The next morning, the captain personally escorted Paul to stand before the Emperor.
After he recounted what happened in the Blue Lotus city and presented the proof he brought with him, everyone was beyond stunned.
The whole court and the emperor himself were wondering what had happened to one of their cities and the sect that lived there.
The truth turned out to be darker and more extraordinary than all the speculations and theories they could come up with.
-Thank you, young man.
The emperor said after he came over the shock.
-At least now we know what happened there, and we can answer the questions of the families of the people who vanished all these years ago.
Sadly, we won't be able to punish those responsible, but we shall issue warnings to all the sects and cities in our realm and all the realms we are in contact with.
We hope that at least there won't be another such case in the future.
Paul didn't speak and only bowed slightly before the monarch.
-As for the reward, that was issued for any information regarding this matter, it is yours, and we shall send letters to all the sects you specified informing them about what happened and that the women who vanished were not traitors or deserters.
-Thank you, your majesty.
Paul bowed again, thankful that the emperor agreed to personally intervene in this matter.
The emperor nodded.
-The court is adjourned.
The monarch stated, then turned to Paul once again as the ministers and generals started to leave.
-Young man, I wish to talk to you privately.
-As you wish, your majesty.
Paul agreed, not like he had any other choice in the matter.
Soon, he was sitting at a tea table in the palace's gardens.
-Young man, I called you here to ask a personal question.
-Your majesty can ask, but I can't guarantee that I know the answer.
-My Aunt and cousin were part of the Blue Lotus sect when it disappeared back then.
I want to know if they are still alive?
The monarch asked.
-Your majesty, if they were there when the city first vanished, then they are most likely dead.
Paul answered, not hiding anything, and then proceeded to explain everything he had learned about the creatures and the sect that created them.
-So there is no hope at all.
The emperor sighed in regret.
-I'm afraid so.
Paul confirmed.
-Thank you.
At least now we can have a burial for the two of them, and my uncle can finally move on.
The monarch said.
-I'm sorry that I can't deliver any better news, your majesty.
Paul said apologetically.
He knew the pain of losing family and would never wish it upon anyone.
The emperor was about to say something when a commotion at the entrance to the garden drew the attention of both men.
-I don't care, I need to see my imperial father immediately.
A young woman's voice could be heard from afar.
Hearing this voice, the emperor sighed.
-Let her in.
He shouted at the guards.
A moment later, a group of five women came, and four of them bowed before the emperor.
Paul, who was just taking a sip of his tea, almost choked seeing two of them.
-What is this time, Ling Li?
The emperor asked in a bored tone, suggesting that this was not the first time such a thing had happened.
-Father, you have to help me find a healer for my team.
The one we found earlier just quit without any explanation, and I'm sure it was the work of Ning Luo and her grandfather.
The ruins will be opening up in three days, and we can't enter without a healer.
The princess complained.
-Oh, and where do you suppose I find a healer who meets all the requirements to enter the ruins with you and in three days no less?
The emperor asked, amused at his daughter's antics.
As much as she gave him a headache, she also amused him with her bratty behaviour.
-Your Majesty, if I may.
One of the women accompanying the princess spoke.
The monarch nodded, curious what this woman would come up with.
-The healer who meets the requirements and has great skills is sitting right next to your majesty.
She said with a mischievous smile, surprising the emperor.
-You know each other?
The surprised monarch asked.
-We sure do, your majesty.
Paul said with a sigh, then turned to the women.
-Nice to see you again, Cai Mei, Cai Xuan.
I didn't expect you two to arrive in the beginning realm so fast.
It was then that the princess Ling Li and the rest of the women finally noticed Paul and were surprised to see such a young and handsome man having tea with the emperor.
-Likewise, Paul, though we were surprised that you were not famous by now in the beginning realm, with your skills.
Cai Mei smiled at him.
-So will you help Her Highness and us?
Cai Xuan asked.
She was as impatient as always.
-First, I need more information about what it is you're planning and how long it will take.
Paul said calmly.
He was not about to get involved in anything that would take too long, as his ladies could come back within a few days.
Additionally, he was not planning to stay in this realm for too long since he could not cultivate here.
-Alright, since it seems that you have a lot to discuss, you can leave.
The emperor said as he was starting to feel ignored, and he didn't like it.
-As you wish, your majesty.
Paul got up and bowed.
-Thank you, Father, you're the best.
The princess said with a wide smile before she hugged her imperial father.
-Alright, go on, let me have some tea in peace.
The emperor said while slightly shaking his head at his daughter's antics.
This display of affection left Paul rooted in place, as it would be unthinkable in the Mortal realm.
Soon enough, he was brought by the group of ladies into another garden.
-Mei, Xuan, are you two certain that he is a healer?
The princess asked as soon as they all sat down.
-Yes, your highness, he is, and I can vouch for that.
If it were not for him, I'd be dead by now.
Cai Mei stated.
-In that case, will you agree to join our team?
The princess turned to Paul.
-Your highness, as I said before, I need to know what you intend to do and how long it will take.
I would also like to know why the previous healer resigned so suddenly.
Paul asked, with a slight smile.
This princess had a very similar character to Cai Xuan, along with her complete lack of patience, which was quite amusing.
-We want to enter the misty ruins that open in three days, and we can't do so without having a healer in our team.
The princess explained.
-The problem is that the healer, as well as any other team member, can't be older than two hundred years and has to be at a minimum at the Begining stage of cultivation.
Cai Xuan added.
-Then what about if one is at an ascension stage?
Paul surprised all the women with this question.
-Wait, are you at the ascension stage?
Cai Mei asked.
It was unlikely for anyone to reach this high in barely a few months, but knowing Paul, anything was possible.