Chapter 224 A Son-in-Law?
Princess Qingyang didn't wait for the King of Yu's response. She strode onto the altar, her gaze pausing for a moment as it swept over Mu Xi, who was pale and exhausted. She then blinked.
What's the meaning?
Mu Xi was baffled, but with the "Six Harmonies Grand Sacrifice" underway, she had no time to think it through. Xian Ling had already been sent down from the altar, so she could only hurry back to her position.
At the center of the altar, the newly appointed Imperial Preceptor Xian Jin stood still, holding the staff left behind by his master.
The mountain wind howled, tearing at her robes and hair.
Xian Jin's white mask with gold patterns shimmered with a seven-colored halo, and his voice carried an undeniable ethereal quality: "The celestial signs have arrived, and divine revelation has descended. I invite you all to join me in responding to the heavens and earth, reversing the universe, and bringing back the glory of the celestial realm."
Princess Yan Ya, having lost the Phoenix Crying Zither, sat serenely with a faint flame flickering between her brows and eyes as calm as still water, revealing a clear understanding of all things.
Mu Xi, not understanding anything, followed Princess Yan Ya's example and sat cross-legged again.
Marquis Shen Lun of Yong ascended the altar a second time, donning a dark blue mask with silver patterns. He gazed up at the constellations above while rapidly forming hand seals.
Finally, there was Princess Li Li of Qingyang. The crimson at the corner of her lychee-shaped eyes pulsated intensely under the starlight and firelight, exuding a domineering aura like a volcanic eruption and radiating boundless light.
As her eyes darted around, she casually removed a shimmering necklace from her neck.
Seeing Mu Xi's scrutinizing gaze, Li Li smiled and said, "This is the 'Burning Sea Shark Pearl Necklace,' a sacred object passed down through generations of my Li clan in the East Sea. It is made from the scales of the 'Burning Sea Shark' that fell near a deep-sea volcano and the accompanying 'Molten Fire Shark Pearl.' It is said that as long as the wearer makes a wish, they can communicate with heaven and earth."
Mu Xi stared intently at the necklace for a moment. It was inlaid with nine dark red scales of different sizes and shapes, resembling solidified lava. Each scale was naturally engraved with mysterious flame patterns.
The entire necklace appears rustic and rough, yet it exudes a wild power originating from the primordial wilderness.
Even if you don't recognize this thing, you'll know it's a good one.
Mu Xi didn't answer, so Li Li didn't bother to pay attention anymore. He looked up and found the location of the "Six Harmonies Stars" lined up in a row, then knelt down, holding the collar tightly above his head and muttering to himself.
I guess he was making a wish to the heavens.
Mu Xi withdrew her gaze and looked back at Xian Jin.
Xian Jin stood in the center of the altar, pointing his staff to the sky with one hand, his feet treading the directions, chanting continuously: "Star spirits guide, piercing the heavens. The Milky Way falls, converging in this courtyard. The staff is the matchmaker, determining the warp and weft..."
"Buzz—"
The staff burst forth with an unprecedentedly dazzling seven-colored light.
Above the sky, six rays of starlight shone brightly.
Xian Jin slammed his staff down again: "The turbulent currents surge, yet my heart is at peace. Heaven reigns supreme, ruling over the eight directions. Unyielding strength terrifies demons and monsters. Bearing the weight of the earth, receiving the light of heaven. With profound virtue, it is as solid as gold. Its radiance shines forth, shattering the eternal night. Burning away the gloom, melting away evil and delusion. Rekindling life, all things flourish..."
"Bang--"
The six directions are filled with the vastness of stars, and all rivers flow into the sea.
For a fleeting moment, Mu Xi felt dizzy and disoriented.
Xianjin concludes with the chant: "The Way shines brightly, illuminating the heavens and the earth. Its light reaches the highest heavens, and the Way prospers. The starlight bears witness, and the sacrificial ceremony is complete."
The moment the word "success" was finished, Xian Jin collapsed to his knees, supported by his staff, his clothes soaked with sweat.
Mu Xi got up and went to help him up, saying, "You've worked hard, Grand Preceptor."
The red flame between Princess Yanya's brows also faded away, and she stood up as well.
Li Li had already put the "Burning Sea Mermaid Pearl Necklace" back around her neck. The molten fire mermaid pearl on the necklace had dimmed, and it was unknown what wish she had made.
Finally, Shen Lun stood up silently, facing the wind alone.
Countless people still prostrate themselves in worship at the foot of the altar.
"The sun shines brightly again, the sacrificial ceremony is complete," Xian Jin said to King Yu below the altar.
King Yu looked up at the "Six Directions Star Chart" still hanging high in the sky and asked, "So, has the Imperial Preceptor already turned the tide for me... no... for the entire Yan Sheng?"
"Yes," Xian Jin answered without hesitation.
Only Mu Xi, standing beside him, could hear the hesitation and uncertainty in that single "yes" uttered beneath the mask.
Upon hearing this answer, Mu Ji was very satisfied: "Very good. Today, thanks to all of you, we were able to complete this grand ceremony. I, the king, will certainly reward you handsomely."
After the sacrificial ceremony was completed, the four people stepped down from the altar.
Xian Jin finally thanked Mu Xi, saying, "Thank you, Your Highness."
Mu Xi paused for a moment, then realized that Xian Jin was probably thanking her for recommending her to succeed as the Imperial Preceptor. She smiled slightly and said, "You're welcome. Isn't that what I, the Witch, deserve?"
Xianjin whispered a reminder: "Why does the Crown Prince think that evil sorcerer went on stage today?"
"Ah..." Mu Xi finally understood the meaning of Xian Jin's word "thank you".
Queen Gao recommended the wicked sorcerer Qiu Chi to the throne, apparently because he wanted to become the royal advisor?
After Xian Jin finished speaking, he nodded again and strode towards the direction of the former Imperial Preceptor Xian Ling.
On the other side, Prince Yu personally greeted Princess Yan Ya: "Madam, you have gone through so much trouble, but you broke the Phoenix Cry Zither. I will definitely find a better one for you."
Princess Yanya reached out and took the palace veil hat handed to her by Granny Wen, covering her entire body with it. Without saying a word, she turned and walked towards her Red Carp Guards.
Judging from their posture, they're about to return to their camp immediately.
After the "Six Harmonies Grand Sacrifice," it was customary to distribute offerings, reward meritorious service, and hold a celebratory banquet that night.
Yu Wang Muji, feeling snubbed, was about to return to his seat when Princess Qingyang's flamboyant and penetrating voice rang out: "Your Majesty... Your Majesty has promised a great reward, but you can't just focus on other beauties, can you? Don't forget Li Li either."
Yu Wang Muji turned his head and smiled, not annoyed at all, and already knew what she wanted: "Oh? Since the princess says so, then you may choose whatever you like."
“Your Majesty’s word is law, so I may choose whatever I wish…” Li Li’s gaze swept over the assembled ministers, finally settling on Mu Xi. He pointed a finger, “Then I want him…”
"What?" Mu Xi was stunned, not understanding what Princess Qingyang wanted to do.
Li Li laughed loudly: "Hahaha... Prince Jin Fang, are you nervous? This county is looking for a son-in-law, and you're just what I need..."
"Impossible." Mu Xi reacted faster than anyone else this time.
"What's the rush?" Li Li pointed her finger to the side. "I want the second young master behind you."
"That's even more impossible." Mu Xi's mouth reacted faster than her brain.
But as soon as Princess Qingyang uttered her words, the entire audience erupted in uproar.
Countless gazes instantly focused on Mu Xi and Mu Xun, some filled with envy, some with jealousy, and some with schadenfreude; a variety of expressions and discussions followed.
Li Li was not annoyed at all, and was determined to win: "I, the Princess of Qingyang, have come to Yanshan for two reasons: first, to witness the ceremony, and second, to choose a son-in-law. The Princesses of the Li and Li families of Qingyang of the East Sea are seeking a son-in-law, and the chosen one will become the future Qingyang Lord. What an honor! Why is the Crown Prince so eager to object?"
Mu Xi subconsciously pulled Mu Xun behind her: "No means no. We don't want this honor."
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