Both of them thanked Lu An solemnly and then left in a hurry.
Lu An had anticipated their reaction.
The talisman charging method he presented might seem ordinary at first glance, but equipping it to the military could greatly enhance the combat power of lower-level cultivators.
He considered that once the Water Sky Conference ended, he would return to Yongning County and ensure that the cultivators of the San Cai Dao Sect were also equipped with the charging talismans.
In this way, the strength of the San Cai Dao Sect would increase once more.
Thinking about the San Cai Dao Sect, he could not help but show a worried expression.
Since he left, news of the Extreme Secret Realm being leaked had caused many sects to head there to vie for control.
Although he had strategized to have the San Cai Dao Sect rest and avoid involvement, being a local sect made complete detachment impossible.
Furthermore, having signed a mutual defense pact with the Yongning County Governor, though it was only for the beast tide, if the governor was severely suppressed, the San Cai Dao Sect would have to act.
But with Lu An now far in the capital, he could do nothing but worry.
Moreover, with his current Foundation Establishment strength, he was not in a position to change the situation.
At this point, he could only focus on increasing his strength so that he could contribute more when he returned in the future.
He and the others took their seats at the Yongning County table and waited for the Water Sky Conference to begin.
Since they had been personally led by Gui Jing, they had avoided the usual cumbersome inspections and arrived early, with few people around.
However, as time passed, more and more people arrived.
Seeing the Yongning County table so close to the front, which symbolized status, many people came forward to greet and chat with them.
But they were curious about Yongning County, wondering why they had never heard of it.
The nearby counties and cities, clearly aware of their background, were puzzled and wondered why the people from Yongning County were seated so prominently.
After a while, the Beastmaster faction from Yongning County also arrived and were stunned to see the scene.
Earlier, they had disregarded Lu An, but now, seeing his connections, they all felt a bit embarrassed.
At this moment, they were unsure whether to sit or stand.
Lu An didn't hold it against them and said calmly:
"Please, take a seat."
Hearing this, the group breathed a sigh of relief and quickly nodded, taking seats behind Lu An and his companions.
Kong Qing, with a flushed face, said as he passed by Lu An:
"I'm sorry, Lu An, I…"
Lu An waved his hand, still maintaining an expressionless demeanor.
"It's human nature. No harm done."
Despite this, his attitude towards them was clearly less favorable than towards the people from the Fourth Hall.
Kong Qing felt bitter and chose not to say more. He had thought they shared common interests, but after this incident, Lu An might not want to associate with him anymore.
More and more participants arrived at the Qitian Platform, and the tables were nearly all occupied with no seats left.
As the crowd settled, a thunderous voice echoed from above:
"General Zhuang has arrived!"
Upon hearing this, the previously noisy crowd fell silent, and everyone stood to pay their respects.
"Welcome, General!"
General Zhuang flew in from afar. Although within the palace, he still wore his armor. His ocean-blue, jade-like armor shimmered with treasure light, exuding an intimidating presence.
Combined with his towering figure and the several hideous scars on his face, he appeared imposing even without displaying any anger, creating a strong aura of pressure.
General Zhuang ascended the high platform and surveyed the crowd below, remaining silent.
It was only when he saw Lu An that he gave a nod and then took a seat in the first chair on the right side of the main seat, closing his eyes to rest.
Everyone was astonished. If they were not mistaken, General Zhuang had nodded towards a particular direction.
That direction was Yongning County.
"Yongning County? Quickly find out which state it belongs to."
"A small county, why would General Zhuang personally acknowledge them? Could there be some hidden experts?"
Everyone had their own thoughts and began scrutinizing the people from Yongning County.
For a moment, the few from Yongning County became the focus of the entire gathering, their stress levels rising.
Lu An shook his head and chuckled. He knew that General Zhuang's nod was likely due to Zhuang Shitong having presented the talisman charging method to him. It seemed that the importance of the charging method was beyond his expectations.
While people were speculating, another announcement echoed from the sky:
"Prime Minister Situ has arrived!"
As the announcement ended, a figure slowly descended onto the high platform, dressed in white robes with a hat and holding a three-foot-long ruler, resembling a scholarly teacher.
Seeing everyone bowing to him, he smiled slightly and returned the gesture before sitting in the first chair on the left side of the main seat.
"Hmph, so pedantic."
General Zhuang glanced at him and spoke.
He had been stationed at Shuang City for a long time and had not returned to the capital. Now, for the Water Sky Conference, he had come back and would rest for a while.
Meanwhile, someone else was guarding Shuang City, so there would be no mistakes.
Prime Minister Situ frowned slightly, his expression becoming more serious.
"It is said that when the country values propriety, the country flourishes; when the family values propriety, the family grows; when one has propriety, one cultivates oneself…"
"Enough, enough. I've come back with difficulty and don't want to hear your grand principles."
General Zhuang repeatedly waved his hand, clearly irritated.
Prime Minister Situ was interrupted before he could finish and felt a bit disgruntled. However, considering his role as a scholar of propriety, he chose not to argue.
The crowd found the quarrel between two of Great Qi's pillars amusing, but no one dared to laugh out loud. They kept their laughter suppressed and maintained respectful expressions.
Soon, another announcement was made, and this time several figures arrived together.
Upon seeing them, everyone stood up, including General Zhuang and Prime Minister Situ.
"Welcome, Your Majesty!"
"Welcome, Your Majesty!"
…
The Qi Emperor, dressed in a purple robe, appeared gentle and refined, yet his every move revealed the aura of a ruler.
Behind him was a man in a gray daoist robe, holding a whisk and looking like a celestial being.
Lu An's gaze was not drawn to the Qi Emperor but rather focused on this man.
If he was not mistaken, this person was the current National Master of Great Qi, his shibo, Chong Wen.
The remaining figures wore attire that was completely different from Great Qi's style, indicating they were likely foreign envoys.
The Han and Zhao envoys, each led by a cultivator in the early Nascent Soul stage, took seats below the Prime Minister and General.
Seeing everyone assembled, the Qi Emperor finally spoke:
"National Master, I leave the Water Sky Conference in your hands."
Seeing his demeanor, it was quite intimate, not like an ordinary relationship between ruler and subject.
Chong Wen nodded, stepped to the front of the platform, and took out a token. He then performed a strange hand seal with both hands, pointing at the token, causing a massive shadowy gate to appear out of nowhere.
He lightly brushed his whisk and then announced loudly to the crowd below:
"I declare the Water Sky Conference officially open!"
"Participants, please enter."
After this, he paused and suddenly turned to Lu An, saying something that took everyone by surprise.
"You, enter last."