Chapter 390: Northern Wilderness Dynasty – The Shi Clan
“That’s right. I’ve already awakened my Immortal Body. Next, it’s your turn to shock the world.”
Xiao Chen teased with a broad smile.
Cao Youqian muttered with a gloomy face, “Senior Brother, if you want to beat me up, just say so. Why find such an excuse?”
“How can sparring be called a beating?”
Xiao Chen’s grin widened further.
Cao Youqian rolled his eyes, secretly vowing that he must awaken an Immortal Body as soon as possible; otherwise, he would not be worthy of his title as Holy Son.
Qin Qin and the others were already used to the banter between the senior brothers. The two had known each other for so long they were practically blood brothers.
But the new disciples of the Miscellaneous Dao Institute were still stunned.
An Immortal Body was something of legend, yet they had actually witnessed it today—and on their most admired Senior Brother Xiao.
After some chatter, the institute resumed its old rules.
Seven days later, Chu Feng led his disciples away from Wendao Academy, heading toward the Shi Clan of Beiyuan.
…
The Beiyuan Sacred Dynasty lay in the northern region of the Xuantian Continent, named for the vast frozen abyss within its domain.
Its territory spanned the entire north, ruling countless vassal states.
The Northern Wilderness Dynasty, governed by the Shi Clan, was one of the top ten dynasties under Beiyuan. With a Half-Saint in residence, they commanded fearsome authority across both Beiyuan and the whole continent.
At the heart of the dynasty stood its imperial capital—Jushi City.
Lately, Jushi City was unusually lively. The Shi Clan’s foremost genius had returned from Wendao Academy, and in half a month would hold a grand betrothal ceremony. At this event, it would also be announced that Shi Xuan would become the Crown Grandson of the dynasty, destined to inherit the position of Crown Prince.
This news shook the northern continent.
After all, though Shi Xuan had studied at Wendao Academy for three years, he had not made a name for himself, not even participating in the Outer Sect Grand Competition.
He no longer displayed the glory that once made him renowned across Beiyuan.
Even so, it did not stop the world from flocking to witness the occasion.
It was said that even several princes and princesses of the Sacred Dynasty would attend.
Ten li outside Jushi City, a seemingly ordinary convoy moved slowly toward the gates.
In the last carriage, a broad-shouldered young man held the reins and said evenly, “Master, ahead lies Jushi City.”
The curtain lifted, and a handsome, elegant youth with extraordinary bearing leaned out to gaze at the towering city.
Built entirely of massive stones, Jushi City rose like a fortress amidst the surrounding mountains. From afar, the characters “Jushi City” could be seen above its gates.
“Send word to Xiao Xuan. Tell him we’ve arrived and to prepare accommodations.” The youth’s tone was calm.
“Yes.”
The driver answered, then retrieved a transmission talisman from his storage ring and sent it flying toward the city.
This group was none other than Chu Feng and his disciples.
They had not traveled with Shi Xuan’s party, instead touring Beiyuan leisurely, only arriving now as the wedding date drew near.
Within Jushi City, on Ice Phoenix Avenue, stood a magnificent estate.
Shi Xuan was inside, guiding the disciples of Miaomiao Mountain in cultivation.
Though he had returned home, he rarely appeared in public. Aside from routine greetings, he spent nearly all his time in the estate.
This only fueled external suspicion, but neither Shi Clan nor Shi Xuan paid any heed, focusing entirely on preparations for the upcoming betrothal ceremony.
A streak of light descended, landing before Shi Xuan.
He casually caught the talisman, then turned to Chen Zun and the others. “Master and our senior brothers and sisters have arrived. You will go to the gates to receive them. I’ll have the servants prepare a welcoming feast.”
Excitement lit their faces immediately.
Lately, whenever they stepped outside the estate, all they heard in Jushi City were disparaging remarks about their master, Shi Xuan.
The crowd naturally felt displeased. At first, they would report the rumors they heard outside to Mister Shi.
To their surprise, Mister Shi only laughed it off and told them not to mind the opinions of outsiders—when the engagement banquet came, the truth would be revealed.
After hearing this, they could only suppress their anger and reduced how often they went out, afraid they might lose control and beat up those slanderous cultivators, thus disrupting Mister Shi’s plans.
Now that the grandmaster and the teachers were coming, they could simply wait for the show to unfold. Perhaps they might even get the chance to hunt down one or two so-called prodigies.
Everyone responded in unison, “We obey.”
With that, they left Shi Xuan’s residence, faces full of excitement.
Since Shi Xuan had lived in seclusion after returning home, the various factions that once kept spies on his residence eventually gave up and withdrew them after three months of watching. Thus, no one tailed Chen Zun and the others when they went out.
Soon, they arrived quietly at the city gates to wait.
About one incense stick of time later, Chen Zun spotted several familiar figures riding ordinary Gale Steeds, approaching Jushi City.
“The teachers are too frugal, aren’t they?” one disciple muttered under his breath.
Chen Zun immediately replied, “I’ve heard that the grandmaster dislikes ostentation. Seeing it today, that is indeed true.”
The group nodded in agreement. Chen Zun then led them forward to greet the arrivals.
“We pay our respects to the teachers, and to the grandmaster.”
“No need for formalities.”
From within the carriage, Chu Feng’s voice came calm and even.
“Thank you, grandmaster.”
After their reply, Chen Zun added, “Grandmaster, Mister Shi has already prepared a banquet in the residence and ordered us to come meet you.”
“Very well.”
Chu Feng answered softly, and the party followed Chen Zun and the others into the city.
Half an hour later, they arrived before an imposing estate, its gates wide open.
Shi Xuan stood there with the entire household, waiting in person to welcome them.
When he saw the group approaching, he bowed respectfully. “Disciple greets Master.”
“There is no need for such ceremony.”
From inside the carriage, Chu Feng’s voice drifted out.
“Thank you, Master.” Shi Xuan replied, then stepped forward to personally lead the horse pulling the carriage into the estate.
Moments later, he had arranged accommodations for everyone and then invited them to the garden to drink tea and chat.
As the conversation grew lively, a shrill, duck-like voice suddenly came from outside the garden.
“Report—”
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