Chapter 711: Chapter 711: 712 The Child’s Father

Within the Imperial City, a secluded chamber in a certain detached garden.

Maidens were burning incense in prayer, continuously pouring hot water into a large wooden basin and scattering petals, steaming up the room in an instant.

Li Xiaobai, having loosened his clothing and belt, submerged his body and let the surrounding maids wipe and wash him.

“It has been a long time since I relaxed like this, indeed, nothing beats a bath for comfort.”

“I never thought the day would come when I too would step into such a hallowed hall, the thought of it is quite thrilling.”

“I wonder if Lady Long is also bathing, dressing, and offering prayers at this moment?”

Enjoying the temperature of the water in the tub and smelling the faint fragrance of the petals, Li Xiaobai’s heart and mind began to wander.

“Miss has already finished her bath and dressing, and is now arranging her makeup,”

said a serving maiden with a smile at his side.

“The Prince Consort and our young mistress are truly a match of handsome man and beautiful woman, a union made by Heaven. Everyone outside is saying that the Prince Consort and the young mistress are a match made in Heaven.”

“With the Prince Consort with us, our Eastern Sea Dragon Palace will undoubtedly be able to become a superpower in the Immortal Spirit Continent. Perhaps in the future, we’ll even have a chance to visit the human race’s territory for fun!”

“Heh, I’ll take that as a good omen,”

Li Xiaobai chuckled, his strength was well known, and it was no secret.

Within the Dragon Palace of the Eastern Sea, inside the grand hall of the Imperial Palace,

lights were hung, and dancers sang and danced gracefully; civil and military officials were seated on both sides, chatting and laughing, exuding an atmosphere of joy and happiness.

The Old Dragon King sat upright, his face unable to hide his smiles, delighted at finding such a satisfactory son-in-law.

The Tortoise Prime Minister and his grandson occupied a main table, their faces filled with unnatural expressions. After all, watching a swan that was meant to be theirs fly into someone else’s arms, no one could look too pleased.

“How are the preparations going?” the Tortoise Prime Minister asked.

“Rest assured, Grandfather, I’ve had someone take care of it. We just need to wait for Li Xiaobai to complete the wedding ceremony, and there will certainly be a good show to watch. But, won’t such actions anger the king?” Gui Xuan whispered.

“What is there to be afraid of? All of this is for you, you good-for-nothing, so that you can one day hold the power of life and death over our family and have a seat in this court. The princess must marry into the Prime Minister’s Mansion. Today’s wedding is our last chance.”

“As long as my plan succeeds, in front of all these officials, even if the Old Dragon King realizes it, he will not lash out.”

The eyes of the Tortoise Prime Minister were cold. Previously, the other party had been kept in the Celestial Prison, and even if he had the intention to assassinate, he couldn’t find a means—as that place was completely isolated from the world, and the prisoners were all vicious. Traditional methods of assassination weren’t applicable there.

Therefore, he had to resort to this desperate strategy of embarrassing Li Xiaobai on his wedding day, to disrupt this marriage!

If his plan were to succeed, even if the Old Dragon King noticed something in front of all the officials, he would not cause a scene.

“The Prince Consort has arrived!”

“Announce the Prince Consort’s entrance to the hall!”

A guard shouted loudly from outside the hall.

“Junior, Li Xiaobai, pays respects to the Dragon King and all the uncles and seniors present,”

Li Xiaobai, wearing a Purple Gold Crown, tied with a Nine-Orifice Exquisite Belt around his waist, cloaked in a big red robe, stepping in crimson dragon scale boots, with a large “happiness” symbol embroidered with Qilin Precious Blood on his chest. Dressed as a groom, he entered the hall with a beaming and unhurried step.

He bowed and paid respects continuously to the civil and military generals on both sides, observing full etiquette.

Marriage is a momentous occasion, not to be taken lightly. Old grudges and new quarrels were set aside for the time being. Today, as the groom, he needed to ensure all the court officials were well taken care of.

“My worthy son-in-law, dispense with the formalities!”

“Today, I am to entrust my most beloved granddaughter to you, and from now on, my son-in-law must treat her well and never bully her,”

The Old Dragon King’s face brimmed with joy, and he spoke with an unstoppable smile.

“Of course, Lady Long becoming my chosen spouse is a fortune I have cultivated; holding her in the palm of my hand is not enough, how could I ever neglect her?” Li Xiaobai said with a light smile.

“Well said. Today is a day of great joy for my son-in-law, all my officials need not have any reservations, eat and drink to your heart’s content, and share this happiness with me!”

The Old Dragon King laughed heartily, his eyes full of satisfaction as he looked at Li Xiaobai.

“The Prince Consort is truly a paragon among men; in those garments, he is truly majestic!”

“Indeed, he not only has a handsome face and carries himself with grace but also possesses strength that ranks at the very top across the Immortal Spirit Continent, perfectly matched with our clan’s young princess—it’s a match made in heaven.”

“A pair of talented youths, a match of scholar and beauty indeed…”

“Today, we shall not cease drinking until we are thoroughly intoxicated; no return without drunkenness!”

The many civil and military officials also praised in unison, for clothes do make the man, and Li Xiaobai, adorned with sparkling jewels, was extraordinary.

Li Xiaobai himself was also somewhat surprised; his attire, from head to toe, consisted of at least Transcendance Tribulation Stage level Magic Treasures, especially the Purple Gold Crown on his head, which was a Magic Treasure that only Great Crossing Realm Cultivators could utilize. If he were to sell it somewhere, it would fetch a handsome fortune.

As expected of the Sea Clan, their generosity was truly broad.

“The Princess has arrived!”

“Announcing the entry of the young Princess into the hall!”

Another call rose, and the previously somewhat noisy civil and military officials within the hall spontaneously quieted down. The wedding banquet officially began.

“Dinglingling…”

The sound of silver bells drifted into everyone’s ears, followed by the appearance of a fiery red figure coming into their sight.

Long Xue held her hands before her lower abdomen, stepping slowly into the hall with a sway at every step, a Phoenix Crown upon her head and Phoenix feathers draped over her body. Around her jade feet hung a red cord, several bells fastened to it, the tinkling noises originating from them.

She was like a Phoenix reborn from fire, her delicate red lips gently pursed, her almond eyes shimmering with the authority of a mother ruling the world, step by step she walked to the center of the great hall.

Li Xiaobai found his heart pounding wildly, a rare sensation of nervousness showing on him; it was his first time seeing Long Xue like this, graceful yet stunningly beautiful, firmly capturing the attention of all the young men present.

He felt even more nervous than being on a battlefield!

“Granddaughter Long Xue, greeting Grandfather, and all the uncles and elders!” Long Xue slightly bowed and greeted them with a soft voice.

“The young Princess is of unparalleled beauty!”

“This is the presence a Princess of the Sea Clan should have, with every move and gesture, she embodies the grandeur of the Phoenix; her demeanor already speaks of elegance.”

“Too beautiful, if only she were to marry me…”

“Go on, stop dreaming!”

The guests on both sides whispered amongst themselves, their faces full of smiles.

“Very good, very good, very good. My granddaughter finding someone of mutual affection today is also a lovely story to tell. Let’s not dwell on formalities; the two of you should start the wedding ceremony now!”

The Old Dragon King laughed heartily, repeating the word ‘good’ three times.

But it was then, from outside the palace, there suddenly came the crying of a child.

A woman’s mournful wail drifted from outside the hall: “My child’s father, now that you’ve climbed to high branches, you’ve tossed aside the frivolous night we once spent; how hard is my fate!”