LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 6:
Chapter 6: The Sincerity of the Western Empire:
Everything before Lu Chen became clear. He focused inward and sensed the boundless energy within his dantian, now completely restored with no trace of damage. Even his bones seemed to be restructuring at an astonishing speed. Overwhelmed with joy, he steadied his emotions and slowly accepted the changes.
Glancing around, he noticed Xuan Mo curled up not far away, sleeping soundly. Lu Chen withdrew his gaze, the corners of his lips curving slightly. After leaving the Mystic Spirit Holy Sect, the only thing that had truly concerned him was Xuan Mo. Now that he knew it was safe, he could finally be at ease.
Since his cultivation had returned, he needed to carefully plan his next steps. But that could wait.
Feeling the ever-expanding sea of energy within his dantian, Lu Chen’s face reflected deep satisfaction. Suspended mid-air, he had no knowledge of the crimson glow erupting outside Yuling Mountain, nor was he aware that this phenomenon had sent countless sects into a state of alarm.
At the same time, news of his departure from the Mystic Spirit Holy Sect had already spread like wildfire across the cultivation world. Shocked beyond words, sect leaders across the Northern Zhou quickly began scheming.
Recruit him.
No matter the means, Lu Chen must be brought into their ranks.
A figure like Lu Chen was an unparalleled rarity in the past century.
To have single-handedly guarded the Demonic Cave of Yuling Mountain for three hundred years—this was beyond the capabilities of an ordinary man.
Even if he had lost his cultivation and his spiritual roots had been severed, so what?
If they could persuade Lu Chen to join them, they would treat him like a deity, offering him the highest honors without hesitation.
The Mystic Spirit Holy Sect had made the most foolish decision in its history!
Before detailed plans could even be drawn, excitement surged among sect leaders.
“Summon the elders immediately! Gather in the main hall—we must discuss recruiting Lu Chen! No one is to be absent!”
“Prepare the finest treasures, and discreetly track Lu Chen’s whereabouts. Make sure no one else finds out!”
“Pass down the order—any disciple who can keep Lu Chen within our sect’s premises for even fifteen minutes will be rewarded with ten thousand gold taels!”
“If we can bring Lu Chen into our sect, our name will shine for generations!”
As these orders spread, disciples in the field quickly sprang into action. Transmission talismans shot through the skies, and the number of flying swords soaring above increased severalfold.
All of this—because of Lu Chen.
His departure from the Mystic Spirit Holy Sect had already caused an uproar throughout the cultivation world of Northern Zhou.
…
In the Western Empire’s imperial palace, within the royal study, the emperor suddenly slammed his hand on the dragon-engraved desk and stood up abruptly.
The brush in his hand dropped to the floor, and his robe was stained with ink, but he paid it no mind.
He stared intently at the grand state preceptor before him, his expression one of absolute shock.
“Preceptor… You’re not joking, are you?”
Despite his efforts to control his emotions, the Western Emperor could barely form a coherent sentence.
Lu Chen had been expelled from the Mystic Spirit Holy Sect?
He had crossed the Bridge of No Return?
He was now completely unaffiliated with the Mystic Spirit Holy Sect?
Just a few simple words, yet the impact was no less than a divine thunderbolt!
Yu Yanxue of the Mystic Spirit Holy Sect—was she insane?
She actually expelled Lu Chen from the sect?
She let him leave?
The emperor had always been lenient with women, but thinking about Yu Yanxue’s decision, he couldn’t help but curse out loud.
“That foolish woman, Yu Yanxue!”
The state preceptor struggled to suppress a smile as he stepped forward and spoke with utmost respect.
“Your Majesty, this news is absolutely true. Lu Chen is no longer connected to the Mystic Spirit Holy Sect in any way.”
Even when he first received the news, the state preceptor had been just as stunned. He had initially doubted its authenticity.
But after confirming it, he couldn’t contain his excitement and had rushed to the palace to report it.
The emperor’s reaction was exactly as he had expected.
His tone filled with conviction, the state preceptor spoke with unwavering certainty.
The Western Emperor exhaled deeply, then looked to the heavens in gratitude.
“The tides have turned! The fortune of my Western Empire has arrived!”
His expression grew solemn, and without hesitation, he issued an imperial decree.
“Summon my ministers—spread the order across the empire!”
“Search for Lu Chen throughout the entire kingdom! The Western Empire extends an earnest invitation for him to join us!”
As soon as he finished, his gaze returned to the state preceptor.
After dismissing the surrounding attendants, the emperor lowered his voice.
“Preceptor, this task falls upon you. The moment you learn of Lu Chen’s whereabouts, you must personally seek him out.”
“The sincerity of the Western Empire must be evident—gold, jewels, noble titles, official ranks, cultivation resources… Lu Chen may take his pick!”
“As long as he agrees to join us, any request he makes will be granted!”
The emperor pondered for a moment, then, fearing his offer might not be enticing enough, he added,
“And as for marriage… Lu Chen isn’t betrothed yet, is he? Send word that if he wishes, he may choose from any of my seven princesses!”
The emperor’s bold declaration carried an air of generosity and grandeur.
The state preceptor was momentarily stunned.
This… This was an incredible offer.
Wealth and cultivation resources were one thing, but the emperor’s daughters were his most cherished treasures. And yet, he was offering them up freely?
Despite his surprise, the state preceptor quickly composed himself.
For an ordinary person, this might have been excessive.
But this was Lu Chen—a legendary figure!
If anything, this offer might still not be enough.
Lu Chen’s worth far exceeded such things.
Even so, another concern crept into the state preceptor’s mind.
A tall tree attracts the wind.
If the Western Empire truly recruited Lu Chen, they would become the target of envy and hostility.
Not only would they offend numerous sects, but they would also become a thorn in the side of the other three great empires.
The emperor noticed his preceptor’s hesitation and spoke.
“Do you have something to say?”
Seeing the emperor’s unwavering resolve, the state preceptor hesitated no longer and simply said,
“Your Majesty, if we truly recruit Lu Chen, we will make enemies of the entire continent.”
The Western Emperor let out a cold laugh.
“Is that all? Preceptor, you worry too much!”
“Yu Yanxue of the Mystic Spirit Holy Sect is blind to talent, but I am not!”
“If anyone dares covet Lu Chen after he joins us, I will wage war against them with the full might of my empire!”
The state preceptor shivered involuntarily.
Your Majesty, such words should not be spoken so carelessly!
You’ll make enemies faster than you can count!
But seeing that the emperor’s mind was set, the state preceptor said no more.
Soon, the Western Empire’s decree spread far and wide.
When cultivators saw the incredible offer from the emperor, many were filled with envy.
Wealth and high-ranking titles were tempting enough.
But unlimited cultivation resources—and the chance to marry one of seven royal princesses?
The sincerity behind this offer was enough to overshadow all other sects!
Still, the other sects refused to fall behind.
One after another, they issued their own invitations to Lu Chen.
The announcements flooded the land like falling snow.
Each one was a slap in the face to the Mystic Spirit Holy Sect.
Yet at this moment, the sect had no time to care.
Elder Bai Xuan, the master of divination… was dying!
Hearing the news, Yu Yanxue felt a wave of dizziness and immediately rushed toward Tianji Peak.
Outside the Celestial Pavilion, the flowers had lost their color, and the insects and birds had fallen silent.
The entire pavilion seemed to be shrouded in a deep and ominous stillness…