Chapter 82: Accepting the Imperial Reward

Early the next morning, Chu Han was dragged from bed by Tang Hao. After all, they were to enter the palace and meet the Emperor, a task that demanded punctuality, for this was no ordinary man they would face.

The young prince had already finished his morning preparations and sat waiting for Chu Han. Though he wished for a little more sleep, seeing the anticipation on his companions’ faces, he couldn’t bring himself to dampen their spirits. So he rose, washed, and dressed.

After breakfast, the three set out for the palace. The imperial residence was at the very heart of the capital—a place of unmatched splendor and grandeur. The Tang Prince’s mansion was itself vast, but compared to the palace, it was utterly insignificant.

Led by eunuchs, they walked through the palace. Tang Hao and his companion were like country bumpkins, staring in awe at every sight, while the young prince followed behind, feeling somewhat embarrassed but saying nothing to stop them. After all, everyone is awed the first time they enter such opulence. Yet Chu Han’s scrutiny was for another reason.

He sensed a familiar presence within these walls—not that of Duanmu Meng’er or Ye Tingyu, but something innately familiar, likely someone from a previous life. He couldn’t recall who it might be, so after a while, he let the matter go, resolving to revisit it later.

In the grand hall, all the civil and military officials stood in neat rows, awaiting the Emperor’s arrival. Chu Han and his companions stood at the very back; discretion had always been his principle.

Soon, the Emperor emerged. Compared to the previous day, he exuded a greater aura of authority. Everyone knelt in respect, except Chu Han, who remained standing, a striking anomaly.

The young prince and Tang Hao were startled, quickly signaling Chu Han to kneel, and even Duanmu Meng’er gave him urgent looks. But Chu Han ignored them, standing tall and unyielding.

He was no ordinary man—he was a Heavenly Sovereign. Why should he kneel before a mortal emperor? If anything, the emperor should kneel before him. Chu Han remained unmoved, and the Emperor, for his part, said nothing.

“Tang Hao, step forward to receive your reward.”

The Emperor spoke, and Tang Hao hurried forward, kneeling.

“Because Chu Han suppressed the rebellion at the Lantian camp, the merit is credited to Tang Hao. Furthermore, Tang Hao’s contribution in forging armor for the camp is considerable. Therefore, I grant you a hereditary title. From now on, you will be responsible for crafting armor and weapons for the army.”

At these words, the crowd drew sharp breaths—this was a remarkably high honor.

Tang Hao had once been a mere blacksmith shop owner. Now, with a noble title and responsibility for the entire army’s equipment, he would have ample opportunity to interact with generals and marshals. To be in contact with such people meant access to the army itself; from now on, few would dare bully Tang Hao, for forging ties with these military leaders was the key to real power.

“Chu Han, step forward to receive your reward.”

Hearing the Emperor’s words, Chu Han moved forward to stand beside Tang Hao, expressionless, his thoughts unreadable.

“Outrageous! Receiving the Emperor’s reward and yet refusing to kneel? Are you planning rebellion?”

Before the Emperor could speak, an old official stepped forward, pointing at Chu Han in fury.

The young prince covered his face in despair, and Duanmu Meng’er was speechless. They both knew that after Tang Hao and Chu Han received honors—especially noble titles—there would be envy. Chu Han’s refusal to kneel would certainly be seized upon and exaggerated.

Before they could defend Chu Han, he spoke. “And who are you? What does my kneeling or not have to do with you? This is the imperial court. If the Emperor has not permitted you to speak, yet you speak out of turn—is it you who wishes to rebel?”

Chu Han’s words were delivered smoothly and confidently, earning hidden nods of approval. Duanmu Meng’er smiled; truly, Chu Han was clever—turning the tables so the old man was damned if he spoke and damned if he didn’t.

“Enough, it’s of no consequence. Proceed with the reward.”

The Emperor waved his hand, cutting off the argument. Chu Han did not miss the venomous glare the old man shot him—clearly, he bore a grudge. Chu Han merely smiled, unconcerned.

Earlier, he had asked the young prince about the court. Based on his position, he shouldn’t have received a noble title, nor was he a significant official. Tang Hao’s hereditary title was far superior. So even if the old man harbored resentment, Chu Han paid him no mind.

“Chu Han, for your merit in pacifying the Lantian camp, I grant you the opportunity to enter the Taiyi Sect. May you continue to strengthen yourself and serve the kingdom.”

This reward shocked everyone even more. To enter the Taiyi Sect was far more coveted than any noble title.

Taiyi Sect was the foremost cultivation sect in the kingdom. Even if all the forces of the Eastern Wilderness united, they might not match Taiyi. Its ranks were filled with experts; even its outer disciples were at the Celestial Palace Realm, let alone the inner disciples and elders.

Admission standards were extremely strict; only geniuses were accepted, and even then, rigorous trials must be passed. The Emperor had one quota per year to appoint someone as an inner disciple directly, without examination. Today, that quota, originally intended for Tang Feng, was given to Chu Han.

“Your Majesty, please reconsider. This quota was meant for Tang Feng. If you give it to him, what about Tang Feng? This concerns the Tang Prince’s mansion. I urge Your Majesty to weigh the matter carefully.”

At this, several officials spoke up for Tang Feng—indeed, at least half the ministers on the dais protested.

Anyone who entered Taiyi Sect would become a master of cultivation, beyond reproach at court. Tang Hao had just received a noble title, and now Chu Han was to enter Taiyi Sect—soon, it seemed, another Tang Prince’s mansion would emerge.

“Impudent! Is this your place to speak? If I say the quota goes to Chu Han, it goes to him. As for Tang Feng, he is gravely injured; whether he can recover is unknown. We will discuss his matter later.”

The Emperor’s anger silenced all dissent. Though the ministers were indignant, they could do nothing but glare enviously at Chu Han.

Chu Han, however, cared little for Taiyi Sect. He had always charted his own course in cultivation; with Jade beside him and the Thunder Emperor’s method in his repertoire, he had no interest in Taiyi Sect’s teachings.

“Your Majesty, I believe they have a point. I truly have no interest in Taiyi Sect. Please withdraw your order; it’s enough for my father to receive honors. Whether I do or not is unimportant.”

Chu Han shrugged, his words causing an uproar. The crowd stared at him as if he were mad—who would decline a chance to enter Taiyi Sect?

Duanmu Meng’er was at a loss. Chu Han never played by the rules; to give up such an opportunity to advance his strength? She stepped to his side. “Are you out of your mind? Joining Taiyi Sect would rapidly increase your influence. Accept it, quickly!”