In Ling Xiao’s view, the Emperor of the Divine Phoenix Empire was still a formidable figure, probably more powerful than Feng Yanshan or Feng Ming Qishan.
If not for the rule in the Divine Phoenix Empire that each Emperor could serve at most one consecutive term of eight years, Feng Yanshan and Feng Ming Qishan would likely have had no chance.
Judging purely from appearance, this Emperor was a man of deep scheming.
On the surface, he seemed a mild and kindly uncle, but what this uncle truly thought in his heart, no one could know.
“Everyone here probably knows him already. This is Ling Xiao, the genius hero who once defeated Blood Skull in open combat.”
The Emperor pointed at Ling Xiao and gave a simple, smiling introduction.
Though most present knew Ling Xiao’s identity, some did not.
Certain people spent their days buried in cultivation and truly knew nothing of outside events.
For example, Ning Ke, whom Ling Xiao had once encountered, had been in seclusion in the Tianyuan Treasure Tower and knew nothing of his prowess. She insisted on troubling him and ended up being taught a lesson.
Originally, these people paid little heed to Ling Xiao, but upon hearing this, they all showed faint surprise.
Defeating Blood Skull was not a monumental feat, but it was worthy of pride. No wonder the Emperor had invited him to this border trial.
“Merely a lowly human, nothing more!”
Some people simply lacked awareness of the occasion.
The speaker was none other than Yan Peng.
That day at the Divine Phoenix Auction House, Ling Xiao had thoroughly humiliated Yan Peng.
Later, Yan Peng sent a Cave Heaven realm warrior to kill Ling Xiao, only for that warrior to die inexplicably in battle.
This led Yan Peng’s family to punish him. Even now, his backside still ached.
He pinned the entire blame on Ling Xiao and hated him to the bone.
Though he feared Ling Xiao, this was what place? He had no worry that Ling Xiao would fly into a rage.
“Indeed, he only defeated Blood Skull, ranked twentieth at Divine Phoenix Academy. Truly nothing to boast about. Yet he is so arrogant and overbearing. Clearly, he is no good person in ordinary times!”
Jia Yun seized the chance to mutter.
In his eyes, Blood Skull truly amounted to nothing.
“Heh, whether defeating Blood Skull counts for much, the Emperor has already judged. Do the two of you think yourselves wiser than the Emperor?”
Ling Xiao gave a faint smile and spoke calmly.
One sentence turned Yan Peng and Jia Yun’s faces ugly.
“Your Majesty, forgive this humble subject. I did not intend to deny Your Majesty’s words!”
Yan Peng hurriedly stood, knelt, and apologised to the Emperor.
As for Jia Yun, his pride and stupidity knew no bounds.
He did not apologise to the Emperor. Instead, he said coolly, “The Emperor is magnanimous. How could he care about such trifles? Moreover, I spoke no falsehood.”
Whether the Emperor was magnanimous or not aside, with that idiotic attitude, one day he would die without knowing why.
Ling Xiao shook his head inwardly. This Jia Yun had truly been spoiled by his elders into an idiot.
“Hahaha, no matter, no matter. Jia Yun has always been straightforward.”
The Emperor laughed heartily, but what he thought inside, no one knew.
“Brother Ling is probably not very familiar with those present. Allow this humble one to introduce them. This Young Master Jia Yun is one of the young leaders of the Righteous Alliance. Brother Ling surely knows already that Lingyue Villa is now property of the Righteous Alliance.”
Feng Ming Wushan was perceptive. To ease the awkward atmosphere, he began introducing the young talents present.
He focused especially on Jia Yun.
Yan Peng was of the Great Peng clan, which Ling Xiao knew.
Feng Yanran was the countess of the Fire Phoenix clan, which Ling Xiao also knew.
Feng Ming Bo and Feng Ming Yu were of the Ice Phoenix clan. Their father, Feng Ming Jun, was now the Nine Gates Supervisor of the imperial city, responsible for its security.
The other young talents all came from illustrious families.
But they seemed to share one common trait. Apart from the Righteous Alliance’s Young Master Jia, the rest were nobles of the Divine Phoenix Empire.
As for Young Master Jia Yun, his status was likely no lower than these nobles, perhaps higher.
By this calculation, Ling Xiao truly stood out.
Those who stood out were always ostracised.
In the eyes of these lofty people, Ling Xiao did not fit in. To them, he simply did not belong at such an occasion.
Yet the Emperor treated Ling Xiao with courtesy.
Feng Yanran was intimately close with Ling Xiao.
Even Feng Qing Yan, an uncle of the Fire Phoenix royal clan, willingly served as Ling Xiao’s bodyguard.
All these things filled them with mad jealousy. Their displeasure with Ling Xiao grew.
“Since introductions are done, I shall first toast these talents. Consider it a farewell drink for this border trial!”
The Emperor raised his cup.
Everyone hurriedly lifted theirs.
“Words are needless. All is in this cup. Cheers!”
The Emperor drained his cup.
All raised and drank the strong liquor.
It burned the throat, but the heat soon spread through the body, evoking the grandeur of warriors setting out to battle.
“Good! I hope these heroes unite as one, stand together, and render great service to the empire. I await you in the imperial city!”
The Emperor said excitedly.
“Your Majesty, warbling beauties ill suit this atmosphere. Far better to spar and display true heroic spirit!”
After three rounds of drinks, Feng Ming Wushan suddenly cupped his hands and smiled.
Hearing this, Ling Xiao’s brow furrowed. So it was a Hongmen Banquet after all. This meal would not be easy to eat.
“Well said. I have long heard the names of these heroes but never witnessed their skills. On this fine day, why not spar?”
The Emperor nodded.
The two had clearly planned this, or their coordination would not be so seamless.
“Your Majesty, sparring for excitement is fine, but there should be stakes. Otherwise, everyone lacks enthusiasm.”
Jia Yun smiled.
This man was truly unrestrained, showing no restraint even before the Emperor.
“Stakes there shall be, and all should find them interesting.”
The Emperor smiled faintly, then clapped lightly.
“Piaoxue, you may come up!”
Feng Ming Piaoxue, clad in white, graceful as a startled swan, stepped lightly over the water and arrived.
Beautiful!
All present except Ling Xiao revealed expressions of amazement.
Even Feng Yanran, a woman herself, was stunned by this woman’s beauty.
Ling Xiao knew Feng Ming Piaoxue was beautiful, but having seen many beauties, he was no longer so affected.
In his heart, the woman he truly wished to marry was only one: Yue Nu.
He had several close female friends, some even more outstanding than Feng Ming Piaoxue.
Ling Yixue and Ji Mingkong were probably no less than this woman.
