In the arena.
Shen Luowan nodded slightly, her expression indifferent as she said, "Since Divine Son Jiang has so graciously invited me, I shall naturally comply."
Xu Manman also chuckled lightly, "Manman is deeply honored."
This scene caused many guests from the Various Great Dao Lineages present to look on with curiosity.
As her words fell.
Jiang Ye did not linger there, but instead turned and led Shen Luowan and her retinue directly towards the Divine Son Palace.
Along the way, the Jiang Clan Elders did not stop them, merely nodding slightly in acknowledgment.
This kind of honor caused countless Prodigies and guests from the Various Great Dao Lineages to look on, their hearts filled with envy.
"This Jiang Ye... is simply unmatched in his prestige."
"Princess Shen Luowan is rumored to possess extraordinary talent, highly valued by the Divine Firmament Immortal Lord, even the First Prince cannot compare. She might even become an Empress someday..."
"Shen Luowan and Xu Manman are both Prodigies and heroines, why are they both so close to him?"
"Is the Jiang Clan perhaps going to form a marriage alliance with the Divine Firmament Immortal Dynasty and the Xu Family?"
Whispers spread throughout the mountain gate, while Jiang Ye and Shen Luowan's figures had already vanished into the layers of Immortal Qi, entering the majestic Divine Son Palace.
Xu Qiye followed behind Shen Luowan, his face gradually darkening.
His gaze swept back and forth between Jiang Ye and Xu Manman.
He saw that beneath Shen Luowan's calm exterior, there was still a hint of appreciation; and he saw the undisguised gratitude and subtle admiration on Xu Manman's face.
He had always liked Shen Luowan, as the kindness of her recognition was unforgettable.
As for Xu Manman, she had been his childhood sweetheart, and the only woman who had cared for him during the difficult times of the Xu Family.
However, now, both women showed signs of admiration and were close to Jiang Ye.
Even the Saintesses and Saintesses from the surrounding Various Great Dao Lineages all wore fawning expressions, their eyes revealing blatant covetousness and adoration.
An indescribable fire of jealousy quietly ignited in Xu Qiye's heart.
As Xu Qiye walked with the crowd, he secretly observed the Jiang Clan's stronghold.
Everywhere he looked were spiritual mountains and great rivers, flying Immortal waterfalls, ethereal palaces and jade towers shimmering in the sea of clouds, Auspicious Beasts playing in the Immortal Qi. Every brick and tile, every spiritual plant, exuded an ancient and noble aura.
The rich Immortal Qi made one feel as if their Lifespan would increase with just one breath.
Immortal Palaces stood in abundance, mountains were like jade, and purple Qi lingered... The extravagance here far surpassed any Dao Lineages he had ever seen.
Even having lived in the Divine Firmament Immortal Dynasty for a long time, he couldn't help but sigh with emotion.
Compared to the Jiang Clan, it seemed to be more than just a notch below.
"Is this the foundation of a Longevity Immortal Clan?"
"It has stood firm since the Universe's creation... The Jiang Clan is truly terrifying."
Xu Qiye suppressed the discomfort in his heart, approached Shen Luowan, and whispered, "Second Princess, are you truly going to form a marriage alliance with that Jiang Ye?"
"I observe that Divine Son of the Jiang Clan is deep in thought... Before Xu Mang came to the Jiang Clan, he said he wanted to challenge Jiang Ye, and then he was attacked by people of the Demonic Path at the Jiang Clan's border, suffering severe injuries."
"Now, he suddenly appears, acting as a good person and becoming the Xu Family's benefactor... Could this be... too much of a coincidence?"
His tone was not strong, and his words carried no malice, like a kind reminder.
Shen Luowan's lips curved slightly, and a hint of sarcasm flashed in her eyes, though it did not show outwardly.
Having grown up in the palace, how familiar was she with schemes and calculations?
How could Xu Qiye's little schemes escape her eyes?
Shen Luowan had long noticed his affection for her, which was why he was slandering Jiang Ye.
If it were truly Jiang Ye's doing, could the resources of the Sacred Spirit Heavenly Pool be worth more than one Xu Mang?
It would be a complete loss.
Her regard for Xu Qiye was merely due to his talent, hoping he would be helpful in her struggle for the throne in the future, which was why she took him as a follower.
She had some appreciation, but no feelings for him whatsoever.
This time, Xu Qiye's slander of Jiang Ye made her secretly amused, but also added a strange sense of aversion, though she herself did not notice this aversion.
Shen Luowan did not reveal her inner thoughts, only saying to Xu Qiye, "This Princess is merely paying a visit. After all, the Divine Lord instructed me beforehand that even if there is no marriage alliance, I must leave a good impression and forge a good relationship, to show our Divine Firmament Immortal Dynasty's respect for the Jiang Clan."
Upon hearing this, Xu Qiye's heart churned like a tempest.
He didn't know why.
He always felt a strong dislike for Jiang Ye. That instinctive repulsion made him foresee that this person would likely be his great enemy, or even his mortal enemy, in the future!
Before long, the group arrived before the Divine Son Palace.
The Divine Son Palace was majestic and magnificent, with Immortal light flowing. Every palace wall seemed to be carved with ancient Dao patterns, exuding a vast imperial might.
Before the palace gate.
Several guards in Jiang Clan armor stood rigidly. Their Qi was steady, and they were all in the Saint Realm!
Everyone around was astonished, marveling at the Jiang Clan's deep foundation.
Saint Realm powerhouses, who could serve as Elders in ordinary Dao Lineages, were merely guards at the palace gate here!
Jiang Ye led Shen Luowan and Xu Manman through the palace gate, but when Xu Qiye and others tried to follow, they were stopped by the Jiang Clan guards.
"Halt!"
"The Divine Son Palace is a sacred place. Unauthorized personnel are not permitted to enter!"
One guard's voice was low, yet carried an unquestionable authority.
Xu Qiye's face changed, and a hint of anger flashed in his eyes.
As a follower of the Divine Firmament Immortal Dynasty's Second Princess, when had he ever received such treatment?
He immediately said to Shen Luowan, "Second Princess, this is inappropriate! As followers, we should attend by your side. How can we be shut out?"
Shen Luowan's eyebrows raised slightly. She looked at the Jiang Clan guards, then glanced at Xu Qiye, who looked displeased.
"It's fine."
Shen Luowan said indifferently, her tone calm without a ripple: "It's just a regular visit. You all can wait outside the palace."
Her words instantly extinguished Xu Qiye's thoughts.
Xu Qiye knew Shen Luowan's character; once she made a decision, she would not change it.
He could only suppress the unwillingness and humiliation in his heart, and, along with the others, was stopped outside the palace gate.
Watching Shen Luowan and Xu Manman's figures disappear into the depths of the Divine Son Palace, Xu Qiye clenched his fists, his knuckles white.
Jiang Ye... this Divine Son of the Jiang Clan!
He always made him feel extremely displeased!
To let the two women enter his bed-chamber was simply unforgivable!
"What exactly is going on? Ever since I met this Jiang Ye, nothing has gone smoothly."
"Is he targeting me?"
"Impossible... I didn't know Jiang Ye before, and he didn't know me. There's no enmity."
"All of this is just a coincidence..."
Xu Qiye's face turned gloomy, his brows tightly furrowed.
At this moment.
Xu Qiye always felt in his heart.
Something extremely unfavorable to him would happen inside the Divine Son Palace.
"Forget it, I won't think about it. After Jiang Ye's coming-of-age ceremony tomorrow, I'll have Shen Luowan leave the Jiang Clan, so as to avoid further trouble."
"Also, I still need to make some arrangements. I didn't expect Xu Mang to be completely unaffected this time?"
"That's truly strange. Can Devilish Qi entering the body also be cured?"
"Originally, I planned to assassinate Xu Mang after he arrived at the Jiang Clan, but now, under these circumstances, even if I really killed Xu Mang, the Xu Family wouldn't possibly think it was the Jiang Clan's doing..."
"It's truly a complete mess, making me not even know how to play my hand..."
Xu Qiye's face twitched, his thoughts churning, and he quickly left the place.