Chapter 462: His Majesty’s Intentions Were Good
Chapter 462: The Emperor's Intentions Were Good
"Incense-Fueled Deification Method?"
Looking at the cultivation scripture Lü Yang presented, Wu Tai'an's first reaction was utter disdain.
A great benefit to the Dao Court?
What a joke! The Dao Court possesses boundless wealth—mountains of gold and silver that will never be exhausted! Did they need a destitute True Dragon Clan to offer them a cultivation method?
Still, out of respect for the Dragon Lord, he swept his divine sense over it.
"Hmm?"
Uncertain, he scanned it again.
"...Hiss!"
The next moment, just as Lü Yang had anticipated, Wu Tai'an—who had been utterly indifferent—suddenly straightened in his seat, snatched the scripture, and scrutinized it carefully.
After a long while, he finally looked up, disbelief written across his face as he stared at Lü Yang. He wasn't wrong—this Incense-Fueled Deification Method truly held immense value for the Dao Court! Collective cultivation, incense-fueled divinity... If paired with the Dao Court's official rank system, it could trigger explosive growth in the Court's influence!
This was a monumental achievement—a heaven-shaking merit!
Yet, Wu Tai'an soon realized a critical flaw: this method was purely theoretical, lacking the necessary foundation to be implemented in this world.
It was missing the Fruit Position!
"Which realm?" Wu Tai'an demanded bluntly.
An entirely unprecedented system like this had to originate from beyond this world—one that had at least formed the embryonic stage of a Fruit Position. The Dao Court would undoubtedly claim it!
But in response to his question, Lü Yang merely smiled and said:
"I wish to meet His Majesty."
Four simple words instantly cooled Wu Tai'an's fervor. He studied Lü Yang deeply. "...The True Dragon Clan truly shows sincerity."
Indeed, in his eyes, this was the True Dragon Clan's goodwill—specifically, the mid-stage Golden Core Dragon Lord's sincerity. After all, how could a realm capable of forming at least the embryonic Fruit Position be offered by a mere mid-Foundation Establishment Dragon King? Preposterous! Only a gift from the Dragon Lord made sense.
'What a pity...'
At this thought, Wu Tai'an couldn't help but sigh inwardly, realizing this heaven-shaking merit was beyond his grasp—he couldn't even claim partial credit.
If it were anyone else, he would've seized the credit without hesitation.
After all, he was the Dao Court's King of the South Suppression, the emperor's own brother, second only to True Lords in status. Taking credit from others was practically a favor!
But the True Dragon Clan was different.
Currently, the Dao Court was actively courting the True Dragon Clan. For the old Dragon Lord to present such a generous gift spoke volumes of their sincerity.
Who would dare steal such merit?
Anyone who tried would be seeking death!
With this in mind, Wu Tai'an scrutinized Lü Yang once more before breaking into a warm smile. "This humble king congratulates the Dragon King in advance."
'This True Dragon is about to rise to prominence!'
With such an immense merit, the Dao Court couldn't reward the old Dragon Lord directly—so the benefits would naturally fall upon the True Dragons now residing in Jiangdong!
His smile grew even more sincere.
"Arranging an audience with His Majesty is simple. I shall personally vouch for you and send word to Tianwu City for His Majesty's decree. I believe a response will arrive shortly."
"Many thanks, Your Highness."
Lü Yang bowed respectfully before shifting the topic. "However, Your Highness, there is one matter for which I seek clarification."
He pointed upward.
There, the gleaming sixth-rank official title of [Dongting Dragon King] shone brightly.
"I came bearing the True Dragon Clan's sincerity, yet the Dao Court granted me such a lowly position. Does Your Highness believe this is justified?"
"..." Wu Tai'an's pupils constricted.
He didn't need Lü Yang to explain—one glance told him everything. Clearly, someone within the Dao Court had intended to humble the True Dragon Clan, delivering a warning to prevent these fallen nobles from causing trouble in Jiangdong. Hence, they deliberately bestowed a sixth-rank title—one not even worthy of Foundation Establishment.
There was nothing inherently wrong with this.
Yet no one could have anticipated that the True Dragon Clan would prove so cooperative, offering the Incense-Fueled Deification Method—a gesture of immense sincerity.
Now, this back-and-forth had backfired spectacularly.
With the True Dragon Clan displaying such goodwill, the Dao Court's originally mild warning had transformed into a grave insult—one punishable by death!
In an instant, Wu Tai'an made his decision.
Distance! He must distance himself!
His expression turned solemn as he declared firmly, "Dragon King, rest assured—I will personally address this matter regarding your official rank. This was absolutely not His Majesty's intention."
"So, someone within the court interfered?" Lü Yang pressed.
"Precisely!"
Wu Tai'an nodded decisively. "Dragon King, I swear to report this to the court and investigate thoroughly. We will not allow a meritorious subject to suffer injustice!"
"I see!"
Lü Yang's face twisted with righteous indignation, his voice heavy with sorrow. "I knew His Majesty's intentions were good—it's just that those below him executed them poorly! Damn it, how has the Dao Court fallen to this state? Do they have no gratitude for His Majesty's benevolence?"
Wu Tai'an: "..."
Good heavens, this True Dragon is adapting far too quickly! If he hadn't known better, he might've mistaken Lü Yang for some loyal, patriotic elder.
Still, it seemed the True Dragon Clan wasn't enraged by this.
As long as there was room for discussion, the situation could be salvaged—compensation could be arranged later.
With this in mind, Wu Tai'an hurriedly said, "I shall make arrangements immediately. Soon, you and your clansmen will be escorted to Tianwu City."
"Many thanks, Your Highness."
Lü Yang nodded warmly. "I feel an instant kinship with Your Highness—there's no need for such formality. From now on, you may simply call me Du Huan."
Wu Tai'an paused briefly before seizing the opportunity to ease tensions. He clasped his hands. "Then greetings, Fellow Daoist Du Huan. May our future exchanges be plentiful."
"Certainly! Certainly!"
Moments later, Lü Yang stepped out of the South Suppression King's residence, his smile vanishing instantly.
'Just as I expected. Back then, I already felt the incense-fueled divine path of the [Seven Luminaries Heaven] would complement the Dao Court perfectly. Now, it's clear they're ravenous for it.'
That was enough.
He had no intention of handing over the complete [Seven Luminaries Heaven] he possessed. Instead, he planned to offer the one still lingering beyond this world!
'Hong Yun has no use for it anymore.'
'I'll make use of it on his behalf.'
'Come to think of it, if I replicate Chongguang's achievement of proving the [Heaven of Non-Existence] in this lifetime, causing all True Lords to retreat into seclusion... Perhaps I could slay Hong Yun once more?'
Lost in thought, Lü Yang suddenly halted.
Ahead, a gentle breeze stirred, and a black-robed middle-aged man materialized abruptly. His features were rugged, yet his mouth bore sharp fangs.
'A monstrous cultivator...'
Lü Yang raised an eyebrow. If one were to ask where monstrous cultivators were most abundant in this world, aside from the overseas territories ruled by the True Dragon Clan, it would undoubtedly be the Jiangdong Dao Court.
Under the [Immortal Nation's Dao Statutes], all were equal—monstrous cultivators could compete just as fiercely as humans. With their superior physical attributes, they often outperformed humans, becoming prized laborers... Yet despite this, Lü Yang knew monstrous cultivators remained at the very bottom of the Dao Court's hierarchy.
No wonder he wore black robes.
"This humble monster greets the Dragon King."
The black-robed man bowed respectfully before continuing, "We have long admired the True Dragons' reputation. Might you grace us with your presence?"
Lü Yang's mind stirred briefly before he nodded calmly.
"Lead the way."