Yin Wei and I proceed in a more formal setting. As a show of their trust in me, Yin Wei had no bodyguards with him or even his reliable prime minister. I realize he trusts me that much.
The prime minister and the princess are leading Lu Gao to the Royal Archives while I and the King busy ourselves with the state of affairs of his nation.
At first, I was thinking of suggesting for my sect receive official recognition from the palace, but with my connection with the king, I think I can be bolder and strive for more.
"Biron King Yin Wei. Announce my sect as your kingdom's sect state." I say to him in an uncompromising manner.
A person might think that the government of the cultivation world is the same as those of China, however, they are gravely wrong. There might be some things that reflect them, but that is not everything to the government of a cultivation world. Not just Biron but everyone. This is an irrefutable truth.
It is because of the existence of cultivators.
There has been a pact between the mortal and cultivation world for each of them not to interfere with the other. That includes the relationship between cultivators and the government. However, this is where the idea starts to go gray.
As soldiers and government officials would also need 'strength' so that they can enforce the government and the king's will. Thus, gaining cultivation for them is a tool. How do they get this cultivation? It is not certain from the king or anyone from the royal bloodline.
It was from other sects. Through this loophole, the sects in the Biron Kingdom have some clout in the government which invites corruption. Yin Wei tries to remedy the situation by distancing officials with blood relatives from the sect's headquarters. But that doesn't stop those who don't have blood relatives yet receives 'gifts' from such sects.
Yin Wei's plan is getting more heavily handed lately. The hardest plan he was able to gain success is the recent banning of public recruitment for disciples. While it has long-lasting advantages that hinder the growth of the sects in his nation, it also gives the sect cultivators a life-long resentment.
The King's Challenge, a so-called festival is just Yin Wei's method of checking up on the sects under his rule.
Yin Wei rubs his chin thinking of what is the best action. The reason his kingdom has all come to this is its poor relationship with the sects. If he does have a powerful sect backing him up, all of this hubbub will immediately quiet down.
But…
"Mentor, I should agree… And I wish I could… But if your sect does become my kingdom's backing sect, the Templars' attention would not be just on you anymore. I will be honest. The Templars have sent me a missive of their desire to attack your sect. If the two of us become involved, I risk war to occur on my kingdom."
"…"
That silences me quickly.
I didn't realize I might actually be this deep in trouble. I have the Bones Devouring Sect to worry about from the inside, and some Templars from the outside.
My players would surely grow in challenges, but I have to know if they will be able to withstand them or not. My players are barely past the 1st stage of cultivation and the standards of the Bones Devouring Sect are already beyond this kingdom's average. And from what I gather, the Templars' standard is above the average of any demonic sect.
I find these Templars very curious as it seems, old Fu Shi has no memories of them.
"Yin Wei, in the King's challenge, make an additional reward… Anyone who you deem worthy against you will become the kingdom's 'independent' sect state. I meant by independent so that the victorious sect won't have any ruling power."
"No way! Are you planning to get the rights for the sect state through this? It is possible! This way, it will be justifiable for me to disregard the Templars' missive with suffering fewer consequences."
"No, Yin Wei… I plan for another sect to receive these rights. I will send a disciple and rush him to the 4th stage at the very least."
Yin Wei feels that something wrong is going on, and it hits him.
"Mentor, don't you think it will be difficult for me to find that worthy person? Though it will be easy to rig the game, it will be difficult to be convincing for those who are watching… Moreover, what if people realize this disciple of yours has a connection with you? Rumors travel fast, and even the Templars would learn of this!"
Yin Wei has a point, so I calmly explain it to him.
"It isn't forbidden to feed pills to competitors. I have something that can double people's cultivation. It only works for cultivators who are in the Four Earthly Attributes, the 1st to 4th stages… This way, your battle with him will be grand, and have just the perfect atmosphere to convince everyone who watches… Moreover, my disciple does really have a connection to this sect. Have you heard of the Flowing Blade Sect?"
"No, I haven't heard of their renown, but I have memorized the sects' name in my kingdom and I do remember there is a Flowing Blade Sect. This is perfect!"
I look away from Yin Wei. I see this evil vibe from him. Looks like he already has a scheme in his mind. And I am certain, it will be evil.
As we stroll by the garden, Yin Wei introduces me to his wife. It has been a long time since old Fu Shi meets Yin Wei, the once-royal prince. So I am certain it will be my first time meeting this Yin Hua.
But Yin Hua's expression betrays my thoughts. She lowers her head and reverently addresses me. "Greetings to the Game Master who challenged Heaven on his whims!"
Even Yin Wei is clueless about what his wife is up to just by judging his expression. I turn to Yin Wei as I trust him more than this Yin Hua.
"Sorry, mentor… But I don't know… Yin Hua, what are you doing?"
Yin Wei turns to Yin Hua only for her to scold him harshly.
"Do you not recognize this great personage? This is Fu Shi, the Game Master! He is the only cultivator ever existed to ascend Heaven by brute force, and then return to Earth alive!? He is literally the only existence in this realm who knows what Heaven is like! Or what secrets does Heaven possess?"
"What!? He is Fu Shi!?"
'What? I know the secrets of Heaven?' I also want to scream but I resist the urge.
Judging by Yin Wei's reaction, it seems that he doesn't know my name which is funny as he calls me his mentor. Maybe the reason he addresses me like that is that he doesn't know my name.
Now, a new problem presents itself to me— I am famous. This is quite obvious from Yin Hua's fanatic gaze. How is this a problem? It means that the more people recognize me, the easier it is for Heaven to find me. Yin Hua only needs one glance, and she immediately realizes that I am Fu Shi!
At this point, I elevate Heaven on my list of hostiles that I must greatly avoid. Heaven is now a level above the original Fu Shi. I still have beef with that old bastard. Through and through, I have my misgivings that need concluding which the old Fu Shi is the only person who can remedy it. But now, I must be more careful of Heaven.
The next time I will go for a stroll, I will definitely wear disguises.
"Greetings to Queen Yin Hua…"
"Greetings, Immortal!"
Yin Hua is definitely a beauty. She has white hair, jade skin, and the features of a beautiful woman. In my eyes, it is pretty average for beautiful women. I was overly simplifying it, but Yin Wei hits the jackpot when it comes to a beautiful wife.
"Can I touch you?" Yin Hua suddenly asks.
Come on! Your husband is watching! What kind of request is that!? My lips twitch but I try to hide it.
"Let's settle for a handshake." I opt to settle it like a normal person. She looks like a fan to me, and that is just perfect!
Our palms touch, and too suddenly I feel a torrent of qi invade me. I use my Telepathy to circulate some quintessence in my body. I smile, not letting out my initial surprise at the ambush.
As revenge, I use my Telepathy on the vile pretending woman and read her thoughts, so that I will know how I should slap her face in the most smacking way.
'Oh, my heavens! He is incredible! He must really be Fu Shi! I thought he is a fake, but it is really my idol. His mortal disguise is so perfect. What is this mysterious energy? I'd ask him for an autograph later. I should blow my husband later and maybe he'd help me convince him to have the Game Master a painting with me.'
Ok, I wish I didn't hear that…