Only after unifying the world did I realize that immortals existed in this world.

After the matter was discussed, Liu Bingxuan withdrew.

As the sun rose higher, Xie Cangrong sat by the pond, quietly fishing.

It's break time now.

He wasn't a workaholic; what fun would it be if a supreme ruler were to be exhausted from working at his desk every day?

The water rippled, and he looked up at the bright sky, chuckling softly, "I wonder if I can hold on~"

Liu Bingxuan's advice was not without merit.

Lu Junfeng was the vanguard. As long as they didn't return empty-handed, a steady stream of cultivators would come to explore.

I wonder what kind of extraordinary person he must be?

Lu Junfeng and his group were merely disciples, residing in the lower to middle ranks.

The stronger ones yet have not experienced it!

If they become so powerful that even he, with the nation's destiny upon him, cannot stop them within the territory of Great Xia, then things could get complicated.

He has already squeezed almost all of Lu Junfeng's value out of them, and he doesn't know if the other party will give him a chance to digest them.

"Your Majesty, Miss Chu requests an audience."

As he pondered, a servant came forward and whispered a message.

"Oh?"

Xie Cangrong raised an eyebrow: "Let her come over!"

Hey~

"Good friend~"

A short while later, a clear and lively voice rang out: "What are you doing?"

The girl, carrying a dangerous musket, ran briskly with a bright smile, yet she seemed completely out of place in the rather solemn and rule-bound palace.

Xie Cangrong showed no airs of an emperor whatsoever. He pointed to the float in the pond and laughed, "Fishing!"

Chu Xiangyun sat down next to him: "What are you doing fishing in the palace?!"

Xie Cangrong shrugged and said nonchalantly, "The fish outside are rare and of poor quality; I can't catch any."

As an emperor, with so many eyes watching him, he should just enjoy himself in his own pond. It wouldn't be right for him to go out and cause a ruckus, competing with the people for fishery resources.

"Haha~ That just means your fishing skills are still a bit lacking!" Chu Xiangyun picked up Liu Bingxuan's fishing rod and said with a grin, "Let me try, let's have a competition!"

This emperor is really special. Chu Xiangyun feels very comfortable with him. There seems to be no barrier between them. She feels more relaxed than with her fellow disciples. Everything he does is pure and direct. He is very free and happy.

"Then give it a try!"

Xie Cangrong smiled and gestured at her, saying, "Let me tell you, I just caught such a big carp."

"Really?!"

"How could it be fake?"

"Hmph, then I'll definitely catch an even bigger one!"

"Hahaha~ Impossible! I raised all the fish in this pond, I know that, and mine is the biggest!"

Two fishermen sat by the pond, chatting and laughing.

The emperor didn't seem like an emperor, and the monk didn't seem like a monk either.

After a while, Xie Cangrong asked, "Why are you looking for me at this time?"

"Forehead……"

Chu Xiangyun hesitated for a moment, then said, "Good friend, my junior brother has made a mistake here and has been arrested by your men. I heard he's facing the death penalty. Could you please let him go?"

Xie Cangrong narrowed his eyes.

In that instant, her usually easygoing and cheerful friend seemed to have suddenly become much more imposing, which surprised Chu Xiangyun.

Xie Cangrong said, "Xiangyun, the law is the law, and the law does not tolerate leniency. In our Great Xia, if you break the law, you will be punished."

Chu Xiangyun nodded: "Oh..."

Do you think I'm being unreasonable?

"I think this is a good thing, it's fair."

"So why do you want to save him?"

"Um... he's my junior brother after all~"

Clearly, this was Lu Junfeng who asked her to come and beg him.

Xie Cangrong smiled and asked, "What crime did your junior brother commit?"

Chu Xiangyun recounted what she knew: "He..."

"I see... Could this lead to someone getting killed?"

Chu Xiangyun shook her head: "No, my senior brother even went to apologize to your people on his behalf. His death sentence was for disrespecting you."

"Is that so..."

Xie Cangrong smiled and said, "The law is impartial, but when it comes to my laws, I can still be lenient. Since you've come to me for help, I'll spare his life! But he must accept the punishment for assault, causing trouble, and resisting arrest."

Chu Xiangyun's eyes lit up: "Really?"

Her senior brother also said that her relationship with the emperor was useless.

See? It's solved, isn't it?

What a good person this emperor is! Why does my senior brother always think about such complicated things?!

Xie Cangrong nodded: "Of course!"

"Haha, thank you so much~"

When she gets back, she will definitely try to curry favor with her senior brother.

Thanks to me, Chu Xiangyun!

……

As night falls, another banquet is held at Yuntai.

The number of attendees this time was not as complete as last time; everyone had their own things to do, and there were quite a few people like Gong Qiao.

Compared to the tense atmosphere of their first meeting, the atmosphere was much more harmonious this time. The emperor sat in the main seat, his smile warm, and there was none of the imposing pressure he had felt during their first encounter.

After entering the venue, Lu Junfeng and his group felt their breathing become much easier.

Many of the civil and military officials present cast friendly glances, some even hinting at eagerness. After all, everyone has desires, and no one wants to turn down the pursuit of immortality and the desire for immortality.

Lu Junfeng took in everything, bowed and said, "Lu Junfeng, along with his junior brothers and sisters, pays respects to Your Majesty."

Xie Cangrong seemed completely unaware of last night's farce, and laughed heartily, "Hahaha! Your Excellency is too polite, please rise!"

"You are the heroes of our Great Xia Dynasty, and this banquet is to celebrate your achievements. Please take your seats!"

"yes!"

After Lu Junfeng and his entourage took their seats, the musicians began to play music, and the dancers danced gracefully. Amidst the clinking of glasses, the atmosphere of the banquet gradually intensified.

"The envoy used divine powers to bring rain, saving countless people of our Great Xia. It is truly a blessing for our Great Xia!"

"Envoy, I, Wang, would like to offer you a toast. I apologize for my previous rude remarks and hope you will forgive me."

"What a wonderful rain! With your messengers, why should my Great Xia fear drought and barren lands?"

……

Lu Junfeng and his entourage were the main figures at the banquet.

The ministers, whether for their own purposes or from the perspective of the state, kept praising and thanking them.

The atmosphere of the banquet was lively and harmonious. However, the two highest-ranking civil officials, Liu Bingxuan and Qi Xiu, remained silent.

Lu Junfeng held his wine glass and smiled dryly.

He cursed Shi Yu in his heart.

If he hadn't committed this offense, he wouldn't have had to work for the Great Xia this time; instead, he could have received some rewards and improved his status.

Time flowed slowly, and the banquet was halfway through. Liu Bingxuan exchanged glances with Lu Junfeng and said, "Envoy Lu, where is that straightforward envoy?"

The musician's music suddenly stopped.

Lu Junfeng's face stiffened. He glanced at the assembled officials, rose from his seat, and knelt in the center of the hall on one knee: "I have failed to discipline my junior brother properly. I beg Your Majesty to spare his life in consideration of his meritorious service in bringing rain."

"Oh?"

Xie Cangrong narrowed his eyes upon hearing this, looking at him with great interest: "What makes you say this, Envoy?"

In an instant, the atmosphere of the entire banquet seemed to change.