Chapter 233: Return to White Dragon City

Chapter 233: Return to White Dragon City

The setting sun hung low in the west, casting its fading light across the horizon.

It was already evening when Ning Xiaochuan and Duanmu Linger, riding the exhausted Double-headed Stone Beast after half a month of relentless travel, finally arrived once more at White Dragon City.

White Dragon City was the domain capital of the Soul Domain, located just three days' journey from the Imperial City, placing it firmly within the sphere of imperial authority.

Shortly after entering the city, Ning Xiaochuan was approached by someone.

"Young Master Ning, it’s been a while."

A pale but strikingly handsome man clasped his hands in greeting, a friendly smile on his face. He was dressed impeccably, wearing a left-fastened robe with a jade silk belt, each button adorned with Green Gold.

Ning Xiaochuan removed the Bamboo Hat from his head and stared at the young man in surprise. "Ji Yifan?"

This young man was none other than Ji Yifan, a rising star of the Heavenly Annihilation Dao.

Accompanying Ji Yifan was another promising talent of the Heavenly Annihilation Dao—Shi Dahai.

Back in the Imperial City, Ji Yifan and Shi Dahai had attempted to test Ning Xiaochuan’s cultivation, only to be soundly defeated by him. It was precisely because of this incident that Ning Xiaochuan and Yu Ningsheng had pursued them all the way to White Dragon City, where they discovered their affiliation with the Heavenly Annihilation Dao.

Ji Yifan bowed slightly with a smile. "I never expected a figure as distinguished as Young Master Ning to remember insignificant individuals like us."

Ning Xiaochuan hardly considered them insignificant. Their cultivation was even stronger than Ming Yang’s, making them exceptional among the younger generation.

Maintaining a hint of caution, Ning Xiaochuan asked, "How did you know I arrived in White Dragon City?"

Ji Yifan chuckled. "The Heavenly Annihilation Dao’s influence in White Dragon City surpasses even that of the imperial court. Our people are everywhere. The moment you set foot in the city, we knew you had returned."

"And are you friend or foe?" Ning Xiaochuan pressed.

"Friends, of course," Ji Yifan replied smoothly. "Young Master Ning helped the Ninth Lady eliminate Mu Honglai and Elder Qiu Wangu, two formidable enemies. Now that the Ninth Lady has become the leader of the Heavenly Annihilation Dao, you are naturally our most honored ally. Before departing for the main altar, she specifically instructed us to treat you with the utmost hospitality should you visit White Dragon City."

Ji Yifan was eloquent and courteous, his words carefully chosen.

A thought flashed through Ning Xiaochuan’s mind: The Ghost Manor and the Heavenly Annihilation Dao are allies. Since White Dragon City is their territory, why not use their strength to deal with Xiao Cheng?

He laughed heartily. "Mu Honglai and Elder Qiu Wangu brought their fates upon themselves. The Ninth Lady’s unification of the Heavenly Annihilation Dao was inevitable—I merely gave it a little push."

"Hahaha!" Both Ji Yifan and Shi Dahai joined in the laughter.

Ning Xiaochuan’s status was extraordinary—he was the Minor Marquis of the Jian Pavilion Marquis House, the Champion of the Heavenly Emperor Academy, and wielded the Imperial Authority Token. The Heavenly Annihilation Dao, having just endured a major upheaval, was in a weakened state and needed time to recover. Naturally, they would spare no effort to win over someone like Ning Xiaochuan.

"Young Master Ning, though we started as adversaries, we’ve come to know each other through battle. Tonight, my brother and I have prepared a banquet at the Thousand Rain Pavilion—you simply must attend," Shi Dahai declared.

"Of course I’ll go," Ning Xiaochuan replied with bold enthusiasm.

Ji Yifan and Shi Dahai exchanged a smile, realizing that Ning Xiaochuan was surprisingly approachable. They had initially assumed that a Prince like Ning Xiaochuan would be arrogant and aloof, making it difficult to befriend him, but they hadn’t expected him to agree so easily.

The Thousand Rain Pavilion, located by Lingguang Lake, was the largest entertainment venue in White Dragon City and a gathering place for nobles and Martial Artists. Most Martial Artists lived with their lives on the line, and once they had money, they naturally sought pleasure in places like the Thousand Rain Pavilion.

Though the expenses here were exorbitant, it was a true paradise of indulgence. The delicate and enchanting beauties could captivate anyone’s heart, skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Whether one desired a cultured and refined lady, a graceful noblewoman, a seductive dancer, or a musician well-versed in melodies—as long as one had wealth, they could find it all here.

Of course, the finest wines and most delectable delicacies were also served, making it a haven of pleasure.

Ji Yifan and Shi Dahai held extraordinary status within the Lifeless Dao and had reserved the top-floor Elegant Pavilion of the Thousand Rain Pavilion exclusively to host Ning Xiaochuan.

Twelve stunning women in plain, gauzy robes entered, each with striking beauty—some delicate and charming, others alluring and sensual, and still others elegant and enchanting. Every one of them was a true beauty, far beyond the reach of ordinary Martial Artists, who could only admire them from afar.

"All of you, go and attend to Young Master Ning. Do you know who Young Master Ning is? This is a distinguished figure from the Imperial City. If any of you catch his eye, even becoming a mere maid by his side would elevate your status tenfold," Shi Dahai boomed with laughter.

Ji Yifan added, "The opportunity to serve Young Master Ning is not something just anyone can obtain."

A petite and graceful young woman with clear, gentle eyes, holding a pipa in her arms, asked softly, "Could he be the Minor Marquis from the Jian Pavilion Marquis House?"

"Do you dare speak out of turn?" Ji Yifan’s gaze turned icy.

The girl paled in fear as the Martial Arts Profound Qi emanating from Ji Yifan made it hard for her to breathe.

At the same time, Ji Yifan’s words indirectly confirmed Ning Xiaochuan’s identity, shocking all twelve women present. They could hardly believe their ears. After all, Ning Xiaochuan’s name had been thunderously prominent in recent times.

"No need for service. All of you may leave," Ning Xiaochuan said.

"Damn it! These lowly wenches have angered Young Master Ning! Fetch your pavilion master at once to apologize, or I swear I’ll turn the Thousand Rain Pavilion into ruins tonight!" Shi Dahai’s temper flared as he slammed the table and stood up.

Ning Xiaochuan waved a hand. "It’s not their fault. I have important matters to discuss with you."

Ji Yifan, far calmer than Shi Dahai, understood that Ning Xiaochuan must have something significant to discuss and immediately gestured for the women to withdraw.

Once the twelve beauties exited the Elegant Pavilion, they burst into excited whispers. "Heavens! It really is Ning Xiaochuan! The Champion of the Emperor's Martial Palace, holder of the Imperial Authority Token, with status and power rivaling that of a Marquis! I actually saw him in person—I won’t sleep tonight!"

"If only I could catch Young Master Ning’s eye. Even being a maid by his side would be an unparalleled honor."

"Stop dreaming. First, think about whether your faces can even compare to the Imperial City's number one beauty, Yu Ningsheng."

"Oh, even if Yu Ningsheng is beautiful, there's only one of her. For a noble like Young Master Ning, don’t you think it’s only fitting for him to have eight or ten women by his side?"

"Tonight, Young Master Ning might just pick one of us to serve him. This is a golden opportunity!"

"Youyu, didn’t you say you sell art, not yourself?"

"To others, of course, I sell art, not myself. But for a man like Young Master Ning, I might make an exception. Hehe."

Their voices gradually faded, bold and unrestrained.

"Utterly shameless!" Duanmu Linger, though a woman of the Demon Sect and more unruly than the noble ladies of aristocratic mansions, still despised such women, her eyes brimming with killing intent.

Ji Yifan and Shi Dahai didn’t recognize Duanmu Linger, but the murderous aura radiating from her made their blood run cold. It was clear her cultivation surpassed theirs, leaving them startled.

"Could this be the renowned Lady Yu?" Ji Yifan ventured.

Duanmu Linger’s gaze turned even frostier. "My surname is Duanmu."

Wrong person.

Ji Yifan felt a pang of awkwardness and was about to explain when a sudden realization struck him.

Her surname is Duanmu?

He abruptly stood up. "Might I ask if the lady hails from the Nine Death Cliff?"

Duanmu Linger nodded.

"My apologies, my apologies! So it’s the Third Young Lady! Please forgive my ignorance!" Ji Yifan paled in fear. This was the Demon Emperor’s granddaughter—someone far beyond their station to offend.

The affair between Ning Xiaochuan and Duanmu Linger had long spread to White Dragon City. Many knew they had an illegitimate child together, and their relationship was far from ordinary. Some even whispered they were cousins, childhood sweethearts who grew up inseparable.

In the martial world, marriages between cousins were hardly rare, and unions between younger male cousins and older female cousins were not unheard of.

Ning Xiaochuan had no time to waste and cut straight to the point. "A formidable enemy is about to pursue me to White Dragon City. I wish to enlist the Heavenly Annihilation Dao’s help to eliminate him. If this cooperation succeeds, there will surely be more opportunities in the future."

Ji Yifan’s heart stirred. "How powerful is this enemy of yours, Young Master Ning? And what is his background?"

Ning Xiaochuan didn’t hide it. "The Cloud Marquis’s chief disciple, Xiao Cheng."

Ji Yifan and Shi Dahai’s hearts skipped a beat. Dealing with someone of that caliber was beyond their authority—they had to report to the Heavenly Annihilation Dao’s elders.

After Ji Yifan secretly relayed the message, within half an hour, a high-ranking figure from the Heavenly Annihilation Dao arrived discreetly at the Thousand Rain Pavilion to meet Ning Xiaochuan.

The figure lowered his black hood, revealing an aged face with deep-set eyes and a prominent nose. He smiled faintly. "The person Young Master Ning wants dead won’t be easy to kill."

This high-ranking figure was someone Ning Xiaochuan knew—Qiu Xinghui, an elder of considerable standing within the Heavenly Annihilation Dao.

Now, he was the Grand Elder, overseeing the Council of Elders and one of the three pillars of the Heavenly Annihilation Dao.

When the Ninth Lady hosted a banquet for Ning Xiaochuan, it was Qiu Xinghui who had extended the invitation.

Ning Xiaochuan smiled and said, "If it were someone else, they would surely fear the Cloud Marquis's power. But I don’t believe the Heavenly Annihilation Dao would also fear the Cloud Marquis?"

"The Heavenly Annihilation Dao naturally does not fear a mere Cloud Marquis, but without absolute benefit, why should we provoke him?" Qiu Xinghui replied.

Ning Xiaochuan said, "Elder Qiu Xinghui, you haven’t reached the Earthly Venerable Realm yet, have you? If I were to give you a Great Earth Solemnity Pill to help you break through to this realm, I wonder if that would be enough to buy Xiao Cheng’s life?"