The Hehuan Sect cultivates alchemy; my senior sister helps me refine alchemy throughout the world.

The next morning, Ao Ming issued an order to hold a banquet at the Dragon Palace at noon, inviting all the officials of the Dragon Palace to attend.

The Dragon King hosted a banquet, and although he did not say why, none of the officials dared not attend.

As noon approached, the officials arrived one after another at the main hall of the Dragon Palace.

A large red carpet was laid out inside the main hall, and more than a hundred single-person tables were placed in the center of the hall.

When Shen Yifei followed Ao Ting into the main hall, it was already bustling with activity. Dragon officials were gathered in twos and threes, chatting and laughing, creating a lively atmosphere.

When Ao Ting entered, everyone greeted him. They noticed that he was followed by a human, which seemed a bit strange, but since the crown prince was known for his eccentric behavior, no one dared to ask any further questions.

Shen Yifei was seated near the front, next to Ao Ting.

Today, Ao Ting wore a brocade robe embroidered with gold dragon patterns and a small gold crown inlaid with pearls on his head. He looked very energetic.

As soon as the two sat down, Ao Ting whispered to Shen Yifei, "Second brother-in-law, look over there, my third uncle is here."

Shen Yifei followed his gaze and saw a young man walking in from outside the hall.

Upon closer inspection, Ao Chong's appearance is quite similar to Ao Xue's when she's dressed as a man.

Today he was wearing a purple brocade robe with a gold belt around his waist, his hair was neatly tied up, and he had a faint smile on his face, looking gentle and refined.

If Shen Yifei hadn't known his background beforehand, he would never have associated the refined man before him with the ruthless villain who secretly poisoned people, colluded with sea monsters, and coveted the throne.

As soon as Ao Chong entered the room, all the officials stood up and bowed.

"The Third Prince has arrived!"

"Greetings, Third Prince!"

Ao Chong returned the greeting with a smile, his attitude humble and without any airs of a prince, able to chat with everyone for a few minutes. When he reached Shen Yifei's side, he paused for a moment.

"This must be Sect Master Shen, right?" Ao Chong looked at Shen Yifei with a smile. "I heard that Ting'er contracted a strange illness before the opening of Long City, and it was thanks to Sect Master Shen's help that he was saved."

Shen Yifei stood up and returned the greeting, "Third Prince, you are too kind. Treating His Highness the Crown Prince was just a coincidence. His Highness is very fortunate."

Ao Chong smiled and nodded, patting Shen Yifei on the shoulder. "Come visit me when you have time. I've always enjoyed making friends with talented young men like Sect Leader Shen."

After saying that, he went to exchange pleasantries with the other officials.

As soon as Ao Chong left, Shen Yifei's expression changed. Ao Ting noticed it too and asked in a low voice, "Second brother-in-law, are you alright?"

Shen Yifei waved to him. When Ao Chong patted his shoulder just now, he felt an extremely weak force seep into his body through his shoulder, like a thin needle gently pricking his meridians.

If it weren't for the fact that the small vortex in his dantian was extremely sensitive to external forces, he wouldn't have been able to detect it at all.

After that power entered his body, it circulated through his meridians, seemingly probing his inner workings.

Shen Yifei activated the small vortex, swallowing the power whole and purifying it completely.

Shen Yifei sneered inwardly, "This old bastard really can't be judged by appearances alone; he attacked me as soon as we met."

Ao Chong was chatting with several officials next to him, occasionally glancing at Shen Yifei with a hint of doubt in his eyes.

His move just now was a dragon clan secret technique called "Pulse Probing Hand," which can detect the opponent's true cultivation level and the state of their spiritual power.

Upon closer inspection, it was discovered that the spiritual energy within the other party's body was like a deep pool of water, with no bottom in sight.

This surprised him somewhat.

After a while, Dragon King Ao Ming arrived, followed by Jing Ci.

All the officials rose and bowed.

Upon seeing Ao Chong, Ao Ming immediately beamed with joy, strode forward, and embraced him tightly. "Third brother, it's been so long! I've missed you so much..."

Upon hearing this, Shen Yifei felt a chill run down his spine. This Dragon King seemed to be a poor actor; his tone lacked emotion, and his movements were stiff.

Ao Chong also became suspicious. When had his elder brother ever been so enthusiastic towards him?

Normally, when he sees him, he would at most nod and say, "Third brother is here." But today, he actually hugged him, which made him feel a little uncomfortable.

Ao Ming took Ao Chong's hand and led him to the main seat, where he pressed him down to sit next to him.

"Third brother, your elder brother is in a good mood today, you must drink a few more cups!"

Ao Chong wore a smile on his face, but he was secretly wondering about something.

He glanced at Shen Yifei sitting not far away, then at Ao Ting beside him, and felt that something was amiss.

"Brother, what happy occasion has made you so happy today?"

"Sigh... Third brother, you'll find out soon enough."

After Ao Ming finished speaking, he stood up, raised his wine glass, and said, "Gentlemen..."

The hall fell silent, and all eyes turned to the Dragon King.

"We are hosting a banquet today to announce several joyous events!"

Ao Ming raised his voice, "First of all, this year, under Ting'er's management, Dragon City's revenue has increased by 30% compared to previous years! Ting'er has grown up and become more sensible over the years, and as his father, I am very gratified!"

The officials raised their glasses in celebration. Ao Ting stood up, cupped his hands in greeting to the crowd, and said a few polite words.

Ao Chong also raised his cup, but secretly thought, "The entire Dragon Palace relies on this meager annual revenue from the Dragon Market. Once I'm in your position, I'll conquer east and west, taking down all the humans and demons—they'll all be mine!"

He merely raised his glass to Ao Ming in a gesture of respect, without actually drinking.

Ao Ming didn't seem to care and continued, "The second thing... the Second Princess, Ao Ying, already has someone she loves!"

These words caused an uproar in the room.

The second princess of the Dragon Palace, she rejected countless suitors from noble dragon families.

Now you actually have someone you like?

Who has such great abilities?

Ao Chong was also quite surprised; it turned out that his elder brother was so happy today for this reason.

Shen Yifei hadn't expected Ao Ming to announce this in front of all the officials; it was completely unexpected and caught him off guard.

Ao Ting grinned mischievously. "Second brother-in-law, you didn't expect this, did you? You should thank me for this. I had Aunt persuade Father!"

Shen Yifei suddenly realized that it was this kid who had secretly exerted his strength.

At this moment, Ao Ming gestured for him to stand up and say a few words. Shen Yifei had no choice but to stand up and say, "I am Shen Yifei. I am truly honored by the Second Princess's favor."

And then...and then he didn't know what to say.

Ao Ming laughed heartily, "Gentlemen, today is a day of double joy! I am delighted! Come, let us drink to this cup!"

All the officials raised their glasses in unison, chanting "Congratulations, Your Majesty!" and "Congratulations, Your Majesty!"

Ao Chong put down his wine cup and looked at Ao Ming with a smile: "Brother, since Ying'er already has someone she likes, why not take advantage of the day and settle the marriage today, so that the brothers can share in the joy?"

Ao Ming paused for a moment, holding his wine glass, then smiled and said, "Third Brother is right. How about we set the wedding for a month from now?"

Ao Chong nodded. "Then congratulations, brother!"

Ao Ming laughed heartily, "Third brother, as you know, your niece has very high standards, and I, as her father, am quite worried! ...Come, third brother, it's been a long time since we last met, have a drink with your older brother!"

After saying that, he raised his glass and drank it all in one gulp.

When Ao Chong heard Ao Ming say this, he no longer had any doubts and raised his wine cup to drink it all in one gulp.

After Ao Ming announced the happy news, the banquet officially began.

The officials drank heartily, and the hall was filled with laughter and joy.

After finishing his drink, Ao Chong felt a little regretful. He tried circulating his spiritual energy but didn't find anything unusual, so he felt relieved.

However, after that, no matter what Ao Ming said, he neither ate nor drank.

After several rounds of drinks, Ao Ming, seeing that it was almost time, picked up his glass again and said, "Today..."

Once the hall had quieted down, he continued:

"And there's a third piece of good news!"