Chapter 393: What Important Matters Could You Possibly Have?
“Based on what should I help you?” Mr. North Sea looked at Ming with a puzzled expression and asked, “What benefits can you offer me?”
“…,” Ming bowed politely, “If the elder could assist me, then naturally I would owe you a favor. As for what benefit I can provide, that depends on what the elder desires and whether or not I am capable of delivering.”
Ming spoke straightforwardly without any pretense.
And indeed, that was the truth.
He truly had no idea what the other party wanted, and even if he did, there was no guarantee he could fulfill it. Hence, it all came down to what conditions the other side proposed.
“Hahahaha.” Mr. North Sea burst into laughter, “You’re quite refreshingly honest, young man. When I call in your debt, I might not be so polite.”
Ming responded, “As long as it’s within my capabilities.”
Mr. North Sea scrutinized Ming intently.
“Will you go to the Southern Demon Realm?” Mr. North Sea asked Ming.
“What?” Ming lifted his head, momentarily stunned, wondering if he’d misheard.
But he hadn’t misheard. Mr. North Sea repeated, “I asked, will you go to the Southern Demon Realm?”
Ming nodded, “Unless something unexpected happens, I do plan to visit the Southern Demon Realm.”
“Oh?” Mr. North Sea perked up, “Then why are you going to the Southern Demon Realm?”
“I have a friend there, and I wish to see her,” Ming replied vaguely.
The Southern Demon Realm was already part of Ming’s plans.
Though he hadn’t heard from Xiao Bai in a long time, and though Xiao Bai wasn’t the same Xiao Bai she used to be, she was still his friend. He couldn’t let her go without checking on her condition.
Ming’s vague answer didn’t prompt further questions from Mr. North Sea, who was merely curious. What exactly the other intended to do in the Southern Demon Realm wasn’t really his concern.
However, since the other planned to go to the Southern Demon Realm, things became easier.
Mr. North Sea nodded, “In that case, going to the Southern Demon Realm suits both our purposes.”
“Help me with one task in the Southern Demon Realm, and I’ll assist you,” Mr. North Sea stated his terms.
Ming nodded, “Please elaborate, sir.”
Mr. North Sea raised his head, gazing at the sky that wasn’t truly a sky, sighed, and slowly said, “Help me pay respects to someone.”
Ming: “???”
Mr. North Sea chuckled, “You understand, paying respects isn’t just about offering incense. If you help me, I’ll be honest—going to perform this ritual is as perilous as venturing into the North Sea Abyss. However, you only need to do it within three years. Use this time to enhance your own abilities.”
Ming frowned, thought carefully, and finally bowed, “Junior agrees to assist the elder.”
Mr. North Sea smiled, “Don’t rush into agreeing. There’s still some time before your journey to the North Sea Abyss. Think it over, or if you come up with a better solution, you don’t have to agree.”
With a wave of his hand, Mr. North Sea added, “If there’s nothing else, Master Xu, please leave. I intend to take a nap, and I dislike being disturbed during my siesta.”
“Then junior shall take my leave. I’ve troubled the elder too much,” Ming bid farewell and left without delay.
After leaving the Coral Sea, Ming headed towards the Imperial Palace.
Once inside the palace, he proceeded directly to the Inner Palace.
Of course, despite having the Jade Pendant specially bestowed by the Dragon Empress, Ming didn’t use it. Just because you have it doesn’t mean you must use it.
Having it and using it aren’t the same thing.
At least acting this way allowed him to maintain a certain distance from the Dragon Empress, making it easier to extricate himself later. Things would get complicated if he developed deeper ties with her.
“Could the lady inform His Majesty that Xu Ming from Wu Kingdom requests an audience?” At the entrance of the Inner Palace, Ming addressed the palace maid on guard.
The palace maid glanced at the jade pendant hanging from Ming’s waist and smiled, “Since Master Xu has been honored with the jade pendant by His Majesty, you may proceed directly without needing us to notify.”
Ming hadn’t expected these palace maids to recognize him just by the jade pendant.
Clearly, very few people were granted such an honor.
“Being a man, I find it inappropriate to enter directly. Please convey my request,” Ming replied.
The two palace maids exchanged glances and then nodded, “Since Master Xu insists, we shall comply. Please wait a moment while we inform His Majesty.”
“Thank you, ladies,” Ming said.
One of the maids bowed and entered the Inner Palace.
About the time it took to burn an incense stick, the maid returned and bowed again, “Master, please follow me. His Majesty awaits in the bedchamber.”
“Again the bedchamber?” Ming was surprised. How was it that he, an external official, kept meeting the Dragon Empress in the bedchamber? Something seemed off. The maid blinked innocently, “What did Master Xu say?”
“Nothing. Then kindly lead the way.”
Following the maid inside, Ming still felt somewhat uneasy.
Honestly, Ming preferred if the Dragon Empress received him in the Imperial Study.
Meeting inside the palace always made him feel strangely anxious, as if the Dragon Empress might pull some tricks.
Regardless, Ming felt the Dragon Empress had some sort of agenda concerning him, though he couldn’t figure out what it was.
“Master Xu, His Majesty awaits inside. Please enter directly.”
Upon reaching the palace door, the maid informed Ming.
“Thank you, lady,” Ming courteously replied.
“No need for formalities, Master Xu. I shall take my leave now,” the maid bowed and walked away.
Ming pushed open the door and entered the bedchamber.
The moment Ming stepped inside, the door closed behind him immediately. A faint fragrance lingered in the air.
Ming moved forward and bowed, “Your servant greets Your Majesty.”
“What matter?” The Dragon Empress’s voice came from the bed.
“I have an urgent matter to report,” Ming said.
“What urgent matters could you possibly have?”
The Dragon Empress yawned lazily, her posture through the gauze veil giving Ming a sense of irritation.
“It concerns the Crown Prince of the Eastern Sea,” Ming replied.
