After the tolling of the seventh bell, Peppe, the contemporary monarch of Great Tera, emerged from the rear hall, surrounded by attendants.

The courtiers and nobles prostrated themselves on the jade steps of the grand hall, offering three resounding cheers.

The feast commenced.

"My esteemed ministers, please dispense with formalities and take your seats," Peppe announced.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," the courtiers responded in unison.

As the courtiers took their places, even those with the highest positions could only sit at the lower end of the table today. Yet, far from displaying any displeasure, they sat with utmost reverence and humility.

Seated upon the Dragon Throne, Peppe cast his gaze across the illustrious figures at either end of the hall, feeling a surge of emotion that caused his blood to boil within his chest and his eyes to brim with tears of excitement.

A millennium ago, when their ancestors founded Great Tera, there had likely never been so many immortal experts lending their aid! To receive such an honor, could it be that the golden age of Great Tera was finally upon them?

Peppe's heart swelled with emotion, envisioning a rising kingdom of Great Tera.

Calming his emotions, Peppe cleared his throat. "Today marks the hundredth birthday of York Old Lady. On behalf of the people of Great Tera, I wish York Old Lady longevity as enduring as the eastern sea and prosperity as lofty as the southern mountains. Without York Old Lady and the other martial artists present, Great Tera would not enjoy the peace and prosperity we have today."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. Your words are too kind," York Old Lady replied with a slight inclination of her head.

Except for Marco, the other wandering immortals also stood and expressed their gratitude.

"Next," Peppe disregarded Marco and turned to his left, lifting a jade cup with a warm smile. "Many thanks to the immortal experts for gracing us with their presence. Allow me to offer the first toast."

The leaders of Solitary Moon Mountain arrogantly raised their cups in response, tasting the wine superficially and with disdain.

Peppe did not take offense. Setting down his cup, he said, "Although martial arts prevail in the realm of Great Tera, the pursuit of immortal techniques is also a shared aspiration. The presence of immortal experts here today is, in my view, an auspicious sign for our kingdom."

The young leader of Solitary Moon Mountain replied indifferently, "The concept of auspiciousness is often illusory."

Peppe smiled earnestly. "Indeed, as the leader says. Today, both inside and outside the hall, there are many young scions of Great Tera's noble families, each possessing outstanding martial talents. I hope they may catch the eye of the immortal experts."

The young man shook his head and sneered, "Your Majesty's words are entirely mistaken. Talent in martial arts and talent in the immortal path are fundamentally different. Among ten thousand individuals, perhaps only a hundred possess talent in martial arts, yet not all of them may possess talent in the immortal path."

Peppe smiled along, but inwardly, he felt increasingly anxious. He had already arranged privately with Leone, the Solitary Moon Mountain immortal, to recruit disciples before the feast. Now, Leone seemed to be wavering, leaving Peppe unsettled.

"However, in light of Your Majesty's gracious hospitality and the fervent desire of your people for the path of immortality, this humble one will reluctantly assess the talents of the young people of Great Tera," Leone said reluctantly.

Peppe breathed a sigh of relief, fearing further complications. "Very well, let the testing begin. Consider it an appetizer before York Old Lady's celebration. I appreciate the cooperation of the immortal experts."

With Peppe's words, the prepared young scions filed in, led by a youth who appeared far more mature in demeanor than his peers.

"Your Majesty, we pay our respects," the young man bowed deeply.

"No need for such formalities," Peppe replied warmly.

The distinguished young man leading the group was none other than John, ranked among the top three on the Jade Rank, the third son of the York family, and known for his charm and grace. As the ruler of Great Tera, Peppe was well aware that John had already been selected as a disciple of Solitary Moon Mountain. Therefore, Peppe greeted John warmly and naturally.

"Very well, let us begin promptly," Leone and the other immortals stepped forward, hands clasped behind their backs, and approached the young candidates.

As the illustrious immortals stood before them, the youths couldn't contain their excitement, their faces flushed with anticipation. Even some of the foremost scions of noble families, ranked high on the Jade List, were visibly trembling with anticipation.

But John stood apart, composed and dignified, like a celestial prince descended to the mortal realm, captivating the courtiers' attention.

"York Old Lady, you have a worthy successor," one of the wandering immortals praised.

"Zhao Lao, you're spouting nonsense. Clearly, this young man is about to embark on the immortal path. He's the true gem among gems," another retorted.

"Haha, regardless, it's a joyful occasion. York Old Lady, today is truly a double delight for you," a third chimed in.

"Wait! John's cultivation... he's at the half-step Ascendant level!"

Only at this moment did the wandering immortals realize that the twenty-five-year-old youth in the grand hall possessed a profound aura far beyond the Great Vacuity Realm.

As if hearing the murmurs, John's eyes sparked with electricity, causing a stir in the hall.

A half-step Ascendant at twenty-five was undoubtedly a rare genius among the myriad talents of Great Tera, second only to one individual... Involuntarily, all eyes turned to the last seat among the national athletes, where a young man sat drinking, seemingly detached from it all.

Marco, the legend of Tera, had defied fate, returned to youth, and surpassed the Ascendant realm... While others struggled to catch up with his legend, he had already gone far beyond, disappearing from their sight.

"Excellent! Excellent! Excellent!" Leone exclaimed three times, drawing everyone's attention back to him. With a satisfied smile, he looked at John and nodded. "This young man possesses exceptional talent and is destined for the immortal path. He may join Solitary Moon Mountain directly as an inner disciple."

Leone and John exchanged a knowing glance.

Instantly, the hall echoed with praises and congratulations, from the monarch to the palace attendants, all looking at John with joyous and fervent eyes.

"This is wonderful!" Jordy, the head of the York family seated behind the national athletes, clenched his fist in delight, casting a pleased glance at his grandson. Then, his gaze fell on Josper, the lord of the nearby manor, who sat with closed eyes, toying with an iron walnut, and he smirked coldly.

Brother, after so many years of rivalry, it's time to determine the winner.

"Boring."

A discordant voice rang out, causing Peppe's expression to stiffen. He glanced at Marco, who lay drinking, and pretended not to hear. Not only the monarch of Great Tera but also everyone in the hall, including the immortals from Solitary Moon Mountain, acted as if they hadn't heard.

For the people of Tera, Marco was not only a legend of Tera but also a future immortal. Although he had been at odds with the Tera royal family before, his attendance at the banquet indicated a significant improvement in their relationship.

As the son of the deputy head of Solitary Moon Mountain, Leone had inside information. It seemed that all seven major sects in the southern regions had their eyes on Marco. Compared to Solitary Moon Mountain, Marco was a behemoth, so it was best not to provoke him.

Following John, several other youths were selected as well, accepted as outer disciples by Solitary Moon Mountain and three other sects. Though they were only outer disciples, the chosen youths and their families behind them rejoiced with jubilation! Peppe, the king of Tera, was secretly excited, as if he could already see the bright future of Tera for the next few decades.

"York family again?"

Leone paused in his steps, noticing the word "manor" on the waist badges of the young men before him. Subconsciously, he glanced to the right side of the hall, where a beautiful woman sat, ethereal as a fairy.

Though more than a month had passed, whenever Leone thought of the young lady from the York family, he couldn't help but feel a dry mouth and weakness in his limbs, filled with endless regret. Such a woman, not only in the mortal world but also in the entire southern cultivation realm, could not find a second one.

That day, he had almost succeeded, only to be thwarted by a mysterious youth.

Later, he learned that the youth was from the York family's manor.

The York family's manor!

Leone's eyes filled with intense hatred as he remembered what John had told him last night. With a cold smirk, Leone looked down at the youths before him. "Hmm? Great Vacuity Realm. With this level of cultivation, in the immortal realm, it's equivalent to the Foundation Building Second Stage. Not bad at all."

Upon hearing the evaluation from the immortals, the three scions of the manor were overcome with excitement, their faces flushed, hands trembling, almost on the verge of kneeling. They vaguely understood the gravity of their responsibility, knowing that they were being singled out by the immortals.

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"We did it!" stuttered one of the young masters from the manor.

Josper, the lord of the manor, breathed a sigh of relief, slowly opening his eyes and murmuring to himself, "Although the python essence golden gallbladder is precious, it was worth it."

"Excellent," King Peppe of Tera exclaimed, clapping his hands. "This is a momentous occasion! Both manors of the York family have been blessed with immortal fortune..."

Before he could finish, Leone interjected with a cold laugh. "Unfortunately, you achieved this through the use of genius treasures, forcefully breaking through realms! Hmph! Such actions amount to cheating! Do you think I'm blind and would be deceived by you?"

The three scions from the manor trembled violently, looking panicked as the immortals angrily left, their faces drained of color, on the brink of collapse.

The sudden turn of events took everyone by surprise!

Silence fell over the great hall as Leone took a few steps, then stopped, turning back with a pitying gaze toward the despondent scions of the manor. "If I'm not mistaken, this wasn't your own decision. While consuming genius treasures may enhance your power, it brings endless calamities. Seeking to enter the immortal sect using such methods is tantamount to inviting condemnation!"

Inviting condemnation!

These four words echoed throughout the palace, buzzing like bees.

"In the end, we've still lost," Josper, the lord of the manor, grimaced bitterly. Beside him, the two young masters of the manor trembled like leaves, their faces devoid of color.

"What's going on?" King Peppe of Tera slammed his hand on the armrest, angrily demanding answers.

Before Josper could speak, Jordy, the head of the York family, stepped forward and bowed deeply. "Your Majesty, please calm your anger. It's all my fault for not disciplining them strictly enough, which led to this disgraceful incident."

"Not disciplining them enough? How can you be the head of the family?" Peppe considered York Old Lady's reputation and refrained from erupting.

"Your Majesty, there are reasons behind it. Our York family holds two manors, with me overseeing the main manor, while my younger brother Josper has always managed the affairs of the secondary manor, and I couldn't intervene." Jordy explained, bowing again.

"Holding two manors in one family? This is unacceptable and difficult to manage."

"Nonsense! Utter nonsense! This rule of the York family needs to be changed."

"Why not just abolish the secondary manor today?"

The courtiers discussed animatedly, while Peppe furrowed his brows imperceptibly. At this point, he could see clearly. However, bringing family conflicts to the court was absurd, and the York family, relying on their favor, was truly behaving recklessly.

Glancing at York Old Lady, who remained impassive, King Peppe hesitated.

"Indeed, such a secondary manor is unnecessary," Leone glanced at Blanche from the corner of his eye and said casually, "I've also heard that the York family's secondary manor was involved in an unsavory incident, where a bastard son publicly harassed the elder sister-in-law, the wife of the York family."

A commotion erupted in the hall!

The Tera dynasty has long upheld propriety and rituals. Publicly debauching one's sister-in-law and disturbing familial ethics was a grave offense in the Tera kingdom, punishable by drowning in pig cages and parading through the streets prior to decapitation!

Glancing towards the York’s secondary manor, scarcely any sympathized.

"Where is that man now?" King Peppe of Tera’s expression was exceedingly unpleasant. He had absolute faith in the Immortal clan, never considering other possibilities.

Josper's head buzzed as he trembled to his feet, prostrating himself before the masses, "Reporting to Your Majesty, that villain has been...executed by this humble servant."

"Audacious! Concealing and privatizing punishment for such egregious crimes. Unbridled arrogance! Unbridled arrogance!" Peppe snorted heavily with cold laughter. "You are unfit as manor lord. Herald the edict!"

Utter defeat!

Josper's shoulders shook as he closed his eyes. The two young lords trembled violently, prostrating themselves likewise, while the secondary manor's youths wept profusely.

"Wait a moment!"

A delicate cry rang out.

Purple light flashed as Faithe floated gracefully into the hall.

The moment she appeared, King Tera, Leone...all men's eyes lit up, hearts pounding rapidly. Compared to the famed beauty, the York's young mistress, this woman exemplified a completely different allure - mature, heroic, bewitching, brimming with charm unlike ordinary women.

"Jumping to conclusions without discerning right from wrong! What evidence suggests debauching my sister-in-law? Show me proof!" Faithe strode into the hall, facing the king directly. Hearing his furious roars from afar, she was anxious for the secondary manor and rushed over before Shuro.

John's pupils constricted, filled with surprise. Wasn't she sold to Warden City? Why was she here?

"The Immortal's words are infallible! How dare you question this king!" Peppe's expression shifted as he snapped coldly, "Guards, seize this woman...alive!"

At his command, two palace guards charged out from behind the vermilion round doors towards Faithe.

"Who dares touch me!" Faithe's eyes flashed with electricity. Without discernible movement, gusts of mighty power swirled around her, pulsating the air. The guards were blown back by the tremendous force.

Such profound mastery!

King Tera's eyes flashed with anger, forcefully suppressing his lust as he glared at Faithe, "Audacious! Daring to attack in the royal palace?"

Jordy's face lit up joyously, deferentially pleading, "Your Majesty, this woman is none other than one of the secondary manor's young lords, Faithe."

Josper sighed secretly. The moment he saw Faithe, he knew not only would the secondary manor be defeated, but annihilated entirely.

"The secondary manor! It's the secondary manor again! The York's secondary manor - each more bold and disrespectful of propriety than the last!" King Peppe laughed furiously, ministers and generals quaked in fear.

The slender and stout young lords exchanged glances. The stout one groveled on the ground, trembling, "Reporting...reporting to Your Majesty...my father has revoked Faithe's status...and expelled her from the manor...Her actions are unrelated to us."

"Wretched fool!" Josper glared at his eldest son, both angry and vexed.

"Josper, the evidence is clear. Do you still hope to deny using such methods?" Jordy said softly.

"Revoked..." Faithe stood frozen in shock.

"Melodrama." Marco downed half a jug of wine, shaking his head.

At this time, the York's Old Lady could no longer remain seated. She rose slowly, bowing to King Tera, "Your Majesty, please pardon this offense. I did not expect such events to occur. I defer to Your Majesty's judgment on sentencing."

As she spoke, the Old Lady couldn't help but shoot an unsatisfied glance at John. However, matters had escalated thus far, causing such a scene. She could only sacrifice the secondary manor to preserve the Yorks' reputation.

"Indeed, what a mess. The York's Old Lady has made such contributions to the Tera dynasty, yet her descendants are so unfilial, truly disheartening." King Peppe snorted heavily, glancing at the still stunned Faithe, "Guards, take this Faithe to...the rear palace. Her sentence will come later. As for the secondary manor-"

King Peppe glanced hesitantly at the York's Old Lady.

The York's main manor clan secretly rejoiced while the secondary manor clan grieved like mourners at a funeral. The ministers watched the drama unfold as the Immortals observed from the sidelines.

A cold voice rang out from the palace gates.

"Audacious! Who dares touch my aunt?"

Having been reprimanded for Faithe's sudden intrusion, the palace guards were vigilant. Hearing the voice, without awaiting the king's command, dozens of guards rushed out, blades unsheathed.

A handsome young man stumbled into the great hall as if pushed inside, unprepared and flustered.

"Do...do...don't...touch...her." The youth's face flushed as he stammered.

The guards halted in unison, surprised. None expected the second intruder to be a shy, stuttering boy. The ministers were also dumbfounded, wondering what farce this was.

The two Spirit Realm guard captains were the first to regain their wits.

"Audacious! The royal hall will not tolerate such trespassing!"

At their shout, the captains led the guards in a charge towards Lewis, blades raised.

Lewis was nervous facing the horde of formidable palace experts, despite his limited combat experience. Gritting his teeth, Lewis shut his eyes tightly and thrust his arms forward over his head.

To King Tera's disbelief, the youth's entire body seemed cast from molten iron. The dozens of treasured blades that struck him all shattered. The broken fragments hovered in the air, disintegrating into iron dust that dispersed with the wind.

The guards were also blasted back by the reactive force, crashing down battered and broken.

The entire hall was shocked!

"Still no poise, little stutterer," an ugly fat man with a shriveled face swaggered into the palace behind the youth, sneering coldly.

In contrast to the awkward boy, he was extremely arrogant, gazing haughtily around with chin held high, bearing an aura of unmatched superiority.

The palace guards struggled up, glaring furiously at the ugly fat man, feeling utterly humiliated.

Without awaiting their captain's order, over a hundred palace guards charged towards Lee.

Lee chuckled lowly, electricity flashing in his eyes. Forming strange hand seals without glancing up, he thrust his palms forward. This move was painstakingly obtained from Sun Zhongyuan just days ago, the pinnacle of his martial arts.

Before the guards could cross the hall's threshold, they froze mid-air as if controlled by some invisible force. In a flash, they were flung backwards, crashing heavily to the ground with agonized groans.

"Half-step Scattered One?"

"Such dominating seals!"

The Seven Nation's Masters were shocked. Well-versed in martial arts, they instantly recognized Lee's profound, superior technique.

King Tera's expression was extremely ugly, filled with gloom. Having his palace repeatedly intruded and guards constantly thrown out...were his gates made of paper?

The ministers and generals were also shamed, faces awkward.

Only Marco tightly gripped his wine cup, a glimmer of joy flashing across his cold face. That voice earlier he had only heard once, but could never forget since.

Peering past the beautiful youth and ugly man, Marco saw the nonchalant boy from River Lord Cave, seeming to have everything under control.

Raising his cup, Marco downed it in one gulp.

"Aunt?" Seeing the dazed Faithe, Shuro's expression sank slightly.

Behind him, Lee and Lewis stood obediently to either side, heads lowered deferentially. One an ugly Half-step Scattered One, the other a handsome youth trained in the Immortal's arts, carrying a dense Warden City aura that was hard to face directly.

All eyes focused on Shuro.

"Who are you?" King Peppe could remain seated no longer, pointing a trembling finger at Shuro.

"Your Majesty, he is a bastard son from the secondary manor's side branch, Shuro," Jordy quickly cut in before Josper could respond. "It was him that debauched the sister-in-law in broad daylight!"

An uproar surged.

Although puzzled by Shuro's appearance, Jordy and John exchanged delighted glances. With his arrival, their advantage grew. The secondary manor clan's ashen, dispirited faces told all.

Better if Shuro didn't appear, but now his presence not only confirmed the incest charges, but brought thorough disgrace and humiliation to the manor.

"Audacious scoundrel! Kneel down!" A minister reproached angrily.

All manner of profanity was flung at Shuro.

"I'm fine." Faintly smiling at Shuro, Faithe said, "Don't mind me. Priority is proving your innocence."

"Innocence? Ridiculous!"

"Don't dream. The Immortal clan already said it was him who publicly debauched the sister-in-law."

"That's right. The young mistress is right here. Why not confront each other publicly?"

The ministers clamored noisily.

At this time, John spoke up, "This scoundrel's debauchery of the young mistress I witnessed with my own eyes. If not severely punished, others may follow suit. I hope Your Majesty can uphold justice for my manor, and grant us fairness."

Facing John, King Peppe was courteous, smiling, "Rest assured, We will ensure the Yorks have fairness."

"Quite right. Such unscrupulous, unlawful scum should face harsh punishment, or how else can We trust in the Tera people's conduct?" Leone said lazily.

Behind the scenes, he and John had exchanged a look.

Things were fine until Leone opened his mouth, prompting the king's expression to shift sharply.

"John, and you, the Solitary Moon Mountain lecher daoist, you thieves are crying thief! Your audacity is astounding!" Shuro sneered, striding forward away from Faithe.

"Insolence!"

"Audacity!"

"Kneel down!"

Amidst the ministers and Solitary Moon Mountain disciples' rebukes, Shuro remained calm with a strange dignified aura emanating from him. He strode forward unhurriedly like a tiger.

Shuro dared to come only because his current strength was his greatest assurance! The strongest present were just Scattered Ones and Solitary Moon Mountain disciples at the fourth layer of Foundation Establishment. Although Shuro had location and timing advantages killing Chen Yusheng and Yue Qun at Monument Beach, a kill was a kill! Now facing Foundation Establishment Layer Four, he felt no pressure.

"The truth is that day, passing by the main manor, I witnessed John bringing wolves into the home, leading Solitary Moon Mountain daoists to humiliate the young mistress," Shuro said evenly, striding to the hall's fore as he met the king's eyes atop the golden throne. "King Tera, I leave this matter to you."

Meeting Shuro's limpid gaze, King Peppe's honed discernment felt something amiss. He hesitated, "You..."

"How dare you slander our Solitary Moon Mountain!" A Solitary Moon Mountain disciple jumped out, glaring furiously at Shuro. "Audacious commoner, do you know the consequences of slandering the Immortal clan?"

The other Solitary Moon Mountain and minor sect disciples also reproached angrily.

"Let's do this then," John gracefully stepped forward. "To prove my and the Goat Immortal clan's innocence, and uphold the Tera dynasty's justice, I invite the young mistress to confront him directly. Does Your Majesty permit this?"

King Tera considered briefly before nodding, "We grant it."

John's lips curled in a fleeting sneer as he glanced towards the rear of the hall. "Young mistress, please."

Under countless eyes, Blanche slowly rose, walking to the hall's center with flawless elegance and poise.

Though veiled, her alluring silhouette that once stirred endless Caelius Capital men dimmed the entire hall.

Yan Fan swallowed thickly.

Admiration flashed in John's eyes before he suppressed it.

"This lowly one greets Your Majesty." Blanche bowed gracefully.

A true beauty!

King Peppe felt his heart itch maddeningly.

Compared to her, his three palaces and six chambers were crap! First Faithe, now Blanche - beauties were truly among the common folk!

Though raging inwardly before his civil and military officials and Immortal clansmen, Peppe maintained a stern exterior, "Exemption. You saw what happened earlier. We ask, how were the circumstances that day? Did this Shuro mistreat you? Fear not, We shall uphold justice."

Blanche lowered her head in thanks before turning to face Shuro.

Her expression was unclear behind the veil, but her alluring eyes silently screamed - Fool! Didn't I tell you to escape with my letter? Why did you come back to die? Idiot!

Shuro rubbed his face, suddenly recalling he had long lost Blanche's letter.

The third young lord John and Yan Fan exchanged looks, both revealing smiles.

Though unyielding, Blanche's cultivation was sealed. Controlled by the Solitary Moon Mountain's puppet arts before entering the hall, her actions were no longer her own. They had executed this scheme flawlessly without leaving the slightest flaw.

"It was...him..." Blanche pointed at Shuro, struggling to speak.