Today, Emperor Xia was dressed in simple imperial attire.

　　The top is black, representing the sky at dawn, when the sun has yet to rise. The bottom is yellow in color, representing the land that was naturally yellow in color. However, this analogy did not apply to the Netherworld, as the Netherworld is more to the color of greenish-black.

　　Yellow soil was only found in the homeland of Xia tribe’s predecessors, it has been passed down as a tradition. That generation of predecessors could not return to their hometown until their death, perhaps the homeland of the Xia tribe had long perished.

　　After so long, the people of the Xia tribe no longer reminisced the hometown they have never seen before. Daxia has occupied the center of the Netherworld, conquering many. But there had been no major change in territory, for no other reason other than that other places were deemed undesirable.

　　Although the world is vast, only a handful of territories were capable of moving the heart of Emperor Xia. Perhaps the blood-red Asura sea could classify as one, but ever since the emergence of the Great Asura in the Asura tribe three hundred years ago, the territory was no longer one easily conquered.

　　Recalling that man’s self-cultivation of the complete blood-red Asura sea massacre swordcraft, and to think that the fully evolved sword of Asura could have actually made him feel a sense of danger. Emperor Xia narrowed his eyes. One day, he would pay the blood-red Asura sea another visit, and try the demonic sword again.

　　Before that could happen, he shall first complete the demonic sword in the palace. He never used any weapons, not because he was arrogant, but because there was no weapon for the time being capable of matching him. But that demonic sword seemed to have underwent a miraculous transformation. If it continued evolving, it could be made his weapon. However, to complete that step would require more blood; therefore, he would have to create more bloodshed.

　　The only fear Emperor Xia deeply has, was towards the mysterious Qi cultivator hidden in Diqiu. Reasons like this fueled his hatred towards monks and Daoist. These people may not be as powerful in terms of combat, but they are overly tactical, especially in hiding. Even he would not be able to discern that person’s exact location. He only knew that the person has not left Diqiu.

　　Fortunately, Emperor Xia knew that the opponent would eventually find him. Although it was only his premonition, but his premonitions were never wrong, just like how the sun will always be certain to rise.

　　As for Tian Yi, the Emperor did not decide to put him to death now. He wanted to keep him as a sacrifice. That required an opportune moment, for he could not just kill casually.

　　The most important thing is that even fellow courtiers are unaware that Tianyi’s cultivation was Daoism’s supreme Nine-Turn Technique, and has already reached the eighth turn. Beyond this point, Tianyi’s primordial spirit was nearly immortal. Even if the Emperor would be able to suppress Tianyi, he could not easily put him to death.

　　However, how would he be able to bring this up to other people. If Emperor Xia could not kill Tianyi, that would prove that prominent merchant to be on equal footing as the leader of Da Xia.

　　It was thought that the reason Tianyi came to Diqiu was because he has concluded the Emperor Xia would not be able to kill him.

　　For every day Tianyi spent staying in Diqiu, the misunderstanding everyone have would deepen. The ideal solution would be for Emperor Xia to liberalize him. But Emperor Xia knew that if he were to release Tianyi, it would mean that he has lost the invisible battle to Tianyi, and he has never lost in his lifetime!

　　Everyone thought the reason for Tianyi’s confinement was due to Emperor Xia’s temperament. As ridiculous it is, the emperor’s thoughts will never be easily guessed.

　　Fellow courtiers swarmed the hall. They wore solemn outfits, but did not dare look at Emperor Xia. They searched and settled down onto their respective seats.

　　There was only one person in the main hall who would dare fixate his gaze on Emperor Xia for a long period of time, and that person’s position was not far from Emperor Xia.

　　Emperor Xia’s sight followed the gaze, and laughed and said: “Jing Jing come and sit beside me. It seems like you have grown taller.”

　　Because the Emperor has no daughter, only a prince. Therefore, his adoration towards Leiqing was known to all.

　　Everyone was of the opinion that only Leiqing could openly speak her thoughts to the Emperor of Xia.

　　Lei Jing drifted to the side of Emperor Xia like a feather, elegantly sitting, exuding a sense of extravagance. She pouted and said: “I have been here for so long, and yet uncle has just noticed me.”

　　Emperor Xia patted her shoulder, his domineering gaze softened, he said gently: “These days you were not seen entering the palace, had you not come, uncle would have gone out of the palace to look for you.”

　　Lei Jing chuckled and said: “Uncle, I did not visit you recently because I have been preparing a present for you. I guarantee you will like it very much.”

　　Emperor Xia laughed and said: “There is nothing the Xia Palace does not have. I would have to see what kind of gift did you prepare in anticipation that I will like it. If I do not like it, you will have to be punished.”

　　Lei Jing spitted her tongue and said: “That can’t do, what if you deliberately said you did not like it?”

　　Emperor Xia said: “Only you dared to speak to me that way. Had it been someone else, that person would be guilty of death.”

　　When fellow courtiers heard these words, most people muffled a laugh. Emperor Xia then looked around at the people, and they suddenly went silent. Emperor Xia smiled slightly, seeming to find it interesting.

　　He said: “Come forth people, bring forth Jing Jing’s gift for me to see.”

　　Thereafter, two men lifted a statue covered in a light cyan-colored veil of silk gauze and placed it firmly in the main hall to prepare for the unveiling.

　　Emperor Xia looked over and felt a strange feeling in his heart, he said: “Hold on, I’ll do it myself.”

　　…

　　Shen Lian took his seat, and around him were envoys sent by tribes that were neither strong nor weak.

　　Shen Lian’s background that was shown earlier has occasioned the enthusiasm of the envoys towards him. After all, Xi Liang Kingdom’s strength has nothing much to do with them. However, Dianke’s attitude towards Shen Lian earlier has forced them to show Shen Lian their enthusiasm.

　　After all, if a good relationship could be established with Shen Lian, it might lead to an acquaintance with Dianke. As a result, their life in Diqiu would be much better, they might even be able to bring back lots of produce from Da xia.

　　Shen Lian spoke casually to them, and learnt that these envoys came from the northern part of Da Xia. What laid there was an endless wasteland, and the existence of many demon beasts. They attacked other tribes by developing demon beasts riders, or by commanding demon beasts to pull the chariot. It was very difficult to establish a fortification in the wilderness. Each battle determines the tribe’s survival or death. Because the tribe is in harmony with the demon beasts, therefore, they were addressed by Da Xia as ‘Di’.

　　But they all share a common belief. In the land millions of miles north of Da Xia, there is a mountain – You Dou Mountain. It is the sacred mountain of the entire northern region, also the faith of the entire Di tribe.

　　It was once told by the prophet of Di tribe, that the true king of the Di tribe would be born in You Dou Mountain. When that time comes, the king will unite the Di tribe, and a strong empire will be built.

　　Therefore, the struggle of the Di tribe for the You Dou Mountain has never ceased. Many Di tribes are of the opinion that whoever claims You Dou Mountain, would be able to establish an imperial court, and rule over Di tribe.

　　Listening to these, Shen Lian merely chuckled went along with it. However, compared to absurd predictions, he was more interested in the customs of the northern region.

　　Suddenly, a voice rang in his ear. “Would it be convenient to meet?”