The Imperial Immortal Palace was glorious and breathtaking. It was shrouded in a layer of prosperous aura as though it was the origin of all things auspicious. It was a holy land that many people looked up to.

Seated in a luxurious carriage pulled by four demonic beasts, Xiang Shaoyun passed through a long passageway with a brown path and red walls to reach the palace's inner court. When the sight of a paradise-like garden greeted him, his mood improved significantly. He muttered, "They truly know how to enjoy themselves."

Over the years, he had focused on increasing his strength. As for the Ziling Sect's development, he had let his subordinates handle it. He had thought that the sect had grown healthily, but upon seeing the palace's inner court, he realized that the Ziling Sect lacked the majestic grace this palace exuded. In short, the difference between the Ziling Sect and the Imperial Immortal Palace was akin to the difference between a nouveau riche and an ancient noble. The gap between the two was large.

When Xiang Shaoyun reached the throne room, he found that the room was filled with youngsters. Every single one of them had a decent cultivation, and he noticed that they only looked young but were, in fact, much older than him.

He saluted the Immortal Emperor on the throne and said, "Greetings, Immortal Emperor."

The emperor waved his hand and said, "Be at ease."

"May I know why I have been called here, Your Majesty?" asked Xiang Shaoyun as he raised his head.

He could see that the emperor was a peak pseudo-God. He possessed extraordinary strength and was only a step away from the God Realm. When he reached the God Realm, it would be time for him to abdicate from the throne as well.

After all, no Rebirth Realm cultivator would care for something intangible like a throne. Rather, most of them pursued further advancements in their cultivation. With more strength, they would be able to do more.

"Haha, that's naturally because I wish to meet the young king among Saints who has created a new record in the Immortal Arena," said the emperor with a hearty laugh. "From this meeting, I can see that you're truly an outstanding individual."

"You're too kind, Your Majesty," said Xiang Shaoyun humbly.

"Not at all. I'm speaking the truth," said the emperor. "Shaoyun, you have boundless potential. I also wish to ask if you're willing to become a friend of the Immortal Dynasty."

Xiang Shaoyun frowned slightly as he said, "Your Majesty, I feel overwhelmed by this favor. I'll naturally be honored to become the Immortal Dynasty's friend."

"Good to hear. We of the Immortal Dynasty have always treated the capable with respect. We wouldn't have lasted this long otherwise. We're lucky to be able to obtain your friendship. Men, bring forth the rewards!" said the emperor in a carefree manner with a clap of his hand.

Several court eunuchs streamed into the room with several trays covered in a piece of cloth.

Xiang Shaoyun hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, I do not deserve—"

The emperor interrupted him, saying, "These are merely the gifts from the Immortal Dynasty as a sign of our friendship. Do not decline."

The emperor spoke firmly, as though it would offend him if Xiang Shaoyun refused the gifts.

After some hesitation, Xiang Shaoyun decided to not argue and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

A jade bottle appeared in his hand. He faced the emperor and said, "Since Your Majesty treats me as a friend, I also have a gift for you. Please accept my gift, Your Majesty."

"Audacious. My imperial father is bestowing you these gifts as a way to show his favor. There is no need for you to reciprocate with a gift. Put your gift away!" berated the fourth prince.

A different prince said, "That's right. What do we lack in the Immortal Dynasty? We have no lack of even god-grade items. What kind of a joke is this?"

Xiang Shaoyun ignored the princes and said, "Your Majesty, if you're unwilling to accept my gift, please do withdraw your gifts as well."

Xiang Shaoyun was evidently proposing an equal interaction so as to not owe the Immortal Dynasty a favor for the gifts. He did not intend to let them view him as someone lower than them, which was why he had also offered a gift.

He was not a citizen of the Immortal Dynasty, and he had high ambitions. The Immortal Emperor might have offered to become friends, but in truth, the emperor was actually trying to establish seniority between them. If he accepted the gifts, he would inevitably be relegated to a lower status when he meets the emperor in the future. That was not something he could agree on.

"Good. Very good. I'm curious. What gift do you have for me?" said the emperor as he waved his hand and accepted the jade bottle.

When he saw the sparkling water in the bottle, shock rippled in his eyes, and he asked, "Is this the fabled Milky Way spring water?"

Xiang Shaoyun nodded and said, "Yes. It might not be as valuable as the various treasures you have, Your Majesty, but I believe this gift is useful for you right now."

"You're right. I truly need something like this right now," said the emperor. He then solemnly said to the princes and princesses, "From now on, Shaoyun is a friend of our Immortal Dynasty. Any disrespect shown to him is the same as disrespecting me. Remember my words."

"Yes, Imperial Father," the princes and princesses answered.

None of them had imagined that Xiang Shaoyun would actually succeed in interacting with their imperial father as equals, which would bring his seniority a tier higher and make him their senior. That was not something they could accept.

"Alright. Let's start the feast to celebrate Shaoyun's success in the arena," said the emperor.

And thus, Xiang Shaoyun dined with the emperor. During the feast, they talked about all sorts of topics, further deepening the relationship between the two. Xiang Shaoyun cheerfully accepted the offer of friendship. However, he was clear that the friendship might vanish the moment he ceased being useful.

Of course, if he remained strong, the Immortal Dynasty would definitely be a decent friend to have. At the very least, they would not help the forces hostile to him when they acted against him. 

After the feast, the emperor allowed Xiang Shaoyun to leave.

After Xiang Shaoyun left, the fourth prince asked indignantly, "Imperial Father, is there a need to treat an outsider like that?"

"We're better off befriending him than making an enemy out of him. I will break the legs of anyone who dares to disobey me in this!" warned the emperor sternly.

"Imperial Father, he's only a Great Saint. He should be honored to be favored by you!" said the second prince.

"That is the only reason I can even interact with him as equals. By the time he reaches the God Realm, I'm afraid the only thing we can do is fawn on him," said the emperor. "This kid will stand at the very peak of the dominion in the future."