Refining the Mountains and Rivers

Ying Capital, Emperor's Palace

The Great Chu Emperor summoned the state ministers. They discussed the details for the grand celebration that was taking place in two days. This was an event that involved the face of the entire empire, so not a single oversight was allowed. The state ministers each put forth their own recommendations, all of them doing their best to make sure there were no flaws.

Suddenly, atop the throne, Mi Ganyuan closed his eyes. His Majesty had just been speaking with the third state minister. When he suddenly fell silent and his complexion changed, everyone in the hall revealed surprised expressions.

The four state ministers were all old veteran state figures and had a deep understanding of His Majesty. If it weren't for something extraordinary, the emperor who was always lenient and benevolent towards his subjects wouldn't be so disrespectful.

What had happened? The minds of the four state ministers rapidly raced. They thought about any possible mistakes they might have made and only after clearing themselves of any wrongdoings did they relax.

The emperor had ruled from his throne for 170,000 years already. He had no restrictions and no outside troubles. Although he was considerably tolerant of his subordinates, he actually possessed supreme arrogance in his bones. He was a proud and cold individual.

Out of the four state ministers, the one with the shortest record of service had served for over 40,000 years. It was unknown how many great figures they had seen be eliminated by the hands of the emperor in the past. None of them dared to be even the least bit careless.

The hall was deathly silent. Even though it was just several breaths of time, the officials in the corners of the hall were all covered in a cold sweat. But, they could only clench their teeth and endure, unable to make a single sound.

Thankfully, Mi Ganyuan opened his eyes before long. His eyes were calm and ordinary, but if one looked carefully they would discover that his eyes were like an endless vortex, capable of holding the entire world.

The corners of his lips lifted up. This Great Chu Emperor was one of the most honored people in the entire world, and now he was revealing an inexplicably thoughtful smile, as if he had found something interesting.

The leader of the state ministers had worked splendidly for the Great Chu Emperor for over 100,000 years. He was the most honored minister in the entire hall. He thought for a moment and then respectfully asked, "Your Majesty, what has happened?"

The other three state ministers all revealed envious expressions. This was a question that could only be asked by the head minister. None of them had the standing to do so.

Mi Ganyuan's eyes swept over the hall. He lightly said, "I had a sudden feeling just now. My divine sense descended upon the capital and I discovered two interesting little children…" He seemed to be somewhat impressed, "I really cannot imagine why the Immortal Sect and Demonic Path would actually have them take such a risk."

His pupils instantly turned deep and profound, like inexhaustible starry skies, able to drown out one's mind.

Since the emperor had mentioned this, this indicated how important it was. And in addition to the Immortal Sect and Demonic Path being mentioned as well as the thoughtful look on His Majesty's face, the head minister had a guess in his heart. "Your Majesty, could it be that the Immortal Sect and Demonic Path have people hiding their status in their diplomatic missions?"

Mi Ganyuan lightly said. "If my guess is right, one of those amongst the Demonic Path's diplomatic mission should be the newly crowned Holy Son, Yao Bin. As for the one hiding in the Immortal Sect's diplomatic mission, that should be the new Palace Master of Nineheaven Mirrormoon Palace, Shen Yuanyin."

Although the four state ministers were already prepared for this, they still couldn't help but let out a deep breath. Too occupied to care about their loss of manners, their eyes filled with shock as a cold chill surged in the air.

Great Chu stood proud in the world and was the head of the seven great empires. If it weren't for the Immortal Sect and Demonic Path impeding them, they would already rule the entire world.

Although things appeared peaceful on the surface, the Great Chu Empire regarded the Immortal Sect and Demonic Path as the greatest thorns in their heart.

Now, a new Holy Son and Palace Master were both in the region of Yin Capital…they couldn't help but think that if these two people died, it would be an incomparably serious attack on the Immortal Sect and Demonic Path.

"Your Majesty, this is an opportunity sent by the heavens! As long as we properly arrange everything, there will not be a single hidden danger left behind!"

The third state ministers spoke up, his voice overflowing with killing intent.

The fourth state minister wanted to echo this suggestion, but when he looked at the silent second state minister he kept his mouth shut tight.

Mi Ganyuan didn't reply. He said, "Yuan Qing, what do you think?"

Yuan Qing was the name of the head of the state ministers. To be referred to by such a title, it was clear how close he was to the emperor. Still, his voice remained respectful, without any sense of complacency or pride in his posture. "Your Majesty, I feel that something isn't right!"

The third state minister furrowed his eyebrows.

Mi Ganyuan said, "Tell me your reasoning."

Yuan Qing thought for a moment and slowly said, "Replying to Your Majesty, I have no idea why the Demonic Path's Holy Son or Immortal Sect's Palace Master have come to my Great Chu. But since the two of them are here, that means the Immortal Sect and Demonic Path must have made other arrangements. Unless a large number of experts are gathered to launch a massive and blatant attack, I fear the chances of killing them will be extremely low…although my Great Chu is strong, the Immortal Sect and Demonic Path cannot be underestimated. If this matter is not handled properly, it will cause a great unrest."

The third state minister sighed. He knew that everything the first state minister said made sense. No wonder the second state minister had kept quiet like a turtle, pretending as if he didn't know anything. He had the heart to challenge the status of the second state minister, but didn't dare to be presumptuous towards the first state minister. He immediately said, "Your Majesty, what the first state minister says is logical. It was I who didn't carefully consider this matter. But, if these two people came to my Great Chu they must have some unknown goal in mind. Can my Great Chu only endure this and tolerate them?"

The first state minister smiled, not saying anything.

The second state minster lightly coughed. He bowed and said, "Your Majesty, with the opening of the Sea of Purgatory, that might be the opportunity we need."

The third state minister coveted the position of the second state minister. But what a pity, the second state minister was an honest person and the first state minister was satisfied with him.

Mi Ganyuan could see all of the little infightings between his officials, but didn't actually place this in his heart. Only if his officials were not at peace with each other could he sit firmly and stably in the seat of power.

"Dong Qing is right." He looked up. This simple movement fully displayed his bearing as a sovereign king, someone with the ability to look down upon the entire world. "Me and my Great Chu, we dare to directly face any enemy. So what if they are the Immortal Sect or Demonic Path? If I don't kill them, that is only because I do not wish to use shadowy methods.

"If these two came without announcement, then I will teach them a lesson. Otherwise, wouldn't they simply become increasingly overbearing, thinking that no one in my Great Chu will oppose them!? Yuan Qing, pass down my decree. The seal upon the Sea of Purgatory will be completely opened. Whether someone finds a great stroke of fortune or whether they are buried within, that will depend on their own fate!"

The first state minister bowed. "Your Majesty, if the seal of the Sea of Purgatory is completely opened, the degree of danger will rise over ten times more. How am I to face the juniors of the empire?"

He furrowed his eyebrows, revealing a faintly helpless expression. His Majesty held all the world of the power in his hands, so he was naturally free to do as he wished. But as for him, even though he was the first state minister, he didn't dare to form grudges with every faction.

If so, then he could only ask His Majesty to adjudicate this matter.

Mi Ganyuan coldly coughed. "There is no limit to the amount of tribulations in this world. Who isn't in a tribulation of their own? If one doesn't undergo tribulation and emerge from it, how can they possibly have any achievements? To be able to go through a trial with the two most outstanding juniors of the Immortal Sect and Demonic Path, this in itself is one of their lives' greatest good fortunes." His icy cold gaze swept around the hall. "Not a single word is to be released about the seal being completely opened. Now, pass down a message. The cultivators that enter the Sea of Purgatory may obtain the qualifications to face me."

The four state ministers all felt their hearts tighten. But, none of them revealed this on their faces. They fell to their knees, shouting for His Majesty to please understand them.

The emperor continued to discuss the issue with the state ministers. After a decision was finalized for the time being, the four state ministers bowed and drew back.

After leaving the Emperor's Palace, the third state minister was the first one to speak up. "First state minister, how can this be good? You and I know full well how perilous it is, so are you and I supposed to send the children of our families to their deaths?"

The first state minister was without expression. "His Majesty has already made his decree. I politely advise you three to all not do anything in the shadows. If any accident happens to His Majesty's plans, a disaster will fall upon all of your heads!"

When he finished speaking he stomped away.

The second state minister uttered some apologies and hurried after the first state minister, leaving behind the third and fourth state ministers.

The third state minister clenched his jaws. "I don't believe they will really risk the lives of their juniors!"

The fourth state minister hesitated. He said, "There is no need to be angry. The first state minister is right. Since this is His Majesty's decree, it is best if you don't try and do anything. However, since His Majesty has informed you and I of this matter, this is his kindness towards us. We can arrange things so that some of our juniors are removed. We can replace them with others."

The third state minister's eyes brightened. "You're right! Time is of the essence, I will be leaving first!"

The fourth state minister watched as the third state minister sped away, a contemptuous smile on his lips. To think that such a stupid and foolish person could become a state minister. Still, the third state minister came from a good background and if it wasn't for the fact that he needed someone to draw away everyone's attention, he wouldn't care about his life or death.

But, what should he do about this matter? The fourth state minister contemplated for a moment before his eyes lit up and he smiled happily. Wasn't the first state minister the best example? He would just do as told!

The third state minister sat in his carriage. When the curtain fell, all of the traces of anger and anxiousness disappeared from his face. His eyes became calm and indifferent, without any waves.

"The Demonic Path's Holy Son…the Immortal Sect's Palace Master…" He joyfully whispered to himself. "I never thought that I would have such an unexpected harvest this time."

A light bloody smell slowly filled the air.

…

Shen Yuanyin furrowed her eyebrows, a dignified expression appearing between her eyes.

That aura just now…

Although it had passed in a flash, her heart was like a lake of ice and she still detected it.

After thinking it over for a long time, Shen Yuanyin let out a light breath. Whether she had been discovered or not, she had no other path to take.

Between the heavens and earth, the greatest fear was death. And after reaching large success with the Sublime Lost Emotion Code, it was the only feeling she had left.

Shen Yuanyin didn't want to believe. She also firmly believed that she wouldn't die here.