Skymist Hai

Skymist Hai . . . 

The Evergreen Immortal Empire's royal capital had been a bastion of stability, except for the turbulent times during internal warfare. It was tightly governed by the empire's royal clan, and the safety of its citizens was guaranteed. Such governance was essential for any thriving city, including the Southern Phoenix Immortal City. Prosperity required adherence to a set of rules, ensuring that citizens felt secure. This, in turn, attracted powerful experts, contributing to the city's growth and attracting valuable transactions—a virtuous cycle of growth.

At this moment, the royal capital of the Evergreen Immortal Empire buzzed with anticipation. Many experts from various powers had gathered there, most originating from supreme immortal emperor-level powers in the Eastern Regions. They had come to witness the unfolding drama between the Skymist Immortal Empire and the Evergreen Immortal Empire. Everyone knew the Evergreen Immortal Emperor's character well enough to understand that he would never accept such an agreement. But would the Skymist Immortal Empire simply give up?

Within the royal capital, a group of imposing figures strode through the streets, commanding the attention of passersby. Their extraordinary auras prompted curious conversations among the people.

"Those individuals must be immortal kings, their depths are immeasurable. Are they from an external power or a newly established force in our royal capital?" People exchanged speculations.

"They seem to be from an external power. In recent days, many external powers have arrived in our royal capital. I heard even immortal-emperor level powers have come. The ripples of commotion are significant."

"Yes, there was even a recent skirmish involving the Sky Demon Palace. They're an immortal-emperor level power, and their palace lord is said to possess immeasurable strength."

"That's to be expected. If the Sky Demon Palace were weak, they wouldn't survive between the Violet Emperor's Sect and the Evergreen Immortal Empire."

"The Paragon Sword Sect is here as well. Their sword qi is supremely powerful. Rumor has it they can kill with just a glance."

Qin Wentian eavesdropped on these discussions, learning about major powers in the Eastern Regions of the vast immortal realms. The Eastern Region differed from the Southern Regions, which were ruled by three ancient hegemons. There were no other powers that could stand shoulder to shoulder with them. In contrast, the Eastern Region had a more balanced power structure, with numerous immortal emperor-level powers. These powers included the Skymist Immortal Empire, Eastern Sage Thirteen Prefectures, Sky Demon Palace, Paragon Sword Sect, and more. Some mighty individuals chose to remain reclusive, powerful yet uninvolved in governance, like the Violet Emperor and Matriarch Ji. Additionally, there were ancient dynasties like the Taihua Immortal Dynasty and hidden experts scattered throughout the Eastern Regions.

Qin Wentian was astonished by the vast number of formidable powers in the Eastern Region. These were just the immortal emperor-level powers, and he hadn't even begun to consider the immortal king-level powers. Sects, clans, and reclusive figures abounded, making their number incalculable.

"Seniors, let's find an inn to rest," Qin Wentian suggested. He was accompanied by several immortal kings from the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect. To maintain propriety and appearance while visiting the Evergreen Immortal Empire, they couldn't send only immortal-foundation experts.

"You have the final say in this matter," a voice from the entourage suggested, leaving the decision to Qin Wentian.

"Very well, then. I won't stand on ceremony," Qin Wentian replied with a nod. His immediate plan was to find an inn to stay in. Amidst the chaos of the city, an inn provided a relatively quiet place to gather information.

As he settled into the inn he had chosen, the surrounding conversations inevitably shifted to the Skymist Immortal Empire.

"Since the Skymist Immortal Empire sent that letter, we haven't heard a peep from the Evergreen Immortal Emperor. No one knows his intentions. Furthermore, rather than entering the imperial palace, the Skymist Immortal Empire chose to invite experts from all regions to gather in the city. Their motives remain shrouded in mystery."

"I suspect the Skymist Immortal Empire is planning to stir up trouble, perhaps to spread the news about their agreement," someone suggested with a chuckle.

"The one who issued the invitation is Skymist Hai, a prince of the Skymist Immortal Empire. But rumor has it that he's a silk pants young master, over 300 years old with only a third-level cultivation base in the immortal foundation realm. Although he's considered talented, he pales in comparison to the other princes of the empire. He's known for his love of beauty and extravagance. The Skymist Immortal Empire sent him to remind the Evergreen Immortal Emperor about the agreement? Are they planning to have one of the princesses marry this wastrel? If that's true, it would be an insult to the princesses of the Evergreen Immortal Empire."

"Are any of you interested in attending?" someone asked the gathered crowd.

"Where and when is it?" Several individuals expressed interest, even though they weren't invited. Watching from a distance would suffice.

"It's happening in two days at the Juxian Tower," the informant replied. Many nodded in approval. After finishing his drink, Qin Wentian quietly rose from his seat and left.

Two days later, at the rooftop of the Juxian Tower, numerous pavilions stood tall. The location offered an elevated view, and many of these pavilions were already filled with people. They were there to admire the beautiful dancers performing on the central platform.

The dancers wore revealing outfits that left little to the imagination. Veils obscured their faces, and their sensual figures were on full display. With sinuous, graceful movements, their slender waists swayed sensuously, akin to serpents. Their performance sent a hot rush of excitement coursing through the onlookers' veins.

"In the presence of beautiful women and exquisite wine, there's nothing in the world that brings more joy," mused a young man from one of the pavilions. His fair face carried an air of nobility, and with every sip of wine, his gaze danced lasciviously among the dancers, sparks of desire flickering in his eyes.

"Your Highness Hai knows how to savor life," remarked another, amused by Skymist Hai's singular focus on the beauties. "The lifespan of an immortal is beyond imagination. It would be a shame not to enjoy it to the fullest."

"These dancers may be beautiful, but their allure has likely been sampled by countless men," chimed in a group of young men from a neighboring pavilion. They exuded an aura of sharpness, and their straightforward, uncomplicated expressions were devoid of admiration as they watched the performers.

With a chuckle, Skymist Hai, the prince of the Skymist Immortal Empire, retorted, "The swordsmanship of the Paragon Sword Sect is as sharp as your words. So, tell me, what kind of woman do you find beautiful?"

"Pureness is beauty—a woman without a single flaw," one of them replied.

"Such women are exceedingly rare, even in the vast immortal realms," Skymist Hai observed.

"Are you suggesting that the Skymist Immortal Empire came all this way for such women?" another young man in opulent robes interjected. He hailed from the Taihua Immortal Dynasty, a major power in the Eastern Regions.

Skymist Hai's eyes flickered as he scanned the pavilion's inhabitants, all of whom held prominent positions. Although he hadn't explicitly stated it, commoners would never dare to enter these pavilions casually.

Qin Wentian sat in a nearby pavilion, flanked by two young men who silently observed the scene. These two were from the Battle Saint Tribe. Jun Mengchen had stayed behind, immersed in closed-door cultivation as he aimed to break through to the second level of the immortal foundation. Meanwhile, Little Rascal and Purgatory accompanied Mo Qingcheng in her own cultivation.

"It's said that both Princess Qing'er and Princess Glaze of the Evergreen Immortal Empire are as pure as jade. Are they the flawless women you mentioned?" someone inquired.

"I've heard of them, but I've never met them personally," another replied.

"Could it be, Your Highness Hai...?"

"This time, I'm sure you've all heard the rumors about my purpose here. The Evergreen Immortal Empire pledged to send their most illustrious princesses to the Skymist Immortal Empire in a marriage alliance within a thousand years. My Skymist Immortal Empire has not forgotten this pact and has come today to request the Evergreen Immortal Emperor's compliance. With his esteemed status, I believe he wouldn't reject an agreement made years ago," Skymist Hai proclaimed with a hearty laugh. "What do you all think?"

"I can't say," the expert from the Taihua Immortal Dynasty replied, wisely avoiding a sensitive topic.

"Could it be that Your Highness has a personal stake in this matter?" a voice inquired. Skymist Hai chuckled and playfully pointed at the beautiful dancers. "If I could have Princess Qing'er or Princess Glaze dance like them to brighten my mornings, wouldn't that be a delightful experience?"

His words caused an uncomfortable silence to settle among the crowd. Making Princess Qing'er and Princess Glaze dance for him was a disrespectful suggestion, diminishing their esteemed positions. Was the Skymist Immortal Empire truly so determined to succeed at any cost?

But suddenly, an untimely burst of laughter broke the tension, turning all eyes toward a remote pavilion. Three young men occupied the space, with the one in the center possessing the lowest cultivation. He was the source of the laughter, a cold gleam in his eyes behind the amusement.

"What's so funny?" Skymist Hai's eyes narrowed as he locked onto Qin Wentian.