Extreme Heaven Palace, Sacred Heaven Tower.
Sacred Heaven Tower was entirely forged from Purple Gold Divine Iron. It stood ten thousand meters tall, piercing into the clouds, covering several hundred meters in area, towering like a majestic mountain, grand and imposing.
From the top floor, the entire Heavenly Phoenix Royal City lay in full view. Even the mysterious Royal palace appeared completely exposed, without the slightest concealment.
Under normal circumstances, Sacred Heaven Tower was not open to the public.
But today, because of Chu Feng’s arrival, this mysterious tower had been unsealed.
“It is said that Sacred Heaven Tower has existed since the Chaotic Ancient Era. It has endured countless years and the changes of heaven and earth without collapsing. It is a miracle,” a young prodigy said as he gently touched the wall, unable to hide his amazement.
“Do not touch it recklessly,” a powerful Integration Realm noble warned with vigilance. “The entire tower is carved with countless formation patterns. Each successive Palace Master has left behind a soul imprint on it. After being bathed in the essence of sun and moon for countless years, it may already have become a colossal supreme Immortal Artifact. If you accidentally trigger something, not even a true immortal descending could save you.”
“Hiss!”
As soon as those words were spoken, a wave of gasps echoed.
Those who could attend today were all nobles of the Heavenly Phoenix Empire or members of super families. Each had deep backing. Yet only after coming here did they realize how small they were.
Compared to Extreme Heaven Palace, their backgrounds meant nothing. And Extreme Heaven Palace might merely be one of countless industries under Heavenly Summit Peak.
“Thanks to Holy Son Chu Feng, we have the fortune to enter Sacred Heaven Tower today. Only now do we truly understand what it means to possess foundations that endure through endless ages,” the prodigy sighed.
“Watch your wording. Chu Feng is still a Candidate Holy Son. Did you swallow the word ‘Candidate’?” a cold voice suddenly rang out.
Instantly, everyone stiffened and turned toward the source of the voice.
At the front of the grand hall, not far from the main seat, sat a man in a black robe embroidered with a giant eagle. His expression was indifferent.
The seating in the hall was arranged according to strength, status, and background. The closer one sat to the main seat, the deeper their foundation.
“Eighth Prince.”
“Prince Hongtian!”
“It’s him!”
A string of gasps followed, then the entire hall fell silent.
The prodigy who had been reprimanded originally intended to respond. His background was strong as well. But upon recognizing the man, he immediately shrank back and returned to his seat near the center of the hall. Enjoying the story? Read on at novelping.com.
Maids in gauze, graceful and beautiful, moved like flowing water, placing rare fruits and exotic beast meat on the tables.
Yet the laughter and lively chatter that should have filled the hall were completely absent. The atmosphere was deathly still.
“The position of Holy Son of the Immortal Sect concerns the future Sect Master and the helmsman of the vast land. It is a matter of utmost seriousness,” the black-robed man said in a deep, authoritative voice. “The title of Holy Son carries immense weight and cannot tolerate the slightest carelessness. How can it be casually addressed?”
“Chu Feng is a Candidate Holy Son. Where is the word ‘Candidate’?”
He fixed his gaze on the prodigy. The oppressive pressure caused the young man’s face to turn pale. His lips moved, but no words came out. He wished he could dig a hole and hide inside.
He could not afford to offend Chu Feng.
But he also could not afford to offend this man.
Many in the hall grew even more solemn. When immortals fought, mortals suffered.
Behind this man stood the Heavenly Phoenix Royal family.
Every move he made carried meaning.
What they had assumed was merely a celebratory feast to divide the Ye Family’s spoils now seemed far more complicated.
“Brother here speaks correctly. The position of Holy Son is indeed of great importance and must not be treated lightly.”
At that moment, a calm laughter came from the main seat, causing everyone to tremble and turn their eyes forward.
Chu Feng had appeared on the previously empty main seat at some unknown time. Liu Mei and Palace Master Miaoyin sat on either side of him, like twin peerless beauties accompanying him.
“Many people have flattered me too much, honoring me as the foremost Candidate Holy Son, even calling me the future Holy Son. Some even address me directly as Holy Son. How could I deserve such praise?” Chu Feng said with a smile.
“Even so, this young brother merely spoke casually. Yet Your Highness, holding such high rank and power, pursues him relentlessly over a slip of the tongue. Isn’t that somewhat narrow-minded?”
Chu Feng’s lips curved faintly, but deep within his eyes, there flickered a cold light. He continued, “The ancients once said, if virtue does not match one’s position, disaster will follow. You must be careful.”
The tension in the hall intensified to the extreme. Even breathing seemed inaudible. Enjoying the story? Read on at g.com.
“Heh, I thank the Candidate Holy Son for the reminder,” the black-robed man replied expressionlessly. “But I have been well lately. There is no need for the Candidate Holy Son to worry.”
He deliberately emphasized the word “Candidate” twice, as if reminding Chu Feng that he was not yet Holy Son, much less Sect Master, and thus had no right to act without restraint.
At that moment, Liu Mei spoke lightly beside Chu Feng, “Senior Brother, he is the eighth son of the current Heavenly Phoenix Emperor, His Majesty the Supreme Holy Virtue Emperor Tianwen. His name is Ying Hong.”
“It is rumored that Emperor Tianwen was once invaded by his inner demon. In a moment of lost reason, he was with a lowly palace maid and conceived him. Because of his mother’s humble background, Ying Hong is considered illegitimate, even lower than other illegitimate sons. He has always been looked down upon.”
“Perhaps that is why he values status so much, constantly emphasizing the word ‘Candidate.'”
“My heavens!”
“Hiss!”
Gasps echoed throughout the hall.
Among the upper echelons of the empire, few were unaware of Ying Hong’s origins. Yet hardly anyone dared to mention it openly, much less joke about it to his face.
At this moment, Palace Master Miaoyin covered her mouth with a soft laugh and said, “So I also ask the Candidate Holy Son to show mercy. Considering Ying Hong’s tragic background, please be magnanimous and do not take offense.”
Yet there was not a trace of sympathy in her smile.
“So that is the case. Then I shall not lower myself to his level,” Chu Feng said with a nod and a faint smile.
“You—how dare you!” Ying Hong exploded in fury. He slammed the table and rose abruptly, releasing a terrifying aura. Though not very old, he was already a Spirit Transformation Realm expert.
His mother’s lowly origin was the deepest pain in his heart. Now it had been cruelly exposed and mocked in public.
“This is Extreme Heaven Palace. It is not a place for a mere prince to behave wildly,” Miaoyin said coldly.
She made no visible move.
Yet in the next instant, Ying Hong’s face turned pale. Blood seeped from the corner of his mouth as he was forced back into his seat.
A Great Ascension Realm half-immortal, even without directly attacking, could suppress a Spirit Transformation Realm cultivator with ease.
“Palace Master Miaoyin, Ying Hong was rash and disrespectful. Please, for the sake of His Majesty, do not take offense,” an elderly prince stepped forward, discreetly shielding Ying Hong from the pressure and easing his embarrassment.
At the same time, the old prince subtly signaled Ying Hong with his eyes.