Heaven as witness

After returning to the palace, Zhan Wei planned to create his first divine ability, on getting to his residence he saw a Eunuch wearing a official robe in front.

In the entire Imperial palace only one Eunuch was allowed to wear an official robe , the Head Eunuch " Zhao Chong" , few people commanded as much authority as the head Eunuch in the imperial palace.

He supervised the daily affairs of imperial palace and answered only to the Emperor.

Walking towards him  he cupped his fist , " Zhan Wei greets the Head Eunuch"

Zhao Chong looked relatively ordinary but Zhan Wei knew , how could someone who served by the Emperor's side be ordinary.

Zhao Chong nodded in response to Zhan Wei , " You don't need to have dinner at your residence again , from now on you would have your meals in the Sky Palace " , after saying so he left.

Zhan Wei looked towards the direction of the Sky Palace , the Head Eunuch wouldn't tell him to have his meals in Sky Palace, if the Emperor didn't order him to.

Entering his residence he freshened up after telling the Second Elder and Xiaomei of the Emperor's arrangements , he walked towards the Sky Palace.

The Sky palace was the main residence of the Emperor, it was located on the highest peak of the Imperial Capital.

The Sky mountain was a towering behemoth in the center of the imperial palace, rather the entire imperial palace was built surrounding the Sky mountain.

From afar a massive mountain that stretched into the clouds could be seen , above those clouds the vauge figure of a Jade imperial palace covered in golden dragons carvings could be seen.

Wide steps stretched from the Sky Palace to the foot of the mountain and two imperial guards emanating massive blood lust stood by both sides of the stairs , covered in a black battle armour and helmet that covered their whole body, only their cold merciless eyes could be seen.

These guards were part of of an elite force that answered only to the Emperor " The black dragon squad " , yet it wasn't even as simple as that , literally all the army belonged to the Emperor, but the black dragon squad was different, they served the Emperor directly and only answered to him , even the identities of it's members were not known to the public .

Usually the Sky Mountain was off limits and even officials could only ascend when summoned , probably expecting his arrival Zhan Wei passed by with no response from the guards ,  taking his first step as he ascended the Sky Palace, Zhan Wei contemplated something.

The Emperor was the most powerful person in the entire Eastern region, no one could withstand him , although Yunzi had told him he was poisoned, his aura was still as glaring as the Morning Sun.

What sort of poison was used , how was he poisoned, according to what he knew the Crown Prince was poisoned through intercourse with a courtesan, well that was what the public knew , also Yunzi had other siblings, how did they die.

The Great Emperor had lived for centuries apart from the Empress he had taken concubines , Cultivators were constantly shedding their mortal coils and their level of existence was beyond normal people so they couldn't reproduce as easy as mortals , in return the higher the realm of a cultivator the higher the talent of their descendants , according to some ancients texts some extremely powerful experts could even leave their descendants powerful bloodlines , having lived for centuries, the number of royal descendants exceeded two , but they all died mysteriously before the Crown Prince followed , although only cultivators who had opened the innate sea and beyond could live beyond a century , could all the descendants of the Great Emperor all had been lacking of talents "

Zhan Wei felt a piece of fog surrounding the Imperial Family.

Bit by bit Zhan Wei Climbed the stairs till he got to the top of the Sky Mountain, knocking at the large double door , a maid opened and he entered.

The Sky palace was massive and luxurious, although it wasn't very extravagant, it's still gave an aura of grandeur.

Following behind the maid , she brought him to an upper courtyard , different from normal courtyards he was used to , this one was clearly larger , lush beautiful spirit herbs and fruit were planted , in front two stone dragon came together to form a balcony of sorts , in front the this balcony was the Emperor gazing ahead.

Walking towards him , he could see the Emperor's view site , from the balcony above the floating clouds ,  one could see the entire capital and the vast Xia empire.

The Emperor had a gourd in his hands , raising his hands he took a gulp of it's content then he threw it to Zhan Wei.

Taking it , he poured it's content into his mouth,  sweet tasting nectar flowed down it's throat , Zhan Wei felt massive energy flow from his stomach to his entire body , in just one gulp he was almost intoxicated then his body devoured that energy instinctively.

Looking at his reaction Xia Tianming smiled with an intoxicated look on his face , he said " you never cease to amaze me ".

Taking another gulp he passed it back, this time Zhan Wei didn't absorb it , allowing himself to be intoxicated.

Of course Zhan Wei also knew , if he didn't allow it,  the Emperor wouldn't be intoxicated, but since he wanted to drink he would accompany him.

Zhan Wei had a lot of respect and gratitude towards the Emperor , although it was a matter of arrangement , Xia Yunzi was still his Fiancee and the Emperor was his Father -in-law.

Looking as Zhan Wei allowed himself to be intoxicated, he nodded and smiled " This is our first proper encounter , I'm afraid I've not been a good father-in-law ".

Turning towards the horizon, with a proud look on his face he said " look at the labour of my hands , under this heaven everything belongs to this Emperor ".

Following his gaze everything he could see fell under the territory of Great Xia empire.

Taking another sip , he said " I'm sure Yunzi already told you, I don't have much time left ".

Then with a loud powerful voice,he continued, " this Emperor has lived a glorious life , tell me Zhan Wei,  shouldn't my death be spectacular , the poets of the empire sing of my deeds , since my death is imminent let me etch myself into the annals of history ".

Laughing wildly , " A life of glory , a death of glory , what else could I ask for !".

Hearing his words ,Zhan Wei finally knew why the Emperor could reign supreme in the Eastern region, it wasn't just because he was the strongest, his mentality , his aura , everything about him was royal , he embodied might and courage.

For the first time in his life , Zhan Wei felt a sense of veneration towards someone.

Turning his attention towards Zhan Wei, he said "  I have a request for you, alas it's selfish but I won't be at peace if I don't ask , when I first made you the Imperial consort it was as the Emperor".

With a stern aura , Xia Tianming looked towards Zhan Wei , " Now as a Father I ask , do you take Yunzi as wife and promise to cherish and protect her ".

Zhan Wei closed his eyes in response as if in contemplation.

After a while he opened them and said, " You didn't ask for anything other than my word, since you have dealt with me sincerely, then let the heavens be my witness as long as I breathe, no harm would come to her and if she sheds tears, her agitators would shed blood, this is my vow to you ".

With a flash of lightening Zhan Wei felt the aura of the heavenly Dao as a Dao mark appeared in his sea of consciousness.

Shocked by his act ,  Xia Tianming stared at Zhan Wei, cultivators rarely swore by the heavens, oaths swore in this manner were enforced by the heavenly Dao.

Taking a large gulp from the gourd , Xia Tianming looked towards the Sky and mumbled, " good , good , good! ".

" Let's go to the dinning hall , I'm sure Yunzi would be waiting ".

Zhan Wei nodded his head as they left the courtyard.

.....