The invitation lay casually tossed on the table as Han and the others exchanged glances.


    Shen Long spoke up, irritation lacing his voice. “That Zuo guy’s always stirring up trouble every few days. What’s he up to this time?”


    “Does he really think he’s the emperor or something?”


    “He’s the imperial envoy, after all,” Zhang Yuantao said, shaking his head. Though he frowned, his tone remained measured. “When he sends an invitation, we’d be wise to show up.”


    Han nodded. “Third Senior Brother’s got a point.”


    Bai Ruoyue, who harbored no fondness for Zuo Tianzheng, added dryly, “He’d better have something worthwhile to say.”


    After sorting out some matters at the martial school, the seven from Tai Bai set off together.


    Unlike previous times, Zuo Tianzheng’s invitation didn’t summon them to the garrison mansion. Instead, the meeting was set at the Black Cloud Training Ground.


    Black Cloud Town naturally had its own garrison troops—a sizable force under the command of the garrison mansion. Neither the Martial Order Division nor the Ghost God Division could interfere.


    Even in a world steeped in supernatural powers, the three imperial courts maintained formidable armies.


    The might of an army carried its own kind of mystique.


    When Han and the others arrived at the training ground, they found it bustling with people.


    Prominent disciples from every major martial school and family—those with names worth mentioning—were present, not a single one missing.


    No wonder the venue had shifted here. The garrison mansion would’ve been far too cramped to accommodate such a crowd.


    A thought struck Han. From the looks of it, Zuo Tianzheng’s invitation seemed aimed squarely at the younger generation of each faction.


    The training ground had been hastily furnished with tables, chairs, tea, and fruit.


    Once everyone had gathered, Zuo Tianzheng appeared, dressed as ever in simple cloth robes, flanked by his guards. He stepped forward to address the assembly.


    His gaze swept over the crowd, and he gave a slight nod.


    “Lords and ladies, prodigies of Black Cloud Town, I apologize for troubling you and taking up your valuable time by calling you here today.”


    “No trouble at all, Lord Zuo,” Long Tianchong interjected immediately. “You manage countless affairs daily. If anything, we’re the ones delaying you.”


    Most of the crowd remained expressionless at this, though a few furrowed their brows briefly before smoothing their faces again.


    Ugh, what a bootlicker, some thought.


    “You’re too kind, Lord Long,” Zuo Tianzheng replied evenly, his voice ringing out.


    “I’ve been in Black Cloud Town for some time now, learning much about its ways and accomplishing a fair bit.”


    “Ever since His Majesty entrusted me with this responsibility, I’ve been pondering how I can best serve Black Cloud Town—how I can improve the lives of its people.”


    “How I can live up to His Majesty’s faith in me.”


    “To that end, I’ve been experimenting with various approaches, and I’d say I’ve seen some success.”


    “But it wasn’t until recently that I realized I’ve been falling short in one key area.”


    He paused, noting that everyone was hanging on his words, and nodded again before continuing.


    “You here are the elite of Black Cloud Town’s people. Past and present, your contributions to its stability and growth have been indelible.”


    “And I believe the future will be no different. Your presence is vital to this town.”


    “Your achievements are remarkable, and you deserve recognition. The court has always rewarded merit without fail.”


    “I must admit, I’m ashamed to say I’ve often relied on your assistance, lords and prodigies alike, without properly compensating you for your efforts.”


    Yun Yuannan chimed in at just the right moment. “You give us too much credit, Lord Zuo. This is simply our duty.”


    “Your passion is admirable, Master Yun, but I can’t let your goodwill go unappreciated,” Zuo Tianzheng said, raising his voice suddenly.


    “So I’ve decided to select a group of talents from Black Cloud Town on behalf of His Majesty. When I return to Jade Capital in the future, I’ll bring those chosen with me for training!”


    “I, Zuo Tianzheng, swear this: those selected and taken to Jade Capital will have my personal recommendation to His Majesty for official titles. I’ll spare no effort in securing resources and teachings to nurture them.”


    “Better yet, I can guarantee their admission into the Emperor’s Academy!”


    “This is my way of repaying all of you for your outstanding contributions to Black Cloud Town over the years!”


    His words sent a ripple of shock through the crowd.


    Selecting talents to take to Jade Capital?


    Jade Capital—what kind of place was that?


    It was the grand capital of Great Qi, one of the most prosperous hubs in the world, teeming with powerful factions and hidden masters.


    Compared to Jade Capital, Black Cloud Town was like dirt beneath the clouds.


    To be born in Jade Capital was to start life a cut above most—a natural elite.


    Of course, those present were martial artists and cultivators, gifted with talent or strength, largely free from the shackles of mundane class.


    Worldly hierarchies didn’t hold much sway over them.


    Settling in Jade Capital wouldn’t be too difficult if they chose to.


    But with Black Mountain at their backs, they’d reigned supreme in Black Cloud Town. In Jade Capital, things might not be so cushy.


    Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    The top-tier legacies and rare resources of Jade Capital? Out of reach for outsiders like them, lacking power or connections.


    So, while they had the ability and means to travel far and settle in Jade Capital, the inclination just wasn’t there.


    Life backed by Black Mountain was far more comfortable than what many in Jade Capital could claim.


    But the future Zuo Tianzheng painted wasn’t so simple.


    By his promise, those who followed him to Jade Capital would gain a direct tie to the royal family.


    They’d even have a shot at catching the emperor’s eye—and a chance to join the Emperor’s Academy.


    The Emperor’s Academy was a name known even in remote Black Cloud Town, its fame echoing across Great Qi.


    A royal institution, it taught martial arts and Taoist methods. Every graduate could call themselves a disciple of the emperor.


    Princes, princesses, and the children of nobles and marquises were sent there to study.


    Entry required either royal blood, noble lineage, or exceptional talent.


    The basic resources available there were treasures beyond measure.


    To put it bluntly, even serving as a lackey to a prince in there would be a dream for many.


    Settling in Jade Capital the usual way offered fewer perks than staying near Black Mountain, plus a slew of restrictions.


    But going this way? It was a straight shot to the top.


    Legacies and resources they’d never touched before would be laid out in front of them.


    For most Black Cloud factions, resources were secondary. Higher legacies were the real prize.


    Take Tenglong Martial School—they’d been chasing superior legacies for years, pouring effort into the pursuit.


    But forget Black Cloud Town—even in all of Tianyue, foundational legacies beyond Bone Refining or Day Roaming were scarce. The few that surfaced were painfully ordinary.


    Without legacies or mentors, cultivation was a brutal slog.


    If Bai Tian hadn’t ventured out years ago and stumbled into some serious luck, he’d be no better than the average school master—let alone breaking into the True Blood realm.


    Even then, his journey to True Blood had been a grueling ordeal, costing him time and effort everyone had witnessed.


    How many times had he blown himself up in his dreams?


    Born into a prestigious sect, that breakthrough know-how would’ve been handed to him by a mentor, explained step-by-step—no need to grope in the dark or waste years.


    Now, Zuo Tianzheng was offering them hope—not just any hope, but a direct line to the world’s most elite families!


    The条件条件 sparked instant excitement. Faces lit up with longing.


    Whispers buzzed through the crowd as people discussed the news.


    Han’s expression shifted too. He wasn’t swayed, but he couldn’t help marveling at Zuo Tianzheng’s bold move.


    The Emperor’s Academy, the Great Qi royal family—he didn’t crave any of it. He had plenty of options.


    Worst case, he’d cling to Lu Qingmo’s coattails and follow her back to Xuandu Temple.


    Or maybe ditch this mortal coil and let the dragon girl have a bite.


    Failing that, he could head to Zixiao City and mooch off Meng Hao.


    Even the Lin family head spoke up. “Lord Zuo, is this for real?”


    “As His Majesty’s envoy, every word and deed of mine reflects him. I wouldn’t dare speak nonsense.”


    “Having Lord Zuo here is truly a blessing for Black Cloud!” Long Tianchong gushed. “You’re our town’s benefactor!”


    No surprise there—only a sycophant like Long Tianchong could’ve said it.


    Zuo Tianzheng offered a faint smile and pressed on.


    “And rest assured, lords, any standout disciples selected from your factions can serve the court after graduating from the Emperor’s Academy, earning high ranks and rich rewards if they choose.”


    “If they miss home and want to return to Black Cloud, the academy won’t stop them. No student’s freedom will be restricted.”


    This was his way of saying: the ones he picked would still belong to their families and schools, even in Jade Capital.


    Nurtured, not shackled.


    Xie Lei, master of the Mad Blade School, mulled it over before asking, “How will you select Black Cloud’s talents, Lord Zuo?”


    “Your factions are steeped in tradition with high standards. Your disciples are geniuses—no question of their talent.”


    Zuo Tianzheng spoke smoothly, clearly prepared.


    “After much thought, I’ve settled on combat as the best selection method. If cultivation time’s an issue, we can match opponents of the same realm to judge strength fairly.”


    The crowd nodded, agreeing with his reasoning.


    Only geniuses got through their doors and earned their training.


    When everyone’s a genius with similar backgrounds and cultivation time, combat was indeed the fairest way to sort the best from the rest.


    “But some young talents might not excel in fighting,” Zuo Tianzheng added. “I’ve accounted for that too.”


    “I have a Taoist technique and a martial skill from the Emperor’s Academy—nothing powerful, but they test comprehension keenly.”


    “At the academy, they’re often used to gauge a person’s aptitude. Those less suited for combat can prove themselves this way.”


    Gao Zhenxiong chimed in with praise. “Lord Zuo, you’ve thought of everything.”


    “Just my humble take,” Zuo Tianzheng said with a shake of his head, then turned to Han and Bai Ruoyue.


    “Take Tai Bai’s acting master and her seventh disciple—geniuses like them, with talent and strength everyone acknowledges. They could skip the trials and secure a spot to Jade Capital outright.”


    “With their gifts, they’d shine anywhere. His Majesty craves talent like theirs.”


    The crowd was caught off guard. Was this a gesture of goodwill toward Tai Bai?


    Some younger disciples bristled with envy. Why did Han and Bai Ruoyue get special treatment?


    But they kept their grumbling silent.


    The older disciples—those past the Visceral realm—had been thrashed by Bai Ruoyue.


    The current Skin and Sinew realm kids? Han had beaten them silly.


    And who could forget Han taking on three counties’ worth of prodigies solo, leaving no one daring to challenge him again?


    They might’ve been salty, but they had no leg to stand on.


    Blame their own weakness.


    That’s the weight of Black Cloud’s two reigning top geniuses!


    “You flatter us, Lord Zuo,” Han said modestly. “Compared to Jade Capital’s prodigies, my senior sister and I are just country bumpkins.”


    Long Tianchong couldn’t stand seeing Han in the spotlight and jumped in. “Lord Zuo, when will the selection start?”


    “We can begin soon,” Zuo Tianzheng replied, shifting gears.


    “But first, there’s something else I need to address.”


    “Once the selection’s done, those chosen won’t head to Jade Capital right away. Still, they’ll be half-members of the Emperor’s Academy—half-disciples of the emperor, bearing His Majesty’s dignity.”


    “So in daily life, you’ll carry dual roles: loyal to your families and schools, but also to His Majesty. For the time being, you’ll answer to me, follow my guidance. I’ll teach you law and discipline during this period.”


    “If anyone steps out of line or defies me, I’ll revoke their chance to go to Jade Capital.”


    Some nodded quietly, finding his words sensible.


    But Han’s brow creased.


    Answer to you? Follow your orders?


    A man stands tall between heaven and earth—how could I bow to anyone?


    “Those you favor should naturally comply,” Long Tianchong said with a nod.


    “This will require everyone’s involvement. What do you all think, lords?” Zuo Tianzheng asked.


    “If you’re willing to let your disciples join me in Jade Capital, I’ll draft the rules soon, and we can start the selection shortly.”


    “Even the scattered cultivators around Black Cloud Town could get a shot.”


    “Tenglong Martial School is in,” Long Tianchong declared first.


    Xie Lei of Mad Blade nodded too. “We’re grateful for your support, Lord Zuo.”


    The Lin and Gao families followed suit, agreeing to the plan.


    Zuo Tianzheng’s promises were too tempting to resist.


    This was a chance for their factions to rise higher. A disciple in the Emperor’s Academy meant, at the very least, a huge boost to their Marrow Cleansing prospects.


    Backed by influence, bolstered by strength.


    They could dominate a whole county—how glorious would that be?


    In the end, only Tai Bai Martial School and the Yun family hadn’t spoken.


    All eyes turned to them, the weight of expectation pressing like a tide.


    “My Yun family lacks grand ambition,” Yun Yuannan said with an apologetic smile. “Our disciples are mostly dim-witted and unworthy. I fear we’re not destined to join you in Jade Capital, Lord Zuo.”


    Han’s heart leapt. Nice move, Yun family!


    Zuo Tianzheng’s expression didn’t flicker. “The Yun family has a rich heritage and its own legacy. Indeed, it needs no outside guidance.”


    “And what of Tai Bai’s fine warriors?” he asked bluntly.


    “Black Cloud’s top genius title rings loud and clear. I’ve long admired it.”


    “His Majesty would surely be delighted to hear of you.”


    He was pulling out the emperor card now.


    But Han felt no fear.


    The Qing dynasty’s been dead for centuries, and you’re still waving the emperor at me?


    “I’m afraid we’ll have to disappoint you, Lord Zuo,” Han said.


    “Jade Capital’s incredible, world-famous, but we at Tai Bai have no grand dreams. We can’t bear to leave our roots or stray far.”


    “We plan to stay in Black Cloud, train here, support our master, and carry Tai Bai forward. That’s all we want.”


    Zuo Tianzheng studied Han for a moment, his gaze deep.


    Bai Ruoyue jumped in. “What my junior brother said goes for all of us.”


    Zuo Tianzheng nodded. “Fair enough. I won’t push you.”


    He announced he’d finalize the selection rules by tomorrow and notify everyone, then dismissed the gathering.


    As they left, Yun Yuannan lingered to catch Han, exchanging a few words before saying cryptically, “Nephew, I think being a Black Cloud native is something worth cherishing.”


    “At least in these final moments, we shouldn’t be tethered to an outsider.”


    Why not just spell it out?