My strength increases by one percent every day; I can destroy stars with my bare hands.

After discussing the matter, the group decided to set off three days later to secretly ambush and kill the Six-Eyed Demon.

Before noon, the area outside the east gate of the imperial city was already packed with people.

Spies from various factions mingled among the crowd, and people sent by major families to observe filled the teahouses and taverns on both sides of the city gate. Even people from the palace came.

When the Du family's procession appeared at the end of the long street, everyone held their breath.

A thousand private soldiers of the Du family, all dressed in silver armor and white robes, holding long halberds, formed two human walls.

Du Tianyuan and several clan elders came in person, making a grand entrance.

The local people and the soldiers guarding the city had never seen such a scene before, and they all fell silent and moved with extreme caution.

"This is the Du family, quite a grand display."

"Why is the Du family making such a grand fuss? Are they welcoming someone?"

"Who has such great influence that the Du family would put on such a grand welcome?"

"..."

Many people were confused and found it hard to believe.

The Du family is a thousand-year-old family with a profound heritage; even the royal family has to give them some respect.

The head of the Du family and the clan elders personally came to the city gate to welcome them, and everyone could hardly imagine what an important person was coming.

"According to rumors, the Marquis of Wu'an's family is about to arrive in the capital, and the Du family is probably here to welcome them."

Someone with inside information spread the news.

Upon hearing this, everyone suddenly realized what was going on.

"I see."

"It is only natural that the Du family would make such a grand gesture in preparation for the marriage alliance between Marquis Wu'an and the Du family."

"The Marquis of Wu'an has a bright future, and it is worth the Du family's great effort."

"..."

Once everyone learned that the Du family had come to welcome Marquis Wu'an, they understood.

Many people were in no hurry to leave, and stopped to watch, hoping to see what would happen.

Before long, a procession of over a thousand people slowly approached the city gate.

"Boom, rumble..."

As the group approached, the ground trembled slightly.

Three hundred guards, clad in armor and armed with weapons, rode warhorses of the same color. Their iron armor reflected the sunlight, so bright it was blinding.

They wore phoenix-winged helmets with red tassels that danced in the wind like flames, long swords hung at their waists, and powerful crossbows slung beside their saddles.

Zhang Tianlong and Ouyang Meng, clad in silver armor, exuded a powerful and profound aura as they led the way.

The three hundred cavalrymen did not gallop; they marched in orderly, slow steps.

"Boom, boom, boom..."

Like the beating of war drums, each sound struck the hearts of the onlookers.

The crowd involuntarily took two steps back.

"I have never seen such a terrifying army."

"How terrifying! The lowest cultivation level is at the Bone Forging Realm, and more than a third are at the Blood Condensation Realm. This is too frightening."

"Just one look from him could send chills down your spine; it was truly terrifying."

"..."

Upon seeing the three hundred personal guards, everyone was horrified.

"The leader is unfathomable; his cultivation level is impossible to determine."

The eyes of spies from all sides fell on Zhang Tianlong and Ouyang Meng, who were in charge.

Ouyang Meng and the others could still glean some information, but Zhang Tianlong was as unfathomable as a vast ocean, which startled everyone.

Behind the procession were dozens of horse-drawn carriages and thousands of people following.

"Did the Marquis of Wu'an bring all his wealth with him?"

Seeing so many people, the crowd began to discuss among themselves.

The procession slowed down when it was about three miles from the city gate.

Ahead, the Du family's welcoming party had been waiting for quite some time.

Du Tianyuan stood at the very front, followed by dozens of core members of the Du family, each dressed in fine clothes and exuding an extraordinary air.

Beside Du Tianyuan stood a woman dressed in snow-white.

Today, Du Ruomei wore a moon-white, wide-sleeved long dress with a light blue silk sash tied around her waist. Her hair was styled in a high bun and adorned with only a jade hairpin.

The morning breeze stirred her skirt and hair, and from a distance, she looked like a fairy descending from a painting.

"That's the eldest daughter of the Du family? She truly is a celestial being!"

"I heard she's already betrothed to Marquis Wu'an. A marriage between the two families—a powerful alliance!"

"I wonder if Marquis Wu'an himself will come..."

"..."

As they were discussing this, Zhang Tianlong pulled on the reins and dismounted.

He strode up to Du Tianyuan and clasped his hands in a fist salute.

"Zhang Tianlong, under the command of Marquis Wu'an, greets Lord Du."

Du Tianyuan is Li Xuancang's future father-in-law, and even though Zhang Tianlong is already at the Tongxuan Realm, he still treats him with utmost respect.

With a smile on his face, Du Tianyuan stepped forward and helped Zhang Tianlong up.

"Thank you for your hard work, Brother Li and your wife, please get off the bus!"

The curtain of the first carriage was lifted, and Mr. and Mrs. Li stepped down from the carriage with the help of their maids.

Mr. Li wore a dark blue brocade robe with a jade belt around his waist, and stood up straight, not wanting to embarrass his son.

Li's mother wore the imperial court's bestowed robes and hat for noblewomen, her phoenix coronet and embroidered robe gleaming in the sunlight.

Du Tianyuan stepped forward and clasped his hands in greeting once more.

"Brother Lin, sister-in-law, you must be tired from your journey."

Li's father returned the greeting with clasped hands: "Lord Du, you are too kind. It is an honor to have you personally greet me."

The two clasped hands and smiled at each other.

At this moment, Du Ruomei stepped forward and gracefully bowed.

"Ruomei has met her uncle, aunt, eldest sister, and brother-in-law."

Li's mother quickly helped her up and looked her up and down, holding her hand.

"Good child, you've become even more beautiful since I last saw you."

Li's mother really liked Du Ruomei, and she held her hand tightly and wouldn't let go.

Du Ruomei let Li's mother pull her along, and the two became quite affectionate.

"Aunt, a banquet has been prepared at home to welcome Uncle, Aunt, and my eldest sister's family."

She withdrew her gaze, her smile gentle, and said, "Please get in the car, Uncle and Aunt!"

Immediately afterwards, the group entered the city in a grand procession, attracting a large crowd of onlookers.

The procession slowly entered the city, the crowd parting and then reuniting like a tide.

The streets were packed with onlookers, and people were even seen on rooftops, trees, and city walls.

The child, perched on his father's shoulders, pointed at the long line and shouted excitedly.

"Dad! What do those words say on that big flag?"

"Marquis Wu'an! This is the banner of the great hero, Marquis Wu'an!"

"Where is Marquis Wu'an? I want to see Marquis Wu'an!"

"The Marquis of Wu'an didn't come; these are his family members."

The child pouted, somewhat disappointed, but was quickly drawn to the gleaming armor and majestic warhorses.

"The Marquis of Wu'an's family has entered the city, and they have prepared generous gifts. I, sir, wish to pay them a personal visit."

"The Marquis of Wu'an has a bright future and is worth befriending."

"The Marquis of Wu'an is already a high-ranking official in charge of a region; his family should not be treated lightly."

"..."

Many powerful families and some important officials of the court prepared gifts and were ready to pay a visit.

Everyone knew that Li Xuancang had a bright future and wanted to befriend him.

The Du family prepared a palace as a temporary residence for the Li family, and all the servants were properly arranged, showing utmost care.