347: Hero saves the beauty

"I dare not call it impressive, but it's certainly more intriguing than that 'hero saves the beauty' setup outside the city the other day." Before Feng Ming could finish speaking, a guard rushed over in a panic and reported loudly, "Xun Luoyuan! His Highness the Third Prince has arrived!"

Xun Luoyuan and Feng Ming were both taken aback, and then they heard a hearty voice from afar: "Xun Luoyuan Luoyuan, I heard you're hosting a banquet at your mansion. I've come uninvited—please don't mind me!"

As the voice fell, Yue Han strode in, dressed in brocade robes, with delicate features and an air of casual nobility about him.

The two hurriedly stood up and bowed: "We greet the Third Prince."

"No need for formalities." Yue Han waved his hand, his gaze sweeping over the wine cups on the Stone Table. He walked straight to Feng Ming's previous seat and sat down, his tone casual. "The Xun Luoyuan certainly knows how to enjoy herself—inviting a friend for a late-night drink is quite pleasant."

Seeing this, Feng Ming moved to stand beside Xun Luoyuan, with Feng Da following closely behind. Both stood with their hands at their sides, as there was a clear distinction between ruler and subject, and they dared not share a seat with a prince.

Xun Luoyuan said calmly, "Your Highness the Third Prince, we failed to welcome you from afar. Please forgive us."

"You're too polite, Xun Luoyuan." Just as Yue Han picked up a wine cup from the table, another guard rushed over. Before he could speak, he was interrupted by a cold, deep voice: "No need to report. Does the Crown Prince need to announce himself when visiting the Xun Luoyuan?"

Everyone looked toward the voice and saw Yue Mang wearing a dragon-patterned brocade robe, his expression stern as he walked slowly forward, his Aura imposing.

Seeing this, Yue Han had no choice but to stand up and bow: "I greet Second Brother."

Xun Luoyuan and Feng Ming also bowed: "We greet Your Highness the Crown Prince."

"Rise." Yue Mang raised his hand slightly, his gaze fixed on Yue Han, his tone tinged with displeasure. "Third Brother, why aren't you staying in the Eastern Palace? What are you doing at the Xun Luoyuan's Mansion so late at night? Are you and the Xun Luoyuan very close?"

Yue Han chuckled lightly, his tone neither humble nor arrogant: "I was busy with studies before and had little interaction with the Xun Luoyuan. Now that I have some free time, it's only reasonable to visit her. But Second Brother, people outside say you visit the Xun Luoyuan's Mansion several times a day. Is this mansion almost becoming a branch of your Eastern Palace?"

"How dare you!" Yue Mang flew into a rage, his face flushing red.

Yue Han, however, continued to smile and did not respond, the atmosphere suddenly tense.

Seeing this, Xun Luoyuan hurriedly intervened: "Your Highnesses, please don't argue. Come, have a seat."

Only then did the two reluctantly sit down, though neither looked pleased.

Feng Ming stood to the side, sighing inwardly. No matter the time or place, the infighting among noble and royal brothers was always like this—for the sake of power and position, there was not a shred of affection. It was far inferior to his own Ye Family, which, though ordinary in status, had brothers united in heart.

Xun Luoyuan looked at the two and asked softly, "Your Highness the Crown Prince, Your Highness the Third Prince, what important matters bring you here so late at night?"

Yue Han spoke first, his gaze falling on Feng Ming as he smiled. "I heard the top ten from the Liangzhou Trial have arrived in the capital, with Feng Ming, young brother, taking first place. I've long wanted to meet him, and coincidentally heard he was at the Xun Luoyuan's Mansion, so I came to join the fun."

As he spoke, he took a Gilded Token from his robe and handed it to Feng Ming. "This is a token from my residence. Keep it, young brother. If you encounter any difficulties in the capital in the future, you can bring this token to my residence to find me."

Feng Ming reached out to take it, cupping his hands in thanks. "Thank you for your favor, Third Prince. If I serve in the Bright Moon Dynasty in the future, I hope you will offer guidance."

Seeing Feng Ming accept Yue Han's token, Yue Mang refused to be outdone. He immediately took out a Jade Token and handed it over, his tone carrying an air of insistence. "Since Third Brother has given one, I, the Crown Prince, naturally cannot be stingy. Young friend Feng Ming, take this Eastern Palace Token as well."

Feng Ming had no choice but to accept it again, bowing. "Thank you, Your Highness the Crown Prince."

Yue Mang looked at Yue Han, his tone carrying a hint of warning. "But young friend Feng Ming is only one person. He should think carefully about whom to get close to in the future."

Hearing this, Yue Han raised an eyebrow and smiled. "Second Brother, that sounds somewhat threatening. Is there something wrong with young brother Feng Ming getting close to me?"

Yue Mang's expression stiffened, slightly embarrassed. "I was merely reminding the young friend to be cautious. I meant nothing else."

Feng Ming thought to himself, this Crown Prince seemed rash but wasn't entirely without strategy. However, his cunning appeared somewhat naive compared to the Third Prince. He must have someone guiding him from behind.

He still had important matters to discuss with Xun Luoyuan tonight—how could he let these two disrupt things?

His thoughts racing, Feng Ming immediately stepped forward, cupping his hands to Xun Luoyuan. "I heard the Xun Luoyuan has inherited the true teachings of the Northwest King and possesses divine sword skills. Coincidentally, I also cultivate the sword Dao. Today is a rare opportunity—may I ask the Xun Luoyuan for some guidance?"

Hearing this, Xun Luoyuan glanced at Feng Ming, a flicker of understanding in her eyes. She then stood up and smiled. "Guidance is too strong a word, but a mutual spar is fine. Our strengths are far apart, so today, let's not compare cultivation levels—only sword techniques and Moves. How does that sound?"

"Thank you for your consideration, Xun Luoyuan!" Feng Ming cupped his hands in thanks.

The two immediately moved to the open space in the center of the Garden, where the light from the Palace Lanterns barely reached, making sword shadows discernible. The Second Prince and Third Prince both sat at the Stone Table, their eyes fixed on the two, each with their own thoughts, and no one spoke.

Feng Ming appeared focused on preparing for battle, but in reality, he had already clenched a communication stone in his palm, gathering spiritual power at his fingertips to send a message during the spar. Unexpectedly, a light, clear voice suddenly sounded in his mind—it was Xun Luoyuan's voice:

"You want to talk to me about that setup, right? With those two present, it's inconvenient to speak openly. I can hear what you're thinking—just speak in your mind."

Feng Ming was startled, but before he could react, Xun Luoyuan's voice sounded in his mind again: "With your Mahayana Realm cultivation, if we spar with swords for too long, you'll inevitably reveal flaws. I'll do my best to cooperate with you—keep it brief."

Feng Ming understood immediately and cupped his hands. "Xun Luoyuan, please!"

"Please!" Xun Luoyuan also raised her hand in invitation. As her voice fell, her long sword was already unsheathed. A flash of cold light shot straight toward Feng Ming's face—the sword's momentum was fierce but left some room.

Though Feng Ming had no sword, he gathered lightning at his fingertips. Several Thunder Arcs intertwined to form a faint purple Thunder Arc Blade. He raised his hand to parry Xun Luoyuan's long sword, the clear sound of metal clashing ringing in their ears.

Taking advantage of the moment their sword techniques entangled, Feng Ming spoke urgently in his mind: "Xun Luoyuan, I've discovered something. At the Palace Celebration Banquet three days from now, where we'll receive our appointments, someone has set a trap targeting both of us."

"Both of us?" Xun Luoyuan's sword momentum paused slightly, her voice in his mind carrying surprise. "No wonder those two came rushing over tonight. It seems the position King Haoyue has arranged for you must be extremely crucial."

"I still don't know what position King Haoyue plans to appoint me to, but I know it must be a hot potato." Feng Ming continued in his mind as he spun to avoid her sword. "This trap is likely set by the Crown Prince or the Third Prince. I'd like to invite you to join forces, Xun Luoyuan, to expose the one behind it. What do you think?"

"Tell me, what exactly does this trap look like?" Xun Luoyuan's long sword alternated between soft and fierce, entangling with Feng Ming's Thunder Arc Blade. Their figures crisscrossed in the open space, appearing to be locked in intense combat, but in reality, both were cooperating with each other.