My disciples are all villains.

This joke was very exaggerated.

Lu Qianshan was Great Yuan's meritorious general; he was a great general who had fought countless battles on the battlefield. However, it was not his efforts alone that made the Lu clan a prominent clan in the capital; it was also thanks to the efforts of the clan's ancestors. Although the clan was on a decline, it did not change the clan's noble origin.

Lu Zhou understood that people placed quite a lot of importance on their origins especially if they were illustrious. He also understood Lu Qianshan was trying to seize the chance to establish a connection with him.

Meanwhile, Mu Ertie, the Black Emperor, swept his gaze across everyone before his eyes finally rested on Lu Zhou. He staggered backward a step, clearly shocked.

Upon seeing this, Eunuch Zhang was shocked and hurriedly went forward to support Mu Ertie.

Meanwhile, Si Wuya silently observed the situation. Mu Ertie's reaction did not escape his notice.

Mu Ertie, the Black Emperor, pushed Eunuch Zhang away. "I'm fine." Then, he looked at Lu Qianshan and said, "General Lu, do you think I'm a fool?"

Lu Qianshan said expressionlessly, "Why would you say that, Your Majesty?"

At this moment, all of the experts swarmed into the Indestructible Hall, blocking the entrance.

Apart from that, the palace guards had also tightly surrounded the outside of the Indestructible Hall.

Although they knew their opponent's cultivation base was incredibly high, they were forced to act since the emperor was in the Indestructible Hall.

Upon seeing this, Lu Qianshan turned and roared, "Scram!"

The soundwave swept out of the hall in just an instant.

Lu Qianshan's sound technique caused the experts and guards' eardrums to heart. All of them grew even more nervous.

Meanwhile, Mu Ertie studied the calm and unmoved Lu Zhou. After a beat, he waved his hand casually. "All of you, leave."

The experts obediently left the hall and waited outside instead, ready to act at a moment's notice. As long as the emperor gave the order, they would charge forward even if it meant they would meet their deaths.

The hall grew quiet again with the departure of the palace experts.

Mu Ertie looked at Lu Qianshan and said, "Ancestor? Even that witch, Lan Xihe, can't leave for more than 10,000 years. You're telling me that not only is your ancestor alive after 30,000 years, but he's even capable of maintaining such a youthful appearance?"

Lu Qianshan asked, "Then why was Your Majesty so shocked earlier?"

"..." Mu Ertie frowned.

Si Wuya who had been observing Mu Ertie asked Lu Qianshan, "General Lu, did His Majesty see the painting in your study?"

Lu Qianshan waved his hand and said, "No. No one has been in that study except for me and Old Jiang. Only direct descendants of the Lu clan have seen the painting. Now that my father isn't around, I'm the only one, Old Jiang notwithstanding, who has seen the painting. Everyone in the Lu clan knows about our glorious ancestor but none of them knows what he looked like. Even Lu Li hasn't seen the painting…" Following that, he shifted his gaze back to Mu Ertie again and asked, "Therefore, Your Majesty, I'm curious; why were you so surprised earlier?"

Mu Ertie frowned. "How dare you! Lu Qianshan, you're really bold! You dare to talk to me in such a tone?" Then, he turned around and called out loudly, "An Se!"

There was no reply. It was deathly quiet inside and outside of the hall.

Mu Ertie raised his voice and called out again, "An Se!"

Eunuch Zhang could no longer bear to watch this. He stepped forward and said in a low and trembling voice, "Y-your Majesty… W-warrior An Se… He… He… He's currently incapacitated…"

"Incapacitated?" Mu Ertie's frown deepened.

Eunuch Zhang inhaled deeply. He thought it was better to break the news now than later. He gestured to Lu Zhou and said, "This is Pavilion Master Lu of the Evil Sky Pavilion…"

When Lu Zhou's name began to spread, Mu Ertie had regarded Lu Zhou as one of the cultivators who could stand shoulder to shoulder with him in the black lotus domain. All the rumors had one thing in common: the Pavilion Master of the Evil Sky Pavilion was incredibly strong and a highly respected figure. When he looked at Lu Zhou's appearance, his thoughts wandered to Lan Xihe again. Although he had never met Lan Xihe before, he had long heard she was able to maintain her youthful appearance. He, himself, was also a cultivation expert; and his appearance was younger than his age as well even if it was not too exaggerated. With the resources from Great Yuan, he was able to sit firmly on the throne.

Lu Zhou said, "There's no need to mention this. He's just a mere Ten Chart cultivator…"

'No need to mention this? Does this mean he's the one who crippled An Se?'

Mu Ertie could tell Lu Zhou's speech and mannerisms were a result of being in a high position for a long time. It was not something that one could learn overnight. Coupled with the other factors, he did not doubt the authenticity of Lu Zhou's identity. He was slightly confused and dumbfounded. His target was the Lu clan in the capital; how did he end up offending the Pavilion Master of the Evil Sky Pavilion?

When Mu Ertie regained his senses, he said to Eunuch Zhang, "Why didn't you arrange a seat for Pavilion Master Lu? Get to it immediately!"

"Yes, yes, yes..." Eunuch Zhang replied hastily. He hurriedly ordered the palace maids and eunuchs to prepare a seat.

Although Mu Ertie was the emperor, he felt too embarrassed to sit on the dragon throne at this moment. Therefore, he took a seat across from Lu Zhou instead to show his respect. After all, he was aware that the etiquette between a ruler and his subject was not applicable to top cultivators.

After Lu Zhou took a seat, Mu Ertie said, "Pavilion Master Lu, I've heard a lot about you…"

Lu Zhou bluntly said, "Let's cut to the chase; you should know why I'm here…"

Mu Ertie said, slightly perplexed, "I really don't know…"

Lu Zhou continued to say without beating around the bust, "I've always been clear in my dealings. I'm not the ancestor of the Lu clan. However, since Lu Qianshan has given me the blue crystal, I won't allow him to die."

When Mu Ertie heard the words 'blue crystal', he was inwardly surprised. Then, he looked at Lu Qianshan meaningfully as he thought to himself, 'As expected of this cunning old fox! He used the blue crystal to gain the favor of the Evil Sky Pavilion!'

Outwardly, Mu Ertie said amiably, "Since Pavilion Master Lu has spoken, how can I not do Pavilion Master Lu this small favor? I will spare his life on behalf of Pavilion Master Lu."

Lu Zhou remained silent.

Upon seeing this, Mu Ertie added, "Apart from that, the Lu clan will maintain their original status, and their treatment will be the same as it was in the past…"

Finally, Lu Zhou said, "Do as you see fit."

With this, Mu Ertie could no longer plot against Lu Qianshan. Instead, he had to ensure Lu Qianshan's safety. If something were to happen to Lu Qianshan, it would only cause trouble for him. After all, the Evil Sky Pavilion had made its intention and stance very clear.

Mu Ertie said, "General Lu has served the royal court for a long time and is an important official of Great Yuan; this isn't a big deal. If there's anything else, please don't hesitate to speak to me, Pavilion Master Lu."

Lu Zhou turned to look at Lu Qianshan and asked, "Are you satisfied with this?"

Lu Qianshan bowed at Lu Zhou. "Yes, I'm satisfied. Thank you, Pavilion Master Lu." Then, he added as an afterthought, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your kindness."

Lu Qianshan's gratitude toward Lu Zhou was undoubtedly sincere. However, he had only thanked Mu Ertie perfunctorily.

Mu Ertie assumed this was the end of it.

However, Lu Zhou asked, "Did you see the painting in Lu Qianshan's study? If so, what's your purpose of going into his study?"

Mu Ertie, the Black Emperor, replied honestly, "It's all to locate the blue crystal. After all, is there anyone who doesn't want such a treasure? However, now that it's in Pavilion Master Lu's possession, I can rest assured…"

"You are the ruler of a country, but you couldn't even find one blue crystal after all these years?" Lu Zhou asked curiously.

There were six blue crystals; three were supposedly with Xiao Yunhe while there were all kinds of rumors about the whereabouts of the other three. Since Mu Ertie was interested in the blue crystals and had even investigated Lu Qianshan, he should have gained some information even if he did not manage to obtain any blue crystal.

Mu Ertie shook his head. "I'm afraid I have no fate with the blue crystals that contained the Great Void energy…"

At this time, Si Wuya cupped his fists together and asked, "May I speak?"

Mu Ertie was slightly displeased by the sudden interruption when he was speaking to the Pavilion Master of the Evil Sky Pavilion.

However, Lu Zhou said, "Speak."

Si Wuya said, "Your Majesty, you spent 300 years searching for the blue crystals; it's impossible you didn't gain anything at all. I'm certain Your Majesty has at least one blue crystal…"

Lu Qianshan was a general and a warrior; he was naturally nowhere near as eloquent as Si Wuya. He felt really satisfied and comfortable listening to Si Wuya voice out words he could not speak. After a moment, he could not help but think of how great it would be if Lu Zhou was truly the ancestor of the Lu clan. However, 30,000 years had passed; how could it be possible?

Mu Ertie frowned slightly. He glanced at Lu Qianshan briefly before he said helplessly, "I'm the ruler of a country; why would I lie about this? Moreover, if I have a blue crystal, why would I search for such a long time?"

Si Wuya said confidently, "No, I'm certain you have at least one…"