Kyoto, the Marquis of Wuwei's mansion.

Inside a secret chamber, Chen Yuan slowly opened his eyes, exhaling a breath of turbid air. After two more days of cultivation, he had finally stabilized his newly broken Solid Core realm.

His own strength had also ushered in a surge!

If Chen Yuan could only compare to a master who had just entered the Celestial Core realm when he was at the peak of the Void Core realm, then he could now definitely rival a seasoned Celestial Core grandmaster.

That is, roughly the level of Xiao Yun Sheng.

Lowering his head, Chen Yuan tightly clenched his fist, sensing the powerful force within. A smile couldn't help but appear on the corner of his mouth. This was the pleasure that strength brought.

Every time after breaking through, Chen Yuan wanted to find a mountain peak to test his strength and verify just how strong he was now.

The true core in his dantian was now almost tangible. If he sank his mind into it and looked inward, he would find that the almost solid core was extraordinary.

Two streams of black and white energy circulated slowly within the true core.

A point of starlight was contained within.

Wrapped by a divine lotus...

Clearly, the power brought by the Seven Stars Alignment had not been fully unleashed. Another part of the power was lurking within the true core, as if accumulating a foundation for him.

When Chen Yuan shattered the core and transformed into a deity one day, its power would truly erupt.

Foundation.

Chen Yuan estimated that this was the foundation upon which he stood now.

Only by laying a solid foundation could he continue to climb upwards.

Entering the Solid Core realm also meant that Chen Yuan was very different from before. On the surface, he was now qualified to stand shoulder to shoulder with the other commanders.

Strength is strength, realm is realm.

Among the eight commanders inside and outside Kyoto, all but Chen Yuan had Solid Core or higher cultivation levels, but he was not looked down upon in the slightest.

Nor did anyone short-sighted seek trouble with him.

That was almost the same as courting death.

The examples of Yang Hucheng and the Fourth Prince Sima Ke were now before everyone's eyes. He was now an object of courtship for many, rather than an object of jealousy and targeting.

There was now a consensus in the court, that Chen Yuan's future was limitless. This could be seen from the fact that several envoys from the Sky Patrol Division had come forward to defend him before.

Coupled with Chen Yuan's own cultivation and talent, it could be said that there was no one in the entire court with greater potential than him.

At the same time, Jingtai would value such a genius and cultivate him.

It was just that Chen Yuan himself did not feel much of Jingtai's attention to himself. To put it bluntly, his current status and title were all earned by his own strength.

Jingtai was just following the trend.

In essence, he had no loyalty to this emperor. Otherwise, he would have reported the Dao God Palace's plot long ago.

Although it couldn't be said that Chen Yuan wanted to see the world in chaos, he was definitely an ambitious man.

Princess Pingyang had faintly sensed this point after Chen Yuan passed the level that day, but she did not think about it in detail, just thinking that Chen Yuan was young and vigorous and had higher pursuits.

As for how high...

Well...

About three or four stories high.

As for him now, he had only just climbed the stairs.

Chen Yuan narrowed his eyes, planning his next cultivation. The first thing in front of him was to enter the harem and find the Dragon Vein Land where Senior Moro was suppressed.

Cooperate with the other Dao Lords of the Dao God Palace to rescue Dao Lord Moro.

And learn his true identity from him.

It wasn't that Chen Yuan had any deep attachment to this body, but that he was currently in a fog, and his background was a bit strange.

He had to find out the truth as soon as possible.

Lest he become someone's pawn and be tricked without knowing it.

The rivers and lakes are deep, the waves are high and turbulent, so you must be careful.

He didn't want anything to go wrong in the future because of his background.

In addition, it was cultivation.

Now that his cultivation had reached the Solid Core realm, the next step was how to break through the Celestial Core realm.

It had been said before that the 'Celestial Core' in the Celestial Core Condensation Realm, like the 'Celestial Palace' in the True Essence Profound Realm, was the most difficult hurdle to break through.

At the same time, it was also a realm with a very large gap.

The strong, like Jiang He, could rival a Transformation Yang True Person.

Even the weak could form an overwhelming force against Void Core and Solid Core warriors.

Don't look at Chen Yuan being able to rival Celestial Core now, and even kill a so-called number one genius in Dongying, but that was only done with all his strength.

Only by personally facing such an opponent could you know how strong he really was.

He could do this because everything about him was top-notch. His cultivation method was the Tai Xuan Scripture, and although he didn't know how strong it was, it was definitely a top-level Daoist method.

His methods were either his own self-created saber techniques that were extremely compatible with him, or the demonic saber techniques of the Abi Dao Three Slashes, which were guided by chance, and could not be said to be weak.

The weapon in his hand was even a Fifth Tribulation Divine Weapon.

His physical body had also reached the realm of 'Indestructible Diamond'.

Adding all these things together, he had such strength. How many people in the world could have such means? Yet, it still took him all his strength to kill Ito Ichito, who had just entered the Celestial Core realm.

Now, apart from not having secret techniques to attack the divine soul and top-notch movement techniques, he lacked almost nothing.

Chen Yuan had never underestimated this realm, and had always been cautious. If he wanted to break through the Celestial Palace, he needed to understand his own will and light up the divine acupoints.

And if he wanted to break through the Celestial Core, he had to understand the will of heaven and earth.

These were the words that Jiang He had pointed out to him before, and he had always kept them in mind.

However, he was still not very clear about it, so he could only wait until he reached this realm to say...

Walking out of the secret room, Chen Yuan raised his head and looked up at the sun, took a deep breath, and ordered someone to specially fetch a bucket of hot water to purify his body. A Core realm grandmaster did not get close to dust,

But he was still not used to it, which had been a habit since before.

After washing up a little, Chen Yuan walked out of the Marquis of Wuwei's mansion, changed into an official uniform, and walked towards the direction of the Eastern Imperial City Division, his pace not fast.

Sometimes, he also liked this kind of worldly atmosphere.

In the conversations of passers-by, Chen Yuan also heard some things related to him, not about his previous adventure through the Sumeru Illusion, but about the Seven Stars Alignment phenomenon.

Although the sky was covered by dark clouds for the first few days, some people still caught a glimpse of the Seven Stars Alignment phenomenon. However, not many people knew about it, and some regretted that no one paid attention when this phenomenon appeared.

As for the actual situation, few people knew that this was deliberately done by someone to block it.

Entering the Eastern Imperial City Division, Chen Yuan first inspected it as usual, and when he saw that there was nothing wrong, he prepared to go to the council hall to deal with some scattered government affairs.

Even if he intended to delegate power and let Tao Qingyuan exercise his rights, there were still some things that required him to personally stamp his official seal.

As he walked, people respectfully saluted him.

After Chen Yuan forcefully dealt with Yang Hucheng before, he had initially established his authority in the Imperial City Yamen. And after he passed through the Sumeru Illusion and killed the Dongying warrior Ito Ichito, becoming famous in Kyoto, his power also reached its peak.

Those warriors looked at him with respect and awe on their faces.

As he was walking forward, suddenly a person walked towards him, and after seeing Chen Yuan, he immediately bowed and clasped his fists:

"This subordinate pays respects to the Lord."

"What are you doing in such a hurry?"

Chen Yuan stopped and stared at Wang Teng in front of him.

Yes, this person was Wang Teng, the gatekeeper who Chen Yuan had just entered the Eastern Imperial City Division.

He had once been evaluated as having the qualifications for Profound Understanding.

He was also the first batch of subordinates to side with Chen Yuan, which meant that he was leaning towards being a confidant.

Wang Teng quickly said:

"It was Deputy Commander Tao who asked this subordinate to go to your mansion."

"What is it?"

"An envoy has arrived and is currently waiting in the main hall."

"Hmm?"

Chen Yuan frowned:

"Did Deputy Commander Tao say what it was about?"

"This... This subordinate doesn't know." Wang Teng shook his head and said.

"Okay, this official knows, you can go down first."

"Yes, this subordinate takes his leave."

Chen Yuan was a little puzzled. Could it be that Jingtai was looking for him for something?

Otherwise, there was no need to send a personal eunuch to make a special trip.

Harboring these curiosities, Chen Yuan quickened his pace and soon arrived at the council hall. A young eunuch in a green official robe was currently saying something.

Seeing Chen Yuan enter the hall, he quickly walked up to Chen Yuan and said:

"Commander Chen, His Majesty has an oral decree for you to go to the palace as soon as possible."

"What does His Majesty summon this minister for? Does Eunuch know?"

"This servant doesn't know, but it's best not to delay His Majesty's oral decree. His Majesty is now waiting in the Imperial Study, don't make His Majesty wait anxiously."

"Understood, thank you."

Chen Yuan cupped his hands.

As long as the other party was not arrogant, Chen Yuan would not put on a stinky face.

After the green-robed eunuch finished speaking, he quickly left the Eastern Imperial City Division.

Chen Yuan narrowed his eyes and looked at Tao Qingyuan and asked:

"Do you know what it is?"

Tao Qingyuan subconsciously glanced outside twice, walked closer to Chen Yuan and opened his mouth:

"It seems that something happened in the palace."

"What happened?"

"It seems that one of His Majesty's concubines fell into the water and died."

"Drowned?" Chen Yuan frowned and continued:

"Is this accurate?"

Tao Qingyuan shook his head:

"I also heard it from others, saying that it happened yesterday, and I don't know if it's true."

"I understand."

Chen Yuan nodded thoughtfully.

But he felt that what Tao Qingyuan said was probably not the same thing as Jingtai summoning him to the palace, unless she was killed by someone, otherwise it would not be the turn of the Eastern Imperial City Division to deal with it.

Without too much delay, after instructing Tao Qingyuan a little, Chen Yuan went towards the direction of the palace. No matter what happened, as long as it was the emperor's summons, he could not deliberately delay it.

Otherwise, it would be a crime of great disrespect.

And according to what the young eunuch said before, it seemed that Jingtai was still waiting for him...

Interesting.

The Imperial Study was located inside the palace, and was considered Jingtai's study, but it had to be added with the word 'Imperial'. Some emperors would also come up with various names to decorate it.

In a short period of time, Chen Yuan passed through the huge imperial city. Although someone came forward to question him, as long as he said that it was the emperor's decree, no one dared to question it.

Standing in front of the Imperial Study, after being informed by the little eunuch in front of the door, Chen Yuan was able to enter.

The interior was indeed decorated very well, and everywhere exuded a sense of luxury. The various furniture that were made also exuded an aura of spirituality.

Obviously not ordinary wood.

Jingtai was wearing a black dragon robe, painting something on the table with a blank expression. Chen Yuan didn't dare to disturb him, and stood respectfully on the side until he stopped writing before bowing and saying:

"This minister, Chen Yuan, pays respects to Your Majesty."

Jingtai raised his head, revealing a smile, and said:

"It's My Marquis of Wuwei."

Chen Yuan lowered his head and smiled.

"Alright, stand up, don't be too restrained here." Jingtai said.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Chen Yuan raised his head and said softly.

Including Chen Yuan, there were a total of three people in the Imperial Study. The other person was Cao Zhengxian. In Chen Yuan's impression, this Imperial Factory Overseer could be said to follow Jingtai closely at all times.

The favor he received also far exceeded others.

"Come... see how My painting is." Jingtai glanced at Chen Yuan and said with a faint smile.

Chen Yuan responded, stepped forward slowly, and his expression suddenly changed. On the paper in front of Jingtai, what was painted was actually a Seven Stars Alignment phenomenon!

His heart shook, and he couldn't help but speculate deeper. Could it be that Jingtai was also related to the previous Seven Stars Alignment?

Or was it just a coincidence?

"How is it?"

"Your Majesty's paintings are naturally beyond the reach of ordinary people."

Jingtai smiled: "This is what I felt a few days ago when I observed the Seven Stars Alignment phenomenon, and I depicted it today when I felt something. Speaking of this, did you see such a phenomenon a few days ago?"

"This minister basically spends his time in cultivation every day when he returns home, and indeed missed such a beautiful scene."

"Then this painting will be given to you."

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for bestowing the painting. This thing will be My Chen family's heirloom in the future." Chen Yuan echoed with a smile.

"Do you know why I called you here today?" Jingtai's expression straightened and he suddenly spoke.

"This minister does not know."

He was not a god who could calculate all the secrets of heaven, how could he know what this old boy was looking for him for.

Jingtai slowly sat down, took a sip of the spirit tea in his hand, and said directly without being coy:

"There are three things to call you into the palace this time."

"This minister is listening attentively."

"First, to encourage you. You passed through the Sumeru Illusion that day and saved face for the court. I originally intended to reward you well, but there were some things in the palace, so it was done hastily."

"Are you dissatisfied?"

"This minister dare not. Your Majesty has already bestowed the title of earl on this minister, which is a great kindness. How dare this minister be dissatisfied with Your Majesty?"

"Don't be nervous, no need to be too restrained in front of Me. I said before you passed the level, whether you can become My pillar of support depends on whether you can pass through the Sumeru Illusion.

Since you have successfully passed the level, you are naturally My pillar of support, and the pillar of the court."

"Your talent is rare in a century, and you are a good seedling. I will naturally rely heavily on you in the future."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Chen Yuan appropriately revealed some flattered joy.

Making Jingtai very satisfied:

"That day you killed Ito Ichito, and were hated by those Dongying dwarfs. In order to prevent these dwarfs from venting their anger on you afterwards, I have already ordered the offerings of the royal family to seriously injure him. With Me here, no matter what you do, the court will bear it for you."

Of course, this was to show kindness to Chen Yuan. Since it had already been done, there was no point in hiding it. It was better to make Chen Yuan more loyal to the court and the royal family because of this.

And this matter was indeed somewhat unexpected to Chen Yuan. He had really not heard of this matter, and had always been quite careful.

Even when leaving the city, he was cautious, just afraid of being ambushed by experts.

"Thank you, Your Majesty, this minister will die a thousand times to repay Your Majesty's kindness."

"The second thing is that the ancestral sacrifice ceremony is about to begin, and you must also start preparing here. At that time, several commanders of the imperial city will also need to guard the periphery."

"This minister has been preparing for this matter these days, Your Majesty, please rest assured."

This sentence was not false. He had been preparing for this ancestral sacrifice ceremony a long time ago, but the purpose... was somewhat different from what Jingtai thought.

"That's good, I am very reassured of your ability to handle affairs."

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your love."

"And for this reason, I have another thing to ask you to do." Speaking of this, Jingtai's expression, which was originally full of smiles, turned gloomy.

Making Chen Yuan have to sigh, the saying that accompanying a king is like accompanying a tiger is indeed correct.

Jingtai's speed in changing his face was not slow, and he almost didn't react.

After a moment, he quickly said: "Your Majesty, please give your orders, this minister will definitely do his best."

Jingtai's finger tapped the table, and after a moment of contemplation, he said:

"Some things happened in the harem yesterday. Consort Shu accidentally drowned and died, but I don't think it's that simple. I heard that you were famous for solving cases when you were in Qingzhou. After thinking about it, I decided to entrust this matter to you, don't let Me down."

Chen Yuan's heart sank, and it really came true.

It was actually the thing that Tao Qingyuan said, the death of the concubine in the harem was suspicious. This was not a good job, but... for him, he could just take this opportunity to search the harem thoroughly.

No need to ask his good sister-in-law to help.

As for why Jingtai would look for him, Chen Yuan didn't know, perhaps it was as he said, or perhaps there were some other plans.

After all, if you really want to talk about investigating cases, you should go to the Ministry of Justice.

What is suspicious is still unknown. There are indeed many offerings in the palace, but these strong people also know what's going on, and will not put their minds on spying on the harem.

"This minister obeys the order."

"Also... don't publicize this matter. You will investigate with My warrant, and after the investigation results come out, it is best not to let too many outsiders know."

Jingtai said in a deep voice.

Chen Yuan narrowed his eyes, and his mind couldn't help but radiate more.

Could it be... Jingtai himself knows something?

Or is the death of this Consort Shu... not honorable.

"This minister obeys the order, and will definitely keep his mouth shut." He thought a lot in his heart, but he didn't show it on his face, and his attitude was very respectful.

"I am looking for you for these three things, alright... step back."

Jingtai said in a deep voice.

Chen Yuan took the warrant and bowed:

"This minister takes his leave."

After saying that, he was about to turn around and leave, but just as he was about to reach the door, Jingtai narrowed his eyes and suddenly loosened the teacup in his hand, smashing it on the ground with a 'bang'.

And Chen Yuan also subconsciously looked back.