Chapter 556 554: Zheng Qingtian

"It seems your actions in wiping out the Five Nations have angered Zheng Qingtian."

Worry crossed Li Yunxiu's face.

Within the Chilong Dynasty, there are the Ten Great Holy Mansions, and the scale of each one surpasses that of the Sun Chasing Holy Mansion.

And Zheng Qingtian was the Mansion Master of the First Holy Mansion.

He didn't involve himself in the affairs of the imperial court, but as a member of the Royal Family and a man of great power, his status was extremely high. Even the court officials treated him with the utmost deference.

Even the King of the Chilong Dynasty was exceedingly polite when speaking with Zheng Qingtian.

When the King was not present, it was no exaggeration to say that Zheng Qingtian held the entire Chilong Dynasty in the palm of his hand.

"Your Majesty, this subordinate takes his leave."

After relaying the message, the Guard hastily departed.

His heart was filled with anxiety.

Luo Tian was revered like a Divine Spirit in the Azure Cloud Kingdom, but he had offended the Chilong Dynasty's Zheng Qingtian. This matter would not end well.

The situation in the Azure Cloud Kingdom might be thrown into turmoil once again.

"Brother Luo, what... what are you going to do?"

Li Yunxiu asked worriedly.

Even she was powerless to intervene in this matter.

Compared to the Chilong Dynasty, the Azure Cloud Kingdom was far too weak. Even though its territory had expanded fivefold, it needed time to consolidate its gains.

Furthermore, the former Five Nations had already pledged their allegiance to the Chilong Dynasty.

She feared that with a single command from Zheng Qingtian, the experts of the Five Nations would turn on them in an instant.

"As it happens, I was planning to have a talk with him as well."

Luo Tian's expression was calm.

A strange look appeared on Li Yunxiu's face. 'What could Luo Tian possibly want to talk to Zheng Qingtian about?'

"His actions have made me very uncomfortable. He must admit his mistake!"

Luo Tian continued.

Li Yunxiu didn't yet know that the old man who had attacked the Imperial Palace alongside the Black Wind Demon King was one of Zheng Qingtian's most capable subordinates!

It was even possible that the Five Nations' suppression of the Azure Cloud Kingdom was done at Zheng Qingtian's behest.

As for the reason why, Luo Tian couldn't be bothered to think too much about it.

'Just annihilate all enemies!'

"Brother Luo, don't be rash."

Li Yunxiu hurriedly tried to dissuade him.

'Has Luo Tian gotten addicted to making others admit their mistakes? How could he say something like that?'

This time, if Luo Tian rashly went to him, she was afraid it would be a one-way trip!

"Little girl, don't you worry. On this refuge... I mean, on this continent, there are very few people who can do anything to him."

Just then, two Mu Family Elders walked over, and the red-faced one said with a smile.

Li Yunxiu shot the two of them a suspicious glance.

'These two are supposed to be Luo Tian's bodyguards, but they didn't even follow him when he went into action before. They're completely useless at their job.'

"Yunxiu, I'm leaving now."

After saying his farewell, Luo Tian directly summoned the Void Ship.

The massive Void Ship, over sixty meters long, gleamed with a cold, metallic luster. It resembled a giant shark, radiating an invisible, intimidating aura.

Li Yunxiu was stunned by the Void Ship's appearance.

BOOM!

The Void Ship activated, shot into the sky, and quickly vanished from sight.

Li Yunxiu stood rooted to the spot.

Such a massive Void Ship, with such astonishing speed—it was definitely not something an ordinary person could possess.

Luo Tian was even more mysterious than she had imagined. Perhaps he truly had no reason to fear Zheng Qingtian.

...

The journey to the Chilong Dynasty was a long one.

Luo Tian let the Void Ship handle the travel while he entered secluded Cultivation.

It had been almost half a year since his return to the Dongchen Continent. Luo Tian hadn't been as strict with his Cultivation schedule as before, but he had never slacked off.

The Spiritual Qi on the Dongchen Continent was thin, making the effects of Cultivation here negligible.

But as long as he had abundant resources, this wasn't a problem.

The only issue was that ever since leaving the Tai Yuan Sect, Luo Tian's personal fortune had been rapidly dwindling.

Luo Tian took out a large quantity of Spiritual Materials and Spiritual Essence Coins.

He then circulated the Celestial Essence Water Condensation Technique, activated his Nether Dragon Divine Vein, and began his Cultivation.

...

「Half a month later.」

「Chilong Dynasty, Flying Dragon Holy Mansion!」

Inside a luxurious and majestic grand hall, a burly old man sat upright. His murky eyes flickered with a dark light, radiating an extremely oppressive aura!

He was none other than Zheng Qingtian, the Mansion Master of the Flying Dragon Holy Mansion.

Zheng Qingtian took a sip of tea and asked nonchalantly, "Has Luo Tian from the Azure Cloud Kingdom set out yet?"

"Reporting to the Mansion Master, that brat set out immediately after hearing your words. It's estimated he'll arrive in the Chilong Dynasty within a few days," an Elder reported, bowing obsequiously.

"With the Mansion Master personally giving the order, how could that brat dare to delay? He'll surely rush here in the shortest time possible to kowtow and apologize," another Elder added sycophantically.

"I hear that when this boy joined the Yunxiao Sect, he killed Prince Lin's son. Later, he even came here and killed Prince Zheng!"

Zheng Qingtian's expression darkened slightly.

Besides Prince Zheng's son, Zheng Wei, Luo Tian had also killed a Crown Prince named Yan Qing during the Yunxiao Sect's entrance examination—and that was none other than Prince Lin's son.

Some time ago, Zheng Qingtian had also learned that his capable subordinate, Hu Fei, had also apparently died because of Luo Tian!

Zheng Qingtian could no longer stand the sight of Luo Tian!

This time, he would make Luo Tian understand that the status of a Yunxiao Sect disciple was nothing special!

He would make Luo Tian kneel and grovel before him like a dog!

"Someone, send an invitation to Prince Lin. Have him come to my residence as a guest," Zheng Qingtian commanded.

"Mansion Master, if you're inviting guests, why not invite a few more?" an Elder suggested.

Zheng Qingtian fell into a contemplative silence, seeming to consider it.

"Mansion Master, I've heard that Luo Tian also has grudges with... them..." the Elder sent via a voice transmission.

After hearing this, Zheng Qingtian was visibly startled and asked, "Is that really true?"

The Elder nodded gravely!

"Good. Then I will hold a banquet and invite the powerful and influential figures of the dynasty. Also, you will personally deliver the invitations to those distinguished guests."

Zheng Qingtian had made his decision.

"Yes!"

The Elder nodded repeatedly.

For an Elder of the Flying Dragon Holy Mansion to be sent to personally deliver invitations showed that the recipients' status was truly extraordinary.

"Reporting to the Mansion Master, Luo Tian has appeared at the border of the Chilong Dynasty!"

A Guard walked in and knelt on one knee.

"Understood!"

"Get those banquet preparations finished, now!"

Zheng Qingtian nodded, then bellowed!

Instantly, all the Elders and Mentors of the Flying Dragon Holy Mansion sprang into action.

「Three days later.」

All the powerful and influential figures from the several surrounding prefectures had basically arrived at the Flying Dragon Holy Mansion, and all had prepared gifts for Zheng Qingtian.

"Mansion Master Zheng, what grand occasion has prompted you to host a banquet and invite us?" a Prefect asked with a smile.

Even as the master of a prefecture, one had to assume a humble posture before Zheng Qingtian.

"The former King of the Celestial Pride, Luo Tian, is coming to pay me a visit."

"This Mansion Master has always cherished talent. For such a celestial pride to come and visit, I am greatly pleased. Therefore, I've organized this banquet, both to celebrate and to welcome the King of the Celestial Pride," Zheng Qingtian said slowly.

'Luo Tian is coming?'

All the important figures present were visibly shocked.

A few years ago, Luo Tian's name was known to them all, resounding like thunder.

Moreover, the Chilong Dynasty and Luo Tian had deep-seated grudges. In the past, all these important figures had felt both worry and fear toward Luo Tian.

Now, that was certainly no longer the case.

After all, with the invasion of the Alien Race, the Dongchen Continent was in great chaos.

Secretly, the Chilong Dynasty was already serving the Alien Race.

In their eyes, the Yunxiao Sect was doomed sooner or later. Without his powerful backer, Luo Tian was nothing!

Besides that, many of the important figures present had heard that one of Zheng Qingtian's subordinates had died because of Luo Tian!

The Qiu Yue Kingdom and the other Five Nations had also been Zheng Qingtian's pawns, but Luo Tian had snatched them all away.

They feared this wasn't a welcoming banquet for Luo Tian, but rather an invitation for everyone to come and watch him be humiliated.

An idea they were all very pleased with.

After all, they had all once feared Luo Tian.

And the Luo Tian of the past had been far too brazen, openly storming the Chilong Dynasty to slay a Prince, only to leave without a word.

"Mansion Master, I wonder how you plan to deal with Luo Tian?" Prince Lin sent a voice transmission, getting straight to the point.

He and Zheng Qingtian were also related by blood. His son, Yan Qing, had died at Luo Tian's hands during the Yunxiao Sect's examination, and Prince Lin had been burning for revenge ever since.

"Hehe, that will depend on whether Luo Tian's apology this time is to my satisfaction. Otherwise, we'll use him as a sacrifice to the deceased members of the Royal Family."

Facing Prince Lin, Zheng Qingtian didn't bother to hide his true intentions.

Prince Lin nodded slightly, a smile spreading across his face.

In the afternoon, the banquet began. On the waterside pavilions and terraces, numerous influential figures gathered, drinking and making merry.

Beautiful Dancing Girls danced gracefully while Musicians played enchanting Melodies—it was a scene of vibrant festivity.

"The King has arrived!"

Suddenly, a cry came from the distance!

"The Red Dragon Monarch?"

Everyone present rose to their feet; the Dancing Girls and Musicians all stopped what they were doing!

Under the focused gaze of the crowd, a man wearing a Crimson Dragon Robe and a Blood Red Jade Dragon Crown strode forward, surrounded by a group of Guards.

"Greetings, Your Majesty!"

The crowd bowed in salute.

"I didn't expect Your Majesty to grace us with your presence. Please forgive my inadequate hospitality," Zheng Qingtian said with a smile.

"Not at all. Brother Qingtian, why are you being so formal with me?" the Red Dragon Monarch replied with a smile.

Zheng Qingtian had not invited the Red Dragon Monarch, but the King's arrival on his own initiative showed how much he valued Zheng Qingtian, granting him immense face.

Of course, the Red Dragon Monarch also wanted to see Luo Tian wag his tail and beg for mercy.

The King's arrival made the banquet even more lively.

Zheng Qingtian and the King became the center of attention, with the various important figures taking turns to flatter them.

Zheng Qingtian thoroughly enjoyed it all.

He held no official post and didn't meddle in the court, yet his status was second only to the Red Dragon Monarch!

This was, after all, a world where strength commanded respect!

Once his power stood at the pinnacle of the dynasty, the entire dynasty would be his to command. He could even decide who he wanted to be the King.

"Mansion Master, Luo Tian is here!" a Mentor reported with a bow.

The banquet quieted down slightly.

In a sense, Luo Tian was also an important figure at this banquet.

If Zheng Qingtian and the King were the protagonists of this banquet, then Luo Tian was the evil villain, destined to be defeated at the protagonists' hands.

"Let him approach," Zheng Qingtian said dismissively.

WHOOSH!

Clouds billowed and fierce winds howled!

A colossal Void Ship appeared in the sky above the banquet!

Everyone's heart skipped a beat, and many were stunned by the Void Ship's design.

Zheng Qingtian's face darkened slightly.

'My words haven't even been passed down, yet Luo Tian has already barged in so recklessly.'

This was extremely rude! Zheng Qingtian was displeased.

"It seems our King of the Celestial Pride is quite impatient," Zheng Qingtian said coldly.

If Luo Tian was simply in a hurry to apologize, he could overlook it.

Everything depended on whether Luo Tian's next actions would satisfy him. Otherwise, he would make Luo Tian regret this for the rest of his life!

"The Mansion Master is right."

"Luo Tian must have learned that the Mansion Master was hosting a banquet for him and was just too eager, not wanting to make you wait."

A chorus of voices agreed.

They looked up at the sky, waiting for Luo Tian to appear.

One breath... three breaths... five breaths passed.

The Void Ship just hovered in midair, motionless.

Just as someone was about to speak, a lazy voice drifted down from the Void Ship: "Zheng Qingtian, I'll give you one chance. Come up here and admit your mistake now, and the Flying Dragon Holy Mansion might still have a chance of survival."