"I have never seen my master make a move, and she never volunteered her own cultivation realm, so I am not certain of her level. As a disciple, I should not speculate about my master."
"She... couldn't possibly be a Martial God, could she?"
Li Lingyue, Faith Sacred Physique, Heaven-Grade Innate Talent.
Although her natural gifts were absolutely top-tier, going from a mortal to a Martial Saint in forty years undoubtedly involved a great deal of her master's excellent guidance and overall control.
An elder like that is definitely not simple.
"Not counting your master, are there any Martial Gods within the Five Regions?"
"There probably aren't. If I had to say there might be, it would be the 'half' kind?"
"What do you mean by 'half'?"
Li Lingyue kept you in suspense, saying you'd understand once you got the "Imperial Mausoleum Nethersoil."
As for outside the Five Regions, Li Lingyue was certain there were Martial Gods.
Her current knowledge and experience were far beyond what they used to be; she knew of the existence of the Shen Family of the Starry Domains and the Three Great Holy Lands.
The Shen Family and the Holy Lands definitely had Martial Gods hidden away.
As for the number of Martial King Realm experts, just within the Five Regions alone, it was at least ten times greater than the number of Martial Saints.
The exact number was hard to tally.
Because any sect or family clan of even moderate scale had a Martial King overseeing it. Otherwise, after growing bigger and stronger, they would easily be swallowed up by more powerful forces.
Some time later, above the capital.
Li Lingyue held your hand, standing aloft in the air, gently releasing the oppressive aura of her Martial Saint level.
In an instant, from inside and outside the imperial city, several streaks of rainbow light shot over at extreme speed.
One of them was Li Liushui, whom you had met before.
"So it's the Female Emperor of the Southern Borderlands paying a visit. We failed to welcome you properly."
Li Liushui stood on a flying sword. Like the Sword Lord, he was a swordsman cultivator.
Li Lingyue gave Li Liushui a slight nod, then turned to look at an old man beside him, clasping her fists in greeting.
"Third Granduncle, it's been many years. How is your health?"
The old man addressed as Third Granduncle let out a light sigh, waving his hand dismissively.
"Lingyue, since you're here, why not listen to this old man's advice?
I know you hold a grudge in your heart because the court sent you off for a political marriage back then.
In the past, the imperial family was blind, failing to recognize you had a Sealed Saint Body. The fault lies with us.
Your Southern Borderlands army has already taken three provinces. Let me, for the sake of my old face, have the court cede those three provinces to you. From now on, our two families shake hands and make peace, never to wage war again. How does that sound?
We are all one family. Why cause such suffering to the common people?"
The other two Li family Martial Saints present also spoke up to urge reconciliation.
Currently, the Central Plains and the Southern Borderlands had only temporarily ceased hostilities, not completely ended the war.
Li Lingyue said, "My purpose in coming to the capital this time is not for political matters. I wish to borrow an item from the imperial family."
Third Granduncle raised his hand. "Whatever you need, just say it."
"A handful of Imperial Mausoleum Nethersoil!"
Third Granduncle's expression turned troubled.
"The imperial family has its own laws. Imperial Mausoleum Nethersoil is extremely precious and cannot be lent out casually. I, your Third Granduncle, cannot make that decision."
"Can't the emperor make the decision?"
"If Longzhi is willing to lend it, of course he can. This resource is uniquely allocated to each generation's emperor."
You stepped forward, smiling. "Then there's no problem. Please do us this favor, senior, and allow me to have an audience with the emperor."
In the eyes of these Li family Martial Saints, you, though standing beside Li Lingyue, were practically invisible.
Only when you spoke did they turn their gazes towards you.
"What confidence do you have that you can persuade Longzhi?"
"I saved his life once!"
The Li family Martial Saints agreed.
But you felt it wasn't because you had saved the emperor, but rather out of respect for Li Lingyue standing beside you.
The palace's security was extremely tight; ordinary people had absolutely no chance of entering.
Even martial arts experts trying to force their way in would face Li Liushui, the Martial Saint Realm "Dragon Protector" who was on duty 24/7.
But today, with the very person who guarded the palace and protected the emperor personally leading the way, it was naturally much easier for you to see the emperor.
Before meeting the emperor, you first encountered Qin Rong, who had just finished court and was leaving the palace while discussing something with other ministers.
Seeing three Martial Saint Realm figures—Li Liushui, Li Lingyue, and Third Granduncle—arriving through the air, Qin Rong, though also a Martial Saint, straightened his official robes and hat before stepping forward to pay his respects.
"Your subject, Grand Academician of the Bureau of Military Affairs, Qin Rong, pays his respects to the Prince of Wei!" Saying this, he turned to Li Liushui. "Lord Li, it's been a while."
Finally, he looked at Li Lingyue. His expression became much more serious, and he stood ramrod straight.
"I did not expect the Female Emperor of the Southern Borderlands to visit in person today. It is our court's lack of hospitality, failing to welcome you properly. Please wait a moment; I will have someone arrange a reception ceremony befitting a prince or duke."
The Prince of Wei was Li Lingyue's Third Granduncle. Although he held no official post, his status was higher than that of a minister.
Li Liushui, though also a Martial Saint Realm expert, held an official rank equal to that of Qin Rong, the current chancellor, hence the peer-level form of address.
When Qin Rong spoke to Li Lingyue, though not disrespectful, his attitude was much more distant. By emphasizing the words "prince or duke," he indicated he did not regard her as an emperor, subtly implying she was merely the Southern Prince of our Great Qian Dynasty.
Just from this initial exchange of greetings, you could see the eight hundred schemes swirling in this Qin Rong's mind.
No wonder he could control the court.
The Prince of Wei asked, "Chancellor Qin, did His Majesty again fail to attend court today?"
Qin Rong put on an expression of foolish loyalty.
"I imagine he is still sound asleep in the Beauty Courtyard at this hour. I was just about to go kneel outside the courtyard, as usual, to report today's national affairs for His Majesty's holy consideration..."
"Oh, Chancellor Qin need not go today. I have a friend who wishes to see His Majesty to discuss some minor matters."
Qin Rong's expression turned vigilant.
"Is the Female Emperor of the Southern Borderlands going as well?"
"Naturally."
Instantly, Qin Rong erupted with the powerful aura of a Martial Saint, causing his bright red official robes to flap loudly and the pair of winged ornaments on his official hat to sway left and right.
"Absolutely not! If this woman gets close to His Majesty, she might attempt assassination! How could we, as subjects, place His Majesty in such danger! This is definitely not the act of loyal ministers!"
The moment Qin Rong displayed his martial might, the high-ranking court officials behind him instantly rallied to his side.
A group of civil officials, their imposing aura rivaling that of a group of military generals, truly opened your eyes.
Indeed, those who could clock in for work at the palace every day were no mere civil officials; they were all martial arts powerhouses.
Though Li Lingyue detested Qin Rong's hypocritical face, she held back for the sake of not delaying your important business and agreed to his demand.
Subsequently, accompanied by Li Liushui, you entered the Beauty Courtyard.
Li Lingyue, Qin Rong, the Prince of Wei, and the others all waited outside the courtyard.
The moment you stepped into the courtyard, you were greeted by an intoxicating floral fragrance.
Before you was a large garden, a riot of dazzling flowers.
A disheveled old man, dressed inappropriately, was blindfolded, chasing a group of concubines with breathtakingly beautiful faces, fiery hot figures, clad in transparent, gauzy silk.
"My beauties! Where are you running! Quickly, come to Zhen's embrace!"
"Your Majesty, chase me faster! If you catch me, I'll let you... hehehe!"

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