Chapter 464: Dao Court Emperor: Really That Loyal?
Chapter 464: The Dao Court Emperor—So Loyal After All?
Within the depths of Tianwu Hall, behind layers of heavy drapes.
The Dao Court Emperor withdrew his gaze, his ears still faintly echoing with the thunderous cries of "loyalty." He stroked his chin with an inscrutable expression.
'Did he sense my observation?'
'Impossible. Even a perfected Foundation Establishment cultivator who has refined a Blessed Land might barely manage it—but a mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator wouldn't notice even if handed a True Treasure.'
'So it was all an act?'
At this thought, the Dao Court Emperor's lips curled into an amused smile. "The little dragon sent by the old Dragon Monarch is quite capable. A promising seedling indeed."
In his early years as emperor, he had dismissed such hollow flattery with disdain, even privately decreeing multiple times to ban sycophantic behavior. Yet as time passed, these fawning words had grown increasingly pleasing to his ears—so much so that he now found them lacking in novelty.
Lü Yang's performance, however, was refreshingly original.
Of course, he could tell Lü Yang's display was deliberately staged. But so what? Across Jiangdong, nearly every official engaged in such theatrics.
After all, the jade-green eyes of the Tianwu imperial family were common knowledge.
No one could guarantee the emperor wouldn't peek at them unexpectedly, so even in private, officials would deliberately spout patriotic platitudes—just in case.
Thanks to this, he had witnessed countless similar performances over the years.
He couldn't even remember who had done what anymore.
But he remembered very clearly who hadn't.
Thus, he paid no mind to Lü Yang's act. In fact, he rather appreciated it. If you couldn't even bother with superficial gestures, how could he trust your loyalty?
"Deliver my decree."
With this thought, the Dao Court Emperor parted his lips, and majestic immortal tones instantly resonated from Tianwu Hall, harmonizing with the [Immortal Nation's Dao Statutes].
"Summon Dongting Dragon King Du Huan to the capital immediately."
Meanwhile, in a remote cave abode.
Lü Yang guided a group of demonic cultivators to their seats. Though he had hypnotized them all with [Puppet on Strings], he refrained from forceful control.
Unless activated, [Puppet on Strings] left no trace of abnormality in these demonic cultivators. Only when Lü Yang willed it would they be compelled to act—a tactic he'd learned from the World-Honored One. After all, the Pure Land Buddhists' Unity of All Beings operated on similar principles.
Yet at that moment—
The [Dongting Dragon King] official position above Lü Yang's head trembled violently, followed by an immortal proclamation that sent the surrounding demonic cultivators into stunned shock.
"Summon Dongting Dragon King Du Huan to the capital."
Thud!
Instantly, the demonic cultivators dropped to their knees in involuntary prostration, their own official positions resonating with the decree.
An imperial oral edict!
In that instant, even without [Puppet on Strings], the black-robed demonic cultivator's gaze toward Lü Yang burned with fervent excitement.
'An imperial summons delivered personally through the [Immortal Nation's Dao Statutes] rather than by decree—such extraordinary favor!'
Meanwhile, Lü Yang solemnly bowed.
"Your servant obeys."
As his response faded, the ethereal voice gradually dimmed, and Lü Yang saw the [Immortal Nation's Dao Statutes] shower him with radiant light.
[You must reach Tianwu City for your audience within one day.]
[Failure to appear before the deadline will result in immediate revocation of your official position and permanent disqualification from service. Proceed at once.]
"It seems I cannot linger, friends."
Lü Yang smiled faintly and turned to the black-robed demonic cultivator. "Might I know your esteemed name?"
"This humble demon is Xiao Shan."
The black-robed cultivator hurriedly replied, "A name I chose after gaining sentience. Whatever the Dragon King requires in the future, we shall obey!"
Lü Yang chuckled lightly. "In that case, why wait for another day? Let us establish a means of contact now so we may support each other henceforth. Other demonic cultivators may join as well—familiarity breeds unity. By nature, we share the same camp."
"Understood... my lord!"
Xiao Shan nearly trembled with joy, recognizing Lü Yang's acceptance of their allegiance. Could this Dragon King truly elevate the status of demonic cultivators?
The thought fueled his excitement further.
Observing this, Lü Yang nodded inwardly. Though these demonic cultivators were currently of little use to him, that might change in time.
Such were the benefits of the Dao Court.
With patronage from above, an official position could propel one's cultivation faster than a rocket! Combat prowess aside, at least the rank would be secured.
"As for this camp, it deserves a name."
"Your guidance is requested, my lord," Xiao Shan said shrewdly.
Lü Yang nodded. "We are loyal subjects, devoted wholeheartedly to serving the Dao Court and repaying His Majesty's grace."
"Thus, let us call it the One Heart Society."
Tianwu City.
Lü Yang soared on his escape light, bolstered by his Life Essence divine ability [Self-Tempered Materials]. Within half a day, he reached his destination.
Boom!
The moment he approached Tianwu City, an overwhelming force shattered his escape light, forcing him to descend.
'This is the heart of the [Immortal Nation's Dao Statutes]!'
Lü Yang's eyes flashed as he gazed upon Tianwu City through the perspective reflected by his [Xuan Capital Blessed Land]. What met his eyes was a vast golden sea of clouds!
The cloud sea churned above the imperial palace at the city's center, extending countless threads in all directions—weaving the entire [Immortal Nation's Dao Statutes]. Deep within those clouds, Lü Yang glimpsed four radiant lights in motion.
'Heaven and Earth Fruit Positions...'
He understood clearly: those were the four Heaven and Earth Fruit Positions imprisoned within the cloud sea, bound layer upon layer by the [Immortal Nation's Dao Statutes].
As he pondered, someone approached.
"Dragon King."
Lü Yang looked up to see a solemn-faced man with formidable aura, the inscription above his head reading [Ceremonial Directorate Chief Eunuch].
'No official rank.'
Lü Yang's brow arched slightly. According to Wu Tai'an's memories, the [Ceremonial Directorate] belonged to the inner court—its status inferior even to the [Capital Celestial Bureau].
At least the latter had official grades.
The [Ceremonial Directorate] and the entire eunuch system lacked ranks, deriving authority solely from the emperor's prestige. They weren't even considered cultivators.
Despite this, Lü Yang showed no trace of disdain, returning the greeting earnestly. "True Dragon Du Huan greets this fellow Daoist."
The eunuch visibly relaxed.
"The Dragon King honors me. This humble one is surnamed An—hardly worthy of being called a fellow Daoist... Please follow me to the palace. His Majesty wishes to see you immediately."
"My thanks, Fellow Daoist An." Lü Yang cupped his hands.
Soon, under the eunuch's guidance, Lü Yang passed through the majestic [Xuanwu Gate] and beheld the towering [Tianwu Hall], mountainous in its grandeur.
Stepping across the threshold into the hall—
His eyes fell upon a magnificent Dao platform shrouded in layers of drapes, behind which a silhouette flickered indistinctly, its features and gender indiscernible.
Yet in that instant, Lü Yang experienced an illusion—as if the figure concealed behind those drapes sat not upon a mere platform, but upon the very mountains, rivers, and lands of Jiangdong. As the palace doors closed behind him, the world itself seemed to hold its breath.
"Your servant Du Huan pays respects to Your Majesty!"
Without hesitation, Lü Yang dropped to one knee and produced a jade slip. "Herein lie the coordinates of the realm corresponding to the [Incense-Fueled Deification Method]."
"May Your Majesty review them."
"..."
Lü Yang's abrupt action left the Dao Court Emperor momentarily speechless. He had been pondering how to broach the subject, never expecting Lü Yang to cut straight to the chase.
I haven't even offered payment, yet you hand over the goods?
So loyal after all?