Chapter 420: Aunt-in-Law (4K)

Is it because of the Tongshan Dao lineage, or perhaps because… they've taken their seats?

Zhang Jian thought to himself, but at this moment he didn't really care.

At the same time, he turned his gaze toward the sources of those hostile looks.

Most of these hostile gazes came from the central seats.

Many cultivators exuded strong demonic qi, clearly practitioners of heterodox paths.

Still, those qualified to attend this high-class banquet of the Qingping Sea Dragon Palace were mostly loose cultivators of notable repute, or masters of heterodox sects.

Some had immortal light flowing around them, their aura extraordinary—clearly Dao cultivators of noble bearing, likely from immortal cultivation families, with juniors attending them.

Others wore splendid robes, bore stern countenances, and appeared to be powerful figures from major loose cultivator factions.

Following Zhang Jian's gaze, the True Lord of Infinite Light also turned his gaze toward these people and sent a mental message.

"Junior Nephew, that is the Golden Dragon Grandmother of the Qin clan, the island lord of Fengfeng Sea Wandering Soul Island, and the island lord of Qingming Island, Qingming Old Ancestor; another is the monarch of Fengfeng State. These few rely on a bit of background and tend to be overly self-important—don't bother with them. If you meet them in the wilderness, just give them a lesson."

The True Lord of Infinite Light spoke with a chuckle, yet his words showed utter contempt for these people.

Zhang Jian sent a mental message.

"Uncle Master, are they dissatisfied with our Tongshan Dao lineage? I sense they're quite hostile toward us."

Upon hearing this, the True Lord of Infinite Light let out a faint, light laugh.

"Our Tongshan Dao lineage has reappeared this time to seize authority—some criticism and hostility are inevitable, but they're just chickens and dogs, incapable of changing the situation!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Jian gave a faint smile.

At this moment, the Qingping Sea Dragon Lord on the main seat was also introducing Zhang Jian to the crowd.

"This is a senior disciple of Tongshan, Lord of Dongzhou, the Great Xia Emperor Zhang Jian, Daoist Friend Zhang. Over a decade ago, he single-handedly resolved the extraterritorial demon fetus of Jiantan Prefecture, slaying an extraterritorial heavenly demon—truly renowned across both realms!"

Upon hearing this, many cultivators in the assembly turned their gazes toward him.

When the demon star of Jiantan Prefecture descended, it had caused quite a stir.

Everyone naturally knew the capabilities of extraterritorial demon fetuses.

To resolve such a threat by one's own power indicates a cultivation level at least comparable to some of the Primordial Spirit True Lords among the upper seats.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Jian clearly felt that many of the hostile gazes had noticeably withdrawn.

"I've heard Daoist Friend Zhang is a senior disciple of the Demon-Slaying True Lord of Tongshan Dao lineage—truly, a worthy student of a great teacher. The Demon-Slaying True Lord's name shakes heaven and earth, and the Great Xia Emperor is no less formidable!"

At this moment, a middle-aged sovereign in splendid robes seated in the upper section slowly spoke.

A dense, fierce dragon aura and imperial qi circulated around him.

He turned his gaze toward Zhang Jian, a slight smile on his face.

Zhang Jian regarded this rather unfamiliar sovereign; he did not recognize this cultivator who likewise walked the Sacred King's Great Path.

Yet speaking up now would clearly be rather impolite.

Fortunately, the True Lord of Infinite Light beside him sensed his gaze and sent a mental message.

"Zhang Junior Nephew, this is Elder Sicheng of the Si clan, who likewise walks the Sacred King's Great Path and established the Si clan dynasty in Jiuhua Prefecture—he's one of our 'own people'!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Jian said: "So this is the Si sovereign, Senior Si—you overpraise me. My cultivation is shallow; I merely got lucky slaying one or two demons. How dare I compare myself to my master's name?"

At the head seat, the Qingping Sea Dragon Lord laughed.

"Daoist Friend Zhang, you're too modest—that extraterritorial demon fetus is no ordinary demon, nor a common demonic cultivator…"

This Qingping Sea Dragon Lord also seemed to sense the atmosphere in the hall, as if intending to ease the tension.

Whether it was this Qingping Dragon Lord's jesting, or the fame of the Demon-Slaying True Lord making people wary, many cultivators in the hall soon shifted their gazes away from Zhang Jian.

Seeing this, Zhang Jian felt a faint regret—he now wished someone would act rashly, so he could seize the moment to establish his prestige and, in passing, give the Great Xia Dynasty a bit of 'advertising'.

But what could be more effective in recruiting talent than the Emperor's might extending overseas—more deeply felt, more capable of moving those who admire strength?

The banquet gradually dispersed in a still-lively, harmonious atmosphere.

However, the liveliness of the Sea King Festival had only just begun.

At this moment, there was still one month until the Sea King Festival.

To accommodate the many guests arriving early, the Qingping Sea Dragon Palace decided to set up six platforms in the square before the Sea Dragon Hall.

Of these six platforms, three were for scriptural discernment.

The other three were for legal discernment, corresponding respectively to the Golden Core, Yin Spirit, and Primordial Spirit levels.

All six platforms opened simultaneously.

Each platform offered prizes daily, or allowed betting from below.

Prizes included cultivation techniques, heavenly and earthly spiritual materials, or special spiritual herbs and medicines grown by the Qingping Sea.

Anyone confident in their abilities could step up and try their hand.

……

At this moment in the courtyard, Bai Li Ying was clearly somewhat moved, especially since several of the treasures produced by the Qingping Sea Dragon Palace were particularly beneficial to dragon-blooded maidens like her.

"Princess, if you wish to participate, then go ahead!"

Zhang Jian, regarding such combat, held an encouraging attitude.

Bai Li Ying possessed many of his unique secret techniques; what she lacked was combat experience—this practical training would benefit her.

Upon hearing this, Bai Li Ying's eyes brightened, and she immediately spoke solemnly.

"Your Majesty, I will not bring shame upon Great Xia!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Jian smiled faintly and said:

"Princess, with your grasp of techniques and their combinations, few could defeat you at the Golden Core stage—but you currently lack combat awareness. As long as you maintain your rhythm, there will be no problem!"

Bai Li Ying nodded.

Bai Li Ying went to the Legal Discernment Platform, and Zhang Jian naturally went to hold the line.

At the same time, Zhang Jian was also quietly inquiring, both openly and secretly, about the matter of the Fourth Prince Xuanli of the Qingping Sea Dragon Palace.

Zhang Jian had already inquired: under the Qingping Dragon Lord, there were many dragon sons and grandsons, especially the Crown Prince Xuan Chou and the Third Prince Xuan An, who were renowned among the dragon clan.

These two dragon princes had both achieved true dragon form before reaching eight hundred years of age, equivalent to the Nascent Soul realm.

Compared to them, the other dragon princes were far inferior.

Although the Fourth Prince Xuan Li also possessed the Li Dragon form, his bloodline was impure and seemingly not valued; he had recently committed a grave error, was demoted from the Dragon Palace, and now serves as a Water Earl elsewhere, still not having returned.

This Fourth Prince Xuan Li has fallen so low.

Meanwhile, his queen, the Lady of the Bai Clan, clearly also suffered misfortune, accompanying him into a river in the Two Realms region to serve as Water Earl.

At the same time, Zhang Jian was also moving through the Sea King Market.

This time, it was not for the benefits of the Sea King Festival, but mainly to purchase the coveted techniques he desired.

He now needs earth-attribute immortal arts, preferably second-rank immortal arts, with third-rank immortal arts inheritance.

However, second-rank and third-rank immortal arts are usually astronomically priced; whenever they appear, they are likely to attract genuine old monsters to descend and vie for them.

Zhang Jian is now wealthy, especially after obtaining the treasury of the Xiyue Sword Sect, so he fears no contest of wealth with these old monsters.

Yet, being able to acquire it at minimal cost would be ideal.

Currently, Zhang Jian's greatest passion is sniping bargains.

Above the Sea King Market, besides numerous official sect shops, there are many free-trade stalls where many illicit treasures are sold.

Zhang Jian has recently been lingering there, reluctant to leave, and has indeed discovered many good things.

……

In Qingli Province, at this moment in the Han River, several strands of intense demonic aura surged like a flood, flowing downstream straight toward the direction of the sea outlet.

This is the carriage of one of the Qingping Sea Dragon Princes.

Coinciding with the Sea King Festival, many dragon princes of the Qingping Sea will return from various waters to participate in this grand event.

For many dragon princes, the Sea King Festival is also an opportunity to enhance their strength.

If fortunate, and their bloodline advances another major level, then all manner of benefits will come in response.

This train convoy is the one that Bai Li Ying keeps in mind—the convoy of the elder sister, Lady Bai.

At this moment, in the water veins, several divine and swift water-splitting beasts pull the dragon chariot like a flood fleeing from deep within the water veins, with thousands of demon soldiers and generals behind them.

The Fourth Prince Xuan Li has a heroic visage, prominent brow bones, and his eyes glow with fierce wildness.

At this moment, he smiles at a tall beauty beside him.

"With a beauty's aid, this prince shall surely seize the championship of the Sea King Festival and gain the favor of the heavenly ancestors, the Qingping Forebears!"

That is a bewitching-faced red-clad woman with alluring eyes; behind the dragon chariot, a white-clad lady of tall stature, full waist, and palace attire gazes expressionlessly at this scene—her icy jade visage cold, yet her eyes hide a faint sorrow.

The bewitching red-clad woman smiles faintly.

"Then I shall first offer my congratulations here, wishing Your Highness success in all endeavors!"

"However, Fourth Prince, do not be careless—your two elder brothers are no ordinary figures; they have surely prepared many fine treasures!"

"Do not forget, they still have the Dragon Mother behind them!"

Upon hearing this, Xuan Li chuckled: "Does this prince not have a beauty like you behind him? And also your Heavenly Fire Palace!"

Upon hearing this, the red-clad woman smiled gently.

"I am willing to unconditionally support Your Highness, but my father is a palace master and cannot openly support you entirely; otherwise, my fellow disciples would surely resent it..."

Upon hearing this, Xuan Li waved his hand grandly and said.

"Beauty, rest assured—I, this prince, will not forget your father-in-law's conditions; if you aid me in winning the Sea King Festival, I will not only appoint you as my principal consort, but also obtain for your father the congenital Ice Pearl nurtured in the depths of the Sea Eye, to achieve supreme Dao accomplishment!"

Upon hearing this, the red-clad woman nodded slightly, then glanced at the white-clad dragon woman behind her, who had remained expressionless.

"Then, what about her?"

Upon hearing this, Xuan Li glanced indifferently at the white-clad dragon woman.

"If not for her, how would this prince have been despised by his father? She naturally should return to her White Waters!"

Upon hearing this, Bai Shuang lifted her lovely eyes slightly, glanced at the two of them, and remained silently indifferent.

The red-clad woman's face showed a hint of satisfaction, yet she said lightly.

"She knows our secret; for now, let her stay—let her serve as a maid attending to bathing in my palace!"

Xuan Li accordingly drew her into his embrace, smiling softly.

"Beauty, you still think as thoroughly as ever!"

……

Before the Sea Dragon Hall

At this moment, around each zigzag railing, cultivators gathered; as more guests arrived at the Dragon Palace, the square surroundings grew livelier.

Zhang Jian stood on the VIP platform, yet his gaze saw Bai Li Ying standing on the fourth dueling platform.

That is the Golden Core realm Discernment Dueling Platform.

The Discernment Dueling Platform is actually the Dueling Platform for Dharma Contests.

Bai Li Ying has already won four battles in four fights.

For four consecutive days, she has seized the championship of the Golden Core stage dueling platform.

Thus, Bai Li Ying has earned great fame.

Naturally, this has also provoked jealousy and resentment from many cultivators of various powers.

Those high-level cultivators who originally had opinions about the Tongshan Dao lineage now harbor even greater hostility.

At this moment, on the dueling platform, Bai Li Ying is locked in fierce combat with a cultivator of the You clan, who masters the Holy King Secret Art, his body imbued with a special dragon aura, capable of executing Dragon Aura Law Bans, which naturally restrain many cultivators and demon cultivators.

Yet, it strangely has no effect on Bai Li Ying.

Bai Li Ying is the Empress of the Great Xia Dynasty, herself bearing the Imperial Empress Treasure Seal, carrying the Great Xia Treasure Canon; not only can she resist the Dragon Aura Law Ban, but her imperial status also faintly suppresses her opponent.

At this moment, Bai Li Ying divides her attention: one side displays the 'Supreme Forgetting Passion Art,' simultaneously performing the Yin Yang Refining Form Great Art, invisible cold radiance freezing the void; at the instant of the Dragon Aura Law Ban's backlash, she turns that You clan cultivator into ice withering, securing victory in this battle.

Zhang Jian stood beside her, Qingyun True Monarch gazing at this scene, her eyes full of admiration.

"Junior Nephew Zhang, your Empress Consort has a solid foundation, her Golden Core techniques are flexible in application—she likely wouldn't fall short of the true transmissions on the Golden Core rankings of my Tongshan Sect, easily ranking among the top three!"

Zhang Jian smiled faintly and said.

"It's just a pity that her physique is still somewhat weak; in some techniques, her casting speed, when faced with true innate Dao physiques, still falls short."

"A hair's breadth off leads to a thousand miles of error!"

Qingyun True Monarch chuckled.

"Junior Nephew Zhang, you're being too harsh on her—her casting speed and reaction speed are already top-tier; it's just that her constitution limits further progress, but in overall quality, she actually surpasses some cultivators who possess Dao physiques!"

Zhang Jian gave a light smile.

As she defeated the cultivator of the You family, Bai Liying left the arena.

She had already accumulated enough victories today; no one could shake her status as arena champion.

At this moment, her forehead was slightly sweaty, but one could see that her spirit and essence had been tempered, becoming even fuller and more rounded.

Zhang Jian noticed that the You family's Yuan Shen Great True Person, Jinlong Laomu, glanced briefly at the couple before quickly looking away.

Zhang Jian paid it no mind, then smiled and said.

"Princess, congratulations on winning today's arena champion reward—that three-thousand-year-old Purple Leaf Dragon Blood Grass can cleanse your bloodline and greatly strengthen your essence and vitality!"

Upon hearing this, Bai Liying's eyes also filled with joy.

These past few days, Bai Liying had gained benefits on the arena; at this moment, Zhang Jian, in the Wangwang Market, had also acquired many good things.

At the same time, Zhang Jian learned that this Wangwang Market indeed had immortal laws for sale, and there was likely an earth-attribute immortal law.

For Zhang Jian, this was indeed a rare piece of good news.

At the same time, the couple also received news.

The Fourth Prince Xuanli and Bai Shuang had already returned to the Qingping Sea Dragon Palace.