"Sacred Emperor, Your Humble Servant originally planned to turn our conflicts with Ling Xiao into a peaceful exchange of silks," Si Kong Zui said respectfully to the Sacred Emperor, "but he was unappreciative and ungracious. Please do not blame Your Humble Servant for not being courteous to him."
"It is truly a massive disgrace for the Sacred Dynasty to have a general like you. I’m curious to see how you will be discourteous to me!" Ling Xiao had already made an escape plan, so if he truly offended the Sacred Emperor, he simply planned to flee. If he couldn’t defeat them, running away was certainly no problem.
Si Kong Zui’s face turned an iron blue, even somewhat fierce, as if he were an evil spirit from Hell, wishing he could devour Ling Xiao alive.
"Let’s all make concessions. Today’s banquet is not only to entertain you all, but there is also an announcement to be made." The Sacred Emperor put down his wine glass and said with a smile, "Victoria Mingkong, aren’t you going to get ready? Today’s banquet is partly for you."
"I shall heed Father Emperor’s decree!" Ji Mingkong nodded then retreated from the grand hall, leaving for some unknown task.
After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, a side door of the grand hall was opened, and a eunuch walked in front, followed by a woman. What an incredibly beautiful woman. Dressed in a pink long dress, her black hair was soft and lustrous, casually draped over her shoulders, drawing every gaze. Her lotus steps were light, the graceful figure swaying as if to capture everyone’s heart.
"Unparalleled beauty!" Many people exclaimed in surprise at the scene. Even Ling Xiao had to admit that her beauty did not pale in comparison to the Moon Lady or Ling Yixue. Yet, in addition to her beauty, she exuded a noble aura and heroic spirit. Her delicate features were as if meticulously sculpted by the heavens without a single flaw. She was like a blooming peony, rich and elegant.
"His Highness the Saint’s Son?" It was Ling Xiao who first recognized the woman’s identity. Yes, it was Holy Son Victoria Mingkong, who had now returned to her female identity, yet the aura of a strong and proud figure remained unchanged.
"It really is the Holy Son!" Everyone in the hall stood up, greeted Ji Mingkong with respect, and their voices softened. The young talents even tidied up their appearance, seemingly eager to make a good impression on Ji Mingkong, hoping to win her favor.
Although there had been rumors that the Holy Son was actually a woman, they were never confirmed. Unexpectedly, Ji Mingkong revealed her true identity today, immediately causing the young elites present to salivate, wishing they could immediately win the beauty’s favor to indulge in domestic bliss.
Not only was Ji Mingkong beautiful, but she also held a prominent status and possessed formidable strength. Such a woman was truly hard to find even with a lantern in hand. However, Ling Xiao merely glanced briefly and looked away. It wasn’t that he was indifferent to beauty, but knowing this woman’s nature made it nearly impossible to like her. Moreover, his Moon Lady was clearly more excellent than her.
"I suppose everyone has recognized her by now. This is the Saint’s Son, who is actually a woman. She has been dressing as a man for years merely for the convenience of her actions," the Sacred Emperor said with a smile. "Today, Victoria Mingkong has resumed her female identity for one reason only. The Heavenly Dragon Continent is currently in an era of strife, and among the Twenty Heavenly Prides present, there are many young talents. I wonder if there is anyone willing to marry into the Royal Family, to become my son-in-law and favored consort?"
"Father, what are you talking about?"
Victoria Mingkong actually showed a rare daughter-like demeanor.
"Hahaha, Mingkong, although you are dominant, you are still a daughter after all, and eventually, you have to marry. It would be a fine thing indeed if you could take the opportunity of the Martial Arts Festival to choose an ideal groom," the Sacred Emperor laughed heartily. "The second purpose of today’s banquet lies in this as well; I hope that all the young talents present will participate eagerly so that Mingkong doesn’t waste her time in vain."
"Mingkong, sister, you are truly enchanting, like a fairy from the heavens, utterly intoxicating. Even I, someone who is not fond of women, can’t help but be somewhat moved."
Hua Yu, being one of the Sacred Emperor’s own, spoke quite freely, without any sense of restraint.
"Sacred Emperor Your Majesty, whom do you think is more qualified to become your dragon-riding son-in-law?"
As he spoke these words, Hua Yu glanced at the Sacred Emperor and asked with a smile.
"That’s a good question from Hua Yu. As for my part, naturally, I have someone in mind. However, this time it will still depend on the results of the Martial Arts Festival’s finals. Whoever can earn the title of Chosen Son of Heaven, will be the dynasty’s son-in-law!" the Sacred Emperor replied with a smile.
"This Hua Yu is naturally aware; however, I have heard you continually praising Ling Xiao. Could it be that in your heart, you have already decided on him as the Saint’s Son’s husband?"
Hua Yu, this rascal, was clearly directing the spearhead at Ling Xiao.
"Ling Xiao is indeed outstanding; it wouldn’t be too bad for the Saint’s Son to marry him," the Sacred Emperor actually did not deny.
In that instant, among the Twenty Heavenly Prides, all men save for Joshua Long turned their gazes towards Ling Xiao—gazes filled with jealousy and hatred.
And even murderous intent!
"Father, I certainly don’t want to marry that waste!"
The relationship between the Holy Son and Ling Xiao was not very good. Hearing this, she was naturally dissatisfied.
Aside from Joshua Long, the others all exhibited Schadenfreude.
Ling Xiao said indifferently, "Your Majesty, please choose someone else. The woman I will be marrying far surpasses Victoria Mingkong by hundreds, thousands of times—what use do I have for her?"
Normally, Ling Xiao wouldn’t bother with such hurtful words, but since Victoria Mingkong had taken a shot at him first, he couldn’t be blamed.
"What did you say!"
Victoria Mingkong was extremely furious.
"You’re not deaf, are you? Can’t hear what I said, do you need me to repeat it?" Ling Xiao said indifferently.
"How dare you!"
Jian Wuji slammed the table and stood up: "You actually dare to be so disrespectful to His Highness the Saint’s Son. You won by using despicable tactics against me at the Martial Arts Festival today; now, I will take this opportunity to avenge His Highness!"
Jian Wuji’s strength had greatly increased after receiving the Puppet Body, and he was looking to regain his honor from Ling Xiao.
Hearing Ling Xiao daring to so insult his goddess, how could he bear it?
If he could defeat or even kill Ling Xiao in front of the Sacred Emperor, he believed that he would certainly gain the favor of the Sacred Emperor and the Holy Son.
"Hahaha, Jian Wuji is right. Since today is a banquet, and moreover a banquet for martial artists, mere singing and dancing are not enough. Why not let martial display enhance the festivities—it would be even more splendid," said Si Kong Zui, laughing heartily as he too stood up.
He was hoping for Ling Xiao to be killed because he knew that Ling Xiao had been poisoned, and the sooner the poison took effect, the better.
Si Kong Zui’s words resonated with many people present; they nodded in agreement.
After all, in the Mysterious World, martial artists were revered, and nothing was more exhilarating and stimulating than a martial competition.