Chapter 395 – The Show Begins
Silence. The entire engagement banquet fell quiet for several breaths.
Everyone present wore different expressions upon hearing those words. Among the eight women, three lifted the corners of their lips, revealing smiles never before shown to the world.
That single smile was enough to stir the hearts of many young cultivators present, leaving them entranced. But soon, all eyes turned toward the source of the voice.
Shi Xuan had already locked onto the young man who spoke. The faint curl of his lips betrayed his thought: At last, he’s here.
Chu Feng naturally noticed the elegant young man, who swayed his folding fan and said, “This generation’s Child of Destiny truly has patience. Only now, at such a moment, does one appear.”
Beside him, Cao Youqian asked, “Master, how can you tell he’s the Child of Destiny? To me, he looks like nothing but a pretty face.”
Chu Feng chuckled. “Because behind him follows an old man—an old man of the Saint Realm.”
Though his voice was not loud, those nearby heard every word clearly.
At the mention of “Saint Realm,” the Shi family’s ancestor involuntarily trembled. He carefully asked, “Daoist friend, surely you jest?”
“Heh…”
Chu Feng sipped his tea and said lightly, “Would I joke about such a thing? Don’t be nervous—it’s only a Saint Soul, not a true Saint. For now, let’s watch Xiao Xuan’s performance.”
The Shi family fell silent.
On stage, King Zhen Nan narrowed his eyes at the pretty-faced youth below. Though he did not release his pressure intentionally, the natural might of a marquis-level expert carried its own deterrence, sending chills down spines.
The cultivators standing near the pretty-faced youth instinctively backed away, afraid of being implicated.
“What business have you here?”
King Zhen Nan’s tone was calm.
The pretty-faced youth smirked. “Nothing much. I simply don’t approve of this marriage.”
Gasps swept the hall.
Hiss…
Many had heard rumors that Shi Xuan’s fiancée was entangled with another man, but none expected this pretty-faced youth to openly challenge the marriage.
And here, of all places—on the very grounds where the Shi family’s ancestor comprehended the Dao. To seize a bride here was no different from slapping the Shi family in the face.
Where did a mere True Fate Realm cultivator find such audacity?
“You dare provoke my Shi family?”
King Zhen Nan’s voice chilled, and a burst of pressure swept out.
Yet the youth remained unbothered, standing as though that crushing force did not exist.
This scene did not escape the notice of the cultivators present. Some could not help whispering among themselves.
“Who is this boy, that even a marquis’s pressure does not shake him? He can’t be ordinary.”
King Zhen Nan had not expected this situation. Just as he prepared to unleash his anger, Shi Xuan spoke first.
“Should I call you Long Nie… or Xu Aotian?”
The name Xu Aotian struck like thunder through the crowd.
Shock rippled outward.
“This youth—he’s Xu Aotian, the prodigy who rose in the Northern Abyss in recent years! Rumor says none of his peers can match him. Even the geniuses of the Northern Abyss royal clan fall short. Some even whisper he is the illegitimate son of a great sage.”
“What rumor? It’s fact! Otherwise, how could he have walked out of the imperial city alive?”
“I heard his father is the promiscuous Ice Dragon Great Sage. That’s why he’s nicknamed Long Nie—the Dragon Bastard.”
“…!”
Xu Aotian hadn’t expected Shi Xuan to remain so composed upon recognizing him. “Since you know my identity, is there still any need for this engagement banquet to continue?”
Hiss…
The onlookers sucked in cold breaths, eager to watch the drama unfold.
“This youth is truly arrogant. Does he fear no wrath from the Shi family?”
“Perhaps he already has the Ice Dragon Great Sage’s backing. Then he wouldn’t care in the least.”
“…”
Shi Xuan smiled. “Of course it will continue. Otherwise, how could we face all the guests here today? Besides, one person trying to snatch her isn’t enough.”
“You dare look down on me?”
Xu Aotian’s face darkened. He knew he wasn’t the only one acting today, but growing up in an environment steeped in inferiority, even his mother had given him the name Nie (“Bastard”). He had endured countless scornful looks.
After becoming a prodigy, his pride was extreme. If anyone humiliated him, he would tear them apart.
“Getting impatient already?”
Shi Xuan’s tone was flat, yet the difference between them was instantly clear.
“Do you dare fight me? Whoever wins takes her away!”
Xu Aotian sneered, full of provocation.
“Do you deserve it?”
Shi Xuan replied lightly.
The words were not lethal, but the insult cut deep.
He ignored Xu Aotian’s fury and turned his gaze toward three women in the crowd.
“Bai Suqing, Yan Ruhua, Murong Yan… your taste is no better than this.”
At once, the three erupted in anger, shouting in unison: “Shi Xuan, don’t you dare insult our Brother Aotian!”
Shi Xuan almost laughed at their rage. “Don’t be hasty. The real show is just starting. Best not make a move—otherwise, you might miss seeing this Dragon Bastard defeated by me.”
“You’re seeking death!”
Xu Aotian roared, eyes bloodshot.
Shi Xuan ignored him again. He spoke lazily toward the crowd.
“Everyone, you’ve been watching long enough. Isn’t it time you came out? Otherwise, once I defeat Xu Aotian, the first thing I’ll do is take your beloveds and show them what only adults can do. You’ll be left waiting helplessly outside.”
At those words, every gaze toward Shi Xuan shifted.
Clearly, this so-called Shi genius was even more dangerous than they thought, able to endure until now.
Bing Yan couldn’t help commenting, “This Xiao Xuan… finally a little like Da Qian in his youth.”
Chu Feng chuckled. “Not enough. I hope he stirs up even greater chaos.”
Cao Youqian scratched his head. “Master’s wife, please don’t praise me—it feels embarrassing.”
The Shi family: “…”
You call being called a villain praise? Are you alright?
Clap. Clap. Clap.
Suddenly, applause echoed out of place from within the crowd, pulling everyone back to reality.
They turned instinctively toward the sound. A man radiating noble bearing walked out, surrounded by followers.
The onlookers automatically parted to make way, whispering among themselves.
“Why him?”
“Senior, who is that?”
“That’s Zhao Wuji, son of the Eldest Princess. Why would someone of such status appear here and take part in this?”
Even Shi Xuan’s eyes flickered with surprise.
“Senior Brother Zhao, I didn’t expect you—the strategist of the Eldest Princess’s mansion—to be behind this. No wonder I couldn’t trace that scholar’s identity. So it was you.”
Zhao Wuji smiled. “Junior Brother Shi, surely you understand that cultivators must fight for what they desire.”
Shi Xuan quickly steadied himself and said calmly, “Back in the Holy Capital, I never had the chance to spar with you. Today I finally can—what a fine opportunity. Why not call the others out too, Senior Brother Zhao?”
Zhao Wuji’s eyes flashed with surprise. He had imagined many reactions Shi Xuan might have upon seeing him, but not this one.
“Shi Xuan, it seems your three years at Wendao Academy were not wasted.”
Shi Xuan nodded. “Soon enough, you’ll witness what I learned at the Miscellaneous Dao Institute.”
Zhao Wuji smiled faintly. “Since you’re so confident, I shall oblige. Three of you, come forth.”
Their words were calm, but every syllable carried hidden killing intent, making the crowd eager for the coming clash.
Of course, the greatest curiosity was: who else would reveal themselves?
Chu Feng narrowed his eyes at Zhao Wuji.
“Interesting. Do the Northern Abyss royals all enjoy playing such games?”
Cao Youqian perked up with excitement. “Master, does Zhao Wuji carry some secret?”
Chu Feng smirked. “That boy’s body houses the soul of another old monster.”
Ye Beixuan’s eyes lit up, staring at Zhao Wuji with a gleam of anticipation.
At the same time, three figures slowly emerged at Zhao Wuji’s side…
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