Chapter 365 - 133: How Can He Absorb So Much? Tainting Our Royal Eyes, an Unexpected Surge in Power

The two of them were already waiting before the great hall of the Imperial Palace.

As the top three finishers in the Qianyuan Prefecture competition, they would all receive additional rewards. They would be personally summoned by Emperor Xia and gifted precious treasures, but only the champion was qualified to enter the Dragon Transformation Pool.

Both of them had relied on their own opportunities and strength to achieve what they had, unlike Jiang Lan, who depended on the power and influence of his family.

Thus, when Jiang Lan arrived, the two of them simply greeted him with a calm and composed nod.

Jiang Lan, however, didn’t mind. Many among the younger generation possessed a proud spirit and the heart of a would-be champion.

Even the young Celestial Prides from the clans and Immortal Sects that served the Prime Minister’s Mansion and acknowledged him as their leader didn’t do so out of genuine submission to his power. Deep down, they all harbored their own pride.

This competition was as much about worldly tact as it was about the potential for invincibility.

Jiang Lan found it intriguing that Ye Ming hadn’t even made it into the top three this time. He suspected his own participation was the main reason.

’Ye Ming was probably worried that I might set a trap for him during the audience with Emperor Xia and deliberately cause him trouble.’

’So, knowing the championship was out of reach, he deliberately gave up some points. Cautious, indeed.’

"Young Master Jiang, you’ve arrived..."

"His Majesty is waiting for the three of you in Chengming Hall."

A eunuch holding a Golden Lamp, who had been waiting for some time, finally broke into a smile upon Jiang Lan’s arrival and personally came forward to greet him.

"Eunuch Liu, sorry to keep you waiting. I ran into some trouble on the way here, so I was delayed."

"I imagine I’ve kept His Majesty waiting as well."

Jiang Lan smiled, casually took out an Exotic Spirit Stone, and handed it to the eunuch before him.

"Thank you, Young Master Jiang."

"His Majesty only just entered Chengming Hall. You’ve arrived at the perfect time."

The eunuch’s face bloomed into a wide, wrinkled smile. He discreetly pocketed the Exotic Spirit Stone, then stooped into a half-bow, scurrying to keep pace beside Jiang Lan as he whispered.

He explained what rewards His Majesty Emperor Xia had prepared for the top three today, and which ones were the most valuable...

This had become an unspoken rule, in fact. Emperor Xia would present several rewards, then allow the top three to choose in order.

Without inside information, it was impossible to be certain which rewards were valuable and which were duds.

Jiang Lan didn’t particularly care, but since he was here, there was no reason to refuse. ’I can always give the prize to Li Mengning or You’Er later,’ he thought.

Yin Shiming and Wuhua, who were following behind him, kept their expressions neutral, but a flash of displeasure flickered in the depths of their eyes.

The eunuch leaking the rewards in advance had essentially eliminated any chance for them to get lucky and snag a hidden treasure.

Deep within the Imperial Palace, clusters of halls stood in magnificent splendor. Purple-gold pillars were carved with lifelike dragons and phoenixes, showcasing the majestic might of the Royal Family.

The corridors were lined with palace maids and eunuchs holding Golden Lamps, all standing in a submissive, orderly line.

Inside Chengming Hall, Emperor Xia sat upon the Throne. She wore a crown and a bright yellow Dragon Robe. Her face was indistinct, seemingly wreathed in Dragon Energy, making it impossible to see clearly.

Only her eyes were visible—bright and profound, hinting at an imperial majesty that forbade one from looking directly at them.

"We greet Your Majesty..."

Upon the arrival of Jiang Lan, Yin Shiming, and Wuhua, the eunuchs and palace maids all respectfully withdrew.

Only the four handmaidens behind Emperor Xia remained, standing silently with their auras merged into the surrounding Void.

"Rise. There is no need for such ceremony from three such gifted Celestial Prides."

Emperor Xia slightly lifted her chin, her gaze sweeping over Jiang Lan with great interest.

But at this moment Jiang Lan, just like the two beside him, kept his head lowered and did not look up at her.

Unlike at the Desire Immortal Pavilion, here, she was the Monarch and Jiang Lan was her subject. When he saw her, he was required to bow in deference.

But compared to the utter deference shown by Yin Shiming and Wuhua, he still seemed casual and flippant. When he bowed in salute, he didn’t even truly bend at the waist.

This caused Emperor Xia’s eyebrow to twitch, but she said nothing.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Once the three had risen, Emperor Xia had her handmaidens bring out the rewards. Five Jade Plates were presented in succession, each covered by an embroidered handkerchief that blocked any attempt to peek with a Secret Skill.

As the champion, Jiang Lan naturally had the first pick. The old eunuch on the way had already told him what the items were, so he didn’t hesitate to choose the third one.

After choosing, he didn’t lift the embroidered handkerchief, simply placing the plate directly into his Sumeru Ring.

After the other two made their choices, Emperor Xia offered a few more words of encouragement, and they respectfully withdrew.

Only Jiang Lan remained in the great hall.

"The Dragon Transformation Pool is deep within the Imperial Palace, guarded by several of the Royal Family’s Flood Dragons. Jiang Lan, you will follow me inside." Emperor Xia gave him a faint glance.

Jiang Lan cupped his hands and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Emperor Xia led the way, her face expressionless. After just a few steps, her cool voice sounded out, "Jiang Lan, are you displeased with me?"

"Why does Your Majesty say such a thing?" Jiang Lan’s expression was calm.

"Just now, when you bowed to me, why did you not bend at the waist?" Emperor Xia asked.

Jiang Lan replied, "Your Majesty must have seen incorrectly."

"In the Imperial Palace, I am the Emperor, and you are my subject. How can you see me and not—"

Jiang Lan didn’t know why she was so hung up on such a trivial matter. He interrupted her, his expression placid. "Why does Your Majesty concern yourself with such tedious formalities? I have always kept the etiquette between Monarch and subject in mind. My admiration and respect for Your Majesty have never wavered."

"Jiang Lan..."