Chapter 445

After the extermination of the Taiyin Demon Palace and the Asura Demon Sect, this matter was quickly brought to the attention of numerous cultivation sects and Dao lineages through the special operations of the Tongshan Dao Tong elders.

This is also what Zhenjun Zhanmo referred to as 'high-profile'.

Guyi Prefecture, the Great Yu Dynasty, the ancient land of the Yi family.

After the news spread that the heavenly pride of the Yi family was about to marry into the Zhang family of Dongzhou, many talented youths of the Yi family began to visit here far more frequently.

Yi Lier not only enjoyed great fame outside the Yi family, but within the family she was also admired by many talented youths.

Upon hearing that Yi Lier was to become the marriage partner, these young disciples could not sit idly by, and they clamored loudly, going daily to the ancient land of the Yi family to petition, hoping to persuade the Yi family elders to cancel this marriage.

Among the talented youths of the Yi family who harbored ill will toward the Zhang family of Dongzhou, such sentiments were widespread.

Pick the soft persimmon to squeeze.

The dignity of the Yi family elders could not be shaken, so they could only direct their anger toward the Zhang family of Dongzhou.

However, when Zhang Jian single-handedly destroyed the Taiyin Demon Palace, captured the Moon Palace Lord Yue Qingsheng of the Asura Demon Sect alive, and slew the Blood Exhaustion Demon God Blood Wunya, the clamor of provocation quickly vanished.

Baxi Ju, Zhixin Xiaozhu

Yi Lier's features were exquisite and delicate; the voices of her several sisters chattering seven-tongued-eight-tongued around her, her expression remained calm.

Beside her, a beautiful, lovely, and gracefully curvaceous lady in yellow robes also turned her gaze toward her, her countenance warm, holding an ancient sword in her hand, she spoke with a smile.

"Little sister, the Zhang family of Dongzhou does not appear weak; the Taiyin Demon Palace and the Asura Demon Sect are quite renowned in the southeastern lands, the Blood Exhaustion Demon God Blood Wunya and the lord of the Taiyin Demon Palace, Yue Qingsheng, are infamous old demons, countless strong ones have died at their hands, and since the Dongzhou Emperor could single-handedly shatter two great demon sects, his cultivation and magical power among true immortals of high rank must also be outstanding!"

Yi Lier's expression remained unmoving, yet in her heart she silently nodded.

This brought her some comfort.

Since the marriage had already been settled and she could not change this process, she naturally hoped the power of the Zhang family of Dongzhou would grow stronger.

"Yuer elder sister, you are perhaps too optimistic!"

Beside her, a petite, delicate girl with a porcelain-doll-like visage was at that moment stuffing her mouth with pastries, seeing the gazes of the ladies turn toward her.

She then spoke.

"Indeed, the two demonic elders Blood Wunya and Yue Qingsheng possess profound cultivation, but they may have only just passed their first heavenly tribulation; true immortals who have passed their first heavenly tribulation, though somewhat stronger than others, are not necessarily that formidable!"

A girl in green robes beside Yi Yuer let out a soft hum and said.

"Yi DouDou, you haven't even seen it—how can you make such a rash judgment?"

Yi DouDou glanced at the green-robed girl and sneered: "I just know it—believe it or not, it's up to you!"

Seeing that her many sisters were about to quarrel, Yi Lier quickly gestured for everyone not to argue.

Most of those present were sisters of the Yi family, or else cousins cultivating in the ancient land of the Yi family; to be united by her, they were naturally no ordinary folk.

Many possessed exceptional spiritual roots.

Some even had rare acquired Dao bodies.

Unlike Yi Yuer and Yi DouDou, one possessed an acquired Wu Earth Dao body, achieving twice the result with half the effort in earth-attribute secret arts, her talent outstanding.

The other possessed a rather rare Dao body—the Innate Extreme Fortune Dao body.

Born with great Hongyun.

Even the Yu Emperor regarded Yi DouDou with exceptional favor.

As fellow true seeds of the Yi family, Yi DouDou's fame is not inferior to hers.

Yi Lier then spoke to mediate.

"Alright, sisters, no need to argue—just ask the elders and you'll know whether it's true or not!"

Yi DouDou glanced at the ladies, at this moment puffing her cheeks, and again said.

"You're right—little sister may not necessarily be able to join the Zhang family; who knows, by then she might become someone else's daughter-in-law!"

Upon hearing this, the ladies' expressions froze; the green-robed girl gazed up and down at Yi DouDou and said.

"Yi DouDou, what do you mean by these words?"

The yellow-robed lady Yi Yuer also fixed her speaking eyes upon Yi DouDou and asked.

"DouDou, have you heard some news?"

"Of course I have heard it, but this has nothing to do with anything!"

Yi DouDou's face gave a light snort; upon hearing this, the other ladies bristled, though they were too lazy to quarrel with Yi DouDou.

Yi DouDou has always been this ill-tempered.

Only Yi Lier can tolerate her; they cannot bear her!

After a moment, the ladies dispersed.

Yi Lier, however, kept Yi DouDou behind and asked.

"Nineteenth sister, have you heard some news?"

Yi Lier's expression was serious.

The Yi family has many descendants; just her father, the Ninth Prince Yi Zhengqing, has dozens of children.

Yi DouDou ranks nineteenth; though not born of the same mother, the two girls have always been close.

At this moment, Yi DouDou finally set down her pastry, she patted her hands and laughed.

"Little sister, you know, you are now a coveted delicacy; according to news from those few simpletons of the Ji family, someone is clenching their fists and rubbing their palms, plotting to abduct you in marriage!"

"How could the Ji family even think of abducting a bride?"

Yi Lier was startled.

Yi DouDou laughed.

"Naturally, your charm has captured the heart of that true seed of the Ji family!"

She smiled on her face, then paused to think and added.

"There may also be other meanings behind it; the Ji family people might want revenge—I heard that not long ago, at the Qingping Sea Sea King's sacrifice, a true immortal-level old ancestor of the Ji family disappeared, likely connected to that Dongzhou Emperor; they suspect a link with that Dongzhou Emperor!"

After a slight pause, Yi DouDou laughed.

Not only are they thinking of abducting a bride, but there are many others who want to do the same!

Are there others?

Sili'er's jade-like face showed astonishment, then she turned to Sidoudou and said: "Nineteenth Sister, how do you know this so clearly?"

Sidoudou smiled lightly, she was clever and mischievous.

"Little sister, don't forget what kind of person your Nineteenth Sister is? Friends everywhere, as long as you want to know or inquire, very few things remain unknown!"

She wore a confident expression.

Sili'er nodded slightly.

Sidoudou's nature was bold and unrestrained; among the women she was not well-liked, but outside she indeed had many friends, and she always possessed a special affability, so much so that even the elders doted on her excessively.

Sili'er even knew that the other party was certainly not merely a congenital supreme fortune Dao body that simple.

After thinking, Sili'er asked.

"Nineteenth Sister, what should I do now?"

Sidoudou let out a light snort.

"Little sister, don't pretend, your Nineteenth Sister is no muddy lake egg, having eaten your bewitching medicine, you should already know what to do, haven't you?"

Sili'er immediately stepped forward and embraced one of her arms.

"Nineteenth Sister's wisdom is like the sea, little sister, this is not me seeking advice from the elder sister..."

Her beautiful face, combined with her lovely voice, made Sidoudou feel unable to bear it, so she immediately struggled free.

"You little temptress, don't use this trick to harm me; save this for your Zhang family groom!"

……

Meanwhile, Zhang Jian also entered the Si clan's ancient land with the betrothal gifts.

In the Yang Huang Hall, Yu Huang, as the Si clan chieftain, personally received Zhang Jian.

At this moment, within the Yang Huang Hall, the gifts Zhang Jian brought had already filled the great hall.

Top-grade spirit crystals alone amounted to twenty million.

Stack upon stack of heavenly materials and earthly treasures, among which were not lacking the rare items Zhang Jian had sought in the Xiyue Cave Heaven, as well as heavenly and earthly divine objects.

Besides these were various spirit pills and magical treasures.

Apart from a portion suitable for Golden Core and Yin Spirit cultivators to consume, such as various Yuanyuan Pills, Jingyuan Pills, and Di Ji Golden Pills, there were also suitable for Nascent Spirit cultivators to consume, such as the Creation Golden Pill and Heavenly Origin Golden Pill.

The most precious were the six Taiyin Golden Pills.

On the great hall, many Si clan elders seeing this scene were also moved, but what attracted their attention even more was that set of second-rank immortal treasures.

At this moment, each elder could not help but fix their gaze on the jade box.

Some Si clan elders who had intended to find fault were now unable to utter a single word.

At the head seat, Zhang Jian watched this scene, merely smiling faintly.

This was the time to display the Zhang clan's foundation; Zhang Jian naturally would not be stingy, and as the head of the family, he would not let this dowry harm the Zhang clan's vitality.

All the gifts bestowed this time, for the current Great Xia Dynasty, were actually not much.

The only truly precious items might be the six Taiyin Golden Pills, the six second-rank immortal treasures Hai Ling Zhu, and the two first-rank immortal treasures Qing Xu Shen Tu, as well as the first-rank immortal sword Cang Lang Jian.

Si Zhengqing at this moment sat below Yu Huang; his eyes involuntarily fell on the six beads emitting intense immortal light, while he was checking the dowry list in his hand, his smile never ceased.

According to the rules, since this time he, Si Zhengqing, is marrying off his daughter, all these treasures rightfully should be handed over to himself.

Even if part is handed over, that set of second-rank immortal treasures Hai Ling Zhu should also remain in the Ninth House.

He spoke aloud.

"The in-laws, worthy of being an ancient clan of Dongzhou, if Ru'er can marry into the Zhang family, this is Ru'er's fortune!"

Zhang Jian smiled faintly.

"Ninth Prince overpraises; if Ru'er enters the Zhang clan, I shall not disgrace her talent. Although my Zhang clan is newly established, its foundation is not lacking; all inheritances and immortal arts are perfected, and in the future we shall certainly return a immortal to the Si clan!"

Si Zhengqing at this moment sighed.

"Ru'er has been raised on my knee since childhood; her nature has always been wild, but in the future she will still need the in-laws to take more care of her!"

On the imperial throne, Yu Huang also wore a smiling expression; he glanced sideways at Si Zhengqing below, who could not close his mouth, but his eyes flashed with a strange color.

The foundation of the Dongzhou Zhang clan is indeed somewhat beyond his imagination.

That complete set is not a first-rank immortal treasure.

It is a second-rank immortal treasure.

Such immortal treasures are of immense value.

What is even rarer is that the materials for refining this immortal treasure are special, and it also possesses a certain growth potential; if it falls into the hands of Si clan strongmen, it could greatly enhance the family's strength.

Yu Huang does not believe the Tongshan Dao Tong would help produce such a level of immortal treasure as a dowry.

Clearly, this should be the Dongzhou Zhang clan paying out of their own pockets.

Being able to produce such a level of immortal treasure from their pockets.

This Dongzhou Emperor likely is not as simple as the Si clan people imagine.

"No wonder the Second Ancestor valued this Great Xia Emperor so much..."

Yu Huang secretly thought.

At present, both sides quickly agreed on the wedding date.

The auspicious time is in half a year, during mid-spring.

……

Having successfully completed the dowry for Zhang Zhao, Zhang Jian's mood was also quite good.

Seeing that the Zhang family could branch out and multiply, he was also extremely happy.

Although it is said that he has already approached the Dao, achieved longevity and eternal vision, and no longer greatly needs inheritance.

But having is better than not having.

However, having just left the Yang Huang Hall not long ago, he saw a palace maid hurrying over; this maid gave a slight bow and said.

"May I ask, honored guest ahead, are you the Emperor of the Great Xia Dynasty of Dongzhou?"

"I am!"

Zhang Jian turned his gaze, a hand behind him performing calculations; he looked toward the distance and saw two girls standing beneath a distant corridor.

"Someone asked the servant girl to deliver a letter to the Emperor, and that person said the Emperor must be careful!"

Zhang Jian's gaze fluctuated; he casually took the letter from the maid's hand and smiled as he spoke.

"Tell her, I already know about this!"

Zhang Jian departed in an instant.

After Zhang Jian left, Shi Lier emerged from her hiding place; her eyes were calm, yet there remained some worry in their depths.

She knew that this marriage of hers would likely bring a storm of blood and rain.

……

Yang Huang Hall

After many Shi family elders gradually departed, only the Yu Emperor and his son remained in the great hall.

Glancing at the betrothal gifts before him, the Yu Emperor directly said.

"Old Nine, these things originally should belong to your Ninth Branch, but you also know I am about to face the third celestial tribulation, and I have absolutely no confidence in overcoming this third celestial tribulation!"

At this moment, the Yu Emperor appeared somewhat depleted, his face filled with sorrow, yet his gaze was fixed upon Shi Zhengqing.

Shi Zhengqing's mouth twitched, and he could only say.

"Your child wishes to present this set of second-tier immortal treasures to the father emperor to fulfill filial duty!"

Seeing this, the Yu Emperor then said.

"This might not be proper; if it were to spread, would it not say that I, in my old age, lack respect and actually seize my granddaughter's betrothal gifts..."

Shi Zhengqing felt a pang in his heart, immediately adopting a solemn expression, clasping his hands and saying:

"Father emperor is the stabilizing divine needle of our Shi family; if this treasure can assist the father emperor in overcoming the third celestial tribulation, I believe Lier will know of it and will also be willing!"

Upon hearing this, the Yu Emperor nodded slightly, his old heart eased as he said.

"Old Nine, the father emperor knows you are reasonable and understanding!"

"Your filial piety, the father emperor keeps in his heart!"

He then directly waved his hand, taking the set of sea spirit pearls into his grasp.

Shi Zhengqing thought for a moment, yet then said again.

"Father emperor, we have received news that someone is secretly stirring, seemingly intending to sabotage our two families' marriage alliance; should we inform the Great Xia Emperor..."

Upon hearing this, the Yu Emperor gave a light smile, waved his hand and said.

"This matter, I already know; you need not worry!"

"This..."

Shi Zhengqing's expression froze.

Yet he heard the Yu Emperor laugh and say.

"This matter need not concern you; someone has already reminded that Great Xia Emperor!"

"Could it be..."

Shi Zhengqing's emotion flickered with a sigh, merely gazing at the sea spirit pearls taken by the Yu Emperor, his heart still feeling stifled!

He has accumulated for two or three thousand years in the Primordial Spirit True Lord realm, and also lacks treasures!

However, the arm cannot twist the thigh; he can only watch as that set of priceless treasures is taken away!

……

In the void, Zhang Jian stood firm in the void; behind him was the magnificent ancient capital of Great Yu!

The dynasty's dragon aura was heavy as the sea, countless cultivators moving within!

He gazed at the paper in his hand, casually reducing it to fragments!

"Someone is abducting a bride!"

His eyes turned cold!