"Here they come! The Profound Heaven Immortal Sect is here!"
As exclamations rose in the imperial garden, Lin Yu saw ministers of the Great Zhou Dynasty, even the Zhou Emperor, rise to look toward the garden entrance, as if expecting someone of great importance. Not only that, but warriors from the major sects that had arrived earlier also stood to show respect for the Profound Heaven Immortal Sect.
"The Profound Heaven Immortal Sect is a reclusive sect of immense strength. Legend has it they have countless Myriad Manifestations experts, even peerless powerhouses beyond the Myriad Manifestations Realm. His Majesty finally established relations with them, and they agreed to send disciples to participate in this genius trial to gain experience." Noticing Lin Yu's confusion, Su Miaozhen explained softly.
At that moment, warriors from the Profound Heaven Immortal Sect entered the imperial garden, instantly becoming the focus of attention. An aged man with white hair, a childlike face, and a sword on his back appeared in a green robe, followed by a young man and woman.
The young man in black robes was handsome but had a flippant gaze and an air of arrogance. He swept the crowd, lingering only briefly on Chu Chu and Seventh Princess Lin Yue—everyone else, even the Zhou Emperor, seemed beneath his notice. The young woman in a white dress was stunning, but her face was perpetually frosty. She frowned at the lively garden, clearly repulsed by such public appearances.
"Zhang Ling of the Profound Heaven Immortal Sect, leading disciples Jiang Xuan and Yu Weiwei, greets the Emperor!" The green-robed elder chuckled and arched his hand. Jiang Xuan and Yu Weiwei followed suit.
"No formalities needed! Your participation in the trial honors Great Zhou. You are our esteemed guests—please, be seated!" The Zhou Emperor smiled warmly, arranging the three from the Profound Heaven Immortal Sect to sit beside him.
Lin Yu was surprised to sense the green-robed elder was a Myriad Manifestations Second Grade warrior, while the black-robed Jiang Xuan was Purple Mansion Third Grade, and the white-dressed woman, Yu Weiwei, was even stronger at Purple Mansion Fifth Grade. This confirmed the sect's worthiness of the Zhou Emperor's attention—their strength far surpassed the other sects present.
Glancing at warriors from other sects, Lin Yu saw deep apprehension in their eyes. He had heard of sects and families that survived the Demon Clan invasion and Demon Sect rampages by hiding in blessed lands, preserving their power. Thus, these forces possessed not only Myriad Manifestations experts but also many beyond.
Yet Lin Yu despised them—hiding during calamities to preserve strength, no matter how powerful, made them selfish cowards. In contrast, though other sects and families had flaws and often constrained the dynasty, they had shed blood for the continent's billions, leading to the decline of their powerhouses.
After the Profound Heaven Immortal Sect members were seated, the garden grew even livelier. Ministers toasted them, and many sect warriors approached to forge connections, making them the center of the banquet. However, Jiang Xuan's gaze often drifted to Chu Chu, showing particular interest.
Just then, Chu Chu rose gracefully and walked to Lin Yu. She smiled at Su Miaozhen, then sat beside Lin Yu, hugging his arm affectionately. "Third Uncle, Seventh Aunt asked me to ask—why are you here, and what's this about being a hostage?"
"Great Han and Great Zhou signed a truce and exchanged hostages, so here I am." Lin Yu told the truth.
"Grandfather is too much—first he imprisoned you in the imperial mausoleum, now he sends you here as a hostage!" Chu Chu protested on his behalf.
"It's not bad here. I was tired of the mausoleum anyway." Lin Yu smiled. More importantly, the Demon Prison and Lanruo Temple held demons and demonic cultivators that could boost his cultivation toward realms beyond Myriad Manifestations.
"Fair maiden, come have a drink with me." Jiang Xuan of the Profound Heaven Immortal Sect approached with a wine cup, staring hungrily at Chu Chu.
"No thanks." Chu Chu was chatting with Lin Yu and dismissed him with a shake of the head.
Lin Yu frowned at Jiang Xuan—why single out Chu Chu? The entire garden turned to watch.
Jiang Xuan's face darkened. "Don't you know who I am?"
Chu Chu gave him a "who cares" look. "I have no interest. Please leave me alone."
"Hehe, if I'm not mistaken, you possess a Profound Yin Physique?" Jiang Xuan sneered, revealing Chu Chu's talent.
"A Profound Yin Physique—top-tier talent! Who knew the Great Han royal family had such a genius!"
"Li He of Supreme Sword Sect wanted to marry her and was crippled by Great Han's national guardian."
"Seems the Profound Heaven Immortal Sect has set their sights on her talent. This is interesting—can Great Han's national guardian resist their pressure?"
Warriors from various sects whispered in surprise, eyeing Chu Chu.
"What do you want?" Lin Yu asked, displeased.
"I'm speaking to the maiden—what's it to you, a waste who hasn't even reached Xiantian Realm? Scram!" Jiang Xuan snorted, dismissing Lin Yu.
"Master Jiang, this is Great Zhou's imperial garden. Show some respect." Su Miaozhen's eyes chilled as she rebuked him.
Jiang Xuan scanned Su Miaozhen, lingering on her silver mask. "Good figure. I wonder what's under that mask?" He reached to lift her mask insolently.
Su Miaozhen sidestepped, hand on her sword, glaring at him.
"Jiang Xuan, stop! No rudeness!" The green-robed elder coughed, rebuking him lightly.
Jiang Xuan withdrew, turning to Chu Chu with a smile. "A Profound Yin Physique wasted in a minor sect. Join our Profound Heaven Immortal Sect, become my Dao companion, and cultivate together. I guarantee you'll reach Purple Mansion Realm within three years!"
"The brat has ill intentions—he covets Chu Chu's Profound Yin Physique to use her as a cauldron for cultivation!" Cauldron Lord's voice suddenly sounded in Lin Yu's mind.