Returning to the Imperial Palace for an audience, Ying Rushi was surprised to find... the air was very fresh.
The skylights and doors were all open, allowing soft sunlight to stream directly into the great hall, illuminating every corner through the reflective structure of the building. The cross-breeze dispersed the oppressive heat, and upon entering the hall and looking up, one could see the majestic and solemn dragon carvings. Although the supre solemnity and gravity could still be felt, there was no sense of oppression in her heart, only reverence for imperial power.
But when Ying Rushi saw clearly the silhouette on the throne, her mind went blank in an instant, almost unable to contain herself. By the ti she ca back to her senses, she was already kneeling before the Suru Throne.
Sitting on the throne was, naturally, the Emperor of Qi, Ying Le.
However, she was not dressed inappropriately nor undressed, but was sitting upright on the throne, clad in a full set of Silver Moon Armor. The shoulder plates were intricately carved with dragon patterns, the chest armor fit her form perfectly, the layered skirt armor covered her legs like mountain ridges, and the steel gloves on her hands were full of nacing points.
She wore the Laurel Imperial Crown, her long black hair cascading like a waterfall. A few strands lightly brushed across her stern face, as her hands leaned on a Black Steel Greatsword thrust into the ground.
If the forr Ying Le was a volcano, a tsunami, a storm, a force of unabashed destruction, then the present Ying Le was the deep sea and the high mountains, imposing and majestic. Ying Rushi, upon seeing such an emperor, almost wept with joy and said, in a trembling voice, "Marquis of Lecheng County, Ying Rushi, pays respects to Your Majesty!"
"You may be seated."
A chair was brought imdiately, but Ying Rushi did not rise. Instead, she presented the long sword in her hand: "Forgive my incompetence; I could not obtain the Bingzi Pepper Forest, only a counterfeit blade with so of its powers."
In the Thief’s House, Ying Rushi had made a deal with Yan Qing: 500 Spiritual Jade for a bestowed blade.
Yan Qing naturally agreed. Bestownt required consuming 100 Spiritual Power, which equated to 100 Spiritual Jade in cost. Moreover, the more bestowed weapons there were, the stronger the Bingzi Pepper Forest beca. He would love for everyone to use the bestowed weapons.
The bestownt process did take quite so ti, as not even a First-Turn ssenger, let alone a Second-Turn ssenger, could have a Spiritual Power cap exceeding 100. Fortunately, the process was designed to ’continuously consu Spiritual Power,’ allowing Yan Qing to absorb Spiritual Jade while bestowing.
This ’continuously consuming large amounts of Spiritual Power beyond the level cap’ design, in other words, ant ’this feature cannot be used in battle.’
"Oh?"
Ying Le took the counterfeit blade, "It indeed looks like a Fake Zhou style war sword... I see, the power of the Bingzi Pepper Forest is to enhance the performance of other weapons?"
"As Your Majesty anticipated, the three powers of the Bingzi Pepper Forest are bestownt, Pillar of the Country, and Heaven-Covering." Ying Rushi simply introduced the effects of the Bingzi Pepper Forest and continued, "In the Thief’s House, plundering is impossible. To obtain Legendary Tokens, one must earn Thief Points according to the rules of the Thief’s House. Only if your Thief Points exceed others can you possibly auction for Legendary Tokens."
"I was unable to obtain the Bingzi Pepper Forest; please punish , Your Majesty."
"No need." Ying Le set down the counterfeit blade, "Rushi, you are the most talented among the imperial clan. I will need your support to govern the country. A Legendary Token cannot compare to your importance. You may continue to track the Thief’s House, but prioritize your safety over blind ambition."
Ying Rushi touched her forehead to the ground, tears streaming down her face: "I will exhaust my strength and life to repay Your Majesty’s kindness!"
She took off the ring on her hand and presented it to Ying Le, "This is the Storage Ring I auctioned from the Thief’s House and should be submitted to Your Majesty for handling."
Ying Le examined the Storage Ring for a mont, then nodded, "Very well, I’ll accept it. You may go back and rest. By the way, you should be aware of the announcents and warrants, yes? Be careful not to reveal your identity. The number of ssengers eyeing your bounty is perhaps countless, and even Nocturnal City may not keep you completely safe."
"Certainly!"
Even upon leaving the Imperial Palace, Ying Rushi was still in a daze, as if in a dream, incredulous.
She never expected that after nine years, the emperor, who had been mad for nine long years, would sober up and return to being once more the Celestial Monarch Fengyi, who wielded power over the entire realm!
In her childhood, Ying Le was not as he appeared now but was a marshal who fought on all fronts, leading the Baibao Iron Cavalry on multiple occasions to seize key Secret Realms at the border, routing the Fake Zhou Pharmacist Moke and the Fake Liang Shao Hu, and returned to the nation with formidable prestige to advocate for change, promoting agriculture and education, drafting laws, and governing the Qi Kingdom with ticulous order, leading to countless shrines built by the people, who revered her as the Celestial Monarch Fengyi.
That vibrant realm where nature vied for growth seems ever fresh in her mory.
This is why, despite Ying Le’s rebellious actions over many years, no one in the entire nation dared oppose or overthrow her. Not only because of her prowess but also because, with a re call, countless people who had benefited from her would still gather.
Yet, ever since Ying Le’s Foundation Establishnt, everything changed. Power seed like a curse, transforming Ying Le into another extre, indulging in alcohol, absurdity, cruelty, and madness, becoming like a monster cloaked in human skin.
But never mind, she has returned; everything has returned!
When Ying Rushi returned ho, she saw a group from the Imperial Palace waiting at the entrance.
"County Duke, this is a gift from Your Majesty." The eunuch presented a treasured box.
Ying Rushi opened the box to discover it was a Storage Ring with three compartnts, far more precious and rare than the one she had offered!
She imdiately knelt to the ground, tears of gratitude flowing as she declared:
"I, having received the great favor of Your Majesty, will surely devote myself tirelessly until death!"
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