NOVEL NEXT Chapter 24: Arrival at the Imperial Palace
At dawn, Ron stood at the entrance of the Black Moon Sect, his golden eyes reflecting the morning light. The elders and disciples had gathered to bid him farewell. Despite their admiration, they all knew—Ron had outgrown this place.
The Sect Master handed Ron a letter of recommendation, his expression solemn.
"This will grant you entry into the imperial palace and higher-ranked sects," he said. "But be careful. The imperial family is powerful, and they do not take kindly to those who defy them."
Ron smirked. "I fear no one."
Liu Tian, standing beside the elders, clenched his fists. "Ron… next time we meet, I'll be stronger."
Ron gave him a slight nod before turning away. Without another word, he stepped forward, leaving the Black Moon Sect behind.
Entering the Imperial City
Ron traveled swiftly, his movement technique allowing him to cover vast distances in a short time.
By midday, he arrived at the Imperial City, the heart of the empire. Towering walls, golden rooftops, and bustling streets filled with cultivators and nobles—it was unlike anything he had seen before.
His beauty, enhanced by his Fairy Bloodline, drew the attention of countless women. Noble ladies blushed, and maidens whispered as he passed.
"Who is he?"
"He looks like a celestial being!"
"Look at those golden eyes…!"
Ron ignored the admiration and continued toward the Imperial Palace.
The Imperial Palace: A Silent Defiance
Upon reaching the palace gates, two Nascent Soul Realm guards blocked his path.
"Halt! State your purpose!" one of them demanded.
Ron simply handed them the Sect Master's letter.
Their expressions changed instantly. "A recommendation? Wait here."
One of them hurried inside. Moments later, a high-ranking eunuch arrived. His eyes scanned Ron, lingering on his handsome face and confident stance.
"You may enter," the eunuch said.
Ron walked through the massive golden gates, stepping onto the grand pathway leading to the royal court.
Inside the palace, numerous nobles, generals, and sect representatives had gathered. As Ron entered, all eyes turned to him.
Some scoffed.
"A mere Qi Refining Realm cultivator winning the Imperial Competition?"
"How dis the Black Moon Sect produced such a monster?"
Even the Emperor and Princess, seated on the grand throne, raised their brows.
Ron remained unfazed.
The eunuch stepped forward. "Bow before the Emperor!"
Ron stood still.
The hall fell silent.
A sharp pressure filled the air. Some guards gripped their weapons, and a few nobles narrowed their eyes.
The eunuch's voice turned sharp. "Kneel before His Majesty!"
Ron's golden eyes glowed slightly as he crossed his arms.
"I only bow before my parents and my wife—because no one has ever given me anything for free."
The entire court erupted in shock.
"INSOLENCE!" a minister shouted.
"How dare he speak such words?"
Even the Emperor's expression darkened.
But the Princess, sitting beside him, found herself intrigued. Her eyes gleamed with interest.
Ron remained unshaken.
The tension in the hall thickened.
Would the Emperor punish him?
—To Be Continued!
Ron's Progress:
• Cultivation: Qi Refining stage 5
• Swordmanship: Sword user Peak
Scales Unlocked: 7 scales
Techniques
• Heaven crushing slash
• Phantom Moon Slash
• Dragon Emperor's wrath