Chapter 1049: Chapter 293: The First Gate from South to North (Extra Chapter for Alliance Hierarch Mr. Mang Mang Mang!)

The Emperor of Da Qi was testing his children on one side, while on the other, the Ritual Officer had already prepared everything.

And so, from the high platform to the right, Jiang Rumo, the State Minister of Great Qi Country, rose to his feet and said, "Please inform the Son of Heaven that the auspicious time has arrived." 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

On the plaza, the few who were waiting for the exam began to silently adjust their breathing.

The Emperor of Da Qi, from his elevated position, glanced at these few young individuals, then said to Jiang Rumo, "State Minister, don’t rush, there is still one person not yet arrived."

He turned his head and inquired, "Where is the person?"

Han Ling bent forward half-bowing and reported softly, "The imperial decree should have reached Under Jixia Academy by now."

The Emperor Qi was not angry about this; after all, it was only a decision made on the spur of the moment in The Imperial Ancestral Temple—he couldn’t possibly summon someone that quickly. Issuing an imperial decree took time; it couldn’t just rush into the door.

Not even Han Ling could do it if he went personally.

Without an explicit imperial order, the people at Under Jixia Academy wouldn’t even bother with him—they could literally give him a dog’s brain.

The Emperor turned his head back to the State Minister and said, "Let us wait a bit longer."

At this moment, everyone knew who His Majesty the Emperor was waiting for.

Other than Zhongxuan Zun, who had overshadowed the glory of his peers, who else would be worth a waiting word from the Son of Heaven at this time?

This simply... was an immense honor!

The present Emperor of Da Qi, in terms of rewards and punishments, always acted generously to the fullest, a true mark of an imposing sovereign.

Jiang Rumo had the appearance of a slightly plump elder, his eyes kind and with a "grandmotherly face" (meaning he looked a bit like an old lady).

As the current State Minister of Da Qi, he naturally understood the significance of the Yellow River Gathering and had some understanding of the Emperor’s mind.

He whispered, "Following His Majesty’s command."

There were whispers among the onlookers in the stands on both sides. Some were excited, others anxious—varied emotions abound.

Meanwhile, the expressions of those standing on the plaza differed from one another.

Ji Zhaonan appeared indifferent; under the age of thirty, he feared no one.

Those from the External Building Environment didn’t care as much either; whether Zhongxuan Zun appeared or not wouldn’t affect their places.

Only Xie Baoshu deliberately shot Jiang Wang a mocking look, a pity that Jiang Wang, still composed and conserving his energy, failed to notice him.

Among the three competitors from the Inner Mansion Realm, Jiang Wang had always been prepared for the toughest challenge, considering Zhongxuan Zun as a rival from the beginning. His late arrival was hardly a surprise.

Cui Zhu still stood up straight, his cold face expressionless—it was difficult to discern his thoughts.

However, Lei Zhanqian’s face betrayed an ugliness he could scarcely suppress.

He had long considered the Inner Mansion Realm, place at the Yellow River Gathering, as something already in his pocket and did not expect a problem to arise at this time!

Didn’t him standing at the very front signify that those senior officials from the Political Affairs Hall held him in the highest regard?

And only now they announced Zhongxuan Zun would emerge?

What had they been doing all this time?

He really wanted to ask that esteemed uncle of his, "Are you playing games with me?"

But he still had some level of rationality and could only try his best to maintain a façade of composure.

Just at that moment, Jiang Wuqi suddenly raised his voice and said, "Father is right, waiting is not an issue! When heavenly talents compete, the difference between strength and weakness is slim; victory and defeat can only be known after the competition. Having more choices also makes it easier for everyone to be convinced."

Yes...

Hearing his cousin’s words, Lei Zhanqian steadied his mind. What of Zhongxuan Zun? Strong or weak, they would not know until they fought. He might not have been a match before, but that might not be the case now.

The Emperor of Da Qi looked at his son.

He was aware of his son’s attempt to soothe.

But far from reproaching, he even cooperated with a smile, "In my Great Qi, talents are plentiful, making it inevitable for me to be spoiled for choice. Wuqi, you and your brothers and sisters must help your father choose wisely."

Jiang Wuqi, Jiang Wuji, Jiang Wuyou, Jiang Wuhua all responded in unison, "Your children will obey the decree!"

Queen He maintained a motherly smile on her face, befitting of her imperial dignity, yet her phoenix eyes couldn’t help twinkling for an instant.

The Emperor’s favoritism towards Jiang Wuqi was simply... startling.

...

...

The western city gate of Linzi was the first gate from south to north, known as the Southern Prime Gate or, more commonly, Jixuegong Gate.

Beyond the gate lay the famous Under Jixuegong.

The so-called "Dragon’s Gate of Qi territory" was naturally renowned far and wide.

Yet, those who could truly enter and witness its splendor were few and far between.

To be a lecturer, one must at least start from the External Building Environment.

As for the students seeking further study, only those who had rendered services to the country were eligible to enter this esteemed academy.

This place did not concern itself with talent or family background; it was solely about merit.

Zhongxuan Sheng had earned his opportunity to study here through his meritorious service in the Qi Yang battle. Out of filial piety and benevolence, he gave this chance to his cousin who had struggled in vain to break through his current realm—well, this was the story Zhongxuan Sheng had people spread.

An imperial messenger arrived with a decree and was thus able to stand outside the academy—naturally, he had no right to enter.

Upon verifying the imperial edict, someone from the academy was sent to relay the message.

In a tranquil place where cool breezes weaved through the Bamboo Forest and a clear stream flowed over white rocks...

Just a few steps along the left bank, stood a small pavilion.

The pavilion was surrounded by long benches, and a man in white was leaning casually on the bench on the east side.

He leaned against a column, his right hand resting on the railing at will.

His legs, one bent and the other straight, formed perfect curves like a bow and projected an unstoppable force like a spear.

With a book in his left hand and his head tilted slightly, his long black hair cascaded around him with careless grace.

Reading with the sounds of the breeze and flowing water, he exuded an indescribable elegance.

An elderly Teaching and Training instructor waded upstream: "Zhongxuan Zun, the Emperor has decreed!"

The man in white shifted his gaze from the scroll to the newcomer.

A hint of annoyance for being disturbed flickered in his dark, ink-like eyes.

Yet, this irritation was not offensive, but merely a sign of his genuine nature.

The aged instructor sighed, seemingly reluctant to deliver this message, but he couldn’t defy an imperial order: "You are summoned to the Yellow River Gathering and permitted to leave your retreat early."

Once the edict was presented, there was no room for discussion.

Zhongxuan Zun exhaled gently, his breath stretching out like a long rainbow, piercing through mountains and forests as it faded into the distance.

He placed the scroll casually on the wooden table in the pavilion, then turned around and sat upright in a more formal posture.

This showed he was taking the matter seriously.

"Do you know, sir?"

He placed his hands on his knees, and his loose white garment couldn’t completely conceal his muscular frame.

The profound musculature hinted at underlying strength.

He looked directly at the elderly instructor, speaking in a calm tone, "It was my cousin who had me confined here. Using his battlefield merit to imprison me for a year. If I need a special decree from His Majesty to leave early... to me, that’s an insult."

For others, being summoned by a special decree to the Yellow River Gathering might be a great honor.

But not for him.

Then, he flipped his hands, palms facing the heavens.

His distinct-jointed hands, like jade, lifted towards the sky.

From within him, suddenly shot forth five radiant beams of light that pierced the pavilion roof, broke the academy’s boundary, and soared high into the clouds, striking at the very firmament!

And above in the distant heavens, the stars suddenly shone brilliantly!