The emperor was clearly just an ordinary person. Even under the dazzling crown and layers of magnificent imperial robes, his frail and aged physical condition remained unchanged.

Behind the emperor, a handsome man in white robes caught Ye Xiruo's attention. This man was a cultivator, and his cultivation level was no lower than hers. What was his identity, that he could stand beside the emperor? Furthermore, what were his purposes and intentions as a cultivator who had come to the mortal empire?

Furthermore, the magnificent, solemn, and grand palace that Ye Xiruo had just seen now no longer seemed so ordinary. Through her soul power, she could sense that a layer of array was firmly embedded in the entire palace, which was not noticeable unless one carefully observed it.

The Royal Palace of Rui Kingdom was not as simple as she had imagined. The appearance of the Level 5 Spirit Core, the mysterious Imperial Advisor, and this mysterious formation sent chills down Ye Xiruo's spine.

Did Chen Siling understand all of this? For a moment, Ye Xiruo was also somewhat confused. However, these unexpected events could not affect Ye Xiruo's purpose for this trip. What secrets the mysterious Rui Kingdom's palace held was none of her concern, and she had no intention of getting involved. She would truthfully inform the old emperor about the consequences of taking the longevity pill in her hand. For mortals who could not communicate with the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, the drawbacks of the longevity pill did not seem so obvious. Theoretically, taking the longevity pill, combined with some rare and precious herbs to replenish the body's vital energy, could prolong life. However, how it would work in practice was unknown. After all, this was only Ye Xiruo's own speculation. If the old emperor was sincere, she could also help him improve his health, provided that the imperial advisor had to be absent.

Soon, two rows of guards stood on either side of the emperor, silently protecting his safety. The emperor's steps were very slow, and his frail body was somewhat heartbreaking to see. The imperial advisor beside him remained as ethereal as ever.

The emperor slowly sat down on the throne, the imperial advisor still standing beside him. Judging from the expressions of the assembled officials, they seemed to have grown accustomed to this. The empress and other concubines did not appear. In recent years, due to Chen Siling's influence, the empress's position had been precarious, and she did not show up on such an important occasion.

All the ministers knelt down in unison: "Greetings, Your Majesty! May Your Majesty be well." The only ones who did not kneel were Ye Xiruo and the Imperial Preceptor.

The Imperial Advisor and the Emperor's gazes fell on Ye Xiruo at the same time. Ye Xiruo naturally maintained a superior demeanor and remained unmoved. Her aura of immortality was even more ethereal than that of the Imperial Advisor, so naturally, the Emperor scanned her back and forth many times.

"All of you, rise."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

"May I ask where this immortal master is from? What brings you here?" The emperor's expression was calm, and his tone was polite, but he lacked the fervor that ordinary people show towards immortal masters. After all, he was an emperor; this was already quite appropriate.

"This humble Taoist comes from Miaoyin Temple. I have come out of the mountains for training at the invitation of the Prime Minister to share the Emperor's burdens."

"Your Excellency, is that so? I only just found out?" It was unclear whether he was blaming me or not.

The prime minister was so frightened that he broke out in a cold sweat, while the old man behind him stared wide-eyed. Could it be that the prime minister had not only invited me, but also another, even more skilled immortal master?

"Please forgive me, Your Majesty. The Immortal Master's whereabouts are elusive, and I truly cannot guarantee that the Immortal Master will grant my request. That is why I did not appeal to Your Majesty. Please forgive me." This Immortal Master has absolutely no connection to him, so why has he come to him? The Prime Minister was also completely baffled. Ye Xiruo only wanted to say that her seventh brother had already written the script, and she just needed to read it. As for the exceptions, they could be ignored.

"How could I not know of your sincere intentions, my dear minister? Rise. May I ask what guidance the Immortal Master has? Guards, please take a seat."

Ye Xiruo readily agreed and sat down: "Your Majesty need not pay any attention to me, so as not to delay the birthday banquet."

"Alright, then I'll listen to the Immortal Master."

Throughout history, all banquets have followed a similar pattern. First, the emperor gives a speech, generally praying for favorable weather, national prosperity, and the well-being of the people of Great Rui. Next comes the relaxation segment, and sure enough, as ancient music begins, a group of stunningly beautiful dancers, dressed in white gauze and adorned with snow-white feathers, slowly enter with unique dance steps.

The ministers' expressions remained tense, especially the Prime Minister. What exactly did this immortal master want to do? They were desperate to avoid being implicated.

This dance resembles a sacrificial dance from the Western Zhou Dynasty. Ancient music plays, accompanied by drumbeats. All the dancers are barefoot, their faces displaying sacred and solemn expressions. Their beautiful figures rise and fall, swirling and turning, creating a series of beautiful scenes. The emperor and his ministers also have very solemn expressions, as if they are performing a sacred task.

Ye Xiruo looked closely and observed their dance steps. She discovered that the dancers' steps were full of a unique charm. If they were cultivators, they would form a formation that could be used for both offense and defense.

If Ye Xi became even more confused, this royal palace of the Rui Kingdom was becoming increasingly extraordinary. After the dance lasted for a quarter of an hour, the dancers slowly withdrew.

The second item, which Ye Xiruo did not expect, was the offering of sacrifices to heaven.

Everyone stood up. The person leading the way wasn't the emperor, but the Imperial Advisor. Dressed in a snow-white sacrificial robe and holding a jade disc, the Imperial Advisor slowly walked towards the altar that had already been erected. At this moment, Ye Xiruo actually felt a pressure emanating from the Imperial Advisor—yes, pressure. This made Ye Xiruo even more wary.

The emperor, followed by the imperial advisor and then by his ministers, marched in a grand procession toward the altar. The altar was already laden with sacrificial offerings of livestock, fruit, and grains. Thick incense sticks burned slowly in the enormous censer, wisps of smoke gradually dissipating into the air.

The Imperial Advisor led the way, followed by the Emperor, as they slowly ascended the altar. Below, the assembled officials stood in orderly rows, their expressions solemn and reverent. The grand sacrificial ceremony held every five days coincided with the Emperor's birthday celebration; the Emperor's intentions were unknown.

Ye Xiruo followed behind the courtiers, observing the altar. She discovered that the altar was actually a magical artifact. Just what was the background of this Rui Kingdom's palace? With so many rare treasures, had no cultivators discovered these mysterious aspects?

Although the emperor was already very weak, perhaps it was his willpower that sustained him as he walked steadily up to the altar, step by step.