Qiu Zhengyi saw that the Li Mo was so polite to Xia Feng, calling him "Young Master" with every utterance. Though he was a Divine Emperor realm expert, he still showed great respect to a young master from such a major sect. He stepped forward and said respectfully:
"Young Master, we have prepared a palace for you. Please come this way."
In the Divine Realm, the strongest entities were the super sects.
However, these super sects did not concern themselves with the affairs of ordinary people, leading to the formation of cities and kingdoms.
Whether they were kingdoms or cities, many would attach themselves to the super sects.
In general, these were two unrelated factions, yet they were intricately connected.
In the end, strength was all that mattered.
Xia Feng nodded upon hearing this. "Lead the way."
"This way, Young Master," Qiu Zhengyi quickly led Xia Feng into the palace.
The palace arranged by Qiu Zhengyi was quite grand, complete with many palace maids in attendance. After making the arrangements, Qiu Zhengyi said to Xia Feng and Li Mo, "Young Master, Senior, please rest here for a while. There will be a banquet tonight, and we hope you will attend."
"Alright, you may go and attend to your duties," Xia Feng nodded.
After sending Qiu Zhengyi away, Xia Feng and his companions idled around the palace, waiting for the banquet that evening.
Meanwhile, Qiu Zhengyi stayed at the reception until it was nearly time to report to Zi Ruolin.
Qiu Zhengyi reported all the Divine Emperor realm experts who had arrived to participate in the competition over the past few days.
There were a total of 32 Divine Emperor realm experts: two at the late Divine Emperor stage, twelve at the mid Divine Emperor stage, and eighteen at the early Divine Emperor stage.
When everyone heard this number, they were greatly astonished.
They had never expected so many people to participate.
"Your Highness, the results are excellent this time. With so many powerful individuals coming to participate in the competition, the crisis brought by the Tianming Kingdom can be resolved. Perhaps we can even gain a vast expanse of territory."
Qiu Zhengyi's face showed excitement. Such an outcome was indeed worthy of celebration.
The number of Divine Emperor realm experts serving the Great Xiao Kingdom was less than ten. Now, with more than three times that number, anyone would feel excited and reassured.
Zi Ruolin's expression finally showed a hint of a smile upon hearing this. She said softly, "This time, we must make the Tianming Kingdom hoist its own petard and let them know that our Great Xiao Kingdom is not to be trifled with."
"Your Highness, perhaps our Great Xiao Kingdom will emerge victorious, weakening the Tianming Kingdom significantly. We could then ascend to become the strongest nation." The old woman's face displayed excitement.
There was no impossibility to this matter.
After all, this was a competition. If they won by a large margin, they could cripple the Tianming Kingdom's strength.
Although it was a competition, there was a limit. For example, if a kingdom lost and was left with only three cities, these three cities would no longer be considered stakes.
If, within 100 years, that kingdom had not won a single match and continued to retain only three cities, it would automatically be dissolved. The lords of those three cities would then be free to choose which surrounding nation to annex.
This was also to prevent disputes and warfare. Since everyone was treated the same, this led to only competitions existing between nations, never wars fought over territory.
More importantly, all nations were interconnected, with no restrictions whatsoever.
In essence, the existence of nations was primarily for the better collection of cultivation resources and the management of ordinary people.
There were no issues of sovereignty involved.
When the ordinary citizens of a city were transferred to another kingdom, it was merely a change of leadership. What they did yesterday, they would continue to do today; it had no impact on the common people.
"Indeed, this is an opportunity for us. I will personally attend the banquet tonight to entertain everyone," Zi Ruolin declared, striking the armrest of her chair with determination.
Initially, Zi Ruolin had not intended to make an appearance. However, the sheer number of powerful individuals participating this time, including two at the late Divine Emperor stage, prompted her to change her plans.
This would at least show her respect for everyone, allowing them to focus on the competition.
"Your Highness, your old servant agrees."
"This minister has no objections."
"This minister concurs."
The four of them quickly expressed their approval. Even if Zi Ruolin hadn't said anything, they would have persuaded her to appear.
With such a golden opportunity, they certainly wished to win over the hearts of the people.
What if some were willing to stay and serve after the competition?
This was a truly fortunate circumstance, one they wouldn't find even if they searched with a lantern.
"Lord Qiu, have you made proper arrangements for the two experts at the late Divine Emperor stage?" Zi Ruolin inquired about the two late Divine Emperor realm experts.
The value of late Divine Emperor stage experts was exceedingly high.
One of these two individuals had a high probability of obtaining the Venerable Pill. If they were fortunate enough to break through to the Divine Sovereign realm, they would, at the very least, owe their gratitude to her first.
While it was compensation for their efforts, the opportunity was provided by her.
Cultivators inherently valued opportune moments; without such chances, no amount of effort would be fruitful.
Upon hearing Zi Ruolin's question, Qiu Zhengyi quickly nodded and replied, "Your Highness, all arrangements have been made."
"That is good. These two are super experts with the potential to become Divine Sovereigns in the future. They must be treated with the utmost care," Zi Ruolin nodded.
Qiu Zhengyi hesitated, then suddenly said, "Your Highness, one of the late Divine Emperor stage experts is merely a subordinate."