I proved immortality through the imperial examination.

Chapter 147 Zhou Ping
Five days before the trial, Xue Xiang received his literary scroll ring, which was delivered by a special envoy from Canglan Academy.

Five days later, once he enters the Literary Academy in Yong'an City, the Literary Ring will activate its teleportation function, sending him and all the other trial participants who have the opportunity to enter the Demonic Land into it.

At first, although Xue Xiang valued the trial, he did not take it to the extreme.

He had heard that those who excelled in the trials could enter the middle level of the Demonic Land, where there were still lost caves and abundant opportunities.

However, he had a precise understanding of his own strength. He was at the Great Perfection of Qi Refining, and even entering the Trial Realm to fight against those Scroll Kings was extremely difficult.

He knew very well that his former defeated opponents, such as Lou Changqing and Shen Nansheng, were at least at the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment.

During this period, these people were desperately trying to increase their cultivation level.

Moreover, those competing in the trial are top students from the entire Canglan Prefecture, and none of them are ordinary.

Xue Xiang neither expected to win the trial, nor did he expect to advance to the middle or even deeper levels to seek opportunities.

However, a message from Zhao Huanhuan changed his mind.

Zhao Huanhuan said that the crystal cores obtained during the trial can be stored in the official vault and can be used at any time.

This one point alone made Xue Xiang's blood boil.

Regardless of which powerful figure opened this back door to take care of their own child.

Having experienced the magic of the crystal core, Xue Xiang knew its preciousness and was immediately filled with enthusiasm, wishing he could rush into the trial world and make a big splash.

To do something well, you must first have the right tools. Earlier, Xue Xiang had planned to find an auction to get some equipment.

Dong Jiacun gave Zhang Feiyu an invitation to the auction, and Xue Xiangzheng was planning to go and take a look.

As soon as Zhao Huanhuan's news came, his attention to the auction immediately increased dramatically.

As soon as the auction on Dong Jiacun's side ended, he sent over 3,500 spirit stones from the resale of the elixirs. Adding this to the 1,500 spirit stones given earlier, Xue Xiang had now raised 5,000 spirit stones.

Having lived in this world for so long, Xue Xiang has a clear understanding of current prices and the purchasing power of spirit stones.

In daily life, a spirit stone is roughly equivalent to the purchasing power of 10,000 RMB in one's previous life.

In the training grounds, the purchasing power of a spirit stone is rather unpredictable.

Because of the unstable supply of cultivation resources, their market value fluctuates.

No matter how volatile things may be, the five thousand spirit stones he raised were undoubtedly a huge sum of money.

Before he could take any action, he received a spirit ticket the day before yesterday, with a face value of one thousand.

Along with the spirit ticket, a piece of paper was also delivered, with only two words on it: "Keep going."

Judging from the handwriting alone, Xue Xiang immediately recognized that it was a gift from the woman in the yellow dress.

Yesterday evening, Zhao Huanhuan sent Su Danqing to deliver two thousand spirit stones to him, saying that she knew he was in urgent need of money and that he should take it first. She also said that the Anti-Justice Selling Association was still operating, so this money wouldn't be lost.

Thus, Xue Xiang, carrying a huge sum of eight thousand spirit stones, set off at dawn towards Moyun City, three hundred miles away.

The intercity airship that Xue Xiang rode cost more than ten times more than a horse-drawn carriage, but it was also more than ten times faster.

At the helmsman's call, Moyun City appeared in the distance in the morning light. Its walls were high and steep, built of blue stone, and shrouded in a light mist, as if an invisible array was protecting the entire city in the clouds.

Ten breaths later, Xue Xiang arrived at Moyun City, the second most important town in Canglan Prefecture after Canglan City.

The streets are wide and straight, paved with bluestone, and teeming with pedestrians, yet everything is orderly.

The pavilions on both sides are lined up one after another, all with carved beams and painted rafters. Gilded beast bells hang from the eaves. When a breeze blows, they make a clear and melodious sound, which echoes the long cries of the cranes soaring in the sky.

Perhaps Feiyu Auction House is about to make a big move, as cultivators and powerful figures from all over the world are gathering here.

From time to time, sword cultivators in white robes wielding swords, alchemists carrying medicine baskets on their shoulders, and young cultivators riding flying swords soaring through the air came into view.

Outside the spiritual tea shop on the street corner, the air was filled with the aroma of tea, and several cultivators who looked like scholars were brewing tea and discussing scriptures.

Further on, the medicine shop was filled with a dazzling array of golden boxes and jade bottles, their surfaces shimmering with spiritual light.

The most eye-catching feature is the towering Cloud Tower in the heart of the city. The tower is made of purple-gold spirit jade and is engraved with totems of ten thousand beasts. Nine golden dragons circle and dance around the top of the tower, and auspicious clouds fall with their breath. It seems that all the spiritual veins of the city are gathered here.

Upon seeing the iconic Moyun Tower, Xue Xiang knew he had arrived at his destination. He headed west and, after walking only two miles, spotted a luxurious tower made of white jade.

This is the location of Feiyu Trading Company's headquarters.

In front of the white jade tower is a square several tens of feet in circumference, paved with bluestone, which has been nurtured by the spirit array for many years and has a mirror-like luster.

The area was heavily guarded, with each cultivator covered in armor, silver feathers embroidered on their chests, and talismanic blades at their waists. Their expressions were cold and stern, and their eyes, like those of hawks, scanned the passersby.

The square was already packed with people.

Xue Xiang arrived at a gate leading into the square, where several merchants were negotiating with a manager, asking how they could set up a stall in the square.

The manager spoke politely but firmly, stating that each stall required a payment of five spirit stones.

Upon hearing the exorbitant price, the people who inquired about it all gasped in shock, but seeing the scene in the square, they were reluctant to leave.

While the group was still debating, someone squeezed forward, paid quickly without a word, took a number, and happily went inside to set up their stall.

After much hesitation, the group finally made up their minds, paid the fee, and got their licenses.

Xue Xiang clicked his tongue in amazement. He only glanced at the square and saw that there were at least several hundred stalls.

This alone brought Feiyu Trading Company an income of over two thousand spirit stones.

Xue Xiang was looking him over when the manager who had been serving the guests finally noticed him and went up to ask him something.

Without further ado, Xue Xiang took out a black gold invitation card inlaid with flying feather patterns.

Upon seeing this, the gatekeeper immediately became serious, made a "please" gesture, and led him around the crowd into the quiet room on the right.

The room was softly lit, and the tables and chairs were made of nanmu wood, with a faint scent of sandalwood in the air.

A neatly dressed female cultivator came forward, cupped her hands in greeting, and the steward also bowed to Xue before retreating.

The female cultivator got straight to the point, informing Xue Xiang that, according to procedure, they needed to issue auction certificates first.

However, before issuing the auction certificate, they are obligated to inform Xue Xiang that he needs to provide proof of identity, and that they will later record a video of him receiving the certificate, asking Xue Xiang if he can accept this.

"I'm here to buy things, and you're here to sell things. Why are you making such a fuss?"

Xue Xiang was naturally unwilling to keep a record of his activities, after all, no one wants to expose their wealth and strength.

The female cultivator said gently, "We understand your concerns, but it is impossible for us to allow our clients to participate in such a large-scale event under any circumstances."

We refuse to allow any strange or mysterious monks to participate in our auctions.

If you cannot agree with our philosophy, we will have to abandon this cooperation.

Similarly, having operated auctions for many years, we possess unique expertise in protecting client confidentiality.

To date, there has never been a leak.

"How can I prove it? Do I need to provide my household registration information?"

Xue Xiang knew he couldn't shake the ironclad rules established by a long-standing business, so he simply stopped dwelling on the matter.

"Does your honored guest have a recommender? If so, and they have a proven track record with us, then it's very simple. If not, please provide the details of how you obtained the invitation letter, and we will verify it. Of course, if someone in your family has served as an official in the imperial court, their recommendation would also be acceptable..."

"Can't I be an official myself?"

Xue Xiangliang produced the magic talisman.

The female cultivator's eyes lit up. "That would be perfect. It would save us a lot of trouble."

Xue Xiang showed the information from the talisman. The female cultivator smiled and bowed, saying, "So you are the renowned Mr. Bei Qiu. I am honored to meet you today."

Xue Xiang was already numb; he himself couldn't count how many nicknames he had. Almost every famous work had an additional nickname.

Following Mr. Er Diao, Mr. Kan Hua Lang, and Mr. Qing Tian Ju Shi, Mr. Bei Qiu has now made a dazzling appearance.

However, to be fair, what Xue Xiang liked most and most wanted to put into practice was the Whip Woman Knight.

After Xue Xiang agreed, the process went very quickly.

Soon, Xue Xiang received a green ring, which served as his entry and exit pass, bidding pass, and settlement pass during the auction.

Xue Xiang put away the ring, came out of the quiet room, and stepped into the square.

At this moment, the square was filled with stalls on both sides, bustling with activity, the sounds of hawking and bargaining rising and falling, a lively scene where the lights and fireworks intertwined.

He strolled along, occasionally stopping to look around. There were vendors selling medicinal herbs, their roots still carrying the fresh scent of the soil.
There are talismans for sale; the talisman surfaces shimmer with spiritual light, faintly revealing array patterns.

In several other places, refining furnaces and semi-finished magical artifacts were set up for on-site demonstrations, attracting many cultivators to watch.

As he reached a corner, his gaze was drawn to a stall.

Behind the stall sat a young man in his early twenties. His clothes were not particularly luxurious, but they were clean and neat. His face looked slightly haggard, but his eyes were very determined.

On the table, a fist-sized grayish-white stone sat quietly, its surface covered with dark red veins. It seemed ordinary, yet it exuded an eerie aura.

He shouted loudly, attracting many onlookers, "Do you recognize this? This is the Demon King's egg, from the land of demons."

It was a serendipitous encounter that I obtained from an old man.

That old man also went into the Demon Realm for trials back then, and that's how he brought out this Demon King's Egg..."

The stall owner was efficient and quick-witted, but after he rattled off his rant, more people left than came to watch the spectacle.

Xue Xiang chuckled and prepared to leave.

He had been through the trials of the Land of Demons and knew all too well what kind of place it was.

The Land of Demons is a corrupt place born from the combination of literary and filthy energies.

While there are indeed very precious crystal cores inside, it is a place where they cannot be stored for long.

More importantly, no monster can leave the Land of Demonic Imperfection alive, just as no crystal core can leave the Land of Demonic Imperfection without dissipating.

The stall owner's very first sentence revealed his ignorance and lack of knowledge.

“I know that you all assume that I am not unaware of the many taboos of the Demonic Land, but this strange item of mine comes from the Demonic Land. There are also the old man’s notes here, which you may look through.”

As he spoke, the stall owner took out a stack of booklets and scattered them on the stall.

Curious, everyone grabbed a copy, and in no time, the booklet was empty.

Xue Xiang also managed to snatch a copy and started reading. He had a photographic memory, so he read very quickly.

In just over ten breaths, he finished reading it.

The first part of the booklet describes what the person saw and heard in the land of demonic obstacles, which is similar to what Xue Xiang experienced when he entered the land of demonic obstacles, so it doesn't seem to be made up.

The middle section tells how the person involved obtained the Demon King's Egg.

It is said that as soon as the Demon King's Egg was born, a monster the size of a mountain was annihilated. The monster's breath turned into clouds and its exhalation into rain. At the moment of its death, the golden crystal core flew out and transformed into auspicious seven-colored light, which entered the body of the Demon Egg.

As soon as the Demon King died, countless high-level demons rushed to devour the demon eggs, and all of them exploded and died.

This part sounded like a traditional folktale to Xue Xiang, and wasn't very credible.

The latter part of the booklet tells the story of how the person who obtained the demon egg led it out of the demonic land.

At first, he wanted to resell it, but no one recognized its value.

Later, he discovered that the demon egg could breathe, and that the fluff and wisps that got close would be blown away by the demon egg.

Only then did he realize that the demon egg was alive.

Over the years, he tried every possible way to activate the demon egg, but to no avail, leaving only endless regret.

This concludes the contents of the booklet.

"You make it sound so real. He can still breathe. Let us see him breathe."

Someone booed.

The stall owner, sticking out his neck, said, "Anyway, when I got the demon egg, it was already breathing. If I put willow catkins or cotton on it, it would be blown away."

However, in the past year or two, for some reason, the effect stopped; perhaps he fell into a coma.

As soon as these words came out, the whole place was in an uproar.

"Even if what you say proves it was alive before but is dead now, are you trying to fool people with an inanimate object?"

"I think they were dead from the very beginning. How could any monster from the Land of Demonic Imperfection survive after leaving there?"

"If you rely on storybooks and legends to sell goods, why don't you learn from Xiang Jianjiang and write a book called 'I Came From the Mortal World'? He must have made a lot of money."

"........."

After the noise subsided, the crowd dispersed.

Xue Xiang wanted to grab the demon egg to take a look, but an old man in white robes beat him to it.

The old man weighed the demon egg in his hand and stroked it carefully. "Boss, name your price. I think it's pretty good. If it's reasonable, I'll take it."

"one thousand."

Upon hearing the stall owner's words, Xue Xiang's interest immediately waned.

The white-robed old man sneered, "Even if the story in your booklet is true, there's no reason to ask for such a price."

The stall owner frowned and said, "Five hundred, I can't lower the price any further. Even if it's a dead stock, I can't let this demon egg be dishonored."

"two hundred."

The old man in white robes said, "I also thought this thing looked extraordinary, so I bought it as a gamble, and that's the price."

"Three hundred, that's the lowest we can go."

"Two hundred and twenty, that's my limit."

"You idiot, even if the sky falls, I won't surrender."

"..."

The two went back and forth, negotiating fiercely.

Xue Xiang immediately saw through their act and became even more indifferent, turning away.

As soon as he left, the stall owner and the old man in white robes deflated like punctured balloons, each muttering a curse before parting ways.

Xue Xiang continued browsing the stalls, but after half an incense stick's time, he didn't see many good items.

He only believes now that there was no such thing as missing out.

The truly good things are all in the hands of famous people and wealthy families, either hidden deep in the palace or sold in high places. The probability of them ending up on the street is extremely low.

"Hey, Old Su."

Xue Xiang spotted Su Jianmo, the abbot of Wuzhuang Temple, and one of the most outstanding Core Formation experts among the group of powerful cultivators before the Lord of Mingde Dongxuan.

He recognized Abbot Su, but Abbot Su did not recognize him.

Xue Xiang wouldn't be foolish enough to try and befriend them. He was wandering aimlessly when he suddenly spotted three guys he didn't want to see.

Lu Wenhou, Shen Nansheng, Lou Changqing.

Clearly, these three didn't want to see him either. After exchanging glances, the three turned and left.

The elders in the family have given instructions: you can mess with anyone, but you must never mess with Xue Xiang again. He's a jinx reincarnated, a scourge you must never associate with.

The powerful families, led by the Shen family, have dominated Canaan County for many years, always with unimpeded access and invincible success.

But ever since they ran into this scourge, they have suffered losses and defeats time and time again, almost squandering the last bit of wealth and resources of their aristocratic family.

These families in Canaan have become a laughing stock among the other prominent families in the counties.

Normally, they are not so willing to listen to the advice and instructions of their elders at home.

However, the elders in the family deeply agreed with Xue Xiang's assessment.

I've never seen anyone so capable of causing trouble.

They had already decided that unless they entered the Trial Realm, they would never clash with Xue Xiang, and they would not even meet him.

It seems that if this guy just glances at you, you'll be impotent for half a year.

"The three of you are all from the same year, so let's have a chat."

Xue Xiang rushed forward and approached the three of them, saying, "I see that the auras of the three of you have increased significantly. You must have mastered the secret technique and succeeded. Congratulations!"

"In a few days, once we enter the Trial Realm, we brothers must help and support each other." Upon hearing Xue Xiang's words, all three of them felt physically nauseous.

After more than ten breaths, all three of them could no longer hold on, left the square, and fled in panic.

"How boring. I wish Brother Mengde were here."

As Xue Xiang was muttering to himself, a person walked towards him with a smile; it was none other than Ling Xueyi, a young demon.

During the county examination, he gained extra points for being of a different ethnicity, allowing him to surpass Shen Nansheng and others and rank second.

When Xue Xiang confronted Lü Wenhou and others, Ling Xueyi also helped him on several occasions.

Upon their reunion today, Xue Xiang naturally did not look down on them as demons. He bowed respectfully from afar, and after exchanging pleasantries, Ling Xueyi led Xue Xiang to a secluded spot to speak. "I have often heard of Brother Xue's remarkable deeds in the county, and I admire them immensely."

Xue Xiang smiled and said, "You flatter me. May I ask where Brother Ling is currently serving?"

"I am but a humble soldier serving as the military commander of a county in the north."

"What kind of assignment is this?"

"The northern border is newly opened, and the system is incomplete. Counties and cities are the same. The military commander is in charge of the troops of a county. The border is in chaos. I only have two thousand soldiers under my command."

"Two thousand soldiers? Brother Ling, have you joined the local Temple of Seal?"

"It's natural."

Xue Xiang cracked open.

He worked himself to the bone in the inland areas, and now he is only the acting abbot, still a tenth-rank celestial official.

Ling Xueyi is already the head of a county, which is the rank of an eighth-grade celestial official.

Seemingly noticing Xue Xiang's surprise, Ling Xueyi said, "The borderlands are not the same as the inland areas. Brother Xue has made steady progress and his foundation is far superior to mine. Naturally, I can only look up to his future achievements."

By the way, Brother Xue, have you received any secret information about the upcoming trials?

Xue Xiangdao said, "I heard that those with excellent grades can enter the middle management area."

In addition, the crystal cores obtained in this trial can belong to oneself and can be stored in the central warehouse.

Aside from that, there seems to be no other useful information.

Ling Xueyi nodded, "I've heard what Brother Xue said."

But I heard that there's a trial champion this time, and a mysterious grand prize?

"A mysterious gift? How mysterious?"

Xue Xiang became interested.

Ling Xueyi shook her head, "The person who gave me the information didn't explain it clearly either. Anyway, I'm optimistic about Brother Xue and hope he can win the championship again in the trial."

"Just kidding."

Suddenly, Xue Xiang caught sight of a pretty girl not far away. He apologized to Ling Xueyi and walked towards the pretty girl.

A pretty young woman stood on a step covered with spiritual brocade, her hands clasped in a fist salute, a smile on her face, seeing off an elderly man with white hair and beard and an elegant demeanor.

The old man walked with his hands behind his back, his pace unhurried and his expression indifferent. He seemed unconcerned about Xue Jian's words, merely nodding slightly before stepping down the steps and disappearing into the crowd in the square.

Xue Jian watched the old man's figure disappear, his brows furrowing slightly, as if he were somewhat displeased.

"What a coincidence, Miss Xuejian is here too."

Xue Xiang greeted him.

Xue Jian turned around, and upon seeing him, her expression relaxed somewhat, a smile appearing on her brows. "So it's Young Master Xue."

"What's going on, Miss Xuejian?"

Xue Xiang looked at the old man.

“On behalf of my lord… never mind, let’s not talk about anything unpleasant.”

Xue Jian smiled and said, "Young master, you've come here to prepare for the trial, haven't you?"

Xue Xiang nodded. "Could it be that Yuanjun is also preparing to enter the Land of Demonic Imperfection?"

Xue Jian nodded.

Xue Xiang said, "The Demonic Land is extremely dangerous. Why should the Primordial Lord take the risk?"

"It was a last resort..."

Xue Jian hesitated, then said, "Please forgive me, my lord, there are some things I cannot say."

Now that I have run into you here, my lord, you should go and pay your respects to my Lady.

To be honest, my lord, my beloved wife has not been happy for a long time.

"Of course I'll go."

"Great, let's go."

At that moment, Xue Jian led Xue Xiang away from the Flying Fish Trading Company, bypassed several quiet streets and alleys, and headed east for more than ten miles. Suddenly, the view opened up ahead, and a vast expanse of blue water came into view.

The lake surface is like a mirror, shimmering with light, and occasionally a gentle breeze will ripple it.

A lakeside manor is nestled among weeping willows and bamboo groves. A vermilion-lacquered corridor and white jade railings meander along the lake shore, and gilded wind chimes hang under the eaves, their sounds ringing out like chimes when the wind blows.

The manor gates were high and wide, adorned with carved dragons and phoenixes, and flanked by guards with swords, their expressions cold and their gazes sharp as blades.

Xue Jian stopped and glanced at the gate. He said in a low voice, "This place is not like Zhaoyewu. There are too many people and too many eyes here. It is not convenient for me to take you in through the main gate."

She gestured slightly, pointing to the right, where there was a gray-white wall entwined with vines, with several clumps of emerald green lake stone grass growing at its base. "I'll go in first, release the protective formation over there, and you can climb over from there."

Xue Xiang became increasingly curious about the woman in the yellow dress's identity. He had long guessed that she was of noble birth, but he hadn't expected that her status was probably even more noble than he had imagined.

…………

The lake water is shallow and clear, with gentle ripples.

A woman in a yellow dress strolled along the lakeside, the golden hem of her dress fluttering in the morning breeze, swaying gently against her long, slender legs, her waist swaying lightly as she walked, delicate and supple.

Her hair was slightly disheveled by the damp lake breeze, and the fine strands of hair clung to her neck, making her snow-white skin appear even more radiant.

Reaching the edge of the bank, she stopped, her hand resting on a weeping willow. Her long, slender fingers and slightly bent back created a beautiful arc, like a newly blooming flower bowing its head by the water.

A breeze blew across the water, gently lifting the folds of her skirt to reveal a glimpse of her slender, white ankles, which were then obscured by the light mist, appearing and disappearing almost imperceptibly.

She looked down at the water, and a sense of melancholy suddenly welled up in her heart.

If I had persisted just a little longer back then, perhaps I wouldn't have had to enter the gates of Prince Yong's mansion.

Perhaps, she can still stand freely in the pavilion in the middle of the lake, just like in the old days, wielding her pen to correct articles, without having to hide her joys and sorrows behind closed doors.

Standing sadly by the lake, looking back on the past, I realize that I have had very little true happiness in my life.

What I cherish most are those days in Zhaoyewu.

On a cold, snowy night, in the pavilion in the middle of the lake, she brewed tea while he wrote calligraphy.

The boy had clear, bright eyes. Occasionally, he would look up and ask her about a couplet. She would smile and give him a gentle hint, and he would nod in understanding and write with lightning speed.

It was a rare moment of ease and joy in her life; the aroma of tea and the sound of reading intertwined, as if there were no more worries in the world.

A fog suddenly rose from the lake.

The fog slowly drifted in from afar, obscuring the horizon where the water met the sky in a white haze.

In the thin mist, a tall figure seemed to materialize, her clothes fluttering, as she walked on the water.

She stared intently, her heart suddenly tightening as the shadow drew closer, its features becoming clearer.

It's really him.

No, how could he possibly be here? It's a hallucination.

Zhou Ping, Zhou Ping, aren't you ashamed?
The woman in the yellow dress touched her face, which was already burning red.

With a soft pop, the shadow actually made a sound.

The woman in the yellow dress looked closely, but there was no shadow at all.

Xue Xiang came stepping on the lake waves, as if he were walking on a layer of fine, shimmering waves.

As he approached, his smile vanished, and he bowed deeply, saying, "Xue Xiang greets the Primordial Lord."

The woman in the yellow dress was taken aback. She hurriedly tried to pull off her veil, only to find Xue Xiang staring at her with undisguised admiration in his eyes.

She was slightly pleased and lowered her hand.

Xue Xiang said, "I am deeply grateful for the thousand spirit stones bestowed upon me by the Yuanjun. I am honored to express my gratitude in person today."

The woman in the yellow dress waved her hand. "A small gift, nothing to mention. But it's you who's been causing trouble in Canaan that's worrying. Has the chaos in Canaan been resolved?"

Xue Xiang nodded. "Why did Yuanjun come to Canglan Prefecture? Are you also planning to go to the Land of Demons?"

The woman in the yellow dress nodded slightly.

Xue Xiang asked, "Have you encountered some trouble?"

"It must have been Xuejian who was too talkative."

The woman in the yellow dress said, "It's not much trouble. It's just a matter of recruiting some capable people to join us."

We've already found most of the people, so there's no need to worry.

Alright, it's rare for us to meet, let's not talk about these mundane things.

Mr. Xue, how did you write your poem "When Will the Moon Be Bright Again"?

The entire piece is truly beyond human comprehension.

A gentle breeze wafted by the lake, rippling the water and softening the melancholy in the woman's eyes.

Xue Xiang stood side by side with her, discussing poetry and essays, sometimes quoting classical texts, sometimes making witty remarks.

At first, the woman in the yellow dress listened quietly, but gradually her eyes brightened and a long-lost smile appeared on her lips.

The two engaged in a question-and-answer session, discussing everything from the poem "When Will the Moon Be Bright Again" to the beauty of ancient poets' descriptions of water and the moon, and then to the balance between expressing emotions and depicting scenery in poetry.

The woman in the yellow dress pursed her lips slightly, "Discussing poetry with you is like the clear water of this lake, untouched by dust."

Xue Xiang smiled and bowed, "A single word from you, my Lady, is worth more than ten years of studying."

Just as they were getting into the conversation, Xue Jian's hurried footsteps came from afar.

She stepped forward and whispered, "Your Highness, the young prince has arrived."

The goddess in the yellow dress showed a slight change in expression.

Xue Xiang was taken aback, and immediately became wary.

Although he didn't know who the young prince was, he could sense a hint of hostility in Xue Jian's tone.

Xue Jian took a step closer and said to Xue Xiang in a low voice, "You should avoid this place for a while."

Xue Xiang was about to climb over the wall to leave when Xue Jian hurriedly reached out and grabbed him. "It's too late. The young prince possesses four spirit pets. If he is determined to search, no matter how quiet you are, you won't be able to hide it. Quick, go over there."

She pointed to a pink wall not far away, the shadow of which was perfectly hidden by the weeping willows by the lake.

Xue Xiang said no more and quickly disappeared behind the wall.

Before long, footsteps approached, and a young man in fine clothes walked onto the lakeside promenade.

He was handsome with striking features, yet his expression carried a sharp, cold edge.

His gaze swept across the surroundings like a blade, finally settling on the woman in the yellow dress's waist and hips, his eyes now carrying a hint of aggression.

He held a bouquet of blooming roses in his arms, a hint of frivolity in his smile, and slowly said, "Auntie, it's been a long time. Your nephew has come to visit."

The woman in the yellow dress had already lowered her veil, shielding herself from that burning gaze.

"Wei Ruyi, there's no need for your pretense. You should leave immediately."

The woman in the yellow dress loathed him so much that she wouldn't even bother to put on a show of politeness.

The young prince remained calm and composed, a faint smile playing on his lips. "With my uncle deceased, the heir young, and my aunt widowed, it is only right that I, as his nephew, visit them frequently."

After all, even before her aunt entered the Prince Yong's mansion, she was already renowned for her unparalleled beauty in Jiangzuo.

"Upon closer inspection, Aunt is no more than twenty years old, in the bloom of youth, radiant with the beauty of peach blossoms and apricots. I, your nephew, am worried that if rumors were to spread, it would tarnish the dignity of our royal family."

"Be bold!"

The woman in the yellow dress said coldly, "Everyone knows what you, Wei Ruyi, are up to."

"The Prince Yong's mansion still has its heir, and it still has me, the Princess Consort of Yong. It's not your place to stir up trouble."

Wei Ruyi leaned slightly closer, lowering her voice with a hint of sarcasm, "Auntie, I advise you to be clear-headed."

The Crown Prince has been sickly since childhood. He must have eaten dragon liver and phoenix marrow over the years, how is it?
Just lingering.

I am the true bloodline of Prince Yong.

And you, you're nothing more than a second wife, or rather, the royal family used you to curry favor with your great-uncle...

Not to mention.

When you married into the Yong Prince's mansion, the Yong Prince even had difficulty getting out of bed.

To be frank, I'm afraid your aunt is still a virgin.

At this point, his eyes grew even bolder. "Don't worry, Auntie. Once you marry into the Yong Prince's family, I'll make sure you become a true Princess Consort of Yong."

"roll!"

The woman in the yellow dress shouted sharply, her palm gleaming with a cold light.

Wei Ruyi said angrily, "Don't be so ungrateful. Once I find the Dragon Staff and open the Yong King's secret treasure, the elders will determine who is the true successor."

I urge you to think carefully: do you want to spend the rest of your life in seclusion with a Buddhist lamp and a Buddha statue, or do you want to be with me and become a divine couple?

"Xuejian, record it all."

The woman in the yellow dress suddenly spoke up.

Wei Ruyi was filled with shock and anger when Xue Jian's voice came from afar, "It's been recorded."

“Very good. Take it to the Imperial Clan Court and see if Wei Ruyi should be torn to pieces or imprisoned in a pig cage.”

"you!"

Wei Ruyi took a deep breath. "Don't scare me. If there really is a recording, my four spirit pets will find out."

We’ll see.”

Despite his harsh words, he ultimately dared not linger there, snorted coldly, and quickly left.

Watching Wei Ruyi leave, the woman in the yellow dress moved lightly, circled around to the side of the wall, peeked out slightly, and saw Xue Xiang hiding in the shadows. She then lowered her voice and said, "Come out."

Xue Xiang reached out and pulled her gently behind the wall, his movements somewhat hurried.

The woman in the yellow dress trembled, her heart pounding like a deer's.

Xue Xiang leaned close to her ear and whispered, "Don't move. Wei Ruyi's ghost pet is drifting this way."

The woman in the yellow dress slightly raised her eyes, glanced at him through her veil, and asked in a voice as soft as the wind, "You can see me?"

"I possess the Dark Night Eyes."

Xue Xiang lowered his voice, "It's coming over, don't speak."

Before the words were even finished, the temperature around them plummeted, and a chilling wind seemed to surge up from the ground, sweeping over them with a frigid atmosphere.

The woman in the yellow dress instinctively shrank into Xue Xiang's broad embrace, a feeling she couldn't quite describe welling up inside her.

Xue Xiang's hot breath tickled her ear, and if it weren't for the veil covering her face, her already flushed face would have been too embarrassing to show.

A faint, delicate fragrance wafted to Xue Xiang's nose, causing his heart to flutter slightly.

Their breaths mingled in the air, creating a sense of ambiguity.

(End of this chapter)