314: Chapter 314 The Feast at Hongmen

"Why do you come here every day?"

Su Mo put down the Jade Slip in his hand and looked at Yun Ge, who just happened to be passing by his temporary courtyard once again, his tone carrying a hint of obvious helplessness.

Staying temporarily at the Prince of Zhenbeis Residence, the Prince had indeed gone to great lengths to be hospitable; Spiritual Fruits, immortal brew, quiet rooms, and servants were all of the highest quality, making his stay quite comfortable.

Only this lady had become a small, persistent bit of static in his comfortable life.

Today, Yun Ge was wearing a pale yellow dress that outlined her slender figure, yet she was pretentiously holding an ancient Cultivation Technique scroll. Hearing his words, she raised her clear, melon-seed-shaped face and blinked:

"I've come to ask Young Master Su for guidance on difficulties in my cultivation. Your cultivation is profound and your knowledge is vast; can't you give a young woman some pointers?"

Su Mo rubbed the bridge of his nose:

"You want to 'ask for guidance' eight hundred times a day? You call this asking for guidance? I think you have an ulterior motive."

Two clouds of red flew onto Yun Ge's cheeks, her eyes dodged his, and her voice lowered:

"Then... then besides cultivation, can't we talk about other things? For example... for example, what Young Master Su said before..."

"Stop right there."

Su Mo raised his hand, interrupting her, his expression becoming a bit more serious:

"Princess Yun Ge, what I said before was just a joke. You mustn't take it to heart."

"But I..." Yun Ge bit her lip.

"Furthermore."

Su Mo's tone was calm:

"If I remember correctly, didn't your father say you have an engagement with a certain prince?"

"Father said he can help me break it!"

Yun Ge said hurriedly, as if trying to prove something:

"As long as I insist, Father will find a way!"

Su Mo shook his head and sighed, simply deciding to speak more plainly:

"Whether you break it or not is your family matter. But I already have a Dao Companion. You are in the prime of your youth and possess outstanding talent, Princess; there is really no need to waste your thoughts on me."

"I don't care!"

Yun Ge looked up, her eyes filled with the stubbornness and boldness unique to a young girl:

"For a powerful Cultivator like you, Young Master Su, having several Dao Companions is a normal thing! I... I can..."

*Tsk...*

Su Mo really had a bit of a headache now.

This girl looked quite smart, so why was she so single-minded about this matter?

Just as he was wondering if he should find an excuse to slip away early, a maid's clear and respectful announcement came from outside the courtyard:

"Reporting to Young Master Su, His Highness the First Prince has arrived at the residence specifically to visit the Young Master. He is currently waiting in the main hall."

Upon hearing this, Su Mo's eyes immediately lit up, as if he had heard the sounds of heaven.

He's finally here!

"Tell the First Prince that Su will arrive shortly."

He responded loudly, then stood up and gave Yun Ge a smile:

"Princess, an honored guest has arrived. I must go to meet him. Please excuse me."

After saying that, without waiting for Yun Ge to speak again, he walked out of the courtyard with composed steps.

Yun Ge stood where she was, watching his back as he left without a hint of attachment. She opened her mouth but ultimately just stomped her foot in frustration. The blush on her face hadn't faded, but it was joined by a sense of loss and unwillingness.

Arriving at the main hall of the residence, Immortal Emperor was already seated in the guest chair. The tea cup in his hand was steaming, and his expression was calm, showing no sign of urgency.

"Your Highness the First Prince, returning so soon, I assume you've brought your father's decision?"

Su Mo stepped into the hall and sat casually in the main seat, getting straight to the point with a faint, indiscernible smile on his lips.

Immortal Emperor put down his tea cup, cupped his hands, and smiled:

"Fellow Daoist Su is a straightforward person. Indeed, after careful consideration, Imperial Father has agreed to your conditions and is willing to exchange the contents of the national treasury for that half of the dragon seal jade seal."

"Oh?"

Su Mo's brow quirked slightly, appearing somewhat surprised:

"So decisive? That makes me feel a bit overwhelmed by the favor. That is the foundation accumulated over ten thousand years by the Huangji Immortal Dynasty; you'll just trade it like that?"

"The jade seal concerns the foundation of the state and even more so Imperial Father's path. Its value is immeasurable. No matter how precious treasures are, they are ultimately external things. How can they compare to the heavy weight of the state and Imperial Father's immortal path?"

Immortal Emperor's tone was sincere, and his reasons were high-sounding.

Su Mo leaned back slightly against the chair, his gaze lingering on Immortal Emperor's face for a moment. He suddenly let out a light chuckle, a smile filled with a playful sense of insight:

"Fellow Daoist Zhao, those are beautiful words. However... agreeing so readily, could it be that you've laid an inescapable net and are just waiting for me to bring the jade seal and walk right into it?"

Immortal Emperor's heart skipped a beat, but the smile on his face didn't change at all; it even became more natural:

"Fellow Daoist Su must be joking. My Huangji Immortal Dynasty was founded on sincerity. Since we have agreed to the trade, there is no reason to go back on our word. If you still have doubts, the location of the trade can be chosen by you; as long as it is within the territory of my Imperial Dynasty, anywhere is fine."

He reacted extremely quickly. This response was watertight, both denying the conspiracy and showing sincerity, seemingly generously tossing the choice back to Su Mo.

Su Mo watched him quietly until Immortal Emperor's fingers inside his sleeve curled almost imperceptibly. Only then did Su Mo suddenly laugh and wave his hand:

"It was just a joke, First Prince, don't take offense. I travel far and wide and am used to being cautious. Since your dynasty is so sincere, it would seem petty of me to decline further."

Immortal Emperor breathed a sigh of relief inwardly, the smile on his face brightening:

"Fellow Daoist Su is a man of character; I understand, I understand. In that case, when would it be convenient for you to move to the Imperial Capital? The treasures in the national treasury are vast in number and variety; I'm afraid you'll need to personally inspect them to be at ease."

"I'll follow your lead."

Su Mo picked up the spiritual tea newly served by the maid and took a sip:

"I can leave at any time. I just wonder, how shall we go to the Imperial Capital? Surely you won't make me trek thousands of miles?"

"Of course not."

Immortal Emperor stood up:

"Within the residence, there is a teleportation array that leads directly to the border military town. After arriving at the military town, we can switch to my Imperial Dynasty's dedicated military teleportation array, which goes straight to the outskirts of the Imperial Capital. At that time, I will lead you into the palace to meet Imperial Father and complete the handover."

"Military teleportation array?"

Su Mo was thoughtful:

"It seems your dynasty truly values this trade very much."

"This is a matter of great importance; naturally, we must strive for stability and speed."

Immortal Emperor stepped aside to lead the way:

"Fellow Daoist Su, please follow me."

The two of them, one after the other, left the main hall, passed through several heavily guarded corridors and courtyards, and arrived at a particularly well-guarded courtyard deep within the residence.

The ground in the courtyard was paved with special Star Profound Iron and engraved with complex and orderly formation patterns. There was a faint ripple of spatial fluctuations—this was where the teleportation array was located.

Beside the array, several soldiers in uniform armor with sharp auras were standing and waiting, clearly having already received orders.

Immortal Emperor was the first to step into the array. He took out an ancient-looking black token with the words 'Huangji' engraved on the front and injected immortal essence into it.

The token immediately emitted soft and stable spatial fluctuations, echoing the formation patterns beneath their feet.

"This is the Huangji Token. It can activate a specific military teleportation channel to the Imperial Capital, ensuring the path is unique and secure."

Immortal Emperor explained, then made an inviting gesture to Su Mo:

"Fellow Daoist Su, please."

Su Mo's gaze swept over the Huangji Token, then he looked at the teleportation array, which was glowing brighter and brighter. With his smile unchanged, he stepped into the array.

Fu Tianming, behind him, also silently followed.

The light suddenly intensified, and the spatial power fluctuated violently, completely swallowing the figures of the three people.