Starting as a centurion, he fought his way through the chaos of the world.

Chapter 142 Unique
In Li Yan's backyard, the table was laden with all sorts of delicious food.

Zhang was holding Li Xirou's hand, and they were talking.

Tears welled up in her eyes.

While talking, she served food to Lu Ming.

The two could clearly feel each other's care and longing.

Li Yan, meanwhile, was holding a glass of wine and drinking with Lu Ming.

He did not reveal the empress's identity, and it seemed that the other party was not bothered by what happened today.

Therefore, in order to protect Lu Ming.

It's best not to reveal the Empress's identity.

Although his godson is quite powerful now.

But the current empress seems even more unfathomable.

Especially in the imperial city, not only can a million imperial guards be mobilized, but the power of the dragon vein can also be harnessed.

Let alone Lu Ming, even if a Dao Lord came.

One wrong move, and you could fall.

Moreover, the profound cultural heritage of Dayu is not just a figure of speech.

"You didn't submit any memorials to the court this time. Is there something urgent that you need to attend to?" Li Yan asked after taking a sip of wine.

At this moment, even Zhang looked over.

After all, it is a big deal for an outside general to enter the capital without permission.

"When Penglai Immortal Island opened this time, I went there in person and obtained some life-extending herbs, which I brought to you two. They can extend your life by twenty years."

As he spoke, he took out a jade box.

Li Yan looked at the lush and vibrant spiritual herbs inside.

His cloudy eyes involuntarily welled up with tears.

"You silly child, why are you going on such a dangerous journey there!"

He said in a low voice.

Zhang couldn't help but say, "I heard that people from all the major immortal sects on Penglai Immortal Island have gone there. You child, why do you care about us? As long as you are all well, that's all that matters."

He was already choking up as he spoke.

Lu Ming smiled and said, "I just went to the island to collect some herbs, it's nothing."

After saying that, he took out the life-extending herb.

"I've already asked, and this medicine can be swallowed directly. Why don't you take it now and see how it works?"

Li Yan and Zhang Shi naturally wouldn't refuse Lu Ming's kindness.

He immediately swallowed the life-extending herb.

Then, they felt a surge of life force rising within their bodies.

In a short time, the previously loose muscles tightened up considerably.

The white hair on his head gradually began to turn black.

A moment later, he looked about the same age as an ordinary middle-aged person.

Li Yan waved his arm and exclaimed, "I feel like I'm more than ten years younger!"

He said with a smile.

After my Qi and blood were no longer depleted, I felt much more energetic.

“This life-extending herb can add twenty years to your lifespan. Later, I will find you an elixir, the kind that can extend your life by a thousand years,” Lu Ming said with a smile.

With the system, he no longer thought it was something unattainable.

Li Yan patted Lu Ming on the shoulder without saying anything.

Just then, Uncle Fu rushed in.

"My lord, a lady-in-waiting from His Majesty's side requests an audience."

Upon hearing the sound, Li Yan raised an eyebrow.

He glanced at Lu Ming, a hint of worry in his eyes. The Empress had just left, and the other party's female official had arrived.

Something must have happened.

"Let her in," Li Yan said slowly.

It is a disaster that cannot be avoided.

Based on his prestige in the court, he believed that protecting Lu Ming should not be a problem.

A moment later, the female official in green entered.

It must be said that although she is not as beautiful as the Empress, she is still a stunning beauty.

Dressed in a blue robe, with a fair complexion, she possessed the most outstanding appearance.

Upon seeing Li Yan, he first bowed and said, "Greetings, Prime Minister."

The voice was soft and pleasant to hear.

"Don't stand on ceremony. May I ask what brings you here today?"

Li Yan inquired.

The female official smiled and said, "I'm here to convey His Majesty's decree. She said that Marquis Zhige doesn't need to kneel; he can just listen."

After saying this, he solemnly said, "His Majesty has decreed that Marquis Zhige will attend court tomorrow to discuss matters."

After the sound rang out.

He stepped forward again and said, "I have long heard of your great name, Lord Marquis. Seeing you today, I can confirm that your reputation is well-deserved."

The female official in green chuckled lightly.

At the same time, a storm raged in my heart.

She finally understood why His Majesty had agreed to lift the sea ban for Lu Ming.

The other party turned out to be the person they were looking for.

It's really unexpected.

Lu Ming raised an eyebrow. He hadn't expected that the Empress would know his whereabouts so soon after he arrived in the capital.

At this moment, the other party gave him a feeling of being unfathomable.

Then he said, "I'm sorry to have made you laugh, sir."

The female official in green didn't seem to care, and her eyes swept over Lu Ming once more.

Then he took his leave.

"You will come with me to court tomorrow," Li Yan said, looking at Lu Ming.

I don't know what the Empress means by this.

Is this an opportunity to launch an attack?

After all, Li Que had secretly run away to the capital.

"I'll listen to my godfather."

Zhang and Li Xirou both looked nervous.

They also knew that entering Beijing without permission was no small matter.

Especially now that the Queen has discovered it.

Only Lu Ming seemed completely unconcerned, continuing to drink with Li Yan.

After finishing the meal, he went with Li Xirou to the courtyard that had been arranged for him.

Nothing happened that night, and then the next day...

Lu Mingtian left home before dawn.

Li Yan was already waiting outside the mansion.

Sitting in the carriage, he poked his head out and said, "When we get to the Chaotian Palace, don't say anything more, and don't act impulsively."

He was worried that the Empress would target Lu Ming.

The other party nodded. "Don't worry, Godfather."

He had already leaped onto the horse's back while speaking.

"Clop clop!" The warhorses trotted out crisply on the street.

Behind them came the carriage, with guards and servants following behind.

They headed towards the palace.

Today is the grand court assembly, and not only are all the officials of the imperial court present, but even the experts from the sects are here.

They were wearing Taoist robes.

He exuded an aura that kept people at a distance.

It makes people afraid to get close.

After entering the palace, Lu Ming followed behind Li Yan towards the Imperial Court Hall.

Some officials who were close to the latter naturally also saw Lu Ming.

He was puzzled, wondering who this person was who could receive such favor from the Prime Minister.

It seemed to be his first time attending court, and he was actually standing right next to the other party.

After all, a marquis is a remarkable figure in the eyes of others.

But in Beijing, there are quite a few people like that.

Especially during court assemblies.

When the gates are gathered together, nothing is really noticeable.

Upon entering the main hall, Lu Ming parted ways with Li Yan.

He was standing at the back.

The area in front was where the high-ranking officials of the imperial court stood.

He's only a third-rank marquis; he really doesn't deserve a place in the rankings.

In Dayu, there are three ranks of marquises, with the first rank being the highest and the third rank being the lowest.

Above that are dukes and kings.

Therefore, although Lu Ming has a great reputation, his official position here is actually not very impressive.

After a short while, no one paid any attention.

"His Majesty has arrived!" came a melodious yet solemn voice.

Behind the curtain, a figure slowly sat down on the dragon throne.

It's hazy and indistinct, making it difficult to see clearly.

When sitting down.

His gaze swept around.

Finally, it fell on Lu Ming.

However, he immediately shifted his gaze.

Hidden by the curtain, no one noticed her action.

"Now that the Xia Dynasty has come to our Dayu, what are your thoughts?"

Upon hearing this, all the ministers frowned.

An official stepped forward and said, “Your Majesty, the envoys from the Great Xia have come to visit, and their challenge has been sent to the court beforehand. Such provocative behavior is truly infuriating. I suggest that the court send experts to meet them in battle and give them a crushing defeat.”

To suppress the other party's arrogance.

The speaker was the Vice Minister of Rites.

This old minister was of an upright character.

However, he was a civil official and not proficient in military affairs.

Therefore, after he finished speaking, many people curled their lips in disapproval.

Everyone knows we have to fight back hard.

But how can we defeat him? The thirteenth prince of the Great Xia Dynasty is incredibly powerful.

Although many generals of the Great Yu Dynasty went to Penglai Island this time, they gained various benefits. Some even reached the Golden Core realm.

However, compared to that, none of them have much confidence.

The Queen did not respond, but continued, "Does anyone else have any objections?"

"Your Majesty, I think it's better not to accept the challenge. There aren't many people in the Golden Core realm who can match that thirteenth prince, unless we send a top-tier disciple from the sect, but the sect is currently besieged."

Trying to break through again will be extremely difficult. Xu Yan was also below. Today she was much more formal, lacking her usual glamorousness.

His expression was solemn.

Her words caused an uproar in the imperial court.

Clearly, no one expected that this immortal master from the immortal sect would say such a thing.

The Empress couldn't help but frown.

After a pause, she said calmly, "Lord Zhige, what are your thoughts?"

A stone stirred up a thousand waves.

The court was instantly thrown into an uproar, as no one had heard of the Marquis of Zhige's return to the capital.

The empress actually called out the other person's name directly.

For a moment, many officials began to look around.

They are clearly looking for Lu Ming.

After all, the other side occupies a territory and is undoubtedly the one with real power.

My official rank may not be as high as many of the people here, but in terms of power...

But no one can help but be wary.

Lu Ming hadn't expected the Empress to specifically name him.

He could only step forward and say, “Your Majesty, I believe that in a conflict between two countries, while victory is important, courage is equally important. If we lose the courage to retaliate simply because of a challenge from the other side or because of their strength, we should not do so.”

That was a huge blow to the morale of the entire court.

If we can ignore the challenge today, can we still ignore it when the army is at our gates tomorrow?

Your Majesty believes that even if he were a celestial soldier from the Immortal Realm, daring to invade our Great Yu, we must have the courage to take a bite out of him, rather than choosing to give up!

Lu Ming's words were resounding and powerful.

This immediately garnered a lot of approval.

Marquis Hongshan was the first to stand up and say, "Marquis Zhige is right. If we are afraid without fighting, how will the world view our Great Yu?"

"I agree with what Marquis Zhige said!" The Minister of War also stepped forward.

Although he was not from a military family, he was still full of passion.

He did not agree with Xu Yan's opinion.

While everyone was arguing.

Lin Hong slowly stepped forward. "What Marquis Zhige said is exactly what this old minister wanted to say. The backbone of the court must never be broken."

This Grand Tutor also went to Penglai Island.

Moreover, he seems to be still vigorous despite his old age, having climbed over a thousand steps and received a considerable reward, and has now broken through to the Purple Mansion Realm.

When he speaks.

The room fell silent instantly.

Xu Yan, standing to the side, looked dejected.

She hadn't expected so many people to publicly refute her, especially Lu Ming, who dared to take the lead.

Then, he looked at the other person and said.

"I wondered who had such ideas, but it turns out to be Marquis Zhige."

You're right, but that's just the perspective of ordinary people. There's no such thing in the cultivation world.

The strong always reign supreme.

If Lord Zhige were a nine-patterned Earth Master—no, not even nine-patterned, but just a five-patterned Earth Master—and you said such a thing, naturally no one would refute it.

But you are merely a lowly Earth Master with only one rune, and from now on you will be stuck at a standstill.

That's a ridiculous statement.

There's a saying in the mortal world: "Self-awareness." I wonder if Lord Zhige has ever heard of it.

She was undeniably harsh.

For a moment, all the officials of the Great Yu Dynasty frowned.

This is hitting Lu Ming where it hurts.

Li Yan was the first to stand up. "What is meant by mortal? If we are so insignificant, why would the lofty immortal sects appear in this hall to flaunt their power? Do they merely want to uphold their superiority?"

Marquis Zhige recovered six prefectures, opened up the national preceptor's grain supply route, and sent hundreds of thousands of imperial guards to rescue them. He also killed countless disciples of the immortal sects.

Every time they triumphed over the strong with the weak, every time they were prepared to die.

What he said was all based on his own actions, not just words.

"Using mortal power to fight against the immortal sects, displaying overwhelming superiority—are we wrong now?"

Li Yan's words made Xu Yan's eyes grow even colder.

There was even a faint chill in the air.

"Enough!" Behind the curtain, purple light rippled.

A faint dragon's roar could be heard above everyone's heads.

Xu Yan's imposing aura was instantly shattered, and her face turned pale.

Then, the Empress's clear voice rang out.

"Lord Lu Ming, the Marquis of Zhige, is a meritorious official of our Great Yu Dynasty and cannot be insulted. Xu Yan, a true disciple of the Yao Guang Sect, shall face the wall for three days. If he offends again, he shall be expelled from Great Yu!"

Her words carried an air of authority that left no room for refusal.

Xu Yan's face turned pale.

She hadn't expected that the Empress would personally come out and support Lu Ming.

This shows absolutely no respect for oneself.

Li Yan was somewhat surprised. In his opinion, it would be good enough if the Empress didn't cause any trouble today. He didn't expect her to protect Lu Ming like this.

This is the first time such a thing has happened since the Queen ascended the throne.

They even risked offending people from the immortal sects.

"Xu Yan admits her guilt!"

This proud disciple of the immortal sect lowered his head at this moment.

Leaving aside the special status of Empress Da Yu.

In terms of her own strength, she is no match for anyone in the Great Yu Dynasty.

"Step down!" the Empress said calmly.

Then, he waved for Xu Yan to leave.

As the other side retreated towards the outside of the hall.

The other disciples of the immortal sect also stood much more properly.

It's not as loose and sloppy as it was before.

Then, the Queen's voice rang out again.

"Then prepare to meet the challenge. Two disciples will be sent from the royal family, and one person from each of your military and noble families will be sent to face this great Xia prodigy."

Then, he waved goodbye.

"Dismiss the dynasty!"

The words fell.

Then they slowly made their way towards the inner palace.

After the officials paid their respects, they headed out of the palace gates.

Lu Ming accompanied Li Yan back.

However, just as they were walking down a street...

Then they saw a long queue heading towards the post station next to the palace.

The soldiers are mighty, and the generals are mighty.

This made Lu Ming narrow his eyes.

These warriors had all reached the Qi Refining Realm, and the leading general was at the Purple Mansion Realm.

A prince, radiating golden light, rode a chariot, his eyes filled with disdain.

He glanced around, his expression indifferent.

"The Great Xia Dynasty belongs to the Immortal Cultivation Dynasty. Their emperor is an unparalleled powerhouse at the Dao Lord Realm, and he follows a different path from us."

They have repeatedly invaded my Great Yu in the past, and it was only through the overwhelming power of humanity that we were able to stop them.

However, now, with the world in chaos and humanity waning, their desire to seize my Great Yu has grown ever stronger.

"Why don't we follow the same path?" Lu Ming asked.

"To follow their path, one must completely submit to the immortal sects, and the common people will become slaves. Back then, in the Great Xia Dynasty, after submitting to the sects, as many as 90% of the people were wiped out. The blood of hundreds of millions of people extinguished the flame of humanity in the mortal world. From then on, they bowed down to the immortal sects, their spirit and energy were drained, and their spines were broken. It was absolutely impossible for them to gather the imperial aura of humanity again," Li Yan said in a trembling voice.

Lu Ming's expression was also solemn. In his view, the world was in chaos, and it was already a living hell.

Ninety percent of the people died; he couldn't imagine what a terrible scene that must have been.

"Can't a dynasty of cultivation be established without relying on the immortal sects and extinguishing the flames of the mortal world?"

“Of course it is possible. Over the years, the Great Yu has created quite a few cultivation techniques, but without top-tier inheritances, it is impossible to obtain top-tier techniques, and the resources for cultivation are far inferior. How difficult it is for it to become a cultivation kingdom.” Li Yan’s voice was somewhat low.

He continued, "Currently, the relationship between my Great Yu and the Yao Guang Immortal Sect is merely one of cooperation. However, it is said that several of the Great Yu's ancestors, due to not obtaining the core cultivation techniques, have limited their potential and seem to be nearing the end of their lifespans. Moreover, there are no capable successors among their descendants."

They will soon have no say in the immortal sects.

Therefore, the relationship between Dayu and Yaoguang Sect is now quite delicate.

A portion of the Great Yu imperial family disciples are gradually moving back from the Yao Guang Sect.

Li Yan's words revealed his worry.

Lu Ming raised an eyebrow.

It seems the current situation is more complicated than I thought.

"All the major sects are supporting the anti-king forces, hoping to ascend to immortality by taking advantage of the dragon's fortune. Doesn't the Yao Guang Immortal Sect want to do the same?" Lu Ming couldn't help but ask.

"Hehe, they've already borrowed it once. This time it's just to protect the Great Yu. Even if the dynasty doesn't fall, they don't have that much luck. After all, it's not a change of dynasty, so naturally they don't care."

They were even less willing to confront the other six major sects because of the imperial court.

That's why they haven't sent any disciples yet; if it weren't for the appearance of Penglai Immortal Island this time...

It seems that the Great Yu will not receive any support from the immortal sects at all.

The members of the royal family also realized this, which is why they had the idea of ​​leaving Yaoguang.

After all, for them, the Great Yu Dynasty was their root.

"However, if these people can return, the strength of the Great Yu will definitely reach a new level," Li Yan said calmly.

As they spoke, the two had already arrived outside the Prime Minister's residence.

Lu Ming nodded, having gained an understanding of the complex situation within the imperial court.

Just as Li Yan dismounted...

But Uncle Fu came over in a hurry.

"Master, young master, Young Master Yu has arrived. He said he left in a hurry yesterday, but today he brought wine and food, and wants to drink until he's drunk!" His lips were trembling as he spoke.

He was under immense pressure facing the Empress.

Li Yan was also taken aback.

I wonder what the Empress is really thinking.

However, for now, he could only bite the bullet and say, "Then I'll have a drink with Young Master Yu."

As they were talking, they walked inside.

(End of this chapter)