But Ye Xuan merely shook his head and chuckled, "If I were to enter the Burning Sky Sacred Court and serve under the Young Master, then every necessity I require would naturally be provided by the Sacred Court. Does the Young Master not know that every Crown Prince of the Sacred Court is entitled to mobilize a portion of the Burning Sky Sacred Court's resources and personnel?

Especially the First Crown Prince; he can command the services of two full Sacred Realm cultivators alone, and the Divine Realm cultivators beneath him can number as many as twelve, ensuring the heir apparent has suitable retainers upon accession—" Seeing Zong Shou’s brow furrow in thought, about to speak, Ye Xuan halted his words and turned instead to Zong Weiran. "If the Young Master is unwilling, surely the Elder Lord must understand the Young Master’s predicament.

I trust he will not refuse?" "What Elder Lord? Zong Weiran is still young!" Zong Weiran seemed at a loss for words but then his expression sobered slightly as he pondered.

"There is truly no justification to refuse, only that it will put you, Sir, in a somewhat awkward position!" Zong Shou was momentarily stunned by this, staring at Zong Weiran in astonishment. Yet, he saw that the latter’s demeanor was placid, and his gaze, while holding affection, also carried a degree of unrefusable finality.

A sudden realization dawned on him: it seemed his father had already made up his mind and intended for him to go to the Burning Sky Sacred Court. He wrestled internally with this matter.

On one hand, he harbored deep resentment and bitter anger towards the Lu family. On the other, he worried constantly about his mother's situation within the Burning Sky Sacred Court.

Though he had pondered this endlessly and found it difficult to decide, Zong Shou vaguely understood that he truly had no choice in the matter. Given that, any pretense or reluctance now would be utterly unnecessary.

Furthermore, going to the Burning Sky Sacred Court alone, with just his own strength, would indeed leave him isolated and vulnerable. To have the assistance of someone like Ye Xuan, whose strength nearly rivaled that of a Saint Realm expert, was invaluable.

And so, he fell silent, ceasing his protest, effectively agreeing to Zong Weiran's arrangement. However, a lingering doubt remained in his heart: this man’s willingness to serve him must stem from something more profound than what was stated.

"Since it is so! Then, Young Master!

Please accept this bow from Ye Xuan—" A sharp gleam flashed in Ye Xuan's eyes as he once again bowed deeply, prostrating himself. Zong Shou raised an eyebrow, his expression grave, and walked over to help Ye Xuan rise.

This established the fundamental relationship of sovereign and subject between them, so both acted with utmost solemnity, adhering strictly to ancient protocol. "Young Master, no.

From this moment forward, you should be addressed as Lord!" As Ye Xuan stood up, he stated plainly, "Ye Xuan entering the Burning Sky Sacred Court under the Lord's banner indeed has other objectives. However, they will certainly not interfere with the Lord's major undertakings, nor will our goals conflict.

In fact, they might even align! Alone, and with limited power, Ye Xuan can only rely on the Lord's strength to perhaps achieve what he desires." He continued, "I observe that the two Supreme Saint Venerables deeply cherish the Lord.

They would never tolerate anyone harboring malicious intent near you. If I held any ill will towards the Young Master, how could the two Saint Venerables have allowed me to live until now?" Although his words were still not entirely truthful, failing to disclose his true motive, a measure of relief began to surface in Zong Shou's eyes.

Thanks to Lu Wubing, he now possessed some knowledge of the Burning Sky Sacred Court. He knew that his greatest current enemy, along with his mother, was the ruler of Xuanhua State.

This individual, leveraging the power of the two other state rulers, held undeniable supremacy within the Sacred Court at this moment. Next was the ruler of Xuanye State, who also held a significant position in the Court.

He had once allied with Xuanhua to sideline the Burning Sky Sacred Emperor. However, in their competition and rivalry, the relationship between Xuanhua and Xuanye had moved beyond mere cooperation.

But if Zong Shou were to truly involve himself in the Lu family's power struggles as the First Crown Prince, it was highly likely that the Xuanye ruler would once again join forces with Xuanhua. Given the preceding events concerning Lu Wushuang, the possibility of reconciliation between the two factions was minuscule!

Ye Xuan's objective most likely centered on one of these two figures. Dao Xiaoyao?

His origins should be inscrutable. Later, merely commissioning Lu Wubing should suffice to learn his name soon enough.

As for the final statement, though it irked Zong Shou—what did his affairs have to do with Jueyan?—he could not deny that Ye Xuan's assertion held a certain logic. As he pondered this, Lu Wubing’s expression suddenly shifted: "Ye Xuan, Dao Xiaoyao?

Could it be Xuan Dao Xiaoyao? The former owner of the Xiaoyao Pavilion in the Linghong World, who once shook the myriad realms by fighting three Saint Realm experts simultaneously.

I recall seventy years ago—" Before his words fully left his mouth, Ye Xuan’s hand moved towards the rusty sword at his waist. A faint, almost imperceptible sword intent locked onto Lu Wubing’s nascent soul from afar, yet his face remained smiling: "It is embarrassing to mention; those old matters are like a heart demon, keeping me restless night after night, impossible to forget.

Ye Xuan genuinely does not wish for anyone to bring them up in my presence again." Lu Wubing paused, then decisively fell silent, offering Zong Shou a slight nod. This signaled that the man was likely trustworthy.

Zong Shou grew even more curious: A peak Divine Realm cultivator fighting three Saint Realm experts? That was truly extraordinary.

What kind of experience could have trapped him in this Nine Desolation Death Prison? However, he had no intention of pressing the matter further.

It was irrelevant for now; Ye Xuan only forbade mentioning it in front of 'himself.' He could inquire privately from Lu Wubing later and learn the truth then. Without further probing, Zong Shou extended his hand, and some fragmentary spiritual items materialized in his grasp.

These were the remnants left by Lu Tianqing. Though the man himself had been twisted into blood powder by Zong Shou’s Blood Pupil divine ability, these objects remained.

Zong Shou had always been characterized by his "frugality," unwilling to waste even a fraction. After his anger subsided slightly, he tucked these items into his sleeve.

Most were spatial artifacts. Zong Shou rummaged through them for a moment before his gaze brightened.

How could the remnants of a Saint Venerable lack even a decent weapon? He reached into one of the spatial artifacts and, in less than a moment, drew out a sword glowing entirely in cyan, with faint sword aura swirling around it.

"This one is for you; it is certainly better than the one at your waist." A precious sword given to a hero, fine silk given to a beauty. With the Nameless Sword in his possession, this artifact was useless to him.

However, the thing Ye Xuan carried at his waist, which barely qualified as a 'Spiritual Sword,' was truly too shabby. The most vital thing in a Sword Cultivator's path was avoiding over-reliance on external forces, yet a superior weapon was crucial for enhancing combat power.

"Hmm? A Mid-Grade Immortal Artifact, the Azure Sky Sword?

This sword does not align with my swordsmanship, but it is better than nothing. Thank you, Young Master!" Ye Xuan took it, examined it briefly, and accepted it without ceremony, hanging it at his own waist.

The crude weapon he had temporarily forged was naturally discarded to the side. He then asked, "May I ask, Lord, what are your intentions now?

Are we heading to the Sacred Court immediately?" "Impossible!" Almost simultaneously with Ye Xuan's question, Lu Wubing urgently interjected. "With the Underworld Prison damaged, the two Supreme Saint Venerables will likely need time to handle the aftermath within the Nine Desolation Death Prison.

It is not yet time to go to the Burning Sky Sacred Court. However, we cannot linger here either, as the commotion here will undoubtedly draw investigation from multiple factions.

In my view, Your Lordship should wait another year or two, consolidate your foundation deeply, and return then—it would not be too late!" Ye Xuan’s breath hitched, and he stared fixedly at the masked Lu Wubing. Then, the corner of his mouth curved slightly: "Interesting child!" He said no more and raised no objection.

Zong Shou exchanged glances with Zong Weiran, helplessness reflected in their eyes. They knew Jueyan was still nearby, and Lu Hanyan had not gone far, yet they were utterly helpless and could not see them.

Jueyan would absolutely not permit them to have their wish fulfilled at this juncture. Then they heard Lu Wubing continue, "Furthermore, the Lord has been away for too long; the foundations of both the Yuanlian Realm and the Cloud Realm are unstable.

I fear complications may arise there." Zong Shou’s spirit instantly tightened. This was precisely what worried him the most—he had truly not anticipated that this trip to the Nine Desolation Death Prison would delay him by several months.

The Cloud Realm was temporarily safe, with Kong Yao holding the fort and the Azure Life Dao providing support. However, Hong Jiuchen was by no means a placid character, and Tan Jing of the Tianfang Society would likely not cease their machinations either.

Mu Fang and the rogue cultivator Fu Yue had once been subdued by Zong Shou's might, but if Zong Shou remained silent for too long, they would naturally muster the courage to take risks. Before heading to the Burning Sky Sacred Court, it would indeed be best to settle all these potential threats completely.

He currently had no intelligence on the situation in the Cloud and Yuanlian Realms, and worrying about it was useless. However— Zong Shou let out a cold, silent sneer in his heart.

Previously, he had refrained from completely annexing the Yuanlian World due to too many scruples. But now, he genuinely feared no threats from those major powers.

If those individuals chose to behave themselves, so be it; but if they truly harbored ill intentions, ending their lives would be as easy as turning over a hand. Having resolved internally to return to the Yuanlian Realm first, Zong Shou acted without delay.

"Father, your son will introduce you to someone. She is one of my masters, from the Azure Life Dao—" But before he finished speaking, Zong Shou's face contorted in confusion.

He swept his divine sense around but found no trace of the Aurora Rescue Boat. Not only was the Aurora Rescue Boat gone, but he could also sense nothing of Lin Xuanshuang’s soul presence, as if she had never existed at all.

After a long moment, he guided his divine sense again, retrieving a golden talisman into his hand. The information within was precisely what Lin Xuanshuang had left behind.

"Apprentice, your wish is now fulfilled, and your life is safe. Your master has other matters to attend to and must depart first.

This time I am visiting a friend and seeking an opportunity to restore my physical body; do not worry excessively, apprentice. Also, Jingyin, that vixen is too seductive.

Your master worried you might be bewitched by that fox-spirit, so I’ve taken her along as well—" Veins pulsed on Zong Shou’s forehead. He thought there was a ghost of a chance he would worry about this undignified master!

Where was his Aurora Rescue Boat? Where was the Jun Tian Immortal Manor?

The things he truly missed were those two items. The former was for transportation, and the latter allowed him to maintain his imperial bearing—an Emperor of an Immortal Court needed a degree of pomp.

He had finally managed to find this Lin Xuanshuang, only for her to take everything? And who was responsible for Jingyin's state?

Zong Weiran, watching his son’s exasperated expression, found it quite amusing and observed him with a slight smile. However, after just a moment, Zong Shou realized he had become somewhat undignified.

He took a deep breath and calmed himself, stating awkwardly, "My master seems to have other engagements and has already left—" With no other recourse available at the moment, he could only release the Azure Fire Mystic Turtle. (To be continued...)