626: Dragon Clan Banquet

As evening fell, after being meticulously groomed by the Princess's Mansion maids, Yang Lingchen appeared before Long Qinxue looking every bit the peerless Young Master.

He wore a set of pristine white brocade robes, his thick, jet-black hair tied up high with two strands framing his temples. Combined with his melancholic eyes and sculpted, handsome face, he gave off the feeling of a refined, jade-like noble.

"This kid really does have a fine appearance!"

The moment Yang Lingchen appeared, a flicker of amazement passed through Long Qinxue's beautiful eyes.

Although she knew Yang Lingchen was handsome, she hadn't expected him to be *this* dashing after getting dressed up.

"Your Highness, isn't this outfit a bit too flashy?" Yang Lingchen asked helplessly.

Ever since his Transmigration, his attire had always been rather casual. This was the first time he had been so meticulously groomed.

Dressed like this, Yang Lingchen felt a bit uncomfortable. After all, he was attending someone else's banquet. Wearing such clothes made him stand out too much—people who didn't know better might think he was the main guest.

"It's fine. At least I won't be embarrassed bringing you along." Long Qinxue gave him a once-over and said, "Let's go!"

Following Long Qinxue's lead, the two then boarded a luxurious beast carriage.

Tonight's banquet was hosted by the Dragon God Crown Prince, Long Hualin. Those able to attend such a gathering were basically all the young Geniuses of the Dragon Clan.

As the Dragon God Crown Prince, Long Hualin's prestige within the Dragon Clan was unmatched. After all, he was the eldest and had the highest cultivation level. Therefore, with the Dragon Emperor in seclusion, his authority was second only to the Dragon Empress.

In comparison, the Third Prince, Long Zaiye, and the Eighth Prince, Long Aotian, held slightly less power.

The Dragon God Crown Prince's Residence was a majestic, imposing, and extravagantly grand mansion. On the plaque above the gate were three striking characters: "Crown Prince's Residence."

On either side of the main gate stood two imposing stone statues of ancient Vicious Beasts. One glance was enough to tell this was no ordinary mansion.

The moment Yang Lingchen and Long Qinxue stepped down from the beast carriage, many Dragon Clan youths attending the banquet couldn't help but show looks of surprise.

The main reason was that today's Yang Lingchen was simply too stunning. Whether in attire, grooming, looks, or bearing, he was at his Peak. Following behind Long Qinxue, he didn't look like a servant at all, but more like a perfect, golden couple deeply in love.

"Your Highness."

Seeing Long Qinxue arrive, the two guards at the Dragon God Crown Prince's Residence promptly bowed respectfully.

Led by the guards, Yang Lingchen followed Long Qinxue into the Crown Prince's Residence.

Upon entering, he clearly sensed numerous powerful hidden guards concealed around the mansion. Several formidable Auras even swept over him. Judging just by the strength of these hidden guards, calling the Crown Prince's Residence a dragon's den and tiger's lair wouldn't be an exaggeration.

Passing through several palaces and rockeries, the two arrived at the rear garden of the Crown Prince's Residence.

This rear garden covered a vast area with pleasant scenery. Birds sang and flowers bloomed all around, and nearby lay a crystal-clear lake.

At this moment, the entire rear garden was bustling with activity. A group of alluring, seductive Yao Race women were performing enchanting dances at the center, while the surroundings were filled with tables laden with all sorts of delicious delicacies.

"Qinxue, you're here."

Just then, a young man of extraordinary bearing walked over. He wore black brocade robes edged with gold and a golden crown.

This person was none other than the Dragon God Crown Prince, Long Hualin.

Though he had only glanced at him, Yang Lingchen could sense that the other's cultivation level had at least reached the Heavenly Dao Realm Sixth Layer, and his true Combat Power was even more unpredictable.

After coming to the Dragon God Star Domain, Yang Lingchen had learned that in the Realm of the Gods, the Heavenly Dao Realm was not the limit. Above it lay another Realm: the Heavenly Dao Ultimate Realm. This Realm was divided into five stages: Early Stage, Middle Stage, Late Stage, Peak, and Great Perfection.

When one's cultivation level reached the Great Perfection of the Heavenly Dao Extreme Realm, they had essentially reached the limit within the Realm of the Gods. Throughout history, no one had ever surpassed this Realm.

"Crown Prince Brother." A faint smile appeared on Long Qinxue's face. Long Hualin was her full-blooded brother, and they had gotten along well since childhood.

"This must be the champion of this Grand Competition, Yang Lingchen." Long Hualin's face wore a warm, amiable smile.

"Greetings, Dragon God Crown Prince." Yang Lingchen politely cupped his fists. He could sense that the other held no malice towards him.

"Mhm!" Long Hualin nodded with a smile. "We're all young people here, so relax! Eat and drink as you please."

"You are too kind, Crown Prince." Yang Lingchen replied neither subserviently nor arrogantly.

Long Hualin then pulled Long Qinxue aside and asked with a smile, "Qinxue, what's your relationship with this kid?"

"There's no relationship. He's my guard. Why?" Long Qinxue replied.

"Guard?" Long Hualin looked puzzled, then chuckled. "Who are you trying to fool?"

Naturally, he didn't believe his sister's words.

"Suit yourself if you don't believe me." Long Qinxue said, slightly annoyed.

"This kid's talent is not bad. If you can completely win him over, that would be for the best." Long Hualin continued, "But you still need to be careful. This kid's way of doing things is extremely arrogant; he won't be easy to subdue."

"Brother, don't worry. This kid won't escape my grasp." Long Qinxue said coquettishly.

"Then you mingle for now. I need to greet the other guests." Long Hualin bid farewell and left.

Long Qinxue then led Yang Lingchen to find a seat and sit down.

"Imperial Sister Qinxue, it's been a long time since you've attended a gathering. We must have a good drink today."

At that moment, Long Zaiye walked over, holding a wine cup, a smile on his face.

"Third Imperial Brother, I'm not really in the mood for drinking today. Let's do it another time."

Long Qinxue's voice was flat. Apart from her full brother Long Hualin, she didn't have much fondness for her other siblings.

"Oh? Isn't this the Grand Competition champion, Yang Lingchen?" A hint of mockery curled at the corner of Long Zaiye's mouth, and an imperceptible killing intent flashed deep within his eyes.

"Your Highness, Third Prince."

Yang Lingchen cupped his fists. He could tell the other held no goodwill towards him, but he didn't mind. After all, he was now under Long Qinxue's wing; the other wouldn't dare target him openly.

"I heard you're pursuing my Imperial Sister. Is that true?" Long Zaiye took a gentle sip from his wine cup.

"This...!"

Yang Lingchen glanced at Long Qinxue beside him. Since rumors were spreading that he admired her, he wasn't sure how to answer.

"What is Third Imperial Brother trying to say? Feel free to speak plainly." Long Qinxue interjected.

"Don't misunderstand, Imperial Sister Qinxue. I heard Yang Lingchen is already a married man. I'm just concerned for you, so I asked." Long Zaiye explained.

"You're married?" Long Qinxue asked coldly.

"Yes." Yang Lingchen nodded.

"Who is she?" Long Qinxue asked casually.

"Wan Xixi from the Myriad Demon City." Yang Lingchen replied. After all, he had once pretended to be Wan Xixi's husband in front of Long Zaiye.

"Hmm. Your taste isn't bad." Long Qinxue said calmly, then turned her cold gaze to Long Zaiye. "Lingchen and I have some matters to discuss. Third Imperial Brother, you may leave."

Long Qinxue could see that Long Zaiye was clearly targeting Yang Lingchen, so naturally, she wouldn't give him a friendly face.

After Long Zaiye left, several other Dragon Clan youths came over to greet them. The looks they gave Yang Lingchen all carried a faint, almost imperceptible hostility.

After all, Yang Lingchen had snatched the Grand Competition champion title, thoroughly nailing this generation of Dragon Clan youths to a board of shame.

Just then, the Eighth Prince, Long Aotian, walked over. When he saw Yang Lingchen, his face instantly turned gloomy.

"Imperial Sister Qinxue, what's your relationship with this kid?" Long Aotian shot a cold glance at Yang Lingchen.

"Eighth Imperial Brother, Yang Lingchen is my guard. Regardless of any past grievances between you, I hope we can let bygones be bygones." Long Qinxue stated coolly.

"Naturally. Since he's Imperial Sister Qinxue's guard, I naturally won't cause him any more trouble." Long Aotian said with a smile.

Although he wished he could tear Yang Lingchen apart limb from limb, in front of Long Qinxue, Long Aotian could only hide his hatred.

Although Long Qinxue was younger than him, her strength was far beyond what he could provoke. More importantly, Long Qinxue was the Dragon Emperor's most beloved daughter and also the most talented Prodigy the Dragon Clan had ever produced.

Therefore, facing such a top-tier Genius, Long Aotian naturally didn't want to offend her lightly. Otherwise, his bid for the Dragon Emperor's throne would become incredibly difficult.

...

To be continued!