Deep within the imperial grounds of the Great Yan Dynasty stood a towering mountain—its peak piercing the clouds like a sacred pillar reaching into the heavens. This was Holy War Peak, a forbidden zone known only to the royal family and a few of the empire's highest officials. At its summit was a massive teleportation array—one of the few in the Eastern Xuan Region capable of linking directly to the ancient battlefield where the Hundred Dynasties War was held.
Atop the peak, a middle-aged man in golden imperial robes stood beside the stone array, eyes gazing toward the distant city of Qingyang.
"Father, are you sure they'll come?" the crown prince asked respectfully.
"They will," the emperor replied with certainty. "Seven of the Chaos Sage's disciples—Lin Dong, Lin Langtian, Wang Yan, Qin Shi, Huang Pujing, Chi Hao, Wu Yun—along with Lin Dong's fiancée, Mu Lingsha, have all confirmed their participation."
"But Father… you're the ruler of a nation. They aren't the Chaos Sage himself. Isn't it a bit too deferential to wait for them like this?"
The emperor chuckled lightly. "Child, you underestimate them. These young ones are not ordinary cultivators. Each of them carries the legacy of the Chaos Sage, having received his personal teachings. Lin Dong obtained a Heavenly Flame. Lin Langtian now wields an Ancestral Talisman. Qin Shi masters the spear. Huang Pujing is a sword prodigy. Wang Yan and Wu Yun both cultivate supreme blade techniques. Chi Hao commands the hammer. And even Lin Dong's fiancée, Mu Lingsha, has gained profound mastery of archery. Any one of them could level a dynasty."
The crown prince hesitated.
The emperor narrowed his eyes. "You must remember, showing them respect isn't submission—it's wisdom. Based on everything I've studied about the Chaos Sage, he will not tolerate hostility toward his disciples. But if treated well, he might even become our empire's greatest guardian. If a foreign enemy ever invades, these young warriors will not sit idly by. Especially not those tied to the four great clans."
The crown prince fell silent, unable to refute his father's logic. Under the silent pressure of the Chaos Sage's influence, many neighboring dynasties had already retreated from their borders.
Boom!
Suddenly, eight streaks of light burst forth from the sky, howling through the air like divine arrows. Their arrival caused the surrounding elemental energy to surge and ripple violently.
Only the top-tier dynasties in the Eastern Xuan Region could afford a teleportation formation linked to the ancient battlefield. The Great Yan Dynasty had once paid an astronomical price to have one built—inviting a powerful expert from a super sect to construct it.
The ancient battlefield was a remnant from a forgotten era. Now, the super sects had developed it into the arena for the Hundred Dynasties War—a chaotic battleground brimming with opportunities and dangers. Treasures and ancient legacies lay scattered throughout, waiting for those with the strength and luck to claim them.
As the eight figures landed, the emperor stepped forward, bowing deeply.
"Welcome, Holy Sons of the Chaos Sage."
Wang Yan, Qin Shi, Huang Pujing, and Lin Langtian exchanged glances.
That a reigning emperor would bow to them… It was once unthinkable. In the past, they were mere juniors—cultivators of low or modest background. Now, the roles had reversed.
"Holy Son?" Lin Langtian echoed, stunned.
He hadn't expected such a title. But after a brief pause, he understood. This honor didn't come from his strength alone—it came from Ye Feng, his master. The reverence the Great Yan Dynasty displayed was not just for them, but for the man who stood above them all.
The emperor didn't explain further. With a sweep of his robe, he ordered, "Since the Holy Sons have arrived, activate the formation."
The teleportation required 50,000 Nirvana Pills—an astronomical sum for most dynasties. Yet not a single disciple was asked to contribute.
Ministers stepped forward, pouring shimmering Nirvana Pills into the base of the formation. The air buzzed as the massive array absorbed the energy. Runes carved into the stone glowed brilliantly, and a beam of radiant light surged from its center.
Without hesitation, Lin Dong, Lin Langtian, Wang Yan, and the others stepped into the beam.
Whoosh!
In the blink of an eye, all eight vanished.
Afterward, the crown prince looked toward his father and asked with visible discomfort, "According to the rules, shouldn't they have paid the fee for the formation? You just gave away 50,000 Nirvana Pills…"
The emperor's expression grew stern. "As a prince, you must learn to value power over possessions. Nirvana Pills can be earned again. But winning their favor could decide the fate of this empire. Do you understand?"
The prince lowered his head, chastened.
"If one day you must sacrifice material wealth, or even your own children, to preserve the imperial lineage… you must not hesitate. Your mentality is too soft. With such a mindset, how can I entrust the future of the empire to you?"
The prince clenched his fists but said nothing.
The emperor looked out over the Holy War Peak, a deep gleam flashing in his eyes. "Fifty thousand Nirvana Pills is a steep price—but for the glory of the Hundred Dynasties War, it is nothing. This time, we have the support of the Chaos Sage's disciples. Victory will be ours. When our dynasty claims the title, the Great Yan name will echo across the Eastern Xuan Region."
Yet the emperor did not realize—his every move, every word, had already been seen by Ye Feng, thousands of miles away.
In the tranquil garden behind Linjia Mountain, Ye Feng reclined comfortably on a rocking chair. Ying Huanhuan played a serene melody on her zither, the sound blending with the rustling of leaves. Lin Qingtan stood behind him, kneading his shoulders gently, while Ling Qingzhu approached with a delicate tray of snacks.
"Master, the emperor of the Great Yan Dynasty is clearly trying to curry favor with you," Ling Qingzhu commented as she offered him a piece of sweet pastry.
Ye Feng opened his mouth, allowing her to feed it to him without a word.
"It's more than just goodwill," Lin Qingtan added calmly. "He's gripping tightly to Master's thigh. Didn't you hear? He granted Grandpa the title of First-Class Duke of the Empire, with hereditary rights and exemption from bowing—even before the emperor. Ten cities around Qingyang have already been gifted as territory."
She continued, "And it's not just our family. The Wang, Qin, and Huangpu clans in the capital have all received the same noble title. Hereditary, and with immense privileges."
Ye Feng nodded, sipping his tea.
"He knows how to play his cards. Since he's shown such tact, the Great Yan Dynasty will remain intact—for now," Ye Feng replied with a faint smile.
After a pause, Ying Huanhuan finished her piece and looked up. "Master, once the Hundred Dynasties War is over, I want to return home. Will you come with me?"
Ye Feng raised an eyebrow and looked at her with amusement. "And in what capacity should I meet your father?"
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