As soon as the words fell, the expressions of the people present subtly changed.

Xuan Jizi, Cui Xiabing, Yue Chan, Zhuang Yuheng, and the others immediately summoned their magical artifacts, secretly preparing for action.

Even Zheng Yi summoned the Thunderfire Sword, hiding behind Xuan Ye.

With a single-hand gesture, Xuan Ye’s attack speed increased rapidly.

One slash cut down, even directly deploying Tuoba Qingfeng’s protective magical shield.

But strangely, Tuoba Qingying’s figure suddenly vanished into the billowing water clouds, disappearing without a trace.

Tianxingzi immediately said, "Your Majesty! This is the characteristic of the Water Spirit Body; it can transform into myriad waters, consuming magical power extremely!"

"Transform into myriad waters?"

Zheng Yi’s mind raced, quickly realizing something: "Elementalization!"

He projected his divine thought and fortunately discovered Tuoba Qingying’s figure in a certain water cloud, allowing Xuan Ye to charge again.

Otherwise, it would indeed be difficult to deal with Tuoba Qingying, who could elementalize.

At this point, the figure that had just broken through also flew to the edge of the Imperial Palace.

He raised his hand, and seven array banners emitting cyan light flew out, arranging themselves steadily throughout the Imperial Garden.

In an instant, seven silk threads slowly spread out, forming a network that enveloped everyone below. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

The expressions of the people on the ground changed drastically, but Zheng Yi’s expression was peculiar, secretly recalling the Thunderfire Sword.

However, before they could react, the man tapped the ground, causing the seven array banners to tremble violently, emitting countless rays of light that shot toward the water vapor in the sky!

At the same time, the man’s voice resonated at the right moment.

"Zhao Suzhen, disciple of Taiyii Dao’s Zhao Xizheng, greets Your Majesty!"

Zhao Suzhen!

The people on the ground finally reacted.

The unknown cultivator who had just broken through to the Foundation Establishment Stage was actually the disciple of Elder Celestial Master Zhao Xizheng of Taiyii Dao!

Zheng Yi also recalled something.

More than three years ago, he had received a report from Zhao Suling.

His junior brother Zhao Suzhen went out for training and requested a Martial Arts Department token for him.

At the time, he was curious why there had been no news of Zhao Suzhen for so long, not expecting the person to be hiding in the Celestial Longevity Mountain, waiting for the opportunity to break through!

This was truly... too unexpected!

"Your Majesty! As a citizen of Great Yu, it is my duty to serve Your Majesty."

"I ask Your Majesty and Chen to join forces to capture this woman."

"Zhao Suzhen...!"

In the mist, Tuoba Qingying’s tone finally changed.

Who would have thought that the Daoist friend she met once three years ago was actually an Imperial Court member?

And...

Wanted to join forces with the Emperor of Great Yu to capture her?

She already struggled to deal with a puppet of Golden Core Stage strength, and with a fellow cultivator of Foundation Establishment Stage strength joining...

"Alright!"

Zheng Yi merely said a word, and Puppet Xuan Ye charged again.

Meanwhile, Zhao Suzhen continuously gestured with both hands, and the seven array banners immediately emitted a hazy starlight, dispersing a large amount of water vapor, revealing Tuoba Qingying’s true figure.

At this moment, Tuoba Qingying’s face showed panic, and she immediately attempted to leave without hesitation.

She patted her storage pouch, and a flying sword appeared. Stepping on it, she intended to escape.

But strangely, under the starlight of the seven array banners, her speed became extremely slow.

Before she could react, Puppet Xuan Ye had already rushed to her side.

With a single fist, it struck her hard.

"Boom!"

The protective magical shield trembled violently but did not shatter, yet Tuoba Qingying’s spirit shook violently, nearly fainting.

"Golden Core..."

Her eyes were full of defiance; if Zhao Suzhen had not intervened, she would definitely have defeated this puppet.

With a movement of her body, her entire figure turned into a stream of water vapor, flowing away into the distance.

But the next second, under Zheng Yi’s divine thought guidance, Puppet Xuan Ye charged again, punching into the void.

"Boom!"

The void trembled, and she embarrassingly fell down from the sky again.

"Impossible! How can you possibly find me..."

Tuoba Qingying exclaimed, but it was already too late.

A brilliant starlight erupted suddenly from Puppet Xuan Ye’s back, transforming into strands of silk that enveloped her entirely.

Yet, a gentle water vapor emanated from Tuoba Qingying, shielding these starlight threads outside.

This was already her last protective measure, yet under Zhao Suzhen’s banners and Puppet Xuan Ye’s cooperation, she had no choice but to be captured.

From a distance, Zhao Suzhen gestured again, and the seven banners rapidly rotated and retracted, clinging tightly around Tuoba Qingying, restricting her movements and keeping her firmly trapped.

With a wave of the hand, the seven banners, along with Tuoba Qingying, flew swiftly toward the Imperial Garden.

"Your Majesty! I am fortunate not to have failed the mission, capturing this woman."

Zhao Suzhen landed, cupping his hands to Zheng Yi respectfully.

Zheng Yi said, "This time, I must thank the True Person greatly."

"My master once stated that Taiyii Dao is closely related to Great Yu, and matters of Your Majesty are naturally matters of Taiyii Dao."

Zhao Suzhen said, "Moreover, currently, many from Taiyii Dao hold positions in the Imperial Court; they are all my fellow disciples. How could I stand aside?"

"Especially Senior Brother Zhao Suling, who is Your Majesty’s right-hand man."

"Serving Your Majesty is truly an honor for Suzhen."

Zheng Yi’s mouth twitched; why did this person speak... so sappy?

Or maybe...

He glanced at the person, finding his stature tall, wearing a Daoist robe, looking righteous and dignified.

But his eyes were extremely excited, as if suppressing something.

Zheng Yi had a thought, quickly recalling something.

Such eyes, he had seen among his Imperial Guards, members of the Emperor Faction, many times.

A careerist.

This newly advanced Foundation Establishment, Zhao Suzhen, was actually a careerist!

Zheng Yi decisively said, "True Person Suzhen’s cultivation is profound, having now advanced to the Foundation Establishment Stage."

"Ten years ago, I personally ascended the mountain to invite Elder Celestial Master Zhao Xizheng to descend and become the Great Yu State Preceptor, to share the fortune with the nation."

"Unfortunately, Elder Celestial Master Zhao Xizheng focused solely on cultivation, unwilling to descend the mountain, leaving the position of National Preceptor vacant until now."

"This matter has been on my mind; it was always intended that the position of Great Yu State Preceptor should be held by someone from Taiyii Dao."

"Now that the True Person has emerged, could you assume the role of Great Yu State Preceptor, to protect the Great Yu World and its people..."

"Hoo..."

Zheng Yi could clearly sense that Zhao Suzhen’s breathing escalated before his eyes.

State Preceptor!

Great Yu State Preceptor!

To a cultivator, that was an enormous temptation.

He instinctively wanted to agree but quickly thought of something, hesitating, "Your Majesty, I cannot accept the position of State Preceptor."

"Oh? Why is that?"

"My master adopted me from a young age, with immense kindness. I must report to my master before deciding."

"Besides, I just broke through and need to return to Taiyii Dao to report to my master and stabilize my realm."

"I see."

Zheng Yi sighed, "It seems the position of State Preceptor remains vacant, but rest assured, True Person, as long as you’re willing, the position awaits."

"Thank you, Your Majesty...!"

"Hmm?"

Just then, Zheng Yi suddenly frowned, seeing Tuoba Qingying’s body, originally trapped, suddenly emit a large blue light.

The seven banners that had been emitting silver starlight instantly turned lake blue, rushing towards Zheng Yi and Zhao Suzhen.

"How dare you...!!!"