Evergreen Immortal.

Chapter 654 The Great Dao of Time
'The Marquis of the Qian Yuan Immortal Dynasty?'

Even Li Rui was startled upon hearing Xuan'an King's words.

Even the old Taoist priest, who had been feigning sleep, opened his eyes.

Obviously.

His old friend's words surprised him.

Even the late-stage Celestial Beings have to wait in line to become a Marquis in the Qian Yuan Immortal Dynasty, let alone Li Rui, who is only in the early stage of the Celestial Beings. This is an extremely high honor for him.

The old Taoist was certain that he didn't have that much influence over others.

Li Rui pondered for a moment.

The Qian Yuan Immortal Dynasty is a top-tier first-class immortal dynasty in Taihua Prefecture. Don't underestimate the difference between a second-class and a first-class immortal dynasty. It's no exaggeration to say that there is an insurmountable gap between them, and it is even more difficult for a second-class immortal dynasty to advance to the True Monarch realm.

Because the cause and effect involved are so great, this marquisate is all the more precious.

To put it bluntly, the treatment of a marquis from the Qian Yuan Immortal Dynasty completely surpasses that of a prince from a second-rate immortal dynasty.

For the vast majority of cultivators.

There was absolutely no reason to refuse King Xuan'an's conditions.

Chicken head or phoenix tail: how to choose?
Under the surprised gaze of Prince Xuan'an, Li Rui slowly shook his head: "Thank you for your kindness, senior. I appreciate it."

Just for a moment.

The surprise in King Xuan'an's eyes disappeared, but he secretly regretted it.

As a marquis, what he valued was not just Li Rui, but also the connection between Li Rui and a certain important figure in Baiyujing.

However, such things depend on fate and cannot be forced. Otherwise, it will displease that important person and backfire.

He was just asking casually.

If Li Rui agreed, he would really give it to him, but if Li Rui refused, it wouldn't matter to him.

"Whatever you say."

Li Rui declined the invitation from Prince Xuan'an and then obediently stepped aside.

Every benefit comes with its own price.

He wasn't so narcissistic as to think that the Prince of Xuan'an recognized him as an unparalleled genius and therefore wanted to curry favor with him in advance.

King Xuan'an is at the Nascent Soul Realm; what kind of genius hasn't he seen?
A genius before realizing their talent is no different from a roadside rock.

He was certain that the Prince of Xuan'an must have something in mind.

Rather than waiting to become a Marquis of the Qian Yuan Immortal Dynasty and be manipulated, it's better to withdraw voluntarily.

A brief interlude.

Then the old Taoist priest Fa Ran spoke up: "Old man, this kid is my disciple Bai Yujing, so don't have any ulterior motives. Besides, this kid's business is my business, so pay more attention to him."

He didn't speak up just now because it involved two countries, and it wasn't appropriate for him to get involved.

As for the title of Marquis, that is Li Rui's personal choice, and there is no need to interfere.

But now that everything has settled down and King Xuan'an has made his promise, the old Taoist priest Faran can naturally put in a few words of support.

This is called keeping things separate.

Prince Xuan'an laughed angrily: "Is this young man your illegitimate son? Why are you siding with outsiders?"

The old Taoist priest, Faran, snorted twice: "None of your business."

"Hey"

Prince Xuan'an rolled up his sleeves.

Li Rui consciously turned his head to the side.

It's best to avoid getting involved in the affairs of elders, and even shut down your senses.

A full hour passed.

He felt someone pat him on the shoulder and quickly followed the old Taoist priest Faran away from this place of trouble.

One of his key experiences in winning over elders is to listen to and observe their affairs as little as possible.

They waited until they left Qianyuan City.

Then I saw lines of small text appear.

[Congratulations, host, on completing the "Eternal Immortal Dynasty" storyline—the Immortal Dynasty version of the strategist.]

Even celestial dynasties have their share of strife; a single misstep can lead to their downfall overnight, especially when they are weak. Congratulations, host, for your outstanding performance in a diplomatic mission to the celestial dynasty, where you skillfully navigated a potential national crisis.

[The quest "Strategist of the Immortal Dynasty" has been completed; rewards are being calculated.]

[Task rating: C.]

[Gained 20 achievement points!] [Name: Li Rui]

【Age: 60】

[Talents: Understanding Reincarnation, Insightful Eyes, Great Dream of Immortality, Overcoming Demons, Innate Immortal Martial Arts Embryo]

[Cultivation Techniques: Eternal Green Technique, True Martial Soldier Nourishing Technique, Azure Lotus Visualization Diagram of the Vast Sea, Immortal Path Everlasting Visualization Diagram, Immortal Slaughtering Formation Diagram]

[Items: Spirit Ascension Book, Immortal Fruit]

[Achievement: 65/100]

"It is said that this art of diplomacy is an important branch of the Fulong lineage. In ancient times, there was even a master who used this art to help a celestial dynasty become a top-tier celestial dynasty and enter the Emperor's Palace."

"Could I say I'm self-taught?"

However, his trip to Yuntai Mountain was a great success.

If it weren't for the old Taoist, the alliance within the alliance would not have been so easily achieved.

You can tell by looking at the envoys from the State of Yu.

To this day, they can't even get into the residence of a third-rank official.

How could anyone be as valued as Li Rui, who was favored by a prince of the Qian Yuan Immortal Dynasty?

Li Rui stayed in Yuntai Mountain for another three months before returning to the Eastern Governor's Mansion.

"Big brother, you're finally back."

Ning Zhongtian watched as Li Rui gracefully descended from the heavens and excitedly ran over to greet him.

"came back."

"How's the situation here?"

Li Rui asked as he walked toward the rear hall.

This palace, used as a prince's residence, is indeed magnificent, but the place is just too big; it takes a long time to walk around.

Ning Zhongtian said in a deep voice, "That young scholar surnamed Yuan has some ability, and another immortal dynasty couldn't withstand the pressure and chose to submit. I'm afraid it won't be long before it's our turn."

Li Rui nodded.

The Burning Heart Immortal Dynasty belongs to the fire element, and is inherently warlike.

Previously, it had mutual checks and balances with the Qian Yuan Immortal Dynasty, and with the protection of various immortal sects, it still managed to maintain a considerable number of neutral immortal dynasties.

"I've heard that the order for all sides to pay tribute this time was because someone mentioned the Great Yu during the court assembly. The Burning Heart Immortal Dynasty intends to use this move to curb the ambitions of second-rate immortal dynasties like the Great Yu and maintain its own position."

Therefore.

The possibility of the Burning Heart Immortal Dynasty taking action against the Eastern Capital Governor's Office is extremely high.

However, judging from the style of that second-ranked envoy, he would likely start with the weak and then move to the strong, and his targets would mostly be third-rate immortal dynasties, so there would still be some buffer time.

If we just stall until King Xuan'an makes his move at the Qian Yuan Immortal Dynasty's court meeting, and the Qian Yuan Immortal Dynasty steps in, the situation can be brought under control.

Ning Zhongtian continued, "By the way, according to the scouts, I heard that a very important figure from the Zhennan Army is on an inspection tour. I reckon there's going to be some trouble again."

The Zhennan Army was the main force used by the Burning Heart Immortal Dynasty to intimidate the southern kingdoms.

Although no troops have been directly deployed, the pressure they have created is considerable.

"Big man?"

Li Rui raised an eyebrow slightly: "Continue to send spies to gather intelligence. If there is any news about that important figure, report it immediately."

"Yes."

Finished the order.

Li Rui also went to his own bedroom.

He entered the empty hall, found the meditation cushion, and sat cross-legged.

He sat there for three days and three nights.

moment.

An ant crawled onto Li Rui's futon, but in the next instant, the ant seemed to have been drained of its life force, aging, dying, and decaying at a speed visible to the naked eye.

Li Rui was completely unaware of this strange occurrence.

at this time.

Look inward at yourself.

Within the Purple Mansion Celestial Court, a Great Dao rune radiated celestial light, dazzlingly bright.

These runes correspond precisely to the Great Dao of Time.

(End of this chapter)