Gusts of cool wind swept through, carrying away the oppressive heat of summer, seemingly portending the arrival of autumn. Yet, in Yun Jing, the capital of the Shu Yun Kingdom, there was no hint of autumnal desolation. Especially among the soldiers traversing the streets, each one was spirited, brimming with vital energy, much like a phoenix about to undergo its fiery rebirth.

Chaos descended upon the world—was this an opportunity heaven had granted Luo Xiaofeng? The mighty Tianyuan Empire dominated one region, and the Xuanyuan family was undoubtedly the foremost clan in the world; no external force could shake the foundations of this empire. But what about the internal state?

When upheaval shook the very core of the Tianyuan Empire, that was when the entire realm began to teeter.

Of course, Ye Jingyu did not believe that this alone would plunge the Tianyuan Empire into disaster, but any single spark could ignite this conflagration.

Without further ado with Lin Xiaoyi, he directed him to lead Hei Ming Shixuan and the others into the manor first, while he himself headed toward the Royal Palace.

He had successfully completed his mission this time. Although the Cloud Guards who accompanied him suffered catastrophic losses, almost annihilated, he had ultimately secured the White Lotus Sword Canon. Furthermore, the final casualties among the Cloud Guards had occurred during an ambush. Such news, he presumed, Luo Xiaofeng would fully comprehend.

The carriage arrived directly at the palace gates, where an eager eunuch awaited. It seemed Luo Xiaofeng already knew of his arrival and had personally sent someone to greet him. However, upon seeing the elderly eunuch standing at the threshold, Ye Jingyu was slightly startled. He had genuinely not expected Luo Xiaofeng to send the chief eunuch of the palace to welcome him.

Yan Lun served as the Grand Palace Steward, overseeing all the maids and eunuchs within the palace—the most powerful eunuch, surpassed only by Nan Fengyun, who remained constantly at the Sovereign’s side.

However, Nan Fengyun had long since ceased managing internal palace affairs, leaving Yan Lun as the eunuch wielding the greatest authority.

“Eunuch Yan, how could I allow you to come and greet me personally…” Ye Jingyu approached with feigned delight, discreetly pressing a thick stack of banknotes into the other's hand.

“Heh heh, the General has rendered meritorious service to His Majesty beyond measure. His Majesty specially instructed me to escort the General into the palace. General need not be so formal,” Eunuch Yan said politely while accepting the banknotes, his face breaking into a broad smile.

The way he looked at Ye Jingyu was filled with genuine pleasure. This joy was not solely due to the banknotes, but because when Ye Jingyu regarded them, there was no contempt, no fawning—only the most ordinary sense of equality.

Indeed, for Yan Lun to attain the position of Grand Palace Steward, his discernment of character must have been profound. He could clearly see what sort of man Ye Jingyu was; this man treated them as ordinary people.

This was precisely what Yan Lun, and indeed all eunuchs, longed for. Lacking that essential aspect, they were reduced to servants, monstrous beings neither male nor female. Every person who looked at them carried a gaze of scorn, especially the officials in the court, who constantly looked down upon them. Even the external ministers who flattered them daily and showed utmost deference still held them in contempt internally.

Yan Lun knew this in his heart; in this era, they were born servants, despised castrated men.

It was only Ye Jingyu who offered them an equal gaze, which greatly eased Yan Lun’s spirit. Coupled with Ye Jingyu’s standing in the Sovereign’s eyes, Yan Lun’s demeanor toward him became even warmer.

The two entered the Royal Palace in shared conversation and smiles, proceeding directly to Luo Xiaofeng’s Imperial Study.

Yan Lun respectfully opened the door to the Imperial Study for Ye Jingyu. After Ye Jingyu stepped inside, he quietly closed it behind him—not out of respect for Ye Jingyu, but out of deference to the monarch within.

Entering the study, Ye Jingyu saw Luo Xiaofeng seated before the imperial desk, intently studying a map spread out before him. Eunuch Yun stood behind him, slightly bowed. Upon seeing Ye Jingyu enter, he glanced up, a faint smile touching his lips.

At that moment, Luo Xiaofeng also raised his head. Seeing Ye Jingyu after what felt like an age, his face immediately lit up with pleasure.

“Your subject pays his respects to Your Majesty…” Ye Jingyu stepped forward and offered a clasping-fist salute to Luo Xiaofeng.

“Rise, dear subject. How did your venture to White Cloud Mountain conclude?” Luo Xiaofeng cut straight to the point without preamble.

With internal strife gripping the Tianyuan Empire, this moment was absolutely the best opportunity for him. However, his own cultivation level was stalled at the Martial Saint realm. Relying on this strength alone to seize any advantage in this turmoil would be exceedingly difficult. Thus, he needed to advance his power as quickly as possible.

“Your Majesty is blessed…” Ye Jingyu spoke, drawing out the White Lotus Sword Canon he had prepared, and respectfully offered it. Nan Fengyun had already stepped forward, receiving the manual and presenting it to Luo Xiaofeng.

Accepting the White Lotus Sword Canon, Luo Xiaofeng merely glanced at the pages and knew it was the genuine article. His expression brightened instantly. He had finally obtained this complete set of secret techniques; with proper comprehension, breaking through the Martial Saint barrier should not be difficult.

“Esteemed subject Ye, you have rendered a great service this time. What reward do you desire?” Luo Xiaofeng, heartened, looked up at Ye Jingyu, who stood not far before him, and said with great pleasure.

“Serving Your Majesty is my duty. I dare not hope for any reward, but…” Ye Jingyu frowned slightly, his thoughts entangled.

“But what?” Luo Xiaofeng raised an eyebrow and stated mildly.

“But the casualties entering the Hundred Burials Valley were devastating. After finally leading my brothers back, we were ambushed on the road by a force of several hundred men…” Ye Jingyu recounted everything about the ambush encountered in the canyon, omitting, however, the involvement of Xue Hengzhi. He merely stated that they had paid an enormous price to eliminate those who lay in wait.

Hearing Ye Jingyu’s account, Luo Xiaofeng’s brow furrowed tightly. Although Ye Jingyu had not explicitly named anyone, he was no fool. He naturally understood that in Ninglang Prefecture, only one person could command a force of several hundred men alongside a Grandmaster-level expert.

“My subject must not worry. I shall certainly secure justice for you. However, this matter implicates many, and without sufficient proof, it is difficult to proceed,” Luo Xiaofeng stated faintly after a moment of deep thought.

“With Your Majesty’s words, the spirits of my fallen brothers may rest easy. Your humble subject thanks Your Majesty,” Ye Jingyu bowed again.