"Cici, do you know Xu Chuan?" Ning Cangtian asked, his voice filled with a question. In his memory, his daughter had only left home once in her life, and that was by sneaking out. How could she possibly know Xu Chuan?
"Father Emperor, Xu Chuan is the same Young Master Xu I told you about, the one who helped me awaken my bloodline and physique!" Ning Youci said, gazing at Xu Chuan with affection.
Ning Cangtian's eyes widened in understanding. Looking at his daughter's demeanor towards Xu Chuan, it was clear why Xu Chuan possessed Ning Youci's identity jade token. They had already developed feelings for each other. Ning Cangtian saw no need to pry further. Although he doted on Ning Youci, he did not wish to interfere excessively with her future or marriage, preferring to let things unfold naturally. Moreover, he had already heard about Xu Chuan and was quite pleased with him. Xu Chuan was also the ninth quasi-sage son of the Taiyi Holy Land, a noble status. If they were to end up together, he would not object.
"Alright, you can reminisce later. We have important matters to discuss with Xu Chuan today," Ning Cangtian said, waving his hand to interrupt their unspoken exchange. Ning Youci's ears turned red, a blush spreading across her cheeks, making her look even more beautiful.
"Yes, Father Emperor." Ning Youci curtsied and then walked to Xu Chuan's side, standing shoulder to shoulder with him.
Ning Cangtian shook his head but said nothing. However, Yang Sheng, standing nearby, was so consumed by jealousy that his eyes seemed to be spewing fire. He could only wonder, "Why?" Last time, Xu Chuan had a peerless beauty by his side, and now the princess of the Great Wei Dynasty was exchanging glances with him. Why did such good fortune never fall upon him? He grew increasingly resentful of Xu Chuan, feeling as though everything should have been his, only to be stolen by Xu Chuan.
"May I ask what matter Ning Huang wishes to discuss with me?" Xu Chuan inquired. He didn't believe that anything Ning Cangtian couldn't handle would be solvable by him, a mere Nirvana realm cultivator.
"I believe you are aware that our Profound Sky Continent was once invaded by demons, with demonic rifts appearing in various regions. Although we eventually drove the demons out and sealed these rifts, we suffered heavy losses. Our Great Wei Dynasty is situated on an ancient battlefield formed by a demonic rift. Recently, I have discovered numerous demonic figures appearing within the ancient battlefield, and I wish to send someone to investigate the cause. However, the space within the ancient battlefield is extremely fragile, only allowing cultivators below the Heaven-Piercing realm to enter. Otherwise, the entire ancient battlefield will shatter, and the seal on the demonic rift will reopen, leading to another catastrophe for the Profound Sky Continent!" Ning Cangtian explained the situation.
"Why have you chosen me?" Xu Chuan asked.
"You are not the only one. I have invited many Reincarnation realm prodigies to explore it together. It's just that I suddenly discovered you were in the imperial capital, so I invited you to see if you were willing to go." Ning Cangtian replied.
Hearing this, Xu Chuan immediately recalled the fortuitous encounter he had seen in Ning Youci's script. It was likely that there was more than one such opportunity. After feigning a moment of thought, Xu Chuan no longer hesitated.
"Yes, I agree!" Xu Chuan readily accepted. If there were opportunities to be seized, why wouldn't he go? With his current strength, no one within the Reincarnation realm could defeat him. Xu Chuan was confident in this.
Seeing Xu Chuan agree, Ning Cangtian nodded with satisfaction. He then gestured to Yang Sheng beside him and said, "This is a true disciple from the Taiyi Holy Land invited by Marquis Zhenyuan. Do you know him, Xu Chuan?"
"Yes, of course I know him. Junior Brother Yang, we even explored the Golden Ancient Hall together before," Xu Chuan said with a smile.
"Greetings, Senior Brother Xu," Yang Sheng could no longer ignore Xu Chuan's presence and stepped forward, forcing a greeting.
"Isn't Junior Brother Yang out on a pilgrimage? Why have you come to the Great Wei Dynasty?" Xu Chuan asked Yang Sheng.
"My family resides within the Great Wei Dynasty. This time, I returned to see my parents before continuing my travels. I then received an invitation from Marquis Zhenyuan to go to the ancient battlefield, which is why I am here," Yang Sheng replied, though his heart seethed with resentment towards Xu Chuan, he maintained a perfect facade, betraying none of his hatred.
"Oh, I see..." Xu Chuan mused thoughtfully.
"Since you know each other, things will be easier. You will lead the team this time, Xu Chuan," Ning Cangtian declared, making the decision. "That's settled then. Ci'er, take Xu Chuan to his assigned accommodation. The rest of you may disperse." With that, Ning Cangtian's figure flickered and vanished from the palace.
Ning Youci, filled with joy, eagerly pulled Xu Chuan away. Ning Haoxuan followed behind them. The grand palace was left with only Marquis Zhenyuan Liu Qi and Yang Sheng. Marquis Zhenyuan's face remained grim.
He spoke in a low voice to Yang Sheng, "My only request for entering the ancient battlefield is that Xu Chuan dies there without anyone knowing. Do you understand?" Xu Chuan had killed his only son, and he hated Xu Chuan to the core. Years ago, due to cultivating a certain technique, he had lost his virility, which was why he had indulged and spoiled his only son so much. Now, his son was dead by Xu Chuan's hand, leaving his Liu family without an heir. He would never forgive Xu Chuan. This was why he had come to the imperial palace with Yang Sheng. It was he who had revealed Xu Chuan's presence in Chang'an City to Ning Cangtian. He intended to use the ancient battlefield and Yang Sheng as a means to have Xu Chuan killed within it! Only then could his rage be appeased. And only then could he avoid detection by the Taiyi Holy Land and any repercussions.
"Yes!" Yang Sheng nodded in agreement. In truth, what he had told Xu Chuan earlier was not entirely false. He had indeed returned to Chang'an City to visit his parents. However, he had omitted one detail: his mother was the biological sister of Marquis Zhenyuan Liu Qi! And Liu Ye, who had died by Xu Chuan's hand, was his own cousin! Therefore, when Liu Qi approached him, he had agreed without hesitation. Firstly, it was to avenge his cousin, and secondly, his jealousy and hatred for Xu Chuan had reached a point where it needed to be vented. As for whether he could defeat Xu Chuan, he had no worries. With his five-layered Reincarnation realm strength, he could contend with even a first-layered Heaven-Piercing realm expert, let alone Xu Chuan, who was currently only a second-layered Nirvana realm cultivator. Even if Xu Chuan had hidden trump cards, it was important to remember that he harbored the remnant soul of a half-emperor realm powerhouse within him. After recent recovery, this remnant soul had reached a terrifying level, capable of ensuring his safety while eliminating Xu Chuan! The uncle and nephew exchanged a look, each harboring their own secret intentions, waiting for Xu Chuan to step into the trap.