Marquis Manor

Marquis Manor . . .

The distinction between the Evergreen Immortal Empire and the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect was clear. The former was a sovereign nation known as the Evergreen Immortal Empire, while the latter operated as a sect overseeing the Eastern Sage Thirteen Prefectures. Consequently, the titles and structures of authority differed significantly between them.

In the Evergreen Immortal Empire, the position of Everpeace Marquis held a status equivalent to that of a prefecture lord in the Eastern Sage Thirteen Prefectures. Their dominion extended over vast territories, and their authority reached great heights. These individuals were not just immortal kings but exceptionally formidable ones at that.

Moreover, every influential official in the Evergreen Immortal Empire had received a personal endorsement from the Evergreen Immortal Emperor. They were all distinguished by their exceptional military achievements, having served the emperor loyally during his campaign to conquer this region. Following the Evergreen Immortal Emperor's ascension to power, he had meticulously restructured the empire's hierarchy, placing absolute trust in these handpicked subordinates.

The Everpeace Marquis Manor, a grand edifice radiating immense authority, stood at the heart of Everpeace City. It was vigilantly guarded, with numerous troops stationed both within and around its perimeters.

Presently, two figures approached the manor, halting before its imposing gates. Alerted by their presence, guards emerged and firmly commanded them to stop. Spears at the ready, they levelled their weapons at the intruders. "Outsiders are forbidden from entering the Everpeace Manor," one of the guards declared.

In response to this challenge, Qing'er's demeanor remained icy as she asserted, "I wish to see the Everpeace Marquis." Her direct demand, coupled with her formidable aura, left no room for the guards to treat her with disrespect. Recognizing her significance, one of the guards inquired, "May we inquire about your name, my lady?"

With a graceful yet resolute gesture, Qing'er produced a jade command token etched with the runeword symbolizing the color 'Green.' The guards inspected it with furrowed brows, puzzled by the unfamiliar significance of the word 'Green' in this context.

Upon casting their gaze upon Qing'er, the guards' eyes involuntarily narrowed. One of them ventured to inquire cautiously, "My lady, are you Princess Evergreen...?"

"It is I," Qing'er affirmed with grace. In an instant, the guards dropped to bended knee. "Your subordinates pay their respects to Princess Qing'er."

Amidst the astonishment of the surrounding guards, an immortal-foundation expert approached. His eyes were drawn to the authority token in Qing'er's hand, prompting him to follow suit by kneeling. "Your subordinate pays his respects to Princess Qing'er."

As the guards around them knelt in reverent awe, each figure bore an expression of profound respect.

"You may all rise. I wish to see the Everpeace Marquis," declared Qing'er.

"Princess, please follow me," the immortal-foundation expert offered, rising to his feet. The surrounding guards parted to create a pathway, granting Qing'er and Qin Wentian passage as they proceeded along the grand avenue.

"Notify Sir Marquis that Princess Qing'er has decided to grace the Marquis Manor with her esteemed presence!" a voice echoed through the estate. This command swiftly reverberated throughout the manor, carried by the dutiful servants.

Within a majestic hall, a pair of figures sat, enjoying a leisurely tea session. This couple exuded an air of nobility, with the male radiating a commanding presence, while the female adorned herself in opulent attire, exuding an unmistakable aura of sophistication and elegance. It was evident at a glance that they hailed from the upper echelons, possessing an air of dignity beyond the reach of commoners.

"Reporting to the Marquis, Princess Qing'er has arrived..."

The announcement rippled through the great hall, catching the attention of the couple. They exchanged knowing glances, their expressions betraying brief surprise.

The daughter of His Majesty, Princess Qing'er?

However, both of them were immortal kings, and their countenances quickly resumed their composed facade. The Everpeace Marquis rose from his seat, addressing his spouse. "Since Princess Qing'er has graced us with her presence, it is only fitting that we extend her a warm welcome."

"I have heard that Princess Qing'er spent the past few years in the City of Ancient Emperors, honing her skills. It appears she has arrived here by chance and now seeks to utilize our spatial transference array for direct passage to the royal palace of the empire," deduced the Marquis Madam, her eyes gleaming with insight as she unraveled Qing'er's circumstances and intentions.

"Why concern ourselves with her motives? Now that she has arrived, it is our duty to welcome her and provide the necessary protection for her return," asserted the Everpeace Marquis, his resolve unwavering.

Yet, the eyes of the Marquis Madam brimmed with intrigue. After a moment of contemplation, she broke into a warm smile. "Of course, we must extend a warm welcome and offer our escort. However, since it's such a rare occasion for Her Highness to grace our Manor, we should seize this opportunity. Dispatch a few attendants to inform Fan`er; let's give him a chance to interact with the Princess."

"You and your schemes. Haven't you heard about Princess Qinger's temperament? She's like an ice queen, never showing interest in men. While Faner's talent is commendable, he still has a long way to go to match Princess Qing'er," the Everpeace Marquis remarked, fully aware of their limitations.

"My father is a half-step immortal emperor and has served His Majesty in numerous battles. He has been honored with a kingship for his contributions. Faner is my son, and the maternal grandson of my father. How can his status be considered inferior?" The Marquis Madam's eyes gleamed with determination as she continued, "My father is on the verge of attaining full immortal emperor status. It would be ideal if Faner and Princess Qinger could form a connection. Even if the Princess doesn't have romantic feelings for Faner, being friends would be advantageous."

"Your argument holds merit. But the Princess is merely here to use the spatial transference array. I doubt she plans to stay long," the Everpeace Marquis mused.

"Well, if you decide to enter closed-door seclusion, there will be no one in the Everpeace Manor authorized to activate the spatial transference array, correct? Why don't you retreat for your seclusion, and I will manage the rest," the Marquis Madam proposed decisively. The Everpeace Marquis nodded in agreement. "Very well, I'll entrust this matter to you."

With those words, he departed, heading deeper into the great hall.

The Marquis Madam rose from her seat, her eyes sharp with determination as she exited the hall.

Qin Wentian and Qing'er continued their journey within the manor's vast grounds, quickening their pace. However, they soon spotted a group approaching in the distance. Leading them was a middle-aged woman with a warm smile, radiating an air of grace and gentleness. She walked up to Qing'er, offering a respectful bow and a smile as she spoke, "I pay my respects to Princess Qing'er."

"Your Highness, this is the Marquis Madam and the daughter of the Cloud King," the immortal-foundation expert introduced. Although Qing'er had not visited this manor before, she was well aware of the Cloud King's reputation.

"Madam, your courtesy is unnecessary. Is the Marquis available?" Qing'er nodded slightly, maintaining her composure. She recognized the Cloud King, a figure of immense power and influence in the empire. The Cloud King had earned numerous war merits through countless battles and was highly regarded.

"The Marquis is currently in closed-door seclusion, on the verge of a breakthrough. He is expected to emerge in a few days. To mark Princess Qing'er's arrival, I've arranged a banquet in your honor, if it pleases you." The Marquis Madam extended a polite invitation. Qing'er felt it would be impolite to decline, so she accepted. She then inquired, "When will the Marquis conclude his seclusion? I wish to use the spatial transference array to proceed to the royal palace."

"Is Your Highness in a hurry?" the Marquis Madam asked.

"Mhm," Qing'er nodded, showing her eagerness to depart without delay.

"Alas, there's a rule in the immortal empire. Without the authority of a Marquis-level figure, no one can activate the spatial transference array. Your Highness, how about resting at our manor for a day? After enjoying the banquet, I will accompany Your Highness to select a demonic beast mount. If the Marquis still doesn't exit his seclusion by tomorrow, we will send a demonic beast king as protection to escort Princess Qing'er back," the Marquis Madam proposed with a warm smile. She had meticulously planned every aspect, leaving Qing'er with no valid reason to decline. Qing'er glanced at Qin Wentian, who could only smile and nod in agreement.

The Marquis Madam observed this interaction but made no comment.

The Marquis Manor was nestled in a luxurious and elegant corner of the Immortal Empire. The banquet was promptly prepared and served, and alongside the Marquis Madam, many distinguished figures had also come to pay their respects to Qing'er.

At that moment, a young man and woman approached their table. The young man was strikingly handsome, while the young woman exuded a captivating charm.

"Faner, Lianer, quickly pay your respects to Princess Qing'er. Her Highness possesses an innate immortal king physique, so you two can learn from her," the Marquis Madam instructed with a smile. The young man, Xia Fan, dressed modestly but displayed an extraordinary air, while the young woman, Xia Lian, exuded vivacious intelligence. They both approached Qing'er, and Xia Fan greeted her respectfully. "We pay our respects to Princess Qing'er."

"We've heard of Princess's name before, but we didn't expect Sister Princess to be so beautiful, just like a celestial maiden," Xia Lian added with a smile. Qing'er wasn't particularly skilled in conversation, so she simply nodded in acknowledgment.

"Sister Princess, may I sit beside you?" Xia Lian asked cheerfully, casting a glance at Qin Wentian. "Can I take your seat?"

Qin Wentian obligingly shifted his position. Xia Lian smiled at him. "Thank you! I wonder, where are you from? Since you and Princess Qing'er left the City of Ancient Emperors together, you must be a descendant of an immortal king or emperor, right?"

Qin Wentian shook his head, replying, "An elder from my sect sent me there. I am not a descendant of an immortal king or emperor. In the City of Ancient Emperors, Princess Qing'er and I decided to travel together. We are currently heading to the Evergreen Royal Palace to broaden my horizons."

"I see." Xia Lian's beautiful eyes glittered with curiosity. She then raised her wine cup to Qing'er. "Sister Princess, let me propose a toast. In the future, when I visit the royal palace, could I trouble Sister to look out for me?"

"Of course," Qing'er replied. Throughout the banquet, the Marquis Madam and Xia Lian were filled with excitement, infusing the conversation with lively chatter. They treated Qing'er as an honored guest, and the atmosphere remained respectful and cordial. However, Qing'er wasn't accustomed to such gatherings, and after a short while, she suggested, "Shall we proceed to select a mount now?"

"Certainly, it's no trouble at all. Let's conclude the banquet," the Marquis Madam agreed, standing up. She bowed slightly to Qing'er and turned to her. "Your Highness, please follow me."

With that, she ascended into the air, and Qing'er and Qin Wentian followed. Xia Fan and Xia Lian trailed behind them.

Soon, they arrived at a vast area populated by various demonic beasts. The weakest among them were at the Celestial Phenomenon Realm, while many were immortal-ranked demonic beasts. Their eyes gleamed with ferocity, representing powerful variations of demonic beasts that had undergone mutations. The Marquis Manor employed numerous skilled demonic beast keepers responsible for their care and feeding.

"Princess Qing'er, are you in need of a demonic beast as a mount? This demon forest is home to many powerful creatures with remarkable bloodlines. Your Highness can choose any that catches your eye," Xia Fan offered.

"No need," Qing'er declined with a shake of her head. Little Rascal, nestled in her arms, cast a curious glance at Xia Fan upon hearing her response.

In the opulent chambers of the Marquis Madam, a delicate web of intentions unfurled. The air was thick with intrigue as she turned her discerning gaze toward Xia Fan. Her voice, like a melodious symphony, cut through the tension.

"Fan'er, go and accompany Princess Qing'er, and assist her in selecting a demonic king beast," she declared, her words laced with a subtle hint of urgency. Xia Fan, ever the dutiful servant, nodded with unwavering loyalty. He pivoted toward Qing'er, his demeanor solicitous.

"Princess," he began, his voice tinged with concern, "these demonic king beasts possess tempestuous dispositions. Pray, allow me the privilege of accompanying you through this treacherous task."

But fate had other plans, embodied by the arrival of a charismatic interloper, Qin Wentian, who seized the moment. He materialized with a flourish, his eyes betraying a keen awareness of the Marquis Madam's intricate machinations. Recent events, including the enigmatic encounter at the immortal banquet, had exposed the Marquis Madam's clandestine efforts to foster a connection between Xia Fan and Qing'er.

Unperturbed, he announced his intentions with an air of gallantry, "I shall choose a companion for the Princess."

A nod from Qing'er sealed the deal, leaving the Marquis Madam momentarily thwarted but far from defeated.

"Mmm," Qing'er assented, a subtle display of independence in her gaze.

The Marquis Madam, undeterred by this unexpected twist, intervened with motherly concern. "Princess Qing'er, do ponder my words. These demon kings harbor perilous tempers, posing a grave threat to strangers."

Frowning, Qing'er pivoted to confront the Marquis Madam's intentions head-on. "If that's the case, why not accompany me, dear Marquis Madam?"

The subtext of Qing'er's decision did not escape the Marquis Madam's keen perception. Clearly, Qing'er harbored no desire for interactions with the opposite sex. Tactfully, the Marquis Madam acquiesced, a knowing smile gracing her lips.

"Very well," she responded, her tone gracious, "I shall be your steadfast companion, Princess Qing'er. The rest of you can await our return."

With the regal pair departing, the remaining company, including the charming Xia Lian, brimmed with curiosity. Xia Lian's radiant smile betrayed a curious spirit.

"Brother Qin," she inquired playfully, "it appears Princess Qing'er holds you in the highest regard, extending her invitation to the royal palace. Could she be contemplating your recruitment as a trusted subordinate?"

Qin Wentian's response was measured, reflecting a dispassionate demeanor. "Perhaps," he admitted, unburdened by the opinions of those around him.

A mischievous spark danced in Xia Lian's eyes, her laughter echoing through the room. Yet, in the blink of an eye, her amusement transformed into a sardonic sneer.

"In that case," she mused with a biting edge, "you are but a pawn in this game, a mere tool in the hands of royalty. Are you plotting to exploit your newfound connections with the Princess to ascend the ladder of power?"