Chapter 456: The Emperor Status.
Chapter 456: Chapter 456: The Emperor Status.
Meanwhile, on the Dragon Throne, the Empress’s thoughts gradually calmed as she took a slow, deep breath and regained full control of her expression.
A graceful, elegant smile returned to Regent Empress Fen Ling’s face as she spoke, her voice melodic and filled with imperial dignity.
"Envoy Lan Suyao, Envoy Yue Lan, and Envoy Li Feng... on behalf of the Fen Dynasty, I welcome you to the imperial capital."
She rose slowly from the Dragon Throne, her crimson-and-gold robes flowing like flames.
The twin spectral dragons coiled elegantly around her as she descended a few steps, radiating both majesty and warmth.
"The journey from the Azure Moon Sect is long and arduous. Especially in these troubled times. I am grateful that your esteemed sect has sent such capable individuals to aid us in our time of need."
Her crimson eyes swept across the three envoys, lingering for a brief moment on Li Feng before she continued with formal courtesy.
"His Majesty the Emperor is currently indisposed due to a vile demonic plague. As Regent, I have taken temporary authority over state affairs. I hope you can lend us your strength and wisdom to resolve this crisis."
She gave a slight, graceful nod, a rare show of respect from the ruler of a dynasty.
"Please, make yourselves at home in the imperial palace. All resources and accommodations will be provided. If there is anything you require, do not hesitate to ask."
Lan Suyao bowed slightly in return.
"We thank Your Majesty for the warm welcome. The Azure Moon Sect takes the matter of the Emperor’s health very seriously. We will do everything in our power to assist."
Yue Lan also bowed gracefully, her snow-white hair along with the luxurious envoy robe making her look like a painting come to life.
Li Feng followed suit, maintaining his humble subordinate act while cupping his fists.
The Empress smiled faintly, though her sharp gaze never truly left Li Feng.
"Then let us move to a more comfortable setting. We have much to discuss regarding His Majesty’s condition... and the dark forces threatening our dynasty."
She gestured gracefully toward a side hall, inviting them to follow.
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Soon, the group walked along the winding stone path lined with ancient spiritual trees, blooming phoenix lotuses, and crystal-clear streams that reflected the afternoon sunlight.
Delicate spiritual mist drifted in the air, carrying a refreshing and nourishing fragrance.
Fen Ling walked at the front, her crimson-and-gold robes flowing elegantly with each step, while a few beautiful maidservants followed behind, carefully lifting the hem of her imperial robe.
Lan Suyao and Yue Lan walked beside each other, creating a striking contrast of beauty and power.
Li Feng continued acting as the humble subordinate, walking a step behind them while subtly admiring the garden.
’This place is really something... The spiritual energy here is incredibly dense, and these flowers are glowing with natural arrays. The Imperial family truly knows how to enjoy life,’ he thought, though his outward expression remained respectful.
But at that moment, Li Feng noticed Lan Suyao glance at him.
As if sensing her intention, he gave her a small nod.
Lan Suyao then looked forward and spoke calmly.
"Your Majesty, before we begin our discussion... may we first see His Majesty the Emperor? The Azure Moon Sect has provided several specialized methods and spiritual treasures for treating demonic plague. It would be best if we could examine his condition personally as soon as possible."
Fen Ling slowed her steps and turned slightly, her crimson eyes flickering with approval.
"Of course. That is the main reason I invited you here."
She changed direction smoothly, leading them toward the inner palace instead of the pavilion.
"His Majesty’s chambers are heavily guarded and sealed, only a very few are allowed inside. Even I have limited the number of people who can approach him. Come, follow me."
The group continued walking through the beautiful garden paths.
Then,
The Empress’s voice carried back to them, calm but carrying a trace of exhaustion.
"The strange plague is extremely vicious. It spreads through the meridians and devours vitality slowly."
"His Majesty has been unconscious for many days now... and black cracks have begun spreading across his body. The imperial physicians have only managed to slow its progress."
She glanced back at the group and gave a soft smile.
"I hope your group can bring us good news."
Lan Suyao replied confidently.
"We will do our best."
Li Feng remained silent on the surface, but inwardly he was already analyzing the situation.
He was impatient to find Fen Ziyan, but in order not to make it too obvious, he had to follow Lan Suyao’s plan.
Soon, they arrived in front of a grand, tightly sealed palace gate guarded by a row of armored soldiers.
The moment they saw the Empress, they immediately knelt down.
The Regent Empress Fen Ling ignored them as she stopped and turned to the group.
"This is as far as most people are allowed. Are you ready?"
Lan Suyao nodded without hesitation.
"We are."
The Empress nodded and waved her hand.
Crack...
Crack...
The heavy golden doors slowly opened with a low rumble, revealing the Emperor’s inner chambers.
But the moment they stepped inside, a thick, oppressive aura hit them.
The scent of strong medicinal herbs mixed with... a faint but sinister demonic energy.
The grand dragon bed lay in the center of the room, surrounded by glowing protective arrays.
On the bed lay the Emperor of the Fen Dynasty.
His once majestic face was now deathly pale.
Black, vein-like cracks spread across his exposed skin like spiderwebs, slowly pulsing as if something alive was crawling beneath.
His breathing was shallow and labored, and his vitality was clearly fading.
Fen Ling’s expression turned somber as she stood beside the bed.
"This is the current state of His Majesty. The plague has already reached his core meridians. We have found that the one inside him is even stranger and fiercer than the version spreading across the dynasty."
"And the physicians say that without a proper countermeasure... he has less than a month left."