Immortality Cultivation

Chapter 219: Emperor’s Reward

Fang Hao sat down for the second time. As soon as his butt touched the cushion, he felt the gazes around him had changed. Before, they were curious, scrutinizing, and suspicious. Now, there was much more wariness, solemnity, and even... a hint of fawning? Several members of minor families who hadn’t paid him much attention before actually came over, greeting him politely with cliches like "Fellow Daoist Ning’s sword technique is god-like" and "I truly admire you." Fang Hao responded politely as well, knowing clearly in his heart that they saw his strength and wanted to get on his good side.

Mu Fenghua was beaming, even happier than if she had won herself, and said in a low voice: "Fellow Daoist Ning, you really made me look good today! Look at the expressions on those people from the Sun Family and Li Family, haha, so satisfying!"

Fang Hao smiled and didn’t say much. He knew that while being in the limelight was enjoyable, trouble would surely follow. The Sun Family went without saying; the grudge had deepened. That Zhou Family probably hated him now too. And there were those prodigies who hadn’t fought yet but had been overshadowed by him; they were likely holding back energy as well.

"A tall tree catches the wind," he sighed inwardly, but he didn’t regret it. In the cultivation world, sometimes you have to show your strength to make people wary and to fight for resources and space. Blindly keeping a low profile and enduring easily led to being treated like a soft persimmon.

While dealing with the pleasantries around him, he continued to regulate his breath and recover, while simultaneously using his Clear Spring Spirit Eyes to observe the matches on the stage. The subsequent battles became increasingly intense. After resting, Li Xuanfeng returned to the stage, his sword technique even more fierce, winning two more consecutive matches and showing extremely strong dominance. Wang Zhong also returned to the stage, still steady and solid, defending without a single flaw, defeating another Loose Cultivator at the Middle Golden Core Stage who specialized in speed.

Disciples from other families and several powerful Loose Cultivators also displayed their Divine Abilities, fighting in an evenly matched struggle. From time to time, people were injured and defeated, carried off, while others stood out, drawing bursts of cheers. The atmosphere of the entire Azure Dragon Society was pushed to a climax.

Fang Hao noticed that the seventh prince, Mu Yuanqing (Middle Golden Core Stage), who had been very low-key and came from the royal Family, also took the stage. He used a silver spear, his spear technique grand and open, upright and proper, yet with astonishing power, and he also achieved consecutive victories. The Crown Prince’s younger brother was indeed not simple.

He also saw an acquaintance—Liu Yunfeng of the Green Wood Sect! He had come too, representing the Green Wood Sect’s branch in the Heavenly Capital. Liu Yunfeng was still his usual gentle and refined self, but his use of wood-type Spells was miraculous; vine entanglement, spirit shield defense, healing and recovery, he was integrated in offense and defense, and he also won two matches, making people dare not underestimate him. When he saw Fang Hao, he even nodded from afar to show respect.

"This Heavenly Capital is truly full of hidden dragons and crouching tigers," Fang Hao sighed in his heart. These disciples from large Sects and families were far superior to the Cultivators of the same stage he had encountered outside, whether in terms of Cultivation Techniques, Magic Treasures, or combat experience. The pressure to gain a foothold in this place, or even go further, was not small.

The competition lasted until the sun tilted west. Finally, after several rounds of fierce competition, hosted by the Crown Prince Mu Yuankang, the ten selected candidates for this year’s "tianjing true dragon ranking" were freshly released!

First place, without any suspense, was the Crown Prince Mu Yuankang himself. Although he didn’t take the stage (limited by status), his Great Perfection of Golden Core Stage cultivation and unfathomable strength were unquestioned.

Second place was Li Xuanfeng of the Li Family, whose elegant and agile sword technique and consecutive winning streak won broad recognition.

Third place was Wang Zhong of the Wang Family, who deserved his name with his powerful defense and steady performance.

Fourth place was the seventh prince of the royal Family, Mu Yuanqing, with fierce spear technique and an imposing Aura.

Fifth place was Zhao Wuji of the Zhao Family (he hadn’t fought much before, but his strength was recognized as very strong).

Sixth place was a female Cultivator from the Qian Family, Qian Yu’er, who specialized in sound attacks and illusions, which were hard to guard against.

Seventh place was the "Twin Blade Guest" Han Lie, who stood out among the Loose Cultivators; his blade technique was ruthless, and his life-risking fighting style left a deep impression.

Eighth place was Sun Tianqi of the Sun Family. Although he lost to Fang Hao, his previous performance and Late Golden Core Stage cultivation allowed him to keep his seat in the top ten, though his ranking dropped significantly.

Ninth place was Liu Yunfeng of the Green Wood Sect, whose comprehensiveness and steadiness in wood-type Spells were affirmed.

And the tenth place... was exactly Fang Hao!

When the Crown Prince Mu Yuankang loudly read the name "Loose Cultivator, Fang Hao," the whole arena erupted in warm applause and cheers, though, of course, it was mixed with some whispers of unwillingness and jealousy. Being able to defeat strong enemies as a Loose Cultivator, especially defeating Sun Tianqi across levels, and forcefully breaking into the top ten of the tianjing true dragon ranking, Fang Hao’s performance was enough to win the respect of most people.

"Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Ning!" "Well deserved!" Congratulations sounded all around.

Mu Fenghua was even happier, patting Fang Hao’s shoulder: "Fellow Daoist Ning, congratulations! I told you that you could do it!"

Fang Hao stood up and bowed to all sides to thank them, his mood also somewhat agitated. The tenth place in the tianjing true dragon ranking was not just a ranking; it represented recognition, a qualification, and... tangible benefits!

Indeed, the Crown Prince Mu Yuankang then announced the rewards. Each of the top ten could receive one hundred thousand Low-Grade Spirit Stones, a bottle of fourth-grade "Spirit Pill" for nourishing the Foundation, and a chance to enter the outer area of the "Royal Collection Pavilion" to select a treasure! The top three had additional rewards.

One hundred thousand Spirit Stones were not too much for the current Fang Hao, but the "Spirit Pill" was a good thing for stabilizing cultivation and nourishing the Divine Soul, and the opportunity for the "Royal Collection Pavilion" made his heart beat faster.

"Please, the ten heroes, come forward to receive your rewards!" a guard shouted loudly.

Fang Hao, along with the other nine, walked to the front of the high platform. The Crown Prince Mu Yuankang personally handed a storage ring and a token to enter the collection pavilion to each person. When it was Fang Hao’s turn, Mu Yuankang looked at him and smiled: "Fellow Daoist Ning, I hope you will guard against arrogance and rashness, Cultivate diligently, and in the future, contribute to my Mingling Empire."

"I will keep the Crown Prince’s teachings in mind." Fang Hao respectfully accepted.

After receiving the rewards, the Azure Dragon Society also neared its end. The Crown Prince said some encouraging words and then announced the end of the grand event. Everyone began to disperse, but many were still immersed in the fierce competition just now and the discussion of the tianjing true dragon ranking.

Fang Hao and Mu Fenghua were also preparing to leave. Just then, an attendant hurried over and whispered a few words to Mu Fenghua. Mu Fenghua nodded and said to Fang Hao: "Fellow Daoist Ning, the Emperor wants to see you. Come with me."

The Emperor wants to see me? Fang Hao’s heart tightened. The ruler of the Mingling Empire, Mu Tianlong, was a top existence at the Great Perfection of Nascent Soul! He dared not be negligent and quickly agreed, following Mu Fenghua towards the depths of the palace.

Along the way, his thoughts raced. The Emperor wanted to see him because of his performance at the Azure Dragon Society today? Or because of... the Grand Princess Mu Yijing? Or both?

Passing through layers of palace guards, they arrived in front of a majestic yet elegant hall. The hall was named "Yangxin Hall." After the attendant reported, the two were led in.

The light in the hall was soft, and a faint scent of dragon incense was burning. A middle-aged man wearing bright yellow casual clothes, with a majestic face, bright eyes, and an unfathomable Aura, was standing with his hands behind his back, looking at a painting on the wall. It was none other than the current saint of the Mingling Empire, Mu Tianlong.

"Your subject pays respects to Father Emperor." Mu Fenghua bowed.

"Junior Fang Hao, pays respects to Your Majesty." Fang Hao also quickly bowed, feeling an invisible pressure enveloping his whole body, making his breathing a bit stagnant. Was this the Aura of the Great Perfection of Nascent Soul? Truly terrifying!

Mu Tianlong slowly turned around, his gaze falling on Fang Hao as if it were tangible, looking him up and down. That gaze seemed to be able to penetrate all disguises and point directly to the essence. Fang Hao felt his Chaos Derivation Art accelerate on its own before he could barely stabilize his mind.

"Hmm, not bad." Mu Tianlong spoke, his voice calm but with unquestionable majesty, "Solid Foundation, condensed spiritual power, stable Divine Soul, and even a bit of... the atmosphere of Chaos opening. No wonder you could defeat that brat from the Sun Family and break into the tianjing true dragon ranking."

Fang Hao was startled. Atmosphere of Chaos? This Emperor’s eyesight was even more poisonous than the Grand Princess’! "Your Majesty praises too much, this Junior was just lucky."

"Lucky?" Mu Tianlong smiled, noncommittal, "The path of cultivation has never been about luck. You can have today because of your own fate and effort. Fenghua, this girl, has good judgment."

Mu Fenghua pursed her lips and giggled on the side.

"I already know about your matter with Yijing." Mu Tianlong changed the subject, his tone plain, but it made Fang Hao’s heart jump wildly! It was indeed for this matter!

"The past events of the Hundred Flowers Valley are over, no need to mention them again. You helped Yijing heal her injuries and refined Spirit Pills; you have contributed to the country and have grace to the royal Family. I have noted it." Mu Tianlong looked at Fang Hao with deep eyes, "I see you are not a thing in a pool. This Heavenly Capital is a shallow shoal for you, but also a vast ocean. Whether you are a dragon or a worm, it depends on your own fortune."

"Junior... will definitely Cultivate hard and not disappoint Your Majesty’s expectations." Fang Hao quickly expressed his stance. He understood the meaning of these words. The Emperor would not pursue the matter of the Hundred Flowers Valley and even remembered his favor, but he also pointed out the complexity of the Heavenly Capital; whether it was a blessing or a curse depended on himself.

"Hmm." Mu Tianlong nodded, seemingly satisfied with his attitude, "You are new to the Heavenly Capital, you must lack a place to stay and cultivation resources. I will bestow upon you a ’Qingyun Courtyard,’ located in the inner city. The Spiritual Qi is decent; you can live there with peace of mind. Also, I specifically permit you to enter the first floor of the ’Royal Collection Pavilion’ to read books for three months. I hope you make good use of it and do not let me down."

Qingyun Courtyard? Royal Collection Pavilion? Fang Hao was overjoyed! This reward was even more substantial than the rewards of the tianjing true dragon ranking! A courtyard in the inner city was invaluable, and more importantly, it represented a kind of status and protection! And the Royal Collection Pavilion must contain countless Cultivation Techniques, Secret Manuals, insights on Alchemy and Artifact Refining, and miscellaneous notes on astronomy and geography. For a Loose Cultivator like him who lacked a systematic Legacy, this was like sending charcoal in snow!

"Thank you for the Emperor’s great kindness!" Fang Hao bowed deeply, this time sincerely grateful.

"Go. Fenghua, take Fang Hao to see his new residence." Mu Tianlong waved his hand and said no more.

"Yes, Father Emperor." Mu Fenghua agreed and led Fang Hao out of the Yangxin Hall.

Walking out of the hall, blown by the wind outside, Fang Hao felt his back was a bit cold and wet. Meeting the Emperor just now, although it didn’t take long, the pressure was too great.

"Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Ning! No, now I should call you Courtyard Master Ning!" Mu Fenghua said with a smile, "Qingyun Courtyard is a good place. It was once rewarded to a Marquis who made a great contribution, but later that Family fell, and the courtyard has been empty. Father Emperor bestowing this courtyard to you is a great favor! Come, I’ll take you to see your new home!"

Fang Hao nodded, his heart filled with anticipation. With a fixed, safe residence and the opportunity to check royal books, he could finally settle down in this Heavenly Capital and properly plan his cultivation path.

This Azure Dragon Society was truly the most important turning point since he arrived in the Heavenly Capital. Not only did he make a name for himself and solve old troubles, but he also won the Emperor’s recognition and rewards. The future path, although still full of challenges, at least had a good start.