Chapter 1160: Good Morning Glory

Nine Shores Era, Dao-end 2999th year, after mid-December.

Only half a month remained until the Nine Shores Immortal Lord’s abdication and the Aurora Immortal Lord’s rotation. Likewise, it was also the wedding day of the Young Lord of Aurora Immortal Palace and the daughter of the Nine Shores Immortal Lord.

Under normal circumstances, this wedding ceremony would have caused a sensation throughout the entire Fifth Star Ring, attracting countless cultivators who would arrive in a pilgrimage-like manner. It could even be said that all Immortal Lords, even if not attending in person, would send their chief disciples to convey their profound respect. However, given the sensitive times, the Aurora Immortal Lord, citing the inappropriateness of extravagance, declined all external guests, thus confining the wedding to the Immortal Palace.

Nevertheless, all customary gifts and arrangements were naturally provided. Consequently, the entire Immortal Palace was adorned with lanterns, streamers, and red decorations everywhere. Shaouji Palace, in particular, was extensively decorated. These were historical events that caused no significant ripples and would affect future developments, so Xu Qing did not interfere, allowing the Immortal Palace's ceremonial officials to bustle around Shaouji Palace. He himself sat cross-legged in meditation in the main hall, continuing to study the Sands of Time he had acquired. External matters were left to Zhong Chi to coordinate and manage.

Time flowed slowly. Soon, the evening glow of the setting sun permeated the sky, casting its rosy light upon Shaouji Palace, where the ceremonial officials were putting the final touches on the decorations. Meanwhile, Zhong Chi was meticulously inspecting the placement and arrangement of the decorative items. Then, pointing at an embroidered ball hanging from the eaves, he frowned and spoke to a nearby ceremonial official.

“The color of this embroidered ball isn’t quite right. It’s clear at a glance that it’s not entirely made from Winter Immortal Roses. While it might not be noticeable normally, the impurities within it are revealed now with the reflection of the rosy glow.”

“The number is also inauspicious; it needs to be an even number. Replace it immediately!”

“And that decorative red silk ribbon lacks luster; the magical immortal power within it flows unnaturally.”

“Replace it!”

“And...”

Zhong Chi was undeniably dedicated. He felt he had to perform exceptionally well, especially since the Young Lord had spoken favorably of his host to Fairy Xiaohui of the Spirit Palace just yesterday. Given the host’s nature, he was naturally extremely grateful for this.

Moreover, Zhong Chi sighed inwardly, for he knew the course of history and understood that this wedding was, in reality, a bloody ceremony.

“This Young Lord will meet a violent end here in half a month... and no one present, including everyone here, will be spared.”

“Speaking of which, during my interactions with this Young Lord, I've found his character and inner qualities to be good. Although he's somewhat lecherous, considering his status, merely being lecherous is almost perfect.”

Zhong Chi mused that this period had given him a sense of ease; life in the Immortal Palace seemed free of pressure, so long as he ensured the Young Lord's well-being. In contrast, his real self carried too many burdens, having to struggle and reverse the fate of both his family and himself. At the same time, being a star himself, he naturally discerned some clues regarding his master's sinister intentions, but he couldn't reveal anything outwardly. He could only secretly search for a way to reverse the situation. Therefore, by comparison, he had to admit that he actually preferred the identity of Zhong Chi.

As these thoughts arose in his mind, his gaze swept around, and he spotted a flaw in one of the blue bricks on the ground. He frowned, about to speak.

Just then, the red glow in the sky burst forth with light, shining almost dazzlingly. A phoenix cry echoed from the heavens. Drawing the rosy light, it converged from all directions in the air above Shaouji Palace, illuminating the Nine Phoenix carriage as it arrived gracefully. The magnificent golden carriage shone with dazzling brilliance in the rosy light, as if it could illuminate every corner of Shaouji Palace. The nine phoenixes pulling the carriage stirred up crimson flames, as if to incinerate the evening glow. Their cries caused the very heavens and earth to change hue, fully displaying their majestic power.

Around the carriage, hundreds of solemn guards in jet-black armor, holding long spears, maintained an imposing aura. They were the honor guard and protectors of the Nine Shores’ daughter. As the imperial carriage descended, all ceremonial officials within Shaouji Palace below bowed their heads in respectful salute.

Zhong Chi’s eyes narrowed, but outwardly, he was filled with deference. He quickly stepped forward and bowed in a loud greeting.

“Greetings, Immortal Fairy Linghuang.”

A cold hmph emanated from within the carriage. Soon after, as the maids on both sides lifted the curtains, a stunningly beautiful and noble woman stepped out. It was none other than the daughter of Nine Shores, Linghuang!

However, today she was not as she had appeared at Xing Lei Cliff, where she used anger to conceal tenderness. Instead, her eyes were deep and sharp, as if capable of penetrating the most hidden thoughts in people’s hearts. Her face was serene, yet held a storm within. Her attire, too, was unlike before. Clad in a magnificent blue and white palace gown, coupled with the rising indignation in her expression, her entire being exuded an inviolable majesty. It was as if her very presence was a deterrent, preventing anyone from acting presumptuously in her presence.

Stepping out of the imperial carriage and into Shaouji Palace, her presence grew even more commanding as she stood there. For she clearly understood her own worth and status, and knew how to wield her power to safeguard her dignity and rights. Her gaze, as if capable of seeing through all pretense and lies, swept over everyone present before finally resting on Zhong Chi.

“Has the Hundred Flowers Palace been dismantled?”

Her voice was low and powerful; every word struck like a heavy hammer upon the heart, involuntarily instilling a sense of awe. Everyone bowed their heads in silence. Even Zhong Chi felt the immense pressure emanating from the woman’s words.

“Not seen for a few days, this person has completely adapted to her identity. Had I not noticed clues that day, I doubt I would discern her suspected outsider status if I were to see her again now.” Zhong Chi quickly pondered, then spoke softly.

“The Young Lord gave instructions many days ago to dismantle the Hundred Flowers Palace. It was I who, being preoccupied with the decorations for the Young Lord’s and your wedding, neglected that minor task...”

“I will handle it tomorrow.”

Immortal Fairy Linghuang’s face darkened, and she spoke indifferently. “No need for tomorrow; dismantle it today.” With that, she walked forward.

Zhong Chi quickly adopted a posture of attempting to explain, but as he stepped forward, he was immediately forced back by Immortal Fairy Linghuang’s honor guard. He could only quickly send a message to the Young Lord while hurrying to catch up, shouting aloud.

“Young Madam, allow me to handle such strenuous work.”

As he spoke, with Immortal Fairy Linghuang advancing in anger, the Hundred Flowers Palace came into view in the distance. The arrival of her entourage was like dark clouds looming, causing the evening glow in the sky to dim. Faintly, a strong wind also arose from nowhere, blowing into the Hundred Flowers Palace and causing the flowers and plants within to sway.

However... inside, a peony woman was reclining where the Young Lord should have been. Dressed in sheer gauze, her figure was partially visible, and with her languid expression, she exuded an air of alluring charm. She remained utterly unconcerned by the turmoil outside the palace, letting out a soft murmur.

“Sisters, continue the music, continue the song and dance.”

The hundred flowers all laughed, and the immortal music resumed.

Outside the palace, Zhong Chi’s eyes narrowed as he witnessed the scene. He took a few steps back, no longer attempting to obstruct them. As for Immortal Fairy Linghuang, her eyes held malice, and she spoke coldly.

“Erase this filthy palace from my sight!”

The moment her words were uttered, the black-armored honor guard beside her surged forward, each exuding chilling aura and surging might. Without laying a hand, the chilling energy emanating from them, as they walked, instantly froze everything around them, which then disintegrated into dust. They advanced, and things disintegrated.

Neither the ceremonial officials, Zhong Chi, nor even the guards of Shaouji Palace itself attempted to obstruct them. Because... within the entire Aurora Immortal Palace, only the Aurora Immortal Lord originally possessed the authority to dismantle the Hundred Flowers Palace; even his four disciples did not have this right. But now... there was one more person with this authority. That was the Young Madam, soon to be wed to the Young Lord! Her status, concerning the dismantling of the Hundred Flowers Palace, was even more legitimate than the Immortal Lord’s. Furthermore, the Immortal Lord had indeed previously expressed intentions to dismantle the Hundred Flowers Palace. Thus, no one possessed the authority to obstruct Immortal Fairy Linghuang’s actions. They simply allowed her honor guard to continue their advance.

A continuous rumbling filled the air. From the outside in, the Hundred Flowers Palace crumbled into layers of dust as the honor guard advanced. Immortal Fairy Linghuang followed, her expression indifferent. Seeing this, Zhong Chi could only sigh inwardly, thinking, 'Oh, Young Lord, Young Lord, there’s nothing I can do about this.'

While Zhong Chi was lamenting, the honor guard in front had already pushed deep into the Hundred Flowers Palace. Thus, the pond, the array of flowers, and the fox beauty came into everyone’s view. They also entered Immortal Fairy Linghuang’s line of sight. What met their eyes was a scene of colorful sheer gauze, a veritable debauchery of countless curves and dazzling, diverse jade legs, resembling a pool of wine and a forest of meat. Some were delicately moving, some seductively charming, some pure and lovely, some mature and stunning, and some beautifully graceful. Even non-human races were present...

“Filthy sounds and vulgar language, defiling minds, flirting and posing, corrupting morals, utterly shameless and despicable!” Gazing at the scene, Immortal Fairy Linghuang bit her silver teeth and spoke word by word.

Hearing this, the hundred flowers glared back furiously. The fox beauty, however, remained calm and composed. With a jade hand, she picked up a grape, put it into her small mouth, and with her gaze fixed on Immortal Fairy Linghuang, she let out a soft laugh.

“Sister, you are indeed a beauty. It’s a pity fate plays such tricks. Had you not been the daughter of the Nine Shores Immortal Lord, I fear you too would have been fated to join us as sisters. Within the Hundred Flowers Palace, you would surely have been a 'morning glory flower,' serving our master and attending to his every need alongside us.” The fox beauty sighed softly, wearing a look of deep regret.

Upon hearing this, Immortal Fairy Linghuang’s eyes instantly sharpened. Indeed, neither her host nor she herself had ever, from childhood to adulthood, heard such sarcastic, metaphorical, and utterly vulgar remarks. The 'morning glory flower' seemed to take on a far more insulting meaning. She stared at the fox beauty, the words the Fourth True Monarch had spoken to her echoing in her mind. Then she spoke coldly.

“Immediately expel this filthy place and these filthy people from the Immortal Palace!”