Immortal of the Ages

Chapter 545: We're All On the Same Boat!

Yun Xiao could only smile without a word in response to that claim.

"My place is mine, no matter what you say, and no sly tricks can change that," Yun Xiao declared, sheathing his Sovereign Sword and walking towards Liu Zongyu.

"Lu Yao!" Jiang Heqing's chest heaved with emotion, unaccustomed to the scornful gazes that surrounded a loser. She had prepared herself to shine brilliantly in the Immortal Tournament.

Yet, there she was, defeated publicly without recourse.

And Yun Xiao, in his final act, had not harmed her, sparing her face enough to honor the governor.

A buzz of astonishment rose all around just then.

People widened their eyes, looking at the youth, calm as light clouds and a gentle breeze, their throats clogged, unable to speak for a long time.

"What’s happening..."

"I don’t know, Lu Yao seems like he’s become divine!"

The rank of Arbiters, dry-mouthed, struggled to accept this. A fool they had scorned now stood gloriously before them, leaving those who had slandered him embarrassed.

"Something’s off with this Lu Yao! Could he be involved with the Sangju City murder case?"

"Look into it!"

After a brief silence, various loud discussions erupted.

Admiration, confusion, jealousy, and sinister intentions mingled in the air.

"Silence!" Liu Zongyu, after a long moment, gave the smiling Governor Jiang a stealthy glance, then announced softly, "In that case, Lu Yao shall represent..."

"Father!" Jiang Heqing returned to her father’s side, grasping his hand and tearfully pleading, "I still wish to join the tournament at the Thunder Department!"

"Alright, alright." Jiang Taiping smiled warmly, patting his daughter’s head, then said to Liu Zongyu, "Zongyu, no need for announcements. I’ll speak to some old friends at the Thunder Department; adding an extra spot will do."

"Agreed." Liu Zongyu nodded.

The crowd was startled, somewhat uproarious inside.

After all that, the governor could easily add another spot. Had Yun Xiao fought for nothing? Not at all! Had he not fought, how could the governor have been persuaded to grant him that extra spot?

"Alright, this guy is not bad; let's bring him along." Jiang Heqing glanced at Yun Xiao and nudged her lips slightly.

After she spoke, she whispered to Jiang Haiyan beside her, "Sister, he has real skill and good looks, no background—a prime candidate for our cause."

Jiang Haiyan pursed her lips and said, "But he's a murderer, responsible for the death of fifteen Arbiters, including that unruly illegitimate son."

"..." Jiang Heqing froze.

Jiang Haiyan glanced at their ever-smiling father and added, "However, father seems unconcerned, so it’s not for me to worry about."

As her words fell, a thunderous noise erupted in the distance as a blue and green vessel, powered by a Celestial Sourcecore, dramatically descended.

"That’s the governor's flying vessel, The Serenity!"

Being aboard The Serenity was a privilege reserved for luminaries, envied by all.

A single voyage was a tale for a lifetime.

"We set off."

With a smile, the governor soared first, boarding the vessel.

Following him were the Jiang sisters, three other Arbiter Commanders, several Rank 6 Celestial Officers, and more.

"Liu Mumu." The governor suddenly turned back and smiled. "Since Lu Yao is headed to the Thunder Department, perhaps he could use an elder's guidance. Accompany him."

Liu Zongyu's face tightened upon hearing this.

Liu Mumu pursed her lips and nodded, "It would be my honor, Governor."

Then, stepping forward, she glanced at Yun Xiao.

"Sorry to have implicated you as a hostage," Yun Xiao said.

"I have nothing to worry about since my father has done nothing. It’s you who's really in trouble, having placed yourself in the fire. I'm curious to see how you'll survive the proper order of the Thunder Department," Liu Mumu replied.

"Uh huh." Yun Xiao gave a small smile.

"You, well..." Liu Mumu didn't know what else to say.

She passed by Yun Xiao and boarded the flying vessel.

Yun Xiao followed behind her; about thirty people in total were now aboard.

BOOM! The vessel lifted off, rushing towards the depths of the Thunder Department.

"Best wishes to the six prodigies, may you bring glory to Sky Soaring City!"

Below, cheers rose unceasingly.

▬ι══🪦✧⚰️✧🪦══ι▬

In Sangju City, a sword vessel stealthily landed in the shadows.

A burly Arbiter emerged and vanished into the city.

"Liu Zongyu, what brings you here?" Lord Lu looked up in the dim room to see the imposing figure of the Arbiter.

It was indeed Liu Zongyu, who sat down across from Lord Lu without a trace of emotion, arms folded, his eyes fiercely fixed on the man known for his deep cunning.

"I've come to tell you about something that just happened in Sky Soaring City," Liu Zongyu said.

"Speak," Lord Lu responded, his gaze darkening.

"Lu Yao has just publicly defeated Jiang Heqing, who's in the Perfect Essence Manifestation Realm, and secured a place to participate in the Immortal Tournament at the Thunder Department," Liu Zongyu explained.

CRACK! The stone table before Lord Lu suddenly shattered.

He stood up, glaring deathly at Liu Zongyu, his voice venomous, "Are you trying to piss me off, flaunting this in my face? Liu Zongyu, do not provoke me!"

"Calm down, you misunderstand." Liu Zongyu looked up slowly. "What if I told you that I have nothing to do with this Lu Yao from beginning to end?"

"And why should I believe you?" Lord Lu frowned.

Liu Zongyu chuckled. "Lu An and Mumu had a connection, and at my suggestion, Lu An disappeared. Do you really think I would use his brother to kill the governor's illegitimate son?"

"..." Lord Lu paused, stunned.

"Did you take care of Lu An?" he asked.

Liu Zongyu’s expression turned serious. "After Lu An’s descent to the mortal realm, you, I, and the governor, we're all in the same boat. We may compete, but we abide by the arrangements from above. Why would I foolishly seek my own demise now?"

"Huh." Lord Lu sat back down, mocking himself, "Damn, I let a kid play me!"

"You were too paranoid." Liu Zongyu smiled.

With a snort, Lord Lu stood up, heading for the door.

"What are you doing?" Liu Zongyu asked.

"Going back to Sky Soaring City to kill that boy," Lord Lu said coldly.

"You're a step too late; the governor has already taken him to the Thunder Department," Liu Zongyu informed him.

"Smart move," Lord Lu sneered, "Then I'll head to the Thunder Department."

"You better hurry, then. If the boy makes a name for himself there, he'll be harder to kill," Liu Zongyu advised.

"I know." Lord Lu looked at Liu Zongyu. "But why are you so eager for me to kill Lu Yao?"

"..." Liu Zongyu did not answer.

"I understand." Lord Lu gave a chilling smile. "Your daughter got involved with the Lu brothers, jeopardizing her future. You want to use me to end her fixation."

Liu Zongyu stood up. "Be decisive. After all, we are on the same path."

With those words, he left the dark room first.

Outside, Liu Chaochao was waiting.

"Father." He bowed his head in greeting.

"Back to the Skyruler Immortal Manor," Liu Zongyu commanded.

"Yes!"