16: Did you bring enough tonics?

Old Ancestor Chu Shanhe didn't stay idle either. He dragged out the last Great Chu Old Ancestor from his coffin—Chu Changge, who was also at the Peak Quasi-Emperor stage. He had been forcibly pushed into the Emperor Realm by a breakthrough pill, leaving his Foundation a bit shaky.

Combined with the three newly ascended Empresses—Su Wu, Supreme Second Elder of the Hehuan Sect, and Supreme Third Elder of the Hehuan Sect—they formed a "Five Emperors" lineup. They began closed-door cultivation to frantically practice the System's reward: the [Nine-Nine Return to One God-Locking Formation].

It was said to be a supreme Formation capable of trapping and killing those in the same realm, or even allowing one to challenge higher-level opponents.

Chu Shanhe acted as the commander-in-chief, being extremely strict. Any slight error was met with a wave of Emperors Might as "guidance," while he constantly muttered under his breath:

"Su Wu! That 'Jade Maiden Soul-Confusing Light' of yours is as soft as a tickle! Who are you trying to scratch? Inject thirty percent of your Emperor Essence; it needs to be sharp!"

"Supreme Second Elder of the Hehuan Sect! Smile! Keep that 'Alluring' smile when switching Formation nodes! Hide your Killing Intent within the smile! Yes, like that—a smile so charming your master wants to slap you!"

"Supreme Third Elder of the Hehuan Sect! Don't get distracted! Recall how you served Ye'er last night and apply that same 'focus' to the Formation's transitions!"

"Chu Changge! You old geezer, steady the Formation eye! Stop your legs from shaking! You just became an Emperor and you're already weak? You're worse than these young girls!"

Old Ancestor Chu Changge had a face full of bitterness, and the three Empresses were also gritting their teeth. They deeply realized that being an "Emperor-level maidservant" was no easy task; the professional training was far too hardcore.

Under the secret assistance of Chu Ye's formidable Comprehension Ability, the massive Mental Energy bolstered by the System, and the "hundred phoenix diagram," the Formation practice proceeded like a raging fire.

With the "full cooperation" of the Three Old Ancestors of the Hehuan Sect, his cultivation soared like a rocket, and his Divine Soul became increasingly solid after consuming Immortal Plants.

Often, after a night of "diligent labor," he would be refreshed and energized, while his high-cultivation "opponents" were frequently left limp and exhausted. Their bedroom eyes held a hint of unbelievable "fear"—was this guy made of iron? How did he get braver and stronger with every battle?

Outside, Chu Tianxing was not idle either.

Diplomatic communication with the Great Qin Empire progressed smoothly. Using the excuse of "congratulating the Great Qin Emperor on her birthday and her attainment of the Dao, specially sending a prince with gifts for Her Majesty the Empress," they obtained an official state document.

Half a month later, Chu Ye would rightfully step into Great Qin territory.

Seeing his son "working day and night," the old father Chu Tianxing felt both gratified and distressed.

He was gratified by his son's "hard work" but distressed by the fear that he might "overwork himself."

Consequently, all sorts of "Ten-Ingredient Tonic Soups" and "Dragon-Vigor Tiger-Strength Pills" made from thousand-year turtles and ten-thousand-year ginseng were sent to Chu Ye's palace as if they cost nothing. He watched him drink them every day, lecturing him earnestly:

"Ye'er, though Cultivation is important, your health is the Foundation of everything! Come, finish this bowl of 'Eight-Treasure Qilin Stew'!"

"This is the 'Nine-Revolution Dragon-Phoenix Pill.' Father specifically asked the alchemy room to add honey so it wouldn't be bitter. Eat it quickly!"

"You've looked thinner these past few days. This 'Heaven and Earth One-Qi Bag' contains a hundred pounds of spiritual jerky. Eat it if you're hungry!"

Chu Ye looked at the mountain of supplements, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

He really wanted to tell his dear Imperial Father: with the "hundred phoenix diagram" on him, he was essentially a "perpetual motion machine" with infinite endurance. The Phoenix Qi in the diagram circulated naturally, harmonizing Yin and Yang and replenishing his Origin. It was always the others who begged for mercy... But seeing his father's eager gaze, which carried a hint of "an old father understands everything," he could only tearfully down the strangely flavored tonic soups and swallow the potent Spirit Pills.

Half a month later.

Chu Ye's cultivation had steadily reached the Late Stage of the Spirit Sea Realm, and his Divine Soul strength was comparable to the Wanxiang Realm. The three Empresses of the Hehuan Sect, along with Old Ancestors Chu Shanhe and Chu Changge, had also practiced the [Nine-Nine Return to One God-Locking Formation] to a decent standard.

With the five of them joining forces, even Old Ancestor Chu Shanhe nodded in approval, saying they "could kill a Great Emperor."

The night before departing for Great Qin.

Chu Shanhe called Chu Ye to him and tossed him a Storage Ring: "Inside are the 'Hehuan Sky-Veiling Barrier' and 'Mortal World Drunken Immortal Incense' contributed by the Hehuan Sect... *Cough*, anyway, they're all the best treasures they've kept hidden. Use them as you see fit. Once you reach Great Qin, act according to the situation."

Chu Tianxing patted his son's shoulder, his eyes filled with complex emotions: "Son, Father knows it hasn't been easy for you. But the Empress of Great Qin... is no ordinary person. Don't rush; take it slow."

"Father and your Old Ancestor will always be your strongest support! Did you bring enough supplements? If not, Father will have more sent!"

Chu Ye looked at the pile of "auxiliary tools" in the Storage Ring whose names sounded less than decent, then at his father's concerned gaze, and nodded solemnly.

What he was thinking, however, was: 'Your Majesty the Empress, with a rating of 99, you must be... very resilient in "sparring," right?'

'I have my "sparring partner" lineup and "logistics support" all ready on my end.'

Carrying the "earnest expectations" and "tactical items" of his family, Chu Ye set out on his "birthday congratulation" journey to Great Qin.

He wondered how that Ziwei Empress, who sat high in the Nine Heavens looking down on all living beings, would react to this "special gift" from Great Chu.

Chu Ye set off.

The procession was grand, with banners fluttering and a magnificent guard of honor. Three thousand elites cleared the path, and the carriage was stuffed with "birthday gifts."

No one knew that inside that seemingly most precious scroll, the "Hundred Phoenixes Paying Homage to the Phoenix," the Chu family's ultimate "strategy team" was hidden: the three fresh Hehuan Sect Empresses—Su Wu, Supreme Second Elder of the Hehuan Sect, and Supreme Third Elder of the Hehuan Sect—plus the two veteran Great Emperors, Chu Shanhe and Chu Changge.

Five Great Emperors squeezed into a single painting; the image was too beautiful to imagine.

Only upon entering Great Qin territory did Chu Ye truly experience what a "top-tier Empire" was like.

Spiritual Qi was so thick it turned into mist, immortal mountains floated in the air, giant cities were scattered like stars on a chessboard, and a blood-and-iron military aura pierced the sky. The people were full of spirit, and every corner exuded prosperity and order.

Compared to this, Great Chu's previous assets seemed like a nouveau riche meeting a thousand-year-old noble family.

Great Qin, Lingxiao Hall, Longevity Banquet.

Magnificent was not enough to describe even a fraction of it. A hundred officials were seated, and experts were as numerous as clouds.

As the "Special Envoy for Birthday Congratulations," Chu Ye walked step by step up the jade stairs that seemed to lead to the Nine Heavens.

At the end, atop the imperial throne, Qin Ni Chang wore a deep black imperial robe embroidered with a soaring golden phoenix and a purple-gold crown. Behind the hanging bead curtains, her face was peerless, and her gaze was cold, looking down on all living beings as if they were ants.

That aura and majesty were even greater than the rumors!

Chu Ye held up the "hundred phoenix diagram" and said loudly: "Chu Ye, Prince of Great Chu, by the order of my Emperor and Old Ancestor Shanhe, congratulates the Empress of Great Qin on her eternal longevity! We specially present the ancient treasure 'Hundred Phoenixes Paying Homage to the Phoenix' as a symbol of good fortune. May the diplomatic ties between our two nations remain forever firm!"

The scroll unfurled, revealing a hundred lifelike phoenixes. Radiant light flowed, and the Dao charm was naturally formed, instantly attracting all eyes in the hall.

Even Qin Ni Chang's eyes behind the bead curtains narrowed slightly, clearly seeing the extraordinary nature of this diagram.

She nodded slightly, and a female official came forward to receive it. Chu Ye successfully passed the test and retreated to his seat, his heart pounding like a drum. The first step of the plan—delivering the gift—was a success!

Midnight, the courier station.

Chu Ye closed his eyes and focused, communicating with the hundred phoenix diagram with all his might. Operating this thing was extremely taxing, draining nearly half of his energy.

But he gritted his teeth and locked onto the location of the imperial secret treasury where the scroll was kept—which had been marked by an insider beforehand—and mentally chanted: "Collect!"

The scroll moved without wind in the secret treasury, instantly erupting with a soft yet irresistible suction. It precisely enveloped Qin Ni Chang, who was meditating in the adjacent quiet room and monitoring the scroll with her Divine Sense!

What kind of person was Qin Ni Chang? She instantly became alert, and her Ziwei Imperial Qi and True Dragon Power erupted!

However, the suction of the hundred phoenix diagram was incredibly mysterious, faintly resonating with the Ziwei Star Fate within her body, causing her form to stall for a brief moment!

That one moment was enough!