Chapter 1330: Chapter 1330: The Same Old Three at the Feast, Jiu Bailu’s Stab in the Back (3/3)
The display of military prowess was not only a test of the army’s strength but also an invitation to the surrounding powers to observe.
It served to show off the nation’s might and provide an understanding of the Nine Dragon Divine Dynasty’s growing power, thereby deterring those neighboring forces.
At the same time, it also increased the prestige of a nation.
This kind of Faith Power, similar to that of Buddhist protectors, was just what Hong Ying aimed for.
Another purpose of this banquet was to entertain the powers from neighboring regions.
Seated to the right of the throne were the major figures of the surrounding forces and their genius disciples.
However, this time was different, as the Xuanwu Divine Dynasty, one of the two major Divine Dynasties in Tianji Continent, also sent representatives here.
"Who would have thought that I could have the pleasure of seeing the second princess at this event? It’s indeed a trip well worth making," a refined man in a dark green brocade robe exclaimed spiritedly as he gazed at Jiu Bailu from his first-seat position on the right.
The Holy Son of the Xuanwu Divine Dynasty was a millennia rare prodigy from his lineage.
A prodigy who had fully awakened the Black Tortoise bloodline, he would undoubtedly become the Crown Prince of the Xuanwu Divine Dynasty.
Moreover, Xuan Yan’s affection for Jiu Bailu was something everyone on the Tianji Continent knew about.
Yet, what normal man wouldn’t wish to marry Jiu Bailu?
She was immensely talented, came from a powerful background, and was as angelic as a Heaven Immortal.
Oh, except for Mu Fusheng.
Facing the praise from the Holy Son, one of the top prodigies of Tianji Continent, Jiu Bailu did not express any response.
This scene did not surprise anyone, as if that was the only normal reaction.
The Holy Son of Xuanwu merely smiled softly.
At his side, Blackie smirked at Mu Fusheng and whispered, "It seems, Junior Brother Mu, that you have quite a few competitors."
Mu Fusheng nodded solemnly and seriously, "That’s why it’s even more necessary to stay away from the second princess. It’s best not to meet her at all."
Fang Qiong looked at Mu Fusheng with bewilderment and said, "Senior Brother Mu, you can’t seriously be planning to never find a partner, right?"
"Of course," Mu Fusheng responded innocently to Fang Qiong, "unless I cultivate to a level where there are no threats whatsoever, only then would I consider finding a partner. Otherwise, why invite trouble?"
Fang Qiong: "..."
Blackie: "..."
It’s no wonder the master valued Mu Fusheng so highly; his personality was exactly like the master’s!
However, the Third Brother suddenly stood up, walked onto the red carpet, and bowed to the Emperor, "Father, merely eating and drinking at the banquet is a bit too dull."
The main event was starting.
Everyone’s gaze turned to the Third Brother.
The Emperor took a hefty swig of wine and looked at the Third Brother indifferently, "Oh? And what would you like to do?"
The Third Brother released his hands and said with a smile, "Many forces have traveled far to witness our Divine Dynasty’s display of military prowess. However, the military display does not fully showcase our strength since many of our talented youths don’t get the chance to participate. Therefore, I propose we take this opportunity, while everyone is gathered, to have a friendly match. It would certainly liven up the banquet even more."
Banquets, rival powers, and friendly matches.
It was the same old Third Brother’s style.
The Emperor nodded slightly upon hearing this, "You do have a point. Then let’s begin as you suggested, and let me see if you have been neglecting your cultivation during this time."
"Add some stakes to it, if you will. Should there be an undefeated winner in these matches, I might grant a fief and a seat of honor," the Emperor added.
The Third Brother bowed again, "Thank you, Father."
He then addressed the crowd, "Ladies and gentlemen, shall we adopt the rule of one-on-one challenges from each side?"
As these words were spoken, a person from the right side, where foreign powers were seated, stood up with a smile, "Then allow me to be the first to experience the strength of the Divine Dynasty’s prodigies."
Seeing this person.
Some from the Divine Dynasty side were slightly taken aback.
"The young master of Canghua Manor, Cang Ming. Intelligence suggests that he’s been in seclusion for a long time, and having come out now he must have achieved a breakthrough," they commented.
"Looks like he has reached the late stage of the Divine Emperor Realm. Even in the Divine Dynasty, he would be counted as one of the top prodigies."
"Let’s see whom he wants to challenge."
Canghua Manor could also be considered a force at the tail end of the first-tier.
At the same time, it was a vassal under the Nine Dragon Divine Dynasty.
However, Cang Ming’s gaze was directly fixed on the direction of the Crown Prince, as he grinned and said, "I have only recently emerged from seclusion, and I heard that the Ninth Prince has ascended to the position of the Crown Prince. Since that is the case, I shall challenge the people under the Crown Prince."
The corners of the Ninth Prince’s mouth lifted slightly.
The intention was too obvious.
But it seemed the other party had no intention of hiding their purpose.
After all, the Third Prince, the Crown Prince, and the Fifth Prince had long since declared war against him openly.
The crowd was not surprised at this development, as the Third Prince had initiated this matter, naturally aiming at the Crown Prince.
If they could not beat him, they could at least gauge some of the Crown Prince’s underlying strength.
If they could win, then they would be able to erode the Crown Prince’s authority.
It was indeed killing two birds with one stone.
Seeing Cang Ming greet him with a salute, the Crown Prince smiled and said, "This first battle, my divine dynasty naturally cannot refuse. However, I did not bring many people with me. I wonder which of you would like to take the stage?" Having said that, he turned to look at the seats behind him.
Apart from Blackie and two others, there were only two other young men.
One of the young men was at the intermediate stage of the Divine Emperor Realm, while the other had reached the peak of the Divine Emperor Realm.
However, neither of them spoke up immediately.
The opponent was at the late stage of the Divine Emperor Realm; the former might not be able to win, and the latter might be suspected of bullying with his superior strength.
The gap between one small realm was indeed significant.
Blackie, on the other hand, shook his head and said, "This fight would be pointless."
In the Refining Sky Tower, Blackie’s physical realm had long since broken through to the late stage of the Divine Emperor Realm, even suppressing those half a step into the Ancestral Realm, let alone someone at the late stage of the Divine Emperor Realm.
Fang Qiong then looked towards Mu Fusheng.
"Senior Brother Mu?"
Mu Fusheng, as if he hadn’t heard a thing, continued to quietly drink his wine.
What a joke.
There were so many forces here, and so many people.
For him to make a move here.
Wouldn’t that mean revealing some of his capabilities?
However, just when Mu Fusheng had no intention of dealing with it, a voice more enchanting than the sound of the dragons and phoenixes zither came from the front left.
"I am quite curious about Fellow Daoist Mu’s strength, after all, on the Crown Prince’s side, I have never heard of his prowess."
Mu Fusheng was stunned, mechanically turning his head, only to meet those calm and water-like eyes, carrying a trace of devilish playfulness.
It was Jiu Bailu!
And Jiu Bailu’s remark undoubtedly caused a huge stir among the banquet attendees!
The Crown Prince looked at him with a strange look.
The Black Tortoise Holy Son’s eyes instantly turned cold as he stared at Mu Fusheng.
It was well known that Jiu Bailu was not interested in anyone.
And yet, she had said today that she attended the banquet out of curiosity about someone.
Now claiming to be curious about Mu Fusheng’s strength.
Were the two not related?
Even the emperor couldn’t help but take another look at Mu Fusheng.
It was yet unknown what exceptional quality this young man had to pique the interest of Jiu Bailu.
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PS: This Chapter is the third one from yesterday, the three for today are still being written
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