Chapter 352

【Zhang Yuanlai's expression was one of regret; such an opportunity with the Second Imperial Prince had been missed just like that.】

【A person only encounters such opportunities once or twice in a lifetime; once missed, they rarely come again.】

【Opportunities must be seized; time waits for no one!】

【He said with some emotion: "Young Master Guan, this Prince Feng has long held a reputation for virtue, and his prestige in the imperial court is quite high. Although the current Emperor is young, his health is failing day by day."】

【"Among those who will sit upon the throne of Great Qi in the future, this Prince Feng is one of the most powerful contenders."】

【The current Emperor has already enfeoffed four Princes, but the position of Crown Prince remains undetermined. Among these four Princes—the Princes of Yan, Tang, Han, and Gan—the Prince of Yan is the most noble.】

【The reason for this is none other than the fact that the title of that Lu Shen Zhou in history was the Prince of Yan.】

【The Second Imperial Prince is the Prince of Tang, a genuine Prince of the Five Pearls. It is just that the Second Imperial Prince does not like to be called the "Prince of Tang"; it is said that the title he wanted was Prince of Yan, but it was snatched away by his sixth younger brother. In Bianjing, he is mostly called Prince Feng.】

【Li Xiangjun also walked over with lotus steps; she raised her eyes to look at you.】

【"Young Master Guan, did you know Prince Feng's identity long ago?"】

【What Xie Guan had just said? "The dragon is seen in the field; it is advantageous to see the great man. Long have I held aspirations that reach the clouds; a man should be decisive. Although the time is not yet ripe, one may still test one's mettle."】

【Now, combined with the Second Imperial Prince's identity, it carries a deeper meaning.】

【The Second Imperial Prince is only one step away from the throne; it is appropriate to reveal his edge.】

【You merely shook your head, "It is just the meaning of this painting."】

【Li Xiangjun did not quite believe it; the youth's final refusal to Prince Feng, saying it was "to win a beauty's smile," also contained unspeakable implications.】

【There is a rumor in the West Wing Pavilion that the Second Imperial Prince favors Su Shishi, the top courtesan of the Qimo Spring Pavilion. Rumor has it that this Prince Feng is a man of deep affection, having once said, "I love the empire, but I love the beauty even more; I am willing to hide her in a golden house."】

【Xie Guan's words just now seemed to scratch exactly where it itched; otherwise, it would not have ended so easily.】

【Zhang Yuanlai felt it was a pity, but Li Xiangjun had a different view; after this, the Second Imperial Prince would likely value him even more.】

【Youthful yet mature, possessing extraordinary innate wisdom, overflowing with talent, and knowing how to advance and retreat appropriately—no wonder Lady Yunzhi praised him so highly.】

【Li Xiangjun's gaze turned to the painting that Zhou Yuner was holding carefully.】

【After the Gathering of Beauties, by borrowing the Second Imperial Prince's reputation, this painting of "Seeking but not Obtaining," paired with your words just now about "the dragon seen in the field," will undoubtedly bring great fame to Sister Yuner.】

【As long as this painting is in her hands and the Second Imperial Prince does not fall, she will possess a golden signboard, and her status will rise with the tide.】

【Li Xiangjun could not help but feel a sense of envy in her heart.】

【Jia Yu and the other two did not leave; regarding the result of losing the competition, since the Second Imperial Prince had already made a final decision, they dared not have any objections.】

【Jia Yu's expression was a bit more dejected; losing to someone in his area of greatest expertise was naturally a significant blow.】

【He was curious in his heart how you learned this miraculous painting technique!】

【Zhang Yuanlai could no longer suppress the curiosity in his heart and hurriedly asked: "Young Master Guan, we never saw you paint in the small courtyard; where exactly did this superb painting skill come from?"】

【The miraculous quality of the picture you just painted was the "Spirit in the Brush" talent, combined with the spirit of the flood dragon you depicted in the Deze Lake, which resulted in the dragon head in the painting.】

【Just as you were preparing to speak.】

【As the sound of drums rose on the square stage, everyone's gaze turned toward the theater stage.】

【The Gathering of Beauties had finally begun!】

【The masters of ceremonies on both sides of the stage appeared, announcing the opening of the grand banquet.】

【Everyone was full of anticipation, longing to catch a glimpse of the top courtesans' grace; the entire venue was bustling, and even the people on both banks of the Zhi River cheered for it.】

【You were staring at the stage when suddenly, a familiar sound of footsteps came. Relying on your spiritual sense to perceive the other person's breathing, you turned around to look and frowned slightly.】

【You saw the figure of a tall, imposing man walking toward you; it was none other than Sima Pan!】

【Today, the Sima family's carriage did not come to Xie Fu to pick you up, which seemed somewhat unusual.】

【And his sudden arrival at this moment made you even more suspicious, not knowing the purpose of his trip.】

【"Brother Sima!" you greeted with a smile.】

【Everyone was immersed in the brilliance of the stage and did not notice Sima Pan's arrival.】

【Sima Pan walked over slowly, "Young Master Guan, you were hard to find; I didn't see you at the tables in Zone B."】

【"My master left in a hurry today and, in a moment of negligence, forgot to arrange a carriage for Young Master Guan. I hope Young Master Guan will forgive us."】

【You responded with a smile: "It is of no consequence."】

【Sima Pan continued: "My master is waiting for you in a certain place in the Zixiao Pavilion; I ask that you please move to go there."】

【After Sima Pan made a gesture of invitation, although Zhou Yuner and the others had their main attention on the stage, they also noticed the movement here and took note of this man with an extraordinary aura.】

【You carefully observed the expression on Sima Pan's face, pondered for a moment, then suddenly smiled and said: "I ask that General Sima forgive me; I have friends with me at the moment and cannot go immediately."】

【Upon hearing the words "General Sima," Li Xiangjun immediately thought of the Sima Military Governor mentioned by the Second Imperial Prince—Sima Ting!】

【She was secretly surprised in her heart; it seemed that the people you associated with were not ordinary.】

【Sima Pan's expression still did not change much. After a while, he slowly opened his mouth: "My master has ordered that I ask Young Master Guan to please go without fail."】

【You merely shook your head and did not respond.】

【Everyone was puzzled as to why you would refuse the invitation of the Sima Military Governor.】

【You stared at Sima Pan's hollow, wooden face, lost in thought.】

【At this moment!】

【The lights on the square stage seemed to swirl, brilliant and bright, illuminating the entire stage.】

【A woman dressed in blue neon garments slowly ascended the stage. Music had already begun to play. With the interplay of moonlight and lamplight, she began to dance, spinning gracefully like returning snow, as agile as a swimming dragon, which was breathtaking.】

【The song stops the clouds, the waist dances lightly like returning snow.】

【Someone offstage already exclaimed: "It's Nihuang from the Yuehua Pavilion!"】

【"A single dance of neon garments startles the people of Bianjing."】

【Around the stage, many people had already slowly stood up, their faces filled with joy.】

【"How many years has it been since we saw this dance of neon garments? It is said that this dance was performed by Miss Nihuang for the Third Master; we are truly feasting our eyes today."】

【Someone inadvertently looked toward the Yao Xian Lou behind them and discovered that the lights on the fourth floor, the highest level, had already been lit; there seemed to be two figures sitting opposite each other.】

【And the railings on the three floors below the Yao Xian Lou were already filled with people, all admiring the performance on the stage.】

【The Gathering of Beauties begins!】

【After standing still for a while, the tall Sima Pan slowly reached into his chest and took out a jade hairpin with a flower.】

【Your eyes narrowed, and your expression turned cold.】

【Although Zhou Yuner was paying attention to the singing and dancing on the stage, she also felt a chill in the surroundings.】

【Zhang Yuanlai was also seeing your cold expression for the first time.】

【"Young Master Guan, what is wrong?"】

【Your expression returned to normal.】

【Your eyes were fixed on Sima Pan; this jade hairpin was given to Sister Wu Tong by your mother, and she usually kept it carefully in a cabinet.】

【Only on an occasion like today's Gathering of Beauties would she be willing to wear it in her hair; it was impossible for her to give it to someone else.】

【Now that it appeared in Sima Pan's hands, an ominous premonition surged in your heart.】

【To prevent accidents at the Gathering of Beauties, you had her follow Xie Ying, the Fourth Young Lady of the Xie family, and Xie Ying had come all the way with Sima Ting.】

【Is Sister Wu Tong in danger?】

【Moreover, this person had long known about your relationship with Sister Wu Tong; the situation was serious, and Sister Wu Tong might have met with an accident.】

【You looked at Sima Pan's "puppet-like" expression; his vital energy was still there, and he even had long, steady breathing and light footsteps.】

【You have practiced the "Five Dragon Spirit-Nourishing Method" of the Seven Arts of the Yin Talisman Classic and can sense a person's fortune.】

【When a person dies, their fortune vanishes!】

【The man in front of you, although he looked no different to outsiders, had actually died, leaving only this body; he belonged to the living dead.】

【It makes one's hair stand on end!】

【Sima Pan is a martial artist of the Middle Three Realms, yet he was controlled like this.】

【This Sima Military Governor also had an accident, but this was at the Gathering of Beauties, when people from the Academy and the imperial court were all present.】

【A Military Governor having problems should cause a huge uproar; who is so bold?】

【Moreover, why go to such great lengths for you, a concubine-born son of the Xie family, at this time?】

【The Sima Pan in front of you slowly opened his mouth again: "I ask that Young Master Guan please go."】

【At this moment, the dance of neon garments had already been performed, and the woman on the stage, her beauty as radiant as spring flowers, bowed gracefully toward the fourth floor of the Yao Xian Lou.】

【Enthusiastic cheers erupted in the venue.】

【Facing this matter... you decide.】

1. Follow Sima Pan. (Hint: You may encounter a life-and-death crisis.)

2. Refuse Sima Pan. (Hint: Sister Wu Tong may be in danger, and you may encounter a life-and-death crisis later.)

3. Ignore it. (Hint: Sister Wu Tong may be in danger, and you may encounter a life-and-death crisis later.)

4. Agree to Sima Pan's words first, then follow Sima Ting later. (Hint: You may encounter a life-and-death crisis.)

5. Participate personally. (0/3) (Hint: It may be beneficial for the future.)

The four-legged cauldron was struck.

"Clang—"

The heavy and ancient cauldron exuded an aura of chaos; the inscriptions of flowers, grass, fish, insects, mountains, and rivers carved on it swam slowly, spitting out ten thousand rays of rosy light.

The characters on it slowly froze.

Yu Ke looked at the anomaly that appeared in the "Kunxu Cauldron" after this choice appeared.

It seemed that the aura of this cauldron was even more vast and boundless.

"Ah Ding, have you improved again?"

Yu Ke carefully examined the five options above.

Judging from the hints, the first four options might all lead to a life-and-death crisis.

Only the last option, "Participate personally," hints that it is beneficial for the future.

In the previous life, Lu Chen's three personal participations were all used up.

It also interfered with the development of the world within the Kunxu Cauldron to the maximum extent, and the harvest was full.

Now, Xie Guan's reincarnation as a heavenly human in this life has not yet used a single personal participation.

Yu Ke looked at the options above and did not hesitate, choosing directly.

5. Participate personally. (0/3) (Hint: It may be beneficial for the future.)

Yu Ke slowly closed his eyes, having the experience of the previous three personal participations.

Every personal participation is like "skydiving," and there is always a period of weightlessness.

At this moment!

The Kunxu Cauldron seemed to wake up from a deep sleep and began to tremble violently.

An invisible cauldron shadow, like a deep vortex, expanded quietly and slowly rolled Yu Ke into it.

Yu Ke suddenly felt as if he had stepped into the chaotic void again; the surrounding space was spinning crazily, the stars were moving, and the universe was slowly turning upside down.

In the first two times, a pair of vertical eyes appeared, staring at him intently.

And that indescribable dizziness made him restless, and the world in front of him became chaotic and disorganized.

In the third personal participation of the previous life, he saw a different scene; in an illusory place, a youth was reading under a parasol tree.

Yu Ke closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

Get ready!

The cauldron became more ancient and solemn, emitting a deafening roar, and the sound was chaotic and hazy.

The feeling of weightlessness appeared again!

Just for a moment, the body became warm, as if basking in the sun.

This personal participation seemed to have no previous "discomfort" reaction.

Yu Ke slowly opened his eyes.

In the void, he saw another different scene.

A child with somewhat messy hair was lying comfortably on a pile of rice, with his hands behind his head, his eyes examining the brilliant stars in the night sky.

The child's face was tender, but he had a pair of extremely vicissitudinous eyes, as if he had experienced wind, frost, snow, and rain, with a dog-tail grass in his mouth.

The child smiled and said: "Fighting with people is meaningless; fighting with heaven is truly joyful."

The scene shattered!

When Yu Ke looked again, it disappeared.

The cauldron was struck again!

It sounded like it came from the ancient era, and it also sounded like a voice from the distant future.

In this shocking sound!

Yu Ke only felt a trance in his head, and he heard that mellow voice again in his ear:

"The four directions of heaven and earth are called Yu; the past and the present are called Zhou."

Yu Ke opened his eyes calmly.

The scene in front of him was completely different.

It was like changing the world.

Although he had experienced it three times, he still felt incredible.

Yu Ke raised his eyes slightly!

What he saw was a place full of lights, bustling with noise and excitement.

In his ears were the sounds of laughter, and figures were moving in front of him.

"Young Master Guan, what is wrong with you?"

Yu Ke smelled a fragrance.

A delicate female voice called out softly, seeming to be close to you, and you only felt warmth on your arm.

Yu Ke looked sideways and saw a pretty woman dressed boldly, with a worried expression; looking down, there was a large expanse of gorgeous snow-white.

Sure enough, one cannot see one's toes when looking down; she is already a beauty of the world.

Seeing that Yu Ke did not respond, the woman called out softly again: "Young Master Guan, why were you distracted just now?"

～

～

Great Qi, Bianjing.

The bright moon shone down, and a dark cloud covered the moonlight.

A mansion on Changning Street, not far from Xie Fu.

Behind the courtyard of this mansion under the dark shadow, there was a gloomy mourning hall.

This mourning hall was extremely dim, with only a few candles flickering in the wind, as if they could be extinguished at any time.

The gloomy wind outside not only blew the candles low but also blew the red ropes and white silk hanging in front of the hall to flutter gently.

"Creak—"

A tooth-aching sound rang out.

A withered palm slowly moved the coffin lid, and a hoarse and withered voice came from inside.

"Built for seven hundred years... the God-Startling Array."

"Yao Xian Lou... Yao Xian."

(End of chapter)