Chapter 743: Seven-Colored Spiritual Mist Emperor

Xu Qing didn't know much about Princess Anhai, having only met her once at the Seventh Prince's banquet, where she spoke very little. Yet, through subsequent analysis and observing the trends in the Sacred Ocean Domain, her intelligence became apparent. Furthermore, the Seventh Prince's reaction at the time suggested a certain wariness towards Princess Anhai. Moreover, her maid's behavior also revealed her dignified composure; her expressions and words were calm and respectful without being obsequious.

Xu Qing then looked at Ning Yan, who seemed hesitant. Observing this, the maid merely bowed to Ning Yan and Xu Qing before turning to leave. As she departed, Ning Yan sighed.

"Boss, that Nanny Sun was a close friend to both my third sister's birth mother and my fifth brother's birth mother."

"The relationships involved are complex. I'll probably still have to go. Boss, could you accompany me?" Ning Yan asked Xu Qing, his gaze hesitant and a little anxious.

The closer they drew to the Imperial Capital Domain, the more anxious Ning Yan became. His conflicting desires—to return yet not to—were quite apparent. Xu Qing pondered for a moment. The formation deployment would still take several days, so they had ample time. Ning Yan's request, he reasoned, probably stemmed from a lack of confidence on his part.

So Xu Qing nodded and said, "Let's go."

Hearing Xu Qing's words, Ning Yan's spirits immediately brightened. With Xu Qing accompanying him, he felt much more confident.

And so, the two of them departed from the teleportation array's location. Zi Xuan remained behind with Li Yunshan to maintain the array, while the Captain, engrossed in researching Maobing's hair for the past few months, had no energy to join them. Therefore, only Xu Qing and Ning Yan proceeded. Escorted by several Sword Holders, they flew towards Nanny Sun's residence.

Ning Yan didn't need to pinpoint the exact location; his innate connection with Princess Anhai quickly led him to the place. It was a spacious, garden-like courtyard, brimming with vibrant flowers. A permanent formation was active, keeping the gray mist at bay. Inside, all the rockeries were crafted from jade, and spirit springs had been relocated to enrich the courtyard with spiritual energy. Its intensity far exceeded that of any ordinary sect in Fenghai County.

At the center of the courtyard, a banquet was in full swing. An old woman, clad in luxurious robes and radiating a kind smile, occupied the main seat, chatting cheerfully with a young girl in palace attire by her side. Below them, guests at two rows of tables were happily toasting one another. Numerous maids moved busily, frequently replacing bone plates and serving fresh fruit. In the very center, nine upright cultivators were engaged in a magical duel. Their intertwining movements sent magical fluctuations echoing, creating an impressive and captivating display.

Princess Anhai immediately sensed Xu Qing and Ning Yan's arrival through their shared bloodline. She whispered something to the old woman, who nodded slightly. As Xu Qing and Ning Yan neared, the courtyard's protective formation automatically opened, clearing a path for them before they even landed. Ning Yan took a deep breath, glanced at Xu Qing by his side, and felt his heart settle once more. He and Xu Qing then stepped into the formation, appearing within the dueling courtyard.

The banquet's duel briefly halted. The cultivators in the center respectfully moved aside, and Ning Yan quickly strode forward to the old woman, bowing with clasped fists.

"Greetings, Nanny Sun!"

Nanny Sun's gaze lingered on Ning Yan, her expression somewhat indifferent. She gave a slight nod and then paid him no further mind, not even sparing a glance for Xu Qing, as she resumed her conversation with Princess Anhai. Princess Anhai, while replying to Nanny Sun, nodded to Ning Yan and Xu Qing, her expression conveying a hint of apology.

Ning Yan was unfazed; he had long grown accustomed to such aloofness from others. In fact, at that moment, he felt it was perfectly fine and took a seat at a table at the far end. Xu Qing was even less concerned by the indifference of unrelated individuals; his only interest was whether their actions held any underlying intent. Therefore, he calmly took a seat beside Ning Yan.

The banquet resumed. Their presence drew the attention of the other guests. Some whispered amongst themselves, some offered slight smiles and nods, while others looked on with undisguised disdain. Having experienced so much, Xu Qing knew well that while some people's expressions genuinely reflected their inner thoughts, most were merely masks. Thus, others' expressions were of no consequence to him.

He picked up the wine pot before him and took a direct sip, his eyes narrowing slightly. This wine was far superior to anything he had tasted in Fenghai County. Despite being wine, it was remarkably rich and thick on the palate, bringing four words to Xu Qing's mind: Ambrosia.

After savoring it, Xu Qing took several more sips. Beside him, Ning Yan blinked and whispered, "Boss, once we reach the Imperial Capital, I know a few wineries that have some excellent wines. I'll make sure to get some for you then."

Xu Qing nodded slightly at the suggestion and settled in, slowly savoring his drink. He intended to keep sipping until the banquet concluded. Time passed, and the banquet offered a variety of diversions and lively conversation. Occasionally, Princess Anhai would utter remarks that delighted Nanny Sun, bringing smiles to everyone's faces. Only Xu Qing and Ning Yan remained somewhat detached: the former calmly savored his wine, while the latter accompanied him, immediately calling a maid for a refill whenever their cups were empty.

Princess Anhai appeared to harbor no ill will, attempting multiple times to draw them into the festivities, but without success. As for Nanny Sun, while not overtly malicious, she remained largely indifferent and paid them little mind. Eventually, unable to speak to them directly, Princess Anhai had her maid deliver a message: "Please do not misunderstand the princess. Although Nanny Sun has left the Imperial Capital, she can assist His Royal Highness the Twelfth Prince in dealing with many potential adversaries there. The princess's original intention was to recommend Prince Ning Yan here."

Xu Qing nodded and raised his wine cup towards Princess Anhai. Princess Anhai nodded back slightly, acknowledging her good intentions. Unfortunately, Nanny Sun clearly did not favor Ning Yan. As the sky grew cloudier, and the evening glow spread with the setting sun, Xu Qing let out a burp.

He had enjoyed the wine immensely. As he rose to leave with Ning Yan, a sudden thunderous roar echoed from the sky. The thunder exploded, reverberating across the heavens. Clouds and evening glow swirled and dispersed, and the sky was instantly blanketed in a dazzling spectrum of colors, like a vibrant, multicolored curtain. Within this chromatic veil, a colossal peacock, large enough to obscure the sky, rapidly materialized. Once fully visible, what had appeared to be a mere colorful expanse was, in fact, just its magnificent tail feathers. This peacock was exceptionally divine and majestic. Its mere presence caused the heavens and earth to pale, and all creation felt humbled.

This spectacle caused a sensation across most of Nanxin County, particularly among those in the courtyard directly beneath the center of the colorful sky. Almost everyone rose to gaze at the sky. Even Nanny Sun, beside Princess Anhai, watched the heavens with joyful eyes.

"Spirit Cloud Emperor." Within the Gray Sea Domain, there were several restricted zones, but only one true forbidden land existed. It was named the Light Tomb. An emperor named Xia resided in this forbidden land. They were generally amicable towards all races, and their formidable power ensured peaceful coexistence with the various races throughout the Gray Sea Domain. Outsiders referred to her as the Spirit Cloud Princess. She rarely ventured out, and whenever she appeared, her vibrant light would purify the gray mist. She was also renowned for her captivating beauty. Consequently, she was regarded as an auspicious omen within the Gray Sea Domain. She also shared a long-standing connection with Nanny Sun, having bestowed a favor upon her in earlier years. Even now, many believed this favor served as a layer of protection for Nanny Sun.

Witnessing the figure of her benefactor, Nanny Sun's face lit up with a respectful smile. She was about to bid farewell, knowing that the Spirit Cloud Emperor rarely ventured out and that her appearance surely indicated an important matter to attend to. Thus, in her estimation, the Spirit Cloud Emperor had merely appeared in the sky and could not possibly have come specifically for her.

However, her composure was quickly shattered. Not only hers, but the hearts of everyone else in the courtyard, including Princess Anhai, were filled with intense astonishment. For the Spirit Cloud Emperor, the symbol of auspiciousness, did not depart after revealing her majestic form. Instead, she moved towards the courtyard. As she drew nearer, her body shimmered with light, and she finally positioned herself directly above the garden, transforming from her peacock form into a human one.

Her figure was graceful, her expression serene and enchanting, and her face exquisitely beautiful. She was like a plum blossom in winter snow, so captivating that one might forget its delicate branches bore thorns. Her black hair was elegantly coiled and adorned with a jade hairpin. As she moved, her beaded floral ornaments swayed, scattering a myriad of colors. Dressed in palace attire, she stood aloof and graceful as an immortal, her phoenix eyes holding an alluring power that compelled anyone meeting her gaze to instinctively lower their heads. Her purple palace robe, especially its sleeves, billowed in the breeze, an indescribably beautiful, elegant, noble, and unparalleled sight. Such a scene could only be likened to a celestial fairy descending to the mortal realm.

Nanny Sun's expression turned solemn as she spoke with deep reverence, "Welcome, Spirit Cloud Emperor!"

The other guests also spoke, and Princess Anhai hastily offered her respects. Ning Yan, too, gasped, utterly captivated by her beauty. Whether from the reflected glow or his own rapid heartbeat, his face flushed crimson.

The fairy-like Spirit Cloud Emperor, facing the collective reverence, calmly nodded to Nanny Sun. Then, without further acknowledgement, she proceeded step by step into the courtyard. Under everyone's gaze, she made her way towards the far end of the banquet. As she drew closer, Ning Yan, who was standing there, grew increasingly excited. He assumed she was looking at him, but he was soon stunned to realize she was not looking at him... she was looking at Xu Qing!

The Spirit Cloud Emperor stood directly before Xu Qing.

"Xu Qing, Huang Yan told me about you," a clear, cool voice emanated from her.

This scene struck everyone present like a bolt of lightning. All eyes were fixed on the spectacle, especially Nanny Sun, whose heart filled with disbelief. She had heard of Xu Qing, but hadn't paid him much mind. After all, he was unrelated, and at her age, she saw no need to deliberately forge connections with powerful young individuals. If fate aligned, she would lend a hand; otherwise, they were merely strangers. What truly astonished her, however, was that the rarely seen Spirit Cloud Emperor had come specifically for him. This sight profoundly shook her preconceived notions.

As for Xu Qing, while surprised, this turn of events was also within his expectations, as he already had a strong inkling of her identity. He bowed with clasped fists and produced the feather and pouch Huang Yan had given him. The Spirit Cloud Emperor's gaze swept over the feather before she took the pouch. Opening it, she drew out a red fruit, took a single sip, then looked at it again before simply settling down beside Xu Qing and motioning for him to sit too.

Xu Qing obediently sat down. The Spirit Cloud Emperor then presented him with a large fruit. "Have some," she offered.

Xu Qing took the fruit and sucked on it. Immediately, his eyes lit up. The fruit's flavor was remarkably unique, even richer and more profound than the wine he had been drinking earlier. The guests exchanged bewildered glances. Ning Yan's heart pounded. He looked at the Spirit Cloud Emperor, then at Xu Qing, and suddenly felt a surge of pride.

"This is my boss," Ning Yan declared, then sat down, head held high and chest puffed out.

After a brief pause, the banquet resumed with Nanny Sun's solemn instruction, its standard now even higher than before. For the rest of the event, all eyes frequently turned towards Xu Qing. Nanny Sun's face gradually softened into a smile. She looked at Xu Qing, then at Ning Yan, and after a moment's thought, her expression became amiable.

"Your Royal Highness the Twelfth Prince, come here to me. Let this old woman have a good look at you. How time flies! The scene of your mother entering the palace all those years ago, and the exceptionally grand ceremony His Majesty held for her, remains vividly in my memory even now."