367: Double second-class, Xiaobai: Why don't you two marry together? My master doesn't mind.

An imperial decree?

Everyone was startled. Since the Supervisor, Prince Jin, was also here attending the succession ceremony, there was only one possibility—this imperial decree was issued by the Chu Emperor.

But, wasn't he in secluded cultivation, facing death?

Many prominent figures were curious.

Who was this imperial decree for? After all, there were many influential and distinguished individuals present.

Could it be that the Chu Emperor had emerged from seclusion and intended to reclaim Prince Jin's authority as Supervisor?

Or was it aimed at the newly appointed Lord Shao Si of the Demon Suppression Division?

No matter who it was for.

An imperial decree, after all, represented the highest authority of Great Chu, so everyone rose to show respect.

Mainly because the Great Chu Dynasty did not have a tradition of kneeling. Even for an imperial decree, it was the same. Though kneeling was once required, it was later abolished by the founding emperor.

"What is this old fellow doing? He can't even cultivate in peace. He's neither dead nor alive, can't he just get it over with?" Prince Jin cursed inwardly.

Prince Qi looked composed, quietly watching the Old Eunuch delivering the decree, Old Eunuch Lü Fangzhong, the Chief Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial.

He hadn't expected this old immortal to deliver the decree. It seemed this imperial decree was undoubtedly personally issued by the Chu Emperor; otherwise, it wouldn't have disturbed this Old Eunuch.

Boom!

Old Eunuch Lü Fangzhong wasted no words, directly opening the imperial decree and proclaiming: "By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Yun Province Pacification Envoy Chu Jiang, for his outstanding achievements, is hereby conferred the title of Second-Rank Marquis Who Pacifies Demons. His Marquis Wuan title is elevated to Second-Rank, and he is granted the additional title of Demon Suppression Golden Guard.

It is hereby ordered: within three days, enter the palace to have an audience with His Majesty. Respect this!"

After reading the imperial decree, Old Eunuch Lü Fangzhong revealed a smile and said, "Lord Shao Si Chu, receive the decree!"

"Your subject, receives the decree!"

Chu Jiang clasped his hands and accepted the imperial decree, his eyes gleaming. It seemed that although the Chu Emperor was in seclusion, his control over the outside world remained undiminished.

After exchanging a few pleasantries with Chu Jiang, Old Eunuch Lü Fangzhong returned to the imperial palace.

Once the messenger left, everyone present gasped.

All the prominent figures: Σ (ŎдŎ|||)ﾉﾉ

All the Prodigies: (°Д°)

All the female cultivators: (｡>∀<｡)ヾ(≧∪≦*)ﾉ〃

Everyone's reactions varied.

But all showed surprise.

The highest peerage that Great Chu could confer now was a First-Rank Marquis. Chu Jiang had basically reached the top.

Moreover, he held two Second-Rank Marquis titles, a status no weaker than a First-Rank Marquis. The titles of Marquis Wuan and Marquis Who Pacifies Demons were not something ordinary people could obtain.

Some were also displeased, even jealous and extremely vexed.

Chu Jiang had only made a small contribution in a remote province in the west. While it was indeed remarkable in the west, it was nothing extraordinary in the entire world. Many in the imperial court had made greater contributions than him. How could he possibly deserve the double Marquis conferment?

As for the Demon Suppression Golden Guard, it was a special award for those who made significant contributions to the Demon Suppression Division, with fewer than five people being granted it in a thousand years.

This conferment was too high-level; His Majesty was perhaps too partial to Chu Jiang.

Could it be that Chu Jiang was truly the Chu Emperor's illegitimate son?

Prince Jin's eyes darkened. What was this old fellow up to? Bestowing such grand titles and summoning him for an audience.

The more this old immortal valued Chu Jiang, the greater his demands, suggesting some conspiracy behind the scenes.

He had only been in seclusion for half a year, and now he was coming out again. Could it be that his life-extending efforts failed, and he was already in critical condition?

This old thing, on his deathbed, he doesn't summon his imperial sons, but an outsider. He's truly senile.

"My dear Imperial Father, what exactly are you planning?"

Upon this thought, Prince Jin no longer had the heart to watch the show. He casually greeted everyone and left the place.

Prince Qi also left, and a small number of high-ranking imperial officials and dignitaries who were celebrating also fabricated various excuses and departed from the Demon Suppression Division.

But most people remained within the Demon Suppression Division. After the Prodigy's preliminary test concluded, the prominent figures of each sect gave their Prodigies healing Medicinal Pills. With no significant impact, they returned to the banquet.

Only one person, Fa Wu Hai, remained half-dead even after taking a high-grade healing Medicinal Pill.

"Damn it, damn it..." Fa Wu Hai roared in anger. He had completely lost face today.

He was almost crippled.

"Alright, Buddhist Son, I told you to be more discreet and let others go first, but you wouldn't listen. Now you're suffering, aren't you?"

"Use your brain next time!"

Xuan Kong shook his head helplessly. Since he couldn't persuade him, he could only let him learn a lesson. Some people can't be made to understand by mere words; only through the education of reality will they truly grasp it.

Fa Wu Hai remained silent, following Xuan Kong back to the main hall.

"Marquis Who Pacifies Demons, congratulations..."

"..."

Inside the main hall, various congratulatory voices were incessant.

Chu Jiang's seat was surrounded by prominent figures from all sides, all coming to offer toasts. Chu Jiang was not only highly regarded by the Demon Suppression Division but also conferred two Second-Rank Marquis titles by the Chu Emperor. Both in status and power, he stood at the pinnacle of Great Chu.

He could only be flattered, not easily offended.

Fa Wu Hai's teeth almost shattered when he saw this scene.

Dozens of Prodigy women from various sects surrounded one person. Each of them looked admiringly, even showing expressions of infatuation.

"Hiss..."

Fa Wu Hai winced in pain, frantically touching his face, almost forgetting that several of his front teeth had been shattered by Chu Jiang's punch.

He couldn't press too hard.

What kind of magic did this guy possess?

Something's not right.

The Prodigies of various sects had cultivated for decades or even centuries; they had seen all kinds of people, but they wouldn't be so captivated by just seeing a handsome man.

Could it be the Innate Succubus Physique?

This Physique has a ninety percent chance of appearing in women. Its possessors are all peerless beauties who drive people mad. However, there is an extremely small chance it can appear in men, bestowing upon them a powerful natural attraction to women.

The more Fa Wu Hai thought about it, the more he felt it was true. Otherwise, these beauties wouldn't be like this, all interested in one person.

This damned Chu Jiang, all the good things happen to him. If this Succubus Physique were on him, it would be perfect.

...

It lasted a long time before the group of female Prodigies reluctantly departed.

"Lord Shao Si, you're too busy. I've been waiting for a long time, and I can't even get close!" Yue Xuanji swayed gracefully, her alluring figure trailing behind her, as she walked over with Dan Chen.

"Saintess, what is it?" Chu Jiang asked calmly. She must be the Saintess from the black mirror. He hadn't expected her to be from Southern Xinjiang.

"Lord Shao Si, can't I come to you even if there's nothing wrong? I've admired you for a long time. Saying that is too hurtful..." Yue Xuanji's eyes were like silk, as if she were truly emotional.

"Coincidentally, I am interested in the Saintess. How about we become Dao Companions today?" Chu Jiang's lips curled upwards. This woman was a true actress. If she wanted to, she could probably look at anyone with deep affection.

Acting, he could do that too.

Yue Xuanji's expression remained unchanged. She chuckled, "Lord Shao Si, though I am interested, I cannot take what belongs to another. Sister Dan Chen is head over heels for you. I'm here to play matchmaker for the two of you!"

Dan Chen smiled, a blush flashing across her face: "Brother Chu Jiang, don't listen to Sister Yue's nonsense. She likes you herself but doesn't dare to say it... she insists on dragging me into it..."

Yue Xuanji froze, her breath catching. Good heavens, Dan Chen, how could you undermine your sister like that?

Who said Dan Chen was innocent? Dan Chen was full of schemes, if not eight hundred, then at least three hundred.

She's turning the tables on her, isn't she?

"Alright, two young ladies, no need to argue. Wouldn't it be even better if both of you married my master? My master doesn't mind." Little White said mischievously. One was mature and voluptuous, like a ripe cherry, and the other was petite and exquisite. His master would definitely like them.

"Yes, my master is so good. He gives us delicious food every day. If you follow my master, he'll give you good things to eat every day..." Long Teng also chimed in, munching on a spirit fruit.

"If the two young ladies are interested, I will personally arrange the wedding for you!" Fu Yunxuan also said, half-jokingly, understanding that the two were jesting. But if these two women truly entered her master's embrace, she could also relax a bit.

Moreover, these two women held prominent positions and were worthy of her master.

"I..."

Yue Xuanji's breath hitched. This trio of master and servants connected quite well. She had only said one sentence, and they immediately brought up a wedding, a one-stop service, huh?

She admitted that Chu Jiang was pleasing to the eye, and being near him brought a strange sense of comfort, but it hadn't reached the point of wanting to be united with him after only a few glances.

As for Dan Chen, she had never seen such a scene and was blushing profusely.

"Brother Chu Jiang, I'll use water as wine to toast you and wish you a promotion!"

"Let's meet another day!"

Dan Chen's cheeks were as red as a green apple. After finishing the toast, she scurried away like a startled little rabbit, returning to Medicine King Valley's position.

"Lord Shao Si, let's discuss this matter in detail another day... Damn Dan Chen, come back here!"

Yue Xuanji left without looking back, chasing after Dan Chen.

She's deliberately undermining her, isn't she?

"Master, I recommend you take her down. I feel she's not much different from the Myriad Sound Valley Master, at least eight taels by my estimate. You'll definitely like her..." Little White continued to say mischievously.

"Go, go, go, what do you know? Get out of here..." Chu Jiang grabbed Little White's fluffy fur and tossed him onto his own table.

He shook his head.

Did Demon Quelling Heavenly Venerable really ride this fellow to pacify demons back then?

"Hmph, you don't appreciate good intentions!" Little White pouted.

...

The next day.

The banquet ended, and Chu Jiang embarked alone on the path to the imperial palace.

To meet the Chu Emperor.