99: A gathering of wind and clouds, an invitation from the long wind

In the following days, some strange rumors quietly circulated within the Taichu Dao Academy.

Some said they had seen the peerless Fairy Qingxue standing side-by-side with Hongtian Saint Son Jiang Chen by Mirror Heart Lake, chatting happily.

Others claimed to have seen Jiang Chen and Ji Qingxue discussing ancient scrolls together in the Scripture Pavilion of the Dao Academy, sometimes whispering, sometimes smiling brightly.

Even more people swore they had personally heard the extraordinary zither music emanating from Lanyue Peak, the melodies sometimes soaring, sometimes gentle.

These rumors, a mix of truth and falsehood, were embellished by the Disciples and spread like wildfire.

For a time, the entire Dao Academy's perception of Jiang Chen underwent a subtle change.

In fact, many had already begun to privately speculate that this Hongtian Saint Son and their Dao Academy's foremost Divine Maiden were a match made in Heaven.

As for Senior Brother Yuan Changfeng, hailed as the top Prodigy of the younger generation in the Eastern Domain, he seemed... to have been forgotten by many.

These rumors naturally reached the ears of those involved.

Tianyuan Courtyard.

"Bang!"

A precious glazed cup was violently smashed to the ground, shattering into pieces.

Yuan Changfeng's Face was ashen, listening to the latest news from his subordinates, the jealousy and murderous intent in his chest almost solidifying.

"Jiang Chen... Ji Qingxue... Good! Very good!"

He gritted his teeth, each word seemingly squeezed from between them.

He had thought that Jiang Chen merely wanted to humiliate him with words.

He never expected Jiang Chen's methods to be so insidious and ruthless!

Ji Qingxue was not only the woman he admired but also the most crucial part of his future plans!

Yuan Changfeng had long considered her his forbidden property!

But now, this woman who should have belonged to him was acting out scenes of harmonious intimacy with his mortal enemy!

"Your Highness, calm your anger!"

The attendant knelt on the ground, trembling as he said, "These... perhaps are just rumors, not to be taken seriously."

"Rumors?"

Yuan Changfeng let out a cold laugh, his eyes filled with ferocity.

"There's no smoke without fire! If Ji Qingxue hadn't shown him special regard, how could these rumors have spread so quickly!"

He knew very well how aloof and proud Ji Qingxue's nature was.

If she hadn't tacitly approved, who would dare to gossip about her and any man?

Yuan Changfeng closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and forcibly suppressed his surging emotions.

No, he had to do something!

He wanted everyone, especially Ji Qingxue, to see clearly who was truly the number one Prodigy of this younger generation!

Who was the one destined for her!

Just as murderous intent surged in Yuan Changfeng's heart and he pondered countermeasures,

the sky outside the Taichu Dao Academy began to grow increasingly lively.

Rumble!

A magnificent carriage, pulled by nine incomparably majestic Nine-tailed Celestial Foxes, tore through the clouds, radiating myriad rays of light and auspicious colors, slowly approaching with an enchanting, demonic aura that captivated all beings.

"It's someone from an ancient family!"

"Heavens, Nine-tailed Celestial Foxes pulling a carriage, what a grand gesture!"

Immediately after, golden light erupted from the other side of the sky.

A giant warship, cast from gold, arrived across the sky, its hull carved with countless battle patterns of gods and devils, exuding a majestic Imperial Dragon Qi.

"The Great Gan Imperial Dynasty! Crown Prince Ying Wudao himself has arrived!"

Afterward, ancient bronze chariots rumbled through the Void Realm, Saintesses from immortal sects riding five-colored divine deer gracefully arrived, and a small boat carried peerless swordsmen through the air... The Ten Thousand Dao Tea Ceremony was finally drawing near.

Young Prodigies from various domains, major immortal Dao Lineages, top families, and supreme Imperial Dynasties began to arrive at the Taichu Dao Academy in succession.

For a time, treasures glowed in the sky above the Dao Academy, Divine Might surged, and countless powerful auras intertwined and clashed.

Among the many arriving forces, a radiant immortal boat, entirely crafted from moonlight divine jade and bearing the characters "Nangong," was particularly eye-catching.

The immortal boat came to a stop.

A stunning figure slowly stepped out from within.

The woman wore a light blue gauze dress, her figure tall and graceful, her long black hair simply tied with a jade hairpin, her skin fairer than snow, and her features so exquisite that not a single flaw could be found.

It was Jiang Chen's fiancée, the eldest daughter of the Nangong Family, Nangong Mingyue!

"It's Fairy Nangong!"

"She actually came too!"

"Hiss... Now there's a good show to watch! Hongtian Saint Son Jiang Chen's fiancée has arrived, yet it's rumored he's been intimately involved with our Dao Academy's Fairy Qingxue..."

Countless gazes instantly focused on Nangong Mingyue, filled with curiosity, admiration, and a hint of anticipation for the drama.

Nangong Mingyue seemed oblivious to the surrounding gazes and discussions.

Her clear, cold beautiful eyes calmly swept over this immortal Holy Land, finally resting on the most prominent peak, suspended alone above the sea of clouds—Lanyue Peak.

Her gaze was as deep as the starry sky, revealing no joy or anger.

"Young Miss."

A maid beside her whispered anxiously, "There are some rumors about Holy Son Jiang in the Dao Academy... You..."

"It's fine."

Nangong Mingyue calmly interrupted her.

"Let's go to our lodging first."

Her tone was so calm that it had not a single ripple.

But the maid knew that the calmer Nangong Mingyue was, the more she cared... Lanyue Peak.

Jiang Chen naturally sensed the commotion outside, especially Nangong Mingyue's familiar yet cold aura.

He slowly revealed a smile.

"Mingyue has arrived too."

Just as he was thinking, a message Jade Slip flew through the air and hovered before him.

Jiang Chen reached out and took it, his Divine Thought probing inside.

Within the Jade Slip, a line of elegant, confident, and fervent calligraphy appeared.

"To Hongtian Saint Son Jiang Chen: Brother Jiang, it has been several days since we last met, and I miss you greatly. Changfeng will host a small Dao discussion gathering on Tiandao Peak three days from now, sincerely inviting Brother Jiang to honor us with your presence, to spar and exchange ideas with fellow Daoists from various regions, and to deepen our friendship. Changfeng awaits your arrival with open arms, anticipating your good news."

"A Hongmen Banquet?"

Jiang Chen looked at the contents of the Jade Slip, his smile growing even brighter.

Xiao Tiandu and the others also gathered around, and upon seeing the content, their expressions all stiffened.

"Saint, this Yuan Changfeng probably has ill intentions."

Xiao Tiandu said in a deep voice, "His timing for this banquet, inviting Prodigies from all paths, is clearly to save Face in front of everyone."

"Exactly!"

Wen Yan also became serious for once, "He's trying to use the influence of the Prodigies from various Dao Lineages to pressure us! This banquet, we absolutely cannot go!"

"That grandson holds a grudge against you, Saint, he's definitely planning something bad right now!"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Chen merely smiled noncommittally.

He casually tossed the Jade Slip aside and slowly stood up, his gaze directed towards the Tianyuan Courtyard.

"Go, why not go?"

"He painstakingly set up the stage for me and invited so many spectators."

"If I don't go, wouldn't I be giving him too little Face?"

Jiang Chen turned and looked at the others behind him, their expressions varied, his tone calm.

"If he wants to play, I'll play with him."

"If he wants to use me to establish his authority, I'll step on his Face and rise to a higher position."

"He's actively offering his Face for me to hit."

"How can I possibly refuse such a good opportunity?"