Chapter 520
The Nine Heavens and Ten Earths were recreated under the leadership of Ying Huang and the Nine Immortals, while the map of the nation and its people seemed to serve primarily as a reflection of the world.
In other words, the Blood God might even be one of the developers of this program...
Da Yu was currently the administrator of this program.
As these thoughts crossed his mind, the battle within the map of the nation and its people came to a halt—not a complete end, but rather a standoff between the two sides.
A voice echoed through the heavens and the earth, sometimes grand and majestic, other times dark and somber.
It was as if two entities were engaged in a dialogue, though ordinary people could not comprehend the content of their conversation, for the language had lost its meaning as a vessel.
This mode of communication was likely similar to the way Li Mo and Ying Bing exchanged thoughts through the Taiyin (太阴, "Moon") consciousness.
"What are they saying?"
A soft glow appeared behind Ying Bing, and the Taiyin waves flowed into Li Mo's consciousness:
"The Blood God says that you betrayed him back then. If you obstruct his return now, he will bring destruction upon you, turning the map of the nation into a sea of blood."
"Jiang Wen said that if he weren't hiding in the map, he would have been completely obliterated long ago, not just separated from his limbs."
"The Blood God not only wants to leave but also intends to take the Tianhuang Domain with him."
"Jiang Wen refused, telling him to take it if he has the ability."
After a moment, the Taiyin consciousness continued to transmit:
"It seems they have reached an agreement."
"The stakes are set for this trial of the celestial beings: if Tianren City is breached during the trial, the Blood God wins and can take the Tianhuang Domain; otherwise, he must leave on his own."
Hearing this, Li Mo furrowed his brow. The wager seemed rather unfair.
Regardless of the outcome, the Blood God could leave.
If he were treated as a virus within the program, his departure would indeed benefit the map of the nation...
But in reality, allowing this demonic deity to roam free would surely plunge the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths into chaos.
Was it possible that the mysterious Nine Heavens Immortals had intentionally left room for negotiation?
"Jiang Wen has agreed," Ying Bing said softly.
---
**Chapter 588: The Emperor Jing Tai Faces the Blade Empty-Handed!**
Half an hour later, the clouds parted over the imperial capital, and three suns emerged from the mist.
However, the once lively and bustling venue had turned into a scene of grim tension. Everyone present had to undergo scrutiny by the Celestial Patrol, and any hint of suspicion would lead to immediate capture.
The civil and military officials remained silent, for even the dullest among them understood how tense the atmosphere in the imperial city had become.
Most were still unaware of what had transpired within the map of the nation, or why the two sides had suddenly ceased hostilities.
They had no idea how the situation would unfold next...
The map of the nation still hung high in the sky.
Tianren City remained open.
Li Mo had managed to keep his beautiful master calm with fine wine, preventing her from causing trouble, and then helped Huang Donglai verify his identity, finally finding a moment to think.
"Since an agreement has been established, will there be any changes to the candidates for the trial of the celestial beings?"
"Huh? Li, you still want to enter Tianren City?"
Huang Donglai looked serious as he took out an antidote and handed it to the eager Zhu Tou Lan Tian, then continued, "This matter involves a game between the nation, the court, and the Huanmo Sect, along with the Eighth Realm. It's full of twists and turns, and one misstep could lead to utter destruction."
"Hey, right! Why haven't you run away?"
Li Mo snapped back to reality, realizing that Huang was still here.
Lan Tian subtly shifted her gaze, sizing up the overly cautious flying poison double-faced turtle.
Huang Donglai scratched the back of his head, cautiously scanning the surroundings. Not spotting anyone lurking, he sighed, "If it were any other time, I wouldn't be in the imperial capital."
"Me too," Li Mo nodded in agreement.
Following his gaze, Huang Donglai noticed Ying Bing not far away. He opened his mouth but chose not to say anything further.
At that moment, the purple-robed eunuch who had presided over the event stepped out from the crowd.
He bowed slightly, saying, "Young Hero Li, Miss Ying, please."
This eunuch was a servant of Emperor Jing Tai, so there was no need to elaborate on who summoned them.
Emperor Jing Tai wants to see me and Bing Tuozi?
Li Mo didn't think too much about it. After exchanging a glance with Ying Bing, he nodded and followed the purple-robed eunuch.
This was his first time entering the imperial city.
The entire city was a sprawling expanse of grand palaces, and now there were guards every five steps and sentries every ten.
The further they walked, the more exotic flowers and plants appeared—wisteria draped in radiant light, forget-me-nots shimmering like stars, overwhelming the senses.
Li Mo was not intimidated; unlike the palace attendants who kept their heads down, afraid to look around, he curiously took in the sights.
Ying Bing, on the other hand, kept her gaze straight ahead, cool and composed.
Suddenly, her eyes flickered as she spotted a stick by the roadside.
"Hmm?"
Li Mo felt a poke at his waist.
Turning around, he saw Ying Bing holding a long, straight stick, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Wow, Bing Tuozi, where did you find this divine sword?"
"I just picked it up by the roadside."
"Let me play with it!"
Li Mo's eyes lit up as he took the 'divine sword' and struck a cold, stoic pose.
With a face full of solitude, he declared, "The long road ahead, only the sword as my companion," and began to perform moves in the imperial garden, executing a whirlwind of strikes.
"Hey, Young Hero Li, Little Ancestor Li!"
"Huh?"
"These are all rare flowers and plants gathered from various places, precious treasures! If you trample them, the Emperor will be furious..."
"What kind of nonsense is that?"
"??? Young Hero Li, how old are you to be playing like this?"
The purple-robed eunuch was sweating profusely, looking helplessly at the scene.
"Cold Fairy, can't you say something? Control him!"
But then he remembered that it was Ying Bing who had helped him find the 'divine sword' in the first place.
If Cold Fairy didn't mind, why was she acting childish alongside him?
Before the eunuch could catch his breath, he looked up and nearly lost his mind at the sight before him, his soul almost leaving his body.
In the Peony Pavilion of the imperial garden, Emperor Jing Tai, dressed in a dragon robe and with his crown removed, stood with a serious expression, hands clasped behind his back, scrutinizing Li Mo.
He spoke first, "You have arrived."
"......"
Instead of bowing in fear or stopping his antics, Li Mo met the Emperor's gaze with a cool demeanor and asked, "You knew I would come?"
Emperor Jing Tai paused, then sighed, "You shouldn't have come."
"But I did."
The purple-robed eunuch was taken aback: "What is happening here?"
"Since that's the case, you must have confidence in defeating me. Go ahead."
"Alright, watch my sword!"
The eunuch was flabbergasted: "Wait, Your Majesty told you to attack, and you really are going to strike?"
What was going on? Should he shout for help?
At that moment, Li Mo leaped into the air, the divine sword ethereal and elusive, executing a move that seemed to descend from the heavens.
Yet, two hands moved like a net, ready to catch him.
Fear—
Emperor Jing Tai executed the empty-handed catch against the blade!
The two exchanged glances, and surprisingly, it was Emperor Jing Tai who smiled first, saying, "Where did you find such a fine sword? Why not part with it for me?"
"It belongs to Your Majesty; it was just lying in the imperial garden, and Ying Bing helped me find it."
"....."
Emperor Jing Tai looked at Li Mo and Ying Bing.
One was bright and sunny, the other serene and composed, yet together they appeared remarkably harmonious.
He smiled, but there was complexity in his expression: "Forget it, you may keep it. I have possessed it before, but it does not belong to me if it remains in my hands."
"Thank you for your generosity, Your Majesty!"
Li Mo was completely unreserved, happier than if he had received a golden medal from the Emperor.
"Your Majesty, are you alright?"
The purple-robed eunuch rushed forward in a panic.
"I was not an unknown figure when I roamed the martial world back in the day. It has been a while since I fought, so I thought I would stretch my muscles."
"Indeed, Your Majesty's martial arts are extraordinary."
Li Mo gave a thumbs up.
Emperor Jing Tai returned to his seat, his expression turning serious: "With you two fighting for Da Yu, I can rest easy."
"Why did you still choose us?"
Ying Bing seemed to sense something from Emperor Jing Tai and asked her question.
This was also something Li Mo was curious about.
The struggle in Tianren City had escalated to involve Da Yu and the resurrected Blood God; it was not merely a reward for the top three of the Qianlong, nor simply a test.
Da Yu had many powerful figures; even if they were exceptionally talented, they were still only at the Third Realm.
Emperor Jing Tai paused for a moment before saying, "It is no harm to tell you this: it was Yantian Laolao who recommended you two to me. Initially, I thought this burden was too heavy for you."
As he spoke, a smile appeared on his face:
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