Ling Tian Sword God

Chapter 1186: Chapter 1185: Banquet

"So that’s how it is, condensing the Green Lotus Sword Intent is the key step forward."

After conversing with Ling Chen, Empress Yun Yao felt a sense of enlightenment.

Previously, her understanding of the Green Lotus Sword Song had all come from Ling Chen. Initially, Ling Chen had given her only the general formula and the first few moves of the Green Lotus Sword Song. The later moves hadn’t been taught to her, and despite her multiple attempts, she hadn’t achieved any significant breakthroughs.

Therefore, she had temporarily set the Green Lotus Sword Song aside.

Unexpectedly, Ling Chen had already comprehended the sixth move.

Upon hearing Ling Chen’s theory about "Momentum," the confusion Empress Yun Yao had regarding the Green Lotus Sword Song naturally resolved itself.

"This kid is indeed outstanding on the path of the Sword Way."

Empress Yun Yao thought to herself.

This Green Lotus Sword Song offered only an elusive formula, without any practical sword techniques. Even her progress was incredibly slow, yet Ling Chen always managed to stay ahead of her.

Of course, she was unaware that Ling Chen had inherited part of the Illusory Sword Intent from the Taibai Sword Immortal, which gave him a greater advantage over others in the contemplation of this Green Lotus Sword Song.

"For someone as excellent as you, asking me to give you up is indeed a difficult task..."

A barely noticeable curve appeared at the corner of Empress Yun Yao’s lips.

After all, she was the Supreme of the Central Dynasty, and there was nothing she desired that she hadn’t been able to obtain.

However, Ling Chen was no ordinary person. He had just verbally refused her, making it clear that if she wanted Ling Chen to be her obedient man, she shouldn’t rush and must carefully consider her approach.

In the following days, Ling Chen remained at the Imperial Palace, discussing the Sword Way with Empress Yun Yao.

Until the seventh day.

Ling Chen and Empress Yun Yao were sitting beneath the pavilion, continuing the conversation from the previous day, when suddenly Empress Yun Yao looked up and said, "Oh yes, there’s something I forgot to mention."

As she spoke, a red invitation appeared in her hand, which she handed to Ling Chen.

"Tonight, there will be a royal banquet at the Full Moon Pavilion. All the young generations participating in this Nine-Class Conference from various forces will attend the banquet, and you, along with the young talents from your Witch Gate, can take this opportunity to make an appearance."

Ling Chen took the invitation and nodded. Such royal banquets were held annually, and besides the Nine Province Sect Realm, all major forces of the Central Dynasty would attend.

Although the Witch Gate was now considered the Tenth Great Family of the Nine Provinces, they typically weren’t included in such occasions, as the family forces instinctively excluded the Witch Gate, considering it an offshoot and sidelining them.

However, since Empress Yun Yao had extended the invitation, the intention was clear: to truly position the Witch Gate among the ten great family forces, regardless of which aspect.

"Additionally, attending the banquet are some renowned martial arts masters within the imperial court. They will serve as judges at this Nine-Class Conference, evaluating these young talents according to their standards," Empress Yun Yao continued.

"Oh?"

Ling Chen raised an eyebrow and said with some surprise, "Wouldn’t that be too subjective? Can these martial arts masters truly remain unbiased?"

"Don’t worry, one of the selection criteria for the judges of the Nine-Class Conference is that they must come from a Cold Family background," Empress Yun Yao smiled. "Furthermore, behind them, there’s a number of distinguished guests, all of whom are well-known figures across the Central Dynasty. If these judges were to make biased evaluations, naturally there’d be people stepping out to correct them."

The Nine-Class Conference, having been held for many years, has a highly refined system. You don’t need to worry about any shady dealings; as long as you possess enough strength, you’ll surely shine brightly at the Nine-Class Conference."

"I guess I overthought it."

Ling Chen nodded. The rules of the Nine-Class Conference are certainly scrutinized by the major sects and families, and if there were any loophole, it would’ve been spotted by those old folks long ago. How could it wait for him to point out?

"It’s time for the young people to make a good appearance."

Ling Chen drank the tea in his hand, a glimmer of brilliance in his eyes.

...

The evening soon arrived.

The Full Moon Pavilion was decorated with vibrant lights and festive colors.

On the streets, many warriors passing by couldn’t help but look towards the Full Moon Pavilion, as everyone knew a high-profile banquet was happening there tonight.

This banquet gathered the prestigious figures from the entire Divine Capital, the young talents from various families, and even a few renowned martial arts masters.

Without sufficient status, one wouldn’t even qualify to step into the Full Moon Pavilion today.

Ling Chen, along with the members of the Witch Gate, arrived outside the Full Moon Pavilion. Looking at the magnificent Full Moon Pavilion before them, a young disciple from the Witch Gate couldn’t help but say, "I never thought we’d one day join the ranks of the royal family’s elite."

If they could gain the Imperial Court’s recognition and become a legitimate force, who would want to be labeled as an outcast?

"Show some decorum and act with restraint later; don’t appear as someone who hasn’t seen the world, or else we’ll be a laughingstock for other families," Qin Yiren glared at the Witch Gate disciple.

"Don’t worry, Senior Sister Qin, we’ve seen all kinds of storms; it’s just a banquet, and we won’t be overwhelmed," the young disciple grinned.

"Being able to attend the royal banquet this time is a special grace from Empress Yun Yao."

At this moment, Ling Chen spoke up. He glanced around at everyone and continued, "We should eat and drink as we please but try not to stir up trouble. We’re attending as the Tenth Great Family, not as the Witch Fiend Sect of the past."

"Yes, Senior Brother Ling Chen."

Led by Chen Qingzhi and Qin Yiren, all disciples showed deference. After witnessing Ling Chen’s prowess, they’ve become quite respectful of Ling Chen, and there was no reason for them to disobey his words.

Even Qin Yiren, who was previously the most vocally opposed, had quickly become Ling Chen’s devoted follower, as during the time on the flying ship, under Ling Chen’s guidance, her martial arts had significantly improved. Now, she possessed the strength and confidence to vie for the title of "Outstanding."

All of this was thanks to Ling Chen.

"Let’s go in."

Ling Chen nodded, then presented the invitation to the guard at the entrance and stepped into the Full Moon Pavilion, followed immediately by the members of the Witch Gate.