Chapter 46: Chapter 46: Imperial Palace
"The Lingyun Sect is likely to rise again. The Young Sect Leader, Ji Chen, is now a Second Grade Alchemist of the Alchemy Master Alliance. At his age, with such a status, why should Lingyun Sect worry that its future won’t be glorious?"
Many people sighed, a look of envy appearing in their eyes.
Some elders from certain families spoke up, "I wonder when the Lingyun Sect will open its doors to recruit new disciples? When that time comes, I will definitely send my grandson. If he can join the Lingyun Sect, his prospects will be limitless."
"Once a year, but the last entry examination seemed to be half a year ago, so I’m afraid you’ll have to wait."
...
Discussions like these could be heard all over Celestial Essence City.
Yet no one knew that Ji Chen had quietly arrived in Celestial Essence City at this very moment.
The top floor of Anomaly Pavilion.
Ji Chen had come here.
Tomorrow was the scheduled date for the Queen of Chu’s birthday celebration, so he had no choice but to stay overnight at Anomaly Pavilion.
"I apologize for bothering you these two days, Elder Zhuang," Ji Chen said upon meeting King of Pills, Zhuang Miao, here.
Hearing his words, Zhuang Miao laughed heartily, "What are you saying? You are now also a member of our Alchemy Master Alliance. Staying at Anomaly Pavilion is only right, so why speak of disturbance?"
"But you, boy, have done quite a few remarkable things recently..."
His gaze remained sharp and focused on Ji Chen.
Ji Chen smiled faintly, knowing the elder was no doubt referring to the Celestial Profound Sect, and replied, "I didn’t do much; the downfall of the Celestial Profound Sect mainly owes to my father’s efforts."
Zhuang Miao naturally remained unconvinced.
Throughout this time, he had been paying close attention to the movements of the Lingyun Sect.
Though not fully aware, he knew that the Lingyun Sect now was different from before.
A sect once on the decline suddenly regained its former glory.
If all this was said to have nothing to do with Ji Chen, who had endured silently for years and then suddenly rose, Zhuang Miao would absolutely not believe it.
In his view, the driving force behind these events was likely the young man before him.
However, since Ji Chen was silent, it wasn’t appropriate for Zhuang Miao to press further.
The two engaged in casual conversation, during which Ji Chen took the opportunity to inquire about matters related to the Emperor Ye’s Ancient Ruins.
Upon hearing this, Zhuang Miao’s brow furrowed instantly, "The Emperor Ye’s Ancient Ruins open once every ten years. Each time they open, they cause a significant stir that no sect or family, large or small, in the Profound Domain wishes to miss."
"Once you enter the ruins, the competition is extremely fierce. If you intend to go, you must be prepared."
"However, I advise you against it. After all, such a place is indeed perilous given your current level of cultivation..."
"Thank you for the warning, Elder Zhuang, but for the sake of the Holy Dragon Origin Qi, I must make the journey at any cost," Ji Chen replied.
"Holy Dragon Origin Qi..."
Zhuang Miao added, "Indeed, this item is highly enticing to any force in the world. The Purple Cloud Sect has developed so swiftly these years because they obtained a large amount of Holy Dragon Origin Qi. Nowadays, their entire sect grounds have been improved to perfection, nearly becoming a paradise everyone in the Profound Domain desires to reach..."
"With the opening of Emperor Ye’s Ancient Ruins this time, the Purple Cloud Sect will likely send people. Currently, they are genuinely the dominant force in the Profound Domain, and there may not be many who can compete with them."
"The people from the Purple Cloud Sect will be there too..."
Upon hearing this, Ji Chen couldn’t help but narrow his eyes, suddenly remembering Liu Qingcheng. He wondered whether she would appear as well.
...
It wasn’t until late at night that Ji Chen took his leave from Elder Zhuang.
He had learned quite a bit about the Emperor Ye’s Ancient Ruins from him, but not much truly valuable information.
During tomorrow’s Queen of Chu’s birthday celebration, if he could meet the Eldest Princess, perhaps he could glean some other insights from her.
Returning to his prepared quarters at Anomaly Pavilion, Ji Chen fell asleep as soon as he lay down.
He awoke early the next morning.
After a quick wash, he changed into a clean white robe and left Anomaly Pavilion alone.
Although it was early morning, the streets were already filled with many people out and about.
Almost everyone was heading in the same direction as Ji Chen, making their way toward the Imperial Palace on foot.
Ji Chen went with the flow, and shortly thereafter, a grand and magnificent group of palace buildings appeared before his eyes.
This was where the Imperial Palace was located.
The most important place in the Chu Kingdom, representing supreme power.
At this moment, in front of the imposing palace gates, stood two rows of palace maids, each with an extraordinary bearing, similar to noble ladies. They had been carefully selected by the royal family and arranged here today to welcome guests from all over the world.
"Elder from Li Family of Lu City has arrived!"
"The Patriarch of Zhang Family from Yu City has arrived!"
"Sect Leader of Wuji Sect has arrived!"
One impressive figure after another appeared and was welcomed into the Imperial Palace.
Holding his invitation, Ji Chen also reached the front of the palace gates, handing it to the head palace maid for inspection.
"Ji Chen?"
The palace maid smiled as she customarily opened the invitation, but when she saw the name, her face unintentionally showed a hint of surprise.
However, she quickly composed herself and then announced, "Young Sect Leader of Lingyun Sect has arrived!"
Young Sect Leader of Lingyun Sect!
As soon as this announcement echoed, it immediately drew the attention of everyone near the palace gates.
All eyes turned towards him.
"Ji Chen has come too?"
"The once playboy is now a Second Grade Alchemist. In just a few short months, the Lingyun Sect seems to have completely transformed."
Currently, Ji Chen and the Lingyun Sect were hot topics widely discussed throughout the Chu Kingdom.
His appearance naturally caused quite a stir.
But amidst all the surrounding chatter, Ji Chen paid no heed.
Soon, after reclaiming his invitation, he proceeded alone into the Imperial Palace.
He arrived at a vast square.
At this moment, most people had gathered here, and many banquet tables were set up upon the square. Each person’s invitation bore their corresponding seat.
Ji Chen scanned his surroundings as if searching for something.
"Young Master Ji, the Eldest Princess invites you."
At that moment, a voice called out from behind him.
He turned to see a few elegant-looking palace maids.
"Please lead the way," Ji Chen nodded and eventually followed them away from the square.
After passing by several ancient halls and winding around the massive Imperial Palace for a while, Ji Chen was finally led to a relatively quiet courtyard.
The courtyard contained a lotus pond, with blooming lotuses capturing one’s gaze.
Above the pond stood a sizable pavilion. Gazing over, Ji Chen saw that there were a dozen or so figures seated in the pavilion, both men and women, all with extraordinary auras, clearly the outstanding youths from major families or sects.