Ye Yang’s so-called ‘opening move’ had been odd but Xia Wei still liked the picture he painted of a demon realm looked up to by everyone. Especially so since he knew that sooner or later, warriors like him would also receive the opportunity to contend with the strongest people in their own realm and later with those from the dragon realm and Nine Heavens if their people had proven themselves trustworthy again. Naturally, he was willing to follow a king making this possible.

As a result, as soon as Ye Yang called, the person rushed over, curious what would happen next. He and Lin Shi knew more than others so he was aware that the next big act should be a few days off. This had to mean that something else had happened.

Ye Yang inclined his head, glad that these two people were working well with him. “Do you remember the painter I talked to at the end of the competition when the votes were counted? That woman from the southwest?”

Xia Wei thought for a moment but then nodded. “That petite one? I think she is called Zan Yin?”

Ye Yang faintly tilted his head, half-nodding even though he wasn’t sure. He hadn’t bothered to ask for her name so he wouldn’t cause her suspicion or make anyone believe he had other motives. She had been petite though and he hadn’t really spoken to anyone else so it should be her. “Should be. Do you know if she is still in the city?”

Before Xia Wei could answer, Lin Shi also arrived, faintly raising her brows when she saw him.

Xia Wei ignored her and shook his head. “I don’t know anything definitive but a lot of the artists are still here so she might be as well.”

“Please find her and ask if she’d be willing to give up that painting. Naturally, she will receive compensation. She can come here to talk about it in detail but I need the answer in three days at the very latest.”

“Yes.”

“Before you leave …” He looked at Lin Shi and then at Xia Wei again and took out the invitation. “The Son of Heaven has been found so the Nine Heavens are organizing a large celebration. We are invited.”

“We?” Xia Wei raised his brows. He had seen Lin Shi speak to Ye Yang the day of the competition and he could imagine what had happened so inviting her made sense. Him though …

Ye Yang smiled. “Well, officially, I am the only one invited but what kind of king goes without some kind of entourage? The dragon has always brought at least one adviser and the two of you can be considered my left and right hand. Of course, I should take you along.

“It’ll be a good opportunity to show our faces and remind everyone that we exist … even outside any battles we may have fought in the past. By being more present, it will be easier to do more tasks in the future so I believe this will benefit us.” Looking at Xia Wei specifically, he also gave more context for his other task. “The painting I want is intended as a gift for the Son of Heaven. You can tell Zan Yin as much. It might make her more amiable to the idea of allowing us to have the painting.”

Xia Wei gave a hum, his expression showing that he understood. “I’ll get to it right away.” He inclined his head toward Ye Yang, gave Lin Shi a look, and then vanished from the throne room.

Lin Shi continued to stand where she was, smiling faintly. “I suppose Your Majesty has another task for me as well?”

Ye Yang’s lips also curved up. “Naturally. How could we let such a good opportunity pass us by? I want you to spread the word that it was us who found the Son of Heaven and that we are invited to the celebration. After the speech just a few days ago, this should be quite impactful. Make it sound nice, especially the part where we find him. Something like …” He pondered for a moment, his expression subtle. “I suppose something like ‘One of ours managed to solve the mystery of the Son of Heaven’s disappearance’ should work. Definitely don’t include anything about being lucky and instead make it sound like it was a deliberate effort on our people’s part.”

Lin Shi chuckled. “Your Majesty is so resourceful.”

Ye Yang’s lips twitched. “What can I do? This plan of mine has started well but it’ll take forever to make significant progress and our people aren’t all that patient. We ought to take every chance we can get. Why not be a little shameless? And anyway, no matter the reason, we were the ones who brought him back and we are invited so why not speak of it? Even if the Heavenly Emperor thinks of me as a shameless bastard seeking to make myself sound better than I am, it doesn’t matter. I just want him to know that this bastard is willing to coexist harmoniously. Just being polite to each other on the surface will be good enough. The more important part is our own people.”

Lin Shi nodded. “Then I will get to it. Before the date arrives, everyone will know.”

Ye Yang gave a hum and then took another look at her. “Right … the day we leave, make sure that you and Xia Wei are dressed appropriately so as not to … offend the sensibilities of the gods.” The dragons wouldn’t feel offended, sharing the more open lifestyle of the demons but the gods were different. Since it was one of their celebrations they went to, they should make sure they took that into consideration.

Lin Shi laughed. “Sure.” Then, she disappeared from the throne room as well, leaving Ye Yang behind alone.

What to wear … he also ought to think about it. Of course, he really was just thinking about the way the gods would judge them. His mind certainly wasn’t on the question of what would look best on him in case he saw that little dragon at the celebration.