Young Master in Flower City

Chapter 953 - 954: Cangye Emperor

So, he quickly returned to his senses and spoke to the Haotian Sect delegation: "You must be the 'chosen ones' of Haotian Sect!"

The four words 'chosen ones' were heavily emphasized by Ling Xiao, clearly conveying his sarcasm.

He continued: "This woman in white, I suppose she's the Saintess Ye Qingcheng appointed by Haotian Sect today. It's quite laughable, a magnificent Haotian Sect, yet led by a woman. It seems there's truly no one else!"

"Brother Ling, don't speak that way!" Zhang Qishan behind Ling Xiao sarcastically said: "I heard that half a month ago, the Demon Sect led nine incompetent disciples to Haotian Sect for a challenge, directly crushing all their peers, and even the two princes known as unyielding legends were defeated. In the end, it was a woman and an Outer Sect person who redeemed Haotian Sect's honor. I think this goddess in white must be that woman, right?"

Zhang Qishan continued: "However, having an Outer Sect disciple redeem the honor of Haotian Sect is laughable. Is Haotian Sect's management so poor that they haven't noticed a peerless prodigy hidden in the Outer Sect?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Tianyu and Ye Qingcheng stood by without expression, but the two princes' faces turned iron-blue; this was their shame, and being mentioned again naturally made them feel disgraced.

Then, Di Yun stepped forward: "Are you looking for trouble?"

"Not that interested right now!" Ling Xiao waved his hand and smiled: "Besides, you've come from afar; as guests, I must show some hospitality. Please, everyone!"

Hearing this, the Haotian Sect group did not respond, directly lifted their feet, and grandly entered the Imperial Palace, seeing the vast and majestic palace filled with armored soldiers, ready for battle, showing how tense the situation was.

Besides, there were numerous strong individuals, especially many from the Great Ming Immortal Sect, who showed cold glances when Haotian Sect members entered.

As for Liu Yan and his sister, worried about their parents' safety, they directly entered the inner hall, disappearing from everyone's sight.

"Halt!" Upon reaching the back hall entrance, Liu Yan and his sister were stopped by two soldiers, yet a deep voice emanated from the hall: "Insolence, they are the Prince and Princess, let them in!"

"Yes, Southern King!" The two soldiers pulled back their Battle Spears.

From these words, it's clear that the person speaking was Southern King, the commander of the three armies, who holds all military power of Cangye Kingdom.

Once Liu Yan and his sister entered the back hall, several gazes fell upon them. Liu Yan's beautiful eyes scanned around, seeing the person in charge wearing imperial attire, imposing and extraordinary, his deep pupils revealing boundless hostility, clearly developed from many battles.

This person was none other than Southern King.

In the main seat in front of Southern King sat a middle-aged man and woman, both wearing dragon and phoenix robes, dignified and impressive; they were the Cangye Emperor and Empress, and also Liu Yan's parents.

Seeing Liu Yan and Liu Yuan returning together, a trace of helplessness flashed in their eyes. Cangye Kingdom's power has waned, deep down they wished their children wouldn't return, as doing so was like walking into a trap.

Yet, blame was futile at this stage.

Then, Cangye Emperor spoke to Southern King: "You want me to hand over the Heirloom Seal of the Realm to let you ascend the throne smoothly? It's possible, but I'd like to talk alone with my two children. If you agree, I'll hand it over gladly!"

"Alright!" Southern King nodded, unafraid of Cangye Emperor pulling any tricks, as everything was under his control. Southern King then waved to other princes: "Leave us!"

Thus, Southern King took the lead and left.

"Close the door!" After Southern King and the others left, Cangye Emperor instructed Liu Yuan to close the door. Liu Yan nodded and closed it, then Cangye Emperor's murky gaze swept over the siblings and he said: "Why did you come back?"

"Father!"

"Silence!" Cangye Emperor coldly snorted at Liu Yuan: "Yan'Er is naive, are you too? Now that you've returned, you have become Southern King's leverage to coerce me into relinquishing my throne, do you understand?"

"And even if I do give up the throne, Southern King might not spare you!" Cangye Emperor showed a look of frustration, continuing: "Knowing Southern King, he will certainly eliminate any future threats!"

"Father, don't blame the brother. I chose to come!" Liu Yan stepped forward, kneeled at Cangye Emperor's knees, and said: "Facing your and mother's difficulties, as children, we cannot ignore it. Besides, the Immortal Capital has already intervened in this matter; Southern King's ambitions will certainly shatter!"

"You are too naive!" Cangye Emperor coldly snorted: "Do you really think the Celestial Emperor would wage war against the Great Ming Immortal Kingdom for a small nation like mine? Impossible!"

"Regardless, as long as there's hope, I won't give up!" Liu Yan's eyes showed determination, continuing: "Now that Haotian Sect's two princes are present, and even a Peak Master has been sent, clearly the Celestial Emperor values this matter greatly!"

"Is that so?" Cangye Emperor's eyes sparkled; the presence of two princes seemed to signify the importance the Celestial Emperor placed on this matter, otherwise, he wouldn't have sent princes.

Soon, Cangye Emperor sighed lightly: "It's a pity I don't have a child as outstanding as Ling Xiao; otherwise, we wouldn't face this today!"

After speaking, Cangye Emperor's gaze turned to Liu Yan and Liu Yuan, noting Liu Yan's considerable talent, currently serving as an Outer Sect Instructor at Haotian Sect. Yet Liu Yuan's talent was mediocre, in his thirties and only at the Celestial Realm.

"Father, it's my fault for not being competent!" Liu Yuan felt deeply ashamed; he had tried hard, but his talent was limited, and he couldn't help it.

Cangye Emperor waved his hand, pulling out a yellow purse from his robe, handing it to Liu Yan: "Yan'Er, now I leave this to your care!"

"But didn't you promise Southern King..."

"Do you really think I'm foolish enough to hand it over? Doing so would be tantamount to handing over my life; remember, as long as the Jade Seal is with you, your mother and I live another day. If Southern King does act recklessly and kill me and your mother, take the Jade Seal and leave the palace. With Haotian Sect's protection, you should be safe, understand?"

"Understood!" Liu Yan nodded, tears slowly streaking down her face as she tucked the Jade Seal into her robe. Cangye Emperor said: "Go now!"

Liu Yan understood the gravity of the situation, and after a brief conversation, she left the hall without staying long. Liu Yuan was about to follow when Cangye Emperor said: "Yuan'Er, stay!"

"Yes!" Liu Yuan nodded.

Of course, Cangye Emperor had his reasons for keeping Liu Yuan; since Liu Yuan was male, Southern King would think that if the emperor surrendered the Jade Seal, it must be to Liu Yuan.

This way, it would be easier to protect Liu Yan.