Chapter 1243: Peak-level Testing

As he was a friend brought by the Fifth Prince, unleashing such power against Emperor Yunlong within the palace would undoubtedly be a direct sign of disrespect to the Emperor himself. Given Emperor Yunlong's inscrutable and unpredictable temper, if he were to blame the incident on the Prince, their entire party would undoubtedly be placed in a severely disadvantaged position.

Therefore, for Xu Yang, this act of resisting Emperor Yunlong's power had to be executed in a way that caused no harm to the Emperor, yet concluded the challenge with utmost dignity. Under normal circumstances, Xu Yang's power, coupled with any of his personal magical artifacts, would have allowed him to effortlessly repel the attack. However, the current situation strictly forbade such a display.

In this moment of desperation, Xu Yang had a flash of inspiration, suddenly fixing his gaze on the continuously gushing dragon-head fountains nearby. The sight of the intertwining, rapidly flowing water from the fountains brought a faint smile back to Xu Yang's lips.

Without a doubt, Xu Yang had found his solution. For someone with the domain of the Sea God, his combat prowess would never diminish in the presence of water, ensuring he would never be weaponless or at a disadvantage. With a mere thought, all the surrounding dragon-head fountains instinctively trembled. In an instant, rapid streams of water forcibly changed their trajectories, converging around Xu Yang in the shortest possible time.

Before the astonished eyes of onlookers, the water coalesced into a perfect shield, safeguarding his body. The very instant this watery defense materialized, the golden sword-light struck its surface with considerable force.

Had any other cultivation technique or top-tier divine artifact been employed to counter Emperor Yunlong's tyrannical and unwarranted sword strike, it would have undoubtedly caused considerable damage to the entire palace. Furthermore, the explosive sound and energy released by such a clash would certainly create a commotion, alerting the hidden guards stationed around the palace. If those warriors were to be mobilized and storm into the palace, the situation would escalate uncontrollably, making it impossible for either the Fifth Prince or Xu Yang to resolve it gracefully. Even if Xu Yang and his Eight Gates team were to escape punishment from Emperor Yunlong, the Emperor could still severely reprimand the Fifth Prince, leveraging the charge of using cultivation techniques within the palace.

Xu Yang's stroke of genius lay in his utilization of water's power. As is often said, water is the most wondrous element in the world, capable of both rigidity and fluidity, moving effortlessly and at will. As Xu Yang countered the sword-light, he swiftly manipulated the flow and rhythm of the water shield before him. Instead of allowing it to explode outward with destructive force, he controlled its movement. Instead, the water transformed into a yielding, pliable form. In a very short time, the shield-shaped water flow rapidly enveloped the golden sword-light, completely encasing it in an endless surge of water.

In this manner, the sword-light's power was utterly and skillfully neutralized by Xu Yang. Within moments, the destructive force it embodied gradually dissipated under the embrace of the potent water currents. From start to finish, the exchange between the two generated no significant sound or energy, thus alarming no one outside the palace.

Witnessing Xu Yang flawlessly neutralize his attack with such seamless skill, Emperor Yunlong paused for a moment, a smile finally gracing his face. The Emperor then placed his hands behind his back once more. Observing this gesture, Xu Yang immediately withdrew all the water, allowing the surrounding dragon-head fountains to resume their normal flow.

“Though you made a grave error this time, I can see the fruits of your years of effort in your friend. To command the aid of such a powerful individual through your own efforts clearly demonstrates your growth and capability. Therefore, I shall provisionally forgive all your previous actions on Mount Qijue.” With these words, Emperor Yunlong turned and walked unhurriedly towards his imperial throne.

The Prince, feeling as though he had received a grand pardon, respectfully kowtowed three times to the ground. Rising again, he approached Xu Yang and the others, leading them further into the palace. It was only upon seeing the exalted imperial throne, with Emperor Yunlong seated majestically upon it, that the group truly understood they had passed all the trials set by the imperial monarch, finally earning a chance for fair negotiation.

A great weight finally lifted from the Prince's heart. He bowed respectfully to his imperial father, then proceeded to recount the events of Mount Qijue from beginning to end, just as they had occurred. It must be acknowledged that Emperor Yunlong was remarkably cooperative with his son, never interrupting him throughout his narration, listening once more to a story he already knew intimately. Although the recounted details deviated somewhat from what Emperor Yunlong already knew, the Fifth Prince at least provided a brief summary of Xu Yang's pivotal role in turning the tide, far less intricate and comprehensive than the Emperor's true understanding. Nevertheless, Emperor Yunlong made no further issue of it.

After the Prince concluded his account, he handed the ultimate decision-making power back to his imperial father. Emperor Yunlong surveyed the group with a faint, enigmatic smile, and to their surprise, nodded.

“Regardless, the incident on Mount Qijue was indeed the Fourth Prince's transgression. His ambitious pursuit of greater influence and power ultimately led to this outcome; he brought it upon himself. By timely thwarting his conspiracy and centralizing the influence of the various cultivators on Mount Qijue, you have indeed performed a meritorious service. Speak, what reward do you desire?”

Emperor Yunlong, in his direct manner, immediately presented this offer. Little did he know, the Fifth Prince was acutely aware of his imperial father's intentions. The Prince knew that if he were to simply state a demand, the proposed reward could instantly transform into a disaster. After careful deliberation, he finally decided to uphold his promise to Xu Yang. His sole request was for his imperial father, Emperor Yunlong, to grant a legitimate status to the race of the Eight Gates team.

Emperor Yunlong chuckled softly. “That is easily granted. Your clan was annihilated by the imperial family previously because of your reckless involvement in our internal power struggles, which led to your downfall. However, this time, on Mount Qijue, you have fully demonstrated your rightful role as honorable defenders under imperial rule, and for that, you naturally deserve commendation. This matter, then, I entrust to you, Fifth Prince, to personally oversee. Restore their clan's reputation, and simultaneously return the city-state that once belonged to them to their management.”