Chapter 927: Zhen Cang King

The word "home" holds profound significance.

Xu Qing had heard Seventh Master speak about the word "home" long ago. He knew that everyone's understanding of it had similarities, yet also differences. For example, to Seventh Master, home was the Seven Blood Eyes. To King Zhenyan, home was the human race. The old palace master of the Sword-Wielding Palace in Feng Hai County back then considered Feng Hai County his home.

As for Xu Qing, throughout his journey from Nanhuang Continent to Yinghuang State, then to Feng Hai County, and into the Sacred Ocean Domain… finally arriving at the Human Imperial Capital, the meaning of home also seemed to change slightly with time. From a small den in the slum, to the Thunder Squad's dwelling in the scavenger camp, to the Sword-Wielding Palace in Feng Hai County, and now the Imperial Capital's community—unbeknownst to him, Xu Qing was no longer the boy he once was.

Though time had not stolen his youthful appearance, it had flowed through his life. Fortunately, that time had not been wasted. While it could not be reversed or relived, it left behind life experiences, solidified the thoughts of his existence, and transformed into a gift from fate. This gift had a name. It was called maturity.

Thirty years. Thirty years had passed since Xu Qing personally buried all the corpses in that ruined city.

Therefore, hearing King Zhenyan's words, Xu Qing's expression flickered momentarily, and he finally gazed into the distance. Looking towards Ning Yan's mansion in the Imperial Capital, a graceful female figure appeared before his eyes for some reason. It seemed to have been buried deep in his heart for a long time, and now it became increasingly clear. He remembered the night of their first encounter, the violet falling from the sky. He didn't forget their companionship along the Immortal Ancient River. In his ears, the melody from the ship named Litian still faintly lingered. This tune carried a wanderer's spirit, as if narrating a lifetime of joys and sorrows, all of which eventually transformed into a pot of cloudy wine. In solitude, he drank it down, letting it flow through his heart, stirring ripples. Reflected in the ripples was the figure of a woman, knees hugged, whispering her thoughts on a cliffside.

Perhaps there was a lamp in this world… This lamp, named Zi Xuan Shangqing, silently radiated sorrow within the dark Phoenix Bird Temple, like an endless cycle. Memories of the past vividly reappeared.

"Home?"

A gentle smile appeared on Xu Qing's face. Over the years, he had matured; his former naivety was gone. He now understood. Taking a deep breath, he walked towards the Imperial Capital ahead, under the Captain's suspicious gaze and King Zhenyan's smile.

Along the way, auspicious signs appeared in the sky, and flowers carpeted the ground. King Zhenyan was by his side, and a multitude of nobles followed behind. Within the Imperial Capital, countless citizens awaited. The moment Xu Qing's figure appeared, cheers and fervent shouts erupted, rising skyward, each sound heartfelt. The common people were simple and sincere. As long as they believed someone was good, they would lavish them with affection and praise without hesitation. Displaying power against foreign races aligned with their definition of a hero. Thus, this spontaneous welcoming parade was formed.

Moreover, the foreign race in question was the Blazing Moon Dark Sky, and the power displayed was his ascension to become the Great Dark Sky of that race. At the same time, the end of the war meant that this triumphant glory was no longer limited to an individual but became the destiny of the entire race. Therefore, the returning Xu Qing was welcomed by the entire human race. A powerful aura of heroic destiny, commensurate with his status, surged from all directions, carried by the echoing cheers. It flowed towards Xu Qing, circulating within him, nourishing his desolate land and the Emperor's Sword.

Among the crowd, there were also some familiar figures, such as Wu Jianwu, Kong Xianglong, and the Sword-Wielders from Feng Hai County. Xu Qing nodded, looking at them. Not seeing Zi Xuan, however, stirred a ripple in his heart. He decided to wave to Wu Jianwu, Kong Xianglong, and the others as he continued forward. Kong Xianglong smiled and stepped forward. Wu Jianwu, not daring to put on airs in such an environment, followed behind once he saw Kong Xianglong move.

"Congratulations, Domain Lord!" Kong Xianglong's smile turned solemn upon reaching Xu Qing, and he immediately bowed.

"Brother Kong, there's no need for such formality between us." Xu Qing smiled and helped him up. As for Wu Jianwu, who was about to say something, he was suddenly pulled into Big Ox's embrace, his neck firmly grasped.

"Little Jianjian, did you miss me?"

Xu Qing paid no attention to Wu Jianwu's thoughts. He looked at Kong Xianglong and, after a moment's hesitation, asked a question. "Are Ning Yan and Immortal Zi Xuan well these days?"

Upon hearing this, a strange look appeared in Kong Xianglong's eyes. "After Ning Yan returned, he worked diligently, focusing on cultivation. He's currently at a critical juncture, attempting to break through the Nascent Soul stage into the Spiritual Repository, and is in secluded cultivation, showing great determination to advance."

"As for Immortal Zi Xuan… *ahem*… she left a message for me when she was here. She said, 'If you see him and he doesn't ask about me, then I want you to tell him that I'm outside the Imperial Capital and won't be back soon. But if he does ask, then tell him that I will come find him once he's finished with his duties.'" Kong Xianglong quickly glanced at Xu Qing, then fixed his gaze downwards, saying nothing more. Most people in Feng Hai County had heard many rumors regarding the matters between his friend and Immortal Zi Xuan.

Xu Qing smiled, asked no further questions, and instead gathered his thoughts, looking up towards the Imperial Palace.

Upon entering the Imperial Capital, King Zhenyan had already informed Xu Qing that the Human Emperor had summoned him. He was to proceed to the palace immediately after entering the city, where the Heavenly Marquis, as well as the Heavenly Kings and Grand Tutor present in the Imperial Capital, were all waiting. Even now, despite his current glory and advanced cultivation, Xu Qing still couldn't fully comprehend the Human Emperor.

As he looked, Xu Qing gazed at the end of the Rainbow Bridge. In front of the Imperial Palace stood twelve enormous burning incense sticks. Wisps of green smoke rose from these twelve incense sticks, which were the "Crown Prince Selection Incense." When Xu Qing left the Imperial Capital, these twelve sticks had burned at roughly similar rates. Now, however, the one representing Ning Yan, though not the fastest, was among the slowest to burn down. No wonder Ning Yan had been cultivating so diligently. As for the slowest burning ones, which remained the tallest and most preserved, there were three. One represented the Fourth Prince, a disciple of the Grand Preceptor; another represented the Fifth Prince, under King Zhenyan's command; and the third was the First Prince. These three could be said to be equally matched.

Observing these, Xu Qing fell into thought. As the Grand Preceptor's disciple, the Fourth Prince had clearly made significant contributions in this war. The Fifth Prince's merits on the frontier were also to be expected. As for the First Prince, his achievements must have been related to the Blazing Moon.

Lost in thought, Xu Qing and his entourage, led by King Zhenyan, proceeded towards the Imperial Palace. It wasn't long before they arrived at the palace gates. The two massive statues guarding the gates lowered their heads slightly in a gesture of respect. Xu Qing's gaze passed through the palace gates, swept across the square, ascended the stairs, and settled on the Imperial Authority Hall, which symbolized the supreme will of the human race. Almost the instant Xu Qing looked, a majestic gaze emerged from within the hall, meeting his eyes. Xu Qing bowed his head and then bowed deeply towards the hall.

At the same time, a voice boomed from within the Imperial Palace: "Proclaim! Heavenly Marquis Xu, Chen Erniu, summoned for an audience!"

The voice echoed, wave after wave, eventually resembling heavenly might, reverberating in all directions. Xu Qing glanced at his Senior Brother; without hesitation, both stepped into the Imperial Palace together. King Zhenyan smiled faintly and also walked forward. As for the other nobles, those qualified naturally proceeded with them, while the rest stood solemnly on the square.

After more than ten breaths, Xu Qing and his group had ascended the steps and entered the grand hall, which was filled with people. On both sides of the hall, the assembled officials stood solemnly. On the steps ahead, the Heavenly Marquises were seated. Above them were the seats for the Human Race's thirty-two Heavenly Kings, most of whom were present. Further up, on the Dragon Throne at the end of the officials' ranks, the Human Emperor sat, his gaze as vast as the sea, his expression unreadable, looking towards Xu Qing.

Xu Qing's expression was solemn as he bowed deeply. Beside him, Big Ox blinked. Remembering King Zhenyan's earlier words, he also imitated Xu Qing, bowing.

"Xu Qing." The Human Emperor spoke calmly, his voice deep, echoing throughout the hall. "You have been in Blazing Moon for several years. You observed the Blazing Moon race, explored the mysteries of Dark Sky, perceived the authority of the shamanistic path, and met the Grand Authority. What are your thoughts on this person?"

The moment the Human Emperor spoke, silence fell over the surroundings, and all eyes turned to Xu Qing. The matter of the Blazing Moon Three Gods had long spread throughout Wanggu. Although the details remained somewhat secret, the human race now had the means to uncover them.

Xu Qing pondered upon hearing this. Images flashed in his mind: Nine Li being betrayed, the Grand Authority's desire to become a god, the Three Gods sacrificing the souls of the Blazing Moon Dark Sky heroes, and finally, the Grand Authority's dimmed state, choosing self-sacrifice. How could all of this be described merely as "thoughts"?

After a long pause, Xu Qing spoke in a deep voice: "If one cannot control their own life, how can they control the destiny of their race? Ultimately, it's a fleeting illusion, flourishing or perishing with a single thought."

The Human Emperor remained silent. After a moment, he raised a hand, signaling the Grand Tutor to step forward. His gaze was piercing as he looked at Xu Qing and spoke in a clear voice.

"By the will of the Heavens and the Mandate of Xuanzhan Emperor, the Human Race rises! Xu Qing, Lord of the Sacred Ocean Domain, has descended, quelled the strife of the Dark Heavens, swept away the rebellions of foreign races, and elevated the might of the human race. His merits are vast, and his power is at its peak! He is hereby awarded a Superior Spiritual Mansion in the Imperial Capital, enfeoffed as King Zhencang, and additionally appointed as the Crown Princes' Grand Tutor!"

As this imperial decree was issued, everyone in the hall, save for a select few, was profoundly shaken. Even those with the strongest composure could not help but be moved. Indeed, given Xu Qing's achievements, being enfeoffed as a king was expected and within everyone's predictions. However, the title "King Zhen" carried immense significance. A Heavenly King bearing the "Zhen" title was the pinnacle of Heavenly Kings; previously, there was only one such figure in the human race. This alone was astonishing, not to mention the additional appointment as Crown Princes' Grand Tutor. It was well-known that the position of Crown Princes' Grand Tutor was not only high-ranking but, more importantly, held disciplinary authority over all royal descendants. Princes were required to bow to him. Once a Crown Prince was designated, this position would surely be rewarded, and by historical custom, would be promoted to Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince. At that point, he would be akin to an Imperial Tutor.

As everyone's minds reeled, Xu Qing was also greatly surprised. Meanwhile, the Grand Tutor continued to read the imperial decree.

"And the righteous warrior Chen Erniu, whose righteousness reaches the heavens, whose courage is extraordinary, whose talent is unparalleled, and whose bravery is exceptional: the Creation Bureau is hereby commanded to forge for him the Great Heavenly Gang Armor, using Primeval Dark Iron, Nine Heavens Ice Crystal, and seventeen other supreme-grade materials. All within the human lands, below the rank of Heavenly King, shall bow upon seeing it."

Although this bestowal seemed magnificent, it didn't actually grant any official position. Yet, the Captain's eyes shone with immense brightness, and he was utterly thrilled, letting out a loud cheer.

"Long live His Majesty!"