Beastmaster of the Ages

It was obvious the “ambiguity” and “decadence” being spread outside were all deliberate.

The host, Lin Xiaoting, had invited all sides to gather and discuss important matters, while at the same time putting on a show to lure Tianming over.

Dressed in a purple robe, lightning flashing around his body, his gaze as sharp as bolts of electricity, Lin Xiaoting looked utterly cool and collected. Though he had yet to become an imperator, he already carried the flair of one.

“Everyone, smile a little!”

Lin Xiaoting smiled and waved a hand. “I’ve prepared Bacchus Brew, a potent wine made from the fruit of a grand-dao–class sacred tree. Do sample it.”

“Oh?” Long Xuanzhao lit up at the words. He wore a crimson mystic-flame robe and lounged rather casually against a chair, anticipation on his face. “Bacchus Brew requires the fruit of the skylightning tree, harvested only once every thirty thousand years, and in tiny amounts at that. I didn’t expect Brother Lin to bring this out. I have to try it!”

Imperator Tu wore a flame-red gown, her figure alluring and lips curved in a faint smile. “Imperial Son Long, this Bacchus Brew is exceptionally strong that even the legendary Imperator Wine couldn’t handle it. After one sip, I’m afraid you won’t either.”

She sat right beside Long Xuanzhao.

Long Xuanzhao glanced at her, a trace of desire flashing deep in his eyes. Though, he didn’t dare show it openly...

“Don’t worry. In front of a beauty, how could I fail to handle even a cup of wine?”

Long Xuanzhao smiled, every bit the gentleman.

Whether it was Lin Xiaoting, Long Xuanzhao, Imperator Ji, or Imperator Tu, the four “main characters” were all steady and confident.

But among those present, someone was anxious.

That was Cang Shanyuan from the Aquamarine Starcage! Even seated, the old man was like a boundless tide, carrying a natural aura of authority without anger.

He hadn’t touched a sip of the Bacchus Brew in front of him.

The old man said grimly, “Everyone, if this is all we do, that little thief probably won’t come. If it were this old man, I wouldn’t come to die either... If we’re not careful, all of this will be for nothing.”

At this moment, Imperator Ji sat beside Lin Xiaoting. She wore an ice-blue starry gown, her azure hair like a sea of stars. Her aura was cold and elegant, like a frost rose.

Her beautiful eyes glanced at Cang Shanyuan. “This operation was ordered by the Adjudicator. Besides, the Adjudicator has already prepared a key item for Imperial Son Lin. If Li Tianming dares come, that will be the last thing he ever does.”

“Imperator Ji misunderstands.” Lin Xiaoting took a sip of wine and smiled slightly. “Senior Cang doesn’t doubt the Adjudicator’s intent. He just feels that our current commotion isn’t explosive enough.”

“Exactly, exactly. Imperial Son Lin speaks the truth,” Cang Shanyuan sighed. “After all these years, that little thief still hasn’t fallen for it. Clearly, to draw him here, we need to raise the stakes and force his hand!”

Lin Xiaoting nodded. He smiled faintly at Imperator Ji beside him. “For us and the Adjudicator, luring Li Tianming here is a crucial step. As long as he appears and Li Muyang does not, it will prove he cannot leave Nullity!”

“Indeed. Li Tianming is only a minor problem. He won’t go far without dazzling radiances. The real key is Li Muyang.” Granny Longya of the Torch Dragon Starcage spoke gravely.

She sat opposite Cang Shanyuan, white-haired and holding a dragon-headed cane. Her body seemed wreathed in dragonfire, her presence scorching and majestic.

“Li Muyang has never left Nullity before.” Long Xuanzhao let out a light laugh. “In my opinion, there’s no need to be this cautious. If he could leave, how could he have hidden like a turtle all this time?”

“When the Adjudicator acts, it is natural to ensure absolute certainty.” Imperator Ji glanced at him. “There is no harm in being cautious. Only when Li Tianming comes and Li Muyang does not appear can this be truly confirmed.”

“So how do we raise the stakes enough to lure him over?” Imperator Tu propped her chin with one hand and blinked, that seductive motion stirring both Long Xuanzhao’s brain and seventh organ...

This imperial son of the Torch Dragon Star Prison could no longer hold back and tentatively asked, “Imperator Tu, how about we pretend to be drunk, act more intimate, and take a stroll through the capital?”

Imperator Tu looked at him with a half-smile, red lips curling slightly. “Alright. Or perhaps we can be even more intimate than you imagine?”

At these words, Long Xuanzhao nearly exploded with excitement.

“That’s more like it.” Cang Shanyuan laughed. “Now we need a real flashpoint to create a sensation and spread this further! Before, we were still too conservative.”

When it came to dealing with Tianming, Cang Shanyuan was the most impatient. After all, the imperial son under his protection had died in Skyplunder Capital. He hated Tianming to the bone!

“That Li Tianming probably always thought we were acting, which is why he didn’t dare come.” Lin Xiaoting stood up and looked at Long Xuanzhao and Imperator Tu.

Smiling, he tossed two wine gourds to them. “But this time, let’s make it more realistic and see whether he can still hold back.”

He and Long Xuanzhao exchanged a knowing smile!

***

Outside Lightning Sovereign Tower, countless cosmic gods gathered around, watching the grand banquet at the top and eagerly discussing.

They cursed the sky plunderers and swelled with arrogance.

Not long ago, Tianming had slaughtered a billion soldiers in the Ruinless Zone, practically grinding the faces of the violetblitzians and Yueling into the dirt.

Even now, the loss of those troops still caused immense pain to both races. Now that they had finally found a chance where they could freely curse and mock that Skyplunder imperial son, how could they let it pass?

But they never expected that next, an even more explosive scene would unfold before them!

On Lightning Sovereign Tower, two figures swayed unstably as they flew down hand in hand.

They were none other than Long Xuanzhao and Imperator Tu!

The two appeared drunk.

Long Xuanzhao still held a wine gourd. Pulling imperator Tu along, his face flushed with excitement, he burped. “Beloved wife, where shall we stroll?”

“Husband, wherever you like.” Imperator Tu’s red dress was slightly disheveled, revealing her snow-white slender waist, while she even half-leaned against Long Xuanzhao’s shoulder.

She was taller than him, so the posture looked somewhat awkward. But who cared about such details? That was an imperator!

Even if she looked drunk, those cosmic gods below had never even heard of a dignified imperator behaving so improperly in public.

This time, Long Xuanzhao and Imperator Tu had gone way too far!