A few days later, in the capital of the Jia Ma Empire...
"Hmm?"
Deep within the imperial palace, Jia Xing Tian, who had been immersed in cultivation in hopes of breaking through to the Dou Ancestor level, suddenly opened his slightly cloudy eyes and looked in the direction outside the capital.
"Whoosh—"
With a sharp sound of something cutting through the air, Jia Xing Tian's figure instantly disappeared from the secluded cultivation chamber.
At the same time, Hai Bo Dong, who had been cultivating in the Miter family's residence, also frowned slightly. Transforming into a streak of light, he soared into the sky and flew toward the outskirts of the capital.
When Hai Bo Dong, flapping his Dou Qi wings, landed on the city gate's wall, he saw Jia Xing Tian, who had arrived earlier, gazing solemnly into the distant sky.
Following Jia Xing Tian's gaze, Hai Bo Dong noticed a dark shadow in the distant sky, growing larger at a visible speed.
"That is..."
Soon, Hai Bo Dong could clearly see the figure of the dark shadow and couldn't help but exclaim in surprise, "The Amethyst Winged Lion King! Why has it left its dominion in the Magical Beast Mountain Range and come to the capital of the Jia Ma Empire?"
Noticing the graceful and noble figure seated on the back of the Amethyst Winged Lion King, Jia Xing Tian narrowed his eyes and said, "Sect Master Yun, what impressive methods you have! I never expected you to tame even the Amethyst Winged Lion King!"
A sixth-rank magical beast like the Amethyst Winged Lion King, though not yet capable of taking human form, possessed intelligence comparable to that of a human. If it hadn't been tamed, it would never allow anyone to ride on its back.
"Sect Master Jia, you flatter me. I don't have the ability to tame the Amethyst Winged Lion King. It was tamed by a close friend of mine and temporarily entrusted to our Yun Lan Sect for safekeeping," Yun Yun replied impatiently, seeing Jia Xing Tian's guarded expression. "Moreover, compared to the Dark Sea Dragon Beast raised by the imperial family, the Amethyst Winged Lion King is still inferior. I have many matters to attend to, so if Sect Master Jia has nothing else, I shall take my leave."
It wasn't that Yun Yun was being rude, but the Jia Ma imperial family had always been wary of the Yun Lan Sect. As the sect master, she couldn't exactly be warm and friendly toward Jia Xing Tian, could she? For example, at the foot of Yun Lan Sect's mountain, there was a stationed elite army, a clear indication of the imperial family's vigilance against the sect.
Of course, Yun Yun could understand the Jia Ma imperial family's actions. After all, the Yun Lan Sect held a unique position within the Jia Ma Empire.
The Yun Lan Sect had been passed down for hundreds of years and was recognized as the most powerful sect in the Jia Ma Empire. If not for the sect's founder establishing a rule forbidding descendants from seizing imperial power, the Yun Lan Sect might have taken control of the Jia Ma Empire during previous dynastic changes.
Because of this, every generation of the Jia Ma imperial family viewed the Yun Lan Sect with great caution.
However, no matter how wary the imperial family was, they dared not provoke a war with the Yun Lan Sect. Even if they could achieve victory, the imperial family would suffer heavy losses, leaving others to reap the benefits.
"The reason I rushed here was simply because I sensed the presence of the Amethyst Winged Lion King and was concerned it might cause trouble," Jia Xing Tian said, stroking his beard with a forced smile. "Since it's a misunderstanding, Sect Master Yun, please carry on."
"Let's go."
With Yun Yun's command, the Amethyst Winged Lion King flapped its wings and soared toward Yun Lan Mountain, carrying her and the young Amethyst Winged Lion King.
Watching Yun Yun's retreating figure, Jia Xing Tian's smile gradually faded, and a hint of helplessness flashed in his eyes.
With the addition of the Amethyst Winged Lion King, the Yun Lan Sect was now even more formidable, and the pressure on the Jia Ma imperial family would only increase.
Seeing this, Hai Bo Dong couldn't help but smirk with a hint of schadenfreude.
When Hai Bo Dong had returned to the Miter family, he too had been met with wariness from the Jia Ma imperial family. Jia Xing Tian had even personally confronted him outside the city to test his strength.
Only after confirming that Hai Bo Dong's strength had not improved did Jia Xing Tian relax.
Although Hai Bo Dong never voiced his dissatisfaction, he harbored some resentment toward Jia Xing Tian's actions.
Now, seeing Jia Xing Tian embarrassed in front of Yun Yun, Hai Bo Dong naturally felt a sense of vindication.
Noticing Hai Bo Dong's smirk, Jia Xing Tian didn't show any anger. Instead, he smiled and invited, "Hai Bo Dong, I recently acquired a fine bottle of wine. If you're free, why not join me for a drink?"
Previously, the Jia Ma imperial family's attitude toward Hai Bo Dong had been one of caution and wariness.
But now, with the Yun Lan Sect's growing influence, the imperial family needed to adjust its approach toward Hai Bo Dong.
Jia Xing Tian planned to find a way to win Hai Bo Dong over, hoping to mitigate the impact of the Amethyst Winged Lion King joining the Yun Lan Sect.
"Sure! I happen to be free today."
Facing Jia Xing Tian's overture, Hai Bo Dong naturally wouldn't refuse.
After all, in the world of adults, there are only eternal interests, not eternal enemies.
If he could gain the support of the Jia Ma imperial family, the Miter family's development would proceed more smoothly, and it would be easier to gather cultivation resources for Hai Bo Dong.
"Beep—"
Meanwhile, a Yun Lan Sect disciple on patrol was startled by the sight of the Amethyst Winged Lion King flying toward Yun Lan Mountain and immediately blew a warning whistle.
Hearing the highest-level alarm, the Dou King elders of the Yun Lan Sect soared into the sky with their Dou Qi wings, ready to confront the Amethyst Winged Lion King.
It wasn't until they noticed Yun Yun riding on the beast's back that they realized it was a false alarm.
Seeing this, Yun Yun nodded in satisfaction.
In truth, Yun Yun could have sent a message in advance to inform the sect members that the Amethyst Winged Lion King was an ally.
However, she wanted to test whether the patrolling disciples had been slacking off and whether the elders could respond appropriately in a crisis. That's why she hadn't notified them beforehand.
From the reactions of the elders and disciples, Yun Yun was quite pleased, as it showed they hadn't neglected their training.
Although Yun Yun's actions had somewhat toyed with everyone, they were too captivated by the Amethyst Winged Lion King to be upset.
When the news spread that the Amethyst Winged Lion King would officially join the Yun Lan Sect as a guardian beast, the entire sect was abuzz with excitement.
Since Yun Shan had announced his closed-door cultivation, the Yun Lan Sect had only one publicly known Dou Emperor-level expert: Yun Yun.
Now, with the addition of the Amethyst Winged Lion King, the sect had received a significant boost in strength.
(End of Chapter)
Guys, my country has been in state of war since last night and my city is on the borders so my update schedule has been very unstable. I apologize for that. And I am not sure when everything will get to normal so I request you all to be patient with me! Also I would appreciate it if you guys will support me financially in the times of crisis! Thank you!
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