The sound of the Golden Brahma was like a warm sun, dispelling the chill of the air. Those spirits, once fierce and malevolent, let out cries of anguish as they came into contact with this power, their hollow eyes gradually revealing a glimmer of clarity.
With compassion, I turn back to the shore!
Chen Li appeared majestic, as if a deity had descended to the mortal realm. He formed hand seals, and golden symbols flew from his fingertips, transforming into golden chains that bound those spirits.
In my name, I deliver souls to the afterlife, guiding them to paradise!
With Chen Li's furious shout, the golden light surged, illuminating the entire Dark Space as bright as day. The spirits bound by the golden chains began to shed their deathly aura under the radiance of the golden light, ultimately transforming into specks of spiritual light that dissipated into the heavens and earth.
Meanwhile, hundreds of miles away from the capital city, a dilapidated temple stood alone on a desolate mountain. Inside the temple, an old monk dressed in tattered robes sat cross-legged on a mat, meditating with closed eyes. His hair and beard were completely white, and his face was gaunt, resembling a dried corpse. Only the string of prayer beads at his chest emitted a faint golden glow, proving he was still alive.
Suddenly, the old monk opened his eyes wide; two beams of brilliance shot from his murky gaze as if they could pierce through the void.
Amitabha, how wonderful! To think there is such a divine being in the capital; my Thousand Buddha Gate is saved!
The old monk murmured softly before quickly rising and heading towards the direction of the capital.
In the royal palace, atop the Golden Hall, a man dressed in a dragon robe and wearing a crown sat high on the dragon throne. His face was like polished jade, with sword-like brows and starry eyes that commanded respect without anger; he was none other than the Holy Emperor of the Qian Sheng Empire.
Below the Holy Emperor stood dozens of men and women of all ages dressed in splendid attire; these were heads of various prominent families, each holding significant power and influence.
My esteemed ministers, the day of the Bloodline Test is approaching. Are all of you prepared? The Holy Emperor scanned those below him and spoke calmly.
In response to Your Majesty, we have made all necessary preparations and are only waiting for the day of testing. An elder clad in a Purple Robe stepped forward respectfully.
Very well. The Holy Emperor nodded and continued, This Bloodline Test concerns the future of our Qian Sheng Empire. I hope all of you will do your utmost to select outstanding talents for our empire.
We shall certainly give our all! The crowd replied in unison.
Hmm. The Holy Emperor nodded in satisfaction before turning his gaze toward a middle-aged man in blue embroidered with golden dragons standing among them, his expression tinged with excitement.
Wuding Hou, is your legitimate son ready?
Chen Yuantu raised his head to look at the lofty Holy Emperor, a hint of calm smile playing on his lips. He had prepared for this day for six years. During these six years, he had exhausted all the resources of Wuding Hou to nurture his youngest son, Chen Ming. Now, the moment to witness the fruits of his labor had finally arrived!
Reporting to the Holy Emperor, my son is ready!
As soon as Chen Yuantu's words fell, a chorus of compliments erupted in the Golden Hall.
Congratulations to Wuding Hou! Six years ago, the Marquis's youngest son was born amidst extraordinary signs, with dragons and phoenixes soaring together. Old Madam, I still remember it vividly!
An elderly man with white hair stroked his beard and chuckled, expressing confidence that this bloodline test would surely make the Marquis's son renowned across the land, easily surpassing the Imperial Academy, and perhaps even allowing the Holy Ancestor to manifest in this world!
Indeed, indeed! The Marquis is truly blessed!
With no lack of sons among us, we eagerly await the outcome!
Listening to the flurry of praises from those around him, Chen Yuantu felt an immense sense of pride within, though he maintained a composed exterior. He merely smiled lightly and replied, You flatter me; my son is quite unruly. Whether he can pass the bloodline test remains uncertain. As for the Holy Ancestor, he is our guardian deity in Qian Sheng Empire; only those with outstanding royal bloodlines might manifest. How could it be for my son?
Wuding Hou need not be so humble. The imposing Holy Emperor’s gaze was stern, yet there was a hint of familiarity when he looked at Chen Yuantu. If your son truly earns the favor of the Imperial Academy, entering the realm of the Holy Ancestor would just be a matter of time. In the land of the Holy Ancestor, merit matters more than bloodline.
You are correct, Your Majesty. Chen Yuantu respectfully lowered his head.
His gaze subtly shifted towards Shen Zhentian, who stood almost at the edge of the crowd. As a fellow minister of the court, Shen Zhentian now resembled a mere tool—no one paid him any mind. Chen Yuantu was curious to see what capabilities a marginalized Shen Family could possibly have against his Wuding Marquisate.
Chen Yuantu's eyes were like a serpent's tongue—cold and slick with malice—fixated on Shen Zhentian.
As if sensing Chen Yuantu's gaze, Shen Zhentian suddenly opened his eyes. Deep within them lay a storm brewing fiercely.
This was their first encounter since Shen Wanzhou had been expelled from Wuding Marquisate.
A chill ran through Chen Yuantu’s heart as he instinctively averted his gaze.
The coldness and disdain in Shen Zhentian's eyes were unmistakable. All hesitation vanished from him.
He slowly stepped out from the crowd and respectfully addressed the Holy Emperor on the throne, "Your Majesty, I have a request."
The Holy Emperor looked at Shen Zhentian, his imposing face revealing no signs of joy or anger, only a hint of curiosity in his eyes. "Speak, General Shen. What is it you desire?"
Taking a deep breath, Shen Zhentian declared loudly, "I ask Your Majesty to grant me the authority to bring my daughter Shen Wanzhou's children, Chen Li and Shen Qingyue, into the Shen Family clan, completely severing their ties with the Wuding Marquisate! I hope for Your Majesty's grace!"
At this declaration, the entire court was stunned. Everyone looked at Shen Zhentian as if he were a madman, a fool who did not understand the gravity of his words.
Who did not know that the two children he mentioned were the offspring of Chen Yuantu, the Wuding Hou? Although Chen Yuantu did not treat them as his own children, changing their clan affiliation would mean cutting off their connection to the Chen Family's fortune and bloodline. This was detrimental not only to the children but also to the Chen Family itself.
Especially considering the noble status of Wuding Hou, Shen Zhentian's actions were akin to slapping Chen Yuantu in the face. This was no trivial matter!
Even the royal prodigies, who had remained silent until now, could not help but furrow their brows, a flicker of displeasure crossing their faces.
"Impudent!" Chen Yuantu roared, pointing an accusing finger at Shen Zhentian. "You old fool are simply delusional! Chen Li and Shen Qingyue may have been cast out by me, but they are still of my Wuding Marquisate bloodline! What does your Shen Family think it is to compete with us for them?"
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