Chapter 101: Grand Celebration Banquet (Chapter 12)

Chapter 101: Grand Celebration Banquet (Chapter 12)

The return of Ning Xiaochuan, Ning Xin'er, Yu Qianqian, and the others defied all expectations, leaving the martial artists outside the Heavenly Gate exchanging bewildered glances. Even the marquises and sect leaders were astonished.

Some were shocked, while others were overjoyed.

"Boom!"

After a long silence, the entire square erupted in an uproar.

"Princess Qianxi is actually alive and back!"

"Wasn’t Ning Xiaochuan killed by Ming Yang?"

"Rumors said Ning Xin'er was struck down the Blood Waterfall by three experts, her body lost without a trace—how is she here too?"

Everyone stared at the four young talents standing in the square, murmuring among themselves, their faces filled with disbelief.

The happiest among them was undoubtedly the Old Marquis of the Jian Pavilion Marquis House.

The wrinkles on his aged face smoothed out as if he had grown ten years younger. Stroking his beard, he laughed heartily, "Your Majesty, this old servant believes that although these four children returned a step late, their ability to emerge alone from the Fire Demon Mountain Range demonstrates remarkable courage and conviction. They deserve a chance."

Several influential figures allied with the Jian Pavilion Marquis House also stepped forward to plead with Emperor Yulan.

The Southern Ape Marquis declared, "The Emperor's Martial Palace selects talents based on merit, seeking only the most outstanding individuals. Ning Xiaochuan and Ning Xin'er of the Jian Pavilion Marquis House are undoubtedly exceptional young prodigies. Their talents should not go to waste."

The Leader of the Six Profound Martial House added, "The assessment was set to conclude today, and the sun has not yet set. This means their return is timely—it is fate!"

Yue Wuyang, however, was deeply displeased. With righteous indignation, he argued, "Since His Majesty has declared the assessment concluded, then it is concluded. The Emperor’s word is law—do you not understand this?"

"Hmph!"

The Great Golden Roc King stood atop the jade platform, clad in his Golden Roc Divine Armor, his aura surging like towering waves. A mere cold snort sent Yue Wuyang stumbling backward.

Witnessing this, the other powerhouses fell silent, knowing the Great Golden Roc King was about to speak.

In the Yulan Empire, few dared to oppose the Great Golden Roc King—even the arrogant Cloud Marquis, Yue Wuyang, was insignificant in his presence.

Yu Qianqian approached the Great Golden Roc King and bowed respectfully. "Daughter greets Father."

"Returning is enough, returning is enough!"

The Great Golden Roc King adored Yu Qianqian. Her disappearance in the Fire Demon Mountain Range had weighed heavily on his heart. Now, seeing his beloved daughter return unharmed, his gloom dissipated, replaced by overwhelming joy.

Without the Great Golden Roc King even needing to speak, the marquises aligned with the Golden Roc Prince's Manor began pleading on behalf of Yu Qianqian, Ning Xiaochuan, and the others, delivering lengthy arguments urging Emperor Yulan to grant them a chance.

"Rumble—"

At that moment, a Green Deer Horse Carriage galloped into the square. Princess Lanfei, dust-covered, stepped out and strode directly to the white jade platform, kneeling before Emperor Yulan.

"Your child pays respects to Father Emperor!"

Upon seeing Princess Lanfei, Emperor Yulan finally revealed a faint smile and said, "Princess Fei has also returned. This matter has become even more difficult for me. The Emperor's Martial Palace's recruitment of disciples is not something I should interfere with, but today, all the officials in the court have pleaded for these juniors to be given a chance. Why not let the Four Deputy Deans decide this matter?"

Since Emperor Yulan had already declared the assessment concluded, he could not retract his words. However, by deferring the decision to the Four Deputy Deans of the Emperor's Martial Palace, the responsibility would no longer fall on him.

Though the Four Deputy Deans held lofty statuses, they dared not offend both the Jian Pavilion Marquis House and the Great Golden Roc King—let alone Emperor Yulan, whose stance was already clear. Thus, when the emperor handed them the authority to decide, everyone understood that Princess Lanfei, Ning Xiaochuan, Yu Qianqian, and the others had already secured their places in the Emperor's Martial Palace.

One of the deputy deans stepped forward and announced that the five of them would be admitted to the Emperor's Martial Palace for cultivation.

Ning Xiaochuan, Ning Xin'er, Yu Qianqian, Princess Lanfei, and Murong Wushuang each presented the Black Firewood Pearls they had collected, officially becoming members of the Emperor's Martial Palace.

After a brief farewell to Murong Wushuang, Ning Xiaochuan and Ning Xin'er approached the Jian Pavilion Marquis, bowing deeply to the Old Marquis and saying in unison, "Grandfather."

"It's good that you've returned. We'll talk more once we're back at the marquis house."

The Jian Pavilion Marquis was in high spirits and called out to the Southern Ape Marquis and the Leader of the Six Profound Martial House, "Brother Southern Ape, Leader, tonight the Jian Pavilion Marquis House will host a grand Celebration Banquet. Won't you join us for a drink?"

The Southern Ape Marquis and the Leader of the Six Profound Martial House smiled and shook their heads, replying, "We, too, are holding our own Celebration Banquet tonight, so we must decline."

The Jian Pavilion Marquis did not press further, turning his gaze to the Lingxi Sect Leader instead. "Sect Leader, won't you congratulate me?"

The Lingxi Sect Leader gnashed his teeth in anger, flicked his sleeve, and stormed off.

As Ning Xiaochuan and Ning Xin'er followed the Jian Pavilion Marquis back to the marquis house, a young man clad in golden armor approached them—Yu Tiadi.

Yu Tiadi fixed his eyes on Ning Xiaochuan and said calmly, "After entering the Emperor's Martial Palace, there will still be an Opening Battle to determine the final rankings of this year's examinees. The Champion will also be decided then. You will be my formidable opponent—I hope you grow stronger by then."

Ning Xiaochuan replied, "I thought you would set Ming Yang as your target."

Yu Tiadi said, "Ming Yang's talent and cultivation far surpass ours. Hoping to defeat him in a short time is unrealistic."

Ning Xiaochuan responded, "I lost to him with a single strike, and one day, I will return the favor. See you at the Opening Battle."

With that, Ning Xiaochuan turned and left.

Yu Tiadi watched Ning Xiaochuan's retreating figure, a faint smile appearing on his face. "What a bold one, Ning Xiaochuan—a worthy opponent indeed. If he dares to aim for Ming Yang, why shouldn't I?"

His expression grew resolute, and he, too, departed surrounded by his attendants.

That evening, the Jian Pavilion Marquis House hosted a grand celebration banquet, inviting countless guests. The estate was brightly lit and bustling with excitement.

Aside from Ning Xiaochuan and Ning Xin'er, another genius had also been admitted to the Emperor's Martial Palace—the second proud daughter of the Jian Pavilion Marquis House, Ning Meier.

She had reached the First Level of the Divine Body Realm during her time in the Fire Demon Mountain.

The banquet lasted well into the late night before the servants of the Jian Pavilion Marquis House finally escorted the guests out one by one.

Ning Xiaochuan had also drunk some wine, though not much. After returning to his residence, instead of going to bed, he took out the Frost Jade Bottle and poured out a single drop of Martial Venerable's blood.

A drop of Martial Venerable's blood hovered above his palm before being absorbed into his body, where he began to refine it.

Martial Arts Profound Qi enveloped Ning Xiaochuan's body, forming a massive Profound Qi Sphere.

There were still seven days left before entering the Emperor's Martial Palace. If he could make the most of this time, his cultivation could still see significant progress.

During the Opening Battle, he would likely face a direct confrontation with Ming Yang, which made Ning Xiaochuan even more eager to grow stronger.

Given Ming Yang's temperament—daring to kill even a princess—he would likely attempt to kill Ning Xiaochuan again during the Opening Battle.

Ning Xiaochuan wasn't aiming to defeat Ming Yang outright, but he hoped that in seven days, his cultivation would at least reach a level where he could survive Ming Yang's Sword Qi.

The next morning.

Knock knock.

Someone rapped on the door.

Ning Xiaochuan opened it and was slightly surprised to see a graceful woman standing outside. "Ning Meier?"

Ning Meier was actually quite beautiful. Though she couldn't compare to Yu Qianqian or Princess Lanfei, she was undoubtedly a beauty pursued by many men.

A year older than Ning Xiaochuan, she was technically his cousin. With her sensual, rosy lips and strikingly bright eyes, she said, "Xiaochuan, the instructors of the Emperor's Martial Palace should have already released the assessment's ranking list. Why don’t we go take a look outside the Heavenly Gate?"

Ning Meier had never spared Ning Xiaochuan a second glance before—this was the first time she had ever visited his residence.

Ning Xiaochuan replied indifferently, "No need. The rankings being released now are just for outsiders to see—they hold little reference value. When the academy opens, there will be the Opening Battle. That’s when the true test of a student’s strength begins. You should also work hard during this time to advance your cultivation and achieve outstanding results in the Opening Battle."

"A servant has already copied the ranking list. Brother, you have a total of 82 Black Firewood Pearls, ranking seventh among this year’s examinees."

Ning Xin'er arrived at the door, clutching the ranking list, and shot Ning Meier an unhappy glance.

Why is this annoying woman here at my brother’s place?

Before Ning Xiaochuan’s congenital ailment was cured, Ning Meier had often mocked him, so Ning Xin'er naturally held no fondness for her.

"Wow, Xiaochuan! You’re amazing—you’ve brought great honor to our Jian Pavilion Marquis House! The elders will surely reward you handsomely," Ning Meier exclaimed cheerfully.

Though the current ranking list didn’t fairly represent each examinee’s true strength, it was still a tremendous source of pride for their families and sects.

This is a momentous occasion, as thrilling as topping the imperial examinations. Without a doubt, many will come to offer their congratulations today. In the evening, the Jian Pavilion Marquis House will host a Celebration Banquet, and the number of invited guests is likely to be even greater.

Ning Qiancheng approached from afar, smiling as he said, "What luck to find all three of you here together. This saves me the trouble of tracking each of you down separately."

Ning Xiaochuan, Ning Meier, and Ning Xin'er bowed respectfully to Ning Qiancheng and greeted him in unison, "Third Uncle."

Ning Qiancheng fixed his gaze on Ning Xiaochuan, his eyes filled with admiration. "Well done, young man. Ranking in the top ten of the Emperor's Martial Palace is a tremendous honor for our Jian Pavilion Marquis House. But don’t stop there—with your talent, anything less than the top three would be a disgrace."

"Third Uncle’s guidance is most appreciated," Ning Xiaochuan replied.

Ning Qiancheng nodded, his expression turning serious. "Your admission into the Emperor's Martial Palace brings glory to our house, and naturally, the Marquis House will not treat you unfairly. Each of you will receive a Mystic Artifact as a reward. As for the grade of the artifact you obtain, that will depend on your discernment and luck. Come, I’ll take you to the Seven Stars Treasure Cave now."

"In seven days, after you enter the Emperor's Martial Palace, there will undoubtedly be an Opening Battle. If you can find an Ancient Mystic Artifact in the Seven Stars Treasure Cave, it will give your combat power a significant boost!"