76: Chapter 76 Cao Yang is conferred the title of King of the Southwest
Seeing Cao Yang appear instantly on the main seat of the great hall, Doctor Gong could not help but shrink his eyes, secretly surprised in his heart. Rumors from the outside world claimed that Cao Yang was only in the Immortal King Realm, yet the person before him was exuding the aura of the Middle Stage of the Immortal Emperor Realm!
What exactly was going on? Did Cao Yang hide his strength? Or was there some other reason?
Doctor Gong was filled with doubts, but he maintained his composure on the surface. He hurriedly stood up, cupped his hands, and said with a smile: "Congratulations, Immortal King Xuan Yang. The outside world says that Immortal King Cao Yang cut down an old-timer Immortal King Middle Stage powerhouse just after his Breakthrough to the Immortal King Realm, making him a Dragon and Phoenix among men. I did not expect Immortal King Xuan Yang to be truly hiding his depth!"
That was correct; the Realm Cao Yang was displaying at this moment was not the Immortal King Realm, but the Middle Stage of the Immortal Emperor Realm.
He had not deliberately hidden his true cultivation base; he had simply used the power of the System to shield the heavenly secrets, making it impossible for others to perceive his other information.
Cao Yang's gaze swept across the people in the hall and finally landed on the three people sitting on the right-hand side. The one who spoke was a middle-aged man in brocade clothes. Beside him sat a heroic woman in armor and a youth in magnificent robes. The woman possessed the Early Stage of the Immortal King Realm, while the youth was at the Peak of the Golden Immortal Realm.
"Fellow Daoist is too kind. Please, everyone, take a seat," Cao Yang replied indifferently, his face expressionless. His tone was calm, as if he were indifferent to everything before him.
Hearing Cao Yang's cold reply, a flash of anger crossed the eyes of the youth in magnificent robes. He had originally thought that Cao Yang would treat them warmly; after all, they came from the Imperial Dynasty, their status was noble, and his father was an Immortal Emperor powerhouse. However, Cao Yang's attitude made him feel slighted, and a sense of dissatisfaction could not help but rise in his heart.
This naturally did not escape Cao Yang's eyes, but he did not care. If they dared to be presumptuous, he would simply wave his hand and slap them into dust.
Doctor Gong and the other two sat back down.
Seeing this, Cao Yang wore a faint smile and said: "I heard that Fellow Daoist has come representing the Imperial Dynasty. May I ask your surname? What business brings you to my barren land of the Southwest?"
"Immortal King Xuan Yang, you may call me Doctor Gong. I am here representing Her Majesty the Empress to convey an imperial decree."
Doctor Gong said with a gentle face. His gaze toward Cao Yang was full of goodwill, as if he had a certain understanding of this Immortal King Xuan Yang.
"Oh, since it is an imperial decree from Her Majesty the Empress, do I need to kneel to receive it?" Cao Yang said with a smile, his tone relaxed as if he were just joking.
"No, no, Her Majesty the Empress holds Immortal King Xuan Yang in particularly high regard," Doctor Gong hurriedly waved his hands, explaining quickly, fearing it might cause a misunderstanding.
Doctor Gong continued: "Moreover, since Immortal King Xuan Yang is already in the Immortal Emperor Realm, in the Imperial Dynasty, once one's cultivation base reaches the Peak of the Immortal King Realm, one is no longer required to perform the kowtow ceremony."
The armored woman and the youth in magnificent robes beside him were startled to hear Doctor Gong say that Cao Yang was an Immortal Emperor powerhouse, but they had seen many Immortal Emperors and did not show too much surprise.
However, they still secretly sighed in their hearts; they had not expected this seemingly young Immortal King Xuan Yang to have already reached such a profound Realm.
"Since that is the case, Fellow Daoist Gong, please tell me about the Empress's imperial decree," Cao Yang smiled slightly, a look of anticipation flashing in his eyes.
Doctor Gong thought for a moment, cleared his throat, and said: "Immortal King Xuan Yang, Her Majesty the Empress's original words are: 'Invest Immortal King Xuan Yang, Cao Yang, as the King of the Southwest, to govern all matters in the Southwest region. Bestow three Immortal King-tier Magic Treasures and one billion top-grade Immortal Crystals.'"
"However, this was the imperial decree issued when the Empress only saw you display an Immortal King cultivation base. If the Empress knew you had already reached a Breakthrough to the Immortal Emperor Realm, the rewards would surely be even more generous," Doctor Gong added.
"Oh?" Cao Yang raised an eyebrow slightly, a smile curling at the corner of his mouth. He thought to himself: It seems this Empress holds me in quite high regard.
"Since Her Majesty the Empress has such good intentions, I cannot be unappreciative. I accept this title of King of the Southwest," Cao Yang smiled with satisfaction.
"Fellow Daoist Gong, when you return, please convey my gratitude to Her Majesty the Empress. Also, please inform the Empress that I will personally go to the Imperial Palace to thank her before long," a mysterious smile appeared on Cao Yang's face. He understood in his heart that this imperial decree was not just a title and a reward, but a form of recognition and trust. And he would also repay this trust with concrete actions.
"The three of you, it is rare for you to come to my land of the Southwest. Why not stay for a few more days to play and experience the local customs here?" Cao Yang looked at the three people before him with a smile, his tone kind. He had already sensed that these three did not seem to have other matters to discuss, so he proactively made this suggestion.
Doctor Gong and the other two exchanged glances, and then Doctor Gong answered: "Many thanks for the kind intention of Immortal King Xuan Yang, but we have been away from the Imperial Capital for some time and must rush back to report to Her Majesty the Empress as soon as possible, so as not to delay important matters. Therefore, it is inconvenient for us to stay long this time. I hope Immortal King Xuan Yang can understand." He politely declined Cao Yang's invitation, demonstrating loyalty and a sense of responsibility toward the Empress's orders.
"Since that is the case, this King will not force it. However, before you leave, this King has one more matter to discuss with you." Cao Yang looked at Doctor Gong and the other two, a deep meaning flashing in his eyes.
"Immortal King Xuan Yang, please speak. As long as it is within our power, we will certainly do our best to assist," Doctor Gong hurriedly responded, secretly guessing in his heart what Cao Yang would say next.
"This King knows that you came here representing Her Majesty the Empress. And this King also hopes to maintain a good relationship with Her Majesty the Empress. Therefore, I would like to ask you to help convey some of my sentiments." As Cao Yang spoke, he took out a crystal-clear jade talisman from his bosom and handed it to Doctor Gong.
"This is a gift I specially prepared. I hope you can pass it on to Her Majesty the Empress," Cao Yang explained.
Doctor Gong carefully took the jade talisman, and feeling the powerful aura contained within, he could not help but tremble slightly. He knew this jade talisman was certainly no ordinary object; it might be some kind of precious Magic Treasure or treasure. But he did not reveal it, only respectfully tucked the jade talisman into his bosom, indicating that he would definitely pass it on to Her Majesty the Empress.
"Immortal King Xuan Yang, rest assured, we will definitely convey your sentiments to Her Majesty the Empress," Doctor Gong said solemnly.
"That is good. Furthermore, if Her Majesty the Empress has any needs, or any instructions for this King, please inform me at any time. This King will certainly cooperate fully." Cao Yang once again expressed his respect and sincerity toward Her Majesty the Empress.
"Many thanks, Immortal King Xuan Yang!" Doctor Gong said gratefully.
"No need for courtesy; this is what should be done," Cao Yang smiled and waved his hand, signaling them not to be too restrained.
Finally, Doctor Gong and the others stood up to take their leave, and carrying the jade talisman that Cao Yang had given to Her Majesty the Empress, they left the Xuan Yang Palace.
They understood in their hearts that although this mission had been completed smoothly, Cao Yang's true Realm was that of an Immortal Emperor. When Cao Yang truly returned to the Imperial Capital in the future, the interests and power struggles involved would make them feel under immense pressure.
However, as ministers of Her Majesty the Empress, they could only remain loyal to their duties and execute her will. As for the future, they could only take it one step at a time...