Gui Jing waved his hand, signaling everyone not to be overly formal, and then moved to Lu An's side to chat with him.
Seeing this, the Zhuang family elder was secretly relieved that they hadn't fought earlier, or it would have been much harder to resolve.
However, thinking of the deceased Zhuang disciple, he showed a hesitant expression.
After pondering for a while, he approached Zhuang Shitong and whispered to him.
Initially showing impatience, Zhuang Shitong's expression changed to surprise once he heard what was said. He then nodded in understanding.
He approached Lu An and asked:
"Brother Lu, did you take the storage bag of that Zhuang disciple you killed earlier?"
Upon hearing this, Lu An was moved. He had indeed taken the storage bag and found the space talisman, Little Black, inside.
Now that Zhuang Shitong was asking about it, was he planning to reclaim it?
He kept a calm expression and slowly nodded.
"I did take his storage bag and found quite a few spirit stones. Does Brother Zhuang want to retrieve it?"
Zhuang Shitong quickly waved his hand with a smile.
"Brother Lu, you're too kind. The disciple was a troublemaker and sullied our Zhuang family's reputation. Consider those spirit stones as compensation for your troubles."
"However, since he was a direct-line disciple with our core inheritance, could you return this item?"
He seemed somewhat embarrassed.
Since Lu An had killed the person, the storage bag naturally belonged to him, according to the ancient rules. Asking for it back was indeed a bit excessive.
But the inheritance must not be leaked. Even though the direct-line disciple only had the first few layers of the techniques, it was still crucial.
Lu An relaxed. As long as they weren't asking for Little Black, other items were negotiable.
Moreover, judging by their expressions, it seemed they didn't know about Little Black's existence.
This made him feel more at ease.
He thought for a moment, then took out a purple-gold box containing an ancient book—the "Taishang Induction Chapter" he had previously obtained.
"Is this what Brother Zhuang is referring to?"
Zhuang Shitong's eyes lit up, and he nodded quickly.
"Yes, that's the one. Can you return it? I'm willing to compensate you with spirit stones."
Lu An smiled slightly and tossed the box over.
"Brother Zhuang, keep it. There's no need for compensation. This item is of no use to me."
Zhuang Shitong was delighted and then remembered something. He continued to speak with Lu An.
"I also wanted to ask if you have made a backup of this book using a jade slip?"
Without waiting for Lu An's reply, he added:
"No need to answer. Whether you made a backup or not, just don't spread it outside. This favor will be remembered by Zhuang."
Lu An nodded sincerely.
"Brother Zhuang, rest assured. I only glanced at this book and found it of no use to me. I have not made any copies."
"Good, I trust you."
He patted Lu An on the shoulder, and what he truly thought was unknown.
However, Lu An was relaxed. He had indeed not made a copy of the technique. He had only learned the later divination techniques, and there was no need to mention this.
With the matter resolved, everyone entered the palace.
The spectators, seeing that no fight had broken out, showed disappointed expressions.
However, they were very curious about Lu An's background. Being involved with the Zhuang family, the Situ family, and the disciples of the National Master indicated that this young man's background was extraordinary.
As a result, rumors about Lu An spread wildly in the crowd, with some even claiming he was the illegitimate son of the Emperor of Great Qi, which was both amusing and absurd.
Of course, these were stories for another time.
Under the lead of Gui Jing, the group arrived at the "Qitian Platform."
Since Gui Jing was personally guiding them, the usual rigorous inspection was considerably relaxed.
Notably, the Beastmaster clan from Yongning County, due to their earlier retreat, had lost face and was still stuck at the first checkpoint.
Upon reaching the Qitian Platform, everyone was awestruck by the scene before them.
Since the palace was already built on a mountain peak, and the Qitian Platform was the highest point within the palace, it looked like an otherworldly paradise, shrouded in mist from below.
In front of them was a set of ancient stone stairs that extended upwards, leading to a massive circular platform at the top.
Gui Jing pointed to the stone steps and introduced:
"Anyone who has been recognized by His Majesty can ascend these steps. Do you see the huge circular platform at the top? That is where the Dao Monument is located."
Everyone took note, and Gui Jing continued, pointing to the water screens on either side:
"The Water Sky Conference will be held beneath this Qitian Platform. At that time, the National Master will reveal the entrance to the Water Sky Secret Realm, and the participants will enter from there."
"Those accompanying them will wait here. Through the water screens, you can watch the entire competition and, together with His Majesty, witness the performance of our Great Qi's younger generation."
While he was speaking, the palace maids and guards had set up tables and cushions below the platform. Each table had a corresponding cushion, and besides fresh spirit fruits and fine wine, each table was marked with a wooden plaque bearing the name of the corresponding state or county.
Lu An and the others scanned the area and soon spotted the markings for Yongning County in the last two rows.
As they were about to move to their seats, Gui Jing waved his hand, summoned a maid, and instructed:
"You, move the table for Yongning County to one of the front two rows for a better viewing position."
The maid, being perceptive, did not hesitate and immediately went to carry out the task.
Lu An took this favor and clasped his hands to Gui Jing.
"Thank you, Brother Gui."
"It's a small matter. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave. There are still matters awaiting me with His Majesty," Gui Jing replied.
Zhuang Shitong also clasped his hands to everyone and prepared to take his leave.
Lu An, with a thought, stopped them and took out two jade slips, handing them to them.
"Our Great Qi is currently facing difficulties, with the threat of demonization from the Han and Zhao countries and the rampage of beasts within."
"These jade slips contain insights I recently acquired. They should be helpful in strengthening our military."
"Brother Gui can present them directly to His Majesty, and Brother Zhuang, as a member of the Tawei family, is also suited to deliver these jade slips to enhance our Great Qi's military strength."
Both men looked puzzled. What could this be that could be equipped to the military and enhance the strength of Great Qi's forces?
This was no small matter, and the military was a nation's top priority, not something to be changed or adjusted lightly.
If Lu An was seeking private gains through them, they thought he had chosen the wrong people.
But Lu An was unconcerned. He smiled slightly and said:
"You two may take a look and decide for yourselves whether to use them or not."
Upon hearing this, the two suppressed their doubts and examined the jade slips.
After a look, they were immediately astonished and looked up in surprise.
"Runic Talisman Charging Method?"
Seeing Lu An nodding, they exchanged glances, their minds in turmoil.
Ordinary talismans, even with the strength of Great Qi, couldn't be equipped to every soldier. After all, they were consumables, and no one could afford such a cost.
But this charging method was different. It only needed to be equipped once and could be used indefinitely. When the energy was depleted, it could be recharged.
If equipped in the military, it could greatly enhance the survival ability of lower-level cultivators and significantly boost the army's combat effectiveness.
The impact if this method were made public would be immense, and they were well aware of this.
"This must be kept confidential. This may be an opportunity for Great Qi's rise!"
Both had this thought simultaneously, and their gazes toward Lu An changed.
"Lu An, on behalf of the Zhuang family disciples fighting in Shuang City, I thank you for your great favor!"
"Brother Lu, this item is too important. I will take it to His Majesty right away. Thank you!"