Once I enter the pass, great Confucian scholars will surely debate the classics for me.

The inner courtyard of the city lord's mansion, the waterside garden, and the council pavilion.

The garden was quiet and secluded, the water rippled without a trace, and fifteen swordsmen were scattered on the left and right sides.

Standing in the center was Gu Daozhao, the commander of Huangfu Yunzheng's personal guards and a master of the four realms.

Huangfu Yunzheng died on the world stage of the Heavenly Pride Tournament, and he died at the hands of the young master of the first family. As the commander of the personal guards, Gu Daozhao must come to the First Lady to demand an explanation.

No one spoke at the scene. Gu Daozhao, the commander of the personal guards, stood quietly, waiting for the arrival of the First Lady.

A moment later, the First Lady walked into the council chamber barefoot. She was still wearing a white and gold nightgown, her demeanor languid and listless, her steps slow as if she were seriously ill, but in reality, she exuded an aura of dominance.

Because there was nothing around her that posed any threat to her existence, she appeared sickly and listless.

She languidly sat on the throne, her jade hand gently supporting her chin, her beautiful eyes half-closed, casually glancing at the ancient edict waiting below, without uttering a word.

Ten steps away, Sword Dance, ranked first among the fifteen sword attendants, slowly spoke: "Sitting before you is the wife of Taibai, the Great General of the Empire's Conquest of Heaven, the First Marshal of the Empire, the terminator of the thirty-six pure worlds of saints, immortals, and Buddhas, the restorer of the sixteen realms of turbid evil lands, and the exterminator of saints, immortals, and Buddhas."

"Our ancestor was the head of the twenty-four generals of the empire, the head of the six founding dukes of the empire, and the head of the six founding kings of the empire."

"Hereditary Left Prime Minister, hereditary Duke of Xin, and hereditary Military Advisor."

"Commander-in-Chief of the Sword Tower Immortal Extermination Legion, Head of the First Family with Ten Thousand Years of Heritage, Governor and City Lord of Sword Tower".

"Mother of the Eight-Armed Heavenly Corpse Manifest True Lord, the Erlang Wonderful Vision Mighty Spirit True Lord, and the Three Altars Hun Tian Capturing Dragon True Lord".

"The First Lady of the Python Sparrow Empire".

Upon hearing this, Gu Daozhao, the commander of the personal guards, couldn't help but gaze at the stunningly beautiful woman on the throne. He felt an overwhelming sense of oppression and a deep sense of powerlessness, and fear rose from his heart.

Even though this stunningly beautiful woman did nothing and appeared weak and sickly with no intimidating presence, just sitting there gave him a feeling of supreme majesty, unparalleled power, and invincibility.

"This humble man, Gu Daozhao, a minor cultivator from the Fourth Realm, is the commander of the personal guards of the imperial grandson Yun Zheng. I greet the First Lady."

Gu Daozhao knelt down, both knees on the ground, and kowtowed in respect.

With her white hair flowing and dressed in white, Jianwu gazed silently at the kneeling Gu Daozhao, her face as cold as ice and her eyes as calm as water, as if looking at a dead man: "Gu Daozhao, what brings you to see Madam?"

Upon hearing this, Gu Daozhao straightened up but dared not stand up, because the First Lady had not told him to stand up, so he could only kneel and reply: "Imperial grandson Yun Zheng was tragically killed by Zhou Qingfeng. Please give the Mangque royal family an explanation."

The First Lady seemed oblivious to the outside world's troubles, leisurely taking out a newly acquired erotic novel, "Stealing Fragrance and Jade," from her sleeve. The cover was untitled, and she flipped through it as if no one else was around, becoming engrossed in the words.

The works she read were not simply erotic novels, but rather those that challenged conventional frameworks, broke through the taboos of this corrupt world, and depicted the struggles of men and women in chaotic times.

The authors of these banned books are pursuing far more than vulgar pleasure.

They use pornography as a shell, but explore deeper social rules and human nature.

The allure of banned books lies in their ability to ignite curiosity, exploration, and a rebellious spirit within people.

At the same time, it also concerns the thirst for knowledge and truth, the pursuit of social recognition, the recognition of aesthetic and artistic value, and even a profound understanding of the forbidden fruit effect.

Therefore, reading banned books is not only an attraction of content, but also a complex reflection of the spiritual, social and cultural levels, reflecting humanity's eternal pursuit of freedom, wisdom and self-expression.

"Explain? What explanation do you want?" Jianwu stood tall, her eyes fixed on Gu Daozhao's face.

Gu Daozhao gritted his teeth, braced himself, clasped his hands, and said, "A life for a life, Zhou Qingfeng must pay with his life!"

The arena fell silent for a moment, then the fifteen sword servants burst out laughing.

Gu Daozhao looked around, not understanding what they were laughing at.

"What are you laughing at? Does killing the imperial grandson come without consequences?"

"If that's the case, then what about the law of the land and the law of justice?" Gu Daozhao knelt down, but still braced himself and demanded an explanation, because if he didn't get an explanation for the death of the imperial grandson, he would surely be killed and his clan exterminated if he went back like this.

Even if they manage to get an explanation, Gu Daozhao and his personal guards will all have to commit suicide as an apology.

After all, their master, Huangfu Yunzheng, was dead, and none of their personal guards would survive.

All I'm doing now is hoping for the Emperor's boundless grace, so that my clan won't be implicated.

Sword Servant Panda mocked from the side: "If you can't play, don't play. When the elites compete, people are bound to die."

"If you think you're of high status and value your life, then don't come to the Heavenly Pride Tournament. Just stay in the capital and be a royal grandson. Since you've come to participate, it means you've accepted the rules, so if you die, you have to accept it and can't blame anyone else."

"If you're going to talk about paying for murder with your life or a life for a life now, then you're just being a scoundrel."

Sword Servant Sword Dance smiled gently and looked at Sword Servant Panda, saying, "Fanfan, you talk too much."

Upon hearing this, the sword-wielding panda immediately shut its mouth.

Sword Attendant Jian Wu's gaze swept across Gu Dao Zhao's face as he continued, "The rules of the Heavenly Pride Tournament clearly state that in a duel, the outcome is the sole responsibility of the participant; this is the rule."

"Rules that are recognized and followed by the city lords and the royal family."

"If you demand my young master's life today, does that mean if my young master were to go to the capital to participate in the Heavenly Pride Competition and be killed by Prince Yunzheng in his quest for a place on the honor roll, then my family could also demand Prince Yunzheng's life in return?"

"Ah, this..." Gu Daozhao was speechless.

Sword Attendant Sword Dance glanced at him, her tone gentle yet sharp: "It was a fair duel on the field, life and death are preordained, and no imperial laws were violated. So what's the point of talking about paying with one's life or killing someone for their life?"

"Besides, you are just a minor imperial guard commander, and you cannot represent the attitude of the Python Sparrow Royal Family."

"If the Mangque royal family really has to give an explanation, it will be His Majesty the Emperor who will personally give an explanation to his wife."

"Who do you think you are to ask the madam for an explanation?"

"Go back, and stop causing trouble."

Upon hearing this, Gu Daozhao looked up at the First Lady, but she remained engrossed in her book, showing no intention of speaking to him. Clearly, what Jian Shi Jian Wu said was the First Lady's opinion.

Without the First Lady's authorization, Jian Shi Jian Wu would never have said such things.

"Thank you for the audience, First Lady. I am deeply grateful. Farewell!" Gu Daozhao stood up, clasped his hands in greeting, and retreated. He did not press the matter any further, as there was no point in continuing. He had already received a reply from the First Family.

When he returned to the capital to report back, he was asked about this matter by his superiors, and he had something to say in response.

As for what happens afterward, that's not something a dead man like him should worry about.

The council chamber has returned to calm.

The fifteen swordsmen retreated to the surface of the water and quietly flew away.

"Hmm~~~" The First Lady leaned back against the armrest, put her feet on another armrest, and lay on the throne in an extremely ungraceful posture. She stretched comfortably and a smile spread across her beautiful face.

"noob."

"I am here." The ethereal, transparent figure of the First Taibai slowly appeared: "I have always been here."

He folded his own time and laid it out on the timeline of the First Lady's remaining life.

He can appear whenever and wherever he is called.

He was dressed in white, with a handsome face, and held a sword in his hand. He sat quietly on the throne, turning his head to smile at the First Lady's unladylike sitting posture: "Is there anything happy happening today?"

The couple remained as loving as ever. Even if societal norms separated them, they could not break their unwavering love until death. Their passionate and intense love had long transcended the boundaries of life and death.

Every day, the First Lady would call her husband out to spend time with her over a cup of tea, sharing interesting stories with him. Even on a simple, boring day, she would find some trivial anecdotes to share with her husband.

The First Taibai would always listen patiently and with a smile to her complaints.

In his eyes, his wife will always be that timid young girl he first met.

That girl was always sincere to him, without any ulterior motives, and her love was pure and unadulterated. She would give him everything she thought was good, always thinking of him and considering his needs in everything she did.

The girl loved him to the core, so much so that she no longer knew how to express her love.

He knew that this was his destined tribulation in love. If he could overcome it, he could take things to the next level; if he couldn't, he would be trapped in this tribulation. He knew this clearly, but he just didn't want to miss it.

Because he knew even more that this was the woman who loved him most in his life, without exception.

He didn't want to miss out. Even if it meant his death and the destruction of the world, he wanted to marry this woman.

Born into this turbid and evil world, no one can guarantee how long they will live. Even if a cultivator who consumes turbid energy has heaven-defying combat power, they may die a violent death tomorrow, or they may live for hundreds of years without dying. Whether one lives or dies is never up to one's own control.

Therefore, he never expects anything from the future, nor does he demand anything for the long term.

He just wants to make the most of every minute and every second.

Live in the moment, and leave no regrets.

Ten thousand years is too long; he only wants to seize the day.

In the end, he got what he wanted, but he paid for it with his life.

Do you regret it?

I have no regrets.

No matter how many years have passed, his love has never diminished in the slightest.

However, the time the two spent together was always short.

After a cup of tea, the First Taibai will disappear again.

If we want to see each other again, we'll have to wait until the next day.

This is because when the First Venus committed suicide, he had little time left, and he had to precisely control the timing of his appearance, otherwise he would not be able to grow old with the First Lady.

"Madam, see you tomorrow."

"See you tomorrow, Xiaobai."

After exchanging smiles and waving goodbye, the First Lady's spirits seemed to vanish in an instant, and she returned to her sickly and listless state.

She unfolded the book and covered her face with it, then closed her eyes and took a nap.

Before we knew it, it was afternoon.

The First Lady is leisurely enjoying afternoon tea amidst a sea of ​​flowers.

Sword Dance led Zhou Qingfeng to pay his respects, then turned and gracefully departed.

Zhou Qingfeng faced the First Lady, lifted his robe and knelt down, his posture proper: "Mother, your son greets you."

Seeing this, the First Lady gave a blank "Hmm" and said, "Get up."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Qingfeng stood up and bowed his head slightly.

The First Lady glanced at it and asked knowingly, "You killed Huangfu Yunzheng?"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Qingfeng clasped his hands in a fist and replied, "Yes, Mother."

The First Lady took a slow sip of her tea and calmly asked, "Are you afraid?"

Zhou Qingfeng considered his words carefully before answering, "I'm afraid, because I killed a prince, and I'm worried that the Mangque royal family will retaliate against me afterward."

The First Lady smiled slightly: "In the battle of the Heavenly Ranking, life and death are the responsibility of the individual. Fourth Brother, do not be afraid, your mother is here for you."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Qingfeng understood immediately, bowed, and clasped his hands in greeting: "Yes, Mother."

"Go back now. Get some rest these next few days and don't go out unnecessarily."

"I understand." Zhou Qingfeng clasped his hands in a fist salute, stepped back, and left the sea of ​​flowers.

As Zhou Qingfeng walked away, Jianwu gracefully landed beside the First Lady.

The First Lady said calmly, "Sword Dance, send someone to create momentum for Fourth Prince."

Sword Dance smiled faintly: "Madam has gone to great lengths to get Si Lang to take over the five major workshops."

"Right now, the Heavenly Pride Competition has brought Si Lang's reputation to an unprecedented level, laying a solid foundation for him to take over the five major workshops in the future. However, Si Lang's level is still too low."

A gentle breeze blew by, causing the sea of ​​flowers to sway, creating a breathtaking scene. The First Lady admired the flower field, picked up her teacup, took a sip of roselle tea, and said in a calm and leisurely tone, "Take your time. You don't understand the joys of being a mother."

Sword Dance: "..."

Time flies by like a white horse.

For the next three days, Zhou Qingfeng stayed in the mansion in quiet cultivation, not receiving guests or going out. He spent his days with Shui'er and his uncle, eating well and sleeping soundly, feeling carefree and just waiting for the results to be announced.

The outside world is already in an uproar.

Everyone is discussing who can make it onto the Heavenly Ranking, and who is number one on the Heavenly Ranking.

The streets of the city were busier than usual, with throngs of pedestrians and teahouses and restaurants packed with people.

In a teahouse, storyteller Zhou Ziou, holding a folding fan with a half-length portrait of Zhou Qingfeng painted on it, was speaking eloquently to the many tea drinkers in the teahouse.

"I participated in the Heavenly Pride Competition before so that I could admire Zhou Fushuai's demeanor up close."

"Unfortunately, I am really not good at fighting, and I have not even passed the preliminary rounds."

"However, Zhou Fushuai is different. He truly deserves to be called a peerless genius. He defeated 100 geniuses in a row, crushing his opponents with invincible momentum and winning the qualification to advance to the first arena."

"After that, Zhou Fushuai and thousands of other outstanding talents stepped into the world arena together."

At this point, everyone's interest was piqued, and they asked curiously, "And then? And then?"

The storyteller Zhou Ziou flicked his folding fan and said with a smile, "And then, how would I know? I've never been to the world arena. But I'm sure that on the day the Heavenly Ranking is announced, Zhou Fushuai will definitely be ranked first!"

"Hush~~~" The tea drinkers booed, most of them wanting to hear details about the world competition.

However, they couldn't find out because the details of matches in world competitions are not made public.

They could only wait for the Heavenly Ranking to be announced to find out the results.

As for the process, 99% of ordinary people and cultivators at the bottom of society have no way of knowing it.

This is an information blockade imposed on them by the upper echelons of power.

This forces them to only see what the powerful and wealthy want them to see.

What you don't want them to see, they won't see at all.

The purpose, of course, was to facilitate governance; after all, cattle and horses are cattle and horses, and they should just behave like cattle and horses.

What's the point of knowing so much? The more you know, the more restless you become.

Let the cattle and horses gamble in the arena, watch the bloody and exciting fights, have a blast, and vent their pent-up emotions.

Detailed information about the world competition would only circulate among the elite.