The snow has cleared, and the sky is a brilliant blue.

Haojing City is draped in white, with sunlight pouring down, making the snow shine brightly.

Among the bustling crowd, a large carriage weaves through the streets and alleys, crossing the canal arches, heading to the east of the city.

Inside the carriage, Zhang Kui, wearing a brand new Taoist robe, sits with his eyes closed, playing with a brocade box containing the Peace Treasure Pearl.

The Wu Family has helped a lot, and Zhang Kui had intended to sell the Treasure Pearl to them. After all, wearing it extends one's lifespan, a good opportunity for building goodwill.

However, the Wu Family did not accept it. Instead, they found an even better buyer for him—the current Eldest Prince, Li Shuo.

According to the Wu Family, in another month, it would be the 60th birthday of the Qian Dynasty's Emperor, Li Geng, and this Eldest Prince is actively collecting gifts.

The Eldest Prince's mansion is located in the imperial district of Haojing City, making it difficult for Fatty Tiger to enter. Flying in directly would be impolite, so he had to sit obediently in the carriage sent by the Wu Family.

Gradually, the surrounding civilians became fewer, and the buildings turned solemn and majestic. After passing through several gates, the red walls and green tiles, flying eaves and corbel brackets, and ancient trees towering above, all exuded weight and antiquity.

Outside the vermillion gates of the Prince's Mansion, many carriages were already parked. A young man dressed in a white brocade robe was waiting anxiously.

Beside him, a square-faced young man in a green robe chuckled, "Brother Wu, it's just a Daoist. Let him go in by himself, why suffer the cold here?"

The young man in the white robe was named Wu Jinglian. Hearing his companion's tease, he did not retort, but merely smiled slightly.

Indeed, there are many cultivators in Haojing City, but few are favored by the National Guardian True Man. Moreover, his uncle Wu Siyuan had personally instructed him in a letter to ensure proper care.

From afar, Zhang Kui's carriage approached slowly.

Wu Jinglian's eyes lit up. He rushed forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Taoist Zhang, my young nephew greets you, and I apologize for not picking you up personally."

The green-robed young man beside him looked curiously, only to see a burly man exuding terrifying Evil Qi step out of the carriage, instantly startling him—what a fierce Taoist!

Zhang Kui looked at Wu Jinglian in front of him and chuckled, "We are about the same age, no need for the young nephew thing; it sounds awkward."

"The Taoist is right, but courtesy cannot be neglected."

Wu Jinglian laughed even more respectfully.

Zhang Kui was speechless, turned his head to look at the surrounding carriages, and asked, "Why are there so many people?"

"You have come at the right time..."

Wu Jinglian laughed and said, "Today the Eldest Prince hosts a banquet to celebrate the eradication of the massive plague in the city. I heard you have a treasure, which made him very happy."

"Hmm..."

Zhang Kui glanced askance; this fellow seemed off, as though he was politicking.

It's said that the current Emperor is also a cultivator in the Enlightenment Realm, although he lacks cultivation talent, he lives quite robustly by relying on pills.

This might be the sorrow of the princes of the Qian Dynasty; the Emperor's life is too long. I've heard of an Emperor who cultivated to the Grain Avoidance Realm and ended up outliving his grandson.

However, this current Emperor probably only has over a hundred years of lifespan, and now, he must establish a Crown Prince. Everyone in the Capital City knows about the struggles between the Eldest and the Fourth Prince for the position of Crown Prince.

Are they trying to drag me into it?

Seeing Zhang Kui's expression change, Wu Jinglian quickly bowed his head to explain, "Taoist, if you need an Alchemy Furnace, it's always easier with assistance. Today, the steward of the Imperial Workshop is also here, and the Eldest Prince can help facilitate. Moreover, today the imperial chef Lan Yidao is also invited..."

"An imperial chef?"

Zhang Kui smacked his lips, "Alright, let's go then."

With those words, he strode forward.

Wu Jinglian breathed a sigh of relief and hurried to follow.

The Astronomical Bureau is controlled by the Emperor, and no one dares to intervene. Thus, cultivators in the community became targets for alliances. Zhang Kui's Enlightenment Slash of Avoiding Grain had long caught the Eldest Prince's attention.

The Eldest Prince is generous, favored by civil servant families, while the Fourth Prince is brave and supported by many generals.

The Wu Family chose the Eldest Prince, so naturally, they must help.

Upon reaching the main hall, the floor was laid with ebony, yellow curtains hung, jade screens stood, and the air was filled with sandalwood scent, exuding gravity.

The seats were already filled with guests on both sides, mostly polite and refined individuals, composing poems, and conversing with laughter and cups raised.

When Zhang Kui entered, he immediately drew everyone's gaze. As he and Wu Jinglian were led by attendants to seats near the front, some were surprised, while others pondered meaningfully.

Zhang Kui regarded them as mere air, his attention captured entirely by the exquisite snacks on the table.

"What are these?"

Wu Jinglian was pleased; the intel was correct, this Taoist Zhang was indeed a gourmet, and he quickly commenced introducing.

"Taoist, this is Snow Lotus Cake, crispy and light, very popular in the palace. This one is called Dragon Blood Soup..."

He had done his homework, speaking vividly, and Zhang Kui enjoyed them one by one, eating happily.

Zhang Kui had already made up his mind, to enjoy the fine food and wine today, sell the Treasure Pearl, and then immediately leave, paying no heed to imperial power or wealth.

After a while, with a cry of "The Eldest Prince arrives," everyone stopped chatting and stood respectfully, cupping their hands.

Zhang Kui glanced casually; the Eldest Prince Li Shuo exuded nobility yet had a simple appearance, and spoke elegantly, seemingly likable.

However, saying that someone vying for the throne is a good person, Zhang Kui found it hard to believe a thousand times over.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the city's plague has been eradicated, all thanks to the Astronomical Bureau and everyone present here. My father, the Emperor, is greatly pleased..."

The Eldest Prince droned on and on, and below, flattery filled the air, a scene of harmonious ruler and subjects.

Zhang Kui, however, was mentally elsewhere, pondering over how powerful the Yellow Jade Pill would be once refined.

Soon, attendants began serving dishes: Roasted Deer, White Jade Soup, Carved Chicken... all exquisite and delicious.

"It wasn't a waste coming here after all..."

Zhang Kui murmured, immediately digging in, a swig of imperial wine, a bite of tender deer meat, like a whirlwind devouring everything.

Not only Wu Jinglian, but even those nearby were dumbfounded, watching as the table of food and wine vanished at a speed visible to the naked eye.

The Eldest Prince at the top of the main hall had long noticed Zhang Kui. Seeing him as fierce as a ghost god, he was very pleased. He was just about to speak when he saw Zhang Kui wipe his mouth and stand up.

Zhang Kui cupped his hands, "Your Highness, the Prince, I heard you're collecting rare treasures, and I happen to have one I'd like to transfer."

"Oh, what kind of treasure?"

The Eldest Prince Li Shuo asked with a smile.

He actually didn't care what it was, just wanted to seize the chance to make a good connection. If Zhang became a National Guardian True Man when he succeeds, it would be a great asset.

Zhang Kui nodded, pulled out the brocade box, and opened it.

Instantly, the entire hall was filled with a deep blue glow, as if underwater, capturing everyone's attention.

Someone sniffed and exclaimed :

"Why is the air so fresh, even the sandalwood..."

Before he finished speaking, everyone in the hall had already thought it must be due to this Treasure Pearl.

Zhang Kui chuckled, "Peace Treasure Pearl, imbued with divine light, can purify not only the air but also sewage. Wearing it regularly or placing it indoors can extend one's lifespan."

"What a splendid Peace Treasure Pearl!"

The Eldest Prince stood up with delight on his face, but soon his heart grew complex.

Items that can prolong life are treasures anywhere, let alone such a magnificent pearl.

Sigh, I should have secretly kept it. Now that everyone knows, I surely have to present it to the Emperor.

"I wonder how much the Daoist wants to sell it for?"

After a silent sigh, the Eldest Prince asked with a smile.

Zhang Kui thought for a moment,

"Let's do barter. I need to refine an alchemy furnace; apart from the materials, I want to exchange the rest for some rare medicinal herbs."

"Oh, I forgot that Taoist Zhang is an expert in alchemy skills. Rest assured, I won't let you suffer a loss..."

The Eldest Prince's eyes twinkled with divine light, remembering that True Man Yuhua held Zhang Kui in high regard, and there were rumors that the antidote for the 'Gu Plague' was also related to him. Determined to draw him over, the Prince made up his mind.

After Zhang Kui sat down, he intended to leave, but suddenly frowned and looked towards the main door.

"Hmm... there's demon qi!"

At the entrance, a man and a woman entered.

The man wore a light blue brocade robe, had a prominent stature, dark complexion, and a frivolous face.

The woman was draped in a white fox fur, with an elegant and aloof appearance, graceful as a chrysanthemum.

However, Zhang Kui's face turned grim.

He had met that woman at Sishui Crossing, the Capital City courtesan Ling Yanchen, through her, he got to know Lian.

But under the Cave Abyss Skill, black smoke faintly emanated from Ling Yanchen's body, and her aura had greatly changed, clearly indicating she was someone else now.

"Who is that person?"

Zhang Kui frowned and asked.

Wu Jinglian quickly whispered:

"That's Xiahou Ba's son, Xiahou Jie, an arrogant and domineering person. He caused quite a stir upon his return to the Capital City, but because General Heyang commands the Blood Wolf Army guarding the Northern Border, and will soon become a National Guardian True Man, no one wants to provoke him."

"The Eldest Prince, with no military backing, also relies heavily on him."

Speaking of which, Wu Jinglian's eyes were full of envy, "I heard Xiahou Jie took a liking to the courtesan Ling Yanchen from the Golden Full Tower as soon as he returned, didn't expect he'd bring her in so quickly."

"He's probably taken in a disaster..."

A hint of coldness flashed in Zhang Kui's eyes as he wondered.

If his father was at the National Guardian True Man level, the family must be quite capable, so how did they get entangled with demon ghosts?

The Eldest Prince waved his hand with a smile, "Xiahou, why are you so late? You must be punished with a drink!"

Xiahou Jie laughed, "If His Highness imposes a drink, Xiahou Jie will accept, even ten cups are fine."

The two conversed happily, immediately raising their cups for a drink.

Perhaps noticing Zhang Kui's gaze, "Ling Yanchen" turned her head, first examining him, then sneered contemptuously, whispering a few words in Xiahou Jie's ear.

Xiahou Jie immediately turned, looking at Zhang Kui with a sneer, "Hey, you uncouth man, why are you staring at my concubine? Have you developed lust?"

Zhang Kui put down his wine cup and slowly stood up, a fierce glint flashing in his eyes, "You evil spirit have some nerve!"

With that, he flashed into the center of the hall, grabbing "Ling Yanchen" by the neck and lifting her up.

"Bastard, what are you doing!"

Xiahou Jie angrily clenched his right hand into a grasp, energy bursting forward, striking towards Zhang Kui's temple with deadly intent at the first sign of conflict.

"Get lost!"

Zhang Kui kicked him flying, then his right hand became encased in Gang Evil, causing "Ling Yanchen's" face to show terror.

"No!"

Xiahou Jie on the ground shouted.

"Stop!"

The Eldest Prince exclaimed in surprise.

But it was already too late, black smoke dispersed from behind "Ling Yanchen," transforming into a snake shape with a heartrending scream, obliterating the divine soul.

Some in the hall exclaimed in shock, others smiled wryly.

Zhang Kui snorted coldly, looking at Xiahou Jie on the ground, "Boy, ignorant of the demons plaguing you, yet dare to provoke me."

Xiahou Jie slowly got up, his face twisted, "You damned Daoist, it's none of your business, you're dead!"

"Hmm..."

Zhang Kui frowned, sensing something amiss.

He looked at the helplessly smiling Eldest Prince,

then at the vacant-eyed, soulless courtesan Ling Yanchen, who was nothing but an empty shell, wasn't it clear what was going on?

No wonder nobody cared despite this happening deep in the Imperial City...

"Hahaha..."

Zhang Kui laughed heartily, his eyes full of ridicule, glancing at everyone.

"Blood staining the wild grass, wolves wearing crowns, Zhang surely had his eyes opened today!"

With that said, he carried the lifeless body of Ling Yanchen, striding towards the door, without turning back as he waved his hand. The pearl box that was originally on the Eldest Prince's table flew into his hand.

Behind him, Xiahou Jie asked fiercely:

"Damned Daoist, what's your name?"

Zhang Kui suddenly turned, smiling sinisterly,

"I'm Zhang Kui, if you're not afraid of death, come at me!"

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