"Generally, the horde must be immediately cleared after a trial to prevent the birth of a Corpse King that the New Human Alliance could take away. This time, however, West Ke Maldo didn't do that, and Baruda defected. Thus, the Empire judged him to have colluded with foreign races," Bronsen explained further.
Lu Yin nodded without asking more questions.
The Maldo family was once a subordinate of the Zishan family, but now, having just arrived in the imperial capital and barely established himself, Lu Yin couldn't help West Ke Maldo. He could only hope for the best for him.
Lu Yin thought of Yin, certain that he was a member of the New Human Alliance. Was he a Corpse King? It didn't seem like it!
Yin had left at the Gama System space station. Connecting this with Baruda's defection, it seemed related.
Lu Yin stopped pondering. Knowing the truth wouldn't help; he couldn't speak out. West Ke Maldo was charged with treason without a chance to explain. Whether this was related to the Zishan family, Lu Yin couldn't be sure.
This wasn't like Lars' probing on the spaceship; this was a killing intent, one that even an Explorer couldn't avoid.
Looking at the scenery of Zhenyu Star, the vehicle flew for two hours before finally reaching the majestic Great Yu Imperial Palace.
Towering buildings pierced the sky—this was the Great Yu Imperial Palace, the power center of the entire Great Yu Empire. Its imposing presence was awe-inspiring even from a distance.
Xu San's lips trembled with fear as he looked into the distance. To him, the Great Yu Imperial Palace seemed like a monstrous beast swallowing the sky.
"The Great Yu Imperial Palace has thirteen gates, guarded by the Thirteen Teams of the Imperial Court. The main gate is called the Grand Star Gate, corresponding to the First Team. Your Highness, His Majesty has ordered me to bring you through the Grand Star Gate," Bronsen said respectfully.
Lu Yin nodded silently, disembarking from the vehicle. He looked up; the palace towered into the clouds, its visible star energy fluctuations instilling awe.
Xu San was left behind. Given his status, he wasn't qualified to enter; getting this close was only due to Lu Yin's influence.
The Great Yu Imperial Palace was vast. It took twenty minutes to walk from the Grand Star Gate to the magnificent Great Yu Imperial Court.
Along the way, Lu Yin saw the unique cultural heritage of the Great Yu Empire. Carved beams and painted buildings depicted countless stories. Inside the palace, technology was scarce. The deeper they went, the more ancient it seemed. Upon seeing the court, Lu Yin almost felt like he had traveled through time to ancient eras.
Bronsen bowed to the court and gestured for Lu Yin to proceed alone.
Lu Yin took a deep breath, feeling the immense star energy fluctuations around him. He approached the court step by step, finally stopping outside.
*Cough, cough.*
Wudi Yushan coughed twice, looked up towards the entrance, and smiled. "Come in."
All the ministers stood solemnly. Only the captains of the Thirteen Teams of the Imperial Court turned their curious gazes toward the entrance.
Lu Yin stepped into the court. As he did, the world changed dramatically. An inexplicable pressure descended, turning everything he saw into shades of gray. The ground subtly trembled, his hearing vanished instantly, and his vision blurred. This was the pressure from a formidable force.
The air twisted like threads connecting heaven and earth.
Lu Yin's internal organs began to ache, his vision blurred, and his star energy was suppressed, unable to move.
The ministers slowly turned their heads towards the entrance, their gazes varied—solemn, mocking, aloof. An indigenous person had suddenly become the King of Zishan, superior to countless others. This was unacceptable to many. The pressure didn't come from one person but from everyone, a rejection born from dissatisfaction, intending to expel Lu Yin from the court.
Lu Yin felt dizzy, his fingers trembled, and Wudi Yushan's figure ahead gradually faded. He could barely endure it.
With a determined shout, Lu Yin bit his tongue, tore open his palm with his fingers, letting the blood drip down. The pain cleared his mind. He took another step, fully entering the court.
Suddenly, the pressure receded like a tide.
Everyone was surprised. An Explorer could endure this pressure—quite impressive.
At the forefront, Crown Prince Doran Yushan smiled, while the second prince pursed his lips.
Among the captains of the Thirteen Teams, a bald, blind man nodded slightly.
At the top, Wudi Yushan laughed heartily, "Come closer."
Lu Yin exhaled, looked up, met Wudi Yushan's gaze solemnly, and walked forward, passing the ministers and the captains of the Thirteen Teams. Finally, he stopped in front of the Crown Prince and the second prince. "Lu Yin greets Your Majesty."
Wudi Yushan smiled, about to speak, but coughed again and quickly drank some water. "Call me Royal Uncle."
Lu Yin bowed, "Royal Uncle."
Wudi Yushan nodded, "You've suffered all these years outside."
Lu Yin respectfully replied, "Thank you for your concern, Royal Uncle."
"Brother, Father has always been concerned about the Zishan family. Where have you been all these years? Why was there no news? And who gave you the name Lu Yin?" Crown Prince Doran Yushan asked.
Everyone looked at Lu Yin. Since his Zishan family lineage was confirmed, the Great Yu Empire had investigated him but found nothing, which was very curious. The Great Yu Empire was a top power in the Canglan Territory, yet they couldn't trace his background, making Lu Yin a mystery.
Lu Yin had prepared his answer long ago. "To be honest, I lost my memory. I only remember this name. If you don't believe me, you can probe my brain. I speak the truth."
Doran Yushan quickly waved his hand, smiling, "No need, brother. It's unnecessary. Your identity as a descendant of the Zishan family is confirmed. Regardless of what happened, the Great Yu Empire will be your strongest support."
"The Crown Prince is right. Xiao Yin, stay in the Empire from now on. Take over the Zishan title and revive the Zishan lineage," Wudi Yushan said loudly.
Lu Yin quickly agreed.
"Father, is Brother Lu Yin's residence arranged? If not, I'm willing to make arrangements," the second prince, Duke Yushan, spoke for the first time.
Wudi Yushan smiled, "No need. Xiao Yin's residence doesn't require anyone's arrangement. The Zishan Palace is his home."
Everyone was shocked. "Your Majesty, this cannot be. The Zishan Palace holds a prestigious position in the imperial capital. It represents the honor of our past greats and the achievements of the late Zishan King. Even if it's to be returned to the Zishan King, it should wait until he grows."
"Yes, Your Majesty, please reconsider."
"Your Majesty, please reconsider."
...
Lu Yin found it strange. It was just a residence; why were they making such a fuss? Were they out of their minds?
With a bang, Wudi Yushan became furious, "I've spoken. Do you want me to go back on my word? I'm not dead yet; you don't get to decide for me."
The ministers turned pale, "Please forgive us, Your Majesty."
The Crown Prince and the second prince also bowed.
Lu Yin glanced around and noticed that only a few uniquely dressed individuals remained unmoved. Huh? Was that a loli?
He had noticed these uniquely dressed individuals when he first entered the court. There were seven in total. One was two meters tall and entirely black, one had fiery red hair with a stern face, one emanated a cold aura that kept others away, one was a bald dwarf blind man, one wore a white coat like a scientist, one was excessively handsome and gentle-looking, and one was a petite loli. These seven distinctive individuals stood very close to the front, second only to the Crown Prince and the second prince.
Lu Yin guessed these people were likely the captains of the Thirteen Teams of the Imperial Court, quite a unique bunch.
"What are you looking at? Never seen a beauty before?" The petite loli glared at Lu Yin.
Lu Yin rolled his eyes and turned away. These characters were hard to ignore, especially the bald dwarf blind man, whose intimidating presence was second only to Shi Wuzhang.
The petite loli puffed up her chest and proudly lifted her head when she saw Lu Yin turn away.
"Alright, court is adjourned. I'm tired. Crown Prince, second prince, and Xiao Yin, stay," Wudi Yushan said wearily, waving his hand.
The ministers slowly left.
The petite loli glared at Lu Yin before leaving.
Lu Yin ignored her. Just a little girl, she's a captain?
Wudi Yushan took Lu Yin and the two princes to the garden. The air in the imperial garden was fresh, and the plants were ones Lu Yin had never seen before. Fortunately, he had spent time in the universe, so he wasn't too surprised.
Perhaps because of his age, Wudi Yushan nostalgically reminisced as he led Lu Yin through the garden, sharing past stories. Lu Yin felt helpless. He wasn't really a Zishan family member and had no interest in these old tales, but Wudi Yushan was fixated on him. Even Doran Yushan and Duke Yushan couldn't escape, forced to listen for three hours.