C22 Supreme Celestial of the War God's Sect

In Longjing, at the Eastern Palace, a palace of opulence and grandeur stood proudly on the imperial grounds – the residence of the Crown Prince.

Tucked behind the palace lay a garden of unique charm, with its rockeries and pavilions nestled amidst the picturesque scenery.

As a eunuch and a palace maid strolled through the Eastern Palace, a sudden crash echoed through the air. Something plummeted from the sky, fracturing the stone tiles beneath with a resounding impact.

"Assassin!" The eunuch's face drained of color, and he quickly summoned the palace guards.

In the midst of the settling dust, a hand shot out, delivering a swift slap that sent the eunuch sprawling.

"Scram, all of you."

As the dust cleared, the disheveled figure of Liu Bao emerged.

His once-regal python robe was now in tatters, his hair disheveled, his face smeared with dust – he was the very picture of a beggar. Yet, despite his appearance, Liu Bao's commanding presence remained undiminished.

The eunuch, trembling, knelt and began to slap himself, pleading, "Forgive me, Chief, for I was blind to your stature."

Impatiently, Liu Bao gestured dismissively. "Where's the Crown Prince?"

"His Highness is entertaining guests in the rear garden," the eunuch replied, his voice quivering.

Without another glance at the eunuch, Liu Bao strode away.

In the serenity of the rear garden, within a cool pavilion, the Crown Prince was engaged in a game of chess with a middle-aged man clad in a white robe. The man exuded an air of enlightened grace with every move he made.

"Supreme Celestial, your skill is unparalleled. We've played three games today, and you've been gracious in each. Without your leniency, I fear I would have been defeated long ago," the Crown Prince said, sighing deeply as he conceded the match.

The man in white chuckled. "Your Highness is too humble. You are still young, after all."

The Crown Prince, all smiles, personally poured tea for the man, his eyes shining with utmost reverence and devotion.

To any onlooker unaware of their dynamic, the sight would be astonishing. After all, the Crown Prince was the heir apparent of Daliang, second only to the Emperor and Empress in rank. When had he ever shown such deference to another?

"This is a premium tea, a tribute specially presented to the Supreme Celestial," the Crown Prince said with an ingratiating smile.

The middle-aged man accepted the tea without hesitation, downing the cup the Crown Prince had poured in one swift gulp. After a brief pause, he shook his head and remarked, "It lacks any spiritual essence. Should the opportunity arise, I'll let you sample the spiritual tea from our War God's Sect. Just one sip can fortify your body and extend your lifespan—far superior to this mundane brew."

A flicker of delight crossed the Crown Prince's face, but it was quickly replaced by a look of concern. "I fear I may only ever get a taste of such spiritual tea."

The middle-aged man offered a knowing smile, having seen through the Crown Prince's thoughts. "Don't sell yourself short. At twenty-four, you've already been graced with the War God's Divine Light. If you can reach the Ninth Level of the Xiantian Realm before thirty, you'll be eligible to join the cultivation ranks of our War God's Sect."

After a moment's thought, he added, "When the time comes, I can recommend you to my Master, allowing you to become a disciple and directly ascend to the status of an inner sect member."

"Really?" The Crown Prince exclaimed in ecstasy, rising quickly to bow deeply. "My deepest thanks, Supreme Celestial."

Words could hardly capture the elation swelling within the Crown Prince's heart.

The War God's Sect to which the middle-aged man belonged was none other than the esteemed Celestial Gate!

Under the War God's Sect's jurisdiction lay countless mortal realms, with Daliang being just one among many ordinary kingdoms.

Daliang, however, sat at the very northern edge of the War God's Sect's territory, and it so happened that the Sect was mobilizing in the north of late.

As a result, the Emperor and Daliang's finest were dispatched to the northern frontiers.

In exchange, the War God's Sect assigned a disciple to protect Longjing in Daliang, guarding against any underhanded attacks.

The middle-aged man before the Crown Prince was that disciple—an inner sect member and a formidable Dragon Realm warrior of the War God's Sect!

The Crown Prince's efforts to cultivate a relationship with this middle-aged man were driven by his aspiration to be admitted into the Celestial Gate.

For in the mortal kingdoms, without the Celestial Gate's cultivation methods, reaching the Ninth Level of the Xiantian Realm was the pinnacle. A century later, one would still return to the earth from whence they came.

If one were to be accepted into the Celestial Gate, they could practice its Cultivation Methods and ascend to the Dragon Qi Realm, or perhaps even reach loftier heights.

A warrior in the Dragon Qi Realm could extend their life by at least a century!

Moreover, by joining the Celestial Gate, one would firmly embark on the path of cultivation, with the potential for eternal youth and an endless lifespan within reach.

At the thought, the Crown Prince trembled with excitement, his entire being alight with anticipation.