"But..."
Ming Zhi Tian took her hand and soothed, "Listen to me, be good."
Bai Qian Zhi looked a little disappointed, "Alright then."
Ming Zhi Tian then raised his cup and walked towards Elder Chang Jiang, "Master, thank you for your past help. I am about to go to the Mechanical Gate. Will you accompany me?"
Elder Chang Jiang shook his head and waved his hand gently, "This old man has grown weary of the mundane world and wishes only to retire. I will no longer interfere with the affairs of the Mechanical Gate. I shall ascend to the heavens tomorrow."
Ming Zhi Tian nodded and let him have his way.
After the banquet, as Ming Zhi Tian was about to depart, Empress Xing Chen followed him, "Zhi Tian, may I go with you?"
Ming Zhi Tian looked confused, "Why? I'll be back soon. It's alright, don't worry about me."
Empress Xing Chen shook her head slightly, "No, I don't know why, but my heart feels unsettled. Being with you gives me a strange sense of comfort. Please let me accompany you. I also want to see your Martial Sage."
Ming Zhi Tian was taken aback, "My Martial Sage?"
He thought to himself, "It seems she... truly forgot. She completely forgot about Wu Sheng Ran Yi Zhou. What happened in between?"
Ming Zhi Tian agreed, "But you must promise me not to leave my side, otherwise, I cannot guarantee your safety."
Empress Xing Chen felt a warmth in her heart, "Of course. I know what I'm doing."
Suddenly, a bell chimed, and a figure floated in as if descended from the heavens.
Ming Zhi Tian looked at the newcomer, "You are..."
"Oriental Min'er of the Misty Pavilion. We have met before. How could the Divine Emperor be so forgetful?"
Ming Zhi Tian realized, "So you are the neutral Pavilion Master of the Misty Pavilion from the Four Seas and Five Pavilions. It's an honor. Is there something you need?"
Oriental Min'er gave him a sideward glance, "Can't I come see you if there's nothing else?"
Ming Zhi Tian was taken aback, "We have always had no dealings. As the saying goes, one does not visit the temple without a reason. You must have something on your mind."
Oriental Min'er smiled faintly, "Indeed, nothing can be hidden from the exceptionally intelligent Cultivation Divine Emperor..."
Ming Zhi Tian interrupted, "Stop right there. Intelligent is good enough, but 'exceptionally' is a bit much."
Oriental Min'er covered her mouth and giggled, "Hehe, the Divine Emperor is so humorous. I've come to ask for your permission. I wish to establish an academy for scholars from all over the Four Seas and Eight Desolations to cultivate the immortal path."
Ming Zhi Tian's eyes lit up, "Immortal path? That's a novel term. It seems you already have a goal and direction. But why do you need to ask for my permission?"
Oriental Min'er said, "Who in this era doesn't know of your great deeds? You not only drove away the Undead army but also eliminated the Undead Divine Emperor and the Ancient Immortal Emperor who could have overthrown the entire Ancient Cultivation Realm.
"Since then, everyone has recognized you, the Cultivation Divine Emperor, as the pillar of the Ancient Cultivation Realm. In the past, the leaders of the Four Seas and Five Pavilions would discuss and make decisions, but now all matters, big or small, should naturally be brought to you for approval. This is the respect and reverence all cultivators have for you, the Cultivation Divine Emperor."
"I see," Ming Zhi Tian nodded. "So my fame is so widespread that it has reached the entire Ancient Cultivation Realm. Alright, I agree. Go ahead and build your academy, but be diligent. I will come for an inspection later."
Oriental Min'er smiled with relief and bowed in礼, "Thank you, Cultivation Divine Emperor. Oriental Min'er, on behalf of all the young cultivators in the Ancient Cultivation Realm, I thank you again. They... no, the entire Ancient Cultivation Realm will usher in unprecedented prosperity in the next few hundred years."
Ming Zhi Tian waved his hand, "I'm just good at talking, it's nothing. It's Pavilion Master Dongfang who is putting in both money and effort."
Oriental Min'er nodded, then turned serious, "I am deeply saddened. Please accept my condolences."
Ming Zhi Tian said with equanimity, "Losing one's parents is something everyone must go through in life. It's just a matter of time."