I proved immortality through the imperial examination.

Chapter 230 Forced to stay
"Fine, fine, since you're so shameless, don't blame me for being ruthless. I can't touch you, but I can't touch him either..."

Ning Yi's face flushed red as he angrily pointed at Xue Xiang.

Xue Xiang ignored Ning Yi and sent a telepathic message to Su Ning, "If I make a move here, will it implicate you?"

"I'm not afraid. Ning Yi can't do anything to me, but you'd better not do that. Ning Yi is petty."

Su Ning winked at him.

Xue Xiang shifted his gaze, a slight smirk playing on his lips, and transmitted his voice, "I'm not that petty either."

Suning's almond-shaped eyes widened!

Just then, Xue Xiang tightened his grip, and the dwarf's throat bone shattered with a muffled thud, like a broken branch snapping.

A fishy smell emanated from the dwarf's body, and the moment he landed, three wisps of gray-black energy swirled out.

The reason Xue Xiangxia killed him was because his Xuan Ye Tong had already locked onto the three ghost pets on the dwarf's shoulder.

They huddled on the dwarf's shoulders, resembling withered dogs, their yin energy stagnant and stagnant. They emanated malice towards Xue Xiang, yet were intimidated by Xue Xiang's immense aura and dared not attack.

However, Xue Xiang knew a great deal about evil spirits and knew that anyone who could raise such a ghost pet was a wicked and evil person.

Because a large number of living souls are needed to nourish them, simply collecting yin spirits is definitely not enough.

The only way is to kill living beings and create new souls to feed them.

For an ordinary person to keep even one such ghostly pet would be considered extremely wicked, yet this person actually kept three.

Xue Xiang's murderous intent had long been burning.

At this moment, Ning Yi declared that Xue Xiang should simply kill the dwarf in public and show off his prowess.

As soon as the black mist emerged, a burnt, fishy smell filled the air. The dwarf's corpse was immediately engulfed by the black mist and turned into a stench, dissipating with it, leaving only a pool of blood as proof that he had once existed.

"You've really gone too far."

Ning Yi was furious. "How dare you commit violence here! I'll kill you!"

He had barely uttered the words when he felt a blur before his eyes.

Xue Xiang had already rushed close, and his palm strike swept past with a roar, creating a whistling sound. Ning Yi was filled with shock and anger, and tried to dodge, but it was too late.

With a sharp crack, Ning Yi was sent flying. He used his spiritual power in mid-air to barely regain his balance.

When I looked up again, half of my face was swollen.

The entire audience was shocked.

If Xue Xiang's previous fight with everyone in order to capture the dwarf could be attributed to the possibility that he was fearless due to ignorance, then...

Now that Ning Yi's identity as the heir of the Prince of Duan is clear, Xue Xiang's willingness to slap him in the face is pushing the limits of everyone's understanding.

Xue Xiang withdrew his palm, slightly raised his sleeve, and looked indifferent.

Ning Yi covered his face, his chest heaving violently. He laughed in fury, pointing a finger at Xue Xiang, his face bloodshot. "Damn it, you're dead, you're definitely dead!"

Xue Xiang looked at him with an indifferent gaze, then suddenly raised his hand, startling Ning Yi, who quickly stepped back.

Xue Xiang raised his hand, but instead touched his own clothes, gently smoothing out the wrinkles.

Enraged, Ning Yi pointed at the group of aristocratic scions behind him and shouted angrily, "Are they all dead?!"

The scions of those aristocratic families looked at each other, their feet firmly planted on the ground.

A breeze swept through the courtyard from under the eaves, lifting a few plum blossoms that landed on their hair ornaments; no one dared to raise a hand to brush them away.

They were terrified that if they made a move, Ning Yi would spot them and they would become the first to stick their necks out.

Su Ning was also extremely surprised, as she knew that Xue Xiang had not yet formed his core.

The people before them were all Core Formation experts.

What's happening here?
Little did Su Ning know that Xue Xiang's battle with the others when he captured the dwarf was brief yet intense.

Everyone unleashed their spells, but Xue Xiang blocked them all.

It turns out that during his travels throughout the past year, Xue Xiang had focused his mind on practicing ancient runes.

You could even say that this isn't practice, but awakening.

The saintly state of mind that was replaced in the Wendao Stele still plays a role today.

He mastered every skill point that was triggered.

This point is most fully demonstrated in the study of ancient hand patterns.

It seems that the saint's state of mind is particularly easily triggered by ancient runes.

As a result, Xue Xiang mastered the ancient runes at an incredibly fast pace.

It is worth mentioning that he distributed the ancient runes to various powerful individuals for research and persisted in holding ancient rune lectures in the Wenxu Blessed Land for a long time, which also brought him the best rewards.

These obscure and difficult-to-understand ancient patterns were deciphered one by one.

It was precisely because the ancient runes were deciphered one after another that the saint's state of mind was frequently triggered.

After mastering the ancient runes, Xue Xiang's mastery of various spells experienced a qualitative leap.

Whether it was using the ancient rune version of the Earthwalking Technique to track the dwarf, or using the ancient runes to break through the protective array of Prince Duan's villa, he handled it with ease.

When he fought against the others, he used spells derived from ancient runes to deal with them, and he was truly calm and composed, handling the situation with ease.

At this moment, the young masters of noble families dared not confront Xue Xiangfang, for they were wary of his unpredictable magical abilities.

Ning Yi never expected this outcome. He swept his cold gaze across the crowd, and everyone lowered their heads in silence.

Xue Xiang stared at Ning Yi, "What's the point of dragging them into this? If you're so capable, go and do it yourself."

Ning Yi was so angry that his three corpses were about to explode, but he didn't dare to actually step forward.

"This is their territory after all. Let's find a chance to leave."

After sending the message, Suning said a few polite words and then prepared to take his leave.

Then a rough laugh came from afar, like thunder rolling out from the depths of the clouds.

"It's rare for my eldest niece to visit her second uncle's house. What's wrong? She didn't even say hello to her second uncle before coming and going in such a hurry?"

Before the words had even faded, the east gate of the plum garden suddenly swung open.

Immediately, a group of people walked out, with a middle-aged man wearing a black and gold python robe in the very center.

The man was tall and imposing, with broad shoulders like mountains, sharply defined eyebrows, and a cold, steady glint in his eyes. Though a few strands of white hair adorned his temples, they did not signify old age, but rather added to his sharpness.

As you walk, each step seems to leave an invisible mark on the earth.

"It really is him. After more than a year, his injuries have fully recovered, and he is even better than before."

Xue Xiang muttered to himself.

In the chaotic sea of ​​Wenyuan, he transformed into the Bear King Kong and got involved in the great war between the human and demon races. He fought against Prince Duan and seriously injured him.

The Prince Duan before them exuded even greater power, and with each step he took into the courtyard, the atmosphere immediately tightened.

In addition, five people followed closely behind Prince Duan, each with an extraordinary presence.

“My eldest niece rarely comes to my second uncle’s house, so why did she make such a fuss when she did?”

Prince Duan glanced briefly at the bloodstains on the ground, then fixed his gaze on Ning Yi's swollen face, and said with a half-smile.

As soon as he finished speaking, his five trusted men behind him silently formed a formation, subtly surrounding Xue Xiang and Su Ning in the center.

"Greetings, Your Highness Prince Duan."

A group of scions of noble families bowed to Prince Duan.

Su Ning cupped her hands and bowed, saying, "My niece greets her second uncle."

Prince Duan nodded, his gaze fixed on Xue Xiang.

Xue Xiang stood behind the crowd, his clothes fluttering slightly, his gaze calm.

He made no move and said nothing.

He knew that based on the commotion he had just caused, whether he bowed or not would make no difference; the Prince of Duan's attitude towards him would not change. "Such composure; it's rare to see someone so calm and collected in front of me."

Prince Duan stared at Xue Xiang and said, "You were the one who did it, weren't you? You're the first person to dare commit violence in the Prince's residence. State your name. I want to know who knows they're guilty of a capital offense but still chooses to die."

Su Ning cupped his hands and said, "Second Uncle, please forgive me, there is a misunderstanding in this matter."

A thief was spying on me, but my friend caught him and chased him all the way here.

The thief resisted and was killed by my friend.

Furthermore, my friend was unaware that this was a prince's villa; as the saying goes, ignorance is no excuse.

Prince Duan smiled slightly, his eyes deep and unfathomable. "My niece has quite the silver tongue. If you say it's not a crime, then it's not a crime."

At this point, he changed the subject, pointing his finger directly at Ning Yi, "The injuries on Ning Yi's face, he didn't inflict them himself, did he?"

"I did."

Xue Xiang interrupted loudly, which startled everyone.

No one knew who this guy was or where he got this incredible courage from.

He mistakenly entered Prince Duan's villa and committed violence there, injuring Prince Duan's heir.

Any one of these three offenses, if taken out of context, would be a capital offense.

Ning Yi was also stunned. He had seen ruthless people before, but he had never seen anyone so ruthless.

Prince Duan stared intently at Xue Xiang, feeling that this man had a very different temperament. He wondered where he had seen him before, but he couldn't remember at all.

Xue Xiang said loudly, "The Prince Duan's son has a foul mouth and has insulted me. I will teach him a small lesson."

The cold smile on Prince Duan's face gradually faded. "You attacked because Prince Duan's heir insulted you? It seems that the dignity of the Great Zhou royal family is not worth mentioning in your eyes."
If I were to insult you, would you also attack me?

A breeze rustled through the plum trees in the courtyard, causing petals to fall softly and patter against the stone steps.

Prince Duan slowly approached Xue Xiang, each step he took seeming to tread on the nerves of everyone present.

"The laws of the Great Zhou Dynasty do not apply to individuals. If Prince Duan is frivolous, I have no reason to be humiliated. As a dignified cultivator, what is there to fear in a battle?"

Xue Xiang's eyes shone brightly. Instead of retreating, he stepped forward and strode towards Prince Duan.

The five trusted men behind Prince Duan were already creating violent air vibrations due to the ripples of spiritual energy around them.

Just then, a figure appeared between Prince Duan and Xue Xiang; it was Su Ning.

Su Ning said loudly, "Second Uncle, your niece hasn't seen you for a long time. Do you want to ask about fighting and killing as soon as we meet?"
My niece was spied on; the evidence is irrefutable, and the videotape is right here. This concerns my niece's reputation; shouldn't my second uncle stand up for her? If my grandfather finds out about this, he'll likely be displeased.

Prince Duan stopped in his tracks, his brow furrowing.

He knew in his heart that Suning was negotiating with him.

It simply means that they don't want to hold this scoundrel accountable for "breaking into the Prince's mansion and beating the Crown Prince."

Meanwhile, she would suppress the evidence that Ning Yi had sent people to spy on her, preventing the scandal from reaching the palace.

The two sides maintained a perfect balance, avoiding a complete breakdown in relations.

Prince Duan raised his hand and waved it, a smile returning to his face. "Very well, your grandfather was just frightened. Don't let him know about anything that upsets him."

He controlled his emotions with ease; he had been a ferocious tiger ready to devour anyone, but now he transformed into a gentle spring breeze sweeping through the pine forest. "My dear niece rarely visits her second uncle, so let's not talk about trivial matters."

Ning Yi, go and bring over the Prince's kitchen staff to properly entertain your second sister.

Ning Yi's face turned pale and then red. He swallowed hard and forced out two words, "Yes, sir."

As he turned around, his knuckles were almost bleeding, but he dared not retaliate.

Su Ning bowed slightly, "I appreciate your kindness, Second Uncle, but I have important matters to attend to at home, so I won't bother you any longer."

Prince Duan raised an eyebrow and unfolded a folding fan. “My dear niece rarely visits my second uncle’s house. Now that you’ve finally come, if I don’t invite you to stay for a meal, your royal grandfather will probably scold me for being cold-hearted as your uncle.”

Su Ning remained composed and respectful, saying, "My father has been unwell lately, and I must go back to take care of him."

Another day, my niece will host a banquet at the Crown Prince's residence to apologize to her second uncle.

Prince Duan's smile faded little by little. He slowly closed his folding fan and lightly tapped his palm. "What if your uncle insists on keeping you here?"

As soon as the words were spoken, the atmosphere in the courtyard, which had just relaxed, suddenly froze again.

Su Ning frowned slightly. She was certain that Prince Duan was not joking; he was really capable of doing it.

Su Ning's mind raced, and she said loudly, "I dare not hide it from my second uncle. Later, I will also pay my respects to my grandfather and bring him some freshly pickled garlic."

"I certainly wouldn't dare delay regarding my grandfather's affairs."

"Your royal grandfather probably won't be able to take care of your pickled garlic for the time being."

Prince Duan said in a deep voice, "You don't know yet, do you? Your grandfather went to Shenglongtai to pay respects at the ancestral temple today and was struck by lightning."

Although the Rising Dragon Platform was protected, the old man was still quite frightened. He has now returned to the Qingxiao Palace, where the heavy doors are tightly closed. He has issued an edict that, for the time being, no one will be seen except for the Grand Secretaries of the court.

"By the way, my dear elder brother, your father, our Crown Prince, has just received an imperial decree ordering him to recuperate and cultivate himself in the Liyuan Garden, and not to step out without an imperial edict."

These words shocked the entire audience. Suning's face turned pale, her pretty face as white as paper.

She believed that Prince Duan would not tell such an easily debunkable lie; if it were true, it would be tantamount to a calamity befalling the Crown Prince's faction.

After being struck by lightning, Emperor Tianshun returned to the palace and immediately issued an edict confining the Crown Prince, clearly indicating his suspicion that the lightning strike was a conspiracy by the Crown Prince.

This is absolutely a devastating blow to the Crown Prince's faction.

Xue Xiang frowned as well.

Although he had long heard that the internal strife within the Great Zhou royal family was incessant, with the Crown Prince vying for the throne with Prince Duan and Prince Zhao, the situation was raging like a raging fire. However, he never expected that his trip to seek the Ascension Platform would lead him right into the heart of the vortex.

This is not a good thing.

A thought flashed through his mind, but his thoughts quickly shifted—it might not be a bad thing after all.

If this storm truly affects the entire royal family, then the Thang Long Terrace, which previously had no chance, may now have one.

As long as one can take advantage of the situation, regardless of who stirred up the storm, one can guide it in order to ascend to the Dragon Platform.

Prince Duan walked slowly forward with his hands behind his back, and suddenly adopted a fatherly tone, "My dear niece, your royal grandfather has been frightened and is not seeing anyone. He needs to rest quietly."

Your father is confined to his room to reflect on his mistakes and can't even see you. What's the point of you going back?
"I'd better stay with my second uncle; at least I'll have some peace and quiet."

Prince Duan knew perfectly well that this niece before him was no ordinary princess.

On the surface, he appears as cold and aloof as ice and snow, but in reality, he possesses extraordinary intelligence and profound strategic acumen, making him a key figure in the Crown Prince's residence.

She was involved in almost every decision the Crown Prince made in court and every response he took.

Today, Emperor Shun was struck by lightning, and the court is bound to be in chaos.

If we can take this opportunity to forcibly keep this girl in our residence, it would be tantamount to cutting off the Crown Prince's arm.

Without her, the Crown Prince's palace was leaderless, and even the loyal ministers could only deal with the situation in a panic.

Once this day or two passes and the situation is settled, the tide of the world will turn.

Su Ning was well aware of Prince Duan's thoughts. She cupped her hands in greeting and said, "No matter what, my grandfather and father have suffered. How can I, as a junior, enjoy myself at my second uncle's house?"

Goodbye.

With that, Suning strode away.

The five trusted men behind Prince Duan moved simultaneously, tightening the encirclement and blocking Su Ning's path.

Prince Duan smiled and said, "My dear niece, the court and the Crown Prince's residence are both places of trouble. How can you not appreciate the good intentions of your uncle?"

Very well, let me make myself clear. I will keep you here to recuperate for the next day or two.

Reading, flower arranging, tea brewing—do as you please.

"Second Uncle, what if I insist on leaving?"

Su Ning's face was ashen. In a flash, she pulled a silver hairpin from her hair. The hairpin was long and slender, and with a cold glint in its light, she pressed it against the side of her neck.

The tip of the silver hairpin pressed against the snow-white skin, and a drop of blood was forced out, sliding down the neckline.

(End of this chapter)