554: Chapter 554 Worried about Tianlong's accountability

Once the hall quieted down, Li Xuan sat back down and looked at Mysterious Clarity Master. A hint of testing flashed in his eyes as he asked,

"State Preceptor, you rarely visit the palace of your own accord. Is there some urgent matter that brings you here today?"

Mysterious Clarity Master didn't waste time on pleasantries. He slowly sat on the jade seat opposite him and handed over the green Jade Slip he had been holding, his tone solemn:

"Ruler, please take a look. This is a top-secret urgent message sent from tens of thousands of miles away by the Heavenly Dragon Dynasty's Qintian Division. It concerns the survival of our Tianqi Dynasty."

Li Xuan's heart tightened. He hurriedly took the Jade Slip with both hands and immediately activated his Divine Sense to probe into it.

In just a short moment, his expression changed abruptly. His calm face turned pale, and fine beads of cold sweat instantly broke out on his forehead. His hands holding the Jade Slip began to tremble, and his voice carried an unmistakable panic:

"The... the Ascension Realm passage is about to open? Verifying the list of Cultivators... doesn't this mean that Situ Jun's... his Cultivation..."

"City Lord Situ's Cultivation has indeed reached the Mid-stage Soul Transformation."

Mysterious Clarity Master spoke bluntly, his tone calm yet carrying a heavy pressure, each word striking Li Xuan's heart:

"When I go to the Heavenly Dragon Dynasty for the meeting this time, his name and Cultivation must be reported truthfully and made public. My greatest concern is that the Heavenly Dragon Dynasty will use this as a pretext to hold our Tianqi accountable for negligence in supervision. Not only will I be punished, but the Dynasty's tribute quota will likely increase significantly, and there may even be more severe penalties."

Li Xuan's expression grew even more unsightly. His lips trembled, and his eyes were filled with panic and helplessness as he spoke subconsciously:

"What... what should we do? Currently, our Tianqi Kingdom's treasury is depleted; our provisions and Cultivation resources are barely enough. If the tribute increases further, the treasury will surely be empty. If the Imperial Dynasty imposes other punishments, how can Tianqi endure it..."

"Ruler, there is no need to panic excessively. I will do my utmost to mediate for Tianqi in the Tianlong Imperial Capital and try to minimize the punishment."

Mysterious Clarity Master looked up, his gaze sharp as a sword as he stared directly at Li Xuan. His tone remained steady but carried a solemn warning:

"However, Ruler, once I leave the capital, there will be no one to oversee the court. I hope you will prioritize the state and the stability of the people. Be cautious in your words and actions, and do not cause unnecessary complications or do anything foolish that might bring trouble upon yourself and create more disasters."

Li Xuan nodded frantically like a chick pecking at grain. A bitter smile appeared on his face, looking respectful and submissive, but a flash of malice crossed the depths of his eyes as he repeatedly promised:

"Rest assured, State Preceptor! Tianqi's safety rests entirely on your shoulders. I know what I'm doing; how could I cause more trouble and burden you? I will certainly oversee the court, handle state affairs diligently, appease the officials and the people, and wait for your safe return."

Mysterious Clarity Master gave him a deep look and sighed inwardly.

Having been monarch and subject for decades, he knew this Ruler's character all too well—narrow-minded, vindictive, and naturally suspicious. He was always one way to someone's face and another behind their back. He would agree readily, only to inevitably cause trouble in secret.

With him leaving Tianqi for the Tianlong Imperial Capital, there would be no one left in court to restrain Li Xuan. Given his nature, he would likely stir up trouble, disrupt the stability of the court, and even affect the Northern Frontier border, ruining Situ Jun's plans.

But he had already given the necessary warnings and advice. In the way of monarch and subject, one should know when to stop.

If Li Xuan remained obstinate and insisted on seeking his own destruction, that would be his own fate, which no one else could prevent.

With that thought, Mysterious Clarity Master said no more. He stood up immediately, gave Li Xuan one last deep look, and his voice deepened with a hint of warning:

"Since the Ruler has made a decision, I shall take my leave and depart immediately. Ruler, remember, prioritize the state in all things. Take care of yourself."

"Safe travels, State Preceptor. I shall see you out!"

Li Xuan hurriedly rose to see him off, still wearing a deeply respectful smile as he personally escorted Mysterious Clarity Master to the entrance of the main hall.

Once Mysterious Clarity Master's back had completely disappeared outside the hall and was no longer visible around the corner of the palace wall, the hypocritical, respectful smile on Li Xuan's face vanished instantly.

A cold curve even hooked at the corner of his mouth, and a trace of resentment and sarcasm flashed in his eyes.

"Unnecessary complications?"

He murmured to himself, his tone carrying unconcealed mockery and dissatisfaction:

"State Preceptor, oh State Preceptor, in my eyes, am I really so useless and only capable of causing trouble? I am the Lord of Tianqi; in the end, this land is mine to command!"

He slowly turned around and sat back on the Dragon Throne. His expression suddenly darkened, and a cold aura emanated from him as he called out in a low voice:

"Li Fu."

"Your servant is here!"

As soon as he finished speaking, his personal eunuch, Li Fu, immediately bowed and walked quickly into the hall. He stood with his head bowed below the Dragon Desk, holding his breath and waiting respectfully for orders.

Li Xuan's fingertips tapped lightly on the Dragon Desk, making a dull sound. A calculating glint flashed in his eyes, and his tone was bone-chillingly cold:

"Issue my secret order. Command all the hidden guards in the palace to set off immediately and intensify surveillance on the Northern Frontier border and City Lord Situ's mansion. If there is even the slightest movement—even if a single person enters or leaves the mansion—report it immediately. There must be no delay and not a whisper of this must leak out!"

Pausing, his eyes flickered as he spoke again:

"Furthermore, has there been any reply to the secret letter I sent to the Dayue Dynasty earlier?"

Li Fu quickly lowered his voice and reported respectfully while bowing:

"Replying to Your Majesty, the Duke Protectors Residence of the Dayue Dynasty received your secret letter long ago. Young Master Li, the son of the Duke Protector, replied personally, stating his willingness to form an alliance with Your Majesty to work together and plot for the prosperous lands of the Northern Frontier!"

Hearing this, a satisfied, sinister smile finally appeared on Li Xuan's face. He nodded slightly, his tone full of determination:

"Good! Well done! Continue to contact Li Baixiang in secret. Remember, you must act with absolute secrecy and never expose your movements. Go back and tell him that once Situ Jun leaves this continent for the Ascension Realm, all the women, Cultivation resources, and Spirit Beast wealth of the Northern Frontier City Lords Mansion will be split fifty-fifty between us!"

"Yes, your servant obeys the imperial decree and will attend to it immediately!"

Li Fu bowed and took his leave, carefully backing out of the hall before quickly disappearing into the depths of the palace corridors.

Inside the hall, Li Xuan sat alone on the Dragon Throne, gazing at the empty doorway. The calculation and ruthlessness in his eyes grew even more intense.

Mysterious Clarity Master, Situ Jun, do you think that because you protect this land, it belongs to you?

Once Situ Jun is gone and the Northern Frontier is leaderless, I will join forces with Great Yue to firmly grasp the Northern Frontier in my hands. At that time, this Tianqi will truly be my world!