The fleeting killing intent vanished, leaving the Zhenyuan King with no outward sign of emotion. Such perfect control was the mark of a truly formidable individual. After all, Xu Chuan had killed his only son. Anyone in his position would surely have attacked such an enemy. This realization only deepened Xu Chuan's wariness.
Standing beside the Zhenyuan King was someone Xu Chuan found rather unexpected: Yang Sheng, who had been missing for a long time. Xu Chuan hadn't seen him since their last encounter at the Golden Ancient Hall, only hearing rumors of him going out for trials in the Holy Land. He hadn't anticipated him appearing in the capital of the Great Wei. Even more surprising, he was allied with the Zhenyuan King, Liu Qi.
What truly astonished Xu Chuan was Yang Sheng's martial cultivation, which had already reached the fifth level of the Samsara Realm. This made him marvel at the power of the plot correction. Even with his opportunities for advancement stolen, Yang Sheng had still reached this stage. This solidified Xu Chuan's resolve to eliminate Yang Sheng. If he were allowed to continue growing, who knew what might happen.
At that moment, Yang Sheng also noticed Xu Chuan and frowned, looking at him a few times. For some reason, upon seeing Xu Chuan, an inexplicable anger and jealousy surged within him. He had believed that now being a fifth-level Samsara Realm cultivator, he no longer saw Xu Chuan, who was still at the second level of the Nirvana Realm, as a threat. Yet, seeing Xu Chuan again reignited those emotions, making him deeply uncomfortable. Suppressing the urge to kill Xu Chuan, Yang Sheng turned his head away, refusing to look at him.
"Your Majesty, may you be well." Ning Haoxuan bowed respectfully to Emperor Ning, giving a slight inclination of his head.
"Elder Six, rise," Emperor Ning nodded and replied slowly.
"Greetings, Emperor Ning." Xu Chuan also looked at Ning Cangtian and nodded in greeting. Given his status, he certainly would not engage in prostration. Ning Cangtian said nothing.
However, Liu Qi, the Zhenyuan King, standing below, was not pleased. He immediately retorted with a cold shout. "Audacious Xu Chuan! Why do you not kowtow before His Majesty? Do you presume your status as quasi-Saint Son makes you equal to His Majesty?"
"What business is it of yours? So much nonsense!" Xu Chuan retorted without hesitation. After sensing that flicker of killing intent, Xu Chuan had no intention of showing him any courtesy. He was merely at the peak of the Tongtian Realm. Besides, causing him a bit of vigilance, did he truly think Xu Chuan feared him? If Liu Qi dared to make a move, Xu Chuan could simply unleash Xuan Lie, coupled with the Golden Ancient Hall he possessed. He was confident he could even contend with Ning Cangtian, let alone Liu Qi.
Hearing this, Liu Qi's face changed drastically, and killing intent reappeared in his eyes. Ning Haoxuan, standing nearby, offered a wry smile. He had long heard that Xu Chuan, the quasi-Saint Son of the Taiyi Holy Land, was unruly and fearless, showing no apprehension even before the Sky King Realm powerhouse Ling Tian. Seeing him today confirmed the rumors. Yang Sheng watched the scene unfold from the side, hoping they would fight, or that Liu Qi would directly suppress and kill Xu Chuan on the spot.
"Hahaha…" Just as the two were at a standoff, Ning Cangtian burst into laughter, a look of satisfaction on his face. He looked at Xu Chuan and said, "As expected of the Taiyi Holy Land's quasi-Saint Son! Such presence is not possessed by ordinary prodigies!"
"Thank you for your praise, Emperor Ning." Xu Chuan bowed slightly in thanks. When facing Ning Cangtian, the Emperor of the Great Wei, he appeared quite courteous. This was not only because Ning Cangtian was a peak Sky King Realm expert but also because he was Ning Youci's father.
"A formidable young man, truly a formidable young man!" Ning Cangtian couldn't help but exclaim. The Zhenyuan King, Liu Qi, standing beside him, had a somber expression. He had not expected Ning Cangtian to not only fail to support him but to praise Xu Chuan instead. This was all outside his plans.
At that moment, Xu Chuan suddenly heard the commotion from outside the hall. Shortly after, a eunuch arrived to report that the Princess had come.
"Let Ci'er in," Ning Cangtian said with a smile.
"Greetings, Father Emperor." Soon, Xu Chuan saw a peerless maiden, clad in a palace dress, her skin like snow, and her appearance exceptionally pure, walk into the hall. It was none other than the Great Wei Princess, Ning Youci, whom Xu Chuan had not seen in a long time. After entering, she first paid her respects to Ning Cangtian. Then, her gaze fell upon Xu Chuan.
"Xu Chuan!" She called out softly, looking at Xu Chuan. Her somewhat cold demeanor melted away, replaced by a smile. Xu Chuan also looked at Ning Youci, a smile appearing on his face.
Ning Youci's information then appeared before Xu Chuan's eyes.
[Name: Ning Youci]
[Realm: Samsara Realm Sixth Level]
[Talent: Unparalleled Under Heaven]
[Destiny: Daughter of Destiny (Gold), Lunar Goddess (Gold), Utterly Beautiful (Gold), Prosperity for Self (Gold)]
[Divine Abilities: Lunar Descent, Goddess True Form]
[Life Script: Destined Protagonist, Born Divine]
[Life Trajectory: Princess of the Great Wei Dynasty. On the day of her birth, extraordinary phenomena occurred. Upon commencing cultivation, her progress was astonishing: one year to body tempering, two years to Qi gathering, three years to Mortal Transformation completion. However, due to the influence of her Lunar bloodline, she was unable to reach the Divine Ability Realm. She then fled the imperial palace and ventured to the Dark Soul Mountain Range to seek the ruins of the Taiyin Sect, hoping to find the Taiyin Origin that would allow her to enter the Divine Ability Realm. Upon obtaining the Origin, she became the Lunar Goddess, soaring to prominence!]
[Affection: 95 (Until Death)]
[Opportunity: In three days, she will enter the ancient battlefield ruins and gain an earth-shattering encounter.]
In the short time they had been apart, Ning Youci's realm had already ascended to the sixth level of the Samsara Realm, which deeply moved Xu Chuan. "Truly worthy of being a Destined Protagonist, born divine. After awakening her Lunar bloodline and Taiyin Divine Body, her cultivation base has rapidly increased; it is truly incredibly powerful!" Xu Chuan lamented inwardly. He himself had obtained countless opportunities during this period, yet he had only reached the second level of the Nirvana Realm. Compared to destined individuals like Ning Youci and Yang Sheng, he was still somewhat inferior.
Furthermore, Ning Youci's affection for him also surprised Xu Chuan. He had originally thought that after such a long separation, her affection would decrease, perhaps even returning to the level of ordinary friends. However, he had not expected it to increase instead, reaching 95 points, the level of "Until Death"!
"What exactly is going on? Could my charm be this great?" Even Xu Chuan was somewhat baffled. However, Xu Chuan did not dwell on it. It was a good thing. He had suffered no losses; in fact, he had gained considerably.
His thoughts churning, Xu Chuan refocused and smiled, saying, "Youci!"
"In such a short time, Youci, your cultivation has already reached the sixth level of the Samsara Realm, far surpassing me!" Xu Chuan said with a smile.
"You are still superior. I have heard of your deeds; so many proud talents were no match for you, let alone me." Ning Youci looked at Xu Chuan, her eyes shining with admiration and affection.
"I believe that with your true strength, even someone at the ninth level of the Samsara Realm might not be able to defeat you!"
Hearing this, Xu Chuan couldn't help but chuckle, "You think too highly of me!"