286: Lu Xuan is shocked! Princess Xingyue is back from the dead!

"Lord Lu, Empress specially ordered me to come and meet you!"

Royal Concubine Man Qingqiu's expression became extremely steady, and she succinctly stated her purpose to Lu Xuan.

Then, Royal Concubine Man Qingqiu raised her hand, making a gesture of invitation, signaling Lu Xuan to follow her.

"In that case, I'll trouble Mystic Guard Deputy Director!"

Lu Xuan wore a gentle smile on his face, clasped his hands unhurriedly, and bowed slightly.

However, Lu Xuan was completely unaware that the moment he appeared outside the Imperial Palace gates, this seemingly ordinary action had spread throughout the entire Imperial Capital within just fifteen minutes.

In the Imperial Capital, all the influential forces received news from their informants at the same time.

Even the Eight Great Families, who were high above and controlled countless martial arts resources and power, and the mysterious Five Transcendent Forces, were all secretly paying close attention to Lu Xuan's every move.

"Hehe!"

In the depths of some court officials' residences, a meaningful laugh faintly echoed.

"Lu Xuan?"

Someone whispered, "Is that the Deputy Commander of the Xuan Niao Guard who possesses the power of a Nascent Soul True Person?"

"The man personally entrusted with the important task of presiding over the Martial Arts Competition by Empress?"

These words carried inquiry and playfulness, "How interesting!"

Of course, these veiled discussions were all quietly taking place in the dark corners of their own residences.

Among these court officials, even Left Prime Minister Chang Mingsheng, who was at the head of all officials, was no exception.

Inside the Left Prime Minister Chang Mingsheng's residence!

In the main room, this official, Chang Mingsheng, who stood at the pinnacle of power in the Great Xia Dynasty!

At this moment, he was bowing respectfully towards the empty Void Realm, performing a grand prostration.

Chang Mingsheng's posture was extremely low, his forehead almost touching the ground, his devout appearance as if facing the most revered existence in the world.

If anyone were to witness this astonishing scene, they would be deeply shocked by the sight before them.

What kind of person could make the dignified Left Prime Minister of Great Xia, this Left Prime Minister of Great Xia, who was beneath one person and above ten thousand, perform such a grand ceremony?

The next moment!

Chang Mingsheng suddenly raised his head, as if he had sensed something.

He slowly walked to the center of the main room, his expression respectful, his gaze lowered, his hands clasped, and he bowed deeply to the Void Realm, speaking with immense reverence.

"Disciple Chang Mingsheng, greets Revered Master!"

Suddenly!

In the Void Realm, a faint gray light and shadow intertwined, then slowly condensed.

It was as if a person had walked out of the ethereal space.

The gray light and shadow gradually solidified, transforming into an old man in a gray robe.

The old man wore a long gray robe, his silver hair was as soft as snow, and his beard was also pure white and neat, naturally hanging down his chest.

At the same time, the old man's face was kind, with a slight upward curve at the corner of his mouth, as if he always had a faint smile, giving people an extremely benevolent feeling.

However, when he looked at Chang Mingsheng, his deep eyes, beneath their calm surface, surged with unfathomable power.

The unintentional pressure emanating from him made Chang Mingsheng's heart tighten sharply, the oppressive force was extremely immense!

The identity of this old man before Chang Mingsheng was a top secret in the entire Great Xia Dynasty.

Those who were qualified to meet him were extremely rare, and could be counted on one's fingers.

And these people were all at the very top of the power and strength pyramid in Great Xia.

Ying Lingfeng, the leader of Dao Xu Sect, one of the Five Transcendent Forces!

Dao Xu Sect was the most powerful existence among the Five Transcendent Forces.

Closely followed by Jingxin Temple.

Ying Lingfeng gently waved his hand, his tone gentle yet authoritative: "Mingsheng, no need for formalities. Rise."

Chang Mingsheng then straightened up, his expression still very respectful: "Thank you, Revered Master."

Ying Lingfeng nodded slightly, his gaze towards Chang Mingsheng carrying a hint of profoundness.

If the world knew that Chang Mingsheng, the Left Prime Minister of the Great Xia Dynasty, was a Disciple of the Dao Xu Sect's leader, it would probably cause a huge uproar!

This could only mean that Chang Mingsheng was too well hidden, or perhaps that the internal news of Dao Xu Sect was too secretive.

The world could not truly glimpse the true situation of this Dao Xu Sect.

If some people who were familiar with Dao Xu Sect knew Chang Mingsheng's true identity, they might just break down.

Some people might even dare to point at Ying Lingfeng, this old Daoist, and curse him out.

Didn't they say that Dao Xu Sect never interfered with worldly affairs?

It turns out it was all a lie!

In the Void Realm, Ying Lingfeng's phantom was like a ethereal yet solid light and shadow, with wisps of extremely ancient Aura swirling around him.

Ying Lingfeng's phantom sat cross-legged and suspended, his robes moving without wind, as if an Immortal had descended upon the world.

"Mingsheng!"

Ying Lingfeng slowly spoke, his voice seeming to come from the distant sky, carrying a hint of etherealness, yet clearly falling into Chang Mingsheng's ears.

"What could make you, the Left Prime Minister of Great Xia, contact me so urgently?"

Upon hearing this, Chang Mingsheng's expression tightened, and he immediately clasped his fists, leaning his body slightly forward, his tone filled with urgency: "Revered Master, something has changed!"

"It's the person I mentioned to you before, that extremely rare martial arts Prodigy."

Chang Mingsheng paused for a moment, took a deep breath, and quietly uttered two words.

"Lu Xuan!"

Although the sound of these two words was not loud, it was exceptionally clear in the quiet room.

"This Lu Xuan, after disappearing for half a year, has now returned to the Imperial Capital and has already entered the palace to meet Empress!"

Upon hearing the name Lu Xuan, Ying Lingfeng's originally calm eyes instantly flashed with a hint of imperceptible surprise.

Immediately, Ying Lingfeng subconsciously stroked his beard gently, his movements unhurried, speaking with a profound meaning that others found difficult to grasp.

"This child, Lu Xuan, achieving such accomplishments at such a young age, is indeed extraordinary."

Ying Lingfeng slightly narrowed his eyes, as if recalling or pondering, "Even if placed in the Tianwu World, this Lu Xuan is in no way inferior to any Prodigy from any Holy Land!"

"Including the Daozi of our sect, at Lu Xuan's age, he would still be slightly inferior to him."

As Ying Lingfeng spoke, his usually calm face revealed some uncontrollable fluctuations.

That was a genuine emotional stir caused by Lu Xuan's astonishing martial arts Aptitude!

One must know that within the Great Xia Dynasty, something that could shock him, a Void Realm True Lord standing at the Peak of Cultivation, was truly rare, almost impossible.

Chang Mingsheng's heart trembled when he heard Revered Master Ying Lingfeng's evaluation of Lu Xuan.

He knew that his Revered Master's discerning eye was extremely keen, and he rarely gave such high praise to anyone.

"Revered Master, this child Lu Xuan...?"

"Then how should this Disciple choose!"

Chang Mingsheng couldn't help but ask, wanting to know his Revered Master's intention.

Should he choose to befriend this Lu Xuan, or choose to be his enemy.

Ying Lingfeng smiled slightly, his gaze profound, as if reminiscing about something.

As the leader of Dao Xu Sect, he had also learned about places beyond the Great Xia Dynasty.

That was precisely the Tianwu World!

The Great Xia Dynasty was just one continent in the vast Tianwu World.

Hmm!

To be precise, it was a continent sealed by the Great Xia Saint Ancestor with supreme power.

Then, Ying Lingfeng slowly said: "Mingsheng, do you know how vast the Tianwu World is?"

"There, Prodigies are like clouds, and Holy Lands stand tall. Every person who can be called a 'Prodigy' is one in a million."

"And this child Lu Xuan, even if placed among those Holy Lands, is in no way inferior to any Prodigy."

Upon hearing this, Chang Mingsheng's heart became even more shocked.

He eagerly whispered, "Revered Master, if this child Lu Xuan continues to grow, I'm afraid he will pose a great threat to our plan."

"Moreover, this Lu Xuan seems to have already been regarded as a trusted confidant by Empress!"

"Should we... eliminate him as soon as possible?"

A strong killing intent flashed in Chang Mingsheng's eyes; he was also very wary of this Lu Xuan.

Because!

This Lu Xuan's martial arts Aptitude was simply too exaggerated.

It was said that he was only twenty years old, yet he already possessed the power of a Divine Palace Realm Major Achievement, which was equivalent to a Nascent Soul True Person.

He himself, an Lao Jiahuo (Old fellow) who had Cultivated for hundreds of years, was now only at the same Divine Palace Realm Major Achievement as this Lu Xuan.

Ying Lingfeng gently shook his head, his tone carrying a hint of profound meaning: "Mingsheng, you are too impetuous."

"Although this child Lu Xuan's talent is astonishing, as long as he does not Breakthrough to the Void Tempering Realm, he cannot affect our important matters."

“What’s more, his existence isn’t necessarily a bad thing for us.”

Chang Mingsheng frowned slightly and asked in a low voice, “Does Revered Master mean…?”

“If Lu Xuan can be used by us, he will be a sharp sword that can clear many obstacles for us.”

“Even if he cannot be used by us, we can eliminate him through others.”

“Why act personally and cause unnecessary trouble?”

This Lu Xuan’s martial arts Aptitude is indeed very Prodigy, but his ability to provoke enemies is also on par with his martial arts Aptitude.

Among the Eight Great Families, several families have already begun to target Lu Xuan.

Hearing this, a hint of understanding flashed in Chang Mingsheng’s eyes.

He respectfully nodded and said, “Revered Master’s insight is profound; Disciple understands.”

After listening to Ying Lingfeng’s analysis, Chang Mingsheng’s mind was suddenly enlightened.

He had originally felt a great threat from Lu Xuan’s existence, and even at one point wanted to secretly eliminate him.

However, Revered Master’s words made Chang Mingsheng realize that Lu Xuan’s existence was not necessarily a bad thing, and might even become a sharp sword in their hands.

Chang Mingsheng then asked in a low voice, “Revered Master, what should we do now?”

“Do we need to secretly fan the flames and let those forces dissatisfied with Lu Xuan act first?”

Ying Lingfeng stroked his beard, but under Chang Mingsheng’s gaze, he shook his head in refusal.

“There’s no need to rush. Although Lu Xuan has provoked the Eight Great Families, he is now highly valued by the Empress and his position is stable.”

“If we act rashly, we might alert the enemy. It’s better to wait and see, and bide our time.”

Hearing this, a hint of understanding flashed in Chang Mingsheng’s eyes: “Revered Master means to let those forces dissatisfied with Lu Xuan act first.”

“And we will secretly fan the flames and reap the benefits?”

Ying Lingfeng nodded, with approval on his face: “Precisely.”

Chang Mingsheng respectfully nodded: “Disciple understands. Revered Master, rest assured, Disciple will act carefully and will never alert the enemy.”

Ying Lingfeng nodded slightly, then looked into the distance, as if penetrating the Void Realm and seeing the direction of the Imperial Palace.

He murmured, “Lu Xuan… this child is indeed interesting.”

“However, merely having talent is not enough to qualify for that matter.”

“Hehe!”

“The Origin power of the Earth Venerable World, this time, I am determined to obtain it!”

After Ying Lingfeng finished speaking, he looked down and said something that shocked Chang Mingsheng.

“Mingsheng, remember, don’t concern yourself with other matters during this period.”

“Those Lao Jiahuo (Old fellow) have all come out of seclusion early, just like me!”

“Lingxu Land!”

Ying Lingfeng’s last four words made Chang Mingsheng understand.

Immediately, Chang Mingsheng bowed deeply, his tone very firm: “Disciple will definitely not let Revered Master down.”

Only after Ying Lingfeng’s figure completely disappeared did Chang Mingsheng straighten up, a glint flashing in his eyes.

“It seems I need to secretly send a message to Junior Martial Uncle Zhang Daofeng at the Blackbird Guard.”

In the Great Xia Xuan Bird Guard, if you include this newly emerged Lu Xuan, there are a total of four Vice Directors.

They are Zhang Daofeng, Lu Xuan, Mu Yun, and Li Chengxing!

And Zhang Daofeng is the Junior Brother of the Dao Xu Sect Revered Master, which means he is my Junior Martial Uncle!

An existence at the Half-step Void Realm!

If Junior Martial Uncle Zhang Daofeng is an open chess piece of the Dao Xu Sect, then I am the hidden chess piece of the Dao Xu Sect!

At the same time, other major forces in the Imperial Capital were also gathering to discuss Lu Xuan’s appearance.

Inside the Li Family mansion, one of the Eight Great Families.

The Grand Elders of the Li Family, who usually lived in seclusion, were, for the first time ever, gathered with the Li Family Head, and the atmosphere was exceptionally solemn.

Among this group, there was someone Lu Xuan knew, none other than Li Chengxing.

A white-haired, white-bearded Grand Elder stroked his beard and slowly spoke, “Lu Xuan, this Prodigy, has returned to the Imperial Capital.”

Li Chengxing nodded quickly, taking the cue to speak, and praised Lu Xuan without reservation: “Indeed!”

“I returned to the Imperial Capital with Lao Lu!”

Immediately after, Li Chengxing changed the subject: “Our Li Family befriending Lao Lu was truly the wisest decision.”

“Tracing back to the source, it’s all thanks to this girl Yanran for acting as a go-between, which allowed our Li Family to befriend such a martial arts Prodigy.”

Hearing Li Chengxing bring the topic to Li Yanran, most of the Grand Elders’ gazes simultaneously turned to an old man dressed in a blue striped silk brocade robe.

This person was named Li Chengping, who was Li Yanran’s father and Li Chengxing’s fifth younger brother.

Although Li Chengping was over seventy years old, a steady Aura, refined by years of experience, subtly emanated from him.

Seeing everyone staring at him, Li Chengping remained expressionless, merely saying faintly.

“Yanran has come out of seclusion.”

“Everything depends on her own decision.”

In front of Xuanyi Hall.

Xuanyi Hall, this majestic and solemn palace, is where Empress Xia Mingyue approved memorials and met with Great Xia Dynasty officials.

The palace gates were towering and magnificent, and the guards in front of the hall, upon seeing Royal Concubine Man Qingqiu and Lu Xuan, bowed respectfully, their expressions showing extreme reverence.

“Your subordinates, greetings to Lord Man Lord!”

Royal Concubine Man Qingqiu stopped, turned, and smiled slightly at Lu Xuan.

“Lord Lu, Your Majesty is waiting inside the hall. Please enter.”

Lu Xuan nodded, his face calm as water, he slightly cupped his hands and said indifferently, “Thank you, Lord Man Lord, for leading the way.”

Royal Concubine Man Qingqiu nodded gently, then stepped aside, watching Lu Xuan’s figure enter Xuanyi Hall, seemingly contemplating something.

Inside Xuanyi Hall, it was quiet and solemn, with only a large number of rare treasures illuminating the entire hall very brightly.

At this moment, Empress Xia Mingyue was seated in the hall.

Unlike her usual casual attire, today she wore a deep, night-like Great Xia Nine Heavens Mysterious Bird Imperial Robe.

On the dark imperial robe, gold and silver threads outlined Xuan Bird patterns, occasionally emitting an ineffably noble luster.

And against the backdrop of this solemn imperial robe, Empress Xia Mingyue’s fair and delicate skin exuded a soft glow.

It was a sacred and inviolable radiance that permeated her every gesture, inspiring awe and making one dare not look directly at her.

Lu Xuan walked straight without stopping, and after entering the hall, he quickly came to the bottom of the steps of the imperial desk, hundreds of meters away from Empress Xia Mingyue.

Then, Lu Xuan respectfully cupped his fists and saluted: “Your humble servant Lu Xuan, greets Your Majesty.”

Empress Xia Mingyue slightly raised her eyes, her gaze slowly falling on Lu Xuan.

Just as Lu Xuan bowed his head in salute, unaware, Empress Xia Mingyue’s eyes suddenly narrowed sharply.

Her originally composed expression instantly changed drastically, her eyes filled with disbelief, as if she had seen the most incredible thing in the world.

However, this fleeting emotional fluctuation came swiftly and departed just as quickly.

A moment later, Empress Xia Mingyue’s expression had already returned to calm, her demeanor still graceful.

She gently raised her hand: “Minister Lu, there’s no need for such formality.”

Lu Xuan straightened up, looking up without hesitation, meeting Empress Xia Mingyue’s gaze.

“May I know why Your Majesty has summoned your humble servant?”

At this moment!

Empress Xia Mingyue slowly rose from her imperial throne, walking lightly down the steps.

The dark Nine Heavens Mysterious Bird Imperial Robe swayed gently with her steps, like a divine Phoenix spreading its wings, ready to fly.

Empress Xia Mingyue had not yet reached Lu Xuan when she slowly began to speak: “Minister Lu, I am very satisfied with the matter concerning the Wen Family.”

Before Lu Xuan could respond to Empress Xia Mingyue, he saw her expression shift slightly, and she spoke again: “Xingyue, come out!”

The next moment, a soft sound of footsteps gently drifted from the back of the hall, faint and indistinct.

Lu Xuan subconsciously looked in the direction of the sound, only to see a beautiful woman, moving with graceful steps, slowly walk in front of him.

Indeed!

Lu Xuan thought to himself!

This woman was precisely Princess Xingyue, who had been taken away by Royal Concubine Man Qingqiu earlier!

The Great Xia Dynasty, like the Eight Great Families, possessed the power to bring people back from the dead.

One must know that Princess Xingyue’s heart at that time had been pulverized by that Lao Jiahuo (Old fellow), Wen Fengyuan!

“Xingyue greets Lord Lu!”