Celestial Night Emperor

In the Martial Arts Arena, aside from the Southern Domain Battle Department, Luo Qilin, and his people, the spectator stands were clearly stratified into three tiers.

The lower tier was occupied by spectators from the great families of the Imperial Capital, such as the Qin and Ye clans!

The middle tier seated high-ranking officials from the Battle Department, the Celestial Pavilion Elders, palace stewards, and representatives from the Imperial Capital.

And in the highest tier, there were only three people.

In the very center of the highest tier, a middle-aged man sat with a stern expression, toying with a golden seal in his hand.

It was the golden seal representing Prince Lanling.

To the man’s left sat a young woman. Though a cloak hid her face, no cloak could conceal the graceful and noble aura she exuded.

Prince Lanling, Li Tangsheng, and his only daughter, the Commandery Princess of the Imperial Capital, Li Qingcheng!

To Prince Lanling’s right was the Grand Leader of the Dragon Platform Phoenix Hall, Huang Tian.

“Huang Tian,” Li Tangsheng said faintly, “judging by our ages, I should probably call you ‘Uncle.’ However, you’d best not interfere today. This is the most revered martial tournament of the Da Xia Battle Departments. It cannot be casually disrupted.”

Huang Tian bowed slightly. “I wouldn’t dare. You are a Prince. What could an old man like me possibly do in your presence?”

A glint appeared in Li Tangsheng’s eyes. “I’ve heard you have a very good relationship with the Night Emperor Celestial Profound. He calls you ‘Uncle’ as well, so I felt I had to give you a little reminder.”

Huang Tian’s eyelids drooped. “Your Highness is overthinking things. As the Grand Leader of the Dragon Platform Phoenix Hall, I know what’s at stake! Everything will be handled officially.”

Li Tangsheng sighed. “What a pity. I heard Qin Tianxuan suffered the Celestial Punishment and is now a cripple. If that’s the case, what’s the point of this martial contest?”

Huang Tian frowned. ‘What on earth does this Prince Lanling mean?’

‘He’s been secretly colluding with the Daqin Royal Family. Before even coming to the Martial Arts Arena, Prince Lanling pushed past all objections to decree that the winner of this contest would be promoted to Celestial King, commanding both the Northern and Southern Domain Battle Departments.’

‘What’s more, Prince Lanling has been secretly letting it be known that if Luo Qilin wins, he would consider marrying his only daughter to him, making Luo Qilin the Prince’s son-in-law!’

‘From the very beginning, Li Tangsheng was certain Luo Qilin would win. So why is he making these kinds of cynical remarks now?’

Beside him, the cloaked young woman suddenly asked, “Dad, is that Qin Tianxuan the one who refused you? Back when he defeated the Celestial Demons, you wanted to make him your son-in-law and marry me to him. But what did he do? I heard he didn’t even attend the victory banquet?”

Hmph!

Li Tangsheng slammed his hand on the railing of the viewing platform. “That’s because Qin Tianxuan doesn’t know what’s good for him! Said something about guarding his dead wife’s tomb. He even looked down on me, Prince Lanling. Qingcheng, don’t think about it anymore. Today, I’ll let you vent all your frustration.”

Li Qingcheng laughed, her voice crisp and pleasant. “I couldn’t care less. In fact, I would have looked down on him if he had agreed. How old is he, and he wants to marry me? Dream on!”

Li Tangsheng frowned. “Then what about Luo Qilin?”

“Even less likely! I glanced at him just now. He’s a total waste. I doubt he could even defeat me.” Li Qingcheng stopped laughing. “I don’t think much of him at all!”

Li Tangsheng rubbed his forehead and gave a wry smile.

Whatever this precious daughter of his said, went. As her father, even he didn’t dare to object.

“Then forget it. Luo Qilin’s status is indeed a bit low,” Li Tangsheng said, checking the time. He then struck a bronze gong on the viewing platform with his golden seal!

Below, the sound of solemn footsteps rang out.

Dressed in military attire, a spirited Luo Qilin stood on the martial arts platform, directing his subordinates from the Southern Domain in a ceremonial battle performance.

Applause erupted.

Li Tangsheng praised them, “The Southern Domain Battle Department truly lives up to its reputation. Such astounding momentum! Astounding!”

Huang Tian was speechless. ‘So fucking boring,’ he thought. ‘You’ve clearly never seen the marching aura of the Northern Domain Night Emperor’s forces. Now *that* is what you call iron-blooded men. These subordinates of the Southern Domain’s Luo Qilin are all just for show.’

Once the performance ended, Luo Qilin took a deep breath and closed his eyes to rest and conserve his energy.

In truth, he hadn’t slept at all the previous night. He had been drinking and celebrating with Steward Qin and the others until the early hours of the morning.

‘Qin Tianxuan? The Night Emperor?’

‘He’s already half a cripple. After taking the Celestial Punishment, he probably can’t even stand. What’s there to worry about with this match?’

Time ticked by, second by second.

There was still no sign of movement from Qin Tianxuan’s side.

Li Tangsheng drummed his fingers on the table, repeatedly checking the time on his phone. Finally, unable to wait any longer, he stood up directly. “Heh, it seems the Northern Domain Night Emperor has already conceded. This Night Emperor, I suppose he doesn’t have the guts to show up for the match. In that case, I must congratulate Grand Commander Luo Qilin.”

Luo Qilin stood up straight, his excitement palpable.

Li Tangsheng nodded. “On behalf of the Imperial Capital, I hereby declare that the winner of this martial contest is—”

Before he could finish, a piercing battle horn sounded from outside the Martial Arts Arena.

It was clear, bright, and filled with the grim, killing aura of the battlefield.

Inside the Martial Arts Arena, everyone shot to their feet.

They craned their necks to look outside.

WHOOSH!

A sharp, piercing whistle cut through the air.

High in the sky, the war banner of the Northern Domain Night Emperor appeared. From a kilometer away, it shot straight through the gates of the Martial Arts Arena and, with a THUD, stabbed deep into the earth!

The banner unfurled in the wind as the thunder of iron hooves shook the ground outside!

Li Tangsheng’s expression changed drastically. He and Huang Tian stood on their toes to get a better look outside.

Across the land, plumes of dust kicked up like war beacons.

The Night Emperor’s subordinates—the Six Halls and the Ninth Army!

All were dressed in plain white mourning clothes, their killing intent palpable!

“Is Qin Tianxuan staging a rebellion?!” Li Tangsheng panicked, clutching his great seal. “What the hell is this?”

As he was shouting in anger, the Six Halls and the Ninth Army came to an impassive halt outside the Martial Arts Arena!

The rumbling of the earth continued.

Then, a figure appeared.

He walked calmly into the Martial Arts Arena.

It was Qin Tianxuan, dressed in white!

Luo Qilin and Steward Qin were stunned by the sight.

‘The Night Emperor… how can the Night Emperor still be standing?’

‘Isn’t he supposed to be crippled?’

Li Tangsheng’s eyes went wide. “Qin Tianxuan doesn’t look injured at all! Was the Battle Department’s Celestial Punishment that damn useless? He looks completely fine!”

Huang Tian’s face remained calm, but his fists were clenched, and he was inwardly ecstatic. ‘Fuck, I knew this kid wouldn’t be taken down so easily! Not even the son-of-a-bitch Battle Department’s Celestial Punishment could do anything to him. Fucking awesome! As expected of the peerless genius I, Old Huang, watched grow up!’

Qin Tianxuan walked into the Martial Arts Arena, one step at a time.

His gaze swept across the entire arena. His gaunt figure stood against the wind, his white robes fluttering.

“Oh, Dad, so that’s the Night Emperor Celestial Profound? You never told me he was this handsome.”

Hearing his daughter’s words, Li Tangsheng grew anxious. “My dear, precious daughter, don’t be fooled by appearances! Qin Tianxuan is nothing special. His fame is all empty; he has no real skill.”

After speaking, Prince Lanling strode forward in a fluster. “Qin Tianxuan, you are late! According to the rules, you have already lost this martial contest!”

The entire arena fell silent. Everyone was thinking the same thing: ‘He brought the whole Northern Domain Battle Department with him. How could he possibly concede?’

But Qin Tianxuan’s voice shocked everyone in the arena. “I withdraw from the martial duel!”

What?!

Li Tangsheng couldn’t believe it, and even Huang Tian was dumbfounded.

Luo Qilin leaped out, laughing maniacally. “I knew it! You’re only able to stand because you’re full of medicine, aren’t you? You should have just obediently admitted defeat. I could have spared your life, and you could have saved what’s left of your reputation!”

Qin Tianxuan remained silent.

Behind him, the Six Halls and the Ninth Army had followed, taking their position behind him as well.

Li Tangsheng cleared his throat. “Night Emperor, since you have withdrawn, what business do you have here at the Martial Arts Arena?”

Qin Tianxuan raised his head proudly. As the entire arena watched, he spoke, enunciating each word, “I came here to kill two people!”