Soul Land 5: The Rebirth of Tang San-Chapter 904: The Sunborne Nymph Emperor

He was wearing a simple robe with a silken texture that looked rather comfortable, and he held a book in his hand, reading calmly. His appearance was youthful, and unlike the time Tang San had seen him from a distance, it was not clouded over. His handsome face radiated a sunny warmth, and his neatly combed pale golden hair fell smoothly over his shoulders, giving him a scholarly and refined aura.

"Sit down," he said, gesturing toward the sofa opposite Tang San. He then stood up and placed his book back on the shelf.

Seeing this figure who looked about the same age as his former human self, Tang San's wariness immediately heightened.

Without a doubt, this was the legendary Sun-Nurtured Sunborne Nymph Emperor, yet he was vastly different from what Tang San had imagined. There was not a trace of worldly aura about him, nor could Tang San sense any overwhelming power. He suspected this might not be the Emperor's true body, but rather a projection of his divine consciousness. However, the strength of this consciousness surpassed any Emperor Tang San had encountered.

Of course, Tang San had not met the Crystal Demon Emperor at her peak, but even compared to the Celestial Fox Demon Emperor, who was certainly no slouch in terms of divine consciousness, this person was far beyond.

Tang San had no doubt in his judgment. His divine consciousness was not the strongest in this plane, but it was the highest in tier, and he was particularly sensitive to divine consciousness fluctuations.

Following the Emperor's suggestion, Tang San walked to the sofa but chose not to sit immediately, instead waiting respectfully.

The Sunborne Nymph Emperor finished putting away his book, then walked over with a gentle smile. He gestured again toward the sofa, then sat in the main seat. Only then did Tang San sit down on the sofa, maintaining a respectful posture.

The Sunborne Nymph Emperor smiled and said, "There's no need to be tense. I can sense the familiar aura of the Ancestral Tree from you. How nostalgic. You know, when I first became an Emperor, I went to Skytree City to meet the Ancestral Tree. I gained great insight from the Ancestral Tree's life energy, which helped my growth. The Ancestral Tree is one of the progenitors of all plant-type nymphs, after all. Without it, we wouldn't have half the plant nymphs we do today. I genuinely regret that I haven't been able to protect the Blue Gold Tree clan better over the years, and I've caused your people to suffer."

The more approachable the Emperor seemed, the more cautious Tang San became. He had a growing sense that this Emperor was far more terrifying than the Celestial Fox Demon Emperor. Who would have thought that the Solstice Empire had such a powerful figure? Was this Emperor truly as detached as the rumors suggested?

"Your Majesty is too kind. Without your protection, as well as that of the Earthshade Nymph Emperor, our clan likely wouldn't have been able to hold onto Skytree City."

The Sunborne Nymph Emperor waved his hand dismissively and said, "This was nothing but our duty. No one has the right to disturb the Ancestral Tree's slumber. I'm very glad to see the Blue Gold Tree clan flourishing again with the Ancestral Tree's awakening. I also hope the Ancestral Tree's brilliance will continue to shine upon us juniors. By the way, I sent you a gift. Did you like it?"

Tang San hesitated for a moment, "A gift? Recently, many items have been sent from the major cities. I have to apologize, but I'm not sure which one you are talking about...."

The Sunborne Nymph Emperor smiled slightly and said, "I am talking about Jin Miaolin, of course. The real Jin Miaolin, I mean."

Hearing this, Tang San's heart tightened instantly, and all bloodline imprints within him were instantly infused with energy and ready to be activated.

Indeed, he hadn't investigated too deeply into who had returned Jin Miaolin; many cities and clans had returned Blue Gold Tree clan members by simply dumping them on a merchant caravan, with the very specific purpose of staying anonymous.

The moment the Sunborne Nymph Emperor mentioned this, Tang San immediately felt an overwhelming pressure radiating from this Emperor. He knew about the real Jin Miaolin, and it was he who had returned him. Things were... certainly not going how Tang San had expected.

But the Sunborne Nymph Emperor remained smiling, as if revealing Tang San's false identity was nothing more than casual chat over a cup of tea. Tang San was not one to overreact, and so he immediately calmed down and nodded in an expression of gratitude.

"A most generous present indeed. Thank you, Your Majesty."

The Sunborne Nymph Emperor's face showed approval. "You were clearly very surprised when you heard what I said, which means you really didn't know Jin Miaolin was sent back by me. Yet even here, in my presence, you quickly regained your composure. I have to say, I am truly impressed. No wonder the Ancestral Tree chose you as his heir. With you at the helm, the Blue Gold Tree clan's revival is indeed just a matter of time."

Tang San's mind raced as he considered the possibilities. "Your Majesty, what connection does Jin Miaolin have with you?"

The Sunborne Nymph Emperor explained, "It's rather embarrassing. Jin Miaolin came to Sunborne Palace seeking my help on behalf of the Blue Gold Tree clan, hoping I would intervene for the Ancestral Tree's sake. I was in poor health at the time, so I left the matter to Solar City. Unfortunately, it turns out they misunderstood my intentions and imprisoned him. It wasn't until the Ancestral Tree's awakening that I remembered him and looked into the situation. When I saw that he had been locked up, I had him sent back to Skytree City. It seems you've taken proper care of him?"

Tang San replied calmly, "His sea of divine consciousness was shattered, and he was in a state of confusion. Thankfully, I could verify his identity due to his bloodline. For now, he's resting and recovering. I hope he'll regain his health in the future."

Through the Sunborne Nymph Emperor's words, Tang San began to piece together the situation.

When Jin Miaolin left the Blue Gold Tree clan, he must have come to the Ancestral Court seeking help from the Sunborne Nymph Emperor, hoping this most powerful Nymph Emperor would stand up for him and the Blue Gold Tree clan. However, Jin Miaolin forgot that as a Nymph King and a direct bloodline heir of the Ancestral Tree, he was nothing more than a juicy fruit waiting to be picked.

Perhaps someone like the Sunborne Nymph Emperor did not personally need that kind of life energy, but the Scorching Sunflower clan certainly did. The Sunborne Nymph Emperor's words were undoubtedly nothing but a way to make himself look less bad. Without his approval, who would dare imprison someone he had recommended? Moreover, the damage to Jin Miaolin's sea of divine consciousness was something even Tang San had no way of healing, at least not until his cultivation evolved again.

Even if Jin Miaolin had returned to the clan, unless someone like Jin Miaosen, who was intimately familiar with him, recognized him, nobody else would have been able to detect his bloodline and realize who he was. In fact, his bloodline aura was so faint that even Tang San had only detected it thanks to the Ancestral Tree allowing him to cover the entire city with his divine consciousness. The Sunborne Nymph Emperor had to be aware of this, so it was clear that his intentions hadn't been to ruin Tang San's plans.

The Sunborne Nymph Emperor smiled and said, "That's good to hear. I must admit, we owe the Blue Gold Tree clan for this matter. If you have anything you need, don't hesitate to let me know. I'll help as long as it's within my means."

Tang San replied solemnly, "Your protection over the years has been the foundation of my clan's survival, so we dare not ask for more. But meeting you today fills me with hope. As you know, our Blue Gold Tree clan is weak, since we only have our life energy to rely on, and we're not skilled in combat. If possible, could we seek shelter under your banner and follow your orders in the future?"

The Sunborne Nymph Emperor waved his hand, saying, "There's no need to talk about giving orders. We're all plant-type nymphs, so we're naturally one family. If the Blue Gold Tree clan needs anything in the future, I won't stand idly by. What about you? Do you have any plans? From my perspective, there shouldn't be any issues with your evaluation."

Tang San thought for a moment and said, "I don't have much in mind for myself. My only wish is to protect my clan and avoid further tragedies."

The Sunborne Nymph Emperor shook his head. "It would do you good to show some ambition. The Adamant Nymph Emperor's fall was its own doing, but now that another Emperor seat has opened up, the competition with the Empyrean Dominion will only get more heated. In my opinion, you are one of the best candidates from our side to become an Emperor. You should strive for it!"