The Emperor’s Decision

Ji Wuhui took a deep breath before stepping into the Wind Immortal Tower.

Though the establishment was renowned as the largest and most prestigious restaurant in Nine Stars City, its true background remained a mystery to most. Few realized that the royal family itself owned Wind Immortal Tower.

Whispers stirred among the onlookers outside.

"Why has His Majesty personally come to Wind Immortal Tower?"

"Mr. Bai was here earlier. Could it be that even he couldn't resolve the situation?"

"What could have happened in there?"

"Why don't you go in and find out?"

"Heh, feel free to die on your own!"

The once-lively restaurant had now turned into a forbidden zone. Those inside didn't dare leave, while those outside didn't dare enter.

Inside, the tension was suffocating.

Everyone's attention was locked on the young man seated calmly on a chair. Luo Chuan's expression was unreadable, his air of indifference making it impossible to gauge his thoughts.

Beside him sat Yao Ziyan, silent and composed. She occasionally glanced at Luo Chuan, but whatever was on her mind remained hidden.

The quiet was broken by the sound of footsteps.

A figure in dragon robes entered, exuding an aura of authority and imperial majesty. Even without being introduced, everyone immediately recognized him: Emperor Ji Wuhui of the Heavenly Star Empire.

But in this room, Ji Wuhui was not the center of attention.

The true focus of the moment was Luo Chuan.

As Ji Wuhui entered, his gaze quickly found Luo Chuan. He had heard from Bai Hong that the mysterious powerhouse looked exceptionally young, but seeing him in person was still a surprise.

Luo Chuan's appearance was that of someone barely past adulthood, yet Ji Wuhui immediately dismissed the notion of youth. This man was no ordinary cultivator; he was likely an ancient, rejuvenated being.

Luo Chuan didn't say a word, his silence a clear signal that Ji Wuhui needed to act.

Taking a deep breath, Ji Wuhui made his decision. Without hesitation, he stepped toward his son, Ji Tianhao, and delivered a harsh slap across his face.

"Ingrate!" he roared.

Ji Tianhao staggered, stunned and silent. He dared not utter a single word. He knew he had caused a calamity unlike any before.

The last time he had seen his father this furious was during the Heavenly Clouds Empire's invasion.

Still, Luo Chuan remained silent, his indifference a weight on everyone present.

Ji Wuhui gritted his teeth, his expression firm as he issued his judgment.

"Bai Hong," he commanded, "strip Ji Tianhao of his status as prince, abolish his cultivation, and exile him to Southern Protectorate. He is forbidden from ever returning to Nine Stars City!"

"Yes, Your Majesty," Bai Hong responded solemnly.

Ji Tianhao's face drained of color.

The Southern Protectorate was the most desolate region of the Heavenly Star Empire, a place of wilderness and hardship. Without cultivation, survival there was nearly impossible.

This decree effectively destroyed Ji Tianhao's future.

Ji Wuhui turned to Luo Chuan, his tone cautious. "Senior, does this decision satisfy you?"

Luo Chuan glanced at Ji Tianhao, his expression unchanged. Though unfamiliar with the Southern Protectorate, the gasps from those around made it clear it was a grim fate.

He gave a small nod. "It is acceptable."

For Ji Tianhao, exile to such a place was a fate worse than death. Yet Luo Chuan, who was not needlessly bloodthirsty, felt this punishment suited him. Letting Ji Tianhao live an ordinary, harsh life in exile seemed a fitting end.

Ji Wuhui exhaled in relief.

In his mind, the empire's safety far outweighed familial ties. Luo Chuan's approval meant the matter was resolved—for now.

But Ji Wuhui wasn't done. He knew this incident couldn't be brushed aside so easily.

"To express my sincerity," Ji Wuhui continued, "I will have Bai Hong deliver fifty thousand spirit crystals as compensation. Additionally, all of your future expenses in Wind Immortal Tower will be free."

Luo Chuan remained silent, neither accepting nor rejecting the offer. His lack of objection was enough for Ji Wuhui to assume it was acceptable.

The emperor knew this day's events would leave a lasting mark, but ensuring peace with a powerhouse like Luo Chuan was worth any price.