While the Emperor of Qi evaluated his children, the officials of ceremony had already prepared everything.

Thus, on the high platform to the right, Jiang Rumo, the Grand Chancellor of Qi, rose and said, “May I present to His Majesty, the auspicious time has arrived.”

The few individuals awaiting assessment on the square all began to silently adjust their breathing.

The Emperor of Qi, looking down from above, glanced at these young people, then said to Jiang Rumo, “Chancellor, do not rush, there is still one person yet to arrive.”

He turned his head and asked, “Where is he?”

Han Ling bowed slightly and whispered, “The messenger bearing the imperial decree should have reached the academy by now.”

The Qi Emperor would not become angry over this. He had made the decision temporarily in the Imperial Ancestral Temple, so it was impossible to summon someone immediately. Announcing a decree naturally took time, it was impossible to just barge in hastily.

Even if Han Ling went himself, it wouldn’t do.

Without a clear imperial decree, the Jixia Academy wouldn’t even acknowledge him, and they might even beat him senseless.

The Emperor turned back to the Grand Chancellor and said, “Let’s wait a little longer.”

By this time, everyone knew who His Majesty the Emperor was waiting for.

Other than the one who had eclipsed the glory of his peers, Chong Xuanzun, who else was worthy of the Emperor saying “wait” at this moment?

This was simply… an immense favor!

The current Qi Emperor, whether in bestowing favor or punishment, always gave generously and thoroughly, truly possessing the demeanor of a formidable ruler.

Jiang Rumo’s appearance was that of a slightly plump old man, with kind eyebrows and eyes, and a somewhat “grandmotherly face.”

As the current Grand Chancellor of Qi, he naturally understood the significance of the Yellow River Meeting and, to a certain extent, understood the Emperor’s thoughts.

He said softly, “As Your Majesty commands.”

Those in the viewing stands on both sides couldn’t help but whisper amongst themselves. Some were excited, some were worried, varying greatly.

And the expressions of the few people standing on the square were different.

Ji Zhaonan was indifferent; below the age of thirty, he feared no one.

The few in the Outer Mansion realm also didn’t care much, as whether Chong Xuanzun emerged or not wouldn’t affect their spots.

Only Xie Baoshu deliberately cast a mocking glance at Jiang Wang, but unfortunately, Jiang Wang was still calmly recuperating, so he didn’t notice him.

Among the three competitors in the Inner Mansion realm, Jiang Wang had long prepared for the most difficult outcome and had considered Chong Xuanzun his opponent from the very beginning. Now it was just a little late, there was nothing to be surprised about.

Cui Zhu still stood straight, his stern face devoid of expression, making it impossible to discern his thoughts.

Lei Zhanqian’s face, on the other hand, was uncontainably grim.

He had long considered the spot for the Inner Mansion realm in the Yellow River Meeting to be his for the taking. He hadn’t expected that after waiting this long, an unexpected turn would occur!

Didn’t his standing at the very front indicate that the esteemed officials in the Department of Political Affairs recognized him the most?

And now they were only announcing that Chong Xuanzun should emerge from seclusion?

What had they been doing earlier?

He wanted to ask that esteemed uncle, “Are you making a fool of me?”

But he still had his wits about him and could only try his best to maintain a calm facade.

At this moment, Jiang Wuqi suddenly raised his voice and said, “Father Emperor is right, waiting is fine! When prodigies compete, strength and weakness are only a hair’s breadth apart. Who wins and who loses, it must be determined through competition. More choices will also make everyone feel satisfied!”

Yes…

Hearing his cousin’s voice, Lei Zhanqian’s mind settled. So what about Chong Xuanzun? Who was stronger and who was weaker, it would only be known after a fight. Perhaps he wasn’t an opponent before, but that didn’t mean he still wasn’t now.

The Emperor of Qi glanced at his son.

He naturally knew the intention of his comfort.

But not only did he not blame him, he also chuckled in cooperation, “My Qi is full of talents, it’s inevitable that I am spoiled for choice. Wuqi, you and your brothers and sisters must help Father Emperor look closely.”

Jiang Wuqi, Jiang Wuxie, Jiang Wuyou, and Jiang Wuhua all responded in unison, “Your children obey!”

Empress He still wore a smile of motherly grace, but her phoenix eyes couldn’t help but flicker.

The Emperor’s doting on Jiang Wuqi was simply… startling.

Inside the West Gate of Linzi, the first gate from south to north was the Southern Head Gate, also known as the Jixia Gate.

Outside the Jixia Gate sat the renowned Jixia Academy.

The so-called “Qi Land’s Dragon Gate” was naturally famous far and wide.

But those who could truly enter its halls and see its appearance were few and far between.

In terms of lecturers, one had to be at least in the Outer Mansion realm.

In terms of students admitted for further study, one had to have rendered service to the state to enter this academy.

This was not a place that looked at talent, nor was family background important, only merit.

Chong Xuan Sheng, relying on the merits of the Qi Yang battle, won this opportunity for further study, but he was filial and righteous, and gave this opportunity to his cousin who had been struggling to break through the realm – well, that’s what Chong Xuan Sheng had people spread.

The messenger bearing the imperial decree arrived as ordered and could only stand outside the academy – he was naturally not qualified to enter.

Those within the academy verified the imperial decree, and then a teacher went to deliver the message.

In a serene place, a cool breeze passed through the bamboo forest, and a clear stream flowed over white stones.

A few steps forward on the left bank stood a small pavilion.

There were long benches around the pavilion, and a white-clothed man was leaning on the eastern bench.

His back against the pillar, his right hand casually resting on the railing.

His two long legs were one bent and one straight; the bent leg formed a perfect arc, like a bow, and the straight leg went straight forward, like a spear.

His left hand held a scroll, his head slightly tilted, his black hair scattered casually.

Reading with the sound of the breeze and flowing water, he possessed an indescribable air of潇洒 (carefree and unrestrained) and风流 (elegant and refined).

The elderly teacher stepped over the stream from downstream: “Chong Xuanzun, the Emperor has a decree!”

The white-clothed man shifted his gaze from the scroll and looked at the newcomer.

A hint of displeasure at being disturbed was revealed in his eyes, as black as ink.

But this displeasure would not make one feel offended, but rather feel that this was his true nature.

The elderly teacher sighed, clearly not very willing to relay the message, but after all, one could not defy an imperial decree: “The Yellow River Meeting requires your participation, you are permitted to emerge from seclusion early.”

Once the imperial decree was issued, there was no room for discussion.

Chong Xuanzun lightly exhaled a breath, a white stream like a long rainbow, piercing through mountains and forests and gradually disappearing in the distance.

He casually placed the scroll on the wooden table inside the pavilion, and the whole person also turned around and sat down in a more proper posture.

This indicated that his attitude was very serious.

“Do you know, Teacher?”

His hands rested on his knees, his loose white robe could not completely conceal his muscles and bones.

Deep muscle lines were faintly visible like ravines.

He looked directly at the elderly teacher and said in a very calm tone, “The one who sent me in was my cousin. He used his battlefield merits to confine me for a year. If I need His Majesty’s special decree to leave this place early, this… is a humiliation to me.”

For others, being specially summoned before the Yellow River Meeting might be a great honor.

It was different for him.

So he flipped his hands, palms facing up.

His two hands, with clearly defined joints, two hands like jade, faced the sky.

From within his body, five streaks of brilliant light suddenly flew out. The five streaks of brilliant light passed through the pavilion roof, broke through the boundaries of the academy, and soared straight to the clouds, piercing towards the sky!

And in the distant sky, suddenly, stars shone brightly!