Cha Ming arrived at the palace moments later. The guards, now familiar with his identity, allowed him through and directed him to the princess’s palace. He waited in a lovely study filled with marvelous paintings before she finally appeared. Seeing Cha Ming’s attire, she raised an eyebrow. “I wasn’t aware we were going somewhere.”
Cha Ming smiled. “I have a favor to ask, and I hope you won’t reject me.”
She smiled back. “You’ve been teaching me for three years and have yet to ask for anything in return. I was wondering when you’d ask.”
“Unfortunately, it’s not you that I need a favor from, but your father,” Cha Ming said. “I need Waters of Life, and for that, I can only ask the Sea God Emperor. As for the favor, all I ask is that you get me an audience. I’ll negotiate something with your father myself.”
Gong Shuren winced. “I can’t say I’m too surprised by your request. Unfortunately, the surplus in our stock was exhausted, along with three spatial fragments, to create this potential gathering necklace I wear.” She brought her fingers to her neck where a gold necklace inlaid with a single gray gem lay. An iridescent mist floated inside it.
“The Sea God royal family is the only supplier of Waters of Life on the continent,” Cha Ming said helplessly. “You and your royal father are the only members I’m on good terms with. On the bright side, I only need a third as much as before. Three jin to complete my creation.”
Gong Shuren’s eyes narrowed. “You’re not going to try making that again, are you?”
“Nothing like that,” Cha Ming said, holding up his hands. “My creation is something more modest. A half-step transcendent creation. The plane shouldn’t react so strongly this time.”
Gong Shuren let out a sigh of relief. “Thank the heavens. My royal father would never admit it, but even he was frightened by the commotion you caused. Though if you can manage to craft a half-step transcendent pill, I’m sure he’d be very impressed. It’s been a long time since Haijing Academy had a grand elder in alchemy.”
“I keep hearing about that title,” Cha Ming said. He was a grand elder already. “Is it that big of a deal?”
“It is,” Gong Shuren said. “Haijing Academy operates by the grace of the Sea God Emperor, and its headmaster is appointed by the holder of the Sea God Scales. Historically, grand elders would be the first ones considered for the appointment. It’s not a guaranteed appointment, but grand elders are held in high esteem by their peers. I’m sure you’ve noticed the respectful glances from everyone else at the academy.”
Cha Ming shrugged. “I’m more concerned with crafting this pill. For that, I need Waters of Life.”
“All right,” Gong Shuren said with a sigh. “I’ll ask my father. Elder alchemists appear every generation or so, but grand elders would be very useful to the royal family.”
They walked from her audience hall through gold-and-blue corridors. The wavy pattern was mesmerizing. It caused odd fluctuations in the air that reminded Cha Ming of Huxian’s temporal abilities. He waited outside the door as she entered the king’s audience hall through a side door. He followed at her signal.
Cha Ming walked toward the throne with his gaze downward. When he neared the throne, he bent down in a low bow. To his surprise, his bow was cut short by a firm hand. He looked up and saw the Emperor standing before him, stopping him.
“You saved my daughter and have helped her for many years. You don’t need to bow to me, not when we’re alone.”
Cha Ming looked around and noticed they were indeed alone. The princess was there, but the Empress was absent. Cha Ming also noticed the absence of the royal “our” the Emperor liked to use.
“Your Highness has my utmost gratitude for meeting me,” Cha Ming said. “I’m sure you’re already aware of my request.”
The Emperor nodded slowly. He walked back to his throne and sat on the large chair. He tapped his fingers, looking between him and his daughter thoughtfully. “I have some Waters of Life remaining in my personal stock. Hidden from the treasury, of course, so my family is unaware of its existence. But it’s difficult for me to give it out on a whim. As an emperor, I must always look out for the good of my people.”
“If there’s anything I can do to change your mind, anything at all, just say the word,” Cha Ming said. He wasn’t sure what he could offer that could move the monarch, but he had to try, at least.
“There’s one thing you can do,” the Emperor said. “As you might already know, the Sea God Trials will be taking place a short time from now. Originally, I was planning on sending my most powerful subordinate, Gong Fa, to accompany my daughter as her champion. Given his power, she would normally have a huge edge in the competition. That is, she would have if her third brother had chosen the second strongest, as is custom.”
Cha Ming’s eyes narrowed. “He picked Zhou Li, didn’t he?”
“He picked Zhou Li,” the Emperor confirmed. “As such, I’m concerned about the result of the competition. Now, don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t be so concerned about the success of one specific child over another under normal circumstances. I teach neutrality and balance, so I’m only willing to go so far.
“Unfortunately, these teachings have fallen on deaf ears with my third child, Gong Xuandi. He’s been too friendly with Zhou Li, and I’m concerned about what will happen should he become emperor. There’s a war brewing on the continent, and we must not get dragged into it. It’s not impossible for me to give you three jin of Waters of Life. However, I ask in return that you participate in the trials as Gong Shuren’s champion.”
“What do the
