Immortality Cultivation

Chapter 213: Azure Dragon Society

Fang Hao strolled back from that godforsaken Wangyue Valley, taking his time along the way, in no particular hurry. While flying, he adjusted his breathing. By the time he returned to the Listening to Rain Pavilion outside Heavenly Capital, the injuries on his body were mostly healed, and his Divine Soul had recovered by eighty or ninety percent. His state was even better than before he left, mainly because the medicinal power of the yin yang harmony pill was indeed potent.

Returning to the small courtyard, Steward Wang was visibly relieved to see him back. He didn’t ask much, just mentioning that Ninth Princess had come looking for him two days ago. Knowing he was away, she had left a message saying he should go to the Princess’s Mansion as soon as he returned.

"Ninth Princess is looking for me?" Fang Hao muttered to himself. Could it be about the Alchemy for her aunt? That shouldn’t be; Princess Mu Yijing had said to keep it confidential. He changed his clothes, tidied up, and went to Mu Fenghua’s Princess’s Mansion in Heavenly Capital.

The Princess’s Mansion was much grander than the Listening to Rain Pavilion, with vermilion gates, high walls, and strict guards. Not long after his arrival was announced, Mu Fenghua came out to welcome him personally. Dressed in a goose-yellow palace gown, she looked radiant and stunning. Seeing Fang Hao, a smile appeared on her face: "Fellow Daoist Ning, you’ve finally returned! Where have you been these past few days? You’ve made this Princess search for you."

"I apologize for causing Your Highness concern; this Junior went out to handle some private matters." Fang Hao said vaguely, bowing in salute.

Mu Fenghua didn’t press the issue. She pulled him into the reception hall, dismissed the attendants, and then said mysteriously and with a hint of excitement: "Fellow Daoist Ning, you’ve returned just in time! There’s a lively event, would you like to go and have some fun together?"

"A lively event? Please tell me, Your Highness." Fang Hao was a bit curious.

"It’s my elder brother, the current Crown Prince! He is hosting the Azure Dragon Society at the Azure Dragon Garden outside the Eastern Palace in three days!" Mu Fenghua’s eyes sparkled. "This is a rare grand gathering for the younger generation in Heavenly Capital! Direct descendants of the Eight Great Families, Young Masters and Young Misses from the households of high-ranking officials, and talented youths from various states—as long as they are under fifty and have a cultivation level above Foundation Establishment, many will attend! There will be discussions on the Dao, martial arts competitions, appraisal sessions, and trading. It will be very lively!"

"Azure Dragon Society?" Fang Hao’s heart stirred. A gathering hosted by the Crown Prince? The Eight Great Families and the children of high-ranking officials will all go? This is a great opportunity to get to know the top younger generation of Heavenly Capital and expand his network! Moreover, he might be able to pick up some useful information or trade for resources he needs.

"Exactly! In previous years, I always went alone, which was quite boring. Those guys either flatter or compete with one another; it’s very annoying." Mu Fenghua curled her lips, then looked at Fang Hao and smiled, "This year, with you here, Fellow Daoist Ning, you can accompany me! You are knowledgeable and your cultivation is not weak. You will surely open the eyes of those arrogant fellows!"

Fang Hao gave a bitter smile: "Your Highness is joking. This Junior’s meager cultivation, in a place like Heavenly Capital where dragons and tigers hide, how dare I show off."

"Eh, don’t be humble!" Mu Fenghua waved her hand, "Being able to help me obtain the star soul of the sword in the Secret Realm, and even escaping from that old dog of the Sun Family—is that something an ordinary Golden Core Cultivator can do? It’s settled! In three days, I will come to pick you up, and we will go together!"

Fang Hao thought about it; this was indeed an opportunity. He had established a foothold in Heavenly Capital, but to truly thrive, relying solely on the protection of the Grand Princess and his friendship with the Ninth Princess was not enough; he needed his own circle and connections. This Azure Dragon Society was a good entry point.

"Since Your Highness has extended such a warm invitation, this one will respectfully comply." Fang Hao nodded in agreement.

"Great!" Mu Fenghua was very happy, "Then go back and prepare well. Make sure you look sharp! Although we don’t rely on appearances, we can’t let others look down on us!"

Fang Hao smiled and agreed, chatted a bit more, and then took his leave to return to the Listening to Rain Pavilion.

Over the next three days, Fang Hao did not idle. He first used the remaining yin yang harmony pill to assist his Cultivation, thoroughly consolidating his cultivation at the Middle Golden Core Stage, with a faint trend of moving towards the Late Stage. Then, he organized his belongings, disposing of anything unnecessary that might expose his identity. Finally, he specifically went to the best clothing store in Heavenly Capital to customize a set of cyan robes with exquisite fabric, a generous style, and a dignified air. He also bought a piece of high-quality spirit jade to hang at his waist, making him look like a disciple of a prominent family who was not too flashy.

He also specifically asked Steward Wang about the details of the Azure Dragon Society and the important figures who might attend. Steward Wang, worthy of being a local insider, was well-informed. He told him that Crown Prince Mu Yuankang was at the Great Perfection of Golden Core Stage, possessed immense talent, was a popular candidate for the next monarch, and was known for being steady, magnanimous, and having a good reputation. Among the Eight Great Families—the Sun Family, Zhao Family, Qian Family, Li Family, Zhou Family, Wu Family, Zheng Family, and Wang Family—all had outstanding younger disciples, many of whom were Golden Core Cultivators. Among them, Sun Tianqi (Late Golden Core Stage) of the Sun Family, Zhao Wuji (Middle Golden Core Stage) of the Zhao Family, and Li Xuanfeng (Middle Golden Core Stage) of the Li Family were the most prominent. Other high-ranking officials’ children also included many experts.

"Sun Tianqi..." Fang Hao’s eyes turned cold upon hearing this name. People from the Sun Family; it seems this time it’s unavoidable. However, with Mu Fenghua by his side, and the Grand Princess’s secret protection (or so he guessed), the Sun Family probably wouldn’t dare to cause him trouble openly at the Azure Dragon Society, but secret difficulties and probes were likely inevitable.

"If soldiers come, block them; if water comes, cover it with earth." Fang Hao had a plan in mind.

Three days passed in a flash. That morning, Mu Fenghua arrived as promised. She had also dressed up specially today, wearing a fiery red palace gown, a phoenix hairpin on her head, bright as fire, and imposing, with even more of a princess’s dignity than usual. She arrived in a magnificent carriage pulled by four snow-white spirit colts to pick up Fang Hao personally.

"Fellow Daoist Ning, get on!" Mu Fenghua lifted the carriage curtain and greeted him with a smile.

Fang Hao was not pretentious and boarded the carriage. The interior of the carriage was spacious and comfortable, luxuriously furnished, and equipped with soundproofing and defensive Formations. Once both were seated, the carriage drove towards the Eastern Palace.

"Fellow Daoist Ning, when we arrive at the Azure Dragon Garden, just stay by my side, don’t be too restrained." Mu Fenghua advised, "If those guys say anything unpleasant, or want to spar with you, don’t be afraid, I’m here! However... you must also exercise good judgment yourself, just don’t make things too ugly."

"This one understands, thank you for your guidance, Your Highness." Fang Hao nodded. He knew that Mu Fenghua taking him along was both to back him up and to use him to suppress the arrogance of others; he had to play this "partner" role well.

The carriage soon drove into the eastern district of the Imperial City, arriving outside a vast and beautiful garden. At the entrance of the garden, all kinds of magnificent carriages and flying ships were already parked. Many young men and women in brocade clothes, with extraordinary auras, were walking inside while chatting and laughing under the guidance of attendants. The air was filled with an atmosphere of youth, vitality, and a faint hint of competition.

"We’ve arrived at the Azure Dragon Garden, let’s get off." Mu Fenghua got off the carriage first, followed closely by Fang Hao.

As soon as the two appeared, they immediately attracted many gazes. Ninth Princess Mu Fenghua was one of the most dazzling pearls in Heavenly Capital and was highly noticed. And the young man in the cyan robe with a strange face and calm demeanor following her also aroused curiosity and speculation from many people.

"Is that the Ninth Princess? Truly a national beauty!"

"Who is that person beside her? He looks unfamiliar; he isn’t from the Eight Great Families, right?"

"I heard that a while ago, the Ninth Princess brought back a Loose Cultivator from outside and arranged for him to stay in the Listening to Rain Pavilion. Could it be him?"

"He only looks like a Middle Golden Core Stage Cultivator; what virtue and ability does he have to be so favored by the Ninth Princess?"

"Hmph, we’ll know once we go in. Whether it’s a mule or a horse, we’ll have to lead it out for a walk!"

Various discussions, some loud and some low, reached Fang Hao’s ears. He remained expressionless, following half a step behind Mu Fenghua, and walked into the gate of the Azure Dragon Garden with a composed demeanor.

Inside the garden, there were pavilions, bridges, and flowing water, with pleasant scenery. In the center was a huge white jade plaza, where many tables and cushions had already been set up. Many young people were already seated, chatting in groups of three or five. On the high platform at the very front, there were several more honorable seats, clearly prepared for the Crown Prince and the most important guests.

Fang Hao’s gaze swept across the venue, and he could clearly feel gazes of curiosity, scrutiny, or faint hostility falling upon him.

The Azure Dragon Society had begun. On this stage for the younger generation of Heavenly Capital, he, Fang Hao, had officially stepped onto it.