The Lord of Void and Real
Chapter 1482

Chapter 1482: Chapter 1478: Vassal Chapter 1482: Chapter 1478: Vassal Shen Luo and his companions had just entered the great hall when the sound of running water reached their ears.

On looking, Shen Luo saw a passageway about a zhang wide in the courtyard of the great hall, flanked by two semicircular ponds with two spring eyes in them, vigorously spurting water splashes and emanating a thick mist of spiritual energy.

Crossing that passageway, there lay a forecourt, behind which sat a golden throne slightly elevated above the forecourt.

At that moment, seated on the throne was a young woman dressed in a white robe with her long white hair cascading over her shoulders, donning an intricately designed crystal crown atop her head. Her features were beautiful yet not overly glamorous, her demeanor noble, making her a figure who could make one forget the mundane world.

Before the throne stood several people, the leader among them being a woman in a black robe with golden hair and large fox ears standing upright, holding a silver long staff. Her beauty was exceptional, yet her eyes were filled with cold indifference, possessing an imposing aura without even showing anger.

For some reason, when Shen Luo glanced at her, he felt that this golden-haired, black-robed woman bore a greater royal aura than the woman on the throne.

“Greetings to the Country's Ruler,” Shen Luo and his companions advanced and gave a bow in the direction of the throne.

“There's no need for such formalities since you have come from afar,” the woman gestured with her hand and spoke in a faint voice.

Her voice was ethereal, giving listeners the sensation of hearing celestial music.

After speaking, she noticed the green vine still tied around Mi Su's wrists, her eyebrows slightly knitting together as she looked at the middle-aged guard.

“Reporting to the Country's Ruler, she refused to remove it…” the middle-aged guard immediately kneeled and spoke.

“I…” Mi Su was about to complain when she saw a severe gaze directed at her.

“Ridiculous,” the golden-haired, black-robed woman uttered sharply and waved her hand, releasing the green vine from Mi Su's wrist.

“Granny…” Mi Su murmured softly.

A thought struck Shen Luo; this black-robed woman indeed held a significant identity as rumored to be the Chief Strategist You Su.

Chief Strategist You Su gave her a look but did not respond, only turning to Shen Luo to ask, “What brings you here?”

“Junior Shen Luo, I came here solely to ensure Mi Su's safe return, but now that I am here, I wish to ask the Country's Ruler why you would strike against Chang'an?” Shen Luo asked calmly.

“Are you representing the Great Tang Dynasty Government?” the Country's Ruler inquired.

Shen Luo thought for a moment, then shook his head.

To him, whom he represented wasn't important; what mattered was unveiling the plot behind this incident.

“So, if I'm not representing the Great Tang Dynasty Government, do I not deserve even a single explanation from Your Majesty?” Shen Luo hesitated slightly, then added.

“How dare you speak so impudently,” Chief Strategist You Su narrowed her eyes and spoke coldly.

“Friend Shen is mistaken,” the Country's Ruler sighed and spoke, “It's not that I cannot offer you an explanation, but currently, even our Kingdom of Qingqiu does not understand the situation and cannot offer an explanation.”

Hearing this, Shen Luo's expression relaxed slightly as he slowly said,

“To be frank, Junior also suspects that there is more to this matter. However, considering the relationship between the two nations, I hope the Country's Ruler can investigate and reveal the truth to the Great Tang soon to prevent any further negative impact.”

“So you are inclined to believe that our Kingdom of Qingqiu is innocent?” the Country's Ruler asked.

“Junior merely thinks there are dubious aspects to this matter, thus hoping that your country could thoroughly investigate,” Shen Luo spoke.

“What dubious aspects could there possibly be? It is clear the Human Race has long harbored dissatisfaction with our Qingqiu Fox Clan, and this incident is merely an excuse to target us,” an elder from the Kingdom of Qingqiu with a hooked nose sneered.

“If the Human Race truly intended to strike against the Kingdom of Qingqiu, why would they use Chang'an as bait? Isn't that making a mountain out of a molehill?” Even the typically mild-tempered Shen Luo grew somewhat angry upon hearing such remarks repeatedly.

As soon as these words were spoken, a cacophony erupted throughout the great hall.

“How dare you! A mere Early True Immortal dares to spout such audacity?” the hooked-nose monk immediately grew furious.

“Such impudence…” another person echoed.

For a moment, various reproachful voices rose continuously within the great hall.

“Silence!” Suddenly, a stern shout rang out.

The usually amiable Country's Ruler finally showed anger, stating, “Regardless of the truth, we should first investigate our own issues. After all, Grandma Qiu and the others were directly involved in the Second Catastrophe.”

With these words, the great hall finally fell silent.

The gaze of all the elders, either overtly or covertly, turned to Chief Strategist You Su, since Grandma Qiu and the other had always been considered household retainers of the Great Elder.

After a moment of silence, Chief Strategist You Su suddenly spoke, “The Country's Ruler speaks sensibly. However, just to be cautious, we should still prepare to defend against the Great Tang capitalizing on this to challenge us. We should actively prepare our defenses domestically.”

Hearing this, Shen Luo furrowed his brows.

Her words undoubtedly implied that even if relations soured to the point of conflict, they were not afraid to fight a war against the Great Tang.

“Daoist Friend Shen, our Qingqiu truly has no intention of being hostile towards the Great Tang. Since you also suspect there is more to this matter, would you be willing to stay in the Kingdom of Qingqiu and investigate the truth together, clearing both our names?” Chief Strategist You Su suddenly said.

At first glance, these words seemed unproblematic, but Shen Luo perceived another deeper implication.

“Junior came here primarily to escort Mi Su, and does not wish to interfere further. Speaking so much is only because I hope there will never be a day where Qingqiu and the Great Tang truly come to blows. As for the investigation, Junior has no interest in participating,” Shen Luo said.

“Daoist Friend Shen, you are mistaken,”

“Since Daoist Friend Shen does not wish to participate, the Great Elder should not insist,” the Country's Ruler interrupted Chief Strategist You Su midway through his sentence.

The underlying kindness in her intervention was clear to Shen Luo.

Hearing this, Chief Strategist You Su had no choice but to drop the matter.

“Country's Ruler, Junior has fulfilled his mission by safely returning Miss Mi Su, and I shall take my leave,” Shen Luo said, clasping his hands in salute.

“Setting aside other matters, Daoist Friend Shen, you have done our clan a great service by bringing Mi Su back. We must at least have you stay as a guest for a few days to express our gratitude as hosts,” Chief Strategist You Su said.

“That's right, Big Brother Shen, please stay with our tribe for a few more days so I can properly host you,” Mi Su also quickly said.

“The Great Elder's kindness is well appreciated, but Junior has urgent matters requiring a long journey to Tianji City, and time is pressing. It's really not suitable to stay any longer,” Shen Luo said.

“There's no rush that can't wait a little while longer. Let's keep public matters public and personal relationships personal. Since you've safely escorted Mi Su back, you owe our clan, and we should at least host you for a while longer,” Chief Strategist You Su insisted.

“Yes, Big Brother Shen, please stay with our clan for one more night tonight. In the evening, I'll take you to see our Secluded Moon Lake. The scene under the moon at Silver Moon Lake is just as famous as our Golden Valley Sunrise,” Mi Su also tugged at Shen Luo's arm as she spoke.

Shen Luo hesitated several times, and seeing that he really couldn't refuse, he finally nodded in agreement.