Chapter 128 A nice word can make you happy for a long time. Suddenly, there is a big crocodile in the fish pond. Don't you know this person?
The moonlight just passed the third eaves. Before the midnight, Jiang Lan left Yuxianfang and returned to the Xiangguo Mansion with his guards.
After informing him of the news about the Dragon Pond, Emperor Xia left without explaining why he suddenly added a corresponding reward for the top winner.
Every time the Dragon Pond is opened, a lot of natural treasures are needed, and only the royal disciples with outstanding talents are qualified to enter.
Jiang Lan didn't think that Emperor Xia was taking special care of him because he was seriously injured and looked pale.
It is very likely that she was forced by someone... For example, Jiang Ruxian, who made her feel angry and humiliated.
This was completely beyond Jiang Lan's expectations.
However, Emperor Xia specifically informed him in advance, which was obviously for him to be prepared and send some people to seize the leader of Qianyuan Prefecture.
It can’t be said to be a shady deal.
After all, it was not easy for her to open the Dragon Transformation Pool for him alone in public. The Prime Minister's Mansion and the royal family were at loggerheads with each other. In a way, her behavior was already a special favor for him.
Let this spread out to avoid suspicion from those who are interested.
With the Southern Hunting Exercise approaching, the royal family changed their previous hostile attitude towards the Prime Minister's Mansion and instead became ambiguous and unclear. This easily made people suspect whether the two had reached some unspeakable secret and were planning something together.
Regardless of the reason, throwing out the ranking of the Hualong Pool and letting the younger generation compete for it is the best and seemingly fairest way.
"But I look so sick, do I think I can compete for the top spot in Qianyuan Prefecture?"
"It just causes me a lot of trouble."
"However, Li Mengning will be able to rush back to the Xiangguo Mansion tonight. It seems feasible to let her represent the Xiangguo Mansion."
"With her strength, it would be easy for her to win the championship."
In the chariot, Jiang Lan leaned against the soft couch, thinking deeply.
He had no interest in the dispute over Qianyuan Prefecture. It did not benefit him at all. As for becoming famous, he didn't care at all.
Who in the current Great Xia realm doesn't know him? Does he still need to be famous? But since the Xia Emperor personally approached him and asked him to compete for a place in the Dragon Transformation Pond, he couldn't deny her face. After all, generally speaking, this was also her good intention.
If I don't give her a response, perhaps the goodwill that I have worked so hard to cultivate over this period of time will be wasted.
After returning to the Prime Minister's Mansion, Jiang Lan just stepped into the backyard and noticed a faint cold breath enveloping the surroundings. It was clearly a summer night, but it seemed like a cold winter had arrived.
The moonlight is brilliant, and the bamboos are rustling.
In front of the white marble table, a tall and slender figure stood there quietly.
She was dressed in a plain green gauze dress with a slightly loose long gauze skirt underneath. Her hair was like a cloud bun with a jade hairpin inserted diagonally. Her fair and flawless face was lightly covered by a misty veil.
A pair of clear eyes like glass, without a trace of emotion, like an ice sculpture, with a cold breath, keep away from strangers.
At this moment, the pair of clear eyes were staring at the nervous girl in the black dress in front of him, as if with a sense of scrutiny, making her dare not move at all.
A pair of small hands as delicate as white jade tightly grasped his sleeves, and he didn't dare to raise his head.
She let her cascading dark black hair cover her face, making her look like a trembling kitten being stared at by its natural enemy.
"Mengning, you're back..."
Jiang Lan seemed to have just noticed this scene, a look of surprise appeared on his face, and then he walked over.
Hearing his voice, You'er timidly raised her head, her amber eyes filled with joy, as if she had seen a savior, but she still didn't dare to move.
She didn't know who this mysterious woman in front of her was, but since she could appear in Jiang Lan's courtyard at will, she must be someone very close to him.
Moreover, under the powerful aura of the other party, she couldn't move even if she wanted to.
This mysterious woman is too powerful.
Li Mengning knew that Jiang Lan had returned. She heard his voice but ignored it. She still stared at You'er in front of her, making her head hang even tighter.
Jiang Lan could clearly feel that Li Mengning was a little unhappy now.
When he brought You'er back to the Prime Minister's Mansion, he had guessed that this scene would happen.
That's why he didn't bring You'er with him when he went out tonight. He was afraid that Li Mengning would come back and think that he "liked" You'er too much and asked her to stay with him all the time.
"Have you had dinner? I'll tell someone to cook your favorite purple jade lotus seed porridge..."
"You must be exhausted from the journey back from Taiyi Sect. Go take a shower and have a good rest."
He smiled helplessly, walked over and tried to hold her soft hand.
“…”
However, Li Mengning just glanced at him, then pulled her hand aside, not wanting him to hold it.
"After going back to Taiyimen, why do you look thinner?"
Jiang Lan continued to smile, not caring at all. He stretched out his hand to hold her waist, and then held her in his arms.
Li Mengning tried to struggle a few times but failed to break free. Seeing that Jiang Lan was holding her tightly, she followed him but still did not speak to him.
"As expected, you are thinner than before. Although cultivation is very important, you shouldn't practice day and night like this. You still need to take a rest..."
"You don't care about your body, but I do..."
Jiang Lan shook his head slightly, and then as if to verify his statement, he suddenly squatted slightly, then grabbed Li Mengning's legs and held her horizontally in his arms, as if this would help him verify whether she was much thinner than before.
Li Mengning's pair of clear and quiet eyes suddenly widened, and then she subconsciously wrapped her arms around his neck.
"She's lost 20 taels of weight compared to before. I said I wouldn't be wrong..." Jiang Lan said seriously, feeling the soft fragrance in his arms.
As for whether it was this number, he couldn't guarantee it...
In short, Li Mengning is angry now. The best way is to coax her first and let her calm down. Otherwise, she won't listen to any explanation.
Even if I heard it, I wouldn’t think about whether this was the reason, I would just feel angrier.
"Jiang Lan..."
"You...you put me down..."
Li Mengning's ears felt a little hot, and she finally couldn't help but speak in a low voice.
"Why don't you listen to me? Didn't I tell you that you don't have to work so hard like before? You should give me an explanation..." Jiang Lan lowered his head and looked at her clear eyes that seemed to be filled with mist.
"I..." Li Mengning didn't know why Jiang Lan looked even angrier than she was...
But before she could explain, she felt the veil on her face being lifted by Jiang Lan.
“Hmm…”
Everything she wanted to say was blocked.
You'er, who was standing aside, had been keeping her head down, but when she heard the noise, she couldn't help but secretly raise her head. Her eyes widened involuntarily, and a smoky blush appeared on her fair face.
…
Li Mengning's mind was dizzy. When she regained consciousness, she found herself sitting in Jiang Lan's arms like mud.
Jiang Lan was sitting on a stone bench in the pavilion with a smile on her face. One hand gently tucked the black hair that was hanging in front of her temples behind her ears.
She opened her eyes wide and felt her face and ears turning red and hot.
"You...you bullied me again..." she said in a low voice.
Jiang Lan looked at her rosy and slightly swollen mouth and smiled, "I can't help it. Who told you to ignore me as soon as you came back?"
"No……"
"You make me angry." Li Mengning said.
Jiang Lan seemed helpless, then smiled and asked, "Are you still angry now?"
"angry……"
“Hmm…”
After a while, Li Mengning finally couldn't stand him anymore and buried her head in his arms to prevent him from succeeding.
Jiang Lan also knew that her anger had subsided, so he began to explain You'er's matter.
From the beginning, You'er has been acting well and obediently, with her head lowered, as if she couldn't see or hear anything.
Seeing Jiang Lan talking about her, she raised her head and looked at Li Mengning timidly and nervously.
Li Mengning looked at her seriously with her clear eyes. When she heard that Jiang Lan was bringing her out of the arena, she nodded slightly.
It wasn't that she hated You'er, she just felt that You'er's appearance had somewhat taken away her position beside Jiang Lan...
And how could she appear in Jiang Lan's villa at will?
"Madam, please don't be angry with the Master because of You'er..."
"You'er is very grateful to the master, and also understands her own status. She will not have any unreasonable thoughts, but will work hard to practice and repay the master's kindness."
You'er was very clear about her own identity. After understanding the relationship between Li Mengning and Jiang Lan, she directly called her the mistress.
Hearing this name, Li Mengning was stunned for a moment, then her long eyelashes trembled, and then a charming haze appeared on her jade-white face.
"You'er, don't be nervous. Meng Ning's behavior just now was not because of you."
"It's just that I made her angry."
"You go down first. I already know about your physical condition. I have something for you to do in a few days. You should practice well in the next few days and don't worry about other things."
After hearing Jiang Lan say this, You'er felt as if she had been pardoned, and then she walked away.
After You'er left, Li Mengning whispered in Jiang Lan's ear, "I can give her some pointers on her cultivation."
"Didn't you dislike her just now?"
Jiang Lan smiled. You'er's life experience and origins could easily touch the soft spot in a woman's heart.
Of course, this is not the reason why Li Mengning suddenly changed her attitude towards him...
The most important thing was the call of "Madam", which made her happy.
This simple girl can be happy for a long time just by a nice word from others.
"She is still... quite likable." Li Mengning said in a low voice.
Jiang Lan smiled slightly and hugged her tighter.
Without that annoying guy around, Li Mengning became much more natural.
However, she seemed to have thought of something, and she looked at Jiang Lan and asked nervously, "Jiang Ruxian, has she looked for you?"
Jiang Lan nodded and said, "I have looked for her, but the grudge between her and me has been resolved."
"I will have nothing to do with her anymore."
Li Mengning was stunned, and seemed to be hesitant to speak.
"Don't provoke her in the future. She is very powerful now and you can't beat her."
Jiang Lan pinched her fair and smooth face, fearing that this stubborn guy would secretly seek revenge on Jiang Ruxian for him.
In the original plot, she suffered a lot of injuries at the hands of Jiang Ruxian. Although Jiang Ruxian held back everywhere, the gap in strength was there and it was not easy to bridge.
The more frustrated you are, the braver you become; the braver you become, the more defeated you become... This is Li Mengning's experience in front of Jiang Ruxian.
"Jiang Lan, are you willing?"
Li Mengning lowered her eyes slightly, as if a hint of sadness flashed across her face, and asked.
She was very clear about Jiang Lan's feelings for Jiang Ruxian. Jiang Lan had always been chasing after the dazzling her, and she had always been chasing after Jiang Lan.
But he only had Jiang Ruxian in his eyes, and couldn't see his little tail...
No matter how hard she tries, there is only her in his eyes.
After so many years, can he really let it go? Hearing this question, Jiang Lan seemed to think about it seriously, then looked at her and said, "Whether you are willing or not, it is all in the past."
“Everything I hold in my arms right now is the most important thing to me.”
Li Mengning's eyelashes trembled slightly, and there seemed to be a mist flowing in her clear eyes.
Jiang Lan let her head rest on his chest and then rested his chin lightly on the ends of her black hair, as if feeling the peaceful and tranquil time of the moment.
"The winner of this battle for Qianyuan Mansion will have a chance to enter the Hualong Pool." Then he remembered the important matter.
"I'll help you..."
Li Mengning raised her cheeks and instantly understood what he meant.
…
The next day, in the wide square outside the central hall of the imperial palace.
The black bird chariot was suspended high above it, with curtains like clouds, dragon energy rising up, shining brightly, as if a huge sun was hanging high in the sky, illuminating the entire world.
Emperor Xia leaned back on the couch and told his maid Chunlan to give orders.
The battle for Qianyuan Prefecture this time was a fight between dragons and tigers, far more exciting than ever before and greatly pleased the emperor.
As a reward and to show his great grace, Emperor Xia will grant the winner of Qianyuan Prefecture a chance to enter the Hualong Pool deep in the imperial palace.
Once this news spread, it quickly caused an uproar, and all the aristocratic families, princes and nobles, and immortal sects were shocked.
Daxia's Hualong Pond, also known as the Nirvana Pond, is rarely opened to the outside world.
Even if you are a member of the royal family, if you want to enter, you must be gifted and talented to be qualified.
Disciples from Taoist sects from the outside world, just forget about it.
Once upon a time, an emperor of Da Xia used the Dragon Transformation Pond to cultivate a Yinglong with ancestral bloodline, which terrorized the world. Many essences and magical powers of Taoism are still retained in it.
And now Emperor Xia is the leader of Qianyuan Prefecture and has made an exception to open the Hualong Pool.
This reward made many monks of the older generation and living fossils feel terrified and jealous, and they wished they were hundreds of years younger.
Many young people in the imperial capital who kept a low profile and had not participated in the dispute over Qianyuan Prefecture could no longer sit still.
After receiving the news, he immediately contacted the sect forces behind him, and then rushed to the entrance of Qianyuan Mansion.
The opening of Qianyuan Mansion will last for half a month. During this period, all young cultivators will be able to enter, even casual cultivators are eligible.
It was just an appetizer before the Southern Hunting Exercise, but Emperor Xia spent so much money on it that many people were shocked.
Then everyone speculated that this might be because among the younger generation who entered Qianyuan Mansion this time, there was someone who was favored and valued by Emperor Xia and was planned to be cultivated, so the Dragon Pool was opened as an exception.
All of a sudden, the number of young people eager to go there increased sharply.
Even many young people who had entered Qianyuan Mansion early and occupied advantageous areas received the news, and then became even more anxious and enthusiastic.
"Dragon Pool?"
In Qianyuan Mansion, in a building complex built of bluestone, Xiao Teng, Ye Ming and others also learned the news and were shocked and surprised.
"Don't worry, Third Young Master. We will definitely help you win the championship this time."
"It depends on who dares to stop it."
Xiao Teng's group of young retainers and followers then spoke out to make assurances.
Even many disciples of Yijian Palace agreed and were willing to help Xiao Teng.
This made Xiao Teng smile even more and feel more confident.
He even had a vague feeling that this Dragon Transformation Pool was a special treat that Emperor Xia had intentionally opened for him, to help him transform again and increase his strength.
Among all the young geniuses who entered Qianyuan Mansion, no one had a relationship as close as he did with Emperor Xia.
His father, the Prince of Zhenbei, could be said to be a close minister of Emperor Xia, and his master, the Imperial Preceptor Ge Qixing, was an open supporter of the royal family.
However, Ye Ming, who was beside Xiao Teng, looked a little unhappy after hearing the news, and did not agree with others.
"If it's another opportunity, Xiao Teng might give it to me, but he definitely won't let me get the chance to enter the Dragon Pond..."
Ye Ming naturally understood the value of the Dragon Transformation Pool. Although it could not allow one to go against one's nature, it was definitely more than enough to transform one's bones.
Previously, in the secret realm of True Lord Zixia, he failed to obtain the Immortal Fetus Creation Dew, which has always been a regret in his heart.
And now Emperor Xia intends to open the Dragon Transformation Pool. Isn’t this giving him a second chance?
Unfortunately, there is only one qualification for the Dragon Pool. Will Xiao Teng give it to me? "You don't have to be discouraged. This qualification is won by everyone's own means. The good fortune obtained in Qianyuan Mansion is seen by the outside world. There is no possibility of favoritism or fraud."
"Although Xiao Teng has retainers and followers to help him, you have also gained a lot of good fortune at present. If you can draw out the chaotic spiritual energy from the depths of Qianyuan Mansion, you can crush the rest of the people in one fell swoop..." The old ghost's voice sounded in Ye Ming's heart.
This made him nod secretly.
"Not to mention, once this news gets out, the number of young people coming to compete will definitely increase dramatically. It is still unknown whether Xiao Teng can win the championship..." The old ghost laughed.
Ye Ming's eyes flickered and he silently said in his heart, I'm sorry, Brother Xiao.
Similar scenes were also taking place in other areas of Qianyuan Prefecture.
Prince Wuxuan's third son Xia Jie was leading a group of followers to explore the ruins in front of them. Hearing this, he smiled coldly and said, "I'll take the top spot. This is not about personal strength, but about who has more subordinates and followers."
In another direction, Chong'an County Prince's eldest son Chong Xiuyuan was dressed in a purple embroidered satin robe, looking elegant and dignified. He was also leading his men to explore Qianyuan Mansion and pick some rare spiritual medicines.
After he heard the news, he just smiled faintly, as if he didn't care.
Prince Chong'an is the uncle of the current Emperor Xia. His lineage is actually similar to the royal family.
East of the imperial capital, the outer city.
In a quiet courtyard full of ancient charm, with red walls and green tiles, there is gurgling water, rockery and waterside pavilions, lush vegetation, and winding paths.
"Miss Ruxian, have some tea."
Liu came out with a teapot and filled the teacup in front of the girl in white in the courtyard.
The girl had an average figure and face, and was wearing a plain white dress and a simple bun.
If she were placed in a crowd, no one would even take a second look at her. But if one stared closely at her face, the next moment one would find that one could not remember what she looked like at all.
"You are my adoptive mother now, there is no need to do this." Jiang Ruxian shook her head.
Liu smiled slightly and said, "This is just an external title. In front of me, you are still Miss Ruxian."
After hearing this, Jiang Ruxian said no more.
She just glanced outside the courtyard, then seemed to be thinking about something, and said, "I'm going out to do something."
Liu was tactful and didn't ask any more questions. Jiang Ruxian came here in the past two days, but she changed her identity and said that she was her adopted daughter in Guangyuan City.
As for this identity, whether it will arouse suspicion and whether anyone will pay attention to it.
Jiang Ruxian didn't care at all and didn't pay any attention. It seemed that she was just looking for an identity to stay in the imperial capital.
As for whether she would be noticed by the Prime Minister's Mansion...she didn't seem to care.
Outside the imperial palace, at the entrance of Qianyuan Mansion, there were already crowds of people, creating an unprecedented grand occasion.
As the ripples spread, a thin mist blew past, and the younger generation who met the requirements quickly stepped into it and disappeared.
At the entrance of Qianyuan Mansion, there is a magical instrument that reflects one's root bones. Cultivators who do not meet the requirements cannot enter.
Naturally, no one would dare to mess around or take advantage of the situation in the royal territory and under the royal nose.
The place is shrouded in thick mist, like a pristine land; the mountains in the distance are majestic and majestic, exuding an ancient atmosphere.
After many young people stepped in, they immediately felt the difference in the spiritual energy of heaven and earth in the air.
If you practice in Qianyuan Mansion, you will get twice the result with half the effort.
The younger generation who were worried about the danger and did not go in immediately are beginning to regret it.
In just half a day, thousands of young people came enthusiastically.
Above the palace, in the black chariot, Emperor Xia was paying attention to the situation in Qianyuan Mansion.
Suddenly her eyes fell on one of the girls with ordinary face and wearing plain white dress. She didn't know if it was her illusion, but she felt that the girl in white seemed to look at her.
Can she see herself in Qianyuan Mansion?
A similar situation happened just a few days ago.
Emperor Xia, who had been sitting in a somewhat lazy posture, suddenly sat up straight with an uncertain expression on his face.
"Could it be that guy? She entered Qianyuan Mansion?"
"With her cultivation strength, what kind of opportunities and fortunes does she care about?"
Emperor Xia clenched the soft couch with his bare hands, somewhat confused.
She didn't think Jiang Ruxian was going to break the rules. Could it be for Jiang Lan? To clear the way for him in advance? "I prepared the Dragon Transformation Pool for Jiang Lan. Why are you interfering?"
"Could it be that you want Jiang Lan to know that this is the opportunity you fought for him? And that you helped him clear the obstacles?"
"Without you, he wouldn't have won the championship?"
Emperor Xia frowned, feeling an indescribable sense of dissatisfaction in his heart.
Obviously, she had opened the Dragon Pond specifically for Jiang Lan, but Jiang Ruxian's actions suddenly made her feel that this matter had nothing to do with her.
After Jiang Lan found out, would he still be grateful to Jiang Ruxian and forget who opened the Dragon Pool for him? "Haha, you want to take credit? You're really scheming."
"It's just that I'm not as boring as you. I would waste my time on these things just for a man."
Emperor Xia sneered in his heart and suppressed his unhappy mood.
If she wants to win people's hearts, she doesn't need such means.
Just as Emperor Xia was paying attention to Jiang Ruxian's movements in Qianyuan Mansion, a commotion and discussion broke out outside Qianyuan Mansion.
She looked over and immediately understood.
At the entrance of Qianyuan Mansion, many young people consciously made way for them.
A young man with a noble and elegant appearance and a handsome face came over, surrounded by a group of guards and knights, and followed by many young geniuses. It was Jiang Lan.
He looked calm and casual, and his complexion was not much different from last night, as if he had just recovered from a serious illness.
"I thought you weren't coming." Emperor Xia narrowed his eyes.
Many princes, nobles, and high-ranking officials of aristocratic families were also extremely surprised. They did not expect that Jiang Lan would show up here.
Many people still thought that the Prime Minister's Mansion didn't care at all about the dispute with Qianyuan Mansion.
But the opening of this Dragon Pond is still very tempting...
A group of elders from the immortal sects also looked over, each with different looks and thoughts.
"Could the woman with the veil beside him be the quasi-saint of Taiyi Sect?"
"I heard a few days ago that she was in Taiyi Sect, and she alone made all the other disciples bow down to her. I don't know if it's true or not, but she appeared in the imperial capital so quickly."
"If she shows up, the situation will be hard to judge."
However, many elders' eyes fell on the mysterious woman beside Jiang Lan. They recognized her identity and were filled with surprise and shock.
Many people who had originally looked casual also became solemn and serious.
If this person also gets involved, it may not be so easy to win the championship in this battle for Qianyuan Prefecture.
Emperor Xia's gaze also swept over Li Mengning, and after noticing that her veil was some kind of secret treasure, he did not forcibly explore her true appearance.
"With the help of the quasi-saint girl of Taiyi Sect, even without his sister, the top spot is almost certain to be secured."
"Not to mention that he himself is actually quite capable. Although his realm is not high, his true strength is not weak."
Emperor Xia pondered.
The news that Jiang Lan, the son of the Prime Minister's Mansion, was involved in the dispute over Qianyuan Prefecture soon spread like a hurricane through the alleys, inns and restaurants in the imperial capital, causing a great sensation.
Many cultivators who liked to join in the fun also rushed over. They were very curious about Jiang Lan's current strength and were looking forward to what would happen next in Qianyuan Mansion.
The younger generation who had entered Qianyuan Mansion early on also learned the news one after another, and their expressions changed drastically.
Some of the young masters who had been confident before now looked even uglier, as if they had eaten a dead rat.
In the central square, the monks and creatures who noticed this scene through the round mirror couldn't help but smile with satisfaction, as if they were not afraid of trouble.
“I originally thought that this time’s battle in Qianyuan Prefecture would be less interesting, but the sudden joining of the young master of the Xiangguo Mansion may make those young geniuses feel anxious and uneasy…”
“Hehe, didn’t you see how unhappy the faces of several young masters from aristocratic families were? They probably didn’t expect that a crocodile would suddenly appear in this fish pond.”
"But it's hard to say. After all, Qianyuan Mansion has been open for so many days. To compete for the top spot, it still depends on each person's opportunity and luck. The number of subordinates may not be important."
"The person who said this probably doesn't know this person, right?"
"After this person enters, he will definitely head for the crowded areas. Guess why those noble family masters have such grim expressions?"
“…”
Qianyuan Mansion was a vast and empty place. When Jiang Lan and his followers entered, they were stepping on an unknown piece of rubble.
Not far away was a ruined palace building, and further away were some broken mountains. The sky was not clear, but rather gray and foggy, as if shrouded in mist.
"Master, we have already informed the brothers who entered Qianyuan Mansion earlier. They will gather here soon."
Beside Jiang Lan, a young genius spoke up, took out a communication jade talisman, and began to contact the rest of the people.
(End of this chapter)
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