“What experts, what nobles? Just a bunch of vulgar people!”
Ling Xiao looked disdainfully toward the source of the decadent music. Strands of worldly qi gathered in the air, turning what should have been a serene villa noisy and restless.
The three walked a good distance until a huge pavilion appeared ahead.
Surrounded by emerald lake water and beautiful lotus flowers, fish darted beneath the surface.
On the pavilion, people sat drinking and chatting merrily.
“That is the place. This prince must return here. Uncle Qingyan, protect Brother Ling well. If this truly is a Hongmen banquet, ensure his safe return.”
Feng Yinshan suddenly stopped. “If worst comes to worst, signal me. I will bring troops.”
Ling Xiao was genuinely surprised. Feng Yinshan went this far to win him over. He almost felt embarrassed.
“Your Highness, rest assured. With me here, no one will touch a hair on Ling Xiao’s head unless they step over my corpse.”
Feng Qingyan nodded.
“Uncle Qingyan need not be so tense. Even if a Hongmen banquet, the emperor dares not risk universal condemnation. He was already impeached for investigating Qingxu Academy. The matter is recent. Another scandal, and he steps down immediately.”
Feng Yinshan smiled. “Brother Ling, this prince takes leave.”
With a clasp of hands, he turned and left.
“Safe travels, Your Highness!”
After parting with Feng Yinshan, Ling Xiao and Feng Qingyan approached the pavilion. The closer they got, the more garish it seemed.
Utterly clashing with the surroundings.
“There was no pavilion here originally, only misty lake and plants. Truly a fine place. But the Righteous Alliance built this, ruining the feng shui.”
Perhaps sensing Ling Xiao’s distaste, Feng Qingyan explained.
“This alone shows the Righteous Alliance is no good.”
Ling Xiao shook his head. He had no direct contact with them, but from Yun Ya’s words and today’s sights, he was nearly certain.
No matter their strength, just vulgar people.
Laughter and cheerful voices drifted from the pavilion now and then.
Ling Xiao and Feng Qingyan reached the base but were stopped by royal guards.
“State your names!”
“Ling Xiao!”
“Feng Qingyan!”
“Ling Xiao may ascend. Feng Qingyan may not. You are not invited.”
The guard shook his head.
“What if I insist he comes with me?”
Ling Xiao asked with a smile.
He was no fool. If this was a Hongmen banquet, going alone was suicide.
Call him timid or cautious.
His life was one only. No stupid risks.
“Rules are rules. No exceptions!”
The guard said.
“Very well, Vice Dean Qingyan, let us return. The emperor does not welcome me.”
Ling Xiao had no intent to force entry. They had rules; he would not break them.
But he had his own rules.
He was a guest, not a prisoner!
Skipping the banquet was fine.
“What is happening?”
As Ling Xiao and Feng Qingyan turned to leave, a voice called from the pavilion.
Then footsteps descended the stairs.
Soon, a youth in golden silk crown and lavish clothes appeared.
Fair-skinned, gaudily dressed, easily mistaken for a girl if not careful.
His mouth and brows carried constant arrogance and smugness, as if all before him were beneath.
“Young Master Jia, this man insisted on bringing an uninvited person up. We stopped him, and he was leaving.”
The guard bowed respectfully.
“Bold! The emperor invites you. Come and go as you please?”
Young Master Jia coldly eyed Ling Xiao.828 “Boy, go up obediently, and you may yet drink a cup. Otherwise, Mingjing Division’s punishments are beyond your endurance!”
His tone dripped command and threat.
As if his word was law. Disobey, and suffer.
Ling Xiao ignored him, continuing out with Feng Qingyan.
Offend the emperor? So what?
He had done so before!
He made Divine Phoenix Academy cry. He could unseat this emperor. Better not provoke him.
“Insolent cur, halt!”
Young Master Jia fumed. He never expected defiance.
Even the emperor gave him face. He matched the heir!
Yet these two ignored him?
Such arrogant fools, unseen before.
“Uncle Qingyan, seen that idiot?”
Ling Xiao asked, walking and smiling.
“No. Probably some unchecked stupid dog. In the imperial city, thinks himself grand. Even the emperor dares not act so.”
Feng Qingyan shook his head, smiling too.
“Bastard!”
Young Master Jia truly raged, face darkening. A treasured sword appeared in hand. He gathered a sword move, stabbing Ling Xiao’s back.
Sword qi tore air, producing eerie whistles.
“Those who strike me usually die out!”
Ling Xiao whirled, face ferocious. Overwhelming killing intent surged at Young Master Jia.
Terrifying intent to destroy and slaughter all.
Young Master Jia halted mid-strike.
He was stunned by the killing qi!
No! Impossible!
How could Jia Shao be scared by mere intent? Impossible!
In fury, he surged again, sword gleaming colder.
“Court death!”
Ling Xiao snorted. Finger flicked. A miniature Red Sun Cone shot out, sword light exploding, ferociously.
Boom!
The corridor shook. Nearby water erupted a zhang high.
Young Master Jia felt terrifying force from the sword, body retreating uncontrollably.
Crash!
He smashed into stairs, through them, into the water.
Finally stopping, he was utterly wretched, like a drowned rat.
Ling Xiao’s aura calmed, as if he never acted.
Feng Qingyan watched, heart pounding.
He sensed Ling Xiao’s strength rose again. Tianyuan force control surpassed several of the ten phoenix sons.
Release or retract at will, masterful, divine.
