Return as an Immortal Emperor

Return as an Immortal Emperor . . . 

Beiming Nongyue, accompanied by Li Yufeng and a retinue of immortal kings serving as guards, arrived at the scene. When they spotted Qin Wentian standing beside Zhiyin, Li Yufeng couldn't help but flash a mischievous smile. "You two seem to get along quite well."

"Well, it seems like your happy day must be approaching soon, for you to tease Zhiyin and me like this," Qin Wentian responded with a chuckle. Beiming Nongyue carefully observed Qin Wentian. At first glance, he appeared unchanged, but upon closer inspection, she sensed a subtle shift in his demeanor, though she couldn't quite put her finger on it.

This guy had actually emerged alive from the forbidden ground. What a miraculous feat.

"Did you make a breakthrough?" Li Yufeng asked directly, not one for beating around the bush.

"Why don't you take a guess?" Qin Wentian replied with a smile.

Li Yufeng's eyes widened, his expression transitioning into one of astonishment. Beiming Nongyue, too, inhaled sharply. Could it be that he had truly achieved a breakthrough?

"How old are you this year?" Beiming Nongyue asked curiously. It was difficult to determine the age of stellar martial cultivators in the immortal realms just by their appearances. Even those who had cultivated for thousands of years at the peak of the immortal-foundation realm appeared extremely youthful, let alone immortal kings. Immortal kings who had trained for ten thousand years could still seem quite young.

Qin Wentian and Zhiyin had only just broken through to the immortal king realm and appeared to be in their early twenties. However, their actual ages could span a wide range.

"I've forgotten," Qin Wentian replied with a shrug and a smile. In the world of cultivation, age was a matter of little consequence. What mattered most was the strength one had cultivated.

Beiming Nongyue cast a playful glare at Qin Wentian. "Let's head to my royal palace. Since you've come to my dynasty, I haven't properly organized a welcoming banquet for you."

"Sounds good," Qin Wentian agreed. The group then departed, with Qin Wentian inquiring about the situation in the eastern regions as they went.

"There doesn't seem to be any significant disturbances there; otherwise, my side would have received word. Don't worry, I'll dispatch agents to gather information. There may be hidden currents, but a supreme immortal war has yet to erupt," Beiming Nongyue assured him. Qin Wentian nodded, feeling reassured. Indeed, a war among the immortal realms' peak powers wouldn't erupt fully even after eight to ten years; both sides were playing the long game.

Qin Wentian relaxed, confident that Qing'er and the others were likely quietly cultivating. He wouldn't have to leave the Darknorth Immortal Dynasty immediately to search for them.

The royal palace of the Darknorth Immortal Dynasty stood grand and imposing. While they had previously observed it from outside, Qin Wentian was now entering it with Beiming Nongyue. As they ventured deeper, powerful auras surrounded them.

The royal palace was a gathering place for the most formidable experts in the vast Darknorth Immortal Dynasty. Immortal kings from various peak powers of the dynasty congregated here.

As they walked through the palace, many people knelt down upon seeing Beiming Nongyue, showing their respect to the princess. Beiming Nongyue acknowledged their gestures with a nod, leading Qin Wentian and the others forward.

Amid their journey, a resonating bell chime suddenly filled the air, prompting Beiming Nongyue to halt, her eyes reflecting a hint of curiosity.

The chime rang out once more, echoing throughout the entire royal palace. It was evident that something significant was occurring, drawing the attention of everyone in the vicinity.

The source of the sound was the emperor's palace, where the immortal emperor had summoned all the nobles. An important event was clearly unfolding.

Beiming Nongyue's beautiful eyes shimmered with intrigue as she inquired, "The Darknorth Bell. Now, the nobles are summoned to the emperor's palace. What could be happening?"

"Princess, the entire palace is abuzz with joy. His Majesty has gathered everyone to welcome Princess Youhuang back," one of her subordinates reported with a bow.

Qin Wentian's eyes gleamed with intensity; he understood the implications of Beiming Youhuang's return. It signified the return of the immortal kings from the Sacred Academy.

With Beiming Youhuang's return, it was highly likely that her senior brother, Bai Wuya, had also come back. The most talented immortal kings from various major powers across the immortal realms would have returned as well. It appeared that the period of relative tranquility in the immortal realms was drawing to a close.

However, Qin Wentian and his companions, who had emerged from the Sacred Academy with only immortal-foundation cultivation bases, would not be able to make a significant impact on the immortal realms. In contrast, immortal kings, especially those with exceptional talent, were a different matter entirely. After their journey to the Sacred Academy, their strength would have improved dramatically.

At first, Beiming Nongyue was taken aback, but she soon revealed a smile. "Perhaps my elder sister has reached the immortal emperor realm."

Qin Wentian and Li Yufeng were both stunned by this revelation. Beiming Nongyue took a deep breath and continued, "The youngest immortal emperor in the history of our dynasty is born. The record-holder is no longer Pei Qing; it's my elder sister. This is truly remarkable for a female."

"Royal Father wouldn't use the Darknorth Bell to issue a summons just for my sister's return. There must be more to this," Beiming Nongyue speculated. "My sister has likely reached the immortal emperor realm!"

Qin Wentian and Li Yufeng were taken aback by this revelation. Beiming Nongyue was indeed a remarkable woman. "At least you have one advantage over your sister."

Beiming Nongyue looked at Qin Wentian, curiosity shining in her eyes. "Oh? What's that?"

"You managed to find an outstanding man like me," Li Yufeng declared with mock arrogance. Beiming Nongyue glanced at Qin Wentian and Zhiyin and found herself at a loss for words. Qin Wentian struggled to contain his laughter; he hadn't expected the Hundred Refinements Sect's Saint Child to be so audacious.

"However, my sister's match can probably be counted on one hand. It's no wonder she doesn't hold anyone in high regard. Even Pei Qing is no longer a match for her," Beiming Nongyue said with pride.

"Let's go. Since it's a celebration, I can bring all of you along," Beiming Nongyue invited. "Qin Wentian, do you mind postponing your welcome banquet?"

"Why would I mind? His Majesty is hosting a grand celebration, and I'm honored to be your guest. I'm grateful for the invitation," Qin Wentian replied with a grin. Beiming Nongyue was momentarily at a loss for words, and Li Yufeng burst into laughter. "It seems that Brother Qin is even more shameless than I am."

"It's all in good fun," Beiming Nongyue said, bemused by the two men. She then changed course, leading them toward the emperor's palace.

"Li Yufeng, have you ever met the Darknorth Immortal Emperor?" Qin Wentian inquired.

"No," Li Yufeng responded with a shake of his head.

"In that case, are you feeling nervous?" Qin Wentian asked with a smile, recalling his own first encounter with the Evergreen Immortal Emperor.

Li Yufeng responded with an air of confidence, "I'm handsome and elegant, exuding grace and chivalry. Why would I be nervous?"

Qin Wentian couldn't help but chuckle at Li Yufeng's response. "Mhm, let's see if you're still this confident after meeting His Majesty," he quipped. "Oh, and let's not forget about your powerful sister. Good luck with that."

Li Yufeng gave Qin Wentian a playful glare and smacked his own forehead, realizing the implications of Beiming Nongyue's powerful family ties. He hoped fervently that the Darknorth Immortal Emperor wouldn't compare him unfavorably to Beiming Youhuang; that would truly be a miserable situation.

As they made their way to the emperor's palace, they encountered the major figures of the Darknorth Immortal Dynasty, all rushing to the grand event. Only those of high status were allowed inside, and many of them were immensely powerful. When they saw Beiming Nongyue, they acknowledged her presence with nods and simple greetings. Some were even her blood relatives, requiring her to show them respect.

Qin Wentian and Li Yufeng, walking beside Beiming Nongyue, attracted numerous curious gazes. People wondered about the character that had captured Beiming Nongyue's heart. Why was she bringing him and her friends to the celebratory banquet at the emperor's palace? There had to be more to this story.

Inside the emperor's palace, an enormous area had been prepared for the immortal banquet, and the realm's experts had gathered there.

At the forefront, several princes were present. When they saw Beiming Nongyue arriving with her companions, they couldn't hide their surprise.

"Nongyue, who are these people?" one of the princes inquired with a smile.

"They are good friends of mine," Beiming Nongyue replied, though many were already aware of Li Yufeng's presence, given that he had been in the Darknorth Immortal Dynasty for over ten years.

"Nongyue, your elder sister has achieved the immortal emperor realm. You should focus on your cultivation as well," one of the young princes advised, exuding an aura of heroism.

"Royal brother, the same advice applies to you. Despite your older age, my sister has already reached the immortal emperor realm," Beiming Nongyue responded with a smile, momentarily causing the young prince to feel awkward. Beiming Youhuang's rapid progress was indeed a source of both pride and pressure for the royal family.

"Your elder sister wouldn't allow emotions to impede her cultivation. It's surprising to see you so restricted by emotions, given your current cultivation level. When your sister returns, she'll surely give you some guidance," the prince continued.

"You should be more concerned about your own cultivation," Beiming Nongyue replied calmly. The young man's eyes turned sharp as he glanced at Qin Wentian and Li Yufeng.

Qin Wentian couldn't help but feel a bit apprehensive; he seemed to have inadvertently implicated Li Yufeng by bringing him here. Li Yufeng was about to meet his future father-in-law, the various princes of the dynasty, and another princess who had attained the immortal emperor realm. The pressure on him was immense, and he would undoubtedly draw significant attention. Qin Wentian scolded himself silently for not considering this outcome. If he had known, he might not have accompanied Beiming Nongyue to the palace.

"Princess Youhuang is unrivaled in our dynasty, a beacon of light that shines upon us all," one person said, heaping praise on Beiming Youhuang. "Such a young immortal emperor is unprecedented in our history, and it's unlikely that anyone will surpass her in the future. If she can achieve further breakthroughs..."

The speaker suddenly halted, fearing he had ventured into taboo territory. Some of the princes' expressions darkened.

"Princess Youhuang is truly exceptional, and I readily acknowledge my inferiority to her."

"The number one beauty and genius of our Darknorth Immortal Dynasty."

"Daring to enter the forbidden ground at the immortal-foundation level and emerge unscathed. At that time, I already knew Princess Youhuang had an extraordinary future ahead."

As the praise continued, some of the princes' faces grew increasingly grim. If things progressed as they appeared to be, the future might see an empress ruling over the Darknorth Immortal Dynasty.