Cultivating Immortality, Starting from Childhood Sweethearts-Chapter 410 - What Exactly Is She Scheming?

“?”

When the Dragon Empress spoke those words, Zhu Cici looked at her in confusion.

“I am but a mere woman of no great significance,” Zhu Cici replied humbly.

The Dragon Empress’s lips curled ever so slightly.

It was not a full smile—not even enough to be called a proper one. Yet, that faintest hint of amusement was like snow melting atop the Heavenly Mountains, like ten thousand pear trees blooming at once, like an entire sea of ephemerals bursting into flower.

“She is truly beautiful.”

As she gazed at the Dragon Empress’s subtle smile, Zhu Cici couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.

The Dragon Empress held Zhu Cici’s gaze. “Innate literary souls are rare, but throughout history, at least one has emerged every thousand years. I have seen many such individuals.

But you, Zhu Cici, are the final disciple of Mister Qi. That fact alone makes you different.

There are few people in this world whom I truly respect—your master happens to be one of them. That old man has always been incredibly selective in taking disciples, and each of his students has left their mark upon this world.

And you are his last disciple.

Moreover, you rank among the top ten on the Beauty List.

A woman of both talent and beauty—such rarity is difficult to come by.

‘The most fleeting thing in this mortal world,

Is youth leaving the mirror, flowers parting from the trees.’

That poem—I have heard it before.

Seeing you today, I find it strikingly fitting.

You are so beautiful, it is as if you do not belong to this mortal realm.”

Though the Dragon Empress’s words were praise, Zhu Cici couldn’t shake the feeling that the monarch bore a certain hostility toward her.

She smiled faintly. “I am but a dull student of White Deer Academy. To be accepted as Mister Qi’s disciple is an honor in itself. As for my appearance, I could never compare to Your Majesty. Your name resounds across the world—there are many who would consider just a single glimpse of you to be worth dying for.”

“The people of White Deer Academy are always so humble.” The Dragon Empress continued to study Zhu Cici’s face. “Enjoy the banquet tonight, Miss Zhu.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty. I shall take my leave.” Zhu Cici bowed and turned away.

As Zhu Cici descended the grand steps, Xu Ming knew immediately that it was his turn.

An official from the Wu Kingdom handed him two boxes.

Xu Ming rose to his feet, taking the tributes with him as he ascended the steps.

He carried himself with a tall, upright posture, his Wu Kingdom-style azure robe accentuating his refined yet powerful presence. His aura—tempered by years of both scholarly discipline and martial cultivation—radiated a noble intensity, drawing the eyes of many young women.

Even the usually oblivious Ao Yiner found herself momentarily stunned, simply thinking to herself how good Xu Ming looked. No wonder he’s my newest friend.

As Zhu Cici passed him on her way down, she gave a small nod. Xu Ming returned the gesture before continuing up.

By the time he reached the platform, palace attendants had already stepped forward to receive the offerings from the Wu Kingdom.

“The Wu Kingdom extends its congratulations to the North Sea’s myriad clans, wishing prosperity for all, peace among the people, and security across the land.” Xu Ming bowed in formal salute.

“We thank Lord Xu,” the Dragon Empress replied with a nod.

“I have long heard of Lord Xu’s brilliance,” she continued. “From a young age, you were hailed as a poet immortal, with your Butterfly Loves Flowers poem spreading far and wide. Later, when you joined Blood Asura, I assumed you had forsaken the literary path for the martial. Yet, against all expectations, you have mastered both.

And now, you stand as the second-ranked individual on the Qingyun List—a truly remarkable feat.”

“Your Majesty overpraises me.” Xu Ming cupped his hands and bowed slightly. “All of this is due to my lord’s guidance. My ruler treats me as kin, never withholding a single resource, even going so far as to offer me the Princess’s hand in marriage.

Without my lord, there would be no me today.”

Although Xu Ming’s growth had little to do with the Wu Emperor, this was certainly the time to give credit to him.

There was also an unspoken message in Xu Ming’s words—he was subtly telling the Dragon Empress: I have someone backing me. The Wu Emperor treats me like a son, so you’d best let me return.

Having lived for so many years, the Dragon Empress would undoubtedly understand this underlying meaning.

As for whether she cared or not, that was something Xu Ming couldn’t be sure of.

To be honest, he had a feeling that leaving the Dragon Palace now might not be so simple.

“In that case, I shall have to visit the Wu Kingdom myself someday,” the Dragon Empress said. “I would like to see for myself how such a young emperor managed to nurture a talent like you, Lord Xu.”

Xu Ming: “...”

A sudden thought popped into his mind.

Could it be that when she visits the Wu Kingdom, she’ll propose marriage to me directly?

“The journey must have been arduous for you, Lord Xu,” the Dragon Empress continued. “May you enjoy yourself at this Four Seas Grand Ceremony.”

She did not speak further, treating him like any other envoy, exchanging only a few casual pleasantries.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Xu Ming bowed once more before turning and descending the steps.

Immediately after, another representative stepped forward to present their tribute to the Dragon Empress.

The tribute presentations continued all the way into the morning of the next day.

Everyone had stayed up the entire night.

Fortunately, as cultivators, they did not need sleep.

As dawn’s light spread once more across the Dragon Palace, the luminous night pearls gradually dimmed.

Palace maids began carrying in trays of breakfast.

Everyone knew that once this meal was finished, the Four Seas Grand Ceremony would officially come to an end.

But at that moment, the Dragon Empress rose to her feet and addressed the assembly:

“The Four Seas Grand Ceremony was meant to conclude at this point.

However, each time this ceremony is held, it follows the same pattern, and I fear that has become somewhat dull.

This time, I would like all of you to bear witness to something.”

Her voice echoed throughout the Dragon Palace.

Everyone exchanged glances, then turned their eyes to the Dragon Empress.

A representative from one of the sects stood up and bowed. “May I ask what Your Majesty wishes for us to witness?”

“The handover of the Dragon King’s Soar,” the Dragon Empress declared, her words crisp and unmistakable.

The hall erupted into even louder murmurs and discussions.

Most had never heard of the Dragon King’s Soar.

But some had caught wind of an old rumor—that the true purpose of the Four Seas Grand Ceremony was actually to transfer a certain priceless treasure.

A totem.

Could that rumor be true?

Could the totem in question really be called the Dragon King’s Soar?

That raised an even bigger question.

While this matter wasn’t an absolute secret, it was certainly considered confidential.

Why would the Dragon Empress reveal it so openly?

And not just reveal it—she was inviting them all to witness the ceremony.

As her words settled over the hall, Xu Ming frowned, unable to decipher what the Dragon Empress was planning.

The one who felt even more uneasy was Ao Jin.

Normally, the handover of the Dragon King’s Soar was conducted in absolute secrecy.

Why was the Dragon Empress making this public?

Does she know about my scheme?

No... that can’t be right.

If she had uncovered his plot, he would already be dead.

Besides, Ao Jin was certain he had left no traces behind.

Then what exactly is she scheming?