll back up and placed it on the table before cupping his hands toward Zhao Linger. "On behalf of the Chen Family, I thank His Majesty for his recognition and generosity."

Zhao Linger nodded.

"There is more."

She reached into her storage ring again. This time, a simple storage ring appeared between her fingers. "His Majesty also ordered me to personally deliver this to the Chen Family."

She stepped forward and presented it to Chen Haoran. "It is the reward mentioned in the decree."

Chen Haoran accepted the ring and sent his spiritual sense inside to inspect it, and almost immediately, his expression froze.

Inside the storage ring was an enormous amount of resources.

Mountains of low-grade spiritual stones filled one section of the space.

Thousands of neatly arranged boxes occupied another, while rows of jade bottles were placed beside them. Countless materials were stored throughout the remaining space.

Chen Haoran’s spiritual sense swept through everything, and his breathing almost stopped.

Zhao Linger noticed his reaction and smiled. "I already inspected the contents while we were travelling here, so allow me to explain."

Chen Haoran slowly withdrew his spiritual sense and looked toward her.

Zhao Linger slowly explained, "Over one hundred million low-grade spiritual stones, five thousand boxes of first and second-grade spiritual herbs, and five thousand first- and second-grade pills."

She paused before continuing. "And countless other materials ranging from the first grade to the second grade. There are alchemy materials, weapon-refining materials, formation materials, spiritual medicines, and various other cultivation resources."

The hall became even quieter. Chen Haoran looked down at the storage ring in his hand, his hand almost trembling.

One hundred million low-grade spiritual stones.

Even the Chen Family’s wealth accumulated over the past century could not compare to the sheer amount of resources inside this single ring.

Yet Chen Haoran’s expression remained calm. At least, he made sure it remained calm.

Deep inside, however, he wanted to stand up and ask whether His Majesty had emptied half of the Royal Family’s treasury. But then he remembered the Ancestor’s instructions.

Chen Yuan’s face briefly appeared in his mind.

"Make sure to stay calm. Don’t be surprised. Our status is no less than theirs, remember."

Maintain your dignity.

Chen Yuan had specifically ordered him and the other elders to maintain their composure when dealing with the Royal Family.

They represented the Chen Family, and they could not embarrass themselves. So Chen Haoran simply nodded and placed the storage ring beside the golden decree.

"His Majesty’s generosity is deeply appreciated, and we will not forget this sincerity."

Zhao Linger smiled. "I believe His Majesty intended for the Chen Family to understand exactly that."

Chen Haoran nodded.

"Then please convey our gratitude to His Majesty."

"Of course."