The Emperor Arrives

The diners watched the unfolding drama with a mix of excitement and disbelief.

The second prince of the Heavenly Star Empire, Ji Tianhao, and the esteemed Bai Hong stood in stark contrast to each other. Despite Bai Hong's immense power and status, Ji Tianhao's careless words had tarnished the moment, provoking widespread astonishment.

Bai Hong's lips quivered, not from fear but from barely contained anger. As an eighth-rank Pathseeker, he was a master whose presence was revered across all major powers. His service to the Heavenly Star Emperor wasn't born out of obligation but gratitude.

Decades ago, the Heavenly Star Emperor had saved Bai Hong's life when he was grievously injured. Though cultivators live far longer than ordinary mortals, the debt of saving one's life was profound—one that Bai Hong had spent decades repaying.

However, despite his service, Bai Hong never considered himself a servant. His relationship with the Heavenly Star Emperor was one of equals, bound by mutual respect.

But Ji Tianhao's reckless words had struck a nerve. To someone like Bai Hong, they were a slap in the face, reducing his loyalty to servitude in the eyes of the younger generation.

Suppressing his fury, Bai Hong took a deep breath, forcing reason to prevail.

"Senior," he said with a deep bow toward Luo Chuan. "The second prince is young and ignorant. Any compensation required by the Heavenly Star Empire will be provided. I only beg for his life to be spared."

Despite his reverence, Bai Hong understood that mercy was not guaranteed. Without hesitation, he kicked Ji Tianhao's knee with a resounding crack.

Ji Tianhao screamed in pain, collapsing to the floor. His knee shattered under Bai Hong's strike, leaving him writhing.

The room fell into stunned silence.

Luo Chuan sat silently, his expression calm and indifferent. Beside him, Yao Ziyan remained seated, her demeanor as serene as ever.

The diners exchanged wide-eyed glances, their shock palpable. Bai Hong, a revered Pathseeker, had addressed Luo Chuan as "senior." The implications were staggering.

Did this mean Luo Chuan's strength surpassed even Bai Hong's?

What kind of monstrous power did this seemingly young man wield?

Everyone in the room instinctively held their breath, unwilling to make a sound that might attract attention.

Ji Tianhao, his face and knees throbbing in agony, began to realize his grave mistake. His princely status, which had always shielded him, was meaningless here. Swallowing hard, he fell silent, the gravity of the situation finally dawning on him.

Luo Chuan's gaze didn't waver. He waited patiently, unbothered by the prince's suffering.

Finally, his calm voice broke the tense silence.

"Have Ji Wuhui come here."

Bai Hong immediately straightened. "Yes, Senior!"

Without hesitation, he crushed a jade talisman in his hand, releasing a pulse of spiritual energy. A wave of divine consciousness shot out toward the imperial city, carrying a message of utmost urgency.

In a single sentence, the room's dynamic had shifted. Bai Hong, a master Pathseeker, was now bowing his head in submission.

---

In the imperial city, Ji Wuhui's face darkened as he received Bai Hong's message.

The explanation was concise yet grave: his son had offended a peerless powerhouse.

Ji Wuhui sighed deeply. He knew there was no room for negotiation.

Moments later, the emperor took to the skies, flying at full speed toward the Wind Immortal Tower. Memories of Chu Yangping, the now-deceased young master of Silver Moon Manor, flashed through his mind. He couldn't afford to repeat such a mistake.

---

Within dozens of breaths, Ji Wuhui landed outside Wind Immortal Tower, his golden dragon robes marking his royal status. His arrival was swift and commanding.

The gathered crowd immediately recognized him and bowed in unison.

"Your Majesty!"

The collective salutation echoed through the air.

Unlike other empires, the Heavenly Star Empire required no ceremonial kneeling. The only beings worthy of such reverence were heaven, earth, the gods, and one's parents.

Ji Wuhui stepped into the Wind Immortal Tower, his expression grim. He couldn't let this situation spiral further.