More than a hundred individuals went out, and among the returning alchemists, only Su Qi collected the spiritual herbs and medicinal materials for the Heavenly Soul Shou Pill.
It was evident that Su Qi instantly distinguished himself.
Su Qi approached the alchemy furnace prepared by Elder Liu and began to focus on the medicine refining process.
Meanwhile, Zhu Yan hurriedly walked to Murong Shaofeng's side and whispered to him.
"Your Highness, King Yu arrived earlier than expected. He is already in Haoyue Country and is present at the arena today. The people from King's Landing Heaven have also appeared there. It seems they have some plans."
A shadow crossed Murong Shaofeng's gentle and jade-like face. King Yu had indeed arrived sooner than anticipated.
"For now, let's not worry about King Yu. Pay attention to the individuals in the sky and ensure Momo's safety."
"Yes, Your Highness," Zhu Yan quietly retreated.
At the same time, on Mu Yunxuan's side, Qing Feng and Jinghuai also approached him.
They whispered into Mu Yunxuan's ear.
Upon hearing this, a flicker of anger flashed in Mu Yunxuan's deep black eyes.
"Immediately find out if anyone from Jun Landing Heaven appeared by Madame's side today."
"Yes." Qing Feng and Jing Huai also quickly withdrew.
"You suspect someone from King's Landing Heaven is involved," Su Zimo sent a secret message to Mu Yunxuan.
"The individual from King's Landing has been active today. He must have known about your plans and might appear at the arena today," Mu Yunxuan replied. He couldn't be certain about the rest, but Jun Lantian had already left the Three Kings Mansion.
"It's alright. Even if she knows I did it, she won't find any evidence. Haoyuehuang has always relied on evidence, and he won't gain any advantages," Su Zimo was confident about this.
"Don't worry, I'll protect you," Mu Yunxuan's eyes showed determination. Every time he promised to protect her, she still ended up getting hurt. Looking at her lost and beautiful eyes, his heart ached. She was afraid of the dark, and now she couldn't see. How fearful must she be in her heart?
Murong Shaofeng turned his head and looked at Su Zimo, who was sitting calmly.
Suddenly, Murong Shaofeng noticed a strange expression on Su Zimo's face. In her intelligent and confident eyes, the color seemed to fade in an instant, and her gaze became unfocused.
"Momo, what's wrong?" Murong Shaofeng was right next to He Yunting, but there was a tea table between them, creating a slight distance.
"Shao Feng, don't be hasty," He Yunting quickly stopped him and sent him a secret message, informing him about Su Zimo's condition.
"What?" After listening, Murong Shaofeng's eyes widened in shock and pain. Could it be that Jun Lantian had already taken action?
Meanwhile, on the stage, Su Qi had already prepared the spiritual herbs and medicinal materials for the Heavenly Soul Shou Pill and started the process of pill refinement.
"Oak, keep a close eye. We can't let anyone harm Qi Er at such a critical moment."
Su Zimo couldn't see with her eyes, so she could only rely on her son. She felt reassured knowing that Su Qi went alone to find the elixir formula for the Heavenly Soul Shou Pill. It was important for Qi Er to understand that even though his parents were capable, he had to do things himself, and he was his best teacher on the path of growth.
"Don't worry, Mother," Su Li looked at his mother with a pained expression. His heart ached as well...
"Madame, you don't need to worry about anything. You have me, your husband," Mu Yunxuan reached out and held Su Zimo's hand. The cold touch made him furrow his brows. Despite the hot weather, her hand was icy cold, indicating the fear in her heart.
A warm feeling spread through Su Zimo's heart as she thought about Mu Yunxuan's recent changes. Her heart was filled with hope.
Perhaps it was better to let things be. If her heart drew closer to him, she would definitely not sever this connection.
"Thank you, Mu Yunxuan. Although there are a thousand words, a simple thank you is what I want to say the most. I understand one truth in my heart: in this world, the last thing that accompanies us is not cold wealth or supreme power, but the person who cares for and loves us."
Mu Yunxuan's eyes darkened, and he softly replied, "Why say thank you between you and me? I've already said it: we are husband and wife."
Mu Yunxuan wanted her to understand this, but he felt that she was avoiding it. What would it take to break through the defensive layer in her heart?
Suddenly, a pure fragrance filled the air.
Everyone's attention turned to Su Qi on the stage.
"Alright, the god-level three-pin pill is refined," Su Qi wiped the sweat from her face.
The audience was stunned.
Everyone stared at Su Qi dumbfounded. A five-year-old child had just made such an accomplishment, leaving them thunderstruck. Some people even dreamt of taking Su Qi home with them and raising her.
It was refined so quickly, and the speed was astonishing!
Ji Yu stepped forward, looking at Su Qi in surprise and shock. Even if he changed the refining furnace, he wouldn't be able to refine a god-level three-pin pill, let alone a god-level three-grade Heavenly Soul Shou Pill.
In the market, such an elixir was as rare as finding ten thousand gold coins. It was a highly sought-after medicine. The aura of Bright Moon Villa was growing stronger, and in the near future, it would undoubtedly surpass their Zhenguo Mansion.
The queen furrowed her brows. It had been several years since the coveted first place among alchemists fell to the Mu family. With Mu Yunhan not participating this year, Yu'er was supposed to secure the first place and bring glory to the Ji family. Furthermore, it would make the emperor rely more on their Ji family. But now, Su Qi had stolen the limelight.
Ji Rui stared at Su Qi with intense jealousy. When she saw Mu Yunxuan holding Su Zimo's hand earlier, her malicious eyes seemed as if she wanted to sever Su Zimo's hand.
Elder Liu presented a god-level third-grade Heavenly Soul Shou Pill and suddenly widened his eyes. His expression changed dramatically, and he struggled to steady his trembling hands. "It's truly a god-level third-grade Heavenly Soul Shou Pill." Elder Liu walked excitedly to Haoyue Emperor, holding the pill.
"My Emperor, please have a look. This is the god-level three-grade Heavenly Soul Shoudan."
"Hmm!" Haoyue Emperor was ecstatic. With a slightly trembling hand, he accepted the Heavenly Soul Shou Pill from Elder Liu.
An enchanting fragrance immediately filled the air.
Even the envious queen couldn't help but look at the Heavenly Soul Shoudan.
"Grandpa Huang, Qi'er should present the Heavenly Soul Shou Pill to Grandpa Huang. I wish Grandpa Huang a long life."
Su Qi's sweet words were like honey.
Her words coincided with Haoyue Emperor's desires.
"Qi'er, Grandpa Huang thanks you," he said. Wasn't he waiting all this time for such a Heavenly Soul Shou Pill?
Envy filled the eyes of everyone as they watched Haoyue Emperor consume the elixir.
Some people even salivate and pursue them eagerly.
"Hmm! It's mouthwatering, and the aroma fills the entire mouth and teeth. Qi'er, you truly are a prodigy in the world of alchemy," Haoyue Emperor looked at Su Qi with an appreciative smile. Yes, Haoyue Kingdom needs such talent.
"Zhenguo Duke." When Haoyue Emperor faced Zhenguo Duke, his expression turned stern.
"Emperor, the old minister is here," Zhenguo Duke staggered forward, concealing the unwillingness in his eyes. Unexpectedly, he had underestimated Bright Moon Villa in today's events.
"Now, do you still doubt Su Qi's strength? Su Qi has the ability to serve as the appraiser of the Dange!"
"Regarding Emperor Wu, the old minister never doubted the second prince's strength. With the second prince's cultivation, he is more than qualified to be the appraiser. It is more than enough," Ji Yaotian flattered, even though he had doubts in his heart. His eyes, however, couldn't hide from the gaze of the tens of thousands of people present. Su Qi had gained fame today.
"Good! Since he no longer doubts it, then I can rest assured," Haoyue Emperor nodded in satisfaction.
"Qi'er, you are intelligent and talented. You stand out among over a hundred alchemists. You are more than capable of being an appraiser in the Dange. I hope that when you join the Dange, you can spread the knowledge of alchemy, help the alchemists in the Dange improve their cultivation, benefit the warriors of Haoyue Country in defending the homeland, and refine better elixirs to treat the people of our country."
"Yes, Your Majesty. Your Majesty's concern for the people's well-being is deeply appreciated. I will definitely fulfill my mission," Su Qi replied respectfully, while breathing a sigh of relief in her heart. Finally, her strength was recognized. Su Qi would become a renowned prodigy in the future, and the thought of it brought joy to her heart.
At this moment, everyone was completely convinced, except for the faction led by Zhenguo Duke, who could only look at Su Qi with hatred.
"Good! With the Alchemy Competition concluded, this year's competition has been the most delightful. Haoyue Emperor nodded with satisfaction. Su Qi is Xuan'er's child and also his own. He felt relieved. Haoyue Emperor still had some concerns in his heart. Allowing Ji Yu to take first place would have been better, but letting Su Qi take first place instead was also acceptable. The power of the Ji family was intertwined, supporting the prince. He was pleased with that. However, the Ji family was too cunning, constantly striving to win people's hearts. After conducting his investigations, he couldn't help but feel uneasy. He needed to maintain control of the current situation.
Ji Yu stared coldly at Su Qi's back, his malicious gaze seeming to pierce through her.
Helan Min stomped her foot, still filled with unwillingness.
Lan Jie looked at Su Qi with distant eyes, his thoughts inscrutable.
"Look, Yunfan, your Mu family has produced another prodigy. This Alchemy Competition has showcased their talents. Fortunately, your second brother made a wise decision this year and didn't participate in the competition. Otherwise, both uncle and nephew would have been at odds," someone remarked.
"Yes! Second brother's decision was truly wise," Mu Yunfan replied nonchalantly.
"But Ji Yu and Lan Jie seem to hate Qi'er!"
"Of course, without Qi'er, Ji Yu would have been in first place. Look at their embarrassment. They were probably tricked and now have nowhere to vent," another person chimed in.
"They made their bed and now have to lie in it. If it weren't for old man Ji questioning Qi'er's abilities, they wouldn't be in such a predicament," Mu Yunfan sneered.
"Well, this year's Alchemy Competition concludes here. I look forward to another successful event next year. It's time to return to the palace," Haoyue Emperor announced.
"Congratulations, Your Majesty!" The audience bowed and knelt.
"Return to your respective homes!"
Haoyue Emperor was in a good mood and had more to attend to.
"Thank you, Emperor!"
Qi Qi's voice resounded through the crowd.
Haoyue Emperor was about to signal for the return to the palace when Qi Lei suddenly appeared in front of him.
The queen quickly revealed a trace of fierceness and cast a gloomy gaze at Qi Lei, recognizing him as Jun Lintian's personal guard. She couldn't pretend not to know.
The prince remained calm and occasionally glanced at Su Zinian.
Qi Lei knelt down on the ground and respectfully said, "Your Majesty, our Wang Ye has been wronged."
Mu Yunxuan and Murong Shaofeng looked at Qi Lei, and Jun Lantian began to act.
"What's wrong?" Su Zimo asked calmly.
"It's Reviver, Jun Lintian's personal guard."
"It seems he is prepared," Su Zimo responded calmly.
"You may rise," Haoyue Emperor said, squinting his eyes slightly, his thoughts unclear.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Qi Lei was overjoyed in his heart. As long as the emperor was willing to give them a chance!
The people and ministers who had planned to leave now stayed to witness the spectacle involving Reviver.
"Where is Tian'er?"
"Father, your sons and daughters are here."
Jun Lintian, dressed in a black brocade robe with a golden thread outlining a python pattern, walked forward with a commanding presence.
Jun Lintian's face remained calm as he approached Haoyue Emperor and knelt down.
"Third Prince, weren't you confined by my orders? How dare you leave the Three Kings Mansion without permission?"
The queen was the first to question Jun Lintian.
Jun Lintian coldly glanced at the queen and replied, "If I hadn't left the mansion, how could I clear my name?"
"You... Your Majesty, the evidence against the Third Prince is conclusive. How can there be any innocence?" the queen retorted.
"Empress, you have violated the long-standing rule that the harem should not interfere in politics," Haoyue Emperor said with a gloomy expression.
The queen immediately fell silent, awaiting Jun Lintian's punishment.
The prince's eyes gleamed with coldness. Why should it come to this between brothers? He had already made many concessions. Why did the Third Prince force him to take action time and time again? In truth, as long as the people of Haoyue Country could live a good life, it didn't matter who became the emperor.
"Tell me why you claim to be wronged," Haoyue Emperor said casually, playing with a jade wrench in his hand.
"Father Emperor, Su Weichen did many things secretly to support the children without their knowledge. The father and emperor meticulously planned and arranged evidence of the children's innocence beforehand, using the children's relationship with Su Ziyun and leveraging Su Ziyun's involvement to frame them. The evidence was planted in the children's study where it would be easily discovered by the father and emperor. What does this mean, Father Emperor? It means that those who wished to harm the children had long desired to frame them.
Afterward, Jun Lantian glanced playfully at Su Zimo. He initially suspected that Su Zimo was involved, but he couldn't imagine it was truly her. The price of framing him must have been to secure the lives of her entire family.
Su Zimo felt a resentful gaze from Jun Lintian, realizing it was directed at her. She raised her head, her sightless eyes narrowing.
"Yun Xuan, lead me. You don't need to assist me physically, just guide me silently," Su Zimo sneered inwardly. Jun Lintian, you want the Su family to pay with their lives, but little do you know that I, Su Zimo, am not truly a member of the Su family. Behind the name 'Su Zimo,' I won't let you continue this injustice.
"Very well! I'll accompany you." Mu Yunxuan stood up and reached out to help Su Zimo, but suddenly hesitated, recalling something she said before.
Su Zinian and Su Qing exchanged glances, not understanding what Su Zimo intended to do.
"My Emperor, the Third Prince's words may not necessarily be true." Su Zimo's voice turned colder, her eyes revealing a grim determination.
Jun Lintian stared at Su Zimo's exquisite face, his mind filled with thoughts. Heaven had played a cruel joke on him, Jun Lintian. Su Zimo, you shouldn't have provoked me, Jun Lintian, in the first place.
"Oh! So, in your opinion, whatever King Ben says is the truth?" Jun Lintian sneered, looking at Su Zimo.
The drug's effect should be taking effect now. Su Zimo shouldn't be able to see anything at the moment.
"King Ben, don't blame me for being ruthless. King Ben can't have you, and no one else can have you. King Ben would rather destroy you than let you be with any other man."
Jun Lintian's mind twisted, firmly believing that Su Zimo had deceived him from the beginning.
"Wang Ye, are you suggesting that my father secretly engaged in shady dealings to support you? May I ask, can my father, as a man of integrity, collude with others in secret and conspire without your knowledge?"
"That's a question for your father. The evidence was all found by Qi Lei in Su Mansion. Father Emperor, please have a look."
Jun Lintian took out a folded book from his sleeve and presented it to Emperor Haoyue.
"Hmph! Adding more charges won't help! Su Zimo silently scolded Haoyue Emperor as an old fox in her heart. He clearly couldn't see Jun Lintian, yet he was willing to see him. It must be to find a reason to pardon Jun Lintian. He couldn't allow the power balance in the imperial court to remain disturbed for too long.
After examining it for a while, Haoyue Emperor gently closed the book. "Hmm! It seems that this matter is indeed peculiar. The grounding order will be lifted, but you will remain in the palace for contemplation. We will discuss the Su family's case later."
"Thank you, Father!" Jun Lintian's face lit up with joy, expressing his gratitude eagerly. As long as he could freely enter and exit the Three Kings Mansion, other matters would be easy to handle.
"As for the Su family case you mentioned, Su Weichen is already old and poses no threat to you. He will be banned from Su Mansion forever!"
"Thank you, Father!" Jun Lintian felt dissatisfied with this answer. Su Weichen, that old man, deserved to die. He was truly despicable, making Su Zimo despise him completely.
The queen gritted her teeth with hatred, but she couldn't say more. If she did, she would be the one to face punishment. With Yao Guifei still in the cold palace, she still had a chance.
"You young people can continue talking. I will return to the palace for now."
"Congratulations, Father Emperor!"
Watching Long Zhuo gradually leave, Jun Lintian looked at Su Zimo with a playful expression.
"Momo, are you disappointed?"
"It seems you know your father well." Su Zimo's voice grew colder. She now understood the game of Emperor Haoyue. With the upcoming celebration ceremony, the most outstanding figures in the Haoyue Imperial Kingdom were Jun Shaochen, Jun Lintian, and Jun Yuyang. However, Jun Yuyang disliked involving himself in imperial affairs and spent most of his time traveling.
The decision of Haoyue Emperor didn't require much thought.
"Yes, this opportunity presented itself conveniently, and King Ben's plan succeeded."
"I presume there won't be many such convenient opportunities in the future. It seems that even after experiencing that incident, Wang Ye hasn't learned his lesson. It doesn't matter whom Wang Ye messes with, but if you provoke me, Su Zimo, don't expect me to show any mercy."
Su Zimo said coldly, eagerly desiring to expose the old fox, Haoyue Emperor. Jun Lintian was more ambitious than the Ji family. By allowing the tiger to return to the mountain, he risked facing his own evil consequences.
"Momo, are you still angry at King Ben? It's not right for King Ben to keep you in the dark, but..."
"Jun Lintian, you overestimate yourself." Su Zimo quickly interrupted Jun Lintian's words.
"Yun Xuan, let's return first."
"Very well!" Mu Yunxuan looked at Jun Lintian coldly and secretly sent a message to him.
"If you were the one behind today's events, Honza will not spare you."
Jun Lintian smiled coldly and replied to Mu Yunxuan, "Mu Yunxuan, the closer you get to her, the higher the chance of her getting hurt."
"Hmph!" Mu Yunxuan coldly snorted and ignored Jun Lintian.
"Mother." Qi Er approached Su Zimo's side, disappointment evident on his face as he held the pill box.
"Very well! Let's go back and discuss it first." Su Zimo's expression remained calm.
Su Qi wondered why his mother wasn't happy despite winning first place. He looked at Jun Lintian, suspecting it had something to do with him. It seemed that he hadn't received enough punishment for his previous actions, as he dared to come out again and trouble his mother.
Thinking this way, Su Qi turned around and ran back, accidentally bumping into Jun Lintian before quickly chasing after Su Zimo.
Jun Lintian stared at Su Qi, confused about what he was doing. If he knew more about Su Qi, he would understand how it felt to be struck by him.
Observing Su Qi, Su Li realized that her mother's lack of joy was likely connected to Jun Lintian. She quickly sent a secret message to Su Qi.
"Qi'er, your mother is blind in both eyes. Does it have anything to do with Jun Lintian?"
When Su Qi heard this, his heart ached intensely. He realized the reason for his previous panic. His mother had experienced a mishap, and his small legs instantly froze in place.
"Mother." Su Qi followed Su Zimo with a sorrowful expression.
"Dad, please help Mother sit over there, and Qi Er will guide her."
"Alright! Madam, let Qi Er guide you first!" Mu Yunxuan felt anxious as well.
"No, I am invincible. This is just a temporary setback. Once the effect of the medicine wears off, my vision will naturally be restored."
Su Zimo decisively declined, unwilling to reveal her vulnerable side in front of so many people.