The Blade-Wielding Legend-Chapter 1401 - 722: First Encounter with the Crown Prince (Part 2)

Li Yan squinted slightly, smiled, and bowed his hands, "Elder Su, you're too kind."

As expected of an elder of the Golden Swallow Sect, his words are quite subtle.

Saying it's worthwhile to come, isn't that hinting at tonight's transaction?

But saying so also piqued Li Yan's interest. 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

The Crown Prince personally attending, though his purpose is unknown, surely he won't be stingy...

Just as Su Yu finished speaking, several attendants hurriedly entered to serve the dishes.

This garden is the best in the Capital, so the dishes naturally wouldn't disappoint.

A "Snow Frog and Fritillaria Soup" was served in a white jade bowl, while small green porcelain cups contained "Golden Thread Bird's Nest Porridge". The table was further adorned with "Amber Walnut Dessert" and "Crystal Mutton Dish", all being picturesque and fragrant.

What attracted Li Yan the most was the gigantic lotus leaf plate in the center.

Upon opening, it revealed a two-foot-long Dragon Dungeness!

Li Yan was visibly surprised, "Even in the Capital? How did it get here?"

This thing is just a large deep-sea grouper.

With the Crown Prince at the banquet, having it isn't surprising, but this is the inland Capital.

"It's not surprising."

Su Yu gently smiled and said, "There are 'ice fresh ships' along the coast, layered with ice, equipped with 'live water compartments', and with a touch of Mystic Sect Secret Skill, they rush to the Capital day and night, keeping the meat tender."

"But such a large Dragon Dungeness, and still alive, is the first. When I learned the Minzhou Chamber of Commerce brought it, I immediately went and requested it for entertaining you two."

Li Yan was speechless, not knowing what to say.

Dragon Dungeness really isn't much along the coast now, but to transport it to the Capital would cost more than making one out of silver, obviously meant to display extravagance.

After livening up the atmosphere with food and drink, Su Yu sensibly stood up and left.

As for Zhao Wanfang, she stood three steps behind Li Yan with her head slightly bowed.

She wielded the pot, poured wine, and arranged dishes, her fingers steady as if snatching flowers, not spilling a drop over the cup's edge.

"I toast to the Crown Prince."

"Young Hero Li, no need to be formal, I am unwell, and will substitute tea for wine."

"Your Highness is courteous."

"I've heard of Young Hero Li's reputation for a long time..."

The two ate and chatted, engaging in conversation.

Li Yan responded with a smile, all the while secretly observing.

As rumored, the Crown Prince isn't well, but he speaks very gently, politely, easily evoking goodwill, no wonder the Confucian scholars support him.

After three rounds of drinks, they finally got to the matter at hand.

The Crown Prince clapped gently, and two sturdy servants immediately carried in a foot-long purple sandalwood gilt box from outside.

As the box was opened, a palpable and cold Astral Bane Qi immediately wafted out.

Li Yan's heart tightened, and he focused his attention.

Upon opening the wooden box, it revealed inside a thick, child-arm-sized piece of mysterious black metal.

Its surface was etched with silvery-white streaks like shattered ice chips.

Ziii~

You could faintly see dim blue electric arcs flickering in the crevices.

This kind of miraculous spiritual material was something Li Yan had never seen before. He restrained his surprise and asked, "May I ask the Crown Prince, what treasure is this?"

"It's an ancestral treasure, gathering dust in the treasury for a hundred years now."

The Crown Prince smiled, "Recorded in Tang's 'Book of Strange Records', 'Thunder Fallen Mysterious Gold, devours lightning, conceals bane, unbreakable by ten thousand weight', refers to this item, originally a meteorite that fell from the sky, which was refined by the Great Xing of the previous dynasty into a Thunder Ancestor Statue, placed in Jinling to suppress the Qi Fortune."

"After Jinling City was breached, it was shattered and placed in the inner treasury."

"Ah, so that's what it is..."

Upon hearing this, Li Yan came to a sudden realization.

He had heard of this item before.

The Capital's Mystic Sect Great Array requires more than the incense of the various Mortal Gods, it also needs an object of suppression.

Currently, the one enshrined in the Imperial Palace was the "Zhenwu Demon-slaying Sword" offered by Wudang Mountain, with this sword as the core of the Array and the incense of the Divine State's land and people, not just ordinary cultivators, even an Earth Immortal wouldn't be able to withstand it.

Its origin is also related to Ancestor Sanfeng.

As for the Great Xing of the previous dynasty, it was the Thunder Ancestor Statue enshrined at the Jinling Imperial Palace.

It was rumored that back then, any demons daring to enter Jinling City would be struck by lightning, with the stories sounding mysterious.

Unexpectedly, the Crown Prince brought along such a thing, in terms of preciousness, it was no less than a Flood Dragon Horn.

Seeing Li Yan's demeanor, the Crown Prince Xiao Jingheng of Zhao De also smiled, "This item's flexibility is great, it can be drawn into threads continuously. If woven into protective gear, it may relieve Young Hero Li's worries."

Li Yan was silent for a moment, then bowed his hands, "There's no such thing as a free lunch; what does the Crown Prince want?"

This item was perfect for him, but to pledge allegiance due to this inanimate object wasn't what he wanted, hence he spoke directly, adhering to the rules of trading among wandering immortals.

Even if it meant offending the other party, the matter couldn't break the rule.

As soon as he said this, the room fell silent.

The tall eunuch serving behind the Crown Prince immediately wore a somber expression.

The scholar beside him, however, was smiling, as if he had already guessed.

"Young Hero Li misunderstands."

The Crown Prince Xiao Jingheng of Zhao De coughed a few times, smiled, and said, "Young Hero Li, in breaking the Jianmu Demon's plots several times, while it was a chivalrous act, it also helped the court avert disaster. If even in the Capital, you can't find material for refining a Magic Artifact, wouldn't it make the people of the world ridicule our Imperial Family?"

"Having heard that Young Hero Li was seeking spiritual materials, I sent people to the inner treasury to find it. It's a chance to meet you, one of the Divine State's promising young talents, through Su's wonderful place."

Li Yan was somewhat surprised, squinting his eyes slightly, "Really gifting it?"

"How bold!"

The tall eunuch serving beside immediately spoke in a deep voice, "The Crown Prince sought this out from the inner treasury and personally delivered it, already giving you enough face. People of the pugilistic world must also know courtesy, correct?"

Li Yan coldly glanced, about to retort.

He's not the type to take a loss easily.

Who knew that before he could respond, the Crown Prince Xiao Jingheng of Zhao De coughed a few times, pale-faced, and said not in satisfaction: "Lv Ling, Young Hero Li has contributed to the Divine State's land and people, don't speak carelessly, apologize quickly."