Fairy, I am truly a virtuous gentleman!

When Princess Liuli was mentioned, Ji Changhong's expression showed a hint of helplessness.

Before Xuan Gu could reply, Ning Yuan praised, "Brother, you are a friend; younger brother, you are respectful. The eldest brother is like a father. Your Highness, to practice this path with such utmost care is a model for us all!"

"It's just common sense, nothing to brag about."

Ji Changhong laughed heartily, stroked his beard, and replied, "Please take your seats first."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Ning Yuan bowed again with an elegant demeanor, and then led Qiao Shuang and Xiao Lingjiang to their seats at His Highness's table.

Beautiful palace maids and young servants brought trays, filled with countless delicious dishes and fragrant wines.

"I am not unfamiliar with Fairy Lingyin, but I wonder who this is...?"

After a short while of banqueting, Ji Changhong raised his glass in celebration, while casting an inquiring glance at the quiet Xiao Lingjiang.

Encouraged by the young man, the latter bowed slightly and whispered, "This servant, Xiao Lingjiang, is one of your personal maids, along with Fairy Qiao Shuang."

Ji Changhong chuckled and continued, "Your brother specially brought you to this banquet, so you must have some extraordinary abilities."

Xiao Lingjiang lowered her head and shook her head, but did not answer.

Ning Yuan understood the reason and continued, "Your Highness, your daughter Jiang is a fifth-generation member of the Xiao family and the daughter of Grand Tutor Xiao's great-great-grandson. However, due to certain reasons, she is currently following me."

"Grand Tutor Xiao? I see. In that case, let's not talk about this anymore..."

Ji Changhong and Xuan Gu exchanged a glance. The former paused slightly before suddenly changing the subject.

"By the way, Ning Yuan, you're already of marriageable age, yet you're still unmarried. Do you have any plans?"

Although Ning Yuan was surprised by this sudden and abrupt turn of events, he still calmly replied, "I have no plans."

Upon hearing this, Ji Changhong pondered for a moment, his eyes flashing with a sharp light, and said with a smile, "Since that's the case, and you're also present at today's grand event, what are your impressions of Daoyun?"

Ning Yuan feigned surprise at the opportune moment, then replied, "Princess Liuli possesses a beautiful face and a stunning appearance, with unparalleled talent and cultivation. She shone brightly at the Grand Gathering of Myriad Laws and is undoubtedly a beauty."

"well!"

Ji Changhong said twice, his expression satisfied, "In that case, I will personally arrange for you two to be united in marriage, what do you say?"

Upon hearing this, Qiao Shuang's expression was inscrutable, while Xiao Lingjiang's face was filled with complex emotions.

Xuan Gu, who was standing beside him, opened his mouth to speak, but was stopped by Ji Changhong raising his hand, and had to swallow the words that were about to come out.

Ning Yuan quickly replied, "Absolutely not!"

"Um?"

Upon hearing Ning Yuan's refusal, Ji Changhong's smile vanished, his expression changed, and he said indifferently, "What, do you perhaps have a problem with Dao Yun?"

The next moment, divine light suddenly rose in the hall, and the aura of dragons and tigers rose up, accompanied by thunderous roars!

Ji Changhong's figure was shrouded in purple light, and in a daze, he seemed to transform into a center that devoured the heavens and the earth. The flowing clouds of heaven and earth poured in, the spiritual energy boiled and was restless, and an infinite pressure was exerted on Ning Yuan.

The boy's face turned pale, and he involuntarily took a step back.

Ji Changhong was the crown prince of the Great Li Immortal Dynasty, and he was no ordinary person. He was able to communicate with a cosmic power like Yu Shu Daozun while only at the level of a Nascent Soul True Monarch. Although he relied on the protective formation of Luodu City, it was enough to show his extraordinary nature.

Faced with this sudden turn of events, everyone in the hall reacted in different ways.

Qiao Shuang was the first to react. She flipped her sleeves, her entire body surging with magical power, and stood in front of Ning Yuan.

Xiao Lingjiang, who had remained silent, felt nervous and also stood protectively in front of the boy.

Only Xuan Gu, who initially exuded the same imposing aura, suddenly relaxed his brows, gradually withdrew his magical power, and silently raised his wine cup.

With Qiao Shuang sharing the burden, Ning Yuan, having recovered, immediately explained, "Not so! Princess Liuli is certainly a good match, but I, Ning Yuan, consider my cultivation to be neglected. How can a mere Qi Refining Realm compare to the Princess's esteemed status as a Divine Palace Refiner?"

Ji Changhong questioned, "So what? As long as you're willing, would the Ji clan ever mistreat you? We could even use spiritual resources to propel you to the Nascent Soul realm!"

Ning Yuan's expression remained unchanged. "Even so, our bodies and hair are given to us by our parents, and the matter of marriage should be decided by our parents. I still need to consult my father on this matter."

Upon hearing this, Ji Changhong showed approval and finally withdrew his spiritual pressure.

"Of all virtues, filial piety is the most important. It seems that you are a reasonable person who knows what is important. This makes you even more suitable for Daoyun. Go back and ask for my permission. I will also find an opportunity to visit the Imperial Preceptor and try to finalize the marriage."

Ji Changhong seemed very happy, pulling Xuan Gu up to toast and drinking several cups in a row, showing no airs of a prince of the Immortal Dynasty.

The atmosphere gradually eased, and after a few rounds of drinks, Ning Yuan, emboldened by the lively atmosphere, smiled sheepishly, raised his wine cup to Ji Changhong, and earnestly requested, "I have a request, and I wonder if Your Highness the Crown Prince would be willing to grant it?"

Ji Changhong waved his hand and said, "Speak freely."

"I have always been deeply interested in the legendary opportunity of obtaining a high-grade Golden Core in the Crimson Abyss Secret Realm. However, due to my low cultivation level and insufficient skills, I am unable to achieve a ranking in the Grand Gathering of Myriad Laws. Therefore, I would like to ask His Highness the Crown Prince for a few spots in the Crimson Abyss, and bring two attendants to explore it."

Ning Yuan's eyes were slightly glazed over, and his expression was unfocused, as if he had drunk too much.

Qiao Shuang and Xiao Lingjiang helped him up, but the latter was shocked after hearing his words.

Although most of the spots in the Crimson Abyss were added to the Myriad Laws Grand Gathering as rewards by the Great Li Immortal Dynasty, it is ultimately a royal secret realm controlled by the Ji clan. Every direct descendant of the royal family has three recommendation qualifications.

Therefore, every time the Crimson Abyss opens, in addition to the geniuses from all over the Great Xuantian during the Grand Gathering of Myriad Laws, there are also quite a few 'connected' individuals.

Ji Changhong was somewhat surprised, but after a moment's thought, he readily agreed, "This is not a problem, I will grant your request."

Ning Yuan appeared overjoyed, "Thank you, Your Highness!"

...

...

After an unknown amount of time, dusk was approaching, and the evening clouds hung low.

A streak of rainbow light flashed across the colorful sky, and the Eight Dragons Chariot flew away into the distance.

At this moment, only Ji Changhong remained in the palace. He sat quietly in the main seat with his eyes closed.

Suddenly, he waved his sleeve, and a girl in a white dress appeared in the hall.

The girl in the white dress had a charming face, narrow, smoky eyes, and an exceptional appearance. Her long, flowing hair was like jade from a clear river, cascading down like the bright moonlight filling the room.

The only drawback was that the girl's left sleeve was slightly torn and stained with blood, making her look somewhat disheveled.

Ji Changhong didn't even open his eyes, but simply asked, "How is it? Does it meet your standards?"

The girl in the white dress is Princess Liuli, Ji Daoyun.

Her lips were as red as blood. After a long silence, she asked in return, "Why stop the competition? I still have some tricks up my sleeve. I might be able to defeat Chu Lingci."

Ji Changhong opened his eyes, frowning slightly: "I'm asking you now. Don't you even know the basic rules?"

Ji Daoyun gritted her teeth, finally adopting a cold and hard expression, and muttered, "His looks are alright, suitable as a male concubine."