The Demonic Sect Fiends had been lurking within the Royal Court for many years, and there were many of their spies in the palace as well.
The side quest began with Jing Yan’s sudden death.
After the Shengyu Festival, the King died without warning, and all power in the court was swiftly seized by the Black Crow Faction under Jing Rui.
The Little Princess, too young and without any foundation, became a puppet, forced to watch as the Royal Family fell bit by bit into the hands of others, eventually turning into a breeding ground for Demonic Sect Fiends.
In her memories, the last time Ji Shiyu saw the Fake Princess was upon returning from the Divine Tree of Yingzhou, having just rescued the Junior Sister of Celestial Phenomena Peak, traveling by Spirit Boat.
By then, Holy Feather King City already showed signs of becoming the future Eastern Extremity Demon Capital.
Ji Shiyu and Jing Tan’er engaged in the final Boss Battle, barely securing victory.
Yun Liu stroked his chin, unsure whether he had arrived too early or too late.
He hoped there was still time….
Jing Tan’er raised her nose arrogantly.
“Just follow me into the palace. Let’s see who dares stop me. Nini will go notify Senior Sister Qin and Shiyu.”
The two maids nodded with smiles.
They might not dare say much, but once in the Royal Capital, it was the domain of the Villainous Young Lady.
Before joining Shenhua, their group was a famous Princess Party that no one dared provoke.
Yun Liu nodded.
“Fine by me.”
The two continued their cross-server conversation, even syncing their signals, deciding to meet at the Prince’s Palace.
With Jing Rui as a spy, the most dangerous place was the safest.
The plan was perfect—but reality was harsh.
The Treasure Bottle flew north, and as evening fell, only the twinkling lights stretching along the coast could be seen—that was where Yudu lay.
The party from the Radiant Light Sect arrived at the city gate, produced their He Li Token, and as invited guests, entered the city without hindrance.
But when it was Shenhua’s turn, they were stopped by the guards.
The southern gate’s high walls were heavily guarded.
The City Defense Army were all Yu Lin Body Cultivators, and even a Squad Leader possessed late-stage Qi Refinement strength, with over a hundred strong soldiers behind, eyes fixed on the uninvited guests.
“Please show your credentials!”
Jing Tan’er had no time to argue with dutiful soldiers.
She reached for her waist—only to realize she couldn’t find the Vermilion Feather Token.
Her heart skipped a beat.
“Hiss, crap.”
That was a precious token bestowed by her father—if she lost it, what then?
Xiao Xinran thought for a moment, then pulled out her Sword Emblem and waved it.
“Excuse me, will this do?”
The soldier glanced at it, relaxing his brow a little.
Shenhua Sect members were naturally not suspicious, but still, no entry was allowed.
“Sorry, no credentials, no entry.”
During the Shengyu Festival, countless nobles flocked to the Royal Capital, and without credentials, all outsiders—including State Religion disciples—were forbidden from entering.
This was already customary.
Nini and Luer pleaded for a while, using both soft and hard tactics, but the soldiers recognized only credentials.
This was troublesome—the Shenhua Feather Token issued by the Grand Elder was with Senior Sister Qin.
Radiant Light Sect’s Bai Yu, seeing his companions missing, turned back and smiled.
“Is there a problem here?”
“None of your business!”
Jing Tan’er gritted her teeth.
If she had to borrow Radiant Light Sect status just to go home, it would be a disgrace not only to Shenhua Sect, but also to her as a Princess!
“Hey, you! You don’t even recognize me? Who’s your superior? Call them out to see me!”
“Miss, you must be joking. Without credentials, please leave.”
At this moment, Yun Liu, who had remained silent, strolled forward.
He first gave Jing Tan’er a deep look, then spread his hand, revealing a Shanhai Emblem.
The Squad Leader’s eyes changed at once, saluting, and the surrounding soldiers all knelt on one knee as ordered.
“So it’s a Shanhai Pavilion Executive—welcome to Yudu!”
This was a big shot, specially instructed from above—an Imperial Guest of the highest rank in the Zhu Sacred Kingdom, a status ordinary Fangwai Cultivators could not compare with.
At last, they entered the city.
The Villainess Trio hung their heads, unable to face the white-clothed youth.
Being embarrassed in the Sect was bad enough—how could they be blocked by gate guards even at home? What misfortune!
It was all Jing Rui’s fault for sinking the Golden Crow.
Jing Tan’er rushed day and night to the doorstep, and not even a single Royal Guard came to greet her.
Inside the city, lanterns began to shine.
Pavilions lined the streets, crowds surged through the main avenues, and the prosperity surpassed anything found in the four regional states.
Holy Feather King City stood proud in the North Capital, overlooking the boundless eastern sea, with the Forest of Whispers—rampant with beasts—to the west.
Its national power was formidable, its dominance over Eastern Pole Province unshakeable.
“Radiant Light Sect is stationed at the West City Inn, so our directions differ. We’ll part here. Another day, I’ll pay a formal visit to the Shanhai Pavilion to meet Mr. Yun.”
Bai Yu glanced at Jing Tan’er, as if he’d already seen through everything.
Yun Liu nodded, forming a good impression of Bai Yu, and bid farewell to Zhuang Heng and the others.
Zhou Yan hesitated, then snorted at the memory of a certain person’s cold attitude and chose not to bother.
Logically, all invited Sects should be quartered in the Imperial Residence for the ceremony.
Recalling the Royal Capital’s complex map, Yun Liu prepared to head for the largest Shanhai Pavilion Branch in Eastern Pole Province.
Regardless of whether he or Qin Yao arrived first, they should wait there.
“Let’s go too.”
“Okay!”
Xiao Xinran was still gazing around, marveling at the grandeur of the Royal Capital.
So many novel items from outside the domain—she’d never seen such things even in the South.
The streets were filled with fashionably dressed pedestrians, not only natives of Eastern Pole Province.
By comparison, their own attire seemed rather traditional and martial.
At that moment, a powerful spiritual pressure approached quietly, its Golden Core aura unmasked.
A squad of fully armed Yu Kui Soldiers marched to the southern gate, blocking the way.
Pedestrians quickly moved aside, staring in awe at the white-robed youth in the center—what status must one hold to draw the attention of the Prohibition Guards?
Word had already spread—if the East Pole Pavilion Master arrived, they were to be escorted straight to the Royal Court.
The Palace Guards had received the message and hurried to greet the distinguished guest.
The leader of the Prohibition Guards wore light armor, exuding a heroic air, his masculine features smiling.
He was a Golden Core expert serving at the royal court.
“Greetings, Mr. Yun. The Princess commands—the honored guests are invited to…”
“Eh!?”
The tall young man saluted with a raised fist.
The visitor was white-robed, refined, his bearing lazy—all matching the description given by Her Highness.
But upon seeing the girl at his side, his expression shifted instantly, suspicion and shock on his face.
Not only the Captain, but all the guards were stunned.
They’d just escorted Her Highness into the palace—how had she appeared again at the southern gate?
The chestnut-haired woman’s long legs and fiery presence were unmistakable—it was clearly the Princess Royal returning from study.
But even she couldn’t possibly outrun a Golden Core Body Cultivator, could she?
“At ease. Carry on!”
Jing Tan’er stretched lazily, oblivious to any oddities, thinking, Finally, they’re here.
The journey was rushed.
Though there was no dragon chariot, being personally greeted by the Captain of the Guard wasn’t shameful~
But suddenly, the Captain’s gaze sharpened, his voice turning thunderous.
“Insolent impostor! You dare impersonate the Princess—seize them!”
The soldiers, who moments before were filled with awe, instantly surrounded them, pointing their spears at the five.
“Ha?”
Xiao Xinran jumped in fright.
She’d thought Jing Tan’er had finally managed to put on airs, but even the Captain of the Prohibition Guards didn’t recognize this Princess.
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