Emperor Qiansheng's feelings towards Chi Lian were actually quite complicated. Since ancient times, an emperor's attitude towards the Preceptors was one of three types: either complete belief and obedience, wavering between belief and doubt, or complete disbelief and refusal to entertain it. But no emperor was like Emperor Qiansheng, who both firmly believed in the Grand Preceptor's abilities and, at the same time, was often wary, even feeling a faint sense of dread.

Unlike an "Immortal Master" like Jinghui, who relied thirty percent on skill and seventy percent on talk, Emperor Qiansheng had thoroughly recognized on the Sweet Dew Terrace that Chi Lian was a true immortal capable of exorcising demons, eliminating evil, and maintaining peace in the mortal realm; but it was precisely because Chi Lian had not intervened to save Empress Zheng that time that he had to face a certain reality—mortals were to immortals as mayflies and ants. Their survival or destruction was a matter of a mere lift of a hand. Chi Lian would not, just because he was the emperor, defy heaven to change his fate and save him from karmic retribution.

A Grand Preceptor with real abilities who was also uncontrollable was someone he absolutely could not afford to offend. However, he was not so easy to employ, so Emperor Qiansheng had to weigh his words even when he was angry, needing to let him know that even mortals had tempers, yet without truly angering the great immortal.

"Grand Preceptor..." Emperor Qiansheng let out a long sigh, saying wearily, "Shang Heng, bring a seat for the Grand Preceptor."

Chi Lian took his seat with restraint. Emperor Qiansheng dismissed the palace attendants, leaving only himself and Chi Lian. He said gravely, "The frequent appearance of demons is an omen of chaos. In the State Preceptor's opinion, is it because my own conduct is improper, my virtue lacking, or perhaps there are treacherous villains in the country and worthy talents remain in obscurity, thus inviting a warning from the heavens..."

"Your Majesty is overthinking things." Chi Lian did not, like a typical court official, seize the opportunity to admonish the emperor. Instead, he said very directly, "Besides the Ran Dragon, which is Your Majesty's family affair, this Tree Spirit has little to do with the palace, let alone the fate of the nation. Your Majesty need not worry excessively."

Hearing this, Emperor Qiansheng's complexion improved slightly. "But in the hundred years of our dynasty, such strange occurrences have never happened before."

"How can the changes in the workings of heaven and earth be limited to just one or two hundred years?" Chi Lian said. "The mortal realm is protected by the laws of the Heavenly Dao. Very few demons succeed in their cultivation, which is why they have not appeared in the mortal realm for many years. However, just as the moon waxes and wanes, the power of the Heavenly Dao's laws also has its strengths and weaknesses. Perhaps we are currently in a period of weakness, which has given them an opportunity."

Emperor Qiansheng's face turned pale again. "Then is it something beyond human control? Are we to just let them wreak havoc in the mortal realm?"

"The Spirit Race is also bound by the Heavenly Dao; they will not harm people without reason. Your Majesty is the Son of Heaven in the mortal realm, corresponding to the Mandate of Heaven, and naturally have the protection of the Heavenly Dao. As long as you maintain a righteous heart, you need not worry about evil spirits approaching you," Chi Lian said faintly. "As for those demons who are not afraid to die, I am still here. The Tree Spirit is an example of their fate."

These words were filled with a grim, murderous intent, yet they provided a great sense of security. Seeing his stance, Emperor Qiansheng felt a little more settled and finally relented, "With the State Preceptor's words, I am relieved. Then, I will leave the matter of Chunling Temple in the State Preceptor's hands to conclude. It must be done cleanly and discreetly."

His concerns were not without reason. If someone with ill intentions were to make a big issue out of this, it could very well lead to a disaster of witchcraft, which could even shake the foundations of the state. It had to be handled with extreme caution.

Chi Lian rose and said, "This subject accepts the decree. There is one more matter for which I seek Your Majesty's permission."

Emperor Qiansheng: "What is it?"

Chi Lian said, "The strange happenings in Chunling Temple were first discovered by His Highness, Prince Duan. I kept a closer watch because of the Prince's words and snuck into the temple that night, which is how I found the tracks of the Tree Spirit and Chou Xinwei. The Prince's contribution to the smooth resolution of this matter is indispensable. Moreover, the commotion last night was not small, and I fear it might have alarmed the Prince. Therefore, I request that Your Majesty order the Prince to participate in the handling of the aftermath of Chunling Temple. It would be best for him to act as a witness."

Emperor Qiansheng stared at Chi Lian, silent for a long time. Chi Lian could guess with his toes that he was now frantically pondering why he was dragging Wei Ming into this case.

He was not in a hurry to explain, quietly waiting for Emperor Qiansheng to speak. After a moment, Emperor Qiansheng did indeed ask, "Why does the Grand Preceptor think so highly of Prince Duan? Is there something special about him?"

Chi Lian replied, "His Highness is intelligent, sharp, and has a steady disposition. He also has some insight into the path of cultivation, so he and I are kindred spirits, in a way. As for anything special, forgive my poor eyesight, but I haven't seen anything."

His words were wonderfully crafted. Not seeing anything meant there was nothing good, but also nothing bad, which was equivalent to denying the theory of the baleful star that Emperor Qiansheng was so fixated on, personally affirming Wei Ming's mortal identity from his position as an immortal.

"The State Preceptor's eyes are like torches, how could you be mistaken." Emperor Qiansheng shook his head, smiling with a hint of disdain. "What kind of immortal cultivation is he practicing? Compared to a truly enlightened master like the Grand Preceptor, it's just child's play, not worth mentioning."

His smile suddenly froze. "Could it be that the Grand Preceptor has taken a liking to my son and wishes to guide him onto the path?"

"Last time Your Majesty inquired, I said that His Highness, Prince Duan, can see the great in the small and is an intelligent man." Chi Lian neither confirmed nor denied, only saying slowly, "Right now is a perfect opportunity. I want to see for myself just how intelligent His Highness, Prince Duan, truly is."

Emperor Qiansheng understood the unspoken meaning and promised, "Then we shall do as the State Preceptor says. Let Prince Duan follow the State Preceptor to gain some experience."

Chi Lian accepted the decree, expressed his gratitude, and took his leave from Guanfeng Palace.

A moment later, Shang Heng came in to replace Emperor Qiansheng's tea. He suddenly heard him ask, "Shang Heng, why do you think the Grand Preceptor holds Prince Duan in such high regard, mentioning him to me with special intention time and again?"

Shang Heng chuckled, saying with humble deference, "The State Preceptor is a transcendent master. There must be a reason for his every word and action. How could this servant possibly fathom the thoughts of the great State Preceptor?"

"Slick-tongued!" Emperor Qiansheng feigned anger and scolded, "Speak your mind freely! Are you afraid he'll hear you?"

Shang Heng quickly said he wouldn't dare. After a moment's thought, he said cautiously, "This servant doesn't understand those grand affairs. I only observe the Grand Preceptor's temperament. He has a decisive and uncompromising nature, and he is cold and distant to everyone. I've heard he doesn't have much contact with the other immortal masters of Zixiao Academy. This servant speculates, could it be that His Highness, Prince Duan, has an easygoing yet clever and adaptable nature, and can hold a conversation with him, which happens to suit the Grand Preceptor's taste? So the Grand Preceptor particularly... favors him. This is just human nature, isn't it?"

Emperor Qiansheng said peevishly, "What benefits have you two received from Prince Duan, that you're both piling on the praise for him today!"

Shang Heng was taken aback, but then he understood and said with a chuckle, "It seems this servant guessed correctly?"

Emperor Qiansheng snorted coldly. "No matter how much Wei Ming grew up in the wild, he is still my own son, of proper imperial blood and noble lineage. A magnificent prince, whom I have not yet put to use, how can I let him be spirited away just like that?"

Shang Heng said, "As the saying goes, it takes two to tango. His Highness, Prince Duan, is devoted to the path. Upon meeting a transcendent master like the Grand Preceptor, how could he not be inclined to befriend him?"

The mere mention of him gave Emperor Qiansheng a headache. "That child Wei Ming is smart, but none of it is used in the right places. By my count, it's been three months since he returned to the Capital, right? In these three months, he hasn't gotten to know a single court official, nor has he visited a single government office. I've never even heard his name from the mouths of my ministers! And what has he been doing? Getting familiar with the Grand Preceptor. In the future, are all state affairs to be decided by drawing lots and casting divination blocks? Or does he expect Chi Lian to help him ascend a hundred years from now?"

The implication in these words made Shang Heng's back tense up, but his face remained impassive. He smiled flatteringly and said, "This is Your Majesty's profound love for his son, and thus your plans for him are far-reaching. His Highness, Prince Duan, did not grow up by your side, so I'm afraid he doesn't understand your earnest intentions. If Your Majesty teaches him slowly in the future, he will surely mend his ways in no time."

Emperor Qiansheng sighed. "Each of these boys has his own flaws. Not a single one gives me peace of mind. What is Prince Kang doing?"

Shang Heng quickly said, "His Highness should be in his own courtyard. Does Your Majesty wish to summon him?"

"No need." Emperor Qiansheng waved his hand, then couldn't help but complain, "Such a major incident happened last night, yet he was completely unaware. On this point, he is indeed inferior to Wei Ming."

Shang Heng did not dare to respond, only offering a placating smile in silence.

Emperor Qiansheng paced to the window with his hands behind his back, gazing at the shadows of the flowers and the clear shade outside, lost in thought for a while. He suddenly said, "I remember Wei Ming must be twenty this year, right?"

Shang Heng quickly replied, "Replying to Your Majesty, His Highness, Prince Duan's birthday is on the tenth day of the tenth month. He is exactly twenty-two this year."

"Twenty-two... twenty-two, in the blink of an eye, he's already so old." Emperor Qiansheng tapped his palm lightly with his knuckles and asked again, "Does he have any concubines in his manor?"

The moment Shang Heng heard this, he knew what he was planning. Not daring to answer rashly, he said cautiously, "The Prince has always been cultivating outside, and hasn't spent much time in his Prince's Manor in the Capital. He doesn't usually have many social interactions, so I've never really asked about this. If Your Majesty wishes to know the details, this servant will immediately send someone back to the Capital to inquire."

Emperor Qiansheng nodded and said, "Approved. You go arrange it. Don't let anyone else know, especially Prince Duan."

Shang Heng bowed deeply. "I obey Your Majesty's sacred decree."

For the emperor to suddenly show concern for his son's inner chambers without any reason, it was almost certain he was planning to bestow a marriage. Shang Heng was crystal clear about this. As he was thinking of returning a favor to Wei Ming, he secretly sent someone back to the Capital to investigate while also arranging a private meeting with Yi Dayou to give him a heads-up.

Who would have thought that Yi Dayou would just let out a "Hah!" upon hearing it. Shang Heng asked, surprised, "What's that supposed to mean?"

Yi Dayou had also come from the Imperial Household, so he was extremely tight-lipped. Only now, facing his dearest senior brother, did he dare to reveal a thing or two. "To be honest with you, senior brother, our Prince is not like ordinary people. His heart is completely set on cultivating immortality and seeking the Dao. Let alone concubines, he doesn't even get close to women. There are barely two maids in the entire Prince Duan's Manor, and he raises them like they're half his daughters. All they do all day is fight with the little cat... Alas, I don't know if he's just not yet awakened to it, or if he's already seen through the mortal world."

Shang Heng: "..."

He patted Yi Dayou's shoulder, completely forgetting that he had originally entrusted his junior brother to Prince Duan's Manor for him to rest and recuperate his mind and body. He comforted him sincerely, "It hasn't been easy for you all these years. You've really worked hard."

Yi Dayou nodded with emotion, thinking to himself, 'I don't even dare to tell you the harder parts.' Although the Prince wasn't interested in women, it seemed very likely he was interested in men. The Grand Preceptor from Zixiao Academy was with him every day, inseparable. Their relationship was so good they could casually embrace, and there had even been the ridiculous scene of 'the Grand Preceptor staying in the Prince's bedroom while the Prince sat idly in the courtyard.'

With such an unparalleled beauty parading before his eyes all day, how could the Prince possibly spare a glance for anyone else? Not to mention, the Grand Preceptor was clearly different towards the Prince as well. They were in a perfectly happy mutual affection, and now the emperor had to butt in with an arranged marriage. If he angered the Grand Preceptor, wasn't he afraid this immortal would flood the Jade Capital in a fit of rage?

Shang Heng said, "In any case, pass a message to the Prince. Say that His Majesty intends to bestow a marriage, and tell him to prepare in advance."

"I understand." Yi Dayou nodded cooperatively. After some calculation in his mind, he still couldn't shake a bad feeling and sought advice from Shang Heng, "If I may be so bold as to ask one more thing, senior brother, if the Prince wants to refuse the arranged marriage, what should we prepare?"

Shang Heng: "?"

Yi Dayou said earnestly, "Does the Grand Preceptor know that His Majesty wants to bestow a marriage? Should you all perhaps prepare in advance as well?"