Chapter 22: The Emperor's Envoy
The sun hung high in the sky, its golden light cascading over the newly claimed city of Lingyun. Its streets, once filled with fear and oppression under the Lei Yun Sect, now brimmed with cautious optimism. The residents had witnessed the unstoppable might of the Supreme Celestial Sect, and while fear lingered, hope had begun to bloom.
But while Lingyun City was experiencing a moment of relative peace, unseen forces across the land had begun to stir.
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An Imperial Arrival
On the horizon, the distant thud of hooves echoed, growing louder with each passing moment. It was not the sound of mere travelers. It was the cadence of an organized, disciplined force. The people of Lingyun City gazed toward the main gates, curiosity and apprehension in their eyes.
"An imperial envoy?" a merchant muttered, stepping back as the procession grew closer.
A column of riders in silver and crimson armor approached the city gates. At the front, a man rode atop a white warhorse adorned with gold-plated barding. His armor gleamed in the sunlight, and a flowing red cape trailed behind him. His face was sharp and regal, with a commanding presence that drew attention from all who looked upon him. Behind him followed two dozen imperial guards, each wearing the distinct insignia of the Celestial Empire — a golden dragon coiled around a pearl.
"Make way for His Imperial Envoy, Lord Jiang Tian!" a herald declared, his voice booming like thunder. "By order of His Majesty, the Emperor of the Celestial Empire, we seek an audience with the Supreme Celestial Sect!"
The gates of Lingyun City opened slowly, creaking under their weight. The Supreme Celestial Sect's cultivators, already aware of the envoy's arrival, had been prepared for this moment. On the other side of the gates, waiting calmly, stood Zhang Xian.
He wore his robes of deep black and gold trim, his expression serene but authoritative. Beside him stood his core disciples, including Liu Fang (Legendary Chef), 李雪 (Li Xue), and Mi Xi (Dream Walker), all emanating an aura of calm strength. Their presence alone was enough to remind the incoming envoy that the Supreme Celestial Sect was not to be taken lightly.
As Lord Jiang Tian dismounted, he approached with a respectful bow, his eyes carefully analyzing Zhang Xian. This was no ordinary man — this was a king among cultivators.
"Lord Jiang Tian of the Celestial Empire greets the Sect Master of the Supreme Celestial Sect," he said, his voice smooth but deliberate. "I come bearing the words of His Majesty, the Celestial Emperor himself."
Zhang Xian raised an eyebrow, his gaze sharp. "Speak, Lord Jiang Tian. What message does your Emperor bring to my sect?"
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The Proposal of an Alliance
Jiang Tian glanced briefly at the onlookers before shifting his gaze back to Zhang Xian. "His Majesty recognizes strength when he sees it. The fall of the Lei Yun Sect reached his ears faster than even I expected. It was a display of power so overwhelming that the empire could not remain silent."
His eyes swept over the Supreme Celestial Sect's disciples, lingering on Liu Fang (Legendary Chef) and 李雪 (Li Xue) for a moment longer than necessary. He seemed impressed.
"The Emperor has sent me to offer an alliance," Jiang Tian continued, his tone sincere but cautious. "The Celestial Empire values strength, and you, Sect Master Zhang, have proven that your sect is no ordinary force. His Majesty wishes to propose a mutually beneficial relationship. The Supreme Celestial Sect will be given preferential trade rights, access to the imperial treasury's rare resources, and formal recognition as a major power within the empire's borders. In exchange..." Jiang Tian's eyes narrowed. "The Emperor asks that the Supreme Celestial Sect come to the Empire's aid should war arise with other nations or internal rebellions."
The words hung in the air.
Zhang Xian remained silent for a moment, his expression unreadable. His eyes bore into Jiang Tian, searching for hidden intentions.
"An alliance with the Celestial Empire, you say?" Zhang Xian's voice was calm but firm. "And what of our independence? Will the Supreme Celestial Sect be free to act according to its will, or do you intend to shackle us under imperial decree?"
Jiang Tian's eyes widened slightly, surprised by Zhang Xian's directness. "You misunderstand, Sect Master Zhang. The Supreme Celestial Sect would remain independent, but as allies, we would seek your support in dire times. The Emperor has no desire to control your sect — only to strengthen the empire as a whole."
Zhang Xian leaned back slightly, his gaze cold. "If that is the case, then why did you bring so many guards? Surely, a simple envoy with words of peace does not require an armed escort."
The crowd murmured in agreement. The Supreme Celestial Sect's cultivators exchanged glances, their eyes filled with suspicion.
Jiang Tian remained composed. "These guards are not a show of force, Sect Master Zhang. They are a shield, not a sword. The world is dangerous, and even an imperial envoy is not safe from assassins and opportunists. Surely, you understand the need for caution."
Zhang Xian said nothing for a moment. Then, with a flick of his wrist, a ripple of spiritual energy flowed outward, silencing the murmurs. His eyes locked onto Jiang Tian. "I understand. Very well. We will hear your offer in full. Follow me."
With that, Zhang Xian turned and walked into the city. His core disciples followed him like a procession of heavenly generals. Jiang Tian glanced at his guards, signaling for them to stay behind, and followed.
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The Gathering of Sects
As Zhang Xian and Jiang Tian entered the Supreme Celestial Sect's temporary residence in Lingyun City, news of the Emperor's proposal spread quickly. But they were not the only ones to seek an alliance. Other sects had also begun to move.
Three representatives from neighboring sects arrived shortly after the imperial envoy. Among them were:
Yun Meng (Storm Serpent Sect Elder): A woman with wild silver hair and sharp eyes that glowed faintly with electricity. Her presence was like the calm before a storm, and her every movement crackled with barely restrained power.
Guo Shen (Ironclad War Sect Grandmaster): A hulking figure with arms like steel hammers. His sect was known for its brute force tactics and its emphasis on body refinement and raw strength.
Lin Yue (Mist Veil Pavilion Matriarch): A serene woman draped in flowing robes that shimmered like the morning mist. Her gaze was elusive, and her presence seemed to fade in and out, as if she were a mirage.
These sect leaders had come with one purpose — to forge alliances or at least establish peaceful ties with the Supreme Celestial Sect. They had witnessed the destruction of the Lei Yun Sect and sought to avoid a similar fate.
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The Sect Masters Convene
Inside the hall, Zhang Xian sat at the head of the grand chamber, his presence undeniable. On one side sat Jiang Tian, representing the Emperor. On the other side sat Yun Meng, Guo Shen, and Lin Yue, each watching each other with wary eyes. The atmosphere was tense.
Yun Meng broke the silence, her eyes locked on Zhang Xian. "Your Supreme Celestial Sect has shaken the world, Sect Master Zhang. Power like yours attracts attention — and danger. I propose we form a mutual protection pact. No need for subservience. Simply an agreement to come to each other's aid when the time comes."
"Power respects power," Guo Shen grunted, his voice like a landslide. "You've shown you have it. The Ironclad War Sect is willing to recognize you as an equal. No need for pointless battles. We can carve up this world together."
Lin Yue sipped her tea gracefully. "War is tiring, and I prefer to avoid it. If we can coexist in harmony, I see no reason to resist an alliance."
Jiang Tian leaned forward. "The Emperor's offer remains, Sect Master Zhang. The empire is not so different from these sects. But unlike them, we have the wealth and reach to offer you far more."
All eyes turned to Zhang Xian, waiting for his response. The room was silent.
Zhang Xian's eyes swept over the gathered representatives, his gaze as sharp as a blade. "All of you came here with offers, and all of you want something in return. But understand this..." His voice grew cold, and the air grew heavy with his spiritual pressure.
"The Supreme Celestial Sect does not bow. We stand above."
His words echoed like thunder, sending chills down their spines.
"If you wish for alliances, then know this — I do not need you. You need me."
The silence was absolute. No one dared to speak.
End of Chapter 22