NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 336: The Grand Palace Competition
Chapter 336: The Grand Palace Competition
Xu Lian left the residence of Marquis Qin with half of the Yin-Yang Dual Malevolence Technique in hand. Unable to perform spatial teleportation directly within the estate due to its protective barriers, he first exited the premises before activating his technique and crossing vast distances in an instant. He arrived at a secluded estate just outside the imperial capital.
This mansion belonged to Ning Meixue, and the two of them had agreed to meet here secretly to practice the sinister dual cultivation technique together. While waiting for her arrival, Xu Lian wandered through the tranquil gardens of the manor. The place was exquisitely designed, filled with pavilions, terraces, rare flowers, and auspicious plants. It was like entering a serene paradise.
The absence of servants ensured their privacy, a necessary precaution to prevent rumors of their secret meeting from spreading.
“This is a fine location,” Xu Lian mused to himself. “Perfect for my cultivation with Senior Sister.”
After exploring the entire compound, Ning Meixue still hadn’t arrived, so Xu Lian settled into a warm pavilion to wait. As night fell, he prepared some wild game for dinner, soaked himself in a hot bath, and relaxed by reading a book. Just as he lay reclining, engrossed in his text, he heard movement outside.
“Junior Brother?” came Ning Meixue’s voice.
Xu Lian immediately threw the book aside. “Senior Sister, it’s me! Come in.”
Ning Meixue pushed open the door and entered. Her enchanting beauty and voluptuous figure instantly caught Xu Lian’s eye. For the first time in centuries, he felt that familiar flutter of youthful infatuation, reminiscent of when he was barely two hundred years old.
Their eyes met briefly, and Ning Meixue blushed slightly, understanding the unspoken thoughts in his mind. She asked, “Did you manage to retrieve the half of the Yin-Yang Dual Malevolence Technique from Marquis Qin’s residence?”
“Yes,” Xu Lian replied, pulling out the scroll and tossing it onto a nearby table. His gaze remained fixed on her, unabashedly revealing his intentions – intentions that no longer needed concealment.
Ning Meixue shot him a playful glance. “You have waited for over two thousand years without showing such urgency. Have you finally grown impatient?”
Xu Lian replied seriously, “Before, I didn’t know your feelings towards me. Now that I do, I want nothing more than to become your Dao partner as soon as possible.”
At this, Ning Meixue burst into laughter, her charm radiating effortlessly. Abandoning all pretense, she walked over to him and they embraced.
Originally, Xu Lian hadn’t planned to take this step. However, after learning about the tragic fates of the women in the Marquis Qin family’s secondary residences, he realized that he was the best match for Ning Meixue. As long as he remained the legitimate second son of the Marquis Qin household, Ning Meixue would always be happy, and there was nothing wrong with that.
Two millennia of pent-up affection made their bond profound. A few days later, they started cultivating together.
“Junior Brother, how did you get the half of the Dual Malevolence Technique from Marquis Qin’s residence so quickly?” Ning Meixue asked curiously.
“I simply told Father about our plans,” Xu Lian explained. “The other half of the technique was stored in his pouch. Without explaining myself, there was no way I could have retrieved it.”
Ning Meixue was astonished. “Marquis Qin didn’t oppose you? I thought you said you weren’t favored in the family. If he gave you the technique willingly, does that mean he supports us?”
Xu Lian nodded. “I used to think too narrowly. After returning home recently, I finally understood Father’s intentions – he cares deeply for me.”
As for Ning Meixue, she admitted, “I didn’t inform my parents. I secretly copied the technique while keeping it hidden from them”.
As they cultivated, they continued to talk. This technique was very different from the others-it emphasized ease and efficiency. However, Ning Meixue soon realized that something was wrong. Although they were both at the fifth stage of the Unity Realm, she had reached it earlier and should theoretically dominate during their joint cultivation. Yet, she found herself completely overshadowed by Xu Lian’s strength.
“When did your cultivation become so profound?” she asked in astonishment.
Xu Lian smiled wryly. “I’ve been driven by determination these past few years, pushing myself relentlessly. My true cultivation level is nearly at the sixth stage of Unity Realm.”
Delighted, Ning Meixue exclaimed, “Junior Brother truly hides his talents well! With this, we have a much better chance of defeating Elder Brother Zhao Ming!”
A few days later, Ning Meixue’s cultivation surged to the sixth stage of the Unity Realm, inching closer to the seventh stage. However, this surge was only temporary, a unique feature of the Dual Malevolence Technique.
Since Ning Meixue’s cultivation was much lower than Xu Lian’s, the enhancement effect was almost non-existent. Of course, he couldn’t break through at the eighth stage of Origin Tracing Realm. However, he had to pretend to break through and adjusted his cultivation aura to the seventh stage of Unity Realm.
“Senior Sister, I have also broken through.”
Overjoyed, Ning Meixue remarked, “This technique is truly remarkable. Once I reach the seventh stage, we can make our move against Elder Brother Zhao Ming.”
Not long after, Ning Meixue’s cultivation stabilized at the peak of the seventh stage. Confidently, she remarked, “Now that we’ve both reached the pinnacle of the seventh stage, Elder Brother Zhao Ming, who remains at the intermediate level, stands no chance against either of us individually, let alone together. Our success is guaranteed.”
Her ruthlessness left Xu Lian impressed but not surprised. After all, Ning Meixue had poured over two thousand years of affection into him, like aged wine intoxicating anyone fortunate enough to partake.
The Eve of the Grand Palace Competition
On the eve of the grand competition, Xu Lian and Ning Meixue finished their cultivation session and returned to their respective homes to await the event.
They agreed not to act against Zhao Ming before the competition, lest it disrupt the proceedings. Their plan depended on the Fifth Prince’s success in securing the position of Crown Prince. If another prince succeeded instead, neither Zhao Ming nor Xu Lian and Ning Meixue would gain favor, rendering their efforts meaningless.
The Day of the Grand Palace Competition
The following day, the Grand Palace Competition began as scheduled. Held in the largest arena in the imperial capital, the event drew spectators from all over the city.
Seated atop the main dais, the aging Emperor of the Qian Dynasty appeared frail, his sparse white hair and toothless grin underscoring his advanced age. Yet despite his physical decline, his Sage-level cultivation ensured that his imperial authority remained intact, evident in the steely glint of his otherwise cloudy eyes.
Below, officials stood solemnly in orderly rows, while countless citizens watched in awed silence.
Xu Lian and Ning Meixue stood among the Ministry of Finance officials, bearing the title of Grand Treasurer, a prestigious rank among courtiers. Beside them stood their senior brother, Zhao Ming, who turned to Ning Meixue and whispered, “Where have you been these past days, junior sister? I visited Marquis Ning’s residence several times, but I couldn’t find you.
Ning Meixue chuckled slightly. “It is rare for me to visit the imperial capital. I spent the time visiting old friends and staying at their homes.”
Xu Lian kept his expression neutral, pretending not to notice Zhao Ming’s inquiry. He knew exactly where Senior Sister had been.
Before anyone could say more, Chi Sui, the Minister of Agriculture, subtly cleared his throat, reminding the disciples to remain silent in the emperor’s presence.
An elderly eunuch beside the emperor looked up and solemnly announced, “The auspicious hour has arrived. Let the great palace competition begin!”
The Minister of Rites stepped forward and recited the rules of engagement: the contestants were forbidden to use weapons or forbidden techniques beyond their current abilities.
Several princes who lacked the strength to compete for the crown prince position immediately asked for exemptions. These weaker princes, drained of vitality and visibly aged, contrasted sharply with their stronger counterparts, who retained youthful vigor thanks to their abundant life force.
Not surprisingly, only four princes-the First Prince, the Third Prince, the Fifth Prince, and the Seventh Prince-were considered serious contenders. The rest were merely background players.
“Draw lots to determine the opponents!” the Minister of Rites announced.
Soon the results were known:
First Prince vs. Third Prince
Fifth Prince vs. Seventh Prince
Two battles would be fought simultaneously on separate platforms.
Tension ran high among the officials and nobles, each hoping for the victory of their chosen prince.
“Begin!” shouted the Minister of Rites.
The four princes began a fierce battle. Watching the spectacle, Xu Lian fought back a laugh. Where were the promised Sage-level battles? Instead, he saw mere fifth- and sixth-stage Origin Tracing Realm cultivators, far below Sage status.
Even the emperor looked disappointed, realizing that his sons had exaggerated their abilities to win support. However, since all four princes had similarly inflated claims, the playing field remained balanced.
Amidst explosions of energy, the battles raged on. Eventually, the First Prince defeated the Third Prince to advance to the finals. Shortly after, Fifth Prince triumphed over Seventh Prince.
To Xu Lian, the outcome was predictable. Only one truth remained clear: none of these princes could match the cultivation speed of the Nine Heavenly Holy Sons.