“Your Majesty, I intended to make peace with this Ling Xiao, but he doesn’t know what’s good for him, spurning my courtesy. Don’t blame me for being unkind.”
Sikong Zui turned to the Holy Emperor, speaking respectfully.
“With a general like you, the Holy Dynasty is truly disgraced. I’d like to see how you’ll make me pay!”
Ling Xiao had an escape plan ready. If he truly offended the Holy Emperor, he’d simply flee.
He might not win a fight, but escaping was no issue.
Sikong Zui’s face turned ashen, almost ferocious, like a demon from hell, itching to tear Ling Xiao apart.
“Enough, let’s all take a step back. Today’s banquet isn’t just for hospitality; there’s an announcement to make.”
The Holy Emperor set down his cup, smiling, “Mingkong, aren’t you going to prepare? Half the purpose of this banquet is for you.”
“As you command, Father!”
Ji Mingkong nodded and left the hall, purpose unclear.
After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the side door opened. A eunuch led the way, followed by a woman.
What a stunning woman.
Dressed in a pink gown, her glossy black hair cascaded over her shoulders, effortlessly drawing every gaze.
Her graceful steps and swaying figure seemed to captivate everyone’s hearts.
“Peerless beauty!”
Many in the hall gasped, even Ling Xiao couldn’t help but admire. Her beauty rivaled that of the Moon Lady and Ling Yixue.
Yet, amidst her allure, she exuded a heroic and regal air. Her flawless features seemed sculpted by the heavens, without a single imperfection.
She was like a blooming peony, opulent and majestic.
“Your Highness, the Holy Son?”
Ling Xiao was the first to recognize her.
Indeed, she was Ji Mingkong, the Holy Son, now restored to her female form, though her commanding presence and pride remained unchanged.
“It’s really the Holy Son!”
Everyone stood, bowing to Ji Mingkong, their voices softening.
Young talents even adjusted their appearances, hoping to impress her.
Though rumors had long suggested the Holy Son was a woman, they were unconfirmed until now. Ji Mingkong’s reveal of her true identity sent the young men into a frenzy, each eager to win her favor and enjoy the bliss of such a union.
Not only was Ji Mingkong beautiful, but her status was exalted, and her strength formidable.
Such a woman was rare indeed.
Yet Ling Xiao merely glanced at her before looking away.
It wasn’t that he was unmoved by beauty, but knowing her true nature made it hard to feel affection.
Besides, his Moon Lady surpassed her by far.
“I’m sure you’ve all recognized her. This is the Holy Son, originally a woman, who disguised herself as a man for convenience.”
The Holy Emperor smiled, “Today, Mingkong resumes her true form for one purpose. The Tianlong Continent faces turbulent times. Among the twenty prodigies here, there are many fine young men. Is there anyone willing to marry into the royal family and become my esteemed son-in-law?”
“Father, what are you saying?”
Ji Mingkong, rarely showing a feminine side, blushed slightly.
“Hahaha, Mingkong, you may be strong, but you’re still a woman who must marry someday. If we can find you a suitable match during the Martial Arts Festival, wouldn’t that be splendid?”
The Holy Emperor laughed heartily, “The second purpose of this banquet is just that. I hope the young talents here will step forward boldly, so Mingkong’s youth isn’t wasted.”
“Mingkong looks enchanting, like a fairy from the heavens. Even I, who cares little for women, can’t help but be charmed.”
Hua Yu, close to the Holy Emperor, spoke freely without restraint.
“Your Majesty, who do you think is most suitable to be your son-in-law?”
Hua Yu glanced at the Holy Emperor, smiling.
“A good question, Hua Yu. I do have someone in mind, but it depends on the Martial Arts Festival finals. Whoever earns the title of Chosen Son will become the prince consort!”
The Holy Emperor smiled.
“Hua Yu understands, but you’ve been praising Ling Xiao. Could it be you’ve chosen him as Mingkong’s husband?”
Hua Yu was clearly directing attention to Ling Xiao.
“Ling Xiao is indeed exceptional. Mingkong marrying him wouldn’t be bad.”
The Holy Emperor didn’t deny it.
In that moment, all the men among the twenty prodigies, except Long Chen, glared at Ling Xiao with jealousy, resentment, and even murderous intent.
“Father, I won’t marry that loser!”
Ji Mingkong, who had a poor relationship with Ling Xiao, was naturally displeased.
Everyone except Long Chen smirked with schadenfreude.
Ling Xiao said calmly, “Your Majesty, please choose someone else. My woman surpasses Ji Mingkong a hundredfold. Why would I want her?”
Such hurtful words weren’t Ling Xiao’s usual style, but since Ji Mingkong had attacked him first, he couldn’t be blamed.
“What did you say!”
Ji Mingkong was furious.
“Are you deaf? Need me to repeat it?”
Ling Xiao replied coolly.
“Insolent!”
Jian Wuji slammed the table and stood, “How dare you disrespect Her Highness, the Holy Son! You won against me at the Martial Arts Festival with underhanded tricks. Today, I’ll avenge her honor!”
Having gained a half-puppet body, Jian Wuji’s strength had grown, and he was eager to reclaim his pride.
Hearing Ling Xiao disparage his goddess, how could he tolerate it?
If he could defeat, or even kill, Ling Xiao in front of the Holy Emperor, he believed he’d win the favor of both the Emperor and the Holy Son.
“Hahaha, Jian Wuji’s right. This is a martial artist’s banquet. Song and dance alone won’t do. A martial contest would be far more exciting.”
Sikong Zui stood, laughing loudly.
He wanted Ling Xiao dead, knowing he’d been poisoned and the sooner he acted, the better.
Many nodded in agreement with Sikong Zui’s words. In the Mysterious Realm, where martial artists reigned, nothing was more thrilling than a fight.
