Otherworld Advance Team
Chapter 1793 - 1786: Debate Before the Throne

As an attendant, he behaved very properly in front of Emperor Wu. Even though this Emperor Wu was his own uncle, he did not show any intention of being overly familiar.

"Your Majesty summoned me urgently into the palace, what could be the matter?" Luo’er asked.

"It’s nothing serious," Emperor Wu waved his hand and said, "The National Advisor has been in the capital for many days, yet I haven’t been able to personally host him, which is truly disrespectful. Since we parted at the altar that day, I was restless and kept thinking of the National Advisor."

"I am flustered, how could I trouble Your Majesty with such thoughts?" Luo’er said calmly.

"Thinking of...hmph!"

He heard Fulajie’er express a slightly jealous sentiment, evidently, Emperor Wu saying such things in front of everyone was indeed inappropriate, making people feel awkward.

Luo’er is very attractive, so the women around him not only worry about other women but also need to guard against men who are enchanted by Luo’er’s looks.

"National Advisor..."

Emperor Wu stepped forward, attempting to reach for Luo’er’s hand. But as his hand stretched out halfway, it collided with an invisible barrier, causing him to yelp in pain and retract his hand.

"Are you alright, Your Majesty..."

Upon hearing Emperor Wu’s sound, all the surrounding attendants were frightened and nervously inquired.

"My apologies, Your Majesty," Luo’er explained, "I have received divine grace, and thus the spirits do not permit me to randomly touch others. I failed to inform Your Majesty in advance, which is my oversight."

Luo’er naturally knew who caused this; evidently, Fulajie’er was worked up over Emperor Wu’s earlier words, subconsciously worried that he had intentions towards Luo’er.

Actually, Luo’er did not mind physical contact, so Fulajie’er’s small trick left him helpless, having no choice but to explain.

"I’m fine, no need to be nervous!"

Hearing Luo’er’s explanation, Emperor Wu was also very magnanimous, waving his hand to signal the attendants to withdraw.

"Your Majesty, in such settings, you should be mindful of your words and actions."

Ichuan Fei, remaining nonchalant, stepped forward, lowering his voice to speak.

Being so close, Luo’er naturally also heard Ichuan Fei’s warning, which surprised him greatly.

Because Ichuan Fei’s words to Emperor Wu sounded more like reprimand than counsel. Even considering he and Emperor Wu’s monarch-subordinate relationship aside, Emperor Wu was his elder, yet he dared to scold his elder in such a manner.

What astonished Luo’er was that Emperor Wu, facing Ichuan Fei’s reprimand, not only did not get angry due to losing face but rather nodded as if in agreement.

"I was too hasty to understand the National Advisor’s taboos, please do not be angry, National Advisor." Emperor Wu sincerely apologized.

"Your Majesty need not be so courteous." Surprised, Luo’er could only acquiesce.

"Hmph, let’s see if you still dare to act so rashly."

Luo’er heard the voice of Fulajie’er, and couldn’t help but gently sigh. Because they were surrounded by others, he couldn’t talk to Fulajie’er privately.

After the minor commotion, under Emperor Wu’s invitation, Luo’er entered the Zixiao Palace.

The entire palace was built magnificently, with a cauldron in front of each pillar, emitting faint blue smoke, permeating the whole palace with incense.

In the center of the hall was a large cushion, surrounded by various stacked books and serving maids; presumably, this was where Emperor Wu usually meditated and read.

Emperor Wu had already set up a new cushion before his own, presumably to entertain Luo’er. Thus, under Emperor Wu’s invitation, Luo’er knelt on the cushion, sitting opposite Emperor Wu.

Ichuan Fei still stood by Emperor Wu’s side, silent and not looking at the two, as if he never knew Luo’er.

Once Emperor Wu sat firmly, he turned to Ichuan Fei and the surrounding attendants and said, "I wish to discuss with the National Advisor; all of you, withdraw."

"Your Majesty, this..."

Ichuan Fei revealed a surprised expression but soon returned to normal, evidently foreseeing this step, so he wasn’t flustered.

"What, do you not trust me, or do you not trust the National Advisor?" Emperor Wu asked coldly with a stern face.

"No, minister doesn’t mean that."

"Then withdraw, all of you withdraw, I want to have a good discussion with the National Advisor." Emperor Wu ordered with a frown.

"Understood, I obey..."

Ichuan Fei agreed reluctantly while looking at Luo’er.

Sure enough, he had anticipated this situation long ago, which is why he communicated with Luo’er beforehand. This shows that Emperor Wu is not entirely a figurehead but still has some power.

Luo’er’s argument was once again confirmed.

Soon, Ichuan Fei dispersed everyone in the palace, including himself. Emperor Wu not only cleared all attendants but also dismissed the armor-clad soldiers responsible for his safety, leaving them at the entrance.

"Should we arrange for the Shadow Guard to enter the palace to secretly protect His Majesty?" a soldier at the entrance asked worriedly.

"No need," Ichuan Fei waved calmly and said, "His Majesty can sense the presence of the Shadow Guard, so it would be in vain."

With that, he took a deep breath, then squinted his eyes, as if talking to himself, "Now, we can only trust our National Advisor."

"The National Advisor he..."

"The National Advisor is a person of insight, no need to worry about him. He certainly does not support the Wen Family, but dislikes the Wu Family even more."

"Understood, it’s all up to the Manor Lord’s arrangements." The soldier respectfully said.

"National Advisor, please do not let me down..."

Ichuan Fei took another deep breath and muttered to himself.

Now, only Luo’er and Emperor Wu were left sitting face to face in the palace. Luo’er, after scanning the surroundings, calmly said, "Your Majesty dispersed the attendants, surely you have something to say to me?"

"The National Advisor indeed understands me."

Without attendants present, Emperor Wu no longer sat upright and instead changed to a comfortable posture, leaning diagonally on the cushion.

"Domain, unfold!" Luo’er murmured for a moment, closing his eyes as he commanded.

"Received, domain unfolding, no anomalies around!" A voice from Fulajie’er echoed in his mind.

"What is the National Advisor doing?" Emperor Wu asked puzzled.

"Nothing, just doing the same thing as Your Majesty." Luo’er waved his hand and said.

Emperor Wu seemed to understand vaguely and nodded, deciding to move into the main topic: "I heard that the National Advisor has reached the Nascent Soul Realm?"

"Nascent Soul? I have no cultivation in the Nascent Soul Realm; Your Majesty could see that I am not even a cultivator." Luo’er said leisurely.

"But, the divine abilities displayed by the National Advisor on this journey are indeed real." Emperor Wu urgently said.

"If I say there are deities in this world, Your Majesty would surely not believe it. But I am indeed not any cultivator nor have any cultivation in the Nascent Soul Realm." Luo’er reiterated.

"If there are deities, why are they so unfair to me," Emperor Wu said in anguish, "I, as Emperor Wu, only possess cultivation in the Foundation Establishment Realm. Such cultivation spreading to the ears of the world may just be ridicule, but if used by those with intentions, it could result in the downfall of the realm."

"Your Majesty is the ruler of the world; why pay so much attention to cultivation?"

"The National Advisor should understand the tradition of Tiansheng Nine Provinces. As Emperor Wu, I should be the master of cultivators across the world, not the master of the common people."

"Does Your Majesty think that within the Nine Provinces, are there more subjects or more cultivators? Given that Your Majesty is already in a high position, you should strive for the people, not solely for personal practice."

"Even the National Advisor speaks such words of the Wen Family, could it be that the National Advisor has already been coerced by the Wen Family?" Emperor Wu showed a sorrowful expression.

"Your Majesty, I am merely stating what I believe is right," Luo’er said plainly and suddenly changed his tone, his speech became intense, "Your Majesty forsakes the populace, pursuing personal interest, is overly selfish. Being in high position, you should nurture the populace with kindness. If you only seek personal gain, how are you different from the rabble?"

Emperor Wu was rendered speechless by Luo’er’s words, staring wide-eyed, unable to reply.

Luo’er was clearly somewhat worked up as well; upon hearing Emperor Wu say he was merely a cultivator ruler instead of the emperor of the Nine Provinces’ populace, an inexplicable fire surged from his heart.

In some respects, Luo’er’s views actually coincided with Ichuan Fei’s. Both believed that since Emperor Wu was already in such a high position, he should not engage in superficial matters anymore, but rather assist the Cabinet in governing the realm properly, which would be the best explanation for the realm.