Nine Dragons Saint Ancestor

Imperial City, Baiyue City!

Although Yun Xiao was the Dragon Cloud Battle God in his previous life and had seen the endless opulence of the Nine-layered Dragon Cloud, after his rebirth in this body, he had never found even a trace of information related to Baiyue City in his memories.

This meant that since Yun Xiao’s birth, he had never been to the Xuanyue Empire’s Imperial City. Thus, when he followed Yu Shu into Baiyue City, he couldn’t help but inwardly commend the luxuriance of the Xuanyue Imperial City.

Perhaps, in terms of prosperity alone, Baiyue City might even surpass some cities of the Nine-layered Dragon Cloud. When it comes to enjoying luxury, there is no distinction between low-level and high-level practitioners.

However, Baiyue City was even busier during this time, as in another two days it would be the birthday of the King of Xuanyue Country. With his life drawing near its end, a birthday celebration was held every year, each more grandiose than the last.

On the streets of the Imperial City, patrols of the Xuantie Army dressed in dark armor were a common sight. They would not interfere with minor disturbances, but should they discover anyone attempting to disrupt the King’s birthday festivities, they would show no mercy.

It should be noted that those attracted here were not only cultivators from the Xuanyue Empire. Some powerful figures from both friendly and hostile neighboring countries might also sneak in, possibly leading to unforeseen incidents.

The Xuanyue Imperial Family held sway over the Xuanyue Empire but had no control beyond its borders. In such a mixed and bustling event, the greatest fear was someone stirring up trouble under the guise of chaos.

Under such circumstances, Yun Xiao and Yu Shu entered Baiyue City. But as the Sect Master of the Jade Pot Sect, a figure of immense power within the empire, surely there would be a dedicated reception.

As Yun Xiao stepped into the Southern City Gate of Baiyue City with Yu Shu, a figure clad in Xuan Armor approached them. He respectfully said, ”I am Yan Yong, Commander of the Xuantie Army. I’m honored to welcome Sect Master Yu Shu!”

It seems that the Xuanyue Royal Family was well-informed of Yu Shu’s itinerary and had specifically arranged for Yan Yong to wait here. Otherwise, how could a commander of the Xuantie Army be entrusted with such a minor reception task?

However, upon hearing the title ”Commander of the Xuantie Army,” Yun Xiao’s heart tensed. Wasn’t Yan Chun, the man who had infiltrated the Jade Pot Sect for over a decade and eventually stolen the Sect Treasure, one of the army commanders as well?

Since both were commanders of the Xuantie Army, it implied their strengths were not far apart. Yan Yong was likely a formidable practitioner who had at least reached the Spiritual Vein Realm.

For some reason, Yun Xiao sensed that although Yan Yong was conversing with Yu Shu, his gaze often flickered towards himself, as if harboring some hidden intent.

Yun Xiao didn’t pay it much attention. He was well aware that the Royal Family’s invitation was likely not as simple as it seemed, and he too had his own reasons for attending this grand occasion.

The item stolen by Yan Chun and Xuan Zhi was not only the Sect Treasure of the Jade Pot Sect but also something that had reacted to Yun Xiao’s Blood Moon Jade. He had to find a chance to retrieve it.

On regular days, the Xuanyue Palace was heavily guarded and nearly impossible for outsiders to enter. The King’s birthday was an exceptional opportunity, although the chances were slim.

With such thoughts in mind, Yun Xiao followed Yan Yong and Yu Shu to a pavilion known as the Heavenly Moon Pavilion, which appeared to be the place where the Royal Family entertained distinguished guests.

Seeing the enviable glances from many onlookers, Yun Xiao knew that the Heavenly Moon Pavilion was not a place just anyone with money could stay. One needed a considerable status, and he was likely benefiting from his association with the Jade Pot Sect and Yu Shu.

Although named a ”pavilion,” only the building near the street truly lived up to this title; behind it lay a vast area housing almost a hundred separate courtyard buildings.

As part of the Royal Family’s domain, they naturally spared no effort in its creation. Though they did not fear the major sects of the empire, the prosperity of an empire also depended on these sects, especially a colossal one like the Jade Pot Sect.

It seemed that Yu Shu was a frequent visitor to the Heavenly Moon Pavilion. He walked straight into the number one Heavenly Pavilion without needing any guidance from Yan Yong.

The Heavenly Moon Pavilion was divided into three levels of accommodation: heavenly, earthly, and human. With the Jade Pot Sect’s position within the Xuanyue Empire being among the top ranks, no one would dare raise objections to their stay in the number one Heavenly Pavilion, especially with the Sect Master himself in attendance.

”Please rest here, Sect Master Yu Shu. In two days, the Royal Family will send someone to guide both of you,” said Yan Yong after ensuring they were well settled in, giving Yun Xiao another deep look before respectfully withdrawing. Yu Shu, seemingly unaffected, gestured to Yun Xiao to find a room for himself.

The number one Heavenly Pavilion could indeed be considered the most luxurious building in the Heavenly Moon Pavilion. With its many rooms, accommodating just two people was somewhat wasteful, but such trifles were of no concern to them.

With Yu Shu and Yun Xiao’s arrival, the Heavenly Moon Pavilion, usually quite secluded, seemed to have suddenly become bustling the next day.

The prominent Sect and family heads of the Xuanyue Empire have all taken residence in the Heavenly Moon Pavilion, but as they passed by the Heavenly Character Number One Pavilion, all cast envious or jealous glances.

Notably, an old man in an earthy yellow robe stayed outside the Heavenly Character Number One Pavilion for a good half an incense stick’s time when he entered the Heavenly Moon Pavilion, before finally diving into the Heavenly Character Number Two Pavilion.

It seems that this person’s status was not much less than that of Yu Shu, otherwise he wouldn’t have been arranged to stay in the Heavenly Character Number Two Pavilion; however, being only one position behind might have left him feeling somewhat disgruntled.

As for all this, Yun Xiao within the Pavilion turned a deaf ear. Before the King’s birthday celebration, he would not seek trouble; moreover, with his current strength, he had no qualifications to cause trouble in the Heavenly Moon Pavilion.

A day passed quickly, but as the evening sky darkened this second day, a special visitor arrived at the Heavenly Character Number One Pavilion, stirring up a commotion throughout the Heavenly Moon Pavilion.

”Sect Master Yu Shu, this is the Crown Prince!”

The attending Xuantie Army Commander Yan Yong introduced them with such words, leaving Yu Shu and Yun Xiao speechless, for they had not anticipated a visit from such a noble figure.

After all, Crown Prince Xuan Jiuding is a distinguished individual who will soon become the next King of the Xuanyue Country. In the entire Xuanyue Empire, who wouldn’t want to curry favor with the Crown Prince to lay a foundation for the future of their Sect or family?

Aside from a few people of very high status, it’s extremely difficult for regular Cultivators of the Xuanyue Empire to even get a chance to meet with the Crown Prince—it would usually require a very long time to secure an appointment and await an audience with him.

Understandably, Xuan Jiuding’s personal visit to the residence of Jade Pot Sect today caused a scandalous stir, leaving the Sect or family heads staying at the Heavenly Moon Pavilion utterly stunned.

Especially the yellow-robed elder living in the Heavenly Character Number Two Pavilion, he was one of the rare few Sect Masters who could stand toe-to-toe with the Jade Pot Sect, yet he did not receive the same treatment as the Jade Pot Sect.

Even Yu Shu, the Sect Master of the Jade Pot Sect himself, was somewhat surprised. To be honest, he did not have much interaction with the Crown Prince - they had only seen each other a few times and exchanged a few words during the recent birthday celebrations of the King.

Furthermore, following the incident where Yan Chun infiltrated the Jade Pot Sect, Yu Shu had no good feelings towards the Crown Prince. Another purpose of his visit this time was to question the Xuanyue Country’s King, yet unexpectedly, Xuan Jiuding had acted first and arrived.

”Hehe, within this Xuanyue Empire, as the Crown Prince, I only admire two people—one is my imperial father, and the other is Sect Master Yu Shu!”

After Yan Yong finished introducing him, without waiting for Yu Shu to speak, Yan Jiuding already had a smile on his face, and the words he uttered not only displayed his lofty status but also subtly flattered Yu Shu—it must be said that this Crown Prince was quite skillful.

However, Yu Shu did not care for such flattery. He was a straightforward man, always speaking his mind. Since the Crown Prince himself had come, he had no need for pleasantries.

”Crown Prince, your timing is perfect. I do have a matter that requires your insight!”

A sharp light flashed in Yu Shu’s eyes as he raised his head to look into the eyes of the Crown Prince, as if trying to peer into the depths of Xuan Jiuding’s heart.

”Sect Master Yu Shu speaks too formally, but whatever you ask, this Crown Prince will not withhold any knowledge!” Xuan Jiuding’s expression remained unchanged, and it was unknown what he truly thought in the depths of his heart.

”I would like to inquire with the Crown Prince about a Commander in the Empire’s Xuantie Army named Yan Chun. This Yan Chun infiltrated our Jade Pot Sect for over a decade, then turned against us, colluding with your brother Xuan Zhi to steal our Sect’s treasure. How should this matter be explained?”

Yu Shu still fixed his gaze upon Xuan Jiuding’s eyes, his words heavy with a questioning tone, causing the nearby Yan Yong’s complexion to change several times, as if he were on the verge of an outburst.

However, seeing no indication from the Crown Prince, Yan Yong suppressed his discontent. As a personal confidant and direct subordinate of Xuan Jiuding, he could not tolerate any disrespect towards the Crown Prince, even though the man in front of him was the current Sect Master of the Jade Pot Sect.

”Oh? Is there such a thing? I really wasn’t aware of it!”

To Yu Shu’s surprise, as soon as his words fell, Xuan Jiuding shook his head, even with a trace of confusion on his face, making Yu Shu doubt whether he had misjudged — could it be that this matter truly had nothing to do with the Crown Prince?

”However, rest assured, Sect Master Yu Shu. Since you’ve brought it up, this Crown Prince will definitely investigate and clarify this matter, providing an explanation for the Jade Pot Sect!” Xuan Jiuding’s expression was determined, as if he truly meant to uncover the truth as he had said.