87: Back to the capital!

A day later, the two left the East Sea and returned to land.

"Dao Xuan."

On the flying boat, Chen Xu spoke coldly.

"Father, your son is here!"

Chen Daoxuan stepped forward and quickly responded.

Chen Xu casually tossed the vast sea dragon heart, which emanated a powerful water Qi.

It flew in front of Chen Daoxuan.

"Take this item back to the Family first and give it to your mother. During the time I am away, you will be in charge of the Family's overall situation. If any villains dare to cause trouble at this time..."

Chen Xu paused, a chilling killing intent flashing in his eyes.

"Kill without mercy."

Chen Daoxuan's heart trembled, and he nodded heavily: "Your son understands!"

He knew that the Family was at a critical juncture. As the child on whom his father had poured the most effort, he had to hold the entire situation together.

"Go."

Chen Xu waved his hand, saying no more.

Chen Daoxuan respectfully bowed, took the vast sea dragon heart, turned, and sped towards Ninghai City on a sword light.

Watching his son's retreating figure, Chen Xu slowly retracted his gaze.

He returned to the black iron flying boat alone.

The next moment!

Boom—!!!

The black iron flying boat let out a deafening roar.

The entire hull lit up with dazzling spiritual light!

All defensive Formations were shut down at this moment, supplying all spiritual energy to the flying boat's power core!

Whoosh~!

The flying boat transformed into a black streak of light, like an arrow shot from a bowstring.

It once again sped towards the Great Feng Imperial Dynasty!

Its speed was so fast that even space on both sides of the flying boat was pulled into distorted ripples!

He ignored all checkpoints and outposts along the way.

He paid no attention to any Flying Sword attempting to intercept him.

For Chen Xu at this moment, all the rules of the Great Feng Imperial Dynasty were mere waste paper!

...Great Feng Imperial Dynasty.

As the capital of a nation, this place was prosperous and flourishing, with Cultivators as numerous as clouds.

Above the Imperial City, there was also a permanent no-fly Formation supported by the national Luck Dragon Vein.

Let alone ordinary Cultivators... even a Nascent Soul Ancestor would not dare to fly freely above the Imperial City.

However, today, this iron rule was easily trampled by a black streak of light!

"Tear~!"

A piercing roar resounded throughout the sky above the Imperial City!

The solid no-fly Formation light curtain was forcibly torn open by that black streak of light, leaving a huge gap!

"Enemy attack!!"

"A powerful enemy has breached the Formation!"

"Quick! Activate the city-protecting Formation!"

Piercing alarm bells instantly resounded inside and outside the imperial palace!

Inside the Imperial City, countless Cultivators looked up in horror, seeing a completely black, ancient-looking flying boat.

It arrogantly hovered directly above the imperial palace.

Like a sharp sword hanging over the heads of the entire imperial Family!

Buzz buzz buzz~!

The Imperial City's forbidden army reacted with astonishing speed.

In an instant, the entire imperial palace glowed brightly.

The city-protecting Formation was instantly activated to its strongest state!

Tens of thousands of spiritual light crossbow bolts rose from various corners of the city walls, flashing with chilling cold light, all aimed at the solitary black iron flying boat!

"How dare you!"

A thunderous roar exploded!

A forbidden army commander, clad in brilliant golden armor and emanating an Aura at the Peak of the Late Golden Core Stage, held a long halberd.

He bravely soared into the sky.

He resisted the invisible pressure emanating from the flying boat and sternly rebuked: "What madman dares to be presumptuous in the Imperial City! Why do you not quickly come down and accept death!"

But clearly, his rebuke received no response.

The next moment, the black iron flying boat's door opened.

Chen Xu, dressed in green robes, slowly walked out, standing with his hands behind his back at the bow of the ship.

He ignored the Golden Core commander.

He merely swept his eyes indifferently over the dazzling and imposing city-protecting Formation below, then let out a cold snort.

But at the moment this cold snort sounded!

Boom—!!!!

An indescribably terrifying Aura, centered on Chen Xu, pressed down fiercely towards the ground below!

"Buzz... buzz buzz..."

The city-protecting Formation, which had just been dazzling and awe-inspiring, began to tremble violently in the face of this terrifying Aura!

The Formation's light rapidly dimmed at a visible speed!

In just one breath!

The originally brilliant and dazzling light had already dimmed by seventy percent!

The entire imperial palace trembled violently under this Aura!

"Pfft~!"

And the Golden Core commander, who had been at the forefront, just moments ago clamoring for Chen Xu to accept death.

Was struck as if by lightning!

He only felt an irresistible power instantly envelop his entire body.

The Golden Core within him instantly froze, unable to mobilize even a trace of magical power!

The anger on his face completely vanished, replaced by horror!

He couldn't even utter half a word before his vision went black, his body went limp, and he fell straight down from mid-air!

"Commander!"

"Quick! Catch the commander!"

The forbidden army below scrambled, catching him with many hands.

But they found that their commander had already rolled his eyes and foamed at the mouth.

He had been directly stunned by that terrifying Aura!

Dead silence!

The entire scene was dead silent!

Inside and outside the imperial palace, hundreds of thousands of forbidden troops and countless imperial Cultivators, at this moment, were all like ducks whose throats had been choked.

Not a sound!

Everyone stared blankly at the sky, at the green-robed figure who, with just a cold snort, had almost crushed the city-protecting Formation.

And stunned the Golden Core commander.

A chill rose from the bottom of their hearts!

This... who on earth was this peerless fiend?!

In this dead silence, Chen Xu's voice reached the ears of everyone in the imperial palace: "I am here to solve your problems."

"Not to abide by your troublesome rules."

"Let the one who can make decisions come out and speak."

His voice was calm, yet it contained an unquestionable dominance!

His words were a blatant disregard for the entire Great Feng Imperial Dynasty.

Making everyone who heard these words feel a chill in their hearts!

Deep within the imperial palace, there was silence for a full three breaths.

Finally, an urgent voice rang out.

"Head of the Chen Family, please calm your anger! It is My fault for poor discipline and for failing to greet you properly. I hope the Head of the Chen Family will be magnanimous!"

"Quick! Quickly invite the Head of the Chen Family into the palace for a discussion!"

As this voice sounded.

A rainbow bridge, formed by golden Dragon Qi, extended from the deepest hall of the imperial palace, all the way to beneath the bow of the black iron flying boat.

This was the highest courtesy an emperor could offer!

Chen Xu reined in his Aura, which was capable of making heaven and earth change color.

He didn't even look at the rainbow bridge; with a flicker of his figure, he vanished from the bow as if teleporting.

The next moment, he had already appeared deep within the imperial palace, in front of a resplendent hall.

Leaving behind only the utterly shocked Cultivators throughout the city, and the imperial forbidden troops who were as silent as cicadas in winter, not daring to even breathe heavily.

The moment he stepped into the imperial palace.

The purple light deep within Chen Xu's eyes flashed.

Purple Pupils of Delusion Breaking!

His gaze penetrated layers of palaces, pierced through the earth, and landed deep beneath the imperial palace!

There, a golden Dragon Vein, formed by the Great Feng Dynasty's national Luck accumulated over several centuries.

Was in a deep slumber.

The Dragon Vein was majestic and exuded a powerful Aura.

However, in Chen Xu's eyes, he could see that on the pure golden body of the Dragon Vein, a wisp of black Devilish Qi had, at some unknown point, become entangled!

That Devilish Qi originated from the same source as the Devilish Qi of the Greedy Wolf Demon Envoy he had slain in the East Sea, and the Devilish Qi covering the vast sea dragon heart.

But it was very subtle!

It was like a leech, clinging to the Great Feng Dynasty's Dragon Vein, constantly siphoning off the Great Feng Dynasty's national Luck.

Chen Xu's eyes narrowed slightly!

He retracted his gaze and stepped into the hall.

Inside the hall, an Old Emperor, dressed in dragon robes, with a haggard face and temples streaked with gray.

Was anxiously waiting.

Beside him stood a peerlessly beautiful woman in palace attire, none other than Madam Qin.

Seeing Chen Xu enter, Madam Qin's pretty face showed a hint of relief.

She nodded slightly at him.

The Old Emperor, however, rushed over as if he had seen a savior, taking three steps at a time.

He grabbed Chen Xu's hand, his old tears streaming down, and cried out heartbrokenly.

"Head of the Chen Family! You've finally arrived! I... I'm about to be forced to death by that rebellious son!"

"That rebellious son Zhao Yu, with a wolf's ambition, actually colluded with the Yao Race of the seven kill demon star, intending to murder his father and usurp the throne during the Heaven Worship Ceremony, sacrificing the Dragon Vein and turning My Great Feng Dynasty into a Demonic Path land!"

"I am old now, and My cultivation is almost gone. I am truly powerless to turn the tide!"

"Now, I can only rely on the Head of the Chen Family to act, to slay demons and evil for My Great Feng Dynasty, and set things right!"

The Old Emperor was in tears, his words sincere and heartfelt, his performance truly moving.

If it were anyone else, they would probably have been touched by his performance and felt a shared hatred for the enemy.

However, Chen Xu merely watched him silently.

Under his Purple Pupils of Delusion Breaking, the emperor's Luck above the Old Emperor's head, which should have been solid, was now unstable.

Even faintly tinged with a trace of black Qi.

In his seemingly sorrowful eyes, there was no despair.

Chen Xu instantly understood.

He looked at the Old Emperor, who was still vigorously performing, and a faint smile played on his lips.

What a rebellious son who murders his father and usurps the throne.

What a heartbroken father.

This play was really well acted.

It's just a pity that for him, this audience, it was really... the wrong person to perform for.

Late at night.

Great Feng Imperial City, candlelight flickered.

Chen Xu sat alone by the window, his fingertips gently tapping the table.

His gaze silently watched the dark night sky outside the window.

Today, he piloted the flying boat, forcefully entered the Imperial City, and intimidated the entire court, appearing flamboyant, but in fact, every step was within his calculations.

To deal with this kind of enemy hidden in the dark, the more low-key you are, the more they feel there is an opportunity to exploit.

They will use all sorts of schemes and tricks to test your bottom line.

On the contrary, by directly displaying overwhelming power on the table, making them feel fear and unfathomable depth.

Only then will they not dare to act rashly, and instead reveal more flaws.

Just then, a faint sound of footsteps came from outside the door, along with two very measured knocks.

"Enter."

Chen Xu said faintly, without turning his head.

The door was gently pushed open, and a slender figure, carrying a plate of exquisite pastries.

Walked in with her head bowed.

She was dressed in ordinary maid's attire, but the innate nobility she possessed could not be concealed.

"Head of the Chen Family, it's late, please have some refreshments."

The woman's soft voice carried a hint of nervousness.

Chen Xu's gaze returned from the window, falling on the newcomer.

A hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.

"It's you? Qin Rouer?"

The person who arrived was none other than Princess Qin Rouer, whom Madam Qin had previously promised to marry into the Chen Family.

Hearing Chen Xu call out her name, Qin Rouer's delicate body trembled slightly.

She slowly raised her head, revealing a beautiful and refined face, yet tinged with a hint of worry.

"Head of the Chen Family... still remembers Rou'er."

She bit her lip and said softly.

"Why are you here? And dressed like this?"

Chen Xu asked.

Qin Rouer gently placed the pastry tray on the table, respectfully stepped back, and then explained in a low voice: "It was Aunt Qin... Madam Qin who sent me."

"She said that since you are coming to the capital this time, you would need a trustworthy person to serve you."

She paused, seemingly organizing her words, and continued: "Madam Qin also asked me to tell the Head of the Chen Family that today you... you acted too flamboyantly."

"The imperial capital's waters run deep, and if you act like this... it's easy to become a target."

Chen Xu smiled slightly when he heard this. He picked up a piece of pastry but didn't eat it.

He merely toyed with it between his fingers.

"This is not my style..."

Chen Xu said calmly: "The more flamboyant I am, the less they will be able to figure out my true strength. A turbid pool is always better than a stagnant one."

Qin Rouer nodded, half understanding. She was just a princess living deep within the palace.

She couldn't comprehend this level of strategic maneuvering.

Chen Xu's tone shifted, his gaze sharpening slightly: "Madam Qin's secret letter to me said that the Seventh Prince, Qin Wujie, conspired with Demonic Path Cultivators, and there would be great chaos at the Heaven Worship Ceremony. What exactly is going on?"

At the mention of serious matters, Qin Rouer's face turned somewhat grim.

She glanced at the tightly closed door, lowered her voice, and quickly said: "Head of the Chen Family, the situation... is not as written in the letter! He is not the only true rebel."

"Oh?"

Chen Xu frowned, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes.

"Rou'er isn't clear about the specific details. There are many eyes and ears in the palace, so Aunt Qin didn't dare to say too much."

Qin Rouer's eyes were filled with anxiety: "She only said that at tomorrow's imperial court session, you will be able to see some clues. Please... please do not easily trust anyone, especially..."

She seemed to want to say something, but was full of apprehension.

Ultimately, she didn't speak it aloud.

"I understand."

Chen Xu nodded, his expression unchanged, as if everything was within his grasp.

He looked at the princess before him, whose palms were sweating from nervousness, yet who still bravely came to deliver the message.

His tone softened slightly: "You've worked hard. I will handle this matter."

Upon hearing this, Qin Rouer's taut heartstring relaxed slightly.

"If this crisis can be safely overcome..."

Chen Xu looked at her and continued: "I will take you back to Ninghai."

Qin Rouer's mind paused slightly.

She looked up, her beautiful eyes shimmering with tears.

Return to Ninghai?

These three words, for her, meant escaping this gilded cage, meaning a brand new beginning!

Her eyes instantly reddened.

Leaving her speechless for a moment.

"Rou'er... will wait for the Head of the Chen Family."

After a long while, she nodded heavily... The next day, in the Golden Imperial Hall.

Before dawn, all civil and military officials had already gathered in front of the hall, each with a solemn expression, yet unable to resist whispering and discussing amongst themselves.

Yesterday's black iron flying boat that appeared out of nowhere, and the young man in green who, with his own might, made the city-protecting Formation dim.

They had brought them too much shock.

"Have you heard? His Majesty personally issued an imperial decree last night, bestowing the title of 'state protecting celestial master' of our Great Feng Dynasty upon the Head of the Chen Family!"

"state protecting celestial master? This is a title that only existed in previous dynasties! Equal in rank to a Prince, able to mobilize the three armies, and not required to kneel before the monarch!"

"Hiss... This Chen Family, I'm afraid, is truly about to ascend to the heavens in one step."

Just as everyone was discussing, the eunuch's sharp announcement rang out.

"His Majesty arrives! The state protecting celestial master arrives!"

Everyone's hearts tightened, they immediately fell silent, turned to face the main hall, and prepared to kneel.

They saw the Old Emperor, wearing a dragon robe and looking haggard, personally accompanying a young man in green.

Walking together on the red carpet!

What made their eyes almost pop out was that beside the Emperor's dragon throne, there was an identical imperial seat!

Chen Xu, actually sat side by side with the Emperor!

This was no longer just favor; this was unprecedented and supreme glory!

"Long live His Majesty! Long live, long live, long long live!"

"Long live the Celestial Master! Long live, long live, long long live!"

Kneeling cries, like a mountain roar and a sea surge, rang out, and all civil and military officials, regardless of rank, prostrated themselves on the ground.

Only Chen Xu sat calmly on the imperial seat, his expression indifferent.

As if none of this concerned him.

His calm gaze swept over the dense mass of officials below, as if looking at a group of ants.

"All my beloved ministers, rise..."

The Old Emperor's voice carried a hint of weakness. He glanced at Chen Xu beside him, and seeing no reaction from him, continued: "Today, I have summoned all of you for a treasonous case that threatens the foundation of the state!"

As soon as his words fell, a Prince wearing a purple-gold crown and a python robe was the first to step out of the queue.

It was Prince Yu, Qin Kai.

He did not look at the Emperor, but instead performed a full prostration, a great bow, directly towards Chen Xu on the imperial seat!

"Your humble servant Qin Kai, greets the state protecting celestial master!"

His voice was loud, and his words were sincere.

Filled with heartfelt respect.

"Yesterday, the Celestial Master's Divine Might, intimidated the villains, and Qin Kai is deeply grateful!"

"Now, the traitorous Seventh Brother, Qin Wujie, has colluded with Demonic Path Cultivators, plotted rebellion, and intends to subvert our Great Feng Dynasty! Qin Kai is untalented, but is willing to be a vanguard under the Celestial Master, to obey the Celestial Master's commands, and will not shrink from any danger!"

His speech was impassioned, and his loyalty and courage were evident.

Many unsuspecting ministers nodded, adding more praise to this Prince Yu, who had always been known for his virtuous reputation.

What a loyal and filial minister!

However, Chen Xu, on the imperial seat, frowned slightly.

The Purple Pupils of Delusion Breaking quietly activated!

In an instant, the entire Golden Imperial Hall transformed into a different scene in his eyes.

Above everyone's heads.

Different lights representing their respective Luck and destiny appeared.

Most officials had Luck lights above their heads that were either bright or dim, impure and mixed, all indicating ordinary fates.

And when his gaze fell upon the Prince Yu, Qin Kai, who was performing flawlessly.

His eyes narrowed slightly.

He saw that above Prince Yu's head, there was indeed a rather majestic Aura of a king, golden and radiant, with a faint appearance of a flood dragon.

Clearly, he was destined for emperorship.

But!

Deep within that dazzling golden light, a wisp of extremely subtle black Devilish Qi was intertwined!

The Devilish Qi was as thin as a wisp of silk, like a poisonous snake, constantly devouring his king's Aura, and remotely echoing the contaminated Dragon Vein deep beneath the imperial palace!

He played it so well.

Chen Xu sneered inwardly, then his gaze shifted away, falling outside the main hall.

Soon, two imperial guards, escorting a young man in prison uniform, yet still holding his head high.

With an unruly expression, walked into the main hall.

It was the Seventh Prince, Qin Wujie, whom Prince Yu had accused of being a "traitor."

Chen Xu's gaze fell upon him.

Under the Purple Pupils of Delusion Breaking, he saw clearly.

This Qin Wujie, though his face was full of defiance and unwillingness.

But the Luck above his head was a pure and incomparable golden color!

That golden light condensed into a straight sword shape, sharp and irresistible!

Within it, there was even a small golden Dragon phantom, constantly roaring and clashing.

Full of unyielding fighting spirit!

This person carried great Luck; he was truly a latent Dragon.

"This... how is this possible?!"

Seeing this, Chen Xu's pupils contracted slightly.

His expression almost faltered.

One must know that what he had seen through soul-searching the Divine Souls of those Demonic Path Cultivators was the Seventh Prince, Qin Wujie, colluding with Demonic Path Cultivators, sacrificing Ninghai with blood... and his appearance was exactly the same as the person before him.

But seeing him today.

This Qin Wujie was actually blessed with Luck?

Not even a trace of Devilish Qi tainted him... One must know, the Divine Ability of Purple Pupils of Delusion Breaking, would never be wrong?

Then... Thinking of this, Chen Xu's brows relaxed slightly, and he had an answer in his heart!

Could it be that someone was impersonating Qin Wujie?

Colluding with Demonic Path Cultivators to frame and incriminate him?

Having figured this out, Chen Xu's brows relaxed, and his heart returned to peace.

"Rebellious son Qin Wujie! Do you know your crime!"

At this moment, the Old Emperor beside him pointed at Qin Wujie below, and angrily shouted with heartfelt grief.

"Imperial Father! Your son is innocent!"

Qin Wujie raised his head, his gaze like lightning, staring intently at Prince Yu, Qin Kai, and roared: "Your son accuses Prince Yu, Qin Kai! He is the true traitor!"

"He colluded with the seven kill demon star, cultivated evil techniques, and attempted to sacrifice the Dragon Vein with blood, turning our Great Feng Dynasty into a land of demons!"

As soon as these words came out, the entire court was in an uproar!

"Nonsense!"

Qin Kai's face instantly showed an expression of "heartfelt grief." He repeatedly kowtowed to the Emperor and Chen Xu.

"Imperial Father! Celestial Master! Seventh Brother... he's been deluded by a Devil Head and is slandering me with baseless accusations!"

He tearfully retorted: "Your son is wholeheartedly devoted to the country, diligently investigating the traces of Demonic Path Cultivators day and night, with both human and material evidence! On the other hand, Seventh Brother, in recent years, he has colluded with the Yao Race from the north, secretly communicating with external enemies, intending to cooperate from within and without to overthrow our Great Feng Dynasty!"

"This is the true wolf's ambition!"

Saying this, he took out a thick stack of evidence from his sleeve and presented it.

"Imperial Father, please see! These are secret letters exchanged between Prince Jing and the northern Yao Race!"

"And these, all found from Prince Jing's mansion, are the bloodied clothes of innocent people he harmed!"

The Old Emperor looked at the fabricated evidence, trembling with anger, and flew into a rage.

"Rebellious son! Rebellious son! Guards! Drag this rebellious son down for me, throw him into the Heavenly Prison! He will be executed in the autumn!"

"Imperial Father! Your son is wronged!"

Qin Wujie's eyes were bloodshot. He struggled desperately, but was held down tightly by two Golden Core Stage imperial guards.

He couldn't move at all.

He looked despairingly at his furious father on the dragon throne, and at his brothers around him, who were either indifferent or gloating.

Finally, he placed all his hope on the young man in green who had remained silent throughout.

Just as everyone thought the matter was settled.