Chapter 2557: The Emperor's Techniques

Chapter 2557: The Art of the Emperor

In the immortal realm, the victory celebration banquet was a lively affair, with lutes and flutes playing melodiously amidst swirling clouds and mist. Immortals gathered in droves, filling the place to capacity. While it was a celebration, the true highlight was the Pan Tao feast. This heavenly gathering, featuring immortal peaches, only occurred once every hundred years, but this time was an exception, all arranged to honor the triumphant return of San Taizi.

As they spoke of San Taizi, he arrived, having shed his purple-gold battle armor and holding a white jade wine cup. He took a seat next to Ye Chen.

More precisely, he sat next to Bi Xia Xianzi.

San Taizi looked at Ye Chen with a peculiar expression. Among the immortals present, the lowest rank was a third-grade official, so how was there a minor Xing Jun like this one, still at the Great Saint realm, with the divine position of Zi Wei Xing Jun? And he seemed unfamiliar too.

Bi Xia Xianzi smiled and said,

"He is Ye Chen, the future sect leader of Hua Shan."

She also sent a message to San Taizi, briefly summarizing Ye Chen's events from the past year, including the Hua Shan Dao Jing, the Di Yun, and the Wu Yue Dou Fa incident, sharing it all in one go.

At that, San Taizi's gaze toward Ye Chen changed. He had thought himself quite exceptional, but he never imagined someone could be even more defying than he was.

"Going to the northern border must have meant missing out on quite a few spectacles."

Yin Yang smiled, without any hint of arrogance. This was another reason Ye Chen found him agreeable—he was far superior to his eighth brother, Yin Ming.

Ye Chen smiled in return, then glanced at Yu Di.

He just shook his head at Yin Yang. The guy was fierce in battle, but he lacked sense in other areas. For instance, with the Long Xian Cao, if you wanted to give it to Yu Di, you should have done it privately! Now, you'd just brought trouble to your father.

Just wait. Once the banquet ends, Yu Di's palace will be busier than a marketplace. The heavenly court is full of shameless old-timers.

"Do you miss me?"

As Ye Chen watched, Yin Yang spoke up, addressing Bi Xia Xianzi, his deep eyes filled with a man's tender affection.

Hearing this, Ye Chen turned his gaze. Seeing San Taizi full of tenderness and Bi Xia Xianzi's demure demeanor, he couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. Even a fool could see these two were a couple, and it caught him completely off guard.

What a generational mismatch!

Ye Chen took a deep breath, his eyes taking on a meaningful look. Bi Xia Xianzi and Yu Di were of the same generation, making her a senior to San Taizi. If they became a pair, it would be quite the heavenly romance, and she might even become the Tai Zi Fei.

"What a fine catch for this cabbage."

"Nonsense, they're a perfect match, talented and beautiful, destined by heaven."

"Who knows, they might even share a bed at night."

Many of the old-timers present were quite improper, chatting away in private messages while pretending to drink and eat peaches. Their words were crystal clear to Ye Chen.

He could hear them, and so could Bi Xia Xianzi, whose cheeks flushed even more—whether from embarrassment or the wine, no one could say.

The celebration banquet didn't end until nightfall.

Most of the immortals left unsteadily, arms around each other's shoulders. Quite a few followed San Taizi and Bi Xia Xianzi into the night, and who knows what steamy scenes might unfold. These high-level immortals were experts at sneaking peeks.

As for Dan Jun, he headed straight to Yu Di's palace.

He wasn't alone—many other old-timers joined him, each one a peak Quasi-Emperor Xian Jun, with some even being Great Xian Juns.

In comparison, Ye Chen felt out of place. As a minor Xing Jun and a sixth-grade official as insignificant as a sesame seed, he quietly trailed at the back, not daring to push forward. A higher rank could crush you, and several ranks above could kill you with pressure alone.

However, in Yu Di's presence, even the highest officials held no sway. They went in one by one and came out one by one, all looking disheveled. A few with short tempers grumbled all the way out, clearly having failed to get the Long Xian Cao.

This even made Yu Di sneeze a few times.

It wasn't until late at night that it was Ye Chen's turn.

In the imperial palace's garden pavilion, besides Yu Di, there were two others: Dan Jun and Ba Taizi, casually sipping tea.

Upon Ye Chen's arrival, Dan Jun's face darkened considerably. He knew exactly why Ye Chen was there—as fellow alchemists, it had to be for the Long Xian Cao. This infuriated him. What right did this minor Xing Jun have to compete with him?

Ba Taizi, on the other hand, looked at Ye Chen with a hint of amusement.

He no longer had much desire for the Long Xian Cao and preferred to sit back and watch the fight. He wanted to see what waves this little Xing Jun could make—the bigger, the better. Soon enough, he would be the one to crush this heaven-defying talent, and that feeling would be delightful.

"I have seen Yu Di."

"No need for formalities. Please, sit."

Ye Chen took a seat. Normally, he wouldn't have the qualification, but as the future sect leader of Hua Shan, Yu Di had to give him that face.

"My lord, what brings you to seek me out so late at night?"

Yu Di asked with a smile.

"I humbly request that Yu Di grant me the Long Xian Cao."

Ye Chen bowed his hands, a straightforward young man who didn't beat around the bush.

Though Yu Di had anticipated this, the directness still amused him. This little Xing Jun was exceptionally bold, asking for his treasure without so much as blushing. Any other Xing Jun would lack the nerve.

"Do you even know your own status? The Long Xian Cao is no ordinary immortal herb—how dare you covet it?"

Dan Jun snorted coldly, just as blunt as Ye Chen, outright dismissing the tenth prince of Da Chu as worthless.

Ye Chen glanced at him but said nothing. He was tempted to slap him and then recount his own exploits to scare him silly.

"The Long Xian Cao is just one stalk, and both of you desire it. I'm truly in a difficult position."

Yu Di chuckled lightly, his words carefully chosen as he employed the art of the emperor. He took no side and offended no one, clearly aiming to stir up the conflict and watch from afar to maintain balance.

"Yu Di, please consider: it is my master who seeks the Long Xian Cao."

Dan Jun started playing his hand, invoking a major figure on the spot—the Dan Shen of Dan Shen Hall, the greatest alchemist in the heavens and earth, to pressure Yu Di.

"It's not for me, but for my master."

Ye Chen wasn't one to back down, pulling out his own backing. Though Hua Shan belonged to the lower realms, it was a major sacred ground there, its influence rivaling that of Dan Shen Hall.

"How dare a lower realm Hua Shan compare to my Dan Shen Hall?"

"Dan Jun, mind your words. If Hua Shan hears that, it could lead to war."

"A mere Xing Jun dares to challenge me?"

Ye Chen and Dan Jun went at it, trading barbs like a comedy routine, neither giving an inch. You bring out your backers, and I'll bring out mine. You're trying to intimidate me? My mouth is just as sharp—I can outargue you fair and square.

With a verbal battle underway, others just watched the show, like Yu Di and Ba Taizi, who remained relaxed, sipping tea as if on a leisurely outing. It wasn't a court session, but they were definitely the spectators, waiting to step in at the end.

Yu Di was unsure how to decide. Dan Shen Hall held considerable power in the heavenly court, with Dan Shen having strong influence. Hua Shan in the lower realms, though not under his rule, had produced the Dao Jing, which he was counting on for his own enlightenment.

Dan Jun was the future hall master of Dan Shen Hall.

Ye Chen was the future sect leader of Hua Shan.

Both were highly sensitive figures, and even as the ruler of the heavenly court, he didn't want to offend either, so he chose to observe.

Since even he stayed out of it, Yin Ming said nothing, casually drinking tea and enjoying the spectacle, like a king watching two clowns perform. No matter how they jumped, they couldn't escape his grasp.

"Enough."

In the end, Yu Di's word put a stop to their argument.

His authority worked wonders—Ye Chen and Dan Jun fell silent. Ye Chen was fine with it, but Dan Jun glared at him with chilling eyes. If not for Yu Di being there, he might have attacked and eliminated Ye Chen, leaving no one to contest the Long Xian Cao.

"Ming, both of my lords want it—what's your view?"

Yu Di asked with a smile.

"I believe that immortal treasures should go to the capable. Since both are alchemists, why not have a Dan Dou? The winner gets to discuss it further."

Ba Taizi Yin Ming replied leisurely, his tone already carrying the air of a superior.

"This is an excellent suggestion."

Yu Di laughed, echoing what he had in mind, though he let Ba Taizi say it.

The two shared perfect synergy, playing off each other seamlessly.

Moreover, Ba Taizi's words were measured—he only mentioned gaining the right to discuss, not that winning the Dan Dou would secure the Long Xian Cao outright. After all, such a precious herb couldn't be handed over so easily; it would require an exchange of treasures.

What a pair they were!

Ye Chen sighed inwardly. No wonder Yu Di favored Ba Taizi—this one was exceptionally cunning, skilled at gauging intentions, avoiding offense to anyone, and even earning their gratitude. He played the art of the emperor masterfully.

"What do you two think?"

Yu Di smiled at them.

"No objections here."

Dan Jun laughed, glancing at Ba Taizi with clear implication: As expected, you're on Dan Shen Hall's side. Defeating a novice Xing Jun will be effortless, and I'll remember this favor.

"Agreed."

Ye Chen replied casually, also eyeing Ba Taizi, his gaze full of meaning: I've been waiting all night for this assist—brilliantly done.

"Very well, the Dan Dou will be in three days."

And just like that, the matter of the Long Xian Cao was settled.

Dan Jun left with a swagger, his posture exuding an air of arrogance, back straight as a rod, his expression full of smugness, as if the Long Xian Cao was already his. He could even show off a bit at the upcoming Dan Dou.

Ye Chen also departed, but far more low-key. As a Dan Sheng from the various heavens and realms, he had never feared a Dan Dou. A mere Dan Jun wasn't enough to challenge him—if Dan Shen himself showed up, that might be different.

Watching their retreating figures, Yu Di stroked his beard, while Yin Ming's lips curved into a smile. The emperor and the prince shared a tacit understanding, having put on a fine performance for their ministers—no matter who won, they stood to gain.

As they watched, blood trickled from Yu Di's mouth, and the Tian Mo Qi manifested once more on his forehead. His expression turned pained.

"Father."

"It's nothing."

Yu Di waved it off and left with a flick of his sleeve, his face not only pained but also paler, whether from old wounds or the Tian Mo Qi, it was unclear.