"The State Preceptor has a huge influence in the Capital, so I must feign weakness. If I revealed my Foundation Establishment Stage cultivation, the State Preceptor would surely ask other high-level cultivators to take action against me. Lin Junsheng wouldn't stay obediently in the Capital either," said Yuan Ming as he finished his tea in one gulp.

"That's true. Your recent killing of Master Yu Hu will soon become known to all countries, and your fame will soar, but you've also completely offended the Chang Chun Temple and the State Preceptor's faction. What are your plans for the future?" The Emperor asked with some concern, not truly blaming Yuan Ming.

"I'll be leaving soon. The world is vast; where can I not find refuge? Being a Loose Cultivator suits me quite well," Yuan Ming said nonchalantly.

"It seems your trip to the Southern Border has broadened your horizons considerably. I too should seize the opportunity to travel with Lou Lan," the Emperor said with a longing tone.

"I don't mind whatever happens to me, alone and free to come and go as I please, but my parents will be in the Capital. If the Chang Chun Temple seeks revenge for today's event, I fear they won't be able to withstand it," Yuan Ming said with a flicker of worry in his eyes.

"Don't worry about that. Your duel with Master Yu Hu was fair, and the outcome was left to fate. This matter will soon spread throughout Da Jin and even the neighboring Cultivation World. The Chang Chun Temple has always prided itself on being a righteous Sect, and they won't provoke you over this, lest they tarnish their own reputation. Besides, I will make proper arrangements to ensure the safety of Yuan Mansion," the Emperor paused then added, "The State Preceptor's faction has controlled the court for many years, and they've monopolized the best disciples for just as long. It's time for a change. He attacked you, breaking the prohibition, and you openly challenged and killed him. By doing this, you have done my grandfather a great favor."

"So how will your grandfather thank me?" Yuan Ming asked.

"Ensuring your safety is probably all I can offer," the Emperor replied, "Even so, you must be careful. As they say, it's easy to avoid the arrow you see, but it's hard to guard against the hidden one."

Yuan Ming's greatest concern was precisely this. He breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this and then asked, "Speaking of which, the Fire Cloud Skill that Master Yu Hu used earlier was very powerful. Do you know the origin of that technique?"

"To my knowledge, the Fire Cloud Secret Technique is a special and extremely powerful Secret Technique of the Chang Chun Temple. It is, however, very difficult to practice, which is why it's not widely recognized. Yu Hu probably only knew the basics," the Emperor explained.

"Fire Cloud Secret Technique? How is it different from the technique you used to kill Lin Junsheng?" Yuan Ming asked casually.

"The technique I used to kill Lin Junsheng is called the Burning Explosion Skill. It's like an introductory spell to the Fire Cloud Secret Technique," the Emperor said.

"With your talent, you should be able to learn the Fire Cloud Secret Technique. It's truly terrifying. If it weren't for the few Mid Grade Defensive Magical Artifacts I possess, I would have been defeated long ago," Yuan Ming sighed.

"Yes, with my aptitude for Fire attribute magic, I will also practice this technique when I enter the Sect." the Emperor boasted.

Yuan Ming chatted idly with the Emperor for a moment before taking his leave.

Passing by a certain garden, Hua Zhi emerged from the ground, complaining incessantly even before she could enter the Spiritual Beast Bag.

Yuan Ming was taken aback and listened carefully, realizing that Hua Zhi was complaining about Yuan Ming releasing the White Ape during the recent battle.

"You seem to dislike the White Ape? Why?" Yuan Ming asked, puzzled.

"I don't know, I just find it annoying," Hua Zhi paused for a moment before replying telepathically with Divine Thought.

"Alright, but what's annoying about it? It doesn't even have spiritual intelligence," Yuan Ming said.

"It's just annoying. When I see it, I can't help wanting to tie it up and whip it," Hua Zhi prattled on.

...

Outside the palace gates, beneath a high wall, a carriage from the General Mansion waited, with Yuan Zuochong inside.

Before long, Yuan Ming boarded the carriage. Facing his son, who had reached the Foundation Establishment Stage, Yuan Zuochong was full of questions and was about to ask.

"Father, this isn't the place to talk. We'll discuss it at home," said Yuan Ming in a low voice.

Yuan Zuochong was startled, nodded, and after glancing around, lowered the curtain of the carriage.

Neither father nor son spoke another word, and they returned to the General Mansion in silence.

In the main hall of the General Mansion, Yuan Ming's mother stood with a somber expression, apparently already aware of the events that had occurred during the succession ceremony.

"Mother," Yuan Ming chuckled dryly, speaking tentatively.

"Ming'er, you were too impulsive today. The State Preceptor deserved to die, but you shouldn't have struck him in public. This action will likely offend many, especially the cultivators from Chang Chun Temple, and may bring great trouble," Yuan Mu finally said after a long silence.

Yuan Ming didn't argue with his mother. She was astute and right, but as she wasn't a cultivator, she didn't know the whole story and couldn't explain it.

Master Yu Hu was the State Preceptor and held a revered position within the inner palace. If Yuan Ming hadn't taken action today, it might have been difficult to even see him again, let alone seek revenge.

Yuan Ming could have chosen to strike when Master Yu Hu was outside the temple, but who knew how long that would take? Plus, if discovered, Yuan Ming would become an outright assassin, truly offending the entire Chang Chun Temple. There would be no place for him in Da Jin.

By challenging him openly, although he offended many, the incident has had a wide impact, and those offended have no legitimate reason to openly attack him, making him safer in comparison.

"Ming'er is still young and acted on impulse, and besides, it's all over now, so let's not bring it up," Yuan Zuochong intervened, playing peacemaker.

Yuan Mu glared at Yuan Zuochong but did not pursue the matter further.

"Ming'er, when did you achieve Foundation Establishment? You've only been practicing for three years; how have you progressed so quickly?" Yuan Zuochong changed the subject, trying to lighten the mood in the hall.

"I had some fortuitous encounters in the Southern Border," Yuan Ming naturally went along with his father.

He recounted some of his experiences in the Southern Border that he could share.

As for the reasons behind the advancement of his cultivation, he attributed it all to elixirs and Spirit Incense, without mentioning the Stealing Heaven Tripod.

Although Yuan Zuochong also practiced cultivation techniques, he had always been entangled in the mundane court, and in the strict sense, he couldn't be considered a true member of the Immortal Path, let alone having participated in a genuine cultivator battle, so he was quite curious about the life Yuan Ming described.

Yuan Mu was also captivated by Yuan Ming's stories and her expression became much softer.

"Father, there's no need for me to hide anything now. Here are some elixirs and Spirit Incense for advancing one's cultivation in the Qi Refinement Realm, and a few magic artifacts. Take these to use for now. If it's not enough, just tell me," Yuan Ming said, taking out a storage ring and handing it to Yuan Zuochong.

Yuan Zuochong looked at the ring in his hand, feeling the myriad treasures inside with his Divine Sense. His heart was filled with gratification, yet also mixed feelings.

"You're only giving gifts to your father, what about mine?" Yuan Mu stretched out her hand.

"Of course, I have not forgotten about Mother. This Heart-Clearing Pearl should be worn close to the body as it can adjust the five organs and relax the muscles and tendons. It also has some effect on a woman's complexion and skincare, which suits Mother perfectly," Yuan Ming said as he took out a white Jade Box and passed it to her.

Inside the box was a pale blue round orb, emitting a soft luster, very beautiful to behold.

He had looked around several workshops on his way back to Da Jin to find this gift that was suitable for his mother.

On hearing this, Yuan Mu took the round orb and examined it joyfully.

"Father, today I killed Master Yu Hu. Although it was an upright duel, the people from Chang Chun Temple might not let it go. I cannot stay at home; it's better for you and Mother if I leave," Yuan Ming cautioned, still not at ease despite the Emperor's assurance.

"That's right, Ming'er, go with no worries. Although I have cultivated immortal techniques, I am still a mundane man in the court and hold a distinguished position. The people from Chang Chun Temple wouldn't dare to do anything to us," Yuan Zuochong said.

"That's good," Yuan Ming nodded.

"Ming'er, are you thinking of leaving the Capital alone?" his mother asked, sensing something amiss.

"Chang Chun Temple will not let bygones be bygones. If I stay in the city, it's only a matter of time before they come for me," Yuan Ming sighed.

"But you've only just returned from the Southern Border, and now you have to leave alone, with Chang Chun Temple watching you. If anything happens to you, how do you expect me to go on?" his mother said, her voice trembling as she was on the verge of tears.

"Ming'er, your mother makes a good point. With the great power of Chang Chun Temple, wouldn't you be in even greater danger alone outside?" Yuan Zuochong also advised.

Yuan Ming felt helpless and was just about to explain further to ease his parents' minds when he saw his mother, grasping at straws, clutching his hand.

"You've been wearing the White Jade Ring since you were a child. Your grandmother said it is a treasure passed down from the Shengye Sect. If something happens, you can rely on it to go to Thunder City and seek help from the Sect," his mother said, touching the ring on Yuan Ming's hand.

Yuan Ming was startled, then suddenly remembered the one-armed old man he met in Black Rock City at the Southern Border, and his Treasure Spirit Pavilion, which seemed to be from the Thunder Continent Sect.

After a moment of contemplation, he nodded, "That sounds good. I'll do as Mother suggests and seek protection from Shengye Sect in Thunder Continent."

His mother was overjoyed, "Alright, I'll help you pack your things right away. You must take more with you to avoid hardship on your own."

"Ming'er, rest at home tonight. Tomorrow, I will arrange for a team of elite guards to escort you to Thunder Continent," Yuan Zuochong added.

Yuan Ming nodded and did not reject his parents' kindness. However, once he returned to his room, taking advantage of the moments when no one was paying attention, he secretly wrote a detailed letter and gave it to Hua Zhi, instructing him to deliver it into the palace through the underground path.

...

The next day, before dawn, just as the rooster crowed,

Yuan Ming pushed open the door to his room, donned the Concealment cloak, and used an Illusion Technique to cover his figure./p>

Thus, he moved unimpeded through the mansion and quickly arrived at his parents' bedroom.

His father was frowning in his sleep, as if he was dreaming of something unpleasant, while his mother also had a troubled face, muttering Yuan Ming's name in her sleep.

Seeing this, Yuan Ming sighed and silently knelt and bowed several times to them before placing a letter he had written overnight by his father's pillow.

In the letter, he also left a Communication Talisman he had bought in the workshop, so that, if necessary, his father could contact him.

After one last look at his parents, Yuan Ming turned and left the General Mansion without a sound.

Outside the mansion, a plain carriage quietly stood in a corner.

Next to the carriage, a figure wearing a hat and dressed in black was anxiously waiting.

Not far away, Yuan Ming, who had just left the mansion, released a soul crow, quietly surveyed the surroundings to confirm there was no ambush near the carriage. He then approached, "I'm here."

"Get on the carriage first, then we'll talk," the mysterious figure immediately pulled Yuan Ming onto the carriage, and on a closer look, it was indeed the young Emperor, Liu Tianming.

"Your Majesty, why have you come?" Yuan Ming asked in a low voice inside the carriage.

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