Heavenly Dao Engine
Chapter 1258 - 1258 0724 Straight to the Heart_2

Chapter 1258: Chapter 0724: Straight to the Heart_2 Chapter 1258: Chapter 0724: Straight to the Heart_2 Before everyone could recover from their shock, Emperor Wenzhi followed behind the Huoyang Emperor and knelt before Qi Tian on one knee, seeking Qi Tian’s forgiveness.

The sight of two Princes kneeling before Qi Tian left a deep imprint in the hearts of all the Gold Core Realm cultivators present; they would never forget what happened today. Emperors Jianwu and the other Princes could understand and accept the actions of the Huoyang Emperor and Emperor Wenzhi. The truly intimidated were the subordinates of these Princes; throughout their journey, they had already realized Qi Tian’s power and that he was not to be trifled with. However, they had never had a very direct concept that could impact their souls. Now, their souls had been greatly shocked, and from this moment on, Qi Tian’s image was firmly established in the depths of their hearts, fearing they would never have the chance to overturn it in this life.

Qi Tian had not expected the Huoyang Emperor and Emperor Wenzhi to kneel before him. Of course, he did not find it unacceptable, but he never thought that the five Princes would put aside their dignity and self-respect, publicly tearing off their own faces.

Nevertheless, Qi Tian was still willing to give these Princes a chance. He did not let the Huoyang Emperor and Emperor Wenzhi continue kneeling to humiliate them, but quickly stepped forward to help the two Princes up, saying, “To know one’s mistake and to correct it—there’s nothing greater. My Princes, we are one entity, with intertwined interests that cannot be severed. I hope you both will bear this in mind and strive to make your work more solid and meticulous in the future to avoid such incidents. This is also to ensure the long-term and substantial development of our combined interests. I hope you both understand.”

The Huoyang Emperor and Emperor Wenzhi quickly made repeated assurances to Qi Tian. Emperors Jianwu, Bahuang, and Yonghe stopped spectating and followed suit, making similar pledges to Qi Tian.

Only then did Qi Tian nod with satisfaction. He said to the five Princes, “You go and rest for a bit and take the opportunity to tally everyone’s contributions. Later, I have some matters to explain to everyone.”

The five Princes bowed to Qi Tian and took their leave, then went back to their subordinates. The Princes scolded their underlings harshly with stern faces and warned them severely. They said that if anyone caused trouble in front of Qi Tian again, they should not blame them for disregarding the loyalty between master and servant, the righteousness between the sovereign and his ministers, as they would enact a massacre.

After the stick comes the carrot.

Once everyone took their warnings to heart, Emperors Jianwu and the others started to tally each person’s contributions. Although Qi Tian didn’t say it explicitly, if there were no accidents, there should be rewards based on their merits.

Qi Tian re-entered the Inner Underground Palace and collected the Liuli sand and the ghost faces he had placed there. Still feeling a bit uneasy, he took out some materials and set up a simple Array at the entrance of the Inner Underground Palace. This Array had no other purpose other than to release a solid defensive wall when touched from outside, which would block the entrance. Qi Tian did this not so much to prevent outsiders from entering, but mainly to guard against anything that might burst out from within the Inner Underground Palace. With this defensive wall, they could buy some time.

After setting it up, Qi Tian found Gao Jinmei to check on her condition. Gao Limei was in great spirits. Her gains from entering the Saint’s Tomb were substantial, which made her appear extremely vigorous, full of energy and fighting spirit, with bright, determined eyes.

“Master, I feel so energized now. When we go out, we should be dealing with Emperor Chaoyang, right? Make sure you take me with you; don’t leave me behind,” Gao Limei said.

Qi Tian smiled and replied, “Don’t be too anxious about Emperor Chaoyang. If he minds his own business, we have no need to trouble him. But if he insists on causing trouble, it won’t be too late to slap him to death then. After we exit, our first task isn’t to deal with Emperor Chaoyang but to take care of another person.”

Jin Mei said, “No matter who you want to deal with, please take me with you, I absolutely won’t hold you back.”

Qi Tian chuckled, but said nothing. Jin Mei’s spirit was commendable. However, given Jin Mei’s current level of cultivation and strength, the help she could offer Qi Tian was becoming increasingly limited.

After chatting idly with Jin Mei for a few moments, Qi Tian walked over to Emperor Jianwu and the other Princes who, along with their subordinates, hastily bowed to show their respect.

Qi Tian said, “This time, our exploration of the Saint’s Tomb has been very successful. I know many among you do not understand why we stopped when we’ve come this far and didn’t open the coffin within the Saint’s Tomb. I’m under no obligation to explain anything to you, but to prevent further confusion, I’ll simply tell you my reasons.

The dangers inside the Inner Underground Palace are immense, which you should all have experienced firsthand. However, I can tell you that what you have encountered doesn’t even amount to one percent of the hazards within. While you were trapped by the thick fog, unable to do anything, it was I alone handling the various dangers inside the Inner Underground Palace, each of which was no less formidable than the ghostly face guarding the Outer Tomb Door.

Consider this, if the owner of the Saint’s Tomb could set up so many traps and mechanisms in the Inner Underground Palace, how could his coffin be harmless? It’s only going to be more dangerous. I honestly don’t have the ability to resolve these issues, and none of you, not even if all of you work together, have the capacity to handle them either.

To knowingly confront the impossible is not bravery but foolishness. These are my sincere words. You may believe them or not, as you wish. I won’t force you.

In a while, I will lead you out of the Saint’s Tomb and back to the Eastern Capital City. If you still aren’t satisfied, it’s alright, you can form your own team and come to the Saint’s Tomb for a second time. Then you can dig up the coffin on your own. If there are any treasures inside, you can keep them for yourself without giving me any share.”

Qi Tian’s last few words were very enticing, and immediately some people’s eyes began to flicker, evidently tempted to come here again after the fact.

Qi Tian sneered inwardly. People die for wealth as birds die for food. They hadn’t experienced the dangers of the Inner Underground Palace firsthand, so their underestimation of the coffin wasn’t too surprising. However, if they really thought they had the ability to excavate the coffin, then they were sorely mistaken. Qi Tian was certain that if they got involved, it’s likely none of them would survive.

Just at that moment, Emperor Jianwu said, “Master Qi, I cannot speak for others, but I can assure you that I believe you one hundred percent. I can make a solemn promise before everyone here that no one from Jianwu Palace, including myself, is allowed to set foot in this Inner Underground Palace without permission. If anyone dares to disobey my command, there will be no second chances, I will undoubtedly kill his entire family, leaving no survivors.”

With Emperor Jianwu making such a statement, all the Gold Core Realm experts of the Jianwu Palace instantly turned pale. They never expected Emperor Jianwu would say such a thing. None of them dared to doubt his resolve. Emperor Jianwu was the kind of person who would definitely carry out his threats. If anyone dared to disobey Emperor Jianwu’s order, he would show no mercy, and his sword would surely fall, decapitating the offender.