Chapter 105: The Banquet Begins
The time finally arrived half a month later, on the day of the banquet.
On this day, the entire imperial capital seemed to be in a frenzy.
People from various major factions hurried to the central Forbidden City of the imperial capital.
Many who were not qualified to attend the banquet also followed along, eager to witness the excitement from outside.
Many were curious about which talented individual would ultimately win the heart of Wu Mingyue, the jewel of the Divine Dynasty.
In the palace of the Panwu Divine Dynasty, the Forbidden City.
The grand Forbidden City resembled an ancient heavenly court, exuding an air of majesty.
Golden towers and cloud palaces, glazed tile roofs, divine mist swirling, and auspicious colors everywhere.
From a distance, it looked like a magnificent celestial palace.
It is said that the Forbidden City was constructed by countless craftsmen under the orders of Emperor Panwu when he founded the Divine Dynasty.
It is also a significant symbol of the Panwu Divine Dynasty.
As for the Panwu Tomb, it lies deep behind the Forbidden City.
That place is an absolute forbidden zone of the Panwu Divine Dynasty; without permission, anyone who approaches will be killed without mercy.
At this moment, a grand banquet was set up within the Forbidden City.
Countless delicacies were served by palace maids.
Many top-tier forces and immortals gathered together.
In one of the halls of the Forbidden City, Wu Mingyue, dressed in a bright red gown, sat in front of a dressing table.
Several palace maids were beside her, styling her hair into an elegant updo.
Wu Mingyue, in her red gown, appeared even more enchanting.
Her eyes were like water, her brows painted like ink, her skin as smooth as凝脂, lightly adorned with makeup, and her lips were painted with vermilion, radiant and unmatched.
Yet, between her brows lingered an unshakeable trace of melancholy.
One of her close palace maids, who had been with her since childhood, noticed and said, "Your Highness, today is the day you choose your husband; you should be happier."
Wu Mingyue shook her head slightly and replied, "Xi'er, how can I be happy when I cannot freely choose my partner?"
Wu Mingyue was thinking about whether Xiao Chen would come.
In truth, she did not wish for Xiao Chen to come.
Because even if he did, it would not change anything.
Her father, the Panwu Divine Lord, would never allow her to marry a small fry with no background.
Unless Xiao Chen's talent was as monstrous as Jun Xiaoyao's, only then would he be considered.
But is that possible?
In the entire Wild Heaven Immortal Domain, how many people have talent that can match Jun Xiaoyao?
Xiao Chen indeed worked hard, but if effort were enough, why would there be geniuses?
"Your Highness need not be too disheartened; among those young talents, there might be someone worthy of the princess," Xi'er comforted.
"Ha, who could that be? Is it the Champion Marquis?" Wu Mingyue scoffed.
She knew that the Panwu Divine Lord had always wanted her to marry the Champion Marquis.
Not for any other reason, but because the Champion Marquis had gained recognition from the Pan Huang Spirit Sword, possibly being the reincarnation of Emperor Panwu.
Of course, even if he wasn't, it didn't matter.
Because what the Panwu Divine Lord wanted most was for the Champion Marquis to help him find the Three Swords of Pan Huang.
The Pan Huang Spirit Sword was merely one of the Three Swords of Pan Huang.
In addition, there were the Pan Huang Years Sword and the Pan Huang Void Sword.
It is rumored that when the Three Swords of Pan Huang are combined, they can transform back into the Dao Weapon of Emperor Panwu, the Pan Huang Sword.
Dao Weapons, also known as Ancient Emperor Weapons, are supreme weapons of the emperor, possessing immense power.
When a Dao Weapon moves, it can shatter the heavens and the universe, annihilate the star domains, strike the cosmic firmament, and spill the blood of countless beings!
To put it in a less vivid metaphor, the deterrent power of a Dao Weapon is akin to that of nuclear weapons.
Generally speaking, immortal lineages with ancestors who were supreme emperors possess the foundation of Dao Weapons.
The Panwu Divine Dynasty originally had such a foundation.
However, later on, the Pan Huang Sword was split into three.
The Panwu Divine Dynasty also experienced many upheavals, ultimately leading to the loss of the Three Swords of Pan Huang.
It wasn't until Yang Pan obtained the Pan Huang Spirit Sword that hope was rekindled for the Panwu Divine Dynasty.
It was precisely for this reason that the Panwu Divine Lord valued Yang Pan so highly, directly granting him the title of Champion Marquis.
This led to Yang Pan's arrogance, making him act like a tyrant within the Panwu Divine Dynasty.
Upon hearing the words "Champion Marquis," Xi'er also flashed a look of disgust.
The reputation of the Champion Marquis was indeed terrible.
"Your Highness need not worry; perhaps there is someone who can suppress the Champion Marquis," Xi'er said, suddenly revealing a hint of longing on her face.
"Are you referring to..." Wu Mingyue asked.
"Of course, it must be the Divine Son of the Jun family! It is said that he looks like an immortal, has a good character, strong abilities, and an unparalleled background."
"He is simply the most perfect person in Xi'er's heart..." Xi'er said with immense admiration, her eyes sparkling.
Good character?
An immortal-like existence?
Wu Mingyue's expression tightened.
Another ignorant girl misled by rumors.
Jun Xiaoyao was no immortal; he was a devil who would devour people without spitting out their bones!
He showed her no mercy and even used despicable coercive means to make her a slave.
To this day, Wu Mingyue kept this secret tightly guarded.
"Don't mention him again," Wu Mingyue said, her tone slightly cold.
"Oh..." Seeing Wu Mingyue's unusual expression, Xi'er wisely closed her mouth.
She thought Wu Mingyue was upset because of the Champion Marquis.
"I hope he doesn't come," Wu Mingyue silently prayed.
Otherwise, she really wouldn't know how to face Jun Xiaoyao.
...
At the same time.
In a quiet and picturesque courtyard within the imperial capital.
Misty clouds floated, and rosy light swirled.
A sacred aura permeated the air.
In the courtyard, Jun Xiaoyao sat cross-legged on the ground.
The flowers and plants around him seemed to thrive, vibrant and lush.
Jun Xiaoyao himself exuded an extraordinary aura.
His right arm appeared to be branded with celestial patterns, resembling that of an immortal.
In the distance, Qin Xuan looked at Jun Xiaoyao's cultivation with astonishment, her heart shaken.
The scene was simply too astonishing.
Beside her, the nine-headed lion, transformed into a nine-headed dog, lazily lay on the ground, munching on spirit beast meat.
"Master's aura is terrifying," Qin Xuan exclaimed.
"Master is a prodigy; such a scene is nothing unusual," the nine-headed lion replied lazily.
At that moment, Jun Xiaoyao's body trembled slightly, signaling the end of his cultivation.
In front of him lay a pile of lifeless celestial essence.
"Not bad, I've refined fourteen pieces of Great Luo Immortal Bones, plus the previous six, making exactly twenty," Jun Xiaoyao murmured.
His right arm, including the wrist bones, palm bones, and finger bones, had a total of twenty bones refined into Great Luo Immortal Bones.
Their power had undoubtedly increased significantly compared to before.
"It's still a bottomless pit; if only I could find a plump, oil-rich chive," Jun Xiaoyao mused.
However, he thought for a moment and realized he had yet to find a suitable candidate.
As for Ye Xingyun, Jun Xiaoyao had never paid attention to this minor character.
He was unaware of the changes that had occurred later.
"The banquet should be starting soon," Jun Xiaoyao said as he stood up and walked over to Qin Xuan and the nine-headed lion.
"Let's go," Jun Xiaoyao said.
"Where are you going, Young Master?" Qin Xuan asked.
"To the palace, to the Forbidden City for an appointment!" Jun Xiaoyao replied, his gaze deep.
"Appointment?" Qin Xuan was puzzled.
At that moment, the nine-headed lion rolled over and leaped into the air.
Golden light surged, shaking the heavens, and all cultivators within a ten-mile radius were stunned.
Amidst the divine light, a majestic nine-headed lion appeared, roaring towards the sky!
Jun Xiaoyao stepped into the void and stood directly on the back of the nine-headed lion.
"What's wrong? Aren't you coming along? This Divine Son has said that you might have something to look forward to," Jun Xiaoyao looked down at Qin Xuan.
On the ground, Qin Xuan stood frozen like a statue.
As if she had lost her soul.
"Young Master is... the Divine Son of the Jun family?!"
Qin Xuan covered her mouth with her delicate hand, unable to suppress her exclamation, her blood rushing to her head, her pretty face turning crimson.
Her mind spun, nearly fainting from overwhelming surprise, excitement, and joy!