142: The struggle between aristocratic families begins

The next morning, outside the Imperial Study in the Imperial Palace.

The morning light struggled to penetrate the thick clouds, scattering onto the cold white marble steps.

The heavy door of the Imperial Study, which had been closed all night, opened!

The first thing that stepped out was a foot, its pace slightly unsteady.

Immediately afterward, Qin Wushang shuffled out and stood under the morning light.

He was still wearing his customary white robes, but they looked somewhat disheveled now; his collar was slightly open, and there was even an inconspicuous tear near the cuff.

His usually spirited and handsome face now bore two faint dark circles, and his eyes revealed exhaustion.

He hunched his back slightly, raised a hand to shield himself from the not-too-bright morning sun, and took a deep breath of the cool morning air.

“The sunlight... it's truly wonderful.”

“To still be able to see it... what good fortune.”

Just then, Chu Yuehua, fully and neatly dressed, also gracefully walked out of the Imperial Study.

In stark contrast to Qin Wushang's miserable state, she was radiant and full of vitality.

Dressed in a brand new Moonlight Palace gown, her skin appeared whiter than snow, and her cheeks even carried a healthy blush, as if she had just exercised.

Her eyes were clear as water, and the corner of her lips held a faint, almost imperceptible smile.

Hearing Qin Wushang's lament, she glanced over with her beautiful eyes, her tone carrying a hint of teasing.

“Oh? Seven days and seven nights in that land of tenderness, and I never heard you complain of fatigue. Yet, after merely one night, you can't bear it?”

“It seems the Hehuan Sect's Bone-Scraping Blade is still less effective than this Emperor's Heart-Cleansing Whip.”

Upon hearing this, Qin Wushang's body shivered almost imperceptibly. He said with a grimace, “Revered Master, please be discerning. That Bone-Scraping Blade, at least, is a needle hidden in cotton, progressing slowly.”

“But your Heart-Cleansing Whip... that is a raging storm, lightning and thunder! Your disciple believes that even a true Great Emperor might not withstand such instruction from you!”

“Let alone this humble Divine Fire Realm practitioner!”

“To emerge intact is already thanks to Revered Master's mercy and the Old Ancestor's blessings.”

“Don't you always like pursuing things that are unique, thrilling, and stimulating?”

Chu Yuehua took two steps closer, her faint, cool fragrance wafting over him. She leaned in slightly, lowered her voice near his ear, her breath like orchids.

“Was last night... not stimulating enough?”

Qin Wushang instinctively drew his neck back, then immediately stiffened it, muttering quietly while his eyes darted toward her long legs.

“Stimulating... of course it was stimulating.”

“However, if the one wielding the whip were your disciple, and the one being instructed were Revered Master...”

“Your disciple feels that such stimulation might... make one willingly comprehend the true meaning of the Great Dao all night long!”

“Now that would be truly stimulating!”

“Scram!”

Chu Yuehua's pretty face instantly chilled, and the faint blush she had moments ago turned into slight anger mixed with shame.

A mere Rebellious Disciple dares to instruct her?

Does he deserve it?

“Understood! Your disciple will scram immediately, rolling away smoothly!”

Qin Wushang acted as if he had received a great amnesty, quickly taking a step back, bowing in an exaggerated salute, and turning to slip away.

The Empress was too terrifying!

Her aloof appearance while wielding the whip was certainly exhilarating, but the whip landing on the body truly hurt!

“Stop.”

The cold, clear voice sounded again.

Qin Wushang's back stiffened, and he slowly turned back with a bitter expression.

Chu Yuehua had already regained her composure, as if the momentary shame and anger were just an illusion.

Her gaze swept over his wrinkled robes, and she said plainly, “The time is almost here.”

“Let's go. Follow this Emperor to the Chu Clan Ancestral Land. The Struggle of the Great Families commences today.”

After speaking, without any visible movement from her, a gentle force enveloped Qin Wushang, tearing open the Void Realm and taking him to the Chu Clan Ancestral Land.

Today, the Chu Clan Ancestral Land was a hundred times more lively than the recent Clan Gathering.

The ancient stone Archway towered into the clouds, the two characters 'Chu Clan' flowing with faint golden radiance upon it, demonstrating the majesty of the Imperial Family.

Outside the Archway, the vast Bluestone Plaza and the various avenues extending from it were already occupied by numerous figures.

Carriages lined the streets, and voices buzzed loudly.

Banners of various colors fluttered, signifying that nearly all the prominent Noble Families within the Imperial Capital had turned out en masse.

The Noble Family Disciples, dressed in luxurious robes, either stood reservedly or chatted softly, their eyes exchanging glances filled with eagerness for the coming competition.

The elders and Venerated Experts of the clans mostly wore serious expressions, continually giving final instructions to their own disciples.

“Look! That's the Murong Family's convoy! What a grand display! Truly worthy of being one of the top three Noble Families in the Imperial Capital!”

“Exactly! They say the Murong Family has a Quasi-Emperor Expert, though who knows if it's true!”

“Give me a break! I also heard that the declining Huang Family has a Quasi-Emperor Expert. Do they? Not a chance. Some rumors are just talk!”

“There are quite a few young faces from the Ouyang Family this time. I heard their Family Secret Land produced some promising talents last year...”

“Look up at the sky! That's... the Flying Dragon War Chariot of the General-in-Chief Who Guards the South's Residence! Old General Lin has come in person too!”

“Tsk tsk, this scene truly lives up to its name as the Grand Event of the Great Families of Great Chu...”

The discussions surged like a tide.

Suddenly, above the plaza, in the Void Realm not far from the main gate of the Chu Clan Ancestral Land, clearly visible ripples spread out in circles.

At the center of the spatial ripples, two figures materialized from the void, appearing without warning.

The person leading them had an unparalleled posture, cold and clear like the moon, with faint Imperial Dragon Qi swirling around her.

Merely standing quietly in the Void Realm, she seemed to become the center of the heavens and earth, drawing all light and attention.

Chu Yuehua has arrived!

What astonished everyone was the young man standing shoulder-to-shoulder with her, separated by only half a step.

Qin Wushang!

Regardless of whether they were highly respected Imperial Princes, Important Ministers, or Imperial Capital Old Monsters, none were qualified to stand with Chu Yuehua, yet this junior was.

And they were standing especially close!

“It's Your Majesty! Your Majesty has arrived in person!”

“Is that person next to Your Majesty Qin Wushang?”

“He actually... actually stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Your Majesty? What kind of propriety is this? Even if he is her disciple, he shouldn't act like this in public!”

“More than just shoulder-to-shoulder, look at the distance... ordinary ministers must keep a distance of at least three Zhang when having an audience...”

“Truly worthy of being the Empress's Personal Disciple! This honor... is unprecedented!”

“Hmph, a mere brat, relying on Your Majesty's favor, acting so presumptuously—he truly doesn't know the immensity of heaven and earth!”

“I'm jealous! To take the Empress as Revered Master and be able to stand beside her... if I had that honor, I'd be willing to marry one hundred and eight thousand Dao Companions!”

Jealousy!

Envy!