247: When I first met King Wei, I was amazed!

The tian yuan flew south, crossing thousands of mountains and rivers, and the scenery along the way gradually changed from the majestic grandeur of the north to the elegant beauty of the south.

A few days later, at the end of their vision, the outline of a magnificent city, nestled between mountains and rivers with an extraordinary aura, gradually became clear.

The city walls were towering, winding like a dragon, embracing the vast and misty West Lake and the meandering Qiantang River.

Inside the city, pavilions and terraces were scattered in an orderly fashion, boats came and went like weaving shuttles, and the air seemed to be filled with the faint fragrance of water vapor intertwined with blooming flowers.

This place was precisely the behemoth of the Great Qian's southeast, the first city of Jiangnan, renowned as "Heaven on Earth" — Hangcheng.

Before the tian yuan had fully landed, outside Hangcheng's magnificent city gate, banners were already unfurled, and an honor guard stood in solemn array.

A team of well-dressed, distinguished officials, surrounding a young man in a four-clawed python robe, wearing a jade crown, and with an imposing bearing, waited on the city wall.

The middle-aged man's face bore some resemblance to Princess Pingyang Mu Shining, but he appeared more mature and dignified, with an air of royal nobility between his brows, yet also carrying the steady and capable demeanor of a powerful regional official.

His eyes were bright, and his aura was profound and robust, clearly indicating an extraordinary cultivation.

This person was none other than Prince Wei, Mu Weiran, who governed Jiangnan and was known to the world as a leisurely prince.

The tian yuan hovered high in the sky, and Li Shengyuan and others stood at the bow, looking at Prince Wei and his retinue.

Li Shengyuan and his parents were the first to fly off the tian yuan, followed closely by the four women: Shen Xinrong, Princess Pingyang Mu Shining, Yue Xiyan, and Yue Qingmeng.

As for Zixuan, she had mysteriously disappeared long ago.

Upon seeing this, Prince Wei Mu Weiran's face immediately broke into a warm yet dignified smile. He stepped forward and said in a gentle tone:

"This Prince has long heard of General Li Mu's heroic defense of Shanhai Pass, his arduous efforts in resisting the Demon Barbarians, and Lord Li Shengyuan's exceptional talent, slaying a second-rank Demon Cultist, and enduring a ten-fold heavenly tribulation, a feat unheard of throughout history. Seeing him today, his demeanor is indeed peerless and his reputation well-deserved! For the two Lord Lis to grace Hangcheng truly brings immense honor to our Jiangnan!"

His voice was gentle yet resonant, carrying a comfortable affability while maintaining the dignity of a prince.

Li Shengyuan remained composed, offering a respectful bow, and smiled, saying, "Your Royal Highness Prince Wei flatters me. Shengyuan is but an ordinary commoner; how could I dare trouble Your Royal Highness to personally greet me? My father also often speaks of Your Royal Highness's arduous efforts in guarding Jiangnan, serving as a pillar of the nation. Seeing you today, Your Royal Highness's demeanor surpasses even your renowned reputation."

Li Mu, as the father, merely smiled without speaking, letting Li Shengyuan handle all the conversation with Prince Wei, acting entirely as if he were merely on a relaxing tour.

A hint of wariness flashed in Mu Weiran's eyes, and he thought to himself, 'This young man is indeed extraordinary. Not only is his talent astounding, but his conduct is also so seasoned.'

He smiled and waved his hand, "Lord Li is too modest! You are a Marquis personally enfeoffed by His Majesty. Although no specific fiefdom has been designated, how can you be an ordinary commoner!"

"Moreover, General Li stands firm in the northern frontier, his prestige shaking the world, and this Prince has long admired him. Since you are traveling south and have arrived in this Prince's territory, how could I neglect you?"

Li Shengyuan and Prince Wei Mu Weiran stood facing each other, both wearing impeccable smiles, their words polite and thoughtful. Anyone who saw them would think this was a joyous welcome for both host and guest.

However, beneath the warm smiles and appropriate pleasantries, two sets of calmly scrutinizing eyes were silently clashing.

Li Shengyuan's spiritual perception was keen, allowing him to clearly sense that this seemingly gentle and leisurely Prince Wei harbored unfathomably deep cultivation, far from being as simple as he appeared on the surface.

Most importantly, the system, which had not detected a powerful Son of Destiny for a long time, was now issuing a warning!

Those officials behind him, though seemingly ordinary, both civil and military, subtly showed their deference to Prince Wei!

Could this be a leisurely prince?

Mu Weiran's heart, even more, sounded a faint alarm. Slaying a second-rank Demon Cultist and enduring a ten-fold heavenly tribulation meant his own strength was extraordinary!

The entire Li family wielded immense power in the court, practically the foremost family in Great Qian!

This young man's sudden journey south, entering his territory, could not possibly be just for sightseeing.

His words were humble, calling himself an "ordinary commoner," but that composed demeanor and the subtle pressure he exuded surpassed many veteran court officials.

Both had their own thoughts, but their act on the surface was flawless.

Mu Weiran's smile remained, and he turned to Li Mu, his tone becoming a few shades warmer: "General Li has traveled a long way and endured hardships. Hangcheng may not boast of much else, but its scenic beauty, fine teas, and excellent wines are quite palatable. You must relax and rest well, General."

Li Mu then laughed heartily, cupping his fists and saying, "Your Royal Highness Prince Wei is too kind. I am a rough man; this trip is mainly to accompany my son on his travels, and everything is arranged by him. With Your Royal Highness's generous hospitality, I shall not decline and will impose upon you!"

He was happy to be at leisure, pushing all external interactions to his son, as if he truly were just a warrior here to enjoy the scenery.

Mu Weiran silently cursed him as an "old fox," but his smile grew even wider: "Of course, of course!"

He then looked at the several women behind Li Shengyuan, especially Princess Pingyang Mu Shining, and smiled, saying:

"Princess Pingyang, you're back in Jiangnan. Be sure to properly entertain Lord Li and the various immortal ladies for your royal brother."

Princess Pingyang, as if oblivious to everything, cheerfully agreed, "Royal brother, rest assured!"

The pleasantries concluded, Mu Weiran gestured to the side, "This Prince has prepared a villa by West Lake, with a tranquil environment, most suitable for rest and enjoying the scenery. You all must be tired from your journey, so perhaps you should settle in first. Later, this Prince will host a banquet to welcome you."

Li Shengyuan smiled and nodded, "Thank you for your trouble, Your Royal Highness."

He did not decline, accepting it frankly. Since the other party treated him with courtesy, he naturally went with the flow, to see what this Prince Wei truly intended.

Mu Weiran beckoned a middle-aged man dressed in civil official attire with a capable demeanor: "Chief Steward Zhou, you are responsible for leading Lord Li and his party to the 'Lake Heart Villa' to settle in. All their needs must be met, without fail."

"Your subordinate obeys!" Chief Steward Zhou bowed in acceptance, his attitude exceedingly respectful, and then said to Li Shengyuan and the others, "Lord Li, General Li, Your Royal Highness Princess, immortal ladies, please follow your subordinate."

And so, Li Shengyuan and his party, led by Chief Steward Zhou and a team of princely guards, left the city gate tower and boarded the luxurious demon-powered carriage that had been prepared, heading towards West Lake.

Outsiders were forbidden to fly in Hangcheng and could only travel on foot or by tools like demon-powered carriages.

Although Li Shengyuan and his group could fly, as guests, they couldn't exactly fly there, could they?

As for the tian yuan, it was parked outside the city, with its protective array activated. Its size was too large, and there was no suitable place for it to stay for an extended period.

Prince Wei Mu Weiran stood in place, watching the distant carriage procession, the smile on his face slowly receding, his gaze becoming deep and unfathomable.

Although it was only their first meeting, he had already sensed Li Shengyuan's difficulty.

Though young, this person was not a reckless hothead; his temperament was quite steady... Emperor Sister, is this your test?!