Ju Wenchang felt his face burning hot, but he was not discouraged. He looked at Murong Yanran and forced a casual smile, "Heh, little sister, you must have misheard, or perhaps you're dreaming. A Fourth Tier Lord? Do you know what position that is? How could a mere graduate from the academy possibly rise so high so quickly? Have the people above gone mad?"
Murong Yanran was momentarily taken aback and said with some uncertainty, "Perhaps I did mishear." She turned to Murong Shui and asked, "Uncle, did I mishear? What is my husband's actual position?"
Then, all eyes turned to Murong Shui, their gazes filled with anticipation.
Ju Wenchang, in particular, was so nervous he dared not even breathe.
Only Mo Qi sat there, casually picking up food and eating.
He couldn't understand why these people had so much free time to concern themselves with such matters. What was the point of being a Fourth Tier or Eighth Tier Lord? It was just an empty title.
Murong Shui took a mouthful of rice and said hesitantly, "Let's not talk about these things while we're eating."
Murong Yanran pouted.
Murong Mu said, "Brother, don't keep us in suspense. You've brought it up, so please tell us."
"Yes, tell us," everyone nodded in unison, leaning their ears forward.
Murong Shui pretended to scold Murong Yanran, saying, "Girl, I'll tell you one last time, it's Fourth Tier Lord! I know you care about this child, but there's no need to confirm it repeatedly."
Murong Yanran's face turned as red as an apple.
It seemed she had confirmed it more than once!
Ju Wenchang's face turned the color of liver, and he stared blankly, his mind buzzing and in disarray.
This was his immediate superior!
Just moments ago, he had been arrogantly lecturing the man...
At this moment, Murong Yanran couldn't resist adding another blow, "Heh, brother-in-law, from now on, you'll be under my husband's command within the tiers. Let's see if you're still so arrogant."
Ju Wenchang wished he could find a piece of tofu to smash himself to death!
Murong Xinran gently nudged his arm with her elbow and signaled with her eyes for him to offer Mo Qi a drink, to curry favor and get closer.
Ju Wenchang immediately understood. He picked up his wine cup, "Brother, forgive my ignorance just now. If I said anything inappropriate, I hope you'll overlook it. I'll drink first." With that, he tilted his head back and drained the cup in one gulp.
Mo Qi also drank a cup and smiled, "Brother, what are you talking about? You didn't say anything wrong. I do need experience and learning. The road ahead is long, and there is much for us to learn."
Murong Mu's face beamed with joy.
Yes, this child was polite, well-mannered, capable, and cultured. He was indeed worthy of his daughter.
He had been humiliated by Mo Qi in the Tongtian Secret Realm, and at first, he had been upset. But later, he realized that if Mo Qi wasn't exceptional enough, he wouldn't be worthy of his daughter.
Just then, Murong Huo also returned, his face ruddy, his eyes bright, and his entire being exuding the domineering aura of a return to the martial world.
Mo Qi, seizing the opportunity, toasted Murong Mu and Murong Huo, apologizing for any past offenses and hoping for their forgiveness.
Murong Mu and Murong Huo were so pleased that they drank several cups in succession.
Before the meal was even finished, Murong Xinran's hair had regained its luster, shining like a black waterfall, cascading freely and dazzling the eyes of those around her.
Murong Xinran was also excited and jumped up. Knowing Mo Qi's new identity, she praised him profusely.
Mo Qi didn't feel much. Murong Yanran was already tipsy, eagerly grabbing drinks and even challenging Mo Qi to a drinking contest. Drunk, she called him "husband" and he called her "little sister," much to the headache of everyone present.
Afterward, Mo Qi was in a daze, clinking glasses with everyone, accepting every drink offered.
When he was sober, he felt very awkward.
Murong Shui called him his godson, and Murong Yanran called him her husband. It was all so dramatic.
When he was drunk, he felt incredibly exhilarated!
Regardless, this was a form of acceptance!
In short, as long as they were happy, they could call him whatever they pleased!
May there be peace in the world!
Finally, Mo Qi was dead drunk and slept at the Murong residence.
Murong Shui had arranged a separate room for him.
Strangely, that night, he slept exceptionally soundly.
The next day, Mo Qi reported to the Fourth Tier as agreed.
To enter the Fourth Tier, one did not need to pass through the first, second, and third tiers individually, but one had to fly over them.
As he passed over the First Tier, colorful flower petals flew out, layering in the air to form a fragrant path leading directly to the Second Tier.
He heard that the First Tier Lord was Shi Siyao, and she was welcoming him.
Being respected wherever he went was a surge of personal pride, and Mo Qi felt deeply gratified.
However, when he reached the airspace above the Second Tier, he was met with a bucket of cold water.
The Seven Tiers were the mandatory path to the celestial realm, and each tier had defense systems and barriers.
At this moment, the Second Tier suddenly opened its four great spiritual veins. Transparent and clearly defined vein energy erupted like subterranean lava, shooting straight into the sky.
Upon reaching mid-air, it suddenly surged outwards in all directions.
The four veins connected, covering the sky without any gaps.
The vein energy, like transparent lava, erupted violently. Even from a distance, the tearing and oppressive force surged like a tide.
"Can anyone become a Fourth Tier Lord?" a voice shouted from below.
"Die, you piece of trash."
"I've been stuck in the Second Tier for so long and couldn't advance further. How can you, just arriving, become a Fourth Tier Lord?"
Mo Qi glanced at the Second Tier and directly activated his telekinetic power. The overwhelming vein energy, upon reaching him, parted like flowing water, bypassing him on both sides.
The display made it seem as if he had grown wings, like a roc soaring through the sky, overlooking the world and disdainfully surveying the land.
The people of the Second Tier were stunned.
What kind of sorcery was this?
"A Fourth Tier Lord is not for just anyone, which is why you remain in the Second Tier," Mo Qi said calmly, his voice echoing through the heavens.
Mo Qi unleashed the Qiankun Ring, pointed his hand, and the Qiankun Ring emitted a world-shattering hum. With destructive power, it surged forth and struck the roof of the Second Tier's main hall.
Rows of buildings immediately collapsed, sending sand and stones flying, dust billowing, and the entire Second Tier trembling and shaking.
Amidst shouts and groans, countless figures flew about, fleeing in all directions.
Mo Qi didn't even look. He reached out, and the Qiankun Ring whistled back into his hand.
Facing the wind, bathed in light, his robes fluttering, he appeared like a descending deity.
A few people who had prepared to fight him suddenly became fearful and retreated.
Mo Qi then rode the wind to the airspace above the Third Tier.
As he approached the Third Tier, celestial music sounded, and fireworks shot into the sky, blooming like flowers, colorful and vibrant, then scattering like raindrops, gradually dissolving into the air.
As they dissolved, more fireworks shot up, continuing to bloom in the sky.
They rose and fell in succession, filling the world with brilliance, reaching the peak of splendor.
Mo Qi smiled and walked past.
Upon reaching the airspace above the Fourth Tier, the four hall masters Tian Xuan, Tian Ji, Tian Shu, Tian Quan, and the deputy lord Sang Lanfeng were already waiting. They respectfully cupped their fists in greeting, "Welcome, Lord!"
Mo Qi immediately spotted the Tian Quan Hall Master, Nangong Zhendong, whose body was half a head shorter, making him stand out in the crowd.
Mo Qi couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness, and he remembered Yuwen Yan.
Nangong Zhendong's face flushed slightly, his eyes darting away, afraid to meet Mo Qi's gaze.
Mo Qi descended from the sky and cupped his fists towards everyone, "I am Mo Qi. Thank you all for waiting."
"Not at all, not at all!" everyone said in unison.
Just as Mo Qi was about to enter the building to experience the office environment, a white light suddenly appeared in the sky, instantly filling the entire space, dazzling and blinding. In the blinding white light, a majestic figure appeared, as if standing behind the sun.
His face was indistinguishable, and even his body's outline was unclear.
Then, a deep, resonant voice echoed through the heavens: "Mo Qi of the Heavenly Steps Academy, heed my command. You are hereby appointed the Fourth Tier Lord of the Southern Heavenly Gate. You are ordered to proceed to the Hongmeng South Sea, contact various forces, negotiate with Turtle Ancestor, and prevent hostile forces from invading the Southern Continent. You are now bestowed the Fourth Tier Lord's Golden Plaque and the Southern Heavenly Token. Although you are the Fourth Tier Lord, you shall possess supreme authority within the tiers. In the Hongmeng South Sea, you may summon any tier personnel stationed abroad. Any who disobey your orders may be executed without prior trial."
As he spoke, two golden plaques descended slowly from the sky and landed in Mo Qi's hands.
Mo Qi quickly put away the Fourth Tier Lord's Golden Plaque, but held the Southern Heavenly Token in his hand, unable to put it down.
At first, he thought this trip would be a solitary endeavor. He hadn't expected to be able to mobilize tier personnel from overseas, which greatly increased his authority.
After all, countless individuals from the Seven Tiers were dispatched on missions to various continents every year. With this token, he would have a hundred responses to a single call.
"When do I depart?" Mo Qi asked casually.
"Immediately," the voice replied emotionlessly.
They couldn't possibly rush him like this, could they?
He, the Fourth Tier Lord, hadn't even entered the Fourth Tier's gate before being sent away.
It felt as if he had been given a nominal title solely to carry out a mission.
Could he at least have a drink of water?
But, upon careful consideration, this was all unexpected gain. He would have gone resolutely even if he were alone.
"Mo Qi obeys!" Mo Qi bowed and said. The dazzling radiance rapidly contracted, shrinking into the air in an instant and disappearing, along with the dark figure.
Mo Qi looked at Tian Xuan Hall Master Ximen Hu, "Who was that just now?"
Ximen Hu appeared thoughtful, "Someone with such great power is likely an envoy from the upper realm."
"A god?" Mo Qi looked bewildered.
"Yes," Ximen Hu nodded.
Mo Qi held the Southern Heavenly Token and waved it in front of Ximen Hu, "I order you to accompany me to the Hongmeng South Sea on this mission."
Ximen Hu's face turned green with fear. He immediately knelt on the ground, tears streaming down his face, "Lord, spare my life! My cultivation is low, and I am not adept at handling matters. Going out is surely a death sentence. My death is not important, but I have an eighty-year-old mother and a two-hundred-year-old son. How will they live?"
Seeing his heartbroken crying, Mo Qi felt a twinge of pity. He then looked at Sang Lanfeng, who immediately knelt as well, "Lord, I have just returned from the Hongmeng South Sea, weary and dusty. I haven't even rested my feet, and I have blisters on my soles. I saw a doctor yesterday, and he said I cannot endure any more hardship, or I will die prematurely. I am only six hundred years old, Lord, please, have mercy and let me live a few more years."