Because of the large number of cultivators entering the country to try their luck at finding the treasure left by past Venerate, the country of Yin was experiencing unrest and turmoil. With the royal family's recent announcement, the entire country went into another frenzy.
The royal family of Yin country made an announcement that they would be hosting a royal tournament in the summer in the royal capital. This announcement created a massive buzz among the people of Yin country and cultivators who were visiting the country.
The prize for the royal tournament was a small grotto world and a heaven-grade weapon, which was considered a highly valuable and rare reward for any cultivator. A grotto world was a unique space that cultivators could use to improve their cultivation skills and abilities. These spaces are highly sought after by cultivators, and obtaining one is seen as a significant achievement. In addition, a heaven-grade weapon is also a highly prized possession among cultivators. These weapons are made from rare materials and are imbued with powerful spiritual energy that can greatly enhance a cultivator's strength and abilities.
The announcement of the tournament also included a unique opportunity for the winner. Not only would they be awarded the coveted prizes of a small grotto world and a heaven-grade weapon, but they would also have the chance to court the princess of the royal family and potentially become the son-in-law of the royal family. This was an unprecedented opportunity for any cultivator, as it could potentially lead to significant social and political benefits.
The rules of participation for the tournament were simple, which made it accessible to a wide range of cultivators. To participate, one had to be at least at the foundation establishment level, which was considered a basic requirement for any serious cultivator. Additionally, they had to be under the age of 30, which ensured that the tournament was only open to young and promising cultivators who had not yet reached their peak. These rules made the tournament highly competitive, as only the most talented and dedicated cultivators could participate.
The prizes offered by the royal family in the tournament were highly coveted by every cultivator family and sect. The opportunity to win a small grotto world and a heaven-grade weapon was a significant prize that could greatly benefit not just the winner, but their whole clan or sect could profit from something like that. This led to a lot of interest and excitement surrounding the tournament as cultivators from all over the country eagerly prepared to compete. Besides the prize of seeing the large number of cultivators participating, many cultivator families and sects saw this as an opportunity to showcase their talent and gain recognition, which would attract more talented cultivators to join them.
While the entire nation was preparing for the tournament. One corner of the Royal Palace is experiencing a different type of turmoil.
The courtyard assigned to Concubine Lan is called "The Garden of Lilies." It was a large, spacious courtyard with a lush garden filled with a variety of beautiful flowers, including lilies, which were her favorites. The garden was surrounded by a tall, white stone wall, and there was a small pond in the center with a fountain that sprayed water into the air. The courtyard was also lined with tall, green trees, providing shade and a serene atmosphere.
Concubine Lan was a beautiful woman with long, black hair that cascaded down her back. She had a gentle and kind face, but her eyes were full of worry and sadness. She was sitting in the garden with her daughter, Princess Ying, and her maids around them. They were all dressed in elegant, traditional maid attire.
Princess Ying was a beautiful young lady with long black hair that fell in loose waves around her shoulders. She has a delicate, oval-shaped face with high cheekbones, and her eyes are a bright and sparkling brown. She had a small, pert nose and full, red lips. Her skin was smooth and fair, and she had a lithe and slender figure.
Concubine Lan was unhappy after hearing the news that the Emperor was trying to marry their only daughter. She is worried that the princess might not be treated well.
One of the maids tried to persuade the concubine and the princess, saying that the princess would have to marry the suitor only if she liked him. In addition, the suitor for the princess will be the tournament champion, making him the most talented young cultivator in all of Yin.
Despite the maid's words, Concubine Lan was still dissatisfied. Even if the tournament champion was talented and handsome, she thought it was very selfish of the emperor to use their daughter to entice talents to join the royal family. Why did he have to pick Yinger when the emperor had so many other daughters? Did the emperor think she was a pushover?
Concubine Lan, in an upset mood, asked the maid, "Did the prime minister give any update about the elder in my family?"
Maid answered, "The Minister said that it seems the elder came across some trouble during his journey."
Concubine Lan harrumphed, "give me the whole detail. What have you found out?"
Maid shared everything she knew with Concubine Lan. "The elder was last seen in Ravenfall city, which was the Yang family's stronghold. The stronghold was attacked, and the attackers mentioned they were from some family called the Jedi family. The strongest cultivator from the attacker's side was a soul formation level cultivator. They said their young master was offended by the Yang family, so they were planning to destroy the Yang household. Seeing the strongest cultivator from the attacker's side was only at soul formation. The elder interfered and defeated them. After the attackers were defeated, they ran away, but before running away, they killed one of the cultivators the Yang family was protecting, and it turned out the cultivator they were protecting was actually on the instructions of the royal family. The elder chased the attackers to get to the bottom of it; after that, there was no news from the elder."
Concubine Lan asked, "Why did the royal family ask the Yang family to protect that cultivator, and who was targeting that cultivator?"
The maid hesitated and then replied, "That cultivator was from a vassal sect of the Sky Soaring Sect. The Sky Soaring Sect had found a medium-sized mine. That cultivator was going to give the location of that mine to the royal family in exchange for 30% of the spirit stones in the mine. So the Sky Soaring Sect wanted him dead. It is said that since the Yang family had offended the young master of the Jedi family, the Sky Soaring Sect partnered with the Jedi family and attacked that stronghold while the Jedi family cultivators were attacking the elders of the Yang family. The Sky Soaring Sect cultivators killed the traitor. But Sky Soaring Sect denied any participation in that event, but no one believes them."
Concubine Lan asked, "Does the emperor know this? Why is he not taking any action against the Sky Soaring Sect?"
Maid responded, "According to courtiers, the emperor has decided to strengthen the relationship with the Sky Soaring Sect since they have become a powerful sect that could challenge the Li family in the future. The emperor wants to use the Sky Soaring Sect to reduce the strength of the Lin family. He has officially sent an invitation to the Sect Master of the Sky Soaring Sect to become the royal guest for the upcoming royal tournament even though Sky Soaring Sect is not participating in the tournament."
Concubine Lan was furious, "So the elder of my family is missing, and the sect which caused this, instead of punishing them, the emperor is inviting them as a royal guest so he can strengthen the relationship with Sky Soaring Sect."
The maid hesitated again and nodded.
Concubine Lan Stood up furious, "I am Visiting empress mother immediately. Inform mother about my visit."
The mother of the Emperor was an old and wise woman. She had ruled the empire alongside her son for many years and was well respected by all. Her courtyard within the palace was grand and elegant, with lush gardens and sparkling fountains.
Concubine Lan decided to complain about this to her. Concubine Lan had entered the Royal Family and married the emperor because of her. Concubine Lan's family and the empress mother's family were very close as they were both originally from Shang country and married to Yin royal family to strengthen political relationships between the two countries.
Concubine Lan visited Empress Mother, bowing deeply before her. Princess Ying, beside her, greeted the Empress politely. Empress asked about their well-being, and Concubine Lan took the opportunity to express her concerns.
"Empress, I have heard rumors that the emperor plans to marry my daughter, Princess Ying, to whoever wins the tournament. I have a feeling the Emperor regards me as a pushover. Also, an elder of my family who was visiting the north is missing and probably dead as his soul flame in Ancestors Hall is extinguished. The culprit is the Sky Soaring Sect. But the Emperor, instead of punishing and questioning them, is inviting them as royal guests to the royal capital to witness the royal tournament. He wants to strengthen his relationship with the Sky Soaring Sect. I feel my family has no value in the eyes of the emperor."
The Empress Mother listened patiently, nodding along. She reassured Concubine Lan, "Do not worry, my dear. I know my son; once he makes up his mind, it is difficult to change his decision. But that sect will answer for its actions. Once they are in the capital, It will be easy to punish them. If they come to the capital, I will make sure they answer for their deeds, and they will leave the capital in shame. You have my word."
Concubine Lan felt relieved and grateful to the empress. She knew that the empress had always doted on her and would do whatever it took to fulfill her wishes. She thanked the Empress and left the courtyard with a calm mind.
