Section 2

Xiao Qi remained unperturbed and personally led the crowd to welcome them out

This prince has returned to the capital to pay a visit to my royal brother. Upon hearing that there is a joyous occasion being celebrated at the residence, I have come to join in the festivities. The Southern King took his seat and sighed, saying, "I remember when I married the Crown Princess, the occasion was not as grand as this one."

"The trivial matters of the concubine have unexpectedly summoned Your Highness's presence, for which Xiao Qi feels deeply ashamed." Xiao Qi greeted him according to protocol and personally guided him to the seat of honor.

Yan Chu suddenly came to her senses. Ever since she became aware of his identity, she had harbored a sense of reverence, which is why she did not dare to respond immediately. After pondering for a moment, she cautiously said: "Yan Chu remembers."

In the basin, there is no soil to be seen; instead, it is filled to the brim with white snow. On the crystalline snow, there grows a cluster of narrow, dark green pointed leaves, approximately one foot tall, without stems. In the center of the leaves, there surprisingly blooms a delicate flower bud, small and exquisite, yet it seems to have lost its nourishment and is on the verge of wilting

Thank you for the reminder, Xiling Jun

The goose lowered its head slightly and replied firmly: "Yes"

The Southern King nodded and said: "It is rumored that the Princess of the Ding Kingdom is a beauty of unparalleled grace. Recently, I have heard that this lady is also exceptionally beautiful and has a long-standing acquaintance with the Ding King. This time, the Ding King has fulfilled his wishes and is indeed fortunate in love."

The Southern King chuckled and said, "I am bold to ask for a cup of celebratory wine; come, bring the congratulatory gifts."

With a light and casual remark, although General Wu and General Zhao Heng still harbored some dissatisfaction, their expressions had already improved

Xi Lingjun did not respond to her question: "Have you made a decision?"

King Nan, King Nan Wen Zhu Cheng Jin

After many years of diligent practice, I have almost forgotten the passage of time, yet I have never forgotten the world outside. Yan Chu respectfully replied, "The grace of your acceptance, Lord Xiling, is etched in my heart."

The familiar melody grows increasingly distant as the musician plays the zither

The sunlight slants into the corridor, where several people are walking towards me on the spacious walkway

The general with short black hair and a beard first paid his respects and sighed, saying: "Your Majesty, rest assured, the matter has passed. For a hundred years, there has been no one by your side. We have observed this and are not unreasonable individuals. The few who did not come were unable to leave due to pressing military affairs, so let the two of us convey our congratulations on their behalf"

The wild goose initially understood: "The wild goose should naturally devote itself to nurturing and caring, in order to repay the grace of Lord Xiling."

She decisively raised her hand, and with two fingers of her right hand, she made a swift cut across her left wrist, allowing the blood to flow down and accurately drip into the jade basin. The stark contrast of white snow and red blood created a powerful visual impact, while the wilted delicate leaves sensed the vitality of the blood, faintly revealing a hint of life.

Bleeding at the wrist stops, and the wound heals rapidly

The music ceased, and the dancers simultaneously stopped their performance, transforming the lively scene into an instant silence.

His pace was neither hurried nor slow, and the bright red attire signified his noble royal status. In the garden, there were many people, yet all eyes were on him alone. Renowned in the Five Spirit Realm for his handsome features, with dragon-like brows and alluring eyes, the warmth of the smile that lingered in his gaze was unmistakable. However, half of the officials present were sweating in their palms, all bowing their heads, unable to meet his gaze.

Xiao Qi slightly nodded, and the servant quietly withdrew

"Yes," Yan Chu replied cautiously, "There are many masters in the Five Spirits Realm. What difference does it make if Yan Chu cultivates for a few hundred more years? Time waits for no one, and Yan Chu is even less willing to wait. Back then, I was fortunate to be saved by Lord Xi Ling, which allowed me to survive. Now, by practicing fire therapy, I may be able to save myself in times of crisis."

The hand resting on the strings remained still, and that person still did not turn back

Several guards responded by lifting two large chests and opening them in public for inspection. Inside were items that were both rare and valuable, yet not excessive. Xiao Qi stood up to express his gratitude and instructed that the chests be taken down. He then ordered the arrangement of food and drinks to resume the festivities with singing and dancing

Xi Lingjun withdrew her hand from the guqin and said: "The Eternal Realm does not interfere in worldly matters. Although you have endured years of hard practice here, what you have learned is merely the lost techniques of the Flame Nation, which are not part of my sect. Since you have chosen this path, your future actions will no longer be related to the Eternal Realm, and the Eternal Realm will no longer offer you protection."

The wild goose initially expresses gratitude

This sense of awe arises not only from his status and demeanor but also from a fear of his power

He seemed to speak without intention, while General Wu and General Zhao Heng beside him furrowed their brows simultaneously, surveying their surroundings

Xi Lingjun said: "You need not express your gratitude just yet, as I have a matter for you to attend to"

Xiao Qidao: "It is true that the two of us know each other, but the rumors have undoubtedly been exaggerated, and there is no need to pay them any mind"

The relationship between the Southern King and the Ding King has always been one of intense conflict, and it has been many years since either of them returned to the capital. Today, his sudden visit to the Ding King's residence to offer congratulations has taken everyone by surprise

Can you recognize this tune? The cold and distant voice comes from that silhouette

The luxury before me has long surpassed the rites of the side consort

As the melody concluded, the flowered garments atop his head fell like snow, and the nearby dwarf maple seemed to have sprouted a few more tender green leaves, as if in a grand dream of spring and autumn

Xi Lingjun said: "This flower requires nourishment from blood and vitality. On that day, your blood accidentally spilled upon it, and it chose you. Over the years, with the cessation of nourishment, it has stopped growing"

Upon seeing Xiao Qi, the Southern King first halted his steps, smiled as he surveyed the guests, and said: "The Duke of Ding is in high spirits."

Ding Wang Yunze Xiao Qi, dressed in a purple robe with a jade belt, was standing at the steps conversing with several officials, the vibrant colors of his attire accentuating his heroic and handsome demeanor

Xi Lingjun did not turn around, yet it seemed as if she had taken everything in at a glance: "What you have cultivated over these years is merely fire therapy?"

Yan initially did not speak, quietly standing behind him listening to the qin.

"You may leave now," seeing her stubbornness, Xi Lingjun did not persuade her further, still turning his back to her, he raised his hand beneath his wide sleeves to signal, "You must return every fifteen days to feed this flower a cup of blood, do not forget your promise"

Xiling Jun said: "Reducing injuries is not a good skill"

At that time, we were at war with the Kingdom of Mufeng, and the state affairs were concerning; how could one attend to family matters? Xiao Qi said, "Now, Your Majesty shows compassion towards your subjects and graciously grants a marriage; Xiao Qi does not dare to be too frugal, lest it disappoints Your Majesty's intentions"

Five slender ribbons are woven into the hair, with black long hair interspersed with plain-colored ribbons cascading down to the waist

Every citizen of the Flame Kingdom is aware of a certain figure. Years ago, the Young Cloud Marquis Yun Ze Xiao Qi married the daughter of General Yue, gaining the support of the Yue army. In the battle for territory against the Mu Feng Kingdom, they achieved victory. The late emperor, under pressure, abandoned the idea of passing the throne to the Southern King, allowing the current Flame Emperor to ascend to the throne. Yun Ze Xiao Qi was granted the title of Duke Ding for his significant contributions. However, the immense power of the Southern King is well-known throughout the Flame Kingdom, and there are even rumors among the people that "half the kingdom belongs to the Southern King." Only Yun Ze Xiao Qi, commanding the Yue army, can stand in equal opposition to him, which is also the main reason for his importance to the Flame Emperor.

As the guests on the list had all arrived, Xiao Qi was about to instruct to start the banquet when suddenly a servant rushed in to report: "The Southern King and the Southern Queen have arrived"

The officials present were mostly those who had good relations with the Ding Wangfu, and more than half of them were trusted confidants of Xiao Qi. Upon hearing these words, they were all taken aback and instinctively turned to look at Xiao Qi

A light blue robe, smooth and sleek in texture, adorned with subtle luster, reminiscent of the tranquil azure sky and the shimmering clear stream. The long sleeves cascade down to the ground, while the back hem spreads out a full yard, occasionally lifted and billowing by the mountain breeze.

After their marriage, Wang Yunzhe and Xiao Qi, accompanied by his wife Liu Yu, entered the palace to express their gratitude. They also hosted a three-day banquet to thank their guests. The first day was dedicated to distant guests who came to offer their congratulations; the second day was for relatives, during which the Flame Emperor unexpectedly made an appearance, adding to the honor; the third day was reserved for important officials from the court.

Xiao Qi welcomed the next step of the stone stage and smiled, saying: "Only two have come, Xiao Qi is quite disappointed"

Xi Lingjun said: "Between eternity, there is but this one basin."

The housekeeper led two imposing guests over: "General Wu and General Zhao Heng have arrived"

Red and black, the most ordinary and monotonous color combination, surprisingly transforms into an extreme elegance when it comes to him

The person sits upright on a finely crafted bamboo mat, facing the cliff, with only their back visible, as clouds and mist accompany the sound of the zither, drifting beside them

In the dance hall, as the dancers reached the climax of their performance, the three-colored dance costumes parted like colorful clouds, revealing a delicate beauty in light silk garments in the center

Outside the gate of the Duke's residence, there was a bustling scene with a continuous flow of carriages. Among those arriving were the Duchess and other female guests, all welcomed by maids into the rear garden, creating an exceptionally grand atmosphere. An outdoor banquet was set up in the front hall, with the host's seat temporarily vacant. Many guests were already seated on either side, engaging in conversation and laughter. In the center, on the dance floor, dozens of beautiful dancers moved gracefully in time with the music.

"Master Yi, Princess Fuliang requests your presence." The voice of the maid came from a distance.

Yan Chu explained: "Since arriving in the Eternal Realm, Yan Chu has heard it several times every night each year, becoming quite familiar with it. I had speculated about who the person playing the zither might be, but I never expected it to be Lord Xi Ling."

A servant approached Xiao Qi, leaned down, and whispered in his ear: "The South Princess is in the back garden, and the lady asks the king to rest assured."

The meaning of Xiling Jun is ... ...

Yan was initially surprised and carefully examined the strange flower for a while, then pondered: "I have heard that there is a wondrous flower in the world, known as the One Leaf Flower. When its blossoms wither, they bear fruit, and those who consume this fruit can traverse the gate of reincarnation, leaving the Five Spirit Realm to be reborn elsewhere. However, this flower is exceedingly rare; each time it bears fruit, it withers, and it can only be reborn after one hundred thousand years. Ordinary people have no chance of obtaining it."

At the forefront stands a young monarch, adorned with an obsidian crown and draped in a wide crimson robe embroidered with black phoenixes along the edges. His black hair, illuminated by the sunlight, surpasses even the feathers of the black phoenixes.

Raise your face again, the cliff before you is unseen by both man and nature, and this body is already within a valley.

The two generals paid their respects to him and took their respective seats

Xiao Qi nodded: "On the side of the Vietnamese army, it is much appreciated that General Wu has provided reassurance."

A white jade basin flew up from in front of him, gliding to land before Yan Chu. Throughout the entire process, he did not move a single finger. Such magical power is truly extraordinary, and Yan Chu secretly gasped in amazement, lowering his head to take a closer look

The banquet commenced, the music began to play, and the atmosphere finally eased. The Southern King watched the singing and dancing with great interest, occasionally tapping his fingers on the table to the rhythm. The guests, seeing that Xiao Qi showed no reaction, gradually calmed down as well