329: Goodbye Chu Chunqiu

As the Dragon Emperor's decree thundered across the skies of the Demon Domain,

After a brief moment of shock and commotion, the various powers quickly responded.

Within just a few days, the skies above Holy Dragon City became bustling with activity.

One after another, streaks of light of various colors and varying strengths flew in from all directions, landing at the designated reception square outside the city.

Every arrival represented a force within the Demon Domain that could not be underestimated.

The first to arrive were mostly Demon Kings and Cave Masters with clear stances, or those from remote areas eager to show their loyalty.

Carrying lavish tributes and guided by Dragon Clan protocol officers, they respectfully entered Holy Dragon City and headed to the Dragon Emperor Palace for a formal audience with the Dragon Emperor.

Inside the towering Holy Dragon Palace, the atmosphere was solemn and dignified.

Long Qingcheng sat high upon the imperial throne, clad in a dark gold dragon robe and a majestic crown, having regained her Supreme aura as the ruler of all demons.

She calmly accepted the homage of her subordinates, her words gentle yet not lacking in majesty.

However, after leaving the Holy Dragon Palace, almost all the visitors would, either openly or discreetly, ask Dragon Clan officials or familiar friends about the same piece of news:

"That... Young Master Li of the Human Race, the one who slew the Green Rhinoceros Demon King, where is he now?"

Li Shengyuan's existence was like a sharp sword hanging over the hearts of many in the Yao Race.

His strength and his mysterious yet seemingly unbreakable relationship with the Dragon Emperor made these Demon Domain giants feel both uneasy and curious.

To these inquiries, the Dragon Clan officials' response was consistently: "Young Master Li is an honored guest of Your Majesty. He resides in the Dragon Perching Garden, living in seclusion and focusing on his cultivation."

This seemingly ordinary answer only added to the sense of mystery.

For a time, all sorts of speculations about Li Shengyuan quietly circulated among the various powers arriving at Holy Dragon City.

Some felt awe, some felt wary, and some secretly pondered whether they could befriend or utilize him.

Even more Demon Kings and Cave Masters continued to arrive while observing the situation.

They brought more attendants, more elite guards, and their conduct became increasingly cautious.

The atmosphere within Holy Dragon City grew more heavy by the day.

All arrivals understood that this "grand gathering" was by no means a simple meeting for discussion and rewards.

The Dragon Emperor's thunderous methods and her decisiveness in eliminating the Green Rhinoceros had already made her stance clear.

In the days to follow, there would be no possibility of remaining neutral.

This was no longer an ordinary court assembly, but a pre-war "placing of bets."

Afterward, whether the Dragon Emperor ultimately purged the rebels and grew even more powerful, or the rebels raised a monstrous wave and changed the heavens... those neutral parties who tried to stay out of it and play both sides would surely become the targets of the victor's subsequent reckoning.

Any existence that could manage to become a regional hegemon in the Demon Domain understood this logic perfectly well.

Therefore, private networking, secret meetings, and exchanges of interests were quietly taking place throughout Holy Dragon City after arrival.

The loyalist faction gathered around the Dragon Emperor Palace, those with ambiguous attitudes tested one another, and those with ulterior motives began seeking "allies" and secretly accumulating strength.

Inside the Dragon Perching Garden, Li Shengyuan was indifferent to the undercurrents surging outside. Aside from chatting with Pei Shuyun and Long Yun every day, he spent his time sitting in meditation to regulate his breath, appearing calm and composed.

On this day, while he was drinking tea with the two women in the garden, he suddenly felt something. He looked toward the garden gate, a trace of surprise appearing on his face, which then turned into joy.

The space at the garden gate rippled slightly, and without alerting the guards or the Formation outside, two figures silently emerged.

The person leading was tall and unkempt, with a large vermilion gourd hanging from his waist and a travel-worn yet enthusiastic smile on his face—it was none other than Chu Chunqiu!

Behind him followed a young man with a clean-cut face and spirited eyes, looking around with a hint of curiosity—it was Little Junior Brother Song Zhen.

"Senior Brother, Junior Brother Song!" Li Shengyuan immediately stood up and greeted them with a beaming smile. "How did you two get here?"

"Haha, Junior Brother Shengyuan, I trust you've been well. I didn't expect us to meet again so soon after we headed west from Yangguan Pass. This time, we must have a few more drinks!" Chu Chunqiu laughed loudly as he stepped forward and slapped Li Shengyuan's shoulder with such force that even Long Yun, who was nearby, secretly clicked her tongue.

"The Teacher sent word for us to come and give you a hand. With such excitement... cough, with such a major matter concerning the safety of the world, how could I, your Senior Brother, miss out?"

Pei Shuyun and Long Yun also hurried forward to pay their respects.

Upon learning they were the prized disciples of the Chancellor of the Directorate of Astronomy, Long Yun felt a sense of profound respect.

"Senior Brother, Junior Brother Song, it's been a long journey. Please, have a seat." Li Shengyuan led the two to their seats and personally poured tea.

Chu Chunqiu picked up his teacup and downed it in one gulp, smacking his lips. "This tea isn't bad; it tastes much better than the sandy water in the Western Regions, but it's still a bit lacking compared to my fine wine. By the way, about His Majesty the Dragon Emperor..."

Li Shengyuan smiled and said, "If the Her Majesty the Queen knows that the Chancellor has sent his prized disciples to help, she will surely be delighted."

A moment later, Li Shengyuan led Chu Chunqiu and Song Zhen to a side hall in the Dragon Emperor Palace.

Long Qingcheng had already received word and was waiting there.

Upon seeing Long Qingcheng, Chu Chunqiu dropped his usual boisterous and unrestrained manner. His expression became extremely solemn as he took a step forward and performed a standard Daoist Junior's bow, his tone respectful:

"Junior Chu Chunqiu, by the order of my master, the Chancellor of the Directorate of Astronomy, have brought my Junior Brother Song Zhen to pay respects to Senior Dragon Emperor. My master asked me to convey his regards to Senior."

Behind him, Song Zhen also hurriedly followed suit with a bow, curiously stealing glances at this legendary Supreme of the Yao Race.

Long Qingcheng sat above, her gaze falling upon Chu Chunqiu. She nodded slightly, and a faint smile appeared on her majestic face, as if she were recalling something:

"So it is you. Not having seen you for several decades, the little Daoist boy who used to follow behind the Chancellor has now grown to such a level."

Hearing this from the side, Li Shengyuan's heart stirred, and he couldn't help but ask, "Your Majesty... have you met Senior Brother before?"

Long Qingcheng glanced at Li Shengyuan and said indifferently, "Several decades ago, I visited the Capital of Great Qian once to privately visit the Chancellor and ask about some past matters regarding Sister Yunmiao."

"At that time, this little friend Chu was indeed following behind the Chancellor, attending to his writing. He was quite a spirited little Daoist boy, but after many years, his appearance has changed due to his love for drinking."

Chu Chunqiu scratched his head somewhat sheepishly. "Senior has a good memory. Back then, I was young and only remember Senior's peerless grace, which was truly captivating."

Li Shengyuan finally understood.

"The Chancellor is thoughtful," Long Qingcheng said to the two. "The risks in this matter are not small. With the two of you here to help, I will have a bit more certainty."

"Accommodations have already been arranged for you in Holy Dragon City. If you have any needs, feel free to speak up."

"Senior is too kind. Exterminating demons and defending the Dao, and protecting the peace of the two domains, is our duty as members of our generation," Chu Chunqiu said solemnly.

He then gave a chuckle, licking his lips as he looked expectantly at Long Qingcheng. "It's just that I'm a bit thirsty after the long journey. If there's enough 'dragon saliva brew' in Senior's palace, that would be even better."

Long Qingcheng let out a laugh. "There shall be plenty of fine wine!"