The Blade-Wielding Legend

Chapter 1642 - 833: Fake Yin Constables

Night falls, and the Crown Prince Mansion in Guangzhou City is illuminated like daylight.

In the main hall, dozens of glazed palace lamps hang high, casting dazzling light on the beams inlaid with gold and jade.

A scarlet carpet extends to the corridor outside the hall, with palace maids on both sides dressed in splendid palace attire, holding gilded trays, gracefully weaving between the seats.

On the long sandalwood table, delicacies are laid out.

The wine, "Jade Pot Spring," aged thirty years, is served in secret-colored porcelain cups, the liquid clear, reflecting the candlelight, and rippling with amber waves.

The sound of silk, bamboo, and pipes rise melodiously, and a group of dancing girls draped in veils, their figures graceful, dance elegantly to the rhythm.

Crown Prince Xiao Jingheng sits in the main seat, dressed in an apricot yellow four-clawed Python Robe, with a golden crown binding his hair, displaying a rare spirit and vigor.

The current Emperor dislikes extravagance, and the Crown Prince has a reputation for wisdom, not indulgence, yet today is of great importance.

With the mystical treasure "Sea Stabilizing Night Light," the Royal Fleet’s last shortcoming is now resolved.

Now, they await the fleet’s formation to set sail and demonstrate power.

The Crown Prince frequently raises his cup, smiling broadly at everyone: "Young Hero Li, Mr. Situ, and all heroes. During this journey to the South Sea, you have overcome thorns, ventured into barren lands, defeated demons, and ultimately found the ’Sea Stabilizing Night Light’ for Great Xuan! This achievement cannot be underestimated. I represent the court and my father the Emperor, to toast to all of you! Empty your cups!"

His voice is clear, filled with uncontrollable joy.

Each time he raises his cup, it provokes echoes and congratulations from the guests, bringing the atmosphere to a climax.

Amidst the clinking of cups, the Crown Prince’s gaze especially lingers on Li Yan.

He again raises his cup alone to Li Yan, "Young Hero Li, you deserve the greatest merit!"

"Had it not been for your foresight and skill in overcoming dangers and personally entering the Ruins to seize the pearl, this treasure might never have seen the light of day. The Royal Fleet is about to be formed, and this pearl is the Sea Stabilizing Needle! As long as this pearl exists, the fleet will have the confidence to navigate the Four Seas! Now, wealth, craftsmen, materials, are being steadily allocated by the palace, and recruitment notices for sailors and soldiers have been sent to coastal garrisons."

He paused, leaning slightly forward, eyes ablaze, "Yet, an army is easy to gather, a general is hard to find! I know well that true pillars are not comparable to ordinary soldiers."

"The Twelve Primordial Spirits, all are rare talents... If we can get the unwavering assistance of all you, this fleet will surely become the Sea Stabilizing Hammer for Great Xuan to expand maritime borders and intimidate foreigners!"

The Crown Prince’s intention to recruit is evident, the atmosphere at the table instantly grew a bit quieter.

Everyone’s gaze focused on Li Yan.

Li Yan held his cup, the cool touch of the jade cup in his hand.

He maintained a polite smile on his face, but his mind was consumed by thoughts of the terrifying creatures in the depths of the Ruins and the immortal’s indifferent gaze.

The shadow of a great catastrophe weighing like a giant stone on his heart, leaving little room to consider the Royal Fleet.

"Your Highness’ generous favor, Li Yan, representing his brothers, is deeply grateful."

Li Yan’s voice was clear, standing up to return the toast, "The Royal Fleet is a national artifact, to serve it fulfills a man’s ambition to serve his country. However..."

He changed his tone, with a hint of inquiry, "Your Highness, pardon my abruptness, but I am somewhat puzzled by the area of the previous Royal Fleet wreck."

"That sea area is treacherous, with hidden reefs and inhabited by the Sea Demon Group, extremely perilous, far from ordinary trading or patrolling waters. The fleet carrying the heavy treasure ’Sea Stabilizing Night Light’ venturing into such a perilous area, what is the purpose?"

"Could it be... there is some other secret in that sea area worth the court’s efforts and costs to explore?"

What happened within the Immortal Mountain Cave Heaven was too incredible, so he only mentioned the massive turtle shell cave.

But certain issues still needed clarification, providing an opportunity to change the subject.

He asked directly, gazing openly at the Crown Prince.

Like cold water dashed in celebration, the question instantly dampened the festive atmosphere.

The Crown Prince’s smile slightly stiffened, "This matter..."

He pondered for a moment, displaying a troubled expression, his voice lowered considerably, "involves palace secrets, inappropriate to discuss here."

With that, he raised his cup smilingly: "Today is a celebration, let us enjoy to the fullest! This matter... will be discussed later. Young Hero Li, everyone, let’s have another drink!"

......

As the banquet was about to end, guests gradually left, the lights dimming. The Crown Prince finally stood, seemingly casually, walked over to Li Yan’s seat, and whispered:

"Young Hero Li, come with me to the courtyard, we’ll walk to disperse the wine."

Li Yan understood, silently stood and followed.

The two dismissed their attendants, passed through corridors of carved beams and paintings, entering a secluded and elegant courtyard deep within the Crown Prince Mansion.

The night breeze was cool, bringing the scent of vegetation, moonlight like practice cloth, spread on the small path of blue stones.

The Crown Prince pushed open a side room door, closed it himself, then walked to the window, cautiously glancing at the silent courtyard, exhaling a long breath, then turned to Li Yan.

"Young Hero Li..."

The Crown Prince’s voice was deep, with a touch of hoarseness, "Your earlier inquiry was not met with intentional evasion, rather... it involves the Emperor’s intentions, requiring discretion."

Li Yan sat composed, waiting for the following words, his heart already vaguely predicting.

"Sea Stabilizing Night Light, as you know, can calm storms, warn disasters, it’s a treasure to stabilize the seas and waves."

The Crown Prince spoke slowly, "However, according to the palace’s secret records, this pearl has another secret... it is the key to the ’Three Immortal Mountains!’"

"Three Immortal Mountains?"

Li Yan’s gaze sharpened, but he was not surprised.

"Penglai, Abbot, Japan!"

The Crown Prince’s eyes revealed a flicker of longing, soon replaced by worry, "The ’Three Immortal Mountains’ mentioned in ’Liezi’ and ’Records of the Grand Historian’, elusive and the place for eternal life. The Emperor..."

He paused, "The Emperor is advanced in age, though committed to governing and caring for the people, hopes to emulate the Three Generations of sages and reign as a wise king for all eternity, not pursuing the vain quest for immortality like Emperor Qin and Emperor Han, to avoid wasting resources and being laughed at by future generations..."