Suddenly, loud commotion arose from outside. Firelight lit up the sky as a dense mass of footsteps rushed towards the small building where Ye Yunfei was staying.
Clearly, the fighting here had finally alarmed the people within the Third Prince's Mansion.
Ye Yunfei flicked his finger, sending a wisp of dan flame flying out. It landed on the corpses.
Instantly, the violent dan flame ignited, quickly incinerating all the corpses and the bloodstains on the floor of the room.
“Master Ye Yunfei, what happened here?”
The Third Prince's voice rang out.
Ye Yunfei walked out of the small building. He saw the Third Prince leading a large group of men, holding torches, standing outside. The area was illuminated as bright as day.
“It's nothing.
I was cultivating just now, perhaps the commotion was a bit too loud.”
Ye Yunfei smiled.
He did not wish to involve the Third Prince.
“So that's it.
It's good that nothing is wrong.
I rushed here immediately after my servants reported.”
The Third Prince sighed in relief.
“Thank you, Third Prince.”
Ye Yunfei said.
“Alright, since there is no trouble, I won't disturb you further.
His Majesty will summon us tomorrow. Master Ye Yunfei, please rest early.”
The Third Prince said, then led his men away.
The next day.
As expected, Eunuch Ouyang arrived at the Third Prince's Mansion carrying an imperial decree, summoning the Third Prince and Ye Yunfei to the palace.
“Haha, it seems His Majesty's heart is already beginning to recognize me!”
The Third Prince was overjoyed and immediately took Ye Yunfei to the palace for an audience.
Inside the palace, in the Jinluan Hall.
The entire great hall was golden and resplendent.
White jade paved the floor, gold formed the walls, and whole chunks of rubies and sapphires were carved into statues of majestic beasts.
Above the palace stood a golden imperial throne. The Emperor sat upon it, composed and majestic.
“Your humble son pays his respects to Father!”
Upon entering the great hall, the Third Prince immediately stepped forward to pay homage.
“I pay my respects to Your Majesty.”
Ye Yunfei also gave a salute.
“Well now, Master Ye Yunfei. So young, yet already a Fourth-Grade Alchemist. Truly admirable.”
The Emperor's gaze turned to Ye Yunfei, lacking his usual imposing and imperious demeanor, instead displaying an amiable countenance.
It must be known that in a small nation like the Great Qin Empire, even an Emperor would treat a Fourth-Grade Alchemist with courtesy.
“Your Majesty flatters me.”
Ye Yunfei replied with neither arrogance nor humility.
Facing this Emperor, Ye Yunfei appeared extremely calm. Having once been a Heavenly Emperor, how could he, Ye Yunfei, possibly have any regard for a mere mortal emperor?
Seeing Ye Yunfei's grace, the Emperor grew even more appreciative.
“Master Ye Yunfei, prior to the Alchemy Competition, I personally promised that the one who won first place would be granted the title of National Scholar.
Now, I shall fulfill this promise.
From this moment on, Master Ye Yunfei, you are a National Scholar of our Great Qin Empire!”
The Emperor declared.
Then.
Eunuch Ouyang approached Ye Yunfei with a tray. On the tray lay a golden token.
“This is the identity token of a National Scholar. Please accept it, Master Ye Yunfei.”
Eunuch Ouyang said respectfully.
Ye Yunfei reached out and picked up the token.
The words “National Scholar” were engraved upon it.
“Master Ye Yunfei, a National Scholar represents the honor of our Great Qin Empire. You may enjoy the patronage of our imperial family. Furthermore, all generals and ministers of the Great Qin Empire must pay homage upon seeing a National Scholar.”
The Emperor said.
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Ye Yunfei said verbally, yet showed no sign of excitement whatsoever.
Seeing Ye Yunfei's composure, the Emperor couldn't help but marvel inwardly.
The impression Ye Yunfei gave him was of serene calmness and indifference, an exceedingly difficult demeanor to read.
“Master Ye Yunfei, summoning you to the palace this time is not only to confer the title of National Scholar. There is also another matter I wish to request.
That is, my mother, half a year ago, was suddenly struck by a strange illness and has been bedridden ever since.
I have consulted numerous physicians and alchemists to treat my mother, yet there has been no improvement.
Originally, I intended to request Master Chen Xuan and Master Huangfu Sheng to personally intervene and treat my mother.
However, over these years, Master Chen Xuan has been traveling far and wide. Despite exhausting all methods, I could not contact him.
As for Master Huangfu Sheng, he remains in seclusion, refusing to emerge. I personally went to request Master Huangfu Sheng's help, but to no avail.
Thus, in desperation, I held this Alchemy Competition, hoping to find a high-level alchemist to help treat my mother.”
The Emperor slowly began to speak.
“Who would have thought this Alchemy Competition would bring forth a Master Ye Yunfei? What a pleasant surprise for me!
Master Ye Yunfei, I must implore you to treat my mother.
I will certainly reward you handsomely!”
The Emperor looked at Ye Yunfei with an expectant gaze.
“No problem.
Before coming, the Third Prince had already informed me of this matter. I have agreed to his request.”
Ye Yunfei nodded.
“Haha, Guang'er, you have done very well.
You have performed a great service by identifying Master Ye Yunfei this time!”
The Emperor's gaze turned to the Third Prince, filled with approval.
“Replying to Father, this is what your child should do!
Ever since grandmother fell ill, I have been restless, leaving the imperial capital to search everywhere for physicians and alchemists. Thankfully, heaven has eyes, allowing me to finally find Master Ye Yunfei.”
Receiving the Emperor's praise, the Third Prince was overjoyed. He immediately knelt on one knee and responded clearly.
“Mm, Guang'er, it is rare to have such filial piety.
Very good.
Rest assured, your Father will not neglect you.
Now, please rise.”
The Emperor said.
“Thank you, Father!”
Hearing the Emperor's words, the Third Prince trembled slightly all over with excitement.
He understood the Emperor's words implied a certain promise.
“Master Ye Yunfei, may I ask if it would be convenient to treat my mother now?”
The Emperor looked at Ye Yunfei and inquired.
“No problem.”
Ye Yunfei nodded.
“That is wonderful!
Master Ye Yunfei, please come this way!”
The Emperor stood up excitedly and made a gesture of invitation.
However.
Just at this moment.
Suddenly.
“The Eldest Prince seeks an audience with His Majesty!”
“Master Chen Xuan, accompanied by his disciple Tang Feng, seeks an audience with His Majesty!”
Two loud announcements in succession rang out from beyond the Jinluan Hall.
“What?!
Master Chen Xuan has returned!
Quickly, admit them!”
Hearing this, the Emperor was shocked and overjoyed.
Ye Yunfei couldn't help but frown lightly.
The Third Prince's expression also changed.
Soon.
A green-robed elder with three strands of long beard hanging from his chest strode in with his head held high.
Tang Feng, following closely behind the green-robed elder, also entered.
This green-robed elder was Master Chen Xuan, renowned throughout the Great Qin Empire for many years.
The Eldest Prince also walked in.
Tang Feng's gaze swept towards Ye Yunfei, curling into a cold smile.
The Eldest Prince's gaze fell upon Ye Yunfei, killing intent flashing within his eyes.
“Haha, Master Chen Xuan, you have been traveling abroad for five years. I truly missed you.
You have finally returned!”
Seeing Chen Xuan, the Emperor was extremely enthusiastic.
“It troubles Your Majesty to remember this one.”
Chen Xuan gave a salute.
Then, Chen Xuan’s gaze finally turned to look at Ye Yunfei.
“If I am not mistaken, you must be Ye Yunfei, the champion of this Alchemy Competition.”
Chen Xuan stared at Ye Yunfei and inquired.