Ch633 - Mufeng's Request

As soon as the Sword Emperor and his Sons, along with Liu Mufeng left the arena area, the more than one hundred spectators surrounding it erupted.

“Heavens! The white-robed cultivator was actually the Dragon Second Prince’s consort—Jiang Xu!”

“Weren’t they saying he was the Sword Emperor’s illegitimate child? How did he become the Consort of the Dragon Clan’s Second Prince?”

“Who knows?”

“But Jiang Xu’s sword technique is truly remarkable—he managed to draw even with our Young Master.”

“You’re right, his sword technique really is impressive, and his strength was too. Our Young Master is already an Immortal Emperor, so anyone who can hold their own against him must also be an Immortal Emperor.”

“Liu Mufeng is the Second Prince of the Dragon Clan; how could Jiang Xu have possibly married him if he weren’t capable?”

“Hmm, true.”

“I never expected that not only would the Dragon Clan produce such a powerful alchemist like Liu Mufeng, but also a sword cultivator like Jiang Xu—they truly do produce exceptional talents in abundance.”

“You could say it’s because the Dragon Emperor has good taste, recognizing such an outstanding Son and Son-in-Law.”

“En,that makes sense.”

**********

In the main hall of the City Lord’s Manor, the Sword Emperor sat on the throne, four Imperial Princes to his left and Liu Mufeng, Jiang Xu, and Sun Jian to his right.

Murong Qian’s expression grew darker as he watched Jiang Xu across from him gobble down the immortal fruit without hesitation or politeness, his resentful gaze fixed on the man. Jiang Xu remained unfazed, chewing casually on the fruit like it was nothing.

Apart from the Eldest Prince, the other three Princes all regarded Liu Mufeng and Jiang Xu with curiosity, almost inquisitive, and even Sun Jian, despite being seated next to them.

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The Sword Emperor was taken aback momentarily before smiling. “Indeed, this is indeed one of the highest-quality ‘Single Red’ teas. I am surprised to find that my esteemed Nephew is also well-versed in the ways of tea.”

“I wouldn’t call myself well-versed, merely slightly acquainted with the basics. Might I inquire who prepared this tea?” Smiling, Liu Mufeng turned to ask.

“Oh, this humble servant brewed it.” The head steward promptly answered as he bowed his head.

“Lovely work, Sir Steward.” Raising an eyebrow, Liu Mufeng praised the steward’s craftsmanship with a smile.

“Many thanks for your kind words, Your Highness, but this humble servant cannot claim such praise.” The head steward lowered his head, his expression placid, though inwardly, he was rather shocked. He had served his Master for ten thousand years because his Lord enjoyed tea, so he had learned this particular craft just for him.Who could’ve known that the Second Prince of the Dragon Clan would prove himself equally proficient in the art of tea?

“Ah, dear Nephews Liu and Jiang have come all the way from the Dragon Clan to my Sword City, but I wonder what brings you here?” The Sword Emperor looked at Liu Mufeng and got straight to the point.

“Oh,XiaoXu and I are younger generations, so we came mainly to visit the Senior Sword Emperor, along with another matter that requires your assistance.” As he spoke, Liu Mufeng took out two boxes of tea leaves weighing onejineach, as well as two jars of wine weighing tenjineach. The Sword Emperor was fond of both good tea and fine wine, so Liu Mufeng catered to his tastes by bringing these gifts.

The Sword Emperor couldn’t help but raise his eyebrows upon seeing what Liu Mufeng had brought.

“Sword Emperor, this tea is from a secret realm where I picked immortal tea leaves myself; it has quite a pleasant taste. Thus, I specially brought it over for you to honor the elder generation. As for the wine, it’s made from high-quality immortal fruits. This is also something I brewed myself. I heard you enjoy strong wines, so I added some medicinal herbs to improve its taste while enhancing its medicinal properties. Long-term consumption of my wine can assist in cultivating strength.” Smiling, Liu Mufeng briefly introduced his gifts.

The Sword Emperor sniffed at the gifts Liu Mufeng brought and was indeed quite tempted. But then he recalled the Dragon Emperor’s character, and his brows furrowed slightly. “My dear Nephew, if there is something you require, you need only say so; this gift is unnecessary.” He feared that as soon as he accepted the present, the Dragon Emperor would take it back—as unthinkable as such a thing might be, the Dragon Emperor had certainly done far worse.

“Oh, it’s like this: I have a friend who is the Sect Leader of the Yutian Sect in Middle Heavenly Domain. He wishes for his Son to study under Senior Sword Emperor, so this Mufeng rashly brought him here.” As he spoke, Liu Mufeng glanced toward Sun Jian.

Sun Jian stood up from his seat and bowed his head respectfully. “Junior Sun Jian greets Senior Sword Emperor.”

“Ah? A request to become an apprentice?” The Sword Emperor hadn’t expected Liu Mufeng to come for such a reason.

“If someone from the Yutian Sect should go to their main headquarters, what does coming to seek my Father’s apprenticeship mean?” The Crown Prince said with displeasure, staring at Liu Mufeng.

“Fellow Immortal Liu, my Father and the Sect Leader of the Yutian Sect are friends, so this disciple status is indeed rather awkward.” The Second Prince looked at Liu Mufeng with a troubled expression.

“Who said that the descendants of the Yutian Sect must become disciples of the Yutian Sect? Sun Jian is a sword cultivator who admires the Immortal Sword Emperor greatly. He came from the Middle Heavenly Domain to the Upper Heavenly Domain with the intent to seek apprenticeship. With his perseverance and determination as a sword cultivator, could it be that the Sword Emperor does not grant him a chance?” Liu Mufeng turned to the Sword Emperor, continuing to plead his case.

“That’s right, Sun Jian learned to wield a sword since he was young and has very good skills,” Jiang Xu nodded and chimed in from the side.

“Senior Sword Emperor, I wish to become an outstanding sword cultivator; please accept me as your apprentice!” As Sun Jian spoke, he knelt before the Sword Emperor, begging for admission.

The Sword Emperor raised an eyebrow at the kneeling Sun Jian. “To travel all the way from the Middle Heavenly Domain to the Upper Heavenly Domain solely to seek apprenticeship, you truly possess perseverance and fortitude. However, becoming an exceptional sword cultivator requires more than just those qualities alone. One must also have extraordinary talent. Since you were brought here by my esteemed Nephew, I shall give you a chance. Tomorrow, go challenge the Sword Array. I will give you three months: if you can walk out of theTianyuan Sword Formation and understand its sword intent within that time, then I shall accept you as my disciple. How about that?”

At these words, Sun Jian lowered his head and thanked him sincerely. “Many thanks to the Sword Emperor. I shall attempt the array tomorrow.”

“Excellent!” The Sword Emperor nodded and turned toward Liu Mufeng. “What does Nephew Liu think?”

“I leave it up to Senior Sword Emperor’s decision.” Nodding, Liu Mufeng expressed his agreement.

“As you say, then let my housekeeper take our esteemed Nephews to rest. You have traveled far and endured much on your journey here; you should get plenty of rest before we host a banquet tonight to welcome you properly.”

Liu Mufeng smiled politely. “Senior Sword Emperor is too gracious. As a Junior, how could I allow someone of higher status to host a banquet for me? This would be against the rules. Please dispense with the reception.”

“Oh, very well, as you wish, Nephew Liu.”

“Then this Junior will retire.” With those words, Liu Mufeng bowed deeply once more, taking Jiang Xu and Sun Jian by the hand as they left with the housekeeper.

**********

As soon as they left, the Sword Emperor waved his sleeve and instantly erected barrier enchantments throughout the palace.

“Father, we cannot accept Sun Jian as a disciple.” The Eldest Prince spoke up first upon seeing his Father. “Liu Mufeng is openly trying to plant spies within our Sword City.”

“That’s right, Father, this truly is a difficult decision.” The Third Prince nodded in agreement.

“The Tianyuan Sword Formation may be the weakest of the eighty-one formations, but that Sun Jian is merely a Void Immortal. Even if he is given three months, he will not be able to break through the formation. His Majesty intends for him to surrender before reaching the end.” The Second Prince glanced at his Brothers, having already guessed their Father’s intentions.

“En, your dear Brother speaks truth; that was indeed what I intended. Regardless, Liu Mufeng is still the Dragon Emperor’s Godson. It would be inappropriate to outright reject him, so we must let them withdraw before reaching the end, just as you said.” The Sword Emperor nodded in agreement with his Son.

“Oh, how wise you are, Emperor Father!”

“Indeed, your wisdom knows no bounds, Emperor Father!”

“My Lord, what should we do about these jars of wine and tea?” As he spoke, the Fifth Prince walked over to sniff the contents of the two jars.Oh, this wine smells heavenly!

“I dare not claim something belonging to the Dragon Emperor’s Son, so I shall have the housekeeper store these away. We can return them after three months when Sun Jian fails to complete his apprenticeship.” The Sword Emperor looked at the jars of wine and boxes of tea, reluctant to part with even these.

The Sword Emperor was an expert in tea and wine appreciation; with one glance and sniff, he could tell the quality of the tea and wine. Thus, he knew that Liu Mufeng had brought out the best of the best when it came to tea and wine, but these gifts were quite difficult to accept.

“Emperor Father, if you don’t take Sun Jian as a disciple, will Liu Mufeng be displeased? Will the Dragon Emperor send troops here for retribution?” The Second Prince glanced at his Father as he asked this question.

“He lacks the aptitude to become my apprentice, so it’s not my problem if I refuse him. Why should he care?”

“That may be true, but don’t forget, the Dragon Emperor isn’t exactly reasonable.” The Second Prince couldn’t help but feel concerned.

“Then do you suggest this Father must take him on despite your words?” The Sword Emperor studied his Son with a deep frown.

“Emperor Father, Second Brother does have a point, and that bastard Dragon Emperor certainly is a headache.” The Third Imperial Prince also chimed in, his face pale.

“Indeed, that jerk showed up uninvited, ran off to our Sword City, and captured people without cause. He grabbed Eldest Brother, Third Brother, and Fourth Brother, throwing them all outside the gate to beat them. Truly, truly lawless.” The Fifth Imperial Prince also seemed fearful of Long Xingtian.

“…” The Sword Emperor looked between his four Sons, somewhat troubled. He feared Long Xingtian might be upset too, and hang another Son from the gate tower to beat them once more.