Chapter 413: Chapter 412: The Imperial Palace Banquet, Dispatching Troops to the Northern Territory
The night deepens.
The Da Xia Palace is brightly lit.
Inside the Imperial Palace, it is livelier than ever.
Nobles of the Dynasty, royals of the royal family, important figures of the sects, and representatives of all current world forces are gathered here, enjoying the wine and song.
The picture looks quite pleasant.
Yet only God knows how much plotting and scheming are happening inside the Imperial Palace at this moment.
Every single person present is well aware of this.
National Master of Da Xia, Shi Miaoying, sits calmly in her seat, her gaze casually scanning the representatives of the current world forces, including Longyu.
These people are very weak.
The highest of their cultivation level is only Convergence stage.
However, in the Big World, they hold an incomparably lofty status.
Some are even referred to as the Guardian Gods of a nation...
Shi Miaoying does not look down on the Big World, nor does she dare to.
Others may not be aware, but she knows very well.
The Sky Demon, which has been plaguing the Eastern Continent for thousands of years and turned this land into a "pigsty" is from the Big World.
The controller of her life and destiny is just one of them, and he/she isn’t even a strong one...
However, sitting at the banquet right now.
Shi Miaoying truly can’t imagine.
How do these Big World people, who are so weak that they could all be shaken to death by her single breath, coexist in the same world as the Sky Demon?
How did they manage to survive?
And how did they achieve prosperity?
Considering that her master intends to convey the Sky Demon Great Method to the Big World through her, it was even more unimaginable to Shi Miaoying.
How formidable is the Sky Demon?
How difficult would it be for the Sky Demon to control, or annihilate these weak people in the Big World, if he stays within his dominion?
Why all the trouble?
Regardless of her confusion, Shi Miaoying doesn’t dare to question her master.
Sitting at the banquet right now, there’s another question simmering in her mind.
Who exactly was the person who showed up halfway, dismantled the Beast Tide, and even rooted it out completely?
He/She is clearly just an Ascended, and one who had just undergone tribulation and hadn’t stabilized his/her cultivation, yet how could he/she wipe out a hundred-year Beast Tide with his/her own power?
And why did he/she have the power to confront, or even suppress her?
The eradication of the hundred-year Beast Tide had a huge impact, she was so anxious that she wielded the power of spatial rules with her first strike.
But she didn’t harm that person at all...
Originally, she thought that Li Jing would be a powerful entity from the Big World.
When her incompetent subordinate reported to her, he/she stated that there was a high probability that this person was from the Big World.
However, looking at the representatives from several forces of the Big World now, Shi Miaoying feels that she and her subordinate might have gotten it wrong.
At first glance.
Among the hundreds of representatives of Big World forces present, less than a dozen reached the Convergence stage, more have reached the Forming Spirit stage, and the rest are barely at the Yuan Infant stage.
Just this?
Clearly, it can’t be related to that person...
Admittedly.
The overall strength of the Big World people cannot be simply measured by their cultivation levels, the products of the combination of "technology and Immortal Learning" mentioned by the Big World people really have a point.
But ultimately, it’s just an external thing.
The monster who had just reached Ascension but had already gained control of the power of rules that I encountered, couldn’t possibly be of the same origin.
Who exactly is that person, and where did he/she come from?
Could he/she be from the Upper Realm who had suppressed their cultivation level and came to create trouble, as mentioned by my master?
As Shi Miaoying ponders in confusion, her gaze accidentally falls onto Xia Qianqian who had recently confessed her guilt and returned.
Princess Wenqu, Shi Miaoying recognizes her but is not familiar with her.
A waste known by everyone in Da Xia’s royal family, who is rarely permitted to enter the Imperial City once, is not worth her, such a character’s attention.
But today.
She has to take notice.
At this moment, Xia Qianqian is sitting next to Xia Zhengyang, smiling sweetly.
This isn’t supposed to be her seat.
The real empress Xiao Xi and the third princess Xia Yuxi, who should be sitting next to Xia Zhengyang, are instead sitting at another table, facing alienation.
Of course.
Shi Miaoying’s attention to Xia Qianqian is not because this useless princess suddenly became favoured, but because of the person who made her favoured.
During this period.
Shi Miaoying was not in the Da Xia Imperial City.
But her information is very accurate.
She knew that someone had used terrifying magic in the Da Xia Palace that night, shocking the entire Da Xia Imperial City and even affecting the power of rules related to thunderbolts, all of which couldn’t be hidden from her.
She has a feeling.
That person is probably the one I met in the Northern Polar Region.
But no matter how she investigated, she couldn’t get any further information, only knowing that he/she had a certain connection with Xia Qianqian.
Not many people really knew about this matter.
Xia Zhengyang, who has always been trusting and never concealed anything from her, was one of them, but he kept his lips sealed about who that person was and what his/her cultivation level was.
This situation is really annoying and upsetting to Shi Miaoying.
As the National Master of the Da Xia, how many years has she made waves in the Da Xia world?
When has Xia Zhengyang resisted her?
And when has he hidden anything from her?
Unknowingly, everything has changed.
Sitting unsatisfied and with a headache in the current situation, Xia Qianqian, who is sitting next to Xia Zhengyang feels something and looks over.
Their eyes meet.
Shi Miaoying smiles graciously and raises the wine glass in her hand as a gesture.
Seeing this, Xia Qianqian responds with a brilliant smile and raises her glass in return.
The location of Shi Miaoying is right next to the seats of Xia Zhengyang and Xia Qianqian.
Their interaction naturally can’t escape Xia Zhengyang’s eyes.
Seeing his daughter who had just stepped into the path of cultivation lock eyes with Shi Miaoying, Xia Zhengyang raises an eyebrow.
In the past, he viewed Xia Qianqian as a future bargaining chip for a political marriage.
Nowadays, however, he sees Xia Qianqian as a successor.
Ever since the Big World people arrived, this daughter he had never taken seriously presented an exceptional performance that satisfied him.
She not only sorted out the problems caused by Xia Yuxi who ran to the Longyu camp, but she also became a bridge between Da Xia and Longyu, making Da Xia gain the support of Longyu, and ironically, also the support of the Major League in the northern region.
If it were not for Xia Qianqian, the Da Xia Dynasty would probably have already overturned.
He wouldn’t be devoid of any support but the backing of the two superpowers might not be attainable.
Contrarily.
His princes, grandchildren, even the current Crown Prince, came up short.
Xia Zhengyang is the current Emperor.
Understandably, he hopes his heir would be competent.
Originally, even with Xia Qianqian’s contributions to Da Xia and Li Jing’s support, Xia Zhengyang didn’t think it was enough to warrant an opinion shift.
Even with the backing of the Heavenly Saint Guardian, Xia Qianqian was just a commoner incapable of cultivating.
No matter how meritorious her achievements, that fact would not change.
How could ordinary people support Da Xia?
If we’re being blunt.
Normal people have a life span of around a hundred years...
Xia Zhengyang was in the prime of his life. Even if he wanted to name Xia Qianqian as his successor, she might not even be alive when he planned to abdicate.
But now it’s different.
Xia Qianqian has successfully started her cultivation journey by accessing the cultivation method of the Big World through her connections with Longyu Country, making her worthy of key cultivation.
Upon seeing Xia Qianqian clink glasses and finish drinking with Shi Miaoying, a flurry of thoughts flashed across Xia Zhengyang’s mind as he began to speak with a smile.
"Wenqu, although you were not previously in the Imperial City, you must have heard of the renown of the National Master. Now, you have entered Big World’s Longyu Cultivation Method, there will undoubtedly be many things you don’t understand. For the whole of Da Xia, no one can claim extensive knowledge about Big World’s cultivation method, and thus, personal effort is the key."
As he spoke, he gently stroked his beard and continued.
"To tell the truth, I’m concerned about your well-being. Fortunately, the National Master is here today. Why don’t you become her disciple?"
?
Xia Qianqian.
She was just wondering...
She was only responding to Shi Miaoying’s cheers after noticing the latter repeatedly watching her. How did she suddenly wind up with her father wanting her to take on a master?
On the other side.
Shi Miaoying was also a little taken aback by Xia Zhengyang’s sudden proposal.
Has the Emperor gone insane?
Not to mention her own background.
Isn’t the National Master of Da Xia concerned about her dignity?
Xia Qianqian just started the Big World’s cultivation method, she is only in the Qi Refining Realm.
The Emperor favoring his daughter is understandable.
But, a nearly thirty-year-old Qi refiner, is she really qualified to be her disciple?
However, upon further thought, Shi Miaoying couldn’t help feeling somewhat interested.
Xia Zhengyang clearly wants to establish Xia Qianqian as his successor.
In fact, she could confidently say.
If Xia Qianqian’s cultivation level wasn’t too weak, perhaps the Crown Prince’s position would already have switched by now.
Associating with a future emperor of Da Xia could provide lots of conveniences down the road.
More importantly.
By getting close to Xia Qianqian, perhaps she could obtain information about the person causing such favoritism.
Thinking of this, Shi Miaoying sent a charming smile,
"I am honored by Your Majesty’s kindness. If Princess Wenqu is willing to take me as her master, I will do my best to teach her everything I know."
As she spoke, she casually glanced at the princes, princes’ sons, concubines, and others who were present because of Xia Zhengyang’s words, intentionally or otherwise, and continued,
"I never had a proper meeting with Princess Wenqu before, so I didn’t pay attention. But after seeing her today, I believe Princess Wenqu has the bearing of an Emperor. If she ascends the throne in the future, she will surely lead Da Xia to prosperity."
Shi Miaoying’s words seem plain, but they were rather cunning.
While Xia Qianqian merely wanted to be a queen, Shi Miaoying’s statement directly implied that she would be the future Empress of Da Xia.
Xia Zhengyang, of course, liked what he heard.
His chosen and heavily cultivated heir has the bearing of an emperor. Doesn’t this prove his good judgment?
With Wenqu, Da Xia is sure to prosper!
However, many princes, their sons, and the concubines who heard Shi Miaoying’s words were extremely unhappy.
Those eyes, they could not wait to peel Xia Qianqian alive on the spot.
Even though Xia Qianqian was now quite confident and not the same as before, she still broke out in a cold sweat.
Fear?
Nonexistent.
Entering the path of cultivation, she no longer wanted to live passively. She had early plans to change.
She had no intention of going back to her fiefdom and planned to stay in Da Xia Imperial City.
She would gradually increase her presence and establish herself in the Imperial City.
However, she is still spreading her wings.
This period requires a gradual process...
Yet, at the moment, Shi Miaoying’s statement disrupted her pace, placing her in a very dangerous situation.
Now.
She wouldn’t even dare to go back to her own fiefdom, let alone Da Xia Imperial City.
If she wanted to protect herself, there was only one road ahead.
She had to accept Shi Miaoying as her master for protection.
In this situation, Xia Zhengyang’s favor alone wouldn’t be enough to protect her.
After all, Xia Zhengyang was the Emperor and couldn’t always focus on her.
On the same note, Xia Zhengyang was well aware of this.
However, he thought these were just minor issues.
Just as long as she became Shi Miaoying’s apprentice, no one would dare touch Xia Qianqian.
The dangers of competing for the throne was something she had to face and endure.
If she couldn’t even withstand this, how could she be a queen?
Seeing the pale complexion of Xia Qianqian, silently staring at Shi Miaoying, clearly not willing to accept a master but also giving due consideration to her situation, Xia Zhengyang was quite satisfied.
He didn’t expect Xia Qianqian to have harmonious relations with Shi Miaoying.
He trusted Shi Miaoying.
However, as an Emperor, how could he trust completely?
No matter how capable Shi Miaoying is, in the end, she is not from the royal family of Da Xia. She may leave or even turn against him at any time.
It turns out, this lady’s position is a bit too high, isn’t it?
At the moment, Xia Qianqian was hesitant but also showing deep thoughtfulness and avoiding rashness, this kind of temperament suits his tastes.
"Wenqu, the National Master is a prodigy. I believe she would make a good master. With her guidance, you will progress much faster."
He said earnestly. Xia Zhengyang took a quick look at the high-rank officials of Da Xia, representatives of sects, and representatives of current world forces, then smiled at Xia Qianqian.
"There are quite a few exceptional individuals present today, including representatives from the Big World. Rather than choosing another day, why not seize the moment? You should take the National Master as your master right now and let everyone here bear witness."
"..."
Xia Qianqian.
Xia Zhengyang suddenly planned this act for her own good and to pave the way for her.
She knew that.
At the same time, she understood.
If she accepted this, it would be easier for her to become the Queen in the future.
But she had to consider her relationship with Li Jing.
She was not a fool.
Although she didn’t interact much with her master, he was quite approachable.
However, anyone who was remembered by her master would not have a good end.
What fate would Shi Miaoying encounter when she would inevitably meet with Li Jing in the future? How could she accept this offer under such circumstances?
More importantly, she had already regarded Li Jing as her own master in her heart.
To be honest.
Her biological father was really a cunning man.
Unsure of what to do, Xia Qianqian saw a figure with a mask standing in the shadow behind the representative seat of Longyu Country.
Was it her master!?
Xia Qianqian was stupefied for a moment, then quickly glanced around.
That man was Li Jing, she was sure of it.
He was just standing there, not only were Xia Zhengyang and Shi Miaoying unaware of his presence, but no one in the place noticed him either.
Only she could see...
Or rather, Li Jing was willing to let her see him.
When...
When did he come?
As she was wondering, Xia Qianqian saw Li Jing raise his hand, point at Shi Miaoying, and then make a throat-slitting gesture.
This simple and crude action was hard to misunderstand.
Xia Qianqian naturally misunderstood Li Jing’s intentions.
Li Jing’s gesture was to tell Xia Qianqian that he would kill Shi Miaoying in the future.
In Xia QianQian’s eyes, this meant that he would kill Shi Miaoying for her sake.
It seems that her master has noticed her grievance!
Xia Qianqian beamed with joy and made up her mind. She turned and looked at Xia Zhengyang.
"Father, I appreciate your kindness. But I have my master, I shouldn’t accept the National Master as my master."
As soon as these words came out, there was a stir among the crowd.
Everyone in the room connected to the imperial power, just a second ago, worried that Shi Miaoying would impose difficulties on any moves against Xia Qianqian in the future.
No one expected that she would refuse in the next second.
She doesn’t want Shi Miaoying, who is such a major supporter?
Shi Miaoying, the other party involved, was a bit stunned when she saw Xia QianQian choose to refuse, and then frowned.
Xia Zhengyang was also stunned for a moment, and then immediately understood.
He did not blame Xia Qianqian for disobeying him, instead, he waved his hand to generate a barrier to isolate himself, Xia Qianqian, and Shi Miaoying from others.
"Wenqu, is the master you are talking about..."
"It’s him."
Xia Qianqian indifferently said.
Her casual answer made Xia Zhengyang overjoyed.
He thought that Xia Qianqian was just favored by Li Jing, but it turned out they already had the relationship of master and disciple.
Isn’t this an instant success?
In front of Li Jing, who the hell is Shi Miaoying?
He did not know.
That the present Shi Miaoying, who was working as the Heavenly Saint Guardian, was much stronger than Li Jing when he first appeared, and her background was also deeper.
Shi Miaoying, who was separated along with them, listened to the whispering of the father and daughter, with a slightly frown.
That person...
Obviously, she was referring to the mysterious strong man who appeared when she was not in the Imperial City.
Did Xia Qianqian become a disciple of that man?
It seems that she will need to dig deeper in the future.
Just as she was lost in thought, Xia Zhengyang looked at her and said assertively.
"National Master Shi, as you heard, since Wenqu had chosen her master already, let’s forget about the matter I proposed just now. As compensation, after this century’s beast tide, I will command someone to construct an isolated new mountain near the Imperial City for you as your new cave dwelling."
Shi Miaoying naturally agreed to Xia Zhengyang’s decision.
Although she didn’t in heart think anything of this emperor, she had to keep up appearances.
When Xia Zhengyang mentioned her cave dwelling, it almost caused her to break her composure.
It wasn’t a big deal until he mentioned it. But now, it upset her.
She had just left for a while, and when she came back, the whole mountain where her cave dwelling was located was gone.
She even once doubted if she had gone to the wrong place.
Damn it...
When had Shi Miaoying ever been treated like this?
Actually, she didn’t care about the loss of her cave dwelling.
What she grieved over was the loss of the Spirit Spring Eye that she had acquired with great difficulty.
Somehow, she retained her composure and nodded gently.
"Since Princess Wenqu already has a master, I will certainly not insist."
Saying that, she smirked.
"However, I am quite curious about who this master of Princess Wenqu is. I wonder if it’s convenient for the princess to introduce..."
Before she could finish, Xia Qianqian indifferently opened her mouth.
"It’s not convenient."
"..."
Shi Miaoying.
It was one thing for Xia Zhengyang to suddenly become so assertive, but why had Xia Qianqian also become so assertive when dealing with her?
A direct refusal!
Without any attempt to put it softly!
Is that person really so powerful?
Also.
Why was this little girl looking at her as if she was looking at a dead person?
While she was pondering, Xia Qianqian turned her head.
"Father, it’s about midnight, and it’s time for the troop to leave for the Beast Tide."
"Yes, we can’t delay the matters."
Xia Zhengyang nodded, waved his hand to dissolve the barrier, and then stood up.
"It’s midnight, this banquet ends here tonight. All the Da Xia officers, disciples of various sects, it’s time to march to the Northern Territory to confront the Beast Tide."
Upon hearing this, high-level military officers and sect representatives from Da Xia in the room responded in unison.
The Beast Tide was a matter of utmost importance to them.
Compared to that,
Xia Qianqian’s fruit was insignificant.
Before long,
The lively feast ended.
Da Xia generals, representatives of the sects, and representatives of the current world powers left one after another.
Subsequently,
In the late night, countless sword lights soared into the sky above the Da Xia Imperial City and the surrounding Earth Realm, neatly turning towards the Northern Territory.
In front of the Imperial Palace,
Xia Zhengyang, watching the sword lights disappearing into the distance, turned his head to pay respects to Shi Miaoying standing next to him.
"Master of the Nation, thank you for your hard work."
Upon hearing this, Shi Miaoying nodded, rose into the air and transformed into a streak of light disappearing into the distance.
Xia Qianqian, standing aside, watched her leave, and sneakily glanced to her side.
At this moment, Li Jing was standing beside her.
Catching her glance, Li Jing nodded slightly, and in a flash like a thunderbolt, followed Shi Miaoying.
...
As for the feast, Li Jing initially hadn’t planned on coming.
But he couldn’t suppress his curiosity about Shi Miaoying, ending up secretly following Xia Qianqian there.
To avoid detection by Shi Miaoying, he wore the Smoke Eye and maintained the operation of the Silent Shadow throughout the whole process.
Initially, he planned to conceal himself and observe from the shadows.
After all, Shi Miaoying was at Ninth Realm cultivation; Silent Shadow might not affect her, so it would truly come into play to conceal his presence.
What he didn’t expect was,
When he arrived, he saw that the health bar above Shi Miaoying’s head only read 10566.
Just entering the Eighth Realm.
This cultivation level did not match the phantom woman he met in the Northern Polar Region.
But he was sure they were the same person.
Looks-wise, the real Shi Miaoying looked exactly like the phantom woman.
Even though their health bars did not match, the Essence Source number displayed behind the health bar was also 86490.
Despite not knowing the specifics, the fact that Shi Miaoying herself was only in the early stages of Eighth Realm, and the amount of Essence Source to be obtained from killing her was not reduced at all, was something Li Jing was pleased to see.
To kill a Ninth Realm cultivator required a lot of effort.
Killing one in the early stages of the Eighth Realm, wouldn’t it be done in a minute?
Since Shi Miaoying was only in the early stages of the Eighth Realm, Li Jing felt no apprehension.
Silent Shadow could easily affect her...
...
The journey to the Northern Territory of the East Continent was very long.
Concerning the overall movement of the Da Xia soldiers, sect forces, and the various present world forces, the overall progress was very slow.
Luckily, none of the various force teams seemed to want to maintain unified advancement. Those with high cultivation levels all directly separated from the main force, rushing towards the Northern Territory to prepare to defend their positions.
Regarding what benefits could be gained from resisting the Beast Tide, positioning was very important.
The Beast Tide came ashore in batches along the entire coastline, the exact number of each batch was not certain.
In terms of which position could encounter more Ghostly Evil Beasts, even the people of Da Xia couldn’t say for sure. But over the years, they had a rough estimate, and knew which areas were more advantageous for resisting the Ghostly Evil Beasts.
What was worth mentioning was,
The actual resistance to the Beast Tide did not occur at the boundary of the East Continent, but deep within the mainland at a great distance from the coast.
Li Jing had expected this.
Previously, when he had gone to the Northern Polar Region alone, it took him an entire day to leave the East Continent. How could the various forces’ teams reach the coast of the Northern Territory in two days?
If they were to resist the tide at the coast,
With the vast sea as cover, the Ghostly Evil Beasts wouldn’t be so easy to kill.
Fighting and resisting inland obviously made more sense.
The only loss would be the living beings from the coast to the location of the Beast Tide resistance...
Did the people of Da Xia care about this?
No.
Leaving this aside,
Shi Miaoying, who Li Jing was tailing, did not seem to be in a hurry. On the journey to the Northern Territory, she travelled with the hundred thousand elite soldiers assigned to her by Xia Zhengyang, maintaining a uniform advancement of the entire unit.
Compared to the other teams’ advancement speeds, her team could be considered the slowest.
On the surface, she seemed a bit steady.
But Li Jing always felt that she had other motives.
After spending a full two days, Shi Miaoying and her hundred thousand elite soldiers just managed to reach the position of the Beast Tide defensive line.
At this point, the other Da Xia armies, sect forces, and even the major forces of the Big World had long settled in their positions. They had already begun setting up attack formations and defense structures, busily preparing.
The time was approaching dawn.
Upon reaching the defensive position, Shi Miaoying immediately summoned the military generals, and unrolled a map.
Thanks to the effect of the Silent Shadow, Li Jing was standing behind her.
Looking at the map, he frowned.
The map depicted the Da Xia’s territory.
It clearly marked the position of the Beast Tide defense line that stretched horizontally across the Northern Territory, and made unique annotations at twenty-one total positions near their current location on the defensive line.
Shi Miaoying did not give any additional instructions to the military generals after unrolling the map, but just told them to quickly take their respective teams to the marked positions and standby.
People quickly dispersed.
Li Jing watched as the generals led their respective teams away, and then turned to look back at the map in Shi Miaoying’s hands that she was still studying without putting away.
This map surely contained something significant.
According to what Xia Qianqian said earlier, Shi Miaoying explained to Xia Zhengyang that she wanted to set up formations just in case.
It wasn’t hard to guess.
The arrangements on the map were likely some sort of formation.
If we considered Da Xia’s elite forces that were sent out as the array eyes, these array eyes seemed to be spaced too far apart.
Even though most the positions labelled on the map were nearby, the involved range of all the annotations was at least several thousand kilometers in visual estimation.
It’s not that a formation this big could not be set up,
But to say it uses people as array eyes,
A hundred thousand people seemed too few for that.
What exactly is this woman planning to do?
Li Jing slightly furrowed his brows and decided to patiently wait.
Killing Shi Miaoying wasn’t urgent.
He had waited so long just to see how Shi Miaoying would fix the Beast Tide that couldn’t possibly come again, and to see if he might be able to seize a large amount of Essence Source.
...
