Chapter 1542: Dancing on the Edge of Death

He wasn't particularly concerned about whether he became a duke or a marquis; after all, he had held positions in the imperial capital, so the difference between a duke and a marquis was insignificant to him.

The Human race had many formalities and strict regulations regarding promotions, which also took into account one's family background. Becoming a king was absolutely out of the question. However, he had initially thought that such a significant achievement would at least earn him a dukedom, even if it was a lower-ranking county duke.

To his surprise, he was later demoted to a marquis. Although the official reason was his killing of Yi Zhibing, the Emperor could have easily investigated the Sang family's affair first. Yi Zhibing's actions certainly merited execution.

Yet, the Emperor punished him without waiting for the investigation results. Perhaps Yi Chun and others thought the Emperor was protecting him, but Zu An clearly understood that it was simply because the Emperor did not want to grant him the title of duke.

He had previously discussed the Emperor at length with Sang Hong over drinks. Though considered a man of great ambition and strategy, the Emperor was overly suspicious and inherently cold-hearted.

It was clear that Zhao Hao intended to claim the credit for the monster race's submission and tribute as his own. If Zu An received too high a reward, people would attribute the achievement to him, which the Emperor absolutely could not tolerate.

He just wished for a more pleasant title. "Phoenix man," "cuckold," "Grand Ji Bo," and now "Marquis Shen." What duke would be next?

Seeing Zu An's darkened expression, Zhao Hao simply assumed he was displeased with the title. He felt a hint of smugness, thinking, "No matter how this young man tries to overturn things, isn't his future ultimately in my hands?"

The King of Qi's expression was amused. He naturally saw the Emperor's subtle suppression, and knew Zu An must be unhappy. He pondered whether to seize this opportunity to win Zu An over and conspire against the Emperor.

However, this thought was immediately extinguished. This young man was a jinx. He had considered recruiting Zu An before, but every time he got involved with him, nothing good came of it. Zu An was also the instigator of his own faction's decline from prosperity. Such a detested individual deserved this outcome.

Even many people who were, in a sense, on the same side as Zu An, like Bi Zi'ang, breathed a sigh of relief. If Zu An had been granted a dukedom, they would have felt rather ashamed.

Everyone in court was satisfied, except for Yi Chun. Could his son's life really be dismissed so easily?

He was about to say more, but the Emperor frowned. At this, even those who had previously been allied with Yi Chun came forward to advise him.

In most people's eyes, a dukedom had already been offered in exchange for his son's life; being unsatisfied now would be excessive.

That was simply the way of the world. Everything had a standard of measure. While people might claim life was priceless, everyone secretly weighed its value.

Everyone was well aware of Yi Zhibing's character, so most people believed Zu An's account. Therefore, Yi Zhibing was considered to have deserved his fate.

Sensing the Emperor's displeasure, Yi Chun felt a chill. He knew the Emperor was in high spirits, and if he continued to interfere with his grand plans, his own life might be in danger.

Helpless, he could only resign himself to fate, glaring resentfully at Zu An.

Rage points from Yi Chun: +555, +555, +555...

Zu An remained calm throughout, as if he had anticipated this outcome.

Next, the court buzzed with discussions about the monster race. Many inquired about relevant information from Zu An. The entire court was highly excited, as this was one of the greatest victories for the human race in millennia.

After the imperial audience concluded, officials flocked to congratulate Zu An. Whether they liked him or not, they now had to admit that his standing in court was significant.

Zu An responded politely. Soon after, a young eunuch announced that the Emperor had summoned him to the imperial study.

Zu An's heart tightened, and he followed the eunuch to the imperial study.

Although called the imperial study, this room had actually been converted by Zhao Hao into a cultivation retreat. Only a select few trusted ministers were privileged enough to be summoned here.

After bowing, Zu An quickly stated, "Your Majesty, Master Sang is innocent. Any accusations of him colluding with the monster race to harm the envoy are absolutely groundless."

"I have my own judgment and have already sent people to investigate," Zhao Hao said casually, then fixed his gaze on Zu An. "How exactly did the Monster Emperor die? Tell me the specific details."

The Monster Emperor was the only contemporary rival. If even he died unexpectedly, didn't that imply the Emperor himself could face a similar fate for the same reasons?

Zu An was prepared. He filled in many details about the secret realm that he hadn't revealed in court.

Of course, he omitted his own involvement and instead heavily emphasized the roles of various immortals within the secret realm.

As Zhao Hao listened, his eyes sparkled with intensity. Soon, he couldn't sit still, pacing back and forth in the study, his chest heaving with excitement. "I can't believe immortals truly exist in this world!" he exclaimed.

Like the Monster Emperor, he had been stuck at his current cultivation level for many years. Although he had seen some records in historical texts, the further he delved, the more those seemed like ethereal legends. He even began to doubt if there was any further path.

Now, knowing that immortals indeed existed, how could he not be thrilled?

Zu An quickly interjected, "The Monster Emperor was also extremely excited at the time, but it was precisely this curiosity that led to his death... Afterwards, the path between heaven and earth was severed, and that unknown land completely closed. It's likely it won't open again for several millennia."

He worried that Zhao Hao might have a whim to see it for himself. With the old Monster Emperor dead, who among the monster race could stop him now?

Of course, if the entire Elder Council came out in full force, combined with the Royal Court's protective array, they would have some defensive capability. However, such a battle would surely result in heavy casualties. Zu An had painstakingly built a foundation there and didn't want it to be destroyed just like that.

"The path between heaven and earth severed..." Zhao Hao murmured, recalling Zu An's description of the Heavenly Emperor severing the path between mortals and immortals. "No wonder I haven't made any progress for so many years... But how can it be restored and how can one break through?"

He muttered to himself, his expression shifting from ecstatic joy to deep worry.

Zu An wondered if this man would actually figure out a way to break through, even with the path between mortals and immortals severed.

If so, he'd be completely ruined.

Fortunately, Zhao Hao pondered for a long time without a breakthrough, so he temporarily gave up thinking and turned to Zu An. "By the way, what about this immortal elixir you mentioned?"

"That was just a gimmick. The only person I found who consumed the immortal elixir ended up transforming into a complete monster. To call that immortality would be a stretch," Zu An replied, thinking that, as expected, these aging figures were all interested in such things. He then briefly recounted the fate of Ya Yu.

He had rehearsed this information many times with the Monster Elder Council, making it completely flawless.

As expected, Zhao Hao's face showed disappointment. "So that's how it is."

Next, Zhao Hao asked for more details about the secret realm, particularly those related to the Monster Emperor. Zu An responded to each question with his prepared narrative.

As they talked, Zhao Hao suddenly asked, "What about your cultivation? Have you become a cripple?"

"I sustained some injuries in the secret realm and at the Royal Court earlier. I should recover after a period of rest," Zu An replied vaguely.

Zhao Hao nodded. He wasn't concerned about whether Zu An's cultivation would recover; in fact, if he truly became a cripple, it might even bring him more peace of mind.

He waved his hand, dismissing Zu An. The conversation had left him quite satisfied. Although he hadn't gained anything tangible, knowing that a path still existed was more important to someone like him than anything else.

Shortly after leaving the imperial study, Zu An was suddenly stopped by a figure. "Congratulations, Master Zu, on your promotion to Marquis."

"Ah, it's Eunuch Lü..." Zu An recognized him as Lü Qi, the head eunuch by the Empress's side.

After they exchanged pleasantries for a moment, Zu An asked curiously, "Oh, why don't I see Her Majesty the Empress?"

This man always clung to the Empress like a loyal lapdog; one almost always saw the Empress whenever he appeared.

"It's rare for Master Zu to still remember Her Majesty," Lü Qi said, a look of mixed pain and anticipation flashing in his eyes. "Her Majesty has been recuperating at the hot spring palace outside the city these past few days, awaiting Master Zu's visit to pay respects."

Hearing this, Zu An felt his scalp tingle. Although Empress Liu Ning was a beauty, Zhao Hao was still alive. His previous transgression had been driven by anger and revenge, but upon calming down, he realized he had been dancing on the edge of death.

One who often walks by the river is bound to get their shoes wet. Moreover, the Empress seemed to be draining his essence, leaving him with a sense of being exploited.

Just as he was about to find an excuse to decline, Eunuch Lü gave him no chance. "Her Majesty has mentioned Master Zu several times, and her patience has reached its limit. Master Zu must not disappoint Her Majesty; an angry woman is capable of anything."

The threat was palpable.

Zu An felt like a juicy cabbage, coveted by a seductive enchantress.

Just as he was about to speak, Eunuch Lü seemed to notice something and gracefully departed.

At that moment, a crisp jingle of jade pendants sounded nearby, and a sweet, elegant fragrance wafted through the air. However, the usually pleasant voice now carried a hint of coldness: "Master Zu has been completely out of touch lately. I thought something had happened, but it seems you've simply found another high branch to cling to."