For the following days, Li Bai and his party spent most of their time in the inn's backyard, rarely leaving the establishment, and at most lingering in the lobby for half a day.
Several days passed in the blink of an eye. The coronation ceremony of Sheng Yuan Dynasty's new Human Emperor, Ying Zhong, was drawing nearer. The capital city of the dynasty was increasingly crowded with martial artists, and envoys from the Nine Imperial Dynasties had all entered the city, awaiting the grand ceremony.
"Tap, tap, tap!"
A woman in official attire slowly emerged from a room. Her face was quite handsome, making it difficult to immediately discern her gender. She walked with her hands behind her back, flanked by two maids.
The moment this woman appeared, the bustling and boisterous lobby fell silent. Everyone seemed extremely fearful, some even not daring to lift their heads.
"Greetings, Clan Leader, you have arrived!" The innkeeper suddenly spoke, breaking the oppressive and tense atmosphere in the lobby. Ling Lan and several elders of the Ling family entered the inn.
"Clan Leader, the martial artists from Great Han, Old Clan Leader Ling Mu, and Miss Ling Xuan are currently resting at the manor," the innkeeper said, his face pale and his head bowed.
"It's fine. Are there any other rooms?" Ling Lan waved his hand, showing no surprise. As a top power in the southwest region of the Eastern Wilderness, Great Han was certainly invited by the current Human Emperor, so their presence here was not unexpected.
With the Old Clan Leader and Ling Xuan here, he was pleased. Ling Mu and Ling Xuan were, after all, members of the Ling family. If they could forge a connection with Great Han, it would undoubtedly provide the Ling family with a powerful backing.
"Clan Leader, this humble one has long prepared!" The innkeeper gestured and walked inside. Before he could take a few steps, the Ling family's Great Elder bowed slightly to the official-clad woman emerging from the inn and said softly, "This old man pays his respects to Your Excellency."
This woman was Yin'er, sent to Sheng Yuan by the order of Empress Wei Yang, and a favored confidante of the current Empress Wei Yang.
Yin'er nodded slightly without changing her expression and walked directly past the Ling family members towards a wine table.
"Grandfather, who is this person? Such arrogance!" Ling Lan's face showed displeasure. He was now the Clan Leader of the Ling family, and his grandfather's prestige was naturally unquestionable. His grandfather was so respectful, yet this woman was so haughty.
"Her?"
"Her name is Pei Yin. She is the right-hand woman of the current Empress Wei Yang, and a cultivator at the Realm of Heaven Fusion!" the Great Elder said in a deep voice.
"Before Empress Wei Yang inherited the throne, she had already accompanied the Empress. This woman, at such a young age, has been promoted to a high position by Empress Wei Yang, virtually controlling the state affairs of the Wei Yang Dynasty and holding immense power."
"Grandson, this woman is not to be trifled with. You must retreat and show the utmost respect!" the Great Elder said solemnly, softly admonishing him.
Just as they were about to enter, a killing aura descended from outside the inn, scorching the martial artists present, making their faces sting.
Blood Sun Dynasty - Marquis Lie Feng, accompanied by four Spirit Venerable powerhouses, entered the inn. At this moment, the small inn was truly a place where dragons and tigers hid. Su Dan Novel Network.
First, it was the Great Han Dynasty, which had been the subject of much discussion recently, then it was Lord Pei Yin of the Wei Yang Dynasty, and now, Marquis Lie Feng, one of the Four Marquises of the Blood Sun Dynasty, had arrived.
The Four Marquises of the Blood Sun Dynasty were all supreme powerhouses who had emerged from the Holy War, their killing intent soaring, their marquis prestige spreading unchecked.
"Lie Feng, this is not the Blood Sun Dynasty. This official advises you to behave yourself." A soft voice, laced with an utter lack of respect for Marquis Lie Feng, echoed through the hall, causing everyone to gasp.
"Hahaha, I wonder who it is. It turns out to be Lord Pei Yin. My apologies, this marquis has been in the military camp and is not accustomed to complex interpersonal relationships. Please forgive any offense, my Lord!" Marquis Lie Feng grinned. If it were anyone else, he would have already struck them down with a palm. But Pei Yin was different.
Putting aside her favor with Empress Wei Yang, Pei Yin's own strength was already on par with his. If a fight were to break out, it would be difficult to say who would win.
The Blood Sun Dynasty currently held control of the Human Emperor's Hall, and with the Human Emperor's Grand Ceremony imminent, it was not the time to stir up trouble.
"I truly didn't expect Empress Wei Yang to send you to attend the succession ceremony of Sheng Yuan Dynasty's new Human Emperor," Marquis Lie Feng said softly as he approached Pei Yin's table, showing no intention of sitting down.
"This official also did not expect the Blood Sun Human Emperor to send a marquis like you. In the past, these matters were always handled by Marquis Zishan."
"Oh, Marquis Zishan is dead. My apologies, this official is busy with state affairs and forgot about it for a moment. My sincere apologies." Pei Yin calmly sipped her tea, showing no deference to Marquis Lie Feng. The Ten Imperial Dynasties were constantly engaged in covert struggles, especially the Blood Sun Dynasty and the Wei Yang Dynasty. The Blood Sun Human Emperor had always been displeased with Empress Wei Yang, a mere woman, who sat as his equal and governed a dynasty.
"Hmph!"
Marquis Lie Feng snorted coldly, and his Heaven Fusion Realm power instantly pressed down on Pei Yin. The instant his Yuan energy erupted, dense cracks appeared on the four walls of the entire hall, threatening to collapse.
"Lord Lie Feng, Lord Pei Yin, this is a small business. With the Human Emperor's succession ceremony approaching, it is best to maintain harmony for prosperity!" The innkeeper, at Ling Lan's signal, came out with a forced smile to persuade them.
Marquis Lie Feng glanced at the innkeeper, then surveyed the surroundings, and gradually withdrew his Yuan energy. This was the territory of Sheng Yuan Dynasty's Human Emperor, so some respect had to be shown.
"Thump! Thump!"
A heavy set of footsteps entered the inn, immediately drawing everyone's attention.
"Is this the Ling family's inn?"
A deep voice boomed, directly scattering the Yuan energy that Marquis Lie Feng had not fully retracted, reducing it to nothingness.
For a moment, Pei Yin and Marquis Lie Feng were both stunned, staring intently at the figure who had walked into the inn's lobby. The man was clad in scarlet Vermilion Bird armor, his face like jade, his eyes like the stars. He held a curved saber in his hand, and with every step he took, the ground vibrated with a cracking sound.
"A Heaven Fusion Realm expert!" Marquis Lie Feng narrowed his eyes, surprised. At this time, who else would come to an inn besides someone from the Sheng Yuan Dynasty? Excluding his own dynasty and the Wei Yang Dynasty, when had such a powerful expert emerged from the remaining seven imperial dynasties? He had no idea.
The Heaven Fusion Realm expert who entered the inn was none other than Zhang Liao, the ancient hero summoned by Yang Hao some days ago. Ever since Li Bai and his group entered the Sheng Yuan Dynasty, the fame of Great Han had spread far and wide. With the Sheng Yuan Human Emperor's succession ceremony about to take place, it was bound to be a gathering of heroes and a confluence of powerhouses. To prevent any unforeseen circumstances, Yang Hao had ordered Zhang Liao to travel to the capital of the dynasty to rendezvous with Li Bai and the others.