Chapter 14: Trading Barbs

At the fifth watch, Ji Yun rose and hurried toward the imperial palace.

At this hour, all civil and military officials gathered for court.

Outside the palace gates, as soon as the officials saw Ji Yun galloping in, they quickly made way for him.

“Greetings, Grand Master,” came their respectful voices.

“Greetings, colleagues,” Ji Yun replied, dismounting and exchanging courtesies with those on either side.

A teasing voice rang out, “I heard that yesterday, the Seventh Young Lord rode a pig to admire spring—such a sight is truly unheard of!”

Ji Yun glanced at the speaker, his lips curving in a subtle, ambiguous smile. “Lord Chu, you jest. Was it not your second son who took the prize yesterday, besting all others with a lavish display? Though young in years, his generosity knows no bounds.”

The Seventh Young Lord of the Ji family and the Second Young Lord of the Chu family—neither could mock the other, both notorious for their prodigal ways. Yet, the two were at odds; every meeting sparked conflict.

Chu Shenghong’s expression twitched, disappointed by the exchange.

In the entire court, only Chu Shenghong dared speak to Ji Yun in such a manner.

After all, the emperor’s most favored consort was Chu Shenghong’s eldest daughter, Chu Fenglan.

Moreover, the Chu family’s eldest son was a prodigy who had already awakened his soul power, greatly delighting the emperor. The Chu family spared no effort, vowing to nurture their son to greatness.

Emperor Chiyu was just twenty, inheriting his mother’s beauty and the late emperor’s cunning. Though he had reigned less than a year, he already held the court firmly in his grasp.

He was the only prince of the Chiyu royal line to awaken his powers, and a rare spirit cultivator at that, once trained under Ji Yun, mastering the art of summoning rain. With him, Chiyu flourished, blessed with favorable weather and prosperity.

In the grand hall, officials lined both sides of the chamber.

“The emperor arrives!”

A sovereign clad in resplendent robes embroidered with crimson clouds and golden dragons emerged from behind the curtains, black hair crowned with jade, radiating majestic presence.

All officials immediately knelt, bowing to the emperor’s authority.

“Rise, my loyal subjects. What matters do you wish to present?” he asked.

The officials began to report on affairs of state.

An hour passed before Bei Mingyu, swift and decisive, finished handling court matters and looked toward Ji Yun.

“Ji Yun, after court is dismissed, come to the Imperial Study.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Ji Yun replied.

Chu Shenghong glanced at Ji Yun, his expression reluctant.

He was reassured that Ji Yun no longer oversaw court affairs, focusing solely on cultivating awakened ones for the emperor.

Chu Shenghong worried that his hard-won, awakened son would be overshadowed under Ji Yun’s tutelage, so he had his daughter petition the emperor to exempt his son from joining the Heavenly Origin Sect.

Fortunately, the emperor agreed.

...

Imperial Study.

Bei Mingyu shed his ornate court attire and donned casual wear—a bright yellow robe embroidered with golden dragons soaring amidst clouds, topped with a light, sheer outer garment, lending him a softer air than on the throne.

“Your Majesty,” Ji Yun stepped forward, bowing respectfully.

“Ji Yun, you may dispense with ceremony. Has Lord Ji arrived at your residence and settled in?”

“Your Majesty, he is well settled.”

“He truly has no connection to the Xuanyuan royal family of Shengqian?”

“Your Majesty, the Kunlun Hall never accepts royal blood from any of the seven kingdoms. Lord Ji hails from Kunlun Hall.”

Bei Mingyu pondered this.

Indeed, had it not been for his royal lineage, he would have entered Kunlun Hall himself, and perhaps his abilities would now rival Ji Yun’s.

Ji Yun was also from Kunlun, merely twenty years ahead of Lord Ji.

“The matter of the Cloud-Weaving Mountain has stirred the ambitions of other nations. Whether or not there are ancient relics within, none shall covet it!” Bei Mingyu’s words were iron, authority unmistakable.

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

...

Ji Yin wandered aimlessly through the bustling streets, noticing that every person recognized her.