How did a bastard like him become an immortal?

After a long and arduous journey, the two finally returned to the Temple of the Sun and Moon.

Zhu Jiutong arranged for Li Muyun to rest next to the main hall, rummaged through chests and cabinets, and found many elixirs in the Sacred Hand Hall, which he gave to Li Muyun to heal his injuries.

Although he didn't see how Li Muyun managed to save them from the clutches of Heaven, the hardships involved were self-evident.

Such a life-saving grace is beyond repayment. It would be unacceptable to let Li Muyun drag his weary and crippled body along.

Li Muyun sat cross-legged in the side hall, which was extremely luxurious, with delicate and lifelike carvings and grand and simple decorations. Beneath the ground, there were layers upon layers of spirit-gathering arrays.

The spiritual energy circulates smoothly and freely, layer upon layer, making it perfectly suitable for both exhaling and condensing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth.

The night was deep, and the moonlight shone down on the Sun and Moon Temple, spreading like silver ribbons across the glazed tiles. The copper bells on the eaves jingled softly in the night breeze.

Li Muyun sat cross-legged, his mind filled with many insights, making great progress in both cultivation and formation techniques.

In this life-or-death moment, he briefly stepped into the peak of Mahayana cultivation and comprehended the power of immortal arts, which greatly benefited him.

Especially when the Devouring Heaven Soul-Destroying Array was activated at the end, merging the two immortal swords into one, it was almost a fusion of array techniques and cultivation methods, reaching the pinnacle of power.

Now, whenever Li Muyun thinks of that sword light he condensed, he feels a chill run down his spine.

To be able to tear the hem of a Heavenly Daoist's robe and slash such an existence, one must have broken through the shackles of the laws and reached the power of immortal arts.

Just as Li Muyun was deep in thought, a soft sound came from behind him.

"Brother Li, are you sound asleep?"

It was Zhu Jiutong standing outside the palace gate, asking softly.

Just as Li Muyun was about to reply, he suddenly heard hurried footsteps coming from outside the hall.

The night watchman hurried to the outside of the palace, his steps hurried and he saw Zhu Jiutong on the outer perimeter. He quickly bowed and paid his respects.

"Ninth Prince, the Sun and Moon Emperor summons you!"

"Understood, let's go down."

Zhu Jiutongping, having been dismissed from his post as a night eunuch, entered the side hall after receiving permission and went straight to the point.

"His Majesty the Emperor has finished his seclusion and has summoned you by name."

Li Muyun sat up cross-legged, a meaningful smile appearing on his lips.

He had heard many stories about this Sun and Moon Emperor along the way, and now that he was finally able to see him in person, he felt a mix of emotions.

He wasn't exactly nervous, but he was somewhat uneasy. He couldn't believe that the Sun and Moon Emperor was completely unaware of the abnormalities in the Tang Empire.

"It's worth mentioning that Father Emperor summoned you this time to his bedchamber..."

At this point, Zhu Jiutong smiled slightly, and the tension on his face eased a little.

His Majesty the Emperor is iron-fisted and mighty. In the court, he is as cold as a knife. With just a glance, he can silence the ministers and make them tremble.

However, in the bedroom, one is often depicted as a kind and loving elder who cares for his descendants, creating a more relaxed atmosphere.

Upon hearing this, Li Muyun was stunned for a moment, feeling a little flattered.

He broke through the barrier and rushed to be summoned. The first summons was actually held in his bedchamber.

It was almost a habit of every emperor not to discuss politics in his bedchamber, which naturally created a more peaceful and gentle atmosphere within the palace.

Generally speaking, unless they are descendants or trusted ministers, few people can meet the emperor in his bedchamber, let alone him.

A foreigner from the Tang Dynasty.

This all reveals the emperor's high regard for the emperor and his intention to show goodwill.

After calming his mind for a moment, Li Muyun followed Zhu Jiutong to the palace of the Sun and Moon Emperor to meet him.

After passing through the many hanging flower gates of the Sun and Moon Temple, we finally approached a solemn, ancient, and elegant pavilion.

Li Muyun's expression hardened, and a faint killing intent suddenly surged, but it dimmed as soon as he sensed the approaching person.

Through the dim moonlight shining through the Temple of the Sun and Moon and the sky, the many sculptures stood silently, the sun and moon patterns on their armor glowing faintly in the night, motionless, yet guarding the vicinity of the palace.

Zhu Jiutong kept his eyes straight ahead, having long been accustomed to such secret guards. After respectfully inquiring at the door, a powerful and resonant voice rang out.

The vermilion doors of the palace opened silently, and amidst the fragrance, there was a faint trace of heavy rust, and an indescribable fragrance permeated the air.

Li Muyun raised his hand and straightened his chest, flicked his sleeves, and strode into the palace. After passing through a series of screens and curtains, he stepped into the spacious main hall.

"Xiao Xiu Li Muyun greets His Majesty the Sun and Moon!"

Li Muyun cupped his hands and bowed in greeting.

The Emperor of the Sun and Moon on the dragon bed was wrapped in a bright yellow robe with dragon patterns. The sun and moon patterns on the dragon pattern flew together, comparable to heaven and earth. Although it was casual wear, it did not lose any royal majesty. His dignified and solemn face made people dare not look directly at him.

The emperor, whose title was "Sun and Moon Shining Together," was now staring at Li Muyun with great interest.

"You are the formation genius that Jiu Tong mentioned, the one that You Longtian praised highly?"

The voice of the Sun and Moon Emperor was as loud as a bell, full of vigor and vitality. In just two short sentences, his voice was as powerful as a tiger's roar, and his aura was overwhelming and extraordinary.

"Your Majesty, it's nothing more than a rudimentary understanding of array formations."

Li Muyun calmly cupped his hands in greeting, but did not refute it, which was considered an acceptance of the statement.

"fur?"

"Hahahaha! This is interesting!"

Emperor Zhu Hongwu of the Sun and Moon laughed heartily, sat up straight, and stared intently at Li Muyun.

"So, according to you, your mastery of formations goes far beyond this?"

Li Muyun lowered his eyes, his heart now at peace. He probably already understood the purpose of this Sun and Moon Emperor's visit.

"Another breakthrough was just made..."

"You're so modest, always talking about superficial things. Only you could say that, but Youlong can't even refute it..."

"Alright, I naturally believe in the art of array formations, and I also believe in you. The reason I summoned you here is that my Great Sun Moon Empire possesses a great array formation that has been passed down for thousands of years. Unfortunately, our descendants are unworthy and cannot reproduce its glory."

At this point, Zhu Hongwu's expression turned somber, a hint of resentment flashing across his face.

Li Muyun was startled, but remained outwardly calm.

"Oh? I wonder what Your Majesty means?"

"I will soon be holding a formation competition, and I command you to be among the top three. Is that too difficult?"

A thought flashed through Li Muyun's mind for a moment, and he roughly understood.

"The top three winners of the Heavenly Array Competition will have the opportunity to comprehend this inherited grand array."

Li Muyun felt a chill run down his spine; he finally understood Zhu Hongwu's true purpose.

The so-called Heavenly Array Competition was merely an excuse for him to legitimately come into contact with the great array.

This inheritance array is a great array that has been passed down for thousands of years by the Sun Moon Empire. He is a person from the Great Tang Empire. If he were to comprehend it directly, wouldn't that be a slap in the face to the Sun Moon Empire, clearly showing that the Sun Moon Empire has no one to rely on?

"If I can comprehend it, I will certainly present it to His Majesty so that it may be returned to its rightful owner..."

Li Muyun's heart flickered, and before the Sun and Moon Emperor could speak, he quickly spoke up.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Hongwu burst into laughter, stood up, then sat back down, his expression towards Li Muyun now showing more appreciation.

Such a mindset indicates that this young man is teachable.