Imperial City, Feng Family.
In a luxurious private room, two figures stood.
“Still no clues about that item?” an elder in a blue-gold patterned robe asked, arms crossed, his back to the other, his tone commanding.
“Reporting to my lord, I’ve used the entire nation’s resources to search, but still no leads,” replied the elder in a wind-patterned robe respectfully.
This wind-robed elder had thick brows, deep eyes, a broad face with sharp features, and white hair, exuding a vigorous aura despite his age.
This man was none other than Feng Yuntian.
“Three years ago, I sensed that the item was within your Lanlan Empire. I ordered you to search for three whole years, and you’re telling me there’s still no trace,” the blue-gold robed elder said, a hint of anger in his voice.
A flash of fear crossed Feng Yuntian’s eyes. He quickly clasped his hands and said, “Please calm your anger, my lord. I will do everything in my power to find it, even if I have to turn every corner of the Lanlan Empire upside down!”
“But, my lord, could the item be…”
“I know what you’re thinking!” the blue-gold robed elder said coldly. “I’ll handle the two neighbouring empires, but let me remind you, if you think you can use my power to expand your influence while neglecting my tasks, the consequences will be more than you and your Feng family can bear!”
“I understand, my lord. I would never dare betray you!” Feng Yuntian said hurriedly.
Nodding indifferently, the blue-gold robed elder’s tone calmed. “Is everything ready for the birthday celebration?”
Feng Yuntian nodded. “All preparations are complete. All our experts have been gathered in the imperial city. If the two empires dare to come, we’re confident we can take them down.”
“The two empires, why not seize this chance to unite against them? They’ll definitely come, and they might even come in full force,” the blue-gold robed elder said quietly. “But without Martial Monarchs, it’s all in vain!”
“My lord is wise!” Feng Yuntian echoed.
…
Spirit Controller Alliance Headquarters.
A refined, elegant man sat at the head, exuding an air of unmatched charisma. Below him, on both sides, sat the alliance’s senior members, each with a grave expression.
“Leader, must we truly pledge loyalty to the Feng family?” an elder in a light green spirit controller robe stood up, his tone reluctant.
Others shared similar expressions.
The charismatic man shook his head faintly. “The importance of that item is far more terrifying than we can imagine. I hope it’s never found, or everyone in the empire who knows of it might be erased!”
The group was startled, their expressions growing even heavier.
“No one knows what that man is searching for, to expend an entire empire’s resources for three years. And now, he’s even targeting the Moyu and Dongyang Empires!” another said, puzzled.
“Exactly. Feng Yuntian’s grand birthday celebration is, on the surface, an invitation to the two empires’ experts, but in reality, it’s a move against them.”
Another added, “The two empires have long coveted the Lanlan Empire. They won’t fall for it. Rumours say they’ve been in close contact lately and might strike at the banquet.”
“Why don’t we turn against the Feng family and join forces with the two empires instead?”
Others nodded in agreement.
“Absolutely, not just our Spirit Controller Alliance, but the imperial family and the Zhou family likely have similar plans. With the two empires’ experts attacking and our three forces betraying them, I refuse to believe we can’t topple the Feng family!” a bald elder in a light green spirit controller robe said angrily.
However, the charismatic man shook his head. “The situation isn’t as simple as you think. Feng Yuntian and that mysterious figure must have considered this. If they dare to make such a bold move, they must have sufficient confidence.”
“Even if we succeed in eliminating the Feng and Chen families and that mysterious figure, the two empires’ experts will turn on us next, dealing a devastating blow.”
“And the worst case is that the terrifying force behind that mysterious figure comes for revenge,” the charismatic man said gravely. “Then, we might all face annihilation!”
The bald elder’s face showed deep frustration. “So we just let the Feng family manipulate us, acting as their pawns?”
“Let’s observe quietly three days from now. I have a feeling the two empires aren’t that simple either. They might have Martial Monarchs appear, and Meitian Mo, ambushed years ago by that mysterious figure and Feng Yuntian, likely won’t miss this chance.”
The charismatic man spoke thoughtfully. “So, if it comes to fighting, don’t go all out. Wait until the situation becomes clear before making a final decision.”
The others could only nod helplessly.
Meanwhile, the imperial family and the Zhou family were also secretly discussing countermeasures.
The two empires, too, had people meticulously planning.
Unbeknownst to all, three people and two beasts had quietly arrived in the imperial city.
These were Lin Xiao, Hu Yue, Ling Hu, Xutian Wangyue, and Fire Spirit Rabbit.
In their anxiety, Lin Xiao urged Xutian Wangyue to travel at top speed, so in less than ten days, they reached the imperial city.
To avoid revealing themselves prematurely, Lin Xiao had prepared a mask. With his current cultivation, ability to conceal his aura, and transformed strength, even a Martial Monarch might not recognise him.
Wearing the mask would keep him hidden.
He also prepared masks for Hu Yue and Ling Hu. Hu Yue had shown her face before Feng Youyu, and if recognised, her identity would be exposed.
Ling Hu wore one as a precaution, as reaching Martial Venerable at his age would likely draw attention.
This was to gather information about their families first, or they wouldn’t have bothered with such measures and would have stormed the Feng family directly.
“Imperial City, I, Lin Xiao, am back!”
Gazing at the red walls and yellow tiles of the majestic imperial city, Lin Xiao’s heart surged with emotions.
Four years ago, he entered Tianxuan Sect here, igniting his martial dao hopes, only to have his dantian destroyed and be expelled from the sect, nearly dying at the hands of Feng Lanyue and Chen Yan.
Because of them, he gained the memories of the Heaven-Devouring Spirit Emperor, rising like a comet. Three years ago, at their wedding, he stormed the Feng family, killed them, and was hunted as he fled the imperial city and the Lanlan Empire.
Now, he was back.
This time, too, he came to take revenge on the Feng family.
“First, find Senior Yi Xuanfeng!” Lin Xiao’s gaze turned to a mountain range on the right of the imperial city.
There lay Tianxuan Sect, a renowned sect at the edge of the imperial city.
Since Tianxuan Sect fought the Feng family for him, he didn’t know how the sect had fared.
