The emperor did not eat much because he would lay down his chopsticks from time to time to talk. But Princess Nami was talking, while eating. Xiao Bing and Fukuda were just eating. After all, it was not appropriate for them to talk much in such a place. Though the emperor allowed them to join him for dinner, he did not necessarily regard them as his guests. Masters of Transforming-strength were truly powerful, but for a leader of a country, he did not need to pay much attention to them.
When the feast was over, Xiao Bing and Fukuda sat and watched the emperor and the princess talking to each other. They left the dining hall when it was getting late. The emperor said smilingly, “Nami, go and pay a visit to your grandpa. Tell him to take care of his body. He’s getting old, he should not be that enthusiastic about martial arts anymore.”
The princess grinned, “I know, grandfather. But you know that man very well. He has spent his whole life on martial arts. I suppose he will keep doing it until the end of his life.”
The emperor sighed, “Small wonder he was granted the title “The God of Martial Arts”. He is the protector of the royal family. It’s quite an honor, but also a burden. We should thank him for that. I’m feeling a little fatigued. I’m much younger than that grandpa of yours. but my body is far weaker than his. Do you want to stay here for a few days? I’ve asked the servants to clean your room.”
“I know, grandfather. I will pay a visit to him and I will come back soon. Aoki-kun, Fukuda-kun, come with me.”
“As you wish, my highness.”
Then they left. Princess Nami looked back and asked, “Aoki-kun, this is the first time you have met him. How do you feel about it?”
Fukuda replied with respect and admiration, “Every emperor in history are the descendants of Amateqi Siomiami, the supreme god of ancient times. She is the first creation of Iza Saki. She is worshipped by all. As the descendant of the god, his highness’s halo spreads across this land. I can sense a kind of nobility when I was near him.”
“He’s just an old man.” Xiao Bing commented inwardly. But he said, “His Highness is a great man.”
Princess Nami burst into laughter. She looked at Xiao Bing with interest and asked, “Aoki-kun, you sound like you don’t think he’s a big deal.”
“Never!” Xiao Bing said with exaggerated reverence, “His highness is a living example to us all. But I forgot to ask for his autograph…”
Fukuda glared at Xiao Bing. But it was not in hate. He only thought Xiao Bing’s words were disrespectful to the emperor. Though the emperor held little power in political terms, his influence was still considerable. It could be revealed from another aspect: The prime minister was elected, but the position of an emperor was lifelong.
But anyway, this emperor was not Xiao Bing’s priority. He only cared about the whereabouts of those two people who had God’s Blood.
Princess Nami pouted, “It sounds like it is against your will. But Aoki-kun, you’re the only one who speaks about him without awe.”
Xiao Bing smiled, “We’re all human and I didn’t do anything illegal. There’s no need to be in awe. But he still has my respect.”
Xiao Bing noticed that Fukuda cast him another glare, but he was not angry. He knew that if someone did not pay enough respect to the things he held dear, he would also be angry. Glaring at him was considered the lightest form of showing his displeasure.
Xiao Bing’s character was rather rebellious in R Country, but Princess Nami liked him for it because that was what made him different from others.
Then they found the car which had brought them to their current location, and took out the calligraphy work meant for Iza Kawatani. Then they headed towards the Hall of Martial Gods with it.
After they arrived, two young warriors who seemed to be about 18 years old, walked out from the inside. They bowed to Princess Nami first and said, “Your highness, he only invited you and Aoki Ichiro. All others shall stay outside.”
Fukuda was no longer jealous of Xiao Bing after that talk. But he was still surprised and confused, and so was the princess. She wondered what her grandfather would think of Xiao Bing. But she felt happy about it anyway. She wanted her grandpa to like Xiao Bing. So she said immediately, “So come with me, Aoki-kun. Fukuda, you can just go back to your residency. My other grandpa has prepared a place for you.”
“Okay.” Fukuda agreed and left, his face calm as usual.
Xiao Bing rubbed his nose. Though he had seen Iza Kawatani before, he believed that this old man had not found anything wrong about him. But he wondered why this man wanted to see him. He was not afraid of meeting him. He was only worried that if he could act perfectly, before such a powerful man. He needed to be more prudent than ever.
Princess Nami and Xiao Bing walked upstairs. Then the princess asked, ” Aoki-kun, have you met my grandfather before?”
“When you were talking to the emperor, I encountered your grandfather, when I was taking a stroll.”
“Really? It seems that he likes you, otherwise he would not have agreed to let you come with me.” Princess Nami’s eyes were alight with delight. “If that’s so, that thing between us might come true.”
Xiao Bing said, “What thing? Don’t talk such nonsense. There’s nothing between us.”
Princess Nami said shyly, “But perhaps there will be something, later.”
“Don’t think about my body all the time…”
The two arrived at the gate, talking and laughing. They walked through it without being stopped.
It was the first time Xiao Bing had walked into the Hall of Martial Gods. The light was dim and there were six warriors armed with sabers, on both sides. They were dressed in the same uniform as the two guards. They were all of the Transforming-strength stage, which surprised Xiao Bing. Although powerful artists like them were greatly respected, yet they could be only a guard here. It seemed that Xiao Bing had looked down on R country previously.
Soon after a man in his thirties came out from a door on the right side, a long sword hanging on his back. He cast a glance at Princess Nami first, and then he bowed, “He’s inside.”
Princess Nami nodded and looked at Xiao Bing, “Let’s go inside.”
“Okay.”
Curious, the man fixed his eyes on Xiao Bing.
Xiao Bing noticed that this man was a congenital master, which made Xiao Bing understand this Hall of Martial Gods a little better. Though he seemingly had just reached this stage, it was not something easy for a man of his age. The number of congenital masters in this country was very limited. Normal guards were at Transforming-strength while their leader seemed to be at the Elixir-strength stage. Iza Kawatani, the leader of the Hall, was unfathomable. if his student Feng XIII was still alive, this place could be equal to a famous organization in the Dark World.
If his cover was exposed here, he did not even know whether he could leave this place unharmed.
It was the first time Xiao Bing had felt this way, after he had stepped into the level of Void-breaking. This was a hateful country, but it was also mysterious.
There was a long passage behind the door. It was empty with burning candles hanging on the walls on both sides. The atmosphere here felt gloomy and weird.
There was a sudden a gust of cold wind, as the two were walking along the passage. It sent cold shivers up the princess’s spine. Xiao Bing gave a wry smile, “Small wonder your country’s horror movies are so famous. If a horror movie was shot here, it might become more viral than Sadako.”
Princess Nami felt another pang of panic at the mention of Sadako. She gently hit Xiao Bing in the chest with her fist, and pouted, “You asshole. Why can’t you stop scaring me? Why did my grandpa made this place so creepy!”
Xiao Bing chuckled, “Maybe this horrifying vibe is to scare would-be thieves. They might not make it to the end of this passage, if they don’t head back.”
“That’s crap. But how can you still talk like that. From what I saw, all newcomers to this place are always in awe. Few of them can talk with their usual confidence. This passage leads to my grandfather’s cultivation room. Nobody is allowed, except for a few people only.”
Xiao Bing grinned, “Does that mean that your grandfather attaches a lot of importance to me?”
“I thought the same.” Princess Nami was suddenly encouraged, her eyes filled with delight.
Xiao Bing was at a loss for words. “Are you still fantasizing about my sexy body?”
Princess Nami, “…”
