When the Immortal Yushan finally finished reminiscing, Lu Yin's legs were weak from standing.
"Tired, aren't you? I'm sorry, but old age makes one nostalgic," the Immortal Yushan said, shaking his head and smiling. He pushed some snacks toward Lu Yin. "Try these. They were the Immortal Purple Mountain's favorite."
Lu Yin nodded and took a bite. They tasted pretty good.
Just as the Immortal Yushan was about to speak again, he glanced at Doran Yushan and Duke Yushan. "You two are still here? Go back. I want to talk with Xiao Yin alone."
Lu Yin almost spat out his snack. They had been listening for three hours, yet the Immortal Yushan hadn't really noticed them.
Doran Yushan and Duke Yushan seemed used to this. They respectfully bowed and left.
"The Great Yu Empire has too many troubles. Only here can I find some peace. I remember when the Immortal Purple Mountain and I roamed the universe together; who didn't know of the Immortal Duo? But, alas, he left before me. I've lingered on for hundreds of years. I thought I would never see another descendant of the Purple Mountain Clan, but the heavens were kind and brought you to me. Xiao Yin, I'm very gratified to see you before I die," the Immortal Yushan sighed again.
Lu Yin could only play along. "Your Majesty's strength surpasses the universe. Living another ten thousand years wouldn't be a problem. You're not going to die so easily."
"Haha, I know my own body. You don't need to comfort me," the Immortal Yushan said, shaking his head with a helpless smile. He looked at Lu Yin. "I've watched your trials on Earth. You did very well. Beating Night King, even a newly awakened one, is no easy feat. Few in your realm can match you. You remind me of the Immortal Purple Mountain in his youth."
Lu Yin felt a bit ashamed. "Qing Yu was too strong. If it weren't for my classmates' help, I couldn't have defeated him alone."
The Immortal Yushan chuckled. "That was your wisdom at work. You orchestrated the trial's final battle and even forced a Melded realm student to strike for you. Only the clever survive well."
Lu Yin remained silent.
"I know what happened on the spaceship too. Do what you need to. As long as I'm on the throne, you'll be safe," the Immortal Yushan said, changing the subject.
Lu Yin quickly stepped back two steps. "Thank you, Imperial Uncle."
The Immortal Yushan nodded and handed him a spatial ring. "You're new to the capital star. You'll need money everywhere. This has a Mevis Bank crystal card and some star energy crystals. Use them."
Lu Yin didn't refuse and thanked him again. "Thank you, Imperial Uncle."
The Immortal Yushan acknowledged with a nod. "Your strength is too weak. I've ordered Bronson to protect you closely. Alright, I'm tired. You may go."
Lu Yin had wanted to refuse, but seeing the Immortal Yushan close his eyes, he couldn't say anything more. He bowed again and left.
The Great Yu Empire's iron-fisted emperor was now aging and weary. After eight hundred years on the throne and nearly doubling the empire's territory, Lu Yin genuinely admired him. Expansion always brings death, and history's judgment of the Immortal Yushan was uncertain, but Lu Yin felt grateful for the care he had received from him.
Looking at the spatial ring, the Immortal Yushan had given him twenty cubic meters of crystals—not much, but significant for someone at Lu Yin's level. He wondered how much was on the crystal card.
With a palace maid leading the way, Lu Yin left the garden. Bronson was already waiting outside. Seeing Lu Yin, he immediately approached. "Greetings, Prince Purple Mountain."
Lu Yin smiled. "Thank you for the trouble, General Bronson."
Bronson solemnly replied, "Protecting you is my duty, Your Highness."
Lu Yin nodded and walked towards the imperial palace's exit.
Bronson followed a meter behind, neither too close nor too far.
"By the way, General Bronson, I heard you're the third seat of the First Royal Court. Can you tell me about the Thirteen Royal Courts?" Lu Yin asked.
Bronson replied, "I'd be honored to enlighten you." After a pause, he said, "The Thirteen Royal Courts correspond to the thirteen gates of the imperial palace. To enter or leave the palace, one must pass through them. They are the emperor's shield. Each court captain has the power of a Cruiser, renowned across the Tsunami Domain and the outer universe. More importantly, the Thirteen Royal Courts correspond to the empire's thirteen regions, and nearly half of the regional appointments come from the courts. A region's master is always a court captain."
Lu Yin was surprised. "The Thirteen Royal Courts are related to the thirteen regions?"
Bronson nodded. "By the emperor's decree, the master of a region is the captain of the corresponding court. The regional administrative chiefs are the left vice-captains. The courts have the authority to oversee and audit their regions."
Lu Yin understood. No wonder the Thirteen Royal Courts were said to be the empire's most powerful department. The captains were regional lords with the power to appoint and dismiss officials. The Immortal Yushan had dispersed power, controlling the source himself, which prevented rebellion. This method showed immense confidence in his own authority.
Bronson introduced the captains of the Thirteen Royal Courts. Initially, Lu Yin had no reaction since he didn't know them, but when Bronson mentioned the thirteenth captain, Lu Yin was shocked. "What? Liu Ying Purple Mountain? The thirteenth captain is named Liu Ying Purple Mountain?"
Bronson nodded. "Yes, Captain Liu Ying Purple Mountain is handling affairs in the thirteenth region now. She'll return in a while."
Lu Yin frowned. "Is she from the Purple Mountain Clan?"
Bronson shook his head. "Captain Liu Ying is not from the Purple Mountain Clan. As for why she uses the surname, you'll have to ask her yourself."
Lu Yin's eyes flickered. Not from the Purple Mountain Clan, yet bearing the surname. What was her background? The Immortal Yushan hadn't mentioned her. Did he forget?
Unknowingly, Lu Yin and Bronson arrived at the Great Star Gate, where Crown Prince Doran Yushan was smiling at him.
Lu Yin quickly approached. "Why is Your Highness here? Were you waiting for me?"
Doran Yushan smiled. "Of course, I was waiting. As you're new to the capital star, I have a small gift for you. Don't refuse," he said, handing Lu Yin a spatial ring.
Lu Yin's eyes brightened but he didn't check it immediately. He put it away and thanked Doran Yushan. "Thank you, Your Highness. I appreciate the gift."
Doran Yushan smiled. "You're welcome. Also, the capital star is vast and traveling can be inconvenient. I've arranged for the latest model of the flying vehicle to be delivered outside the Great Star Gate for your use."
Lu Yin thanked him again.
Doran Yushan didn't say much more. Before leaving, he instructed Bronson to take good care of Lu Yin.
The first captain of the First Royal Court was the Immortal Yushan himself. The left vice-captain was Crown Prince Doran Yushan, and the right vice-captain was Second Prince Duke Yushan. As the third seat, Bronson had to obey Doran Yushan's orders.
Watching Doran Yushan's departing figure, Lu Yin checked the spatial ring and was surprised. Doran Yushan had given him fifty cubic meters of star energy crystals, more than what the Immortal Yushan had given. Generous indeed. Lu Yin couldn't help but marvel, "The crown prince is so kind, truly a suitable successor—humble and gentle."
Bronson kept his head down and said nothing.
Lu Yin took a few steps before a thought struck him. His eyes gleamed with excitement, and he clenched his fists before leaving the Great Star Gate with a mysterious smile.
Outside the Great Star Gate, Xu San was hiding, his eyes fixed on a dazzling flying vehicle in the distance. Its size and design were far superior to the one that had brought them. The sleek lines and imposing shape were every man's dream.
Xu San stared at the vehicle, nearly drooling. He wondered whose it was. It must be expensive.
Soon, Lu Yin emerged and called Xu San over. He walked straight to the impressive flying vehicle.
Xu San quickly ran over. "Boss, don't touch it. It looks super expensive. Don't want them thinking we're trying to scam them."
Lu Yin rolled his eyes. "Stop embarrassing yourself. Get in." He opened the hatch and sat inside.
Xu San was stunned, then excited. "Boss, this is ours?"
"Of course," Lu Yin felt this guy needed to see more of the world. Otherwise, he wouldn't fetch a good price. "Let's go. We're heading to the first ring's Yu Hall to find Zhang Dingtian and the others."
"Boss, how do you know Zhang Dingtian is at the first ring?" Xu San asked.
"Everyone reconstituting their bodies is in the Yu Hall. Let's go," Lu Yin said, starting the flying vehicle. With a burst of exhaust, it shot off, automatically plotting a course for the first ring.
Bronson followed through the void.