Xiang Shaoyun forgot all the techniques he knew, using pure brute strength as he controlled the primal inception energy to clash against Meng Youfang’s energy. The two energies collided, creating a terrifying explosion that caused the space within the courtyard to shake. As numerous shockwaves spread in all directions, it was as though the independent space was about to break.
The expressions of the Saints present changed to shock. The Sacred Martial General hurriedly appeared before the emperor to block the shockwaves for the emperor. As for the other Saints, they could only rely on themselves.
At this time, an indescribable power emerged and confined the shockwaves, stopping them from damaging their surroundings. Evidently, a God was making a move. After a series of collisions, the two energies receded, revealing two figures standing in the middle of the battlefield.
Meng Youfang was staring at the completely unharmed Xiang Shaoyun with disbelief. He had already used all his strength. Sure, he hadn’t used his trump card, but what he just did was something even those with similar cultivation levels as him would have a hard time resisting. Meanwhile, Xiang Shaoyun was only forced about a dozen steps back. Furthermore, there wasn’t even a scratch on Xiang Shaoyun. Also, the nine-colored energy released by Xiang Shaoyun was extremely destructive, causing him to unwillingly feel fear.
This kid has really fused nine different powers and created the ultimate combat physique, lamented Meng Youfang inwardly.
That was what the ultimate combat physique was. After surpassing the existing human limits, nobody in the same realm could be Xiang Shaoyun’s match anymore.
The surrounding onlookers were all dumbstruck, forced to accept the fact that Xiang Shaoyun really was capable of killing Great Saints and was really worthy of being ranked first on the Saintly Forest Ranking. Like Meng Youfang, they were now sure that Xiang Shaoyun had fused nine different powers. A dazzling king of Saints was on his rise to power.
Clap! Clap!
The Dusk Emperor applauded and said, “Well done! Truly worthy of being the lord guardian’s direct disciple. Looks like the Saintly Forest Ranking doesn’t lie, after all. Since Shaoyun has successfully resisted the imperial teacher’s attack, his grudge with our dynasty shall end here. Also, this emperor still hopes that you can consider my offer. The door of the Dusk Dynasty will always be open for you.”
One could say that the emperor had become even more passionate about Xiang Shaoyun.
The first prince took the chance to say, “Brother Xiang, why don’t you pay the imperial palace a visit and grab a drink with me there?”
“There is no need to trouble yourself, imperial brother. I have already invited Brother Xiang,” the second prince hurriedly said. He then looked at Xiang Shaoyun expectingly, hoping that Xiang Shaoyun wouldn’t disappoint him.
Xiang Shaoyun did not disappoint Huang Gaojin. He nodded and said, “That’s right. Since I had troubled the second prince to show me around the Saintly Forest Courtyard, I need to grab a drink with him.”
The first prince had not expected that Xiang Shaoyun would reject him. A resentful look covered his eyes, but he quickly hid his resentment and said, “In that case, I’ll allow my second brother to play host, then. Second brother, make sure to treat Brother Xiang well.”
“Of course,” said the second prince with a smile.
“Good. You youngsters should spend more time together. Whatever your choice might be, you will always be our VIP, Shaoyun. Nobody can slight you!” said the emperor before leaving.
While leaving, the emperor sighed inwardly, Too bad he’s not a member of the dynasty. What a pity.
Nothing could hide how extraordinary Xiang Shaoyun was. Not even the Dusk Emperor dared to force Xiang Shaoyun to stay. Thus, he had no choice but to employ a gentler method of recruitment.
Even if he couldn’t make Xiang Shaoyun his, he had to ensure that Xiang Shaoyun wasn’t his enemy. Without even mentioning Xiang Shaoyun’s background, just Xiang Shaoyun’s strength was enough to cause the emperor to feel fear. Meng Youfang, Huo Jingxiao, and the other officials also left with the emperor.
When the group arrived outside the courtyard, the emperor said to Meng Youfang, “Imperial teacher, forget the matter concerning Ruren.”
Meng Youfang’s pupils shrank as he bowed and said, “As you command.”
He was sure that once the emperor made a decision, that decision would not change. Even a first-rank official like him would not dare to defy the emperor. In truth, despite agreeing to the emperor’s request, the imperial teacher had actually arranged to have something done. There was never a need for him to personally make a move against Xiang Shaoyun.
“Your Majesty, if you want to recruit Xiang Shaoyun, there is an easy solution,” said a chubby official with a genial look on his face.
He was the Dusk Dynasty’s finance minister and was in charge of the imperial court’s finances. In the court, his status was second only to the Sacred Martial General and the imperial teacher.
“Oh, what idea do you have, beloved official?” asked the emperor in astonishment.
“Marriage,” said the finance minister.
The emperor’s eyes lit up at that suggestion. The others also nodded. That was indeed the best choice for now.
“This emperor has 17 princesses. I wonder which of them is worthy of Xiang Shaoyun, the man ranked first on the Saintly Forest Ranking?” asked the emperor.
“I think my seventh imperial sister is the best candidate. Not only does she have the looks, she is also extremely talented in cultivation. Plus, she is at a similar age as Xiang Shaoyun,” said the first prince.
The seventh princess was the princess sharing the same mother as the first prince. He naturally hoped to use this marriage to rope Xiang Shaoyun to his side.
Unfortunately for him, the emperor rejected that suggestion, “Lanlan is not good enough.”
“I think Princess Xiaoyue is a decent choice. Plus, she is also a Dragon Phoenix Academy disciple. Both of them used to be fellow disciples. I believe they would agree to this marriage proposal,” suggested a different official.
The finance minister also agreed, “I also believe that Princess Xiaoyue will be the best choice.”
More and more people agreed.
After giving it some thought, the emperor smiled and said, “Since all of you think she’s a good choice, this emperor shall allow this marriage. After picking a good date, this emperor shall bestow this marriage upon both of them.”
“The emperor is wise,” everyone chanted.
At this time, Meng Youfang said, “Your Majesty, Xiang Shaoyun is obviously an arrogant individual. I think for something like this, we should have someone figure out his thoughts on this. I’m afraid that he will reject the bestowment. This will only sully the dignity of the imperial clan.”
“He dares?” the emperor was furious.
“He is, after all, not a citizen of our dynasty. Furthermore, he is that lord’s disciple. Now that he is also ranked first on the Saintly Forest Ranking, he will become even more popular after this news spreads. A young man like him will grow even more arrogant after gaining some feats. Please consider this carefully, Your Majesty,” advised Meng Youfang.
“Imperial Father, the imperial teacher makes sense. Why don’t you allow me to handle this? We’ll decide again after I figure out what he has in mind,” said the first prince.
“Ok,” said the emperor before heading back to the imperial palace.
