Long Live Summons Chapter 947
Previously on Long Live Summons...
“Since Young Master Titan has expressed interest in exploring the Lower Realm's landscapes, was there a particular reason for your visit to the Heavenly Splendour Territory?” Qinglang and his companions exchanged glances, deciding to probe further.
“Not really, but Dugu Chang Feng has requested my presence in White River City, so I plan to head there soon. If Country Lord Qinglang has any valuable suggestions, perhaps you could share them with Titan. After all, I’m quite eager to witness some remarkable sights,” Yue Yang’s denial of any ulterior motive for his presence was a fabrication they saw through. Nevertheless, they could accept that he was invited, as he appeared oblivious to the true state of the Heavenly Splendour Territory.
“Dugu Chang Feng? You mean Young Master Chang Feng from the Four Great Families of the Heaven Realm?” Lord Louluo inquired with a hint of uncertainty.
“Has Country Lord Louluo encountered him before?” Yue Yang feigned surprise.
“No, but it is known that dignitaries from the Four Great Families have visited the Sacred Light Domain Emperor before. However, I cannot confirm if Young Master Chang Feng was among them,” Lord Louluo’s primary objective was to ascertain Yue Yang’s identity through this exchange of information.
“This bothersome, snake-haired fellow is likely him. Apart from him, few individuals from the Four Great Families would wander about so carelessly. White River City is quite distant from here, and I have no portal access to reach it. Therefore, I was wondering if there are any noteworthy locations or scenic spots in the vicinity? Otherwise, the journey by airship, sailing slowly each day, will become exceedingly tedious and confining,” Yue Yang’s words brought secret delight to Country Lord Qinglang and the other two.
If they were unable to disrupt the birthday banquet, they were determined to devise a plan to capture Young Master Titan!
While a single drop of Divine Blood was valuable, this Young Master Titan possessed more than one. If they could curry his favor, perhaps some of his treasures might find their way to them, leading to a lifelong windfall!
Not to mention anything else, establishing a favorable connection with a high-ranking noble from the Heaven Realm would be the ultimate reward!
If Young Master Titan found nothing to his liking, then there would be no profit; but if he were to fancy something, then subsequent advantages would surely follow.
“How can the scenic spots of the Lower Heaven Realm possibly compare to the Upper Realm? However, there are a few places within the Heavenly Splendour Territory that are truly extraordinary. If you are interested in treasure hunting, perhaps Young Master Titan could consider venturing into the Wind Stopping Swamp. It is rumored that the remains of Gods are concealed there. Of course, this is a legend originating from ten thousand years ago and has never been substantiated. If Young Master Titan is intrigued, Qinglang would be honored to accompany you to this location and help uncover its mysteries,” Qinglang’s proposal was so audacious that it nearly caused Country Lord Zhi Feng to erupt on the spot.
In your wildest dreams!
Do you actually encounter guests like yourself? Here in my domain, you openly try to poach the host's honored guest before everyone else?
You may be shameless, but not to this extent! Where do you think you are? This territory belongs to me!
Country Lord Zhi Feng was seething with anger.
He was on the verge of striking him then and there.
“It is commendable that Country Lord Qinglang is so eager to assist, but when it comes to the Wind Stopping Swamp, no one possesses greater familiarity than my Lord!” Zhu Guang gently placed her small hand over Country Lord Zhi Feng’s own, signaling him to restrain his temper. Even if the other party intended to play tricks, as the host and the ruling Country Lord of this domain, he held the advantage and could maneuver them into a disadvantageous position.
“Hahaha, precisely. The Wind Stopping Swamp falls under the jurisdiction of this Country Lord. If Brother Titan wishes to visit this locale, how could Zhi Feng possibly refrain from accompanying you? Would that not imply a lack of genuine friendship and care from this Country Lord towards our esteemed guest? Instead, I confess I did not anticipate Country Lord Qinglang would display such keen interest in the scenic attractions of my domain,” Thanks to Zhu Guang’s swift and clever intervention, Country Lord Zhi Feng’s mood improved considerably. He let out a laugh and retaliated, nodding at Yue Yang once more. “Zhi Feng grew up in this region and is intimately familiar with the Wind Stopping Swamp. I was bestowed the title ‘Zhi Feng’ on the very same occasion the Sacred Light Domain Emperor was conferred his rank. As a Country Lord, I should not be selfish and will gladly share the delights of my domain with Brother Titan.”
“Whether the remains of a God exist or not is of no consequence to me. Simply witnessing unique and picturesque landscapes would be more than sufficient,” Yue Yang voiced his sentiment, though he harbored doubts about the absence of a God's remains. This skepticism wasn't his alone; even Country Lord Zhi Feng and his retinue shared it. The prevailing thought was that had such relics truly been present, the opportunistic individuals from the Central Palace would have long since plundered and defiled the site.
Nevertheless, the Wind Stopping Swamp was undeniably a place steeped in peculiar phenomena.
Describing it as a mysterious location was indeed fitting!
“Following the birthday banquet, I shall accompany Brother Titan on a tour of the surrounding scenic wonders,” Zhi Feng pledged, reaffirming his promise as the Country Lord.
“I too am eager to join the excursion,” Qinglang and the two other Lords readily declared, unwilling to miss out on such a promising opportunity.
“With all of you accompanying me on my travels, I am naturally delighted to extend my welcome,” Yue Yang responded with the refined bearing of nobility, though his expression subtly hardened when faced with the requests from Country Lords Qinglang, Wanjiao, and Louluo. His features conveyed a sense of being cornered, as if he found refusal difficult, leading him to nod with apparent reluctance. Upon hearing this, Country Lord Zhi Feng inwardly lamented the prospect of sharing the trip with the other three.
The birthday banquet steadily progressed towards its zenith amidst the clinking of wine cups and the serving of elaborate dishes.
Zhu Guang, basking in the accolades and congratulations bestowed upon her by numerous Lords, Heaven Rankers, and martial experts, was visibly pleased with the unfolding events of the day.
As she danced to the melodious music in the public square, her movements were exquisitely graceful, evoking the image of one poised to take flight. Her ethereal twirls were nothing short of breathtaking, resembling those of a celestial fairy.
Observing her, Country Lords Qinglang and the other two noted the intensifying glint of desire in their eyes. Exchanging glances, they gave subtle nods, seemingly in agreement on a shared course of action. Country Lord Zhi Feng, perceptive to these exchanges, maintained a wary stance. His most trusted confidant, Captain Yu Chao, a formidable cultivator at the 4th Level Heaven Rank, remained loyal solely to Country Lord Zhi Feng, declining a command to lead the army and preferring to serve as Captain. This Captain personally led an contingent of 18 Generals, all Heaven Rankers, alongside dozens of City Lords possessing Quasi-Heaven Rank strength, forming a protective cordon before the Hall of Glory, the very location of the Divine Blood.
Several Dukes and Marquises from nearby territories came forth to offer their felicitations to Country Lord Zhi Feng, expressing their deep respect for Young Master Titan.
This grand banquet, it must be noted, took place during a period of ongoing conflict, a circumstance that prevented the attendance of many more Feudal Lords.
While some of these Feudal Lords possessed considerable influence, their ambitions were unfortunately thwarted by the presence of the three powerful Country Lords—Qinglang, Wanjiao, and Louluo—rendering any aspirations of seizing the Divine Blood futile. These Feudal Lords wisely retreated, contenting themselves with the food, drink, and entertainment, thereby relinquishing any claim to the coveted drop of Divine Blood.
“My Lord, Young Master Titan has bestowed upon you the Divine Blood as a token of his congratulations. Would it not be fitting to invite the Young Master to the Hall of Glory, allowing him to present this magnificent gift to all our esteemed guests, thereby showcasing your supreme honor?” Zhu Guang inquired, a faint smile gracing her lips, her voice sweet and tinged with the lingering fragrance of her dance. The plan was clear: by presenting the Divine Blood with Young Master Titan officiating the handover to Country Lord Zhi Feng, it would undoubtedly mark the pinnacle of the entire birthday celebration. At that precise moment, the pre-rehearsed cheers of “Long live the Country Lord!” from the assembled servants would commence in grand fashion.
“It is but a trifle, a mere token of my esteem,” Yue Yang demurred, yet his countenance betrayed a clear yearning for acknowledgment and gratitude for his generous gesture. Despite his outward show of modesty, his internal sentiment was quite the opposite.
“Brother Titan has graced us with such a substantial gift; if Brother Zhi Feng fails to express his sincere appreciation, I fear the entirety of the realm would deem me uncourteous.”
Observing Yue Yang's subtle delight, Country Lord Zhi Feng cast a questioning glance towards Sky Execution. As expected, Sky Execution maintained his usual impassive demeanor.
It was evident that the prospect of securing this drop of Divine Blood remained highly probable. Even if Young Master Titan were to discreetly transfer it, Sky Execution would raise no objections.
The most critical point was that an individual of Young Master Titan's standing had pledged to bestow a gift upon the Country Lord. Should Qinglang, Wanjiao, and Louluo dare to interfere, their actions would be deemed unforgivable. With Young Master Titan, alongside the formidable beings known as the Dragon Emperor, Sky Execution, and the Underworld Emperor, anyone attempting to seize the Divine Blood on the spot would be swiftly dealt with! To do so would constitute a direct provocation against their supreme celestial beings, an act of arrogance and disrespect that would absolutely not be tolerated.
With these three powerhouses present, even if Country Lord Qinglang and the other two intensely desired the Divine Blood, how could they possibly act rashly?
Country Lord Zhi Feng rose and personally approached Yue Yang, preparing to accept the Divine Blood.
Zhu Guang stood faithfully behind Country Lord Zhi Feng, his demeanor one of humble deference.
Qinglang and his companions could not conceal the envy gleaming in their eyes, yet they were powerless to intervene. Sky Execution alone presented a formidable challenge, and there was merely a single drop of Divine Blood. Who would willingly confront three such formidable adversaries as Sky Execution, Long Xuan, and the Underworld Emperor, only to allow their associates to claim the Divine Blood?
Moreover, Country Lord Zhi Feng's own cultivated strength was not to be underestimated.
If that fellow, Yu Chao, were to add his resistance to the mix, it was highly probable they would find themselves ensnared within the Green Willow Country's Royal Palace.
Despite their simmering resentment, Qinglang, Wanjiao, and Louluo rose to their feet, offering smiles and applause to congratulate Zhi Feng, signaling their acceptance of the unfolding grand event.
Chief Steward Ye was beside himself with joy, overcome by the good fortune of being entrusted with the Divine Blood due to his successful cultivation of relations with Young Master Titan. Accompanied by the Captain of the Guard, Yu Chao, he first offered a slight bow to the congratulatory gifts presented by the Heaven Rankers and then paid profound respects to the jade bottle holding the Divine Blood. After taking a deep breath, he slowly raised the precious, unprecedented gift with hands that trembled slightly. Though the Divine Blood itself was light, a golden treasure box was provided to contain its overwhelming energy. While this did not affect its weight or offer any other practical benefit, Chief Steward Ye felt as though he carried the immense responsibility of preserving the treasure's pristine condition.
From the deepest recesses of the Hall of Glory, Young Master Titan observed.
Although the distance to be covered was brief, no more than ten meters, Chief Steward Ye felt this to be the most arduous journey of his existence.
Naturally, if such a situation could persist indefinitely, he would gladly continue without fatigue. However, such a fantasy was, of course, impossible. As he neared Young Master Titan, Chief Steward Ye's steps grew more assured. He intended to pay his deepest respects to this distinguished guest from the Upper Heaven Realm using the most solemn gestures, and then present the Divine Blood to the magnanimous Young Master. This act would facilitate its official transfer to Country Lord Zhi Feng, thus culminating the grand birthday banquet.
He was drawing near.
Under the collective gaze of the assembly, Chief Steward Ye exerted control over his respiration and heartbeat.
With an uncharacteristic calm, he advanced towards Young Master Titan, meticulously performing all the necessary courtesies befitting a Chief Steward.
"How presumptuous!"
Sky Execution's thunderous roar suddenly erupted.
A ripple seemed to distort the very air, and a translucent silhouette, having slipped in from outside the hall, instantly darted into the illuminated chamber. It made a direct line for Chief Steward Ye, who held the Divine Blood.
At the precise moment the shadowy figure's hand reached out to seize the golden box from Chief Steward Ye's grasp, the steward himself remained unaware. However, Qinglang and the other Heaven Rankers witnessed the swift emergence of both the Dragon Emperor and the Underworld Emperor, who had been concealed until summoned by Young Master Titan. Their furious fists struck the back of the translucent shadow. As the shadow lunged forward, the Dragon Emperor and the Underworld Emperor had already driven it to the ground.
Someone had dared to attempt a theft of the Divine Blood in broad daylight?
How could they possibly overlook such a blatant act?
Yet, just as the initial assailant was apprehended, another offense occurred!