Tyrannical

Tyrannical . . . 

Skymist Hai's finger danced upon the polished surface of the table, conjuring a symphony of delicate, tip-tapping melodies. His gaze bore into Qin Wentian, twisted with a malicious grin that could only be described as needle-sharp.

The atmosphere crackled with tension as Skymist Hai leaned in, his curiosity piqued by the seemingly indifferent countenance of Qin Wentian. "Tell me, my dear friend, are you not a native of the illustrious Evergreen Immortal Empire?" His voice dripped with intrigue, a honeyed facade masking a deeper, more probing intention. "Or perhaps, you are an ardent admirer of the enigmatic Princess Qing'er or the resplendent Princess Glaze? It's only natural for one to experience moments of impulsive ardor when the topic revolves around their cherished ones. But do remember, such impulsive actions often exact a steep price."

In the blink of an eye, several enigmatic figures materialized beside Skymist Hai, emanating an aura of formidable power. The heavens seemed to shudder under their presence. Not confined to Skymist Hai alone, these chosen individuals from distant realms each found themselves flanked by expert guardians, all of them bearing the prestigious title of Immortal Kings. A silent, almost bemused air hung around them, as if they were spectators at a grand spectacle.

"My Skymist Immortal Empire ventured forth with the noble intent of addressing the matter of a sacred union with the Evergreen Immortal Empire, in accordance with our mutual agreement," Skymist Hai continued, his tone veering from polite inquiry to veiled menace. "One might say we are honored guests within the Evergreen Immortal Empire's walls. Yet, here I stand, Skymist Hai, subjected to the insolence of an outsider. Would it be considered impertinent if I were to remove this irritant from our midst?"

Skymist Hai's fingers resumed their rhythmic dance upon the table, his gaze now fixed upon the Immortal King representing the Evergreen Immortal Empire. His calm words belied an unmistakable undercurrent of lethal intent.

"Indeed, you cannot," a mellifluous voice chimed in, carrying with it a sense of calm authority. From the horizon, a group of figures, mounted upon majestic demon steeds, approached with an air of regal grandeur. Among them, a strikingly beautiful woman perched atop a resplendent blue luan, exuding an aura of unmatched nobility and grace. Her eyes sparkled with an inner radiance, and around her, a contingent of formidable protectors stood vigilant. Riding alongside her was an older woman who, too, emitted an aura of refined nobility.

Qin Wentian turned to survey this approaching entourage, his recognition of their faces immediate. He had crossed paths with Princess Glaze previously at the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect. Beside Princess Glaze, her aunt, the dignified Princess Changping, was seated, accompanied by her husband, the Crimson-Eyed Marquis.

Skymist Hai's eyes shifted, locking onto Princess Glaze, his lascivious intentions laid bare as he openly admired her graceful form. A palpable desire smoldered within his gaze.

"Allow us to extend our respects to Princess Changping, Princess Glaze, and the esteemed Crimson-Eyed Marquis," the Evergreen Immortal Empire's troops offered their salutations, their words eliciting a flicker of curiosity among the onlookers. The revelation that the radiant young lady within this group was none other than Princess Glaze sent ripples of admiration through the crowd—she truly embodied the essence of a phoenix among women.

"Princess Glaze," Skymist Hai purred with a grin, his eyes never leaving her exquisite presence. This encounter marked his first meeting with the captivating princess, and he found himself exceedingly pleased. Thoughts of marrying such a stunning beauty, of having her dance for him, filled his mind with anticipation.

Princess Changping intervened with a calm but unwavering voice. "It is forbidden to shed blood within the sacred precincts of our Evergreen Immortal Empire."

Skymist Hai raised an accusatory finger, gesturing toward Qi Da, who stood alongside Qin Wentian. "But what about him? He irreparably crippled the immortal foundation of an expert earlier," Skymist Hai protested.

Princess Changping's gaze shifted toward Qin Wentian, her expression inquiring as she sought clarification. "Is there truth to this allegation?" she asked, her voice carrying a tone of serene authority.

The tension in the air crackled like an electric storm, and the words that hung in the balance had the potential to reshape the course of events in the Evergreen Immortal Empire's capital. Qin Wentian, calm and resolute, finally broke the silence, his voice carrying the weight of truth and conviction.

"That expert initiated the confrontation, Princess, his intentions unmistakably malevolent. He sought my life, all while the city guards were absent. In self-defense, my friend was left with no choice but to unleash a blow of greater force than usual," Qin Wentian explained earnestly, bowing respectfully to Princess Changping. Their acquaintance stretched back far beyond this moment, fostering a deep, unspoken understanding between them.

Princess Changping listened intently, absorbing every detail of the account. "I see," she replied, her tone measured and contemplative. "So, in essence, you contend that you were compelled to break the sanctity of our capital's rules due to an imminent threat on your life? Are we to understand that you wish to deny others the right to protect themselves when their lives are in peril?" Her gaze shifted to the representatives of Solarsky Mountain, her words edged with a cold determination that unmistakably sided with Qin Wentian.

A voice from the Solarsky Mountain camp challenged this perspective, unleashing a flurry of objections. "What kind of twisted logic is this? One of our own had their immortal foundation shattered, and yet, we find ourselves branded as transgressors?"

The Crimson-Eyed Marquis, a formidable presence, interjected with a proposal that rippled with authority. "Since both parties lay claim to righteousness, why not accompany me into the heart of our Evergreen Immortal Empire? There, we can meticulously investigate this matter and render a fair judgment. What say you?" His eyes bore a faint tinge of crimson, an unsettling undercurrent beneath his calm exterior.

The expert from Solarsky Mountain remained wary, wary of entrusting their fate to the Evergreen Immortal Empire. Even if they agreed to this, the Marquis would likely echo Princess Changping's sentiments. It would, in all likelihood, be a futile journey.

An indignant snort emanated from the Solarsky Mountain's representative, their discontent palpable.

Skymist Hai, bearing the not-so-flattering epithet of a silk-pants young master, wasn't prepared to yield so readily. "Shall we simply ignore the affront he directed at me?" he chimed in, his voice laced with a veiled threat.

The Crimson-Eyed Marquis met Skymist Hai's challenge head-on, his expression unwavering. "And what, pray tell, do you seek?"

Skymist Hai, a master of neither diplomacy nor subtlety, gave voice to his intentions bluntly. "Revenge. We'll kill him."

Laughter, hearty and robust, erupted like thunder, sending tremors through the very fabric of space. In an instant, a cadre of experts materialized behind Qin Wentian, their collective gaze focused forward.

The one who laughed, his voice heavy with indifference, spoke again, a sardonic edge to his words. As the crowd looked on, their emotions swayed like a rollercoaster ride. This turn of events promised amusement; more and more supreme experts entered the stage. The fact that this young man dared to verbally assault Skymist Hai suggested a profound and enigmatic background.

Skymist Hai's gaze bore into Qin Wentian, probing for answers that lay hidden beneath the surface. The presence of so many Immortal Kings guarding him spoke volumes about his significance. Even if his pedigree might not match that of the Skymist Immortal Empire, an Immortal Emperor might well lurk in the shadows, silently supporting him.

"He is a guest of our Evergreen Immortal Empire," Princess Changping declared, her voice resonating with authority. "Unlike those who declare themselves our guests yet demean and insult our princesses with their words. For such disrespectful guests, pardon me if I extend no warm welcome."

The Immortal King who stood sentinel behind Skymist Hai couldn't withhold his rebuke. "Is the Evergreen Immortal Empire, then, prepared to annul our agreement?"

The stakes had risen to a boiling point, and the fate of these intertwining realms hung by a thread, poised on the precipice of irrevocable change.

In the grand theater of the Evergreen Immortal Empire's capital, the stage was set for a clash of wills and a battle of words. Princess Changping, the embodiment of regal composure, faced off against the emissaries of the Skymist Immortal Empire, her voice a soothing melody amidst the brewing storm.

Her response was laced with a note of righteous indignation. "The current Evergreen Immortal Emperor has never extended any promises to your Skymist Immortal Empire. The very foundations of the agreement were never laid by his hand. This fact is known to all beneath the heavens. So, pray tell, what do you mean by seeking to dismantle this agreement?" Her words resonated with an unwavering resolve.

The immortal king representing the Skymist Immortal Empire responded with a cold laugh, an icy breeze cutting through the air. He observed Princess Changping's unyielding demeanor with a smirk, then gestured pointedly at Qin Wentian. "Very well. In that case, we shall ascertain the veracity of your words by seeking an audience with the Evergreen Immortal Emperor within his hallowed palace," he proclaimed. Then, his accusatory finger found its target. "However, even though this man is a guest within your empire, he has dared to affront a prince of my Skymist Immortal Empire. Rest assured, we shall exact retribution from him."

The resolve of the Skymist Immortal Empire's envoys was unwavering. "Indeed," another immortal king chimed in, his tone as unyielding as his comrades'. "My Skymist Immortal Empire pays no heed to the status of this individual. He shall pay a price today. How can we allow a random upstart to sabotage the crucial agreement between our empires? Is he even remotely qualified to partake in such discussions?"

Their intent was as clear as day: They sought to make an example of Qin Wentian, using him as a pawn in their grand game. Regardless of his background or status, the Skymist Immortal Empire cared not.

Princess Changping, her gaze unwavering, now found herself in the role of mediator. "Is the Skymist Immortal Empire truly so unyielding in its stance?" she mused aloud, her expression growing somber. "Very well, if you wish to exact retribution, I propose a solution that aligns with the laws of our royal capital. Since you claim that this man insulted Prince Hai, let them settle their dispute through combat. Should it be a fair contest, my Evergreen Immortal Empire shall not intervene."

The experts from the Skymist Immortal Empire were momentarily dumbfounded by this suggestion. Why was Princess Changping so confident in this young man's abilities?

"What? Do you lack the courage?" Princess Changping goaded, her voice a gauntlet thrown down. "If your intention is to bully anyone within our Evergreen Immortal Empire due to your status, I regret to inform you that it shall not transpire, regardless of your identity."

The immortal king from the Skymist Immortal Empire snorted dismissively. "There's no question of courage. It's simply that a prince of my Skymist Immortal Empire has no need to personally engage with the likes of him." His tone dripped with disdain. "So, it appears that your Evergreen Immortal Empire is determined to shield this man, come what may?"

"We're not shielding anyone. Regardless of who you are, you must adhere to the rules of our Evergreen Immortal Empire while within our royal capital," the Crimson-Eyed Marquis declared, his voice carrying the weight of authority. Allowing the Skymist Immortal Empire to act with impunity in their capital would be an affront to their sovereignty.

The Skymist Immortal Empire may have sought to resurrect an ancient agreement made by a previous ruler, but the Evergreen Immortal Empire was poised to demonstrate the extent of their dominance. The prospect of Evergreen Immortal Empire princesses marrying into the Skymist Immortal Empire was becoming increasingly improbable.

"Very well, we shall proceed in accordance with your empire's rules," the immortal king behind Skymist Hai declared with a resounding voice. He turned his gaze to the assembled crowd. "Our intention in coming here was to pay our respects at the imperial palace, a courtesy we have yet to extend. In three days' time, representatives from the Skymist Immortal Empire shall visit the Evergreen Immortal Emperor's palace. This visit serves dual purposes: firstly, to offer greetings to our esteemed in-laws and old friends and discuss the marriage agreement in earnest. Secondly, to allow our younger generation to engage in friendly sparring and exchange insights on the path of cultivation, forging lasting bonds. We also extend an invitation to the various powers assembled here today to join us on this visit, affording you a glimpse of the Eastern Regions' most exceptional talents. How does this proposition sit with you?"

The Crimson-Eyed Marquis, an embodiment of regal composure, replied in kind. "If the Skymist Immortal Empire indeed approaches this with sincerity as our honored guests, the Evergreen Immortal Empire will always welcome you."

And so, amidst the tension and the clashing of ideals, the stage was set for an imminent showdown—both in martial combat and in the corridors of diplomacy. The fate of the empires hung in the balance, a testament to the power of words and the enduring legacy of ancient agreements.

The tension in the air had subsided, leaving a palpable sense of intrigue and uncertainty lingering. The gaze of the Skymist Immortal Empire's representative bore into the Crimson-Eyed Marquis, his voice dripping with skepticism and defiance.

"Are you truly endowed with the authority to make such a decision?" he challenged, his tone rife with skepticism and a hint of condescension.

The marquis, unyielding and resolute, did not waver under the scrutiny. "When I speak, I speak on behalf of the Evergreen Immortal Empire. I bear the mantle of authority," he declared firmly, his words reverberating with the weight of his office. "In this realm, our empire plays the role of host. There is no need for the Skymist Immortal Empire to assume that mantle and extend invitations to experts from other realms to visit our imperial palace. Anyone who harbors such an inclination is more than welcome to explore the halls of our empire, and we shall extend our warmest hospitality to them," Princess Glaze chimed in, her words a testament to her unwavering support for her husband's stance.

The representative of the Skymist Immortal Empire, appeased by the clarity of their response, let out a hearty laugh. "Princess Glaze, you are as forthright as a mountain stream. We shall set this matter aside for now," he announced amiably. Turning his attention to Qin Wentian and his companions, he continued, "By the laws of the Evergreen Immortal Empire, a dispute may be resolved through combat if both parties consent. Regardless of your status, I trust that you will not shy away from such an opportunity when the time comes. Farewell."

Skymist Hai, the silk-pants young master himself, rose to his feet with a flourish, his gaze sweeping across the assembled crowd. With a devilish grin, he addressed them, "Ladies and gentlemen, let us reconvene at this very spot in three days' time."

He then directed his attention to Qin Wentian, raising his wine cup and tilting it slowly, allowing the wine to cascade to the ground, drop by drop. His laughter carried a note of defiance as he said, "May your audacity never wane." With that, he turned and sauntered away, surrounded by his entourage, exuding an air of unabashed arrogance.

The onlookers watched him depart, their eyes ablaze with intrigue. The looming encounter in the imperial palace promised to be fraught with peril and intrigue, for the Skymist Immortal Empire approached with ill intentions.

"Farewell," echoed the other experts from various factions, offering their parting respects before dispersing. Soon, the Juxian Tower stood empty, devoid of the once-bustling assembly.

Qin Wentian, still standing amidst the fading echoes of the gathering, turned his gaze toward Princess Changping and her husband. A warm smile graced his lips as he addressed them. "Princess, Marquis."

Princess Changping met his gaze with a knowing smile. "You journeyed to our Evergreen Immortal Empire upon learning of Qing'er's predicament, didn't you?" she inquired.

A nod of affirmation from Qin Wentian conveyed his intentions.

"Would you like to accompany me back to the imperial palace?" Princess Changping offered, her voice carrying an air of hospitality.

"No need," Qin Wentian replied, his tone gracious. "I shall make my way there in three days' time."

Princess Changping nodded in understanding. "Very well. We shall await your arrival then," she replied warmly, the bond of friendship between them growing stronger amidst the currents of uncertainty.