Luo Zuchen returned to the Capital City, and he also planned to visit Mountain Sea Academy once more.
He wanted to see what his former courtyard looks like now.
However, upon reaching Mountain Sea Academy, he was stopped right away.
The academy refused to let him in, with a very simple reason given.
Luo Zuchen is unworthy of being a teacher.
As a senior, he attacked the younger generation of his own country.
The Imperial Court might choose to compromise with him for stability, but Mountain Sea Academy will not.
Standing at the academy gate, Luo Zuchenâs face carried a hint of coldness.
How could the academy guards possibly be his match?
Just as Luo Zuchen was about to take action, the Mountain Sea Dean appeared before him.
"Why is it that the moment you arrive in the Capital City, you wish to cause trouble in this small place of mine?"
The Mountain Sea Deanâs voice was soft, yet it carried an indescribable authority.
"Dean, you see Iâve come a long way back.
My aunt came with me too, and sheâs a bit tired from the journey. Wouldnât it be good to let us in for a cup of tea?"
Luo Zuchen purposely mentioned his aunt in his words.
Upon hearing this, the Mountain Sea Dean turned his head to look behind him.
"Luo Changping, do you wish to protect your nephew by causing a ruckus in our Mountain Sea Academy?"
Even when facing Luo Changping, who was of the Second Grade in the Immortal Realm, the Mountain Sea Deanâs tone remained the same.
There was no special treatment given to Luo Changping.
Luo Zuchen turned to look at his aunt; he originally intended to say something more.
But when he saw Luo Changpingâs expression, he realized that his aunt seemed to be backing down.
"You should leave on your own. This Mountain Sea Academy is a place for nurturing students.
If you want to cause trouble or engage in conflicts, go elsewhere to fight.
If you come to my Mountain Sea Academy to cause trouble, I will have to teach you a lesson myself."
After speaking, the Mountain Sea Dean waved his hand to drive them away.
Luo Zuchen turned to look at his aunt.
To his surprise, his aunt didnât utter another word and left quietly.
He understood his auntâs temperament; she seemed amiable, but was less tolerant of bullying than he was.
Yet today, facing the Mountain Sea Dean, she seemed somewhat...
"Letâs go, weâll find another place to rest."
Luo Changping threw out a sentence without saying much else.
Regardless of whether Luo Zuchen followed, she was already walking away by herself.
Luo Zuchen glanced back at the Mountain Sea Dean and then hurriedly caught up.
"Aunt, how come...
Could it be, are you afraid of that old man?"
Luo Zuchen knew that the Mountain Sea Dean had some skills, but he didnât know to what extent.
"Donât bother with those unnecessary thoughts; just donât provoke him."
Luo Changping left a sentence, but didnât say anything more.
This made Luo Zuchen even more curious.
He knew that, together with his aunt, they werenât even afraid of the Imperial Family.
With the Eastern Garrison backing them, they currently treat the orders of the Imperial Family like nothing.
Not afraid of the Imperial Family, but afraid of the Mountain Sea Dean?
Just what is the Mountain Sea Deanâs true power...
After leaving the academy, the two of them found an inn to stay in.
It had been heard among the Imperial Courtâs officials that Shen Han had met with Luo Zuchen at the Imperial Palace,
but the common people were still unaware.
If the public were to hear that the court intended to use Shen Han to ensure the stability of the Eastern Garrison,
then public outrage could certainly be stirred.
A night passed.
After the morning court session, the reception for the meeting was next.
After noon, Shen Han, Shi Yuezhu, and Dean Tianyi made their way to the Imperial Palace.
At the entrance of the palace, the guards had already been notified.
They knew that Shen Han and Luo Zuchen would arrive today.
But Shi Yuezhu and Dean Tianyi were stopped.
The reason given was that today only Luo Zuchen and Shen Han would be entertained, and others could not accompany them.
Dean Tianyi was somewhat insistent, but was stopped by Shen Han.
"Dean, as long as Luo Changping cannot accompany Luo Zuchen inside, I can accept this."
If Luo Changping couldnât accompany him, going alone would tempt Luo Zuchen to make a move against him.
For Shen Han, this was more fitting.
He was just waiting for Luo Zuchen to take action against him.
Currently, Luo Zuchen shouldnât know his true power.
Perhaps he thought that if he found the opportunity to attack Shen Han, he would succeed easily.
Even within the Imperial Palace, given his temperament, he probably wouldnât have many reservations.
Moreover, he still had the Eastern Garrison backing him.
Under such circumstances, Luo Zuchen should be even more arrogant and reckless.
Shi Yuezhu knew Shen Hanâs true power, in the Immortal Realm, allowing him to ensure his survival in the palace.
As long as Luo Changping couldnât enter, and it was just Luo Zuchen alone, Shi Yuezhu really wasnât too worried.
Previously at Xiaoyao Peak, when Shen Han exhibited his strength, Dean Tianyi happened to not hear it.
Seeing that Shi Yuezhu didnât intervene much, he hesitated for a moment and nodded.
Then, Shen Han entered the Imperial Palace alone.
A palace servant led the way, and todayâs meeting was set up in the Peach Garden.
It was not a state affair, so it was not appropriate to discuss it in the various large halls.
The palace gardens were a little less formal.
The Imperial Palace was vast, and following the palace servant, they walked for nearly a quarter of an hour.
The palace had many rules, and even the servants had several requirements regarding their demeanor.
Thereâs no way they could walk fast, itâs like thereâs a ghost about.
At this moment, quite a few people were already waiting in the Peach Garden.
Shen Han walked in and immediately saw Prince Qingyuan.
The Great Wei Emperor had not yet arrived; after all, he is the Great Wei Emperor, and itâs a bit inappropriate for him to wait for guests.
Once everyone gathers, the Great Wei Emperor will naturally be the last to come out.
Shen Han saluted Prince Qingyuan as a gesture of respect.
Seeing Shen Han, a touch of relief appeared on Prince Qingyuanâs face.
"Not bad, youâve shed some of the youthfulness from two years ago and look more handsome now."
Prince Qingyuan said with a smile.
Shen Han truly grew from a mere student to his current formidable state before Prince Qingyuanâs eyes.
There was a sense of emotion.
Two years ago, he thought Shen Han had really perished at Luo Zuchenâs hands.
To reunite is indeed a stroke of luck.
"You should know Sikong Miaomiao.
You all have crossed paths in previous academy competitions.
The one behind her is the Third Head of the Sikong Family."
Upon hearing Prince Qingyuanâs introduction, Shen Han politely greeted them.
However, when Sikong Miaomiao saw Shen Han greeting her, she only pursed her lips and said nothing.
When Shen Han turned to look elsewhere, she couldnât help but glance back at him.
"There are a few others, weâll speak about them later.
The Emperor will bring them up when he arrives, itâs most appropriate."
Shen Han nodded and did not pursue the matter further.
It wasnât long, perhaps not even a quarter of an hour, when Luo Zuchen also arrived.
He also came alone, without Luo Changping accompanying him.
From the moment he entered, the atmosphere in the Peach Garden turned cold.
Luo Zuchen greeted Prince Qingyuan with casual smiles.
The Third Head of the Sikong Family also seemed acquainted with Luo Zuchen.
They exchanged a few words.
However, when he spoke, his sidelined gaze was constantly darting towards Shen Han.
The malice in his eyes was palpable to Shen Han.
Itâs likely Luo Zuchen is contemplating when to make his move against him.
After Luo Zuchen stepped into the Peach Garden, the Great Wei Emperor soon entered with several important ministers.
Everyone hurriedly bowed to the Great Wei Emperor.
Luo Zuchen appeared even more arrogant than imagined, although he performed the ceremony, it was evidently perfunctory.
In the Peach Garden, servants immediately came forward to set up the tables.
A variety of tea and pastries were then served.
"Everyone, please take your seats. Itâs rare to have such a gathering today.
Everyone must have come with a purpose.
But before we get down to business, letâs try some of these pastries.
Letâs talk while we eat."
The Great Wei Emperor wore a slightly playful smile, appearing very casual.
"I had some matters to attend to earlier, so I came a bit late.
Before I arrived, have you discussed anything?"
The Great Wei Emperor asked Prince Qingyuan kindly.
"Todayâs matter only Elder Imperial Brother has the standing to mediate the discussions.
Without Elder Imperial Brother, we can only exchange pleasantries."
In response, the Great Wei Emperor waved his hand dismissively.
"I can only offer some assistance, ultimately it depends on Shen Han and Mr. Luo.
Mr. Luo, your willingness to come today suggests a willingness to accept mediation?
As fellow inhabitants of Great Wei, I think some grudges can be set aside for now."
As he spoke, the Great Wei Emperorâs gaze shifted to Luo Zuchen.
A slight smile arose on Luo Zuchenâs face.
"With the Emperor saying this, if I still refuse, it would truly be negligent.
As long as this child agrees to abandon his strength, all past grievances will not be held against him.
In theory, he attacked his older brother and never heeded the words of his elders.
Such a young person deserves to perish, unworthy of living in this world."
Luo Zuchen spoke, but the Great Wei Emperor simply laughed a few times.
"Mr. Luo, your words practically silence me.
This child has worked hard to attain the Fourth Grade, abandoning his strength is impossible.
What Mr. Luo suggests halts further discussion altogether."
Luo Zuchenâs eyes floated to Shen Han, continuously slandering in his speech.
"This childâs temperament is ruthless; if allowed unchecked, it might be detrimental to us."
Upon hearing this, a minister at the venue chuckled slightly.
"As I see it, even if this young man continues to grow, heâs likely only going to deter you, Luo Zuchen.
We, who serve the court, bear no grievance with him; how could he be detrimental to us?"
The speaker was a minister from the Ministry of War.
Upon these words, Luo Zuchenâs expression immediately turned vicious.
"Lord Shan, allow me to analyze this moment with you.
Currently, the eastern border is monitored intensely by Yan Country.
The Shen Family must dedicate significant effort to fend off the Yan invaders.
If allowed to pursue recklessness, the Shen Familyâs divided focus could compromise defending against foreign threats.
How would they protect the Capital City?"
What analysis, this is clearly a threat.
Using the Eastern Garrisonâs betrayal to pressure the Imperial Court.