Great Zhou.

The magnificent and towering Imperial City stands at the very center of the entire nation.

Rising over a hundred zhang tall, it is propped up by an array floating in the air, linked with Celestial Ladder Stone Stacks, yet with no paths leading down to the ground below, resembling a solitary city at its peak.

Clouds and mist surround it on all sides, inside, celestial cranes soar, exotic beasts gallop, the palace attendants, all possessing fine appearances and carrying some cultivation, exhibit an extraordinary bearing, akin to Immortal Attendants from Heaven.

Ji Chengtian had heard about a suspended city in Fuli Immortal State, assuming that Mystic God Daoist Sect was the foremost sect in the world, and that the Great Zhou he ruled over was also the foremost of nations, and thus must not lose face.

He ordered people to spend several decades to construct this "Huangtian City."

Within the main hall of the Imperial Palace, only three cultivators were present to pay their respects, the atmosphere was heavy, they bowed down trembling slightly, not daring to utter a sound.

All three were at the Middle Three Grades of cultivation, including one from Three Tribulations Sect, one from Lingtai Mountain, and another who had once been loyal to the Liang Kingdom’s Royal Family.

Without exception, they were all participants related to the battle of the destruction of Liang.

Veils dropped down one after another, shielding the worshippers from peeking at the Emperor’s gaze, making his intentions even harder to fathom.

Ji Chengtian sat above, eyes closed, focused on his breathing and meditation.

Underneath him, instead of sitting on a dragon throne, there was merely a high platform, simply arranged with a meditation cushion.

He himself did not wear a dragon robe, but a simple grey Daoist robe, matched with the face of a lean and vigorous middle-aged man.

He indeed appeared to possess an ethereal and transcendent demeanor.

Unlike an Emperor, he resembled more of a cultivator.

Ji Chengtian held a Communication Jade Slip in his hand, it was shimmering with faint light.

After a long time, he opened his eyes and swept over the three kneeling below, speaking indifferently:

"Worthless people, kill them."

In an instant, maids immediately took action, the ribbons in their hands were originally a magical Spiritual Treasure, strangling the necks of the three with a "snap."

These maids possessed celestial beauty, yet when they acted, it was like thunder, instantly transforming into the Life-taking Judge.

However, this was merely a beginning.

Since the initial decision to go to war against Liang Kingdom, all related pawns who had lost their usefulness were to be cleansed in an hour.

These individuals, Ji Chengtian originally kept them, aiming to track down Chen Kuang’s whereabouts.

That day, when the "Martial Saint" took action, Ji Chengtian naturally refrained from interference, and in his view, the unknown origin Elixir of Longevity was mostly on Chu Wen Ruo and her mother, just a small pawn, killed, then it was killed.

His backup plan was with the "Eternal Life Lock," as long as Liang Kingdom still existed, he could naturally continue his schemes.

However, after the matter calmed for a few days, when the people of Three Tribulations Sect reported, they discovered that all of the dragon veins of Liang Kingdom had strangely closed for unknown reasons, and could no longer draw fortune.

Only then did he realize that he had been tricked by Su Yu.

Building a road openly while secretly moving supplies.

The "National Fortune" had already been transferred by Su Yu!

But who ultimately took away the "National Fortune"?

Yet, even if guessed, what can be done, the person had already crossed the border, entered Yang Kingdom... even Ji Chengtian needed to plan slowly.

Fortunately, that Chen Kuang’s luck was exceedingly poor.

Shortly after entering Yang Kingdom, he became entangled in King Jingnan’s rebellion, and the commotion was great, even a Saint intervened, ultimately leading to a falling-out with the Emperor.

Ji Chengtian’s spies in Yang Kingdom quickly received the news.

At the same time, he immediately understood, Chen Kuang, whom he considered a small pawn, was actually the one who truly took the Elixir of Longevity and the National Fortune!

Ji Chengtian was not angered, but rather delighted.

Any pawn, once placed in the open, can be schemed against.

And this back and forth month allowed Ji Chengtian to see clearly just how many worthless individuals were under his command.

From today onwards, those who know the plans related to the "Eternal Life Lock" will only be Ji Chengtian’s most trusted few.

Among them, naturally includes his children.

Ji Chengtian sighed, murmured:

"Su Yu... I originally thought he was merely a spineless dog, yet never expected him to grow fangs early and scheme such a move."

His gaze turned cold, lifting his head, seemingly wanting to look toward the endless sky:

"Unfortunately, this move is not a solitary play."

"Since it isn’t, it must have a weakness."

Ji Chengtian waved his hand, summoned his Death Warrior, smiling warmly:

"Just right, Yanwei is also in Jishao County, and has some ties with Chen Kuang, surely he knows how many family members Chen Kuang has, let him handle this matter."

Death Warrior bowed his head: "Yes."

Then vanished.

The rest within the hall remained silent, hearts trembling.

The Second Prince was known to have a tie with Chen Kuang and intended to form a friendship, Ji Chengtian had long since been aware.

Zhou Yanwei thought himself discreet in privately raising Death Warriors, but in truth, it was merely Ji Chengtian turning a blind eye.

Previously Ji Chengtian considered him young and playful, all under control, thus did not mind.

But now... the Eldest Prince had died in battle at Northern Plains, Ji Chengtian harbored suspicions.

This time, he wanted Zhou Yanwei to personally manage capturing Chen Family members to prove it.

Soon, outside, sudden exclamations arose, someone ran into the hall, tremblingly knelt and reported:

"Your Majesty, the ’Martial Saint’... has fallen!"

Ji Chengtian frowned: "Explain the details."

"Yes."

The person simply said: "The ’Martial Saint’ fought against Earth Spirit Daoist Monarch, Earth Spirit Daoist Monarch survived and proved his path to become a Saint, ’Martial Saint’s’ Dao Heart was shattered, steadily declining, finally self-destructed in death."

Ji Chengtian knew the matter was not that simple.