Taiwu City, King Jing’s Bamboo Pavilion.
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Located in the eastern corner of the city, King Jing’s Bamboo Pavilion had its gates firmly shut and covered a wide area, sitting at the deepest part of the Black Garnt Alley. No one knew who resided there; it was shrouded in mystery.
Lin Luo floated just above the ground without touching it, her clothes billowing as she moved. The wide belt on her black and white robes was tightly cinched, accentuating her slender waist that was barely a handful. Looking down, her feet were invisible.
Following Lin Luo’s lead, Yi Chen strode into the enigmatic Black Garnt Alley.
"Daoist, whether you wish to drink wine, taste fine foods, or seek to peruse the ’Heaven and Earth Divine Gate Qi,’ you must co to King Jing’s Bamboo Pavilion," Lin Luo mysteriously teased as she led the way, stirring curiosity in Yi Chen about the enigmatic owner of the Bamboo Pavilion.
Not long after they entered the cobblestone alley, a dignified middle-aged man, accompanied by an elder in black and a beautiful woman in palace attire, awaited them ahead.
The man was plainly dressed, even shabby compared to King Jing, with nothing fancy on him except the archaic dragon-shaped jade pendant at his waist. Yet, the first glance at him irresistibly captured everyone’s attention.
Even Yi Chen couldn’t help but narrow his eyes; his spiritual sense detected a faint sense of threat from the man, which implied that he possessed ans that could harm Yi Chen’s cultivation body.
However, Yi Chen was certain that the man’s cultivation level could not exceed that of the latter stages of cutting the path. He just didn’t know what terrifying treasure the man might possess.
"His Highness King Jing’s nose is indeed sharp, coming out himself with his lady to welco us," Lin Luo said with a hint of surprise in her eyes as she looked toward the distant middle-aged man.
Although King Jing, as the crown prince, always showed respect for talent and had many retainers, Lin Luo had never seen him co out with his lady to welco anyone before.
Lin Luo hadn’t expected King Jing to receive the news so quickly and pay such close attention to Yi Chen.
But she soon let go of her surprise.
With the power of the Forbidden Heavenly Net Great Formation, she could barely break through at full strength. However, she was helpless against the leisurely ease of the Hidden Dragon Taoist, indicating that his mastery of spatial dao far surpassed hers.
In her recent battle with the Purple Crystal Demi-human, she hadn’t spotted a hint of the Hidden Dragon Taoist’s capabilities. He always kept a low profile, like an iceberg in the vast sea—you only see the tip of it, never its entirety.
She had thought that after successfully forming her embryonic Dao Mastery Body, the gap between her and the Hidden Dragon Taoist might have narrowed, but now her conviction was faltering.
Yet as soon as this thought arose, it was imdiately cut down by the sword of wisdom in her heart.
"With both General Lin and the Hidden Dragon Taoist arriving together, how could I not co out to greet you myself?" The middle-aged man said with a pleasant smile, his every move exuding a warm and welcoming aura.
"Your Highness, the Hidden Dragon Taoist is a good friend I’ve recently made; we got along quite well. Without the Taoist, not only would I have lost face, but the Purple Crystal Demi-human would have remained a calamity for Great Qin. I’ve sung praises on your behalf, so today you must entertain the Taoist well. Otherwise, don’t bla for not visiting your ’Three Treasure Hall’ again," Lin Luo joked to King Jing. However, to those who could read between the lines, true words are often spoken in jest. If an insider fails to understand, there’s no need for them to understand in the future.
King Jing looked at Lin Luo in astonishnt, not expecting her to go to such lengths for Yi Chen, granting him such a favor, which made him regard Yi Chen even more highly.
"General Lin, I know you have coveted my fine wines for a long ti, and today you finally get your hands on them," King Jing said with a shrug and a resigned smile, his expression like an old friend joking with you.
But within his heart, Yi Chen had already turned into a snarky critic:
"Since when did Daoist Lin Luo consider a newly made good friend? Nonsense."
"I’ve always been fond of water and disliked dry paths. The abbess and Ruan’er can testify. Speaking like this can easily lead to misunderstandings."
The inwardly sarcastic Yi Chen maintained a nonchalant and smiling face outwardly, giving King Jing a gesture of respect.
There is a saying, ’Don’t hit a smiling face,’ especially when one is seeking a favor; one must show respect.
Moreover, when comparing goods, one might be disappointed, and when comparing people, one might despair. Compared to King Jing, the King Yu, who had blocked his way on the Spiritual Path, seed like a primate from the Planet of the Apes, suited for the role of an extra in a rise of a dominant species.
That presumptuous fellow, who was clearly currying favor, found himself turned by King Yu into a half-hidden courtesan with a made-up value. If it were the Yi Chen of the past, even a dog barking too much near his Hidden Dragon Temple would receive a couple of slaps, let alone a prince; not giving him a proper beating would an he was taking things too lightly.
As they walked casually to the inner reaches of Black Garnt Alley, the signboard of King Jing’s Bamboo Pavilion with red background and black text had an air of majesty and an antique charm. However, that was all there was to it; nothing else was unusual.
Yet, as the gates opened, Yi Chen’s pupils couldn’t help but narrow fiercely.
That was the aura of a Heavenly Treasure.
There was no such thing as King Jing’s Bamboo Pavilion; it should be called King Jing’s Bamboo Heavenly Abode.
The bamboo leaves rolled and surged like green waves, rustling in the light breeze.
King Jing stood outside the doors with open hands, invitingly, while the Queen gently smiled behind him, her skirts gathered as she made a curtsy.
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