Lan An looked at the Retired Emperor with profound meaning. The old fox couldn't wait to get to the main topic – clearly dying to see his betrothal gifts.
Not surprising. The gifts he gave Hundred Flowers Sect had driven even Late Body Integration cultivators insane. This old man was no exception.
"This visit to Ice Profound Empire – three purposes. First: settle accounts with Lan Khanh." Lan An smiled leisurely.
Crowd inwardly cursed: Settling accounts is fine, but you wiped out the entire Lan Clan and still dare mention it? Shameless!
"The other two?" Retired Emperor's voice deepened. He still ached over sacrificing Lan Clan, but the big picture came first.
Lan An's lips curled. His gaze swept the hall, finally landing on Bing Changkong's calm face:
"Myself and several wives accidentally inherited Senior Evil Emperor's legacy – half-disciple, you could say. Second purpose: seek justice for Evil Emperor."
BOOM!
The hall's temperature plummeted.
Second Prince Bing Phach turned deathly pale. Bing Changkong's brows twitched, veins bulging on his forehead – rage barely contained.
That war which forced Evil Emperor to self-destruct – Bing Changkong personally led it. Seeking justice = settling accounts with him?
Bing Feifei never expected Lan An to go this far – panic flashed in her eyes. Bing Lan Xi sat calmly as if she knew everything, but upon closer look – her body trembled slightly, jade hand clenched.
At that exact moment – Fire Power and Fire Mountain silently materialised behind Lan An, smirking coldly at the Empire's top brass. Atmosphere instantly turned sword-drawn.
No one foresaw this. He still wants to marry Third Princess? Flip the table with his future in-laws over a dead man? Necessary?
Others might think unnecessary. Lan An thought absolutely necessary.
Without Evil Emperor and Thunder-Fire Profound Art, his and his wives' combat power wouldn't be this terrifying. Countless turning points in his life would've gone disastrously wrong.
Thunder-Fire Profound Art saved Lan An, Yue Qi, Meng Ying multiple times. Evil Emperor even directly matchmaking him with the Diễm sisters – leading to Diễm Yue Qi.
Evil Emperor was dead, but his fate was deeply tied to the man. Seeking justice – worth it.
Retired Emperor's pupils contracted, yet he maintained supreme calm:
"Cultivation world – strong prey on weak. Evil Emperor lost because he was weaker. If he hadn't died, his inheritance wouldn't have reached you. By another angle – you should thank Ice Profound Empire!"
Lan An didn't argue. He understood the logic perfectly.
"Old Emperor speaks true. But there's no 'if' in this world. Result is one: I received Evil Emperor's grace – I must repay."
"Hmph! What do you want? Changkong is Lan Xi and Bing Dung's father. Kill him for a dead man? We already lifted the bounty on Thunder-Fire Art users!"
Retired Emperor finally showed anger.
He personally presided tonight to receive lavish gifts, then build ties with Rear Palace for future benefits. This brat dragging up Evil Emperor ruined everything.
"I'm not a bloodthirsty maniac. Evil Emperor's grace is heavy – but cannot compare to my Tich'er. Making her choose between family and me – something I never want."
Lan An gazed tenderly at Bing Lan Xi.
Father-daughter bond with Bing Changkong wasn't deep, but he was still her father. Which daughter rejoiced seeing husband and father become enemies?
He couldn't hurt the woman who loved him wholeheartedly over a dead man.
Hearing this, Bing Lan Xi's eyes overflowed with love. She tightly gripped his hand – satisfaction beyond words.
Bing Feifei watched, envy flashing. Having such a domineering man as backing – how wonderful.
Crowd sighed in relief. Even Bing Changkong's face softened, complex emotions surfacing seeing his daughter's happiness.
"So what exactly do you want?" Retired Emperor asked solemnly – as long as it wasn't excessive, he could accept.
"Erect Evil Emperor's tomb and statue in Ice Profound City centre. Inscription: 'Ice Profound Empire sincerely repents.' Bing Changkong and all involved must offer sacrifices before his grave."
Lan An raised one finger.
Evil Emperor was dead. Second Prince wouldn't live long anyway. This was the only justice Lan An could think of.
Forcing a Ninth Grade power to bow – even if Evil Emperor lived, he might not achieve this. Lan An felt he repaid the debt grandly.
"IMPOSSIBLE!"
Most imperial members paled.
Face of Ice Profound Empire – where to put? Evil Emperor was merely Void Refining – Empire never even sent Body Integration back then!
Countless Ice Profound heroes died for the nation without such honour. What qualified Evil Emperor?
"Young Master Lan, this demand is too much…"
Duong Quoc, Vu Ha, and ministers protested.
They participated in the siege. Strong prey on weak – Evil Emperor died for not knowing when to yield. If he sold the art, none of this would've happened.
"Hmph, too much? He only refused to sell his art. Ice Profound shamelessly ganged up until he self-destructed. Fault lies entirely with you. I'm merely giving you a chance to apologise!"
Lan An sneered.
Fire Mountain and Fire Power erupted with aura – invisible pressure crushed down.
Duong Quoc and others instantly shut up. Cultivation world had no right or wrong – only strong and weak. Lan An was stronger – they dared not retort.
All eyes turned to Retired Emperor.
"Changkong, that war was your decision. What do you think?"
Retired Emperor threw the choice to Bing Changkong.
At his realm, face meant nothing. Whatever benefited the Empire most – he'd do. If worshipping Evil Emperor made Ice Profound stronger – he wouldn't hesitate.
But he trusted Bing Changkong to give the right answer.
Bing Changkong inhaled deeply, glanced at Bing Lan Xi. Her face calm – but body trembling. Clearly terrified of conflict between her man and her father.
Bing Lan Xi gazed back coldly – yet deep within those icy eyes – a plea.
Fine… already owe mother and daughters too much. This old face – how much is it worth anyway?
Daughter's gaze crushed his heart. A thought flashed. Finally, he spoke gravely:
"That year was indeed this Emperor's mistake. This Emperor agrees to Lan An's terms. We shall sincerely apologise before Evil Emperor's spirit!"
He closed eyes – ignoring the world.
Lan An was slightly surprised. First time realising he misjudged Bing Changkong.
Thinking back – the war started because Bing Changkong wanted Thunder-Fire Art for his son, Second Prince. Though heavily injured and the art lost – he never regretted.
A father thinks for his son's future. Bing Changkong was no exception. But as Emperor – Empire's interests came first, sometimes sacrificing family ties.
Lan An clearly felt Bing Lan Xi's trembling hand calm after the decision.
She was satisfied. Lan An wiped sweat from her smooth forehead. He knew – handling Evil Emperor this way was correct. Going too far would only hurt the woman who loved him completely.
"Not bad. Ice Profound Empire dares to own its actions. Proceed as Changkong decided!"
Retired Emperor declared – crowd finally shut up.
Soon – Evil Emperor's statue in city centre would shock the world for ages.
"Now – your third purpose?"
Retired Emperor stared at Lan An, tone no longer polite. This brat made his old face burn.
Lan An knew pushing further risked the old man flipping. He tightly held Bing Lan Xi's hand, pulled Bing Lin'er close, smiled:
"Tich'er, Lin'er, and I are deeply in love. This junior wishes to formally propose to the Imperial Family and Nguyen Clan – take both as wives!"
Bing Lin'er – mere maid – now mentioned equally with princess. Tears welled instantly. Love for him reached dying-for-you levels.
Bing Lan Xi lovingly embraced Bing Lin'er. She had waited for this moment forever.
Bing Feifei watched bitterly – first time jealous of a little maid.
Bing Dung beamed – life never this perfect. Sister happy – as brother, nothing more satisfying.
"Nguyen Clan?"
Retired Emperor frowned. He knew of a Nguyen Clan in the city, but after long seclusion – unclear why mentioned.
"Nguyen Clan – maternal family of Bing Dung and Lan Xi!"
Bing Changkong explained, glancing at seated elders.
"Nguyen Clan head – step forward!"
Countless envious eyes turned to an Early Void Refining elder. Head of Seventh Grade Nguyen Clan – maternal grandfather of Lan Xi and Bing Dung.
"This old subject Nguyen Khiem pays respects to Retired Emperor, Your Majesties!"
He stepped forward proudly.
Retired Emperor nodded. Bing Changkong and Empress hurriedly returned courtesy.
"Greetings, grandfather-in-law!"
Lan An cupped fists respectfully.
From Lan Xi's stories – during darkest times, Nguyen Clan never abandoned the siblings. Risked everything to support Bing Dung's bid for throne. Many minor clans joined Bing Dung's faction due to old ties with Nguyen Clan.
Several Nguyen elders died in secret struggles.
A clan like Liu Clan – worthy of respect.
"Good, good! Lan Xi meeting you is her greatest fortune. This old skeleton can finally rest…"
Nguyen Khiem smiled kindly, turbid eyes wet.
His only daughter – Lan Xi's mother – married Bing Changkong, died mysteriously. His most precious legacy – two grandchildren. Now seeing Lan Xi find perfect home, Bing Dung's future bright – how not to cry?
"Ahem… according to Ice Profound tradition… Proposing requires…" Retired Emperor fake-coughed, rubbing fingers together.
Crowd's faces twitched. Can you keep some Late Body Integration dignity?
Lan An nodded knowingly, smiled at Retired Emperor:
"Since Nguyen Clan is also Lin'er and Lan Xi's family – I prepared two separate betrothal gifts! One for the Imperial Family. One for Nguyen Clan."
"T-Two sets?!"
Retired Emperor and everyone froze. A terrible premonition rose…
…