Refining the Mountains and Rivers

The Chu Empire's 30 million year founding anniversary continued as planned. On this day, the array formation of Ying Capital was completely opened and the phantoms of nine dragons descended from the heavens, each one of them a thousand miles long. They circled around the city and gloriously roared out, endless auspicious clouds gathering about them and sprinkling down a golden rain.

Whether it was in scale or magnificence, this grand ceremony represented the pinnacle of the world. Although the 'second-rate guests' spread out amongst the various military compounds weren't able to enter Ying Capital, they were still able to watch this scene from afar and observe the eye-catching spectacle.

Qin Yu stood in the courtyard, looking at Ying Capital as it was covered in a rainbow hue of divine lights. His expression was light.

After the great celebration was finished, the Sea of Purgatory would be opened…he hoped everything would go smoothly!

As the grand celebration began, news began to spread throughout the Chu Empire. His Majesty the Emperor highly valued the opening of the Sea of Purgatory. And any cultivator that entered the Sea of Purgatory might obtain the qualifications to meet him.

The Great Chu Emperor was a character that stood atop the highest heavens. Besides the high ranking court officials, it was rare for anyone to ever catch a glimpse of him, much less gain his regard…if it was said that anyone was indecisive about facing the Sea of Purgatory once it was opened…now a sharp light began to shine in all their eyes.

It was clear that this was a chance to appear in front of His Majesty and earn his praise. If they could grasp onto it, their future prosperous days would be just around the corner. In particular, the four state ministers all chose outstanding juniors from their families. Once this matter was determined to be true, the spots to enter the Sea of Purgatory became even more valuable.

All of Ying Capital began to move restlessly.

The first state minister and second minister sat across from each other. The tea atop the table had already cooled but neither person was in the mood to drink. They looked at each other, a bitter smile on their faces.

The four state ministers had a respected status. If it weren't for that person above them intervening, who would dare to spy on their actions or publicize them? It seemed that His Majesty the Emperor had already made up his mind.

"To not hesitate in using the lives of the juniors of his state ministers, subordinates, and other noble and royal families all to lay down a trap that will place the Demonic Path's Holy Son and the Immortal Sect's Palace Master in a hopeless situation, it seems His Majesty's disposition has become even crueler than before." The second state minister sighed. As he checked the name list and saw two of his children and four of his grandchildren on it, he couldn't help but feel bitter in his heart. A bit of animus appeared on his face.

The first state minister furrowed his eyebrows together. He said in a low voice, "Dong Qing, watch your words! You and I both come from humble origins. Us having the status we have today is all thanks to His Majesty's favor. We cannot disappoint his graciousness towards us!" He paused for a moment and continued, "My family's juniors are born to serve, and they must also repay the graciousness that His Majesty granted us. Venturing into the Sea of Purgatory, death is not absolute. And even if that were true, what does it matter if we need to directly discard their lives?"

The second state minister felt regretful after hearing this. He stood up and bowed. "Thank you Brother Yuan Qing for reminding me. I was rude just now."

The first state minister waved his hand, changing the topic, "The third state minister has always cared about blood relations, but he has misjudged the current situation. He was unable to see the forest for the trees. In order to maintain the greater plan, His Majesty won't say much. But after the Sea of Purgatory, it will be difficult for him to maintain his current status."

The third state minister had a covetous heart; the first state minister naturally knew of this. But after learning of his plans, the first state minister didn't feel any joy in his heart. The third state minster dared to meddle in the shadows, making it so that the most outstanding juniors of his family would stay behind. This was a bold move; at the very least he himself didn't have the courage to do the same. While the third state minister would lose his official position, he was still able to preserve the future of his family. It was hard to tell whether he truly won or lost with his gamble.

After speaking a few more words, the second state minister bid his farewells and left.

The first state minister finished off the rest of the cold tea, bitterness in his heart. He closed his eyes and gently sighed. To have a superior position might have seemed bright and amazing, but there were also unknown worries and pains.

Only by having more people die alongside the Demonic Path's Holy Son and Immortal Sect's Palace Master could His Majesty play everything off as a grave accident that occurred in the Sea of Purgatory. Only by doing this would they be able to shut the mouths of the Immortal Sect and Demonic Path afterwards. Aware of this, he fully extinguished his desire to urge His Majesty to change his mind. Then, he chose the most outstanding juniors from his family and included them on the list.

If even the most outstanding descendants of the solemn and dignified first state minister perished in the Sea of Purgatory, who would still be able to level accusations at His Majesty? It had to be known that His Majesty most highly regarded the first state minister above all; this was something everyone was aware of.

Regardless of what the outcome was, the first state minister would inevitably become even more favored. But as he thought about how this path would be paved with the blood of his descendants, he couldn't summon any happiness.

The first state minister summoned his steward. He told him to choose a group of maids from the mansion and deliver them to the juniors that would be entering the Sea of Purgatory.

In order to provide all possible contingencies, before the highly talented juniors were sent into peril, they would be bestowed women. This was all for the chance that some of their bloodline would be left behind. If something were to occur to them, they would still have successors to carry on in their place.

This wouldn't cause any suspicions at all. After the steward received this order, he immediately began to make arrangements.

The first state minister stood up. At this time, all the weariness and bitterness disappeared from his face. All that was left behind was a firm resolve as an atmosphere of dignity shrouded him once more.

This was because he was the first state minister!

….

"Your Highness, have you really decided to enter the Sea of Purgatory?" A man asked anxiously.

A woman calmly responded, "Yes."

The man hesitated for several breaths of time. Then he cupped his hands together and said, "Since Your Highness has already come to a decision, then I shall do my best to follow in your footsteps and assist you!"

The woman was overjoyed. "That's wonderful. With you helping me, we will surely make some gains in the Sea of Purgatory!"

Moments later, the man left the hall. He looked up at the sunlight sprinkling down on him, a dark gloominess surging on his complexion.

This person was Tianyun.

He originally wanted to stop Her Highness. But thinking about her current situation, he couldn't utter the words.

Whatever. He would only consider this as repaying Her Highness for the live-saving graciousness he owed her. In the worst case scenario, he was simply giving back the life he should have lost.

…

Capital region, northeast military compound, in a courtyard.

This was the living quarters of a diplomatic mission for a small country. Everyone here, including the head envoy, weren't allowed to enter Ying Capital. Because of their low status, no one paid any attention to them.

Within a room, a man and woman faced each other. The man was tall and strong. His eyebrows were straight and slanted towards outwards like swords. His pupils were like stars and he had a noble aura around him. There was elegance and majesty in every single one of his movements.

The woman across from him had her head slightly lowered. But from just the part that was visible, one could see she was a breathtaking beauty.

"Weiwei, the Sea of Purgatory is extraordinary. Big brother only has you left in this world. Stay here obediently and wait for me."

The woman shook her head. Her voice was calm as she said, "And I only have big brother."

"Weiwei!"

"Big brother, there is no need to say anything else. I have already made up my mind."

The man's eyebrows tightly furrowed together. After a long silence, he finally sighed and said, "You must promise to obey all of my orders and arrangements. Otherwise, I will never let you enter the Sea of Purgatory no matter what."

"I will listen to big brother from now on."

…

Seven days after the grand celebration finished, precise news came out from the Emperor's Palace. Three days from now, His Majesty the Emperor would summon all cultivators that were entering the Sea of Purgatory. Then he would personally oversee the opening of the seal.

Qin Yu and the Demonic Path had 49 people in total. They rode on horseback and finally entered Ying Capital. When he passed out of the shadows of the towering city gates, his face lightened up. But as he thought about how he would soon be facing the Chu Emperor, he felt a bit restless.

But reality proved that Qin Yu's fears were unfounded. The summoning ceremony was held in front of the Emperor's Palace, outside Harmony Temple. There were tens of thousands of people, so many that they seemed like an endless wave. The emperor sat on a dragon throne above them all. His aura surged around him, and it was impossible to tell what he looked like.

From start to finish, no accidents occurred. After giving a speech, the Great Chu Emperor stood up. He wasn't too tall, but at this moment he seemed as high as the heavens, capable of crushing the earth beneath his feet. The dignity of a ruler swept throughout the area, causing everyone to feel awe.

He lifted a hand and pointed towards the skies. In the next moment, endless turbulence arrived, as if a horrifying storm had suddenly appeared out of nowhere. The entire sky transformed into a raging sea. Between the crashing waves, a dark and dusky world entrance appeared in front of everyone.

Although the Sea of Purgatory was known as a 'sea', it wasn't a genuine sea.

But, it deserved the name of 'Purgatory'.

The instant the entrance opened, invisible slaughter intent surged outwards. Although it was imprisoned by Ying Capital's great array formation so that it couldn't recklessly spread outwards, it still caused the clouds and skies above the capital to change colors, everything turning dark as if it had suddenly become nighttime!

Mi Ganyuan lightly said, "The Sea of Purgatory has been opened! Hurry and enter. You must return within a month at most. Remember this!"