Chapter 1184: Chapter 1183: Farewell to the Empress
The sea of clouds dispersed, and Ling Chen’s gaze fell upon the ground below. Ahead, there was a holy and majestic giant city, like a golden giant dragon, exuding a noble and grand aura.
This place is the center of the Nine Provinces Land, the capital of the Central Dynasty.
Divine Capital.
Outside Divine Capital, there is a colorful mist, which is the forbidden flying array formation surrounding Divine Capital. As long as anyone crosses the sky above Divine Capital, they will be affected by this forbidden flying domain, and forcibly pulled to the ground.
Ling Chen and his group had already landed on the outskirts of Divine Capital by taking a ferrying airship.
Bringing the talented young members of Witch Gate, Ling Chen entered Divine Capital City and said to everyone, "Spirit Mountain is less than a thousand miles away from Divine Capital. In the next few days, we’ll rest in Divine Capital and head for Spirit Mountain at the end of the month to attend the conference."
"We shall follow Senior Brother Ling Chen’s arrangements."
Shen Qingzhi and Qin Yiren nodded.
"You all go to the inn to rest first, I have other matters to attend to."
"Yes."
After arranging everyone in an inn, Ling Chen also headed towards the Imperial Palace.
It was time to meet Empress Yunyao.
Upon reaching the outside of the Imperial Palace, Ling Chen confirmed his identity; he had a decree at hand, so naturally, he was not obstructed by the guards.
"Are you Ling Chen? Follow me."
A eunuch in a purple robe sized up Ling Chen and then gestured to him to follow, turning to head into the inner courtyard of the Imperial Palace.
Following this eunuch, Ling Chen reached the imperial back garden, stopping at the garden’s entrance.
"Wait here for a moment; I will report to Her Majesty first."
The purple-robed eunuch said.
"Much appreciated."
Ling Chen knew there were many rules in the Imperial Palace; he was not impatient and found a clean spot nearby to sit cross-legged.
After all, cultivation can be done anywhere; since he needed to wait, he decided to wait patiently.
Only after half an hour did the purple-robed eunuch come out, and accompanying him was a particularly handsome court eunuch.
Ling Chen recognized the court eunuch as the one who had been by Empress Yunyao’s side during the Heavenly Sword Conference, and who was the hottest figure by her side at the time.
"Ling Chen, come with me."
The young court eunuch used a gentle voice as he proceeded through the door, though his gaze at Ling Chen revealed an unusual expression that puzzled Ling Chen.
What’s wrong with these eunuchs, why do they all look at him strangely?
He didn’t think much of it; this place was murky anyway. He was here to meet Empress Yunyao and would leave as soon as the audience was over without lingering.
The back garden of Empress Yunyao remained as vibrant as usual, filled with aromas. Various spirit flowers and spirit grass were planted here, and it remained a place of birdsong and flower fragrance year-round, never showing signs of decay.
After progressing for about five minutes, a crystal-clear lake appeared within sight, and by the lake shore stood a peerless beauty in a golden dress.
The woman’s snow-white feet dipped into the lake water; her posture was graceful and tall, with charming legs exposed openly, drawing attention.
The peerless woman was indeed Empress Yunyao.
"Greetings, Your Majesty."
Arriving beside the lake, Ling Chen slightly bowed and saluted Empress Yunyao.
"You finally came."
Empress Yunyao raised her head, her beautiful eyes shone with a gleam, then she waved her jade hand at the handsome court eunuch, "You may withdraw now."
"Yes."
The court eunuch slightly cupped his hands, throwing Ling Chen a glance, before retreating.
Ling Chen said, "There was a bit of an incident on the way, causing some delay. I apologize to Her Majesty."
"I’ve heard about it."
Empress Yunyao dipped her jade hand into the lake water, and with a gentle blow, the water gathered in her palm turned into countless bubbles and flew into the air.
"Those two friends of yours seem to have had trouble from Tang Sect. It was my lapse not being able to protect them sufficiently."
"Her Majesty is aware of it?"
Ling Chen was secretly surprised; as expected of Empress Yunyao, residing in Divine Capital but aware of the world’s affairs, even such a minor matter could not escape her notice.
"This matter is not Her Majesty’s fault; Her Majesty attends to many affairs and cannot possibly care for two ordinary people. As your humble servant, I understand."
"The governor of Jingzhou Prefecture has been derelict in his duties, and I have dismissed him."
Empress Yunyao’s gaze fell on Ling Chen, "Since you’ve settled those two, I won’t involve myself anymore. However, since you’ve killed the third elder of Tang Sect, it may be difficult for Tang Sect to let this matter go."
"I’ve long had conflicts with Tang Sect; if they want revenge, I’m ready any time." Ling Chen’s eyes flashed fiercely and then he remarked calmly.
"Alright, you’re anxious; Tang Sect will be handled by me."
Empress Yunyao smiled and then leaned over, clearing a patch of air beside her, gesturing to Ling Chen, "Only the two of us are here; no need to be formal. Sit here with me."
"This... how can your humble servant dare..."
Ling Chen showed reluctance on his face, yet felt puzzled inside. What was with Her Majesty today that her attitude seemed somewhat unusual?
"This is a Holy Command."
Empress Yunyao’s tone turned cold.
"Understood."
Although Ling Chen felt a bit helpless, he obediently moved over to sit beside Empress Yunyao.
Upon sitting down, Ling Chen noticed a special fragrance emanating from Empress Yunyao, stirring his heart; the scent revealed that she, although an emperor, was indeed a woman.
As Ling Chen pondered, Empress Yunyao gestured toward a stone table in the pavilion; her jade hand beckoned the tea cup on the table, which flew into her hand.
She handed the tea cup to Ling Chen, smiling, "Minister Ling Chen, have some tea."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Ling Chen took the tea cup; although feeling slightly awkward, since it was offered, he obliged Empress Yunyao’s requests.
However, while sipping tea, Ling Chen couldn’t help but glance at Empress Yunyao’s side, letting his gaze travel from her lotus-like arms to her face.
But there, even at this close distance, Ling Chen could only see blurred features, unable to discern Empress Yunyao’s true face.
This secret method is really thorough.
Ling Chen abandoned the thought and was about to take a sip of tea.
"Minister Ling Chen, do you really wish to see my true face?"
Empress Yunyao suddenly turned, her gaze fixed on Ling Chen.