After clearing the level, the fairies were reborn!

"Fellow Daoist Xu, please come with me."

The powerful families and clans in the capital now welcome cultivators from all over the country.

Moreover, Xu Ze was introduced by his own young lady, so he was naturally an honored guest.

"Mr. Xu, you will be staying in this courtyard from now on. I will send a maid to clean it every day. Please feel free to give me any requests."

The Qin family's butler led him to the courtyard before leaving.

"Thank you for your trouble, Butler Qin." Xu Ze nodded.

Unlike ordinary retainers, he was directly honored as a 'guest minister'.

They can freely enter and leave the Qin family's backyard.

This place not only houses the various cultivators invited by the Qin family, but also many cultivators who originally lived here to guard the house, with cultivation levels ranging from Nascent Soul to Divine Transformation.

There was even a cultivator at the Refinement stage, known as 'Uncle Liu,' who seemed to be the leader of the guards. He had been with the Qin family for many years and had achieved a certain status.

"Old Liu, the head of the guards in the manor, wishes to meet Mr. Xu. Old Liu has served the Qin family for over thirty years and is highly respected. If it is convenient for you, Mr. Xu, would you mind accompanying me to meet him?"

Having heard that a young Nascent Soul cultivator had arrived, the guard commander wished to meet Xu Ze.

“We should pay a visit,” Xu Ze said.

The two left Tingzhu Courtyard, passed through several courtyards, and arrived at a martial arts training ground on the west side of the Prime Minister's residence.

Dozens of cultivators were practicing in the arena; some were exchanging spells, while others were meditating and regulating their breathing.

Most of these cultivators were at the Nascent Soul stage, with seven or eight at the Deity Transformation stage. Each of them exuded a calm and composed aura, clearly indicating that they were all experienced in actual combat.

An elderly man with white hair sat in a pavilion by the field.

The old man was dressed in gray cloth, his face was withered, and he looked ordinary, like an old farmer from the countryside.

However, Xu Ze's divine sense swept over the man, and his aura was as deep as the ocean, probably more than just the early stage of the Void Refinement realm.

"Mr. Liu, this is Mr. Xu Ze, whom Miss introduced."

The butler approached the old man and said respectfully.

The old man slowly opened his eyes. They were cloudy eyes, but occasionally a sharp, sword-like light would flash deep within his pupils.

He sized up Xu Ze for a moment, then a smile appeared on his face:

"Young brother, you are truly remarkable. At less than a hundred years old, you have already reached the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul realm. Your foundation is solid and your aura is refined."

"What's even more remarkable is that this young man possesses a sword intent that, though hidden and unreleased, has already reached a state of great mastery."

"At such a young age, with such achievements, even in the Central Continent, he would be considered a top-tier prodigy..."

"You flatter me, senior." Xu Ze bowed respectfully.

He had assumed that in this most prestigious place on the Tianyuan Continent, there should be quite a few people who possessed sword intent.

Surprisingly, it is still so rare.

"No need for formalities, please sit down." Old Liu pointed to the stone bench opposite him and personally poured him a cup of spiritual tea.

After the two exchanged pleasantries, the butler left, and Xu Ze took his seat.

During the conversation, Elder Qin seemed to intend for Xu Ze to stay and develop in Zhongzhou.

"In this capital, there are quite a few young ladies from noble families waiting to be married. I've been with the Qin family for decades and have some connections. I can help you find a good match for this young man."

Xu Ze smiled wryly, "Senior is too kind. I am new here and only want to focus on my cultivation. I have no intention of starting a family yet."

He can't even handle his current few Daoist partners, let alone another one.

“Young people should establish their careers before starting a family, that’s good.” Old Liu nodded and didn’t bring up the matter again.

The two chatted for a while longer, and the topic gradually turned to the situation in the capital.

"Uncle Liu, I am new to Zhongzhou and know nothing about the situation in the court."

Xu Ze imitated the guards and called him Uncle Liu.

"Since Prime Minister Qin is so esteemed, he must hold considerable influence in the court. I wonder what the scene is like in the court these days?"

Upon hearing this...

Old Liu smiled kindly and immediately started talking.

"Since you were introduced by Miss, it's alright to tell you some things."

In name only, everyone must pledge allegiance to 'that one'.

That is, the true ruler of the current Great Xuan Dynasty.

—Empress Dowager Mu Yan.

"Since the death of the late emperor, the entire Central Immortal Continent has been in turmoil."

"Led by the three major immortal sects, many other forces on the floating islands want to change the dynasty. Under the banner of 'purging the emperor's corrupt advisors,' they want to build a puppet dynasty dominated by their sects."

"It was that Empress Dowager who, single-handedly, suppressed the rebellion of the three sects and even publicly executed three Tribulation Transcending stage elders, completely changing the situation in the Central Continent. Her strength was truly terrifying..."

Old Liu and Xu Ze explained in detail the current situation in Zhongzhou.

Now, there are no longer any super-large sects in the Central Immortal Continent, only small and medium-sized sects, and they no longer dare to act recklessly, vowing to be loyal to the Empress Dowager to the death.

The rest were dominated by powerful clans, with four major families standing in a tripartite balance.

The Qin family is one of the most famous families in the city.

In addition, there are six feudal lords, each with their own territory, all of whom were once renowned for their military exploits in pacifying the Central Immortal Continent.

Just as Xu Ze was listening with great interest...

Not far away, among that group of retainers.

Xu Ze saw a familiar figure.

"Song Xunzhen!"

Isn't this the eldest son of the Song family from Beiju Luzhou?

His younger brother, Song Yubai, was killed by his own hand!

Similarly, since cultivators have amazing perception, Xu Ze did not conceal his divine sense.

Song Xunzhen, who was in the Nascent Soul stage, felt Xu Ze's gaze and shuddered.

"Sect Master Xu?!"

……

Deep within the imperial palace lies the Eastern Palace.

This is a separate palace complex located in the southeast corner of the royal palace. It is a quiet and secluded place with strict security.

The interior furnishings are simple yet elegant, without excessive luxury decorations, but rather exuding a scholarly atmosphere.

Inside a side hall, a game of chess was underway.

The one holding the black robe was a young man dressed in a bright yellow python robe.

He was about twenty-five or twenty-six years old, with a handsome face and gentle eyes, but his complexion was slightly pale and his figure was rather thin.

He sat in a specially made wheelchair with his legs covered by a thin blanket, appearing to have difficulty moving around.

The one holding the white hat was an old man with white hair and beard.

The old man, dressed in a purple court robe with cranes and auspicious clouds embroidered on his chest, was none other than the current prime minister.

Qin Zhanming.

On the chessboard, black and white pieces are intertwined, and the situation is deadlocked.

"Your Highness's chess skills have improved more and more." Qin Zhanming placed a piece, stroked his beard and smiled, "This move was perfectly timed, and this old minister almost couldn't react in time."

The Fourth Prince, Mu Jun, smiled slightly and responded with a move: "Prime Minister, you are too modest. In this game, I have already fallen into a disadvantageous position."

His voice was gentle, yet possessed an indescribable magnetism that made people unconsciously feel favorably towards him.

The two exchanged blows, going back and forth for more than ten rounds.

The hall was filled with the elegant fragrance of sandalwood, and palace maids stood outside, undisturbed.

Suddenly, Prime Minister Qin spoke up seemingly casually: "Your Highness, do you know that the old minister went to the 'Star Observatory' the other day and saw that the Ziwei star was dim and Mars was guarding the heart, which is a very ominous sign."

Mu Jun paused slightly while holding the chess piece, then resumed his normal posture: "The theory of celestial phenomena is vague and ethereal. Your Excellency is a pillar of the nation, why bother with such things?"

"Though celestial phenomena may be illusory, the hearts of the people are real."

The Prime Minister of Qin slowly placed his piece, saying, "Nowadays, undercurrents are surging throughout the court and the country... If this continues, the nation will cease to exist."

Mu Jun was silent for a moment, then said softly, "With the Empress Dowager here, those petty villains won't be able to cause any trouble."

"Your Majesty the Empress Dowager..." Qin Zhanming paused, lowering his voice even further, "Your Majesty is indeed incredibly powerful, but you are ultimately a woman, and in recent years you have been living a secluded life, leaving most of the affairs of state to the cabinet. How can this last?"

Mu Jun raised his eyes and looked at Prime Minister Qin: "What does Your Excellency think should be done?"

"Hesitation only leads to more trouble," Prime Minister Qin said, emphasizing each word. "Some things need to be planned for early. Some 'hidden dangers' need to be eliminated as soon as possible."

When he said the word "clear," his tone was flat, yet it carried a chilling undertone.

Mu Jun's chess piece remained untouched for a long time.

Silence fell over the hall.

Only the wisps of sandalwood incense rose gently, lingering between the two.

After a long silence, Mu Jun slowly said, "This matter is too risky."

"Risks and opportunities coexist."

Prime Minister Qin stared at Mu Jun. “Your Highness is benevolent and filial, I know that, but sometimes, kindness only harms more people.”

He placed another piece, "This old minister has contacted three of the six feudal lords, and they are all willing to support Your Highness. In addition, arrangements have been made with 'Listening to the Rain Pavilion,' and they can take action as soon as Your Highness gives the nod."

Mu Jun closed his eyes, seemingly weighing his options.

His fingers tapped lightly on the armrests of his wheelchair, making a rhythmic, soft sound.

“Qinghe is still in her hands.” Mu Jun suddenly spoke, his voice trembling slightly. “I cannot lose my sister again.”

A complex look flashed in Prime Minister Qin's eyes: "Princess Ninth is blessed with good fortune and will surely be safe. As long as the plan succeeds, Your Highness can bring her back and the siblings can be reunited."