Chapter 195: Return
“After all, Fen Juechen is a disciple of the Fen Tian Gate and the son of its sect master. Representing our Cangfeng Mystic Palace in this competition will inevitably invite criticism. Moreover, even if he manages to break into the top hundred, or even defeats Fen Juebi, no one will acknowledge that ranking as belonging to our Cangfeng Mystic Palace or the imperial clan. Instead, it will invite ridicule, and my imperial father will certainly not feel any glory from it... What does Mansion Master Qin think?” Cang Yue said calmly.
“Your Highness's words are very true — it will indeed invite much criticism and even ridicule,” Qin Wushang nodded, but then said helplessly, “However, the reason Fen Juechen joined our Mystic Palace was to wait for this year's Cangfeng Ranking Battle. He wants to defeat Fen Juebi in the Ranking Battle to avenge his past humiliation. The Third Prince also specifically gave his approval on this point. Moreover, he is now indeed a disciple of our palace. To expel him now would likely...”
“In that case, let him be. I will speak with my imperial father regarding that matter.” Cang Yue closed the list and said directly. Her tone was casual and weary, as if she no longer cared about the list, or even about this year's Cangfeng Ranking Battle.
Cang Yue's reaction made Qin Wushang sigh again. He lowered his head and said, “Everything shall be as the Princess wishes. With only three days left until the Ranking Battle begins, shall we depart tomorrow morning? What time would be most convenient for Your Highness?”
“Me?” Cang Yue shook her head and said dejectedly, “I forgot to inform Mansion Master Qin earlier. I will not be attending this year's Cangfeng Ranking Battle. Please have Mansion Master Qin and Mansion Master Dongfang lead the team.”
“Ah? This...” Although he had vaguely guessed this from Cang Yue's reaction, hearing it said so indifferently from Princess Cang Yue's own mouth still made his heart sink. He showed a troubled expression. “But Your Highness, Mansion Master Dongfang has always come and gone without a trace. Since the Emperor fell gravely ill, he has rarely stayed in the palace. After traveling abroad more than a year ago, no one has seen him since, and even sound transmission talismans cannot reach him.”
“Furthermore, even if Mansion Master Dongfang could return in time, it would be highly inappropriate for him and me to lead the team. The Cangfeng Ranking Battle is the highest-level grand assembly in the Cangfeng Empire for competition of strength. Even the Ten Great Sects, which dominate the world, are at least led by a Grand Elder, and sometimes by the Sect Master himself. Our imperial clan has always been led by at least one prince or princess, and sometimes the Emperor himself leads. If this time we are only led by a Mansion Master, I fear it will make the sects of the world think that the imperial clan looks down upon the heroes of the land. Especially Tian Jian Villa — it might also cause discord.”
“The Emperor's dragon body is unwell, and he is not physically able. The several princes are all immersed in the struggle for power and are unwilling to involve themselves in this matter. This matter can only rely on Your Highness the Princess. Three years ago, although our imperial clan only ranked two hundred and twenty-third, Your Highness's bearing dazzled the entire audience and completely overshadowed the imperial clan's dismal results. This year, I also humbly request Your Highness to condescend and attend; otherwise... I truly do not know what to do.”
In previous Cangfeng Ranking Battles, Cangfeng Emperor Cang Wanhe personally supervised the selection, made personal decisions, and even led the team himself many times. Now that Cang Wanhe has fallen ill and is unable to preside, although the princes are focused on vying for power, they are by no means unaware of the importance of the Cangfeng Ranking Battle within the empire. However, the imperial clan's results have always been extremely dismal. Going to Tian Jian Villa always results in a complete loss of face, so none of them are willing to take on the responsibility. That is why it was Cang Yue who led the team in the Cangfeng Ranking Battle three years ago.
This time, the circumstances are even simpler than three years ago. Qin Wushang could only rely on Cang Yue.
The matter of Yun Che left Cang Yue feeling deeply melancholy and exhausted in mind and body. She had even felt a sense of despair she had never known before. She really had no heart to deal with the Cangfeng Ranking Battle anymore. But since Qin Wushang had spoken to this extent, Cang Yue had no other choice. The face of the imperial clan could not be ignored, and maintaining relations with Tian Jian Villa could not afford any misstep. She could only nod slightly and say with closed eyes, “I understand... Prepare the flying profound beasts. We will depart tomorrow at the chen hour.”
“Yes.” Qin Wushang finally breathed a sigh of relief.
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The next day at the chen hour, the Inner Palace of the Cangfeng Mystic Palace.
The day was already bright, and the Inner Palace was quiet. Although it was still early, almost all of the Inner Palace disciples had already entered the Gathering Profound Tower. In the Inner Palace, disciples usually got up and entered the Gathering Profound Tower before dawn, and some would stay inside for several days and nights without coming out. Every second of cultivation in the Gathering Profound Tower was extremely precious, and they were unwilling to waste it. Once they left the Cangfeng Mystic Palace, it would be basically impossible for them to enter it again.
In front of the Taixuan Hall, three giant snow eagles stood majestically, emanating faint cold air. With the speed of giant snow eagles, traveling day and night could cover several thousand li in a day, and they could reach Tian Jian Villa in at most two days. Beside the three giant snow eagles, Qin Wushang was already waiting. To his right stood two young men wearing inner palace disciple robes, appearing to be around twenty years old. Both had ordinary features, but their eyes held a hint of pride, and when they looked at each other, there was obvious enmity.
These two were Feng Bufan and Fang Feilong, who had long occupied the second and third places on the Inner Palace's Heavenly Xuan List. Although they were only twenty years old, they were admired and respected by all mystic palace disciples, well-known figures in the entire Cangfeng Imperial City, and recognized geniuses.