Douluo Continent: After their charm was maxed out, they became simps.

Chapter 77 What? Are you surprised to see me?

Not far away, a magnificent carriage was moving slowly forward, like a flowing palace, passing through bustling streets and heading towards the royal palace.

Dugu Yan sat beside Xia Bai, her head slightly turned, her emerald eyes reflecting the changing scenery outside the car window.

"We'll be there soon."

Her voice rang out softly, carrying a hint of anticipation and nervousness.

The carriage continued its journey, the sound of its wheels turning contrasting sharply with the noise of the outside world.

Soon after, the carriage stopped and arrived at the gate of the palace.

This place is a symbol of power and glory; the magnificent buildings stand under the night sky, exuding an awe-inspiring aura.

Two imperial guards in heavy armor approached the carriage, carefully inspected it, and only after confirming that everything was in order did they respectfully step back.

As the carriage slowly entered the palace, the surrounding scenery gradually changed, transitioning from bustling city streets to magnificent royal gardens.

Beside the pristine white steps stood a group of imperial guards, responsible for the security of the birthday banquet.

"Young Master Xia, Yan'er!"

Just as Xia Bai and Dugu Yan stepped off the carriage, a sound came from behind them.

In the distance, Dugu Bo, dressed in a fishtail tuxedo, walked happily toward Xia Bai and Dugu Yan.

"Your Majesty Dugu."

"grandfather."

Dugu Yan and Xia Bai greeted Dugu Bo upon seeing him.

"Young Master Xia, it's been a long time." Dugu Bo looked at Xia Bai's indescribably handsome appearance and chuckled.

"Well, how's your recovery going lately?" Xia Bai asked.

"Very good. Under Tang San's treatment, I feel like I've become much younger," Dugu Bo said with a smile.

If it weren't for Young Master Xia finding someone to treat me, I probably wouldn't have lived much longer!

The two talked as they walked into the palace.

The banquet was held in the inner square of the palace, where countless lanterns hung in the air, emitting a soft and warm glow that illuminated the entire square.

These lanterns are no ordinary items; they are meticulously crafted by skilled artisans and decorated with various auspicious patterns, symbolizing longevity, wealth, and peace.

In addition, thousands of flowers adorn the area, with roses, lilies, peonies, and other flowers blooming in profusion, filling the entire venue with fragrance.

The music began, a beautiful melody played by the court orchestra. The strings were melodious, the wind instruments were crisp, and the drums were exciting, creating a series of melodious and captivating symphonic movements.

The dancers, dressed in gorgeous costumes, moved with light steps and danced gracefully under the lights. Their figures were like butterflies, flitting among the flowers, a truly beautiful sight.

The table was set out neatly, the silver cutlery gleaming in the candlelight, and the exquisite porcelain dishes filled with a variety of delicacies. These were the culinary gems from all over the empire, including traditional court dishes as well as innovative and unique flavors, all of which were a feast for the eyes, nose, and palate, making one's mouth water.

The guests sat together, raising their glasses in celebration, their laughter filling the air, creating a warm and lively atmosphere.

Princess Xueke, the protagonist of the banquet, sat in the main seat. She wore a specially made royal dress and a precious blue jade necklace around her fair neck.

Strangely, her face did not show any joy; on the contrary, it was full of indifference.

He seemed uninterested in the blessings and gifts around him.

Xia Bai's eyes flickered slightly upon seeing this.

It seems our birthday celebrant isn't very happy.

"Young Master Xia, you'd better be careful of Prince Xuexing." Dugu Bo suddenly leaned close to Xia Bai's ear and whispered.

"Prince Snowstar?"

"Yes, Young Master Xia, he once ordered me to kill you," Dugu Bo said through gritted teeth.

"Because he's afraid that you're the crown prince's man and will hinder Avalanche's ascension to the throne."

"But now that Young Master Xia has saved my life, I will not show him any disrespect."

Xia Bai nodded and followed Dugu Bo's gaze to Prince Xuexing standing beside the banquet.

"It's alright, I'm not the kind of person who can kill just any cat or dog."

Xia Bai's tone carried a hint of disdain.

He currently possesses two 10-year-old spirit rings, but he doesn't know exactly how strong he is.

But one thing is for sure: he could take on a hundred of those like Chrysanthemum Douluo without even breaking a sweat.

Seeing Xia Bai's confidence, Dugu Bo's eyes also flashed with admiration.

At such a young age, he possesses a 10-year soul ring that most people could only dream of.

Who knows, Young Master Xia might even achieve godhood in the future!

Xia Bai held an exquisite crystal wine glass, the red wine inside resembling flowing jewels, gleaming alluringly under the light.

He walked confidently toward Xue Ke in the main seat, each step exuding composure, as if he were performing an elegant show on stage.

Xia Bai's appearance immediately attracted the attention of everyone present, but his eyes were only on Xue Ke. His focus was like a magnet attracting iron filings, impossible to ignore.

"Hey, long time no see, Xueke. Isn't today your birthday? Why do you look a little unhappy?"

Xia Bai's voice was gentle and magnetic; his words broke the slight silence of the banquet hall.

"Who is this person! How dare he address Princess Xueke by her name?"

"I don't know, I've never seen this person before!"

"Although he wears a mask, why do I feel that beneath it lies a face that would astound all living beings?"

Xue Ke's heart skipped a beat; the sudden sense of closeness caught her off guard.

As a member of the royal family, she was used to being flattered and feared by others, and few people dared to talk to her so directly and easily.

Xue Ke raised her eyelids, and a look of astonishment flashed across her eyes, which were like deep-sea sapphires, before they were quickly filled with ecstasy.

Her breathing quickened, her heart pounded, as if the colors of the whole world had become brighter because of Xia Bai's arrival.

At that moment, all etiquette and restraint were forgotten; all she knew was that she had finally found the person she had longed for day and night.

"It's...it's you!" Xue Ke's voice was slightly hoarse, her excitement overflowing.

She stood up, her body trembling slightly. Xia Bai before her seemed like a figure who had stepped out of a distant dream, real yet unbelievable.

Xueke never imagined that she would meet him again in such a ceremonial setting.

Xia Bai nodded with a smile, a hint of amusement in his eyes.

"What? Are you surprised to see me here?"

His tone was relaxed, as if he was unaware of how important he was to Xue Ke.

(End of this chapter)