Volume Two: Travels in Qi — Chapter 130: The Qi Emperor Coughs Blood

As the time arrived, the Qingdong Mirror was instantly flooded with blue light. In a flash, every young cultivator who remained "alive" was teleported out.

On the martial arts arena, the participating cultivators returned to their physical forms and stood up. The Qingdong Mirror displayed the scores and rankings for each individual. Those ranked beyond one thousand turned away in dejection, while those who had qualified secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Some geniuses with genuine strength had suffered accidents and were eliminated in the first round, such as Liu Hai, the young master from the General's Mansion. Others, despite lacking skill, had relied on sheer luck to squeeze into the top thousand, like Yu Xiaochuan, who stood beside Zhang Heng, staring at the rankings with excitement.

However, none of that mattered now. Those in the top thousand would advance to the next round, and the rest were eliminated. Such was the rule; regardless of the reason, it could not be defied. The eliminated cultivators left the ranks self-consciously, leaving only those who had successfully advanced.

The spectators had far fewer concerns; they felt only one thing: exhilaration. This was merely the first round of preliminary trials, yet they had already witnessed the peerless talent of many prodigies. The renowned geniuses had each displayed brilliant performances. The spectators were thrilled, looking forward to the actual duels even more. The only sour note was Zhang Heng—that "black sheep" who not only failed to take the competition seriously but also led Qi Xuan and Mu Wanqing astray.

Just as the crowd was bustling with discussion, Wu Hong flew back onto the field. "First, I congratulate all the geniuses who have successfully advanced. Regardless of the reason, your standing here proves your capability. As for those who were eliminated, do not be discouraged, for discouragement will change nothing."

"Today’s matches conclude here. The second and third rounds of the preliminary trials will be held tomorrow. There is nothing more to do for now; you may return to rest."

Once these words were spoken, the spectators bowed deeply to Wu Hong and the Emperor of Qi, then began to withdraw. After all, this was the Imperial Palace; they could not linger for long. Before long, most of the spectators and the qualified geniuses had departed.

Just as Zhang Heng was about to leave, Qi Xuan called out to him. "Brother Zhang, wait a moment." Zhang Heng turned to see Qi Xuan walking toward him, accompanied by Qi Sisi, Wu Hong, and the Emperor of Qi, Qi Huaimin.

With so many high-ranking figures together, what could they want? A meal?

"Zhang Heng pays his respects to the Emperor of Qi." With the Emperor present, Zhang Heng bowed. After all, this was someone else's territory; being respectful never hurt.

The Emperor of Qi walked toward Zhang Heng with an imposing, almost supernatural aura. He stared at Zhang Heng for a long moment before speaking languidly, "Not bad. Truly a brilliant young talent. Rise."

"Many thanks, Your Majesty." Zhang Heng rose, neither humble nor pushy. Though this Emperor was a monarch of the ages, it was none of Zhang Heng’s business. He wasn't even a citizen of the Qi Kingdom, nor was he from this cultivation world.

Suddenly, the Emperor leaned in close, his expression ambiguous. Zhang Heng was startled—could it be that the Emperor had a penchant for men?

Then, the Emperor spoke in a serious tone: "Do you have any more of that roasted meat? Give me some as well."

The entire scene fell into an awkward silence. Qi Sisi and Qi Xuan stared at their father in astonishment. Even Wu Hong was stunned; although the Emperor had mentioned wanting to try the meat, he hadn't expected him to be so direct. Zhang Heng was speechless. Who would have thought that the ruler of one of the seven ancient kingdoms would be such a goofball? Fortunately, no one else had heard the Emperor’s request; otherwise, they would surely have questioned reality.

"In reply to Your Majesty, that roasted meat is all gone. If you desire it, I can roast more."

"No need," the Emperor said, standing straight with his hands behind his back. "Zhang Heng, you are only at the third stage of the Qi Sea realm, yet you easily defeated a fifth-stage Origin Core cultivator. You are truly an extraordinary prodigy. I am a man who cherishes talent—would you be willing to serve in my Qi Kingdom?" His voice was incredibly domineering, shedding the earlier playfulness. He regained the feeling of a sovereign ruling over all under heaven.

Zhang Heng was taken aback by the sudden shift. "In reply to Your Majesty, I am but a wanderer of the martial world who only knows how to fight and spar. I know nothing of officialdom and would likely prove incompetent. I must decline your gracious offer."

As an official? If he had transmigrated to ancient times, Zhang Heng might have considered it. But now that he had transmigrated into a world of cultivation, why on earth would he want to be an official? Isn't cultivating immortality better?

No sooner had Zhang Heng finished speaking than the Emperor began to cough violently. A moment later, a trace of blood appeared at the corner of his mouth.

Qi Sisi and Qi Xuan rushed over to support him. "Father, what is wrong?" Both were frantic.

Zhang Heng was bewildered. Why was he coughing up blood? Even if I rejected you, you shouldn't have such a reaction!

Wu Hong stepped forward, intending to diagnose the Emperor, but the Emperor waved him off. "I am fine. Let us return and discuss this later."

Zhang Heng glanced aside and noticed that those who hadn't left were looking their way. He understood; the Emperor’s failing health was no small matter. If not handled well, it could easily cause widespread panic.

"Very well!" Qi Xuan and Qi Sisi hurried to support the Emperor back to his bedchamber. Not knowing what else to do, Zhang Heng followed them. Those watching from afar were confused, but seeing the Emperor return to the palace, they lost interest and dispersed.

"Father, what is wrong?" As soon as they reached the chamber and sat the Emperor down, Qi Sisi asked anxiously. The Emperor had been fine—how could he suddenly cough up blood?

"Your Majesty, let me diagnose you," Wu Hong said, stepping forward. Qi Sisi and Qi Xuan moved aside. Wu Hong was a fifth-tier alchemist; with him there, the Emperor should be safe.

"Sorry to trouble you, Master Wu," the Emperor replied. Wu Hong immediately began a full examination. The others watched anxiously for a long time before Wu Hong slowly stood up.

"Master Wu, what is my father's condition?" Qi Xuan asked.

"This..." Wu Hong hesitated, then uncertainly began to examine the Emperor once more. Seeing this, Qi Sisi and Qi Xuan felt a chill. If a fifth-tier alchemist was troubled by the Emperor's condition, the situation was likely dire.

"Your Majesty, have you come into contact with anything unclean recently?" Wu Hong asked.

"Unclean? No. Master Wu, what is wrong with me?"

"Your Majesty, the spiritual energy within your body seems to be tainted with something else, and that something is attacking your heart meridian."

"What?" Everyone was shocked. Tainted spiritual energy was a grave issue.

"Your Majesty, this is only a preliminary judgment. Please circulate your spiritual energy so I may observe more closely."

The Emperor did as instructed. As his intent stirred, a surge of golden energy coated his body, making him glow like solid gold. *What a decent technique,* Zhang Heng thought. *If used suddenly during a fight, it could blind the opponent.*

As the golden light appeared, before Qi Sisi or Qi Xuan could react, Zhang Heng, who had been standing at the door, suddenly gasped in shock and rushed forward. He grabbed the Emperor’s hand and began to observe intently.