Chapter Ninety: Majesty of the Emperor

"Master Qingwu, in the presence of His Majesty, one must kneel when paying respects," Yulanxing reminded in a low voice.

Yulanxing thought that someone like Qingwu, who lived a secluded life in the mountains, might not understand these protocols. However, to everyone's surprise, the usually taciturn Master Qingwu spoke up, shocking those present.

"I, as a monk, kneel only to the Buddha, not to heaven or earth."

"Bold!" the Emperor thundered, slamming his hand on the table.

The attendants and servants nearby were so frightened that they fell to their knees with a thud, including the black-clad figure behind the dragon throne.

Yunsi watched as the black-clad figure abruptly knelt, disappearing behind the screen with a gasp, shouting, "Your Majesty, please calm down! Please calm down!"

On the other side, the white-clad figure appeared much calmer in comparison.

Yunsi couldn't help but marvel. What kind of person could remain so composed while the Emperor was enraged, standing by with a fan as if watching a play?

Yunsi's ability to observe everyone's expressions with such calmness was a testament to her confidence. She had been through many trials and tribulations under Master Qingwu's guidance since childhood. Many people had tried to suppress Master Qingwu with their high status, but they all met a bad end.

Master Qingwu had always said, "As a person of the Buddhist faith, one can only kneel before the Buddha!"

Everyone had their principles, and perhaps this was Master Qingwu's principle!

"Your Majesty, please calm down. This is the first time my masters have met you, and they are not familiar with many of the customs. Ignorance is not a crime. Please forgive them this time," Yulanxing intervened, calm and composed, persuading the Emperor before he could pass judgment.

The Emperor's anger subsided considerably upon hearing this and he returned to his throne with a sigh. "Very well, rise, all of you."

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief and slowly stood up.

"I heard that you are esteemed individuals specially invited by General Yu? Can you retrieve my son's body and perform rituals for him?" The Emperor's tone was filled with doubt, yet his words implied trust. Compared to the Tian Shu Pavilion, which had accomplished nothing in over a month, they seemed more reliable.

Master Qingwu was completely indifferent to the Emperor's skeptical tone. "A monk does not lie. I shall fulfill my words."

"That won't be necessary," the Emperor suddenly interjected.

Before Master Qingwu could inquire about the reason, the Emperor explained.

"This matter has already been entrusted to the Tian Shu Pavilion for full handling. Since I have decided, how could I change my mind so hastily?"

"However, the Tian Shu Pavilion has been at a loss for clues. How long will this continue?" Yulanxing persisted, showing no fear. He seemed completely unafraid of the Emperor and dared to speak his mind.

"There is no use in saying more at this point. You may leave," the Emperor declared.

With the Emperor's words, Yulanxing had no choice but to swallow his grievances.

As the people in the hall gradually dispersed, only three figures remained behind the screen.

"Cough, cough!!"

Suddenly, the Emperor began to cough violently, spitting out a mouthful of blood, causing the nearby Wen Gonggong to panic.

"Your Majesty, you have been ill for some time. Why not let the imperial physicians examine you properly?" Jun Feng on the other side said calmly.

The Emperor wiped the bloodstains from the corner of his mouth with the handkerchief Wen Gonggong handed him. "I have been examined, but it's useless. They say they can't determine the cause."

"How is that possible? Let me take a look."

After speaking, Jun Feng used his energy to probe between the Emperor's eyebrows and withdrew, furrowing his brow. "Indeed strange. It seems there are two forces running amok in the Emperor's body. It's hard to say what this means."

He pondered for a moment before adding, "Could it be that what Your Majesty mentioned the other day as 'difficulties' refers to this?"

The Emperor remained silent, only looking at Jun Feng.

Jun Feng understood.