My Disciples Are All Villains

Zhao Yu was a little surprised when he heard Lu Zhou say he was going to the royal palace. However, after thinking about it for a moment, he thought it was to be expected and was rather calm about it. In order to avoid suspicion, he decided to keep to himself.

The people of the Evil Sky Pavilion also knew it was inappropriate to involve Zhao Yu in this matter so they did not say anything.

With Lu Zhou in the lead, 12 people, along with Qiong Qi and Whitzard, flew in across the sky of Xiangyang City toward the royal palace.

…

The law of balance stated that everything, humans; resources; fierce beasts; and treasures, should be balanced as much as possible. When there was an imbalance, one should try to eliminate the cause of the imbalance to continue maintaining the balance. Otherwise, be prepared to deal with a disaster.

Places with abundant resources had fewer fierce beasts.

In order to maintain the balance, fierce beasts would instinctively migrate.

No one knew why it was like that just like no one knew about the secrets of the heaven and earth shackles.

Countless Saints and mighty figures had died on the path of exploration, but there would be more and more explorers, trying to solve the mysteries.

…

When the people and cultivators in Xianyang City saw the cultivators flying at a low altitude in the sky, there was a mixture of reactions: indignance, confusion, and surprise. No one was allowed to fly at will in the city. Only officials had the right to fly in the city.

A few bold and curious cultivators leaped to the rooftops and tried to have a look.

After flying past the second street, Lu Zhou slowed down and sensed the fluctuations in the surroundings.

In the capital of Great Yan, there were top-tier formations like the Ten Ultimate Formations. It stood to reason there would be formation in Xiangyang City as well. One could never be too careful, after all.

At this moment, someone on the ground recognized Kong Wen.

"Isn't Kong Wen?"

"I think so. Hey, how dare you fly in Xiangyang City? Aren't you afraid of being caught?"

"What's left for him to be afraid of? I heard Kong Wen and his brother had to pay off their debts a few years ago so they had to stay in the Unknown Land to work. He's quite pitiful."

Mingshi Yin pointed downward and said, "Kong Wen, they're talking about you."

"Ignore them. They're just a few thugs I used to know," Kong Wen said. He did not wish to bicker with those people. After all, his identity was different now.

The person who recognized Kong Wen first kept waving his hand and shouting, "Kong Wen? Do you still remember me? It's me!"

The person next to him said, "Can't you see he's ignoring you? It's better for you to act like you don't know him. He dares to act so brazenly; who knows if he might implicate you?"

"You're right. The guards on patrol will come to capture them soon."

As expected, it did not take long for a patrol team of about ten people to fly over from the direction of the royal palace. All of them held a spear in their hands and were dressed in heavy armor.

Some of the people on the ground were prepared to watch a show. However, there were also those who were drinking who continued to drink and those who were listening to the music who continued to listen to the music. They were already used to the patrol team capturing people. The consequences of being captured were often not very good.

"Who is so bold?"

The captain of the patrol team's voice was deep and powerful, shocking everyone in the area.

Lu Zhou hovered in the air and swept his gaze across the patrol team.

Yu Shangrong said, "There's no need for master to make a move. Just leave this trivial matter to me."

Lu Zhou nodded.

Yu Shangrong was just about to make a move when the sound of wind whistling and creaking sound rang in the air.

Everyone turned to look in the direction of the noises immediately.

"Venerable Master Qin and the 49 Swordsmen of the Northern Mountain Range are here!"

A dark red flying chariot appeared before everyone's sight. The 49 swordsmen flew in a seven-pointed star formation. Seven people were at each of the seven points, guarding the flying chariot with their flying swords.

Upon seeing this, the patrol team straightened their backs. Their attitude did a 180-degree change.

The captain said in a low voice, "Prepare to welcome them."

Upon hearing this, Mingshi Yin asked, "Are you sure that's a good idea?"

The captain of the patrol team glanced at Mingshi Yin and said, "I'll deal with you later."

Mingshin sneered. "Don't you think you're looking down on us too much?"

The captain of the patrol team glared at Mingshi Yin. He was about to lose his temper, but he restrained himself when he saw the flying chariot had already arrived. He flew over with his men and bowed. "I wasn't aware of Venerable Master Qin's visit. I apologize for not welcoming you in advance."

The 49 swordsmen gathered at the front of the flying chariot.

Yuan Lang, one of the 49 swordsmen, ignored the patrol team. His expression turned respectful when he saw Lu Zhou standing not far away.

At this time, Qin Renyue flashed and appeared in front of the 49 swordsmen.

Upon seeing this, the captain of the patrol team grew even more excited. He hurriedly stepped forward to greet Qin Renyue. "Greetings, Venerable Master Qin."

Qin Renyue as he glanced at the patrol team. 'Where did this patrol team come from?'

At this moment, Yuan Lang rebuked loudly, "Get out of the way!"

While the patrol team was at a loss for words, a powerful force pushed them aside.

Then, Qin Renyue led the 49 swordsmen and flew toward Lu Zhou and the others. After they came to a stop, he cupped his fists together and said, "Brother Lu, it feels like three years have passed since we last saw each other. I rushed here as soon as I received your invitation. I'm not late, am I?"

Lu Zhou nodded. "You came just in time."

Qin Renyue smiled as he asked, "I wonder if Brother Lu is satisfied with the gift from before?"

Lu Zhou replied, "It's satisfactory."

"It's good that you like it," Qin Renyue said.

The ten people from the patrol team were dumbfounded when they saw Lu Zhou and Qin Renyue chatting happily. They were speechless.

Qin Renyue asked, "May I ask why Brother Lu wants to go to the royal palace?"

"There's some accounts I need to settle with the emperor. Since you're a Venerable Master, you can be the witness," Lu Zhou said.

"It's my honor," Qin Renyue said.

The captain of the patrol team still had not regained his senses when one of his men tugged at the hem of his sleeve and asked, "Captain, are we still going to apprehend those people?"

The captain of the patrol team glared at this subordinate and said, "Are you blind or deaf?"

"..."

As for the spectators on the ground, they were even more puzzled and began to make guesses on their own.

"Who's that person?"

"Kong Wen! It's me!"

To be part of the entourage that was able to chat and laugh with Venerable Master Qin, Kong Wen was on a meteoric rise!

Kong Wen and his brothers ignored the person on the ground.

The person below continued to wave his hand. "Good heavens, Kong Wen, don't you remember that we used to steal steamed buns together?"

Yu Zhenghai was tired of hearing the noises. He asked, "Kong Wen, do you know them?"

Kong Wen replied, "No."

Upon hearing these words, the captain of the patrol team's mind began to turn. Then, he waved his hand and swooped down before he said, "Apprehend these rumormongers!"

"Yes."

"..."

Lu Zhou naturally did not pay attention to this small matter. He said, "Let's go."

With that, they continued flying to the royal palace.

Needless to say, the patrol team no longer dared to ask any question. They did, however, catch a number of angry youths who were cursing.

…

Qin Renyue and the 49 swordsmen did not board the flying chariot. They flew with Lu Zhou to the royal palace.

When they arrived, they saw countless palace experts, imperial guards, and soldiers packed together like a plague of locusts, ready to attack.

Qin Renyue looked at them. Under normal circumstances, the four Venerable Masters did not have much interaction with the emperor of Great Qin, but it was not like that they had never met him. Every time he visited, he would inform them in advance. However, he usually avoided cultivators and commoners from the outside world. Perhaps, there were fewer conflicts since he did not usually show himself.

When Qin Renyue saw so many people blocking their path, he knew that he had just gotten involved in a troublesome matter. However, since he was already here, he had to resolutely soldier on. When he saw the inscriptions on the palace wall lighting up one after another, he said in a clear voice, "Brother Lu and I are here to see the emperor. Hurry up and announce our arrival."

Qin Renyue's voice was like a tsunami sweeping toward the people of the royal palace, forcing them to take a few steps back.

At this moment, a high-pitch voice rang from behind the experts.

"His Majesty has given the order to invite the guests into the palace for an audience."

The experts parted automatically.

Lu Zhou and Qin Renyue led the others toward the royal palace.

Just as they were about to step into the royal palace, Lu Zhou turned around and asked, "Fan Zhong isn't here yet?"

"I've already invited Venerable Master Fan. I think he should be here soon," Kong Wen said. Hints of uncertainties could be heard in his voice.

Upon hearing these words, Qin Renyue said disapprovingly, "Fan Zhong is very cowardly. He might not come."

"Don't bother with him." Lu Zhou nodded before flying in. It was not a big deal if one Venerable Master did not come.

Soon enough, they saw a black-clad eunuch hovering in the distant sky. His posture was respectful, and he wore a smile on his face.

"Gao Cheng?" Qin Renyue identified the eunuch soon after.

Gao Cheng said with a smile, "I didn't expect Venerable Master Qin to recognize me. I feel honored and happy."

"Where's the emperor?" Qin Renyue asked.

"His Majesty is cultivating in seclusion in the Mystic Tranquility Hall. I'll lead you there. Please follow me," Gao Cheng said with a smile.

Upon hearing these words, Qin Renyue came to halt. "The Mystic Tranquility Hall?" Then, he continued to say with a smile, "I heard the Mystic Tranquility Hall is protected by the Ultimate Formation. As the emperor, shouldn't he be with his civil and military officials to deal with national affairs?"

Gao Cheng replied, "You'll have to ask the Pavilion Master about that. His Majesty isn't feeling well so he needs to rely on the Ultimate formation to heal his injuries. If it's inconvenient for both of you, you can wait outside the palace."