The Star Luo National Academy had achieved an unprecedented victory by seizing the championship of the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Duel Tournament. This was certainly reason enough for Xu Jiawei to host a grand banquet within the imperial palace.
Shrek Academy, Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy, Imperial Orchid Academy, Zhengtian Academy... as long as the competing teams remained in Star Luo City, he invited them all. It made one suspect the man was simply engaging in blatant showing off.
Naturally, few of the out-of-towners attended. Most guests were local Star Luo aristocrats. Shrek sent no one at all, while the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy sent Ma Rulong and Elder Ma merely as a symbolic gesture.
It must be said that Xu Jiawei was truly delighted this time, having decorated the entire banquet hall with extreme luxury.
Crystal chandeliers cast a brilliant halo from the ceiling, illuminating the entire hall as if it were broad daylight. On either side of the hall stood two massive solid wood long tables covered in snow-white cloths, with silver cutlery arranged in neat, shimmering rows. Attendants in uniform carried silver trays filled with fine wine, weaving elegantly through the crowd like butterflies moving through flowers.
In a corner of the hall, the Star Luo court musicians, dressed in elaborate robes, played melodious and moving tunes on various instruments. The hall was already crowded with people gathered in small groups, conversing in low voices. Many led their companions to the dance floor at the center of the hall, spinning gracefully to the music.
Ma Rulong watched coldly from the side, occasionally taking a sip of wine.
Perhaps this occasion would have been more suitable for Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen, but after his defeat by Huo Yuhao, Xiao Hongchen's very soul seemed shattered. He had fled back to Radiant City ahead of schedule, refusing to see anyone.
But this banquet is quite interesting... Thinking this, Ma Rulong shifted his gaze toward a corner.
A man with long golden hair, wearing a white suit, sat in a corner. He wasn't so much drinking as he was pouring wine down his throat, cup after cup. No one sat near him; even the attendants stayed far away, making his tall, burly silhouette look incredibly lonely.
The White Tiger Duke, Dai Hao... no, he should now be called Viscount White Tiger.
This name was not unfamiliar to the upper echelons of the Sun Moon Empire; likewise, he was not popular there. To maintain his military power, this man would lead his army on border raids at the slightest provocation, leaving the commoners in misery. Ma Rulong naturally had no favorable feelings toward him.
A trace of mockery appeared on Ma Rulong's face. For a grand Marshal of the Empire to fall to such a state—it truly was a case of "the tea cools when the person leaves."
Just then, a beam of light hit the entrance, and everyone's eyes were involuntarily drawn toward it.
Xu Jiujiu entered slowly, leaning on Huo Yuhao's arm. The entire hall fell silent instantly.
Xu Jiujiu wore a magnificent white palace dress, her stunning face wearing a polite and elegant smile. Her noble yet approachable princess-like aura was unforgettable at first sight. Her skirt was not long, reaching just to her knees and revealing her calves in black stockings, paired with white high heels. She looked as pure as a lily, yet possessed a hint of mature charm.
But the youth beside this beautiful princess was even more eye-catching.
A light blue formal suit accentuated his tall, upright posture, making him look slender without appearing thin. His short, pale-blue hair shimmered with a faint luster under the silver light. There was no smile on his face, yet he carried an extremely approachable temperament that made people want to get closer to him unconsciously.
In terms of appearance alone, the boy's exquisite features actually surpassed those of the beautiful princess. If one had to find a flaw, it was that his face still held a trace of boyishness.
At this moment, everyone realized one thing: the protagonists of tonight's banquet had arrived.
"Let us welcome the Marquis of Spirit Ice, Huo Yuhao, and the Empire's eldest princess, Princess Jiujiu, with warm applause!"
Immediately, everyone in the banquet hall began to applaud instinctively. Even the formerly antagonistic Ma Rulong couldn't help but clap in praise. Led by Xu Jiujiu, the two bowed elegantly to the crowd.
Dai Hao watched the center-stage Huo Yuhao in a daze, his mind a whirlwind of emotions. He found it difficult to describe the bitterness in his heart.
Marquis of Spirit Ice... a Marquis...
By now, how could he not understand Xu Jiawei's intentions? It turned out his "good son" had long ago joined the side of the Imperial Family. And judging by Xu Jiawei's attitude, did he intend for Huo Yuhao to become the Prince Consort?
The music grew louder as people began to pair up for dancing, and various delicacies were served. Seeing Xu Jiawei and the Empress personally approach Huo Yuhao and Xu Jiujiu for a chat, Dai Hao gave a bitter smile.
The old Dai family's legacy was likely to decline in his hands...
Xu Jiawei didn't say much to Huo Yuhao, only telling him to eat and enjoy himself, promising that the Empire would never restrict his growth but would instead be his strongest backer—standard official platitudes.
Huo Yuhao glanced at Dai Hao's lonely back, a flash of helplessness and disdain crossing his eyes. He naturally wouldn't initiate a conversation with Dai Hao, but he felt rather annoyed internally.
As expected of an Emperor—every move had a deeper meaning.
"Do you know how to dance?"
Dance?
Huo Yuhao, who had just sat down and taken a few bites of pastry, shrugged helplessly. "I'm just a kid from the countryside. Do I look like I know how?"
Xu Jiujiu pursed her lips and giggled. "That's fine then. Let's go."
She then grabbed Huo Yuhao's wrist and pulled him toward the dance floor without giving him a chance to refuse.
"Huh?"
With a charming turn, Xu Jiujiu stood face-to-face with Huo Yuhao. She didn't let go of his hand but lifted it up, while her other hand lightly rested on his shoulder.
With their bodies close together, Xu Jiujiu lowered her voice: "Just follow my movements. Put your hand on my waist."
His free hand almost subconsciously rested on Xu Jiujiu's soft, slender waist. Even through the fabric of the formal dress, Huo Yuhao could feel the suppleness of her waist.
Feeling the cool touch on her waist, Xu Jiujiu's face flushed slightly. Her mind involuntarily recalled what her Imperial Brother had told her.
She couldn't let this opportunity slip away!
A gentle force transmitted from her hands, guiding Huo Yuhao's body to dance with her.
Extend the left foot, then withdraw; extend the right foot...
An ordinary person might have become dizzy after just a few steps, but fortunately, the Spirit Eye martial soul provided an eidetic memory. Combined with Huo Yuhao's excellent physical coordination, he quickly caught the rhythm under Xu Jiujiu's guidance. His initially stiff steps became increasingly fluid.
Huo Yuhao's self-assessment was decent—at least he didn't step on her feet.
Xu Jiujiu was clearly a veteran of such banquets. Her steps were elegant and nimble as she skillfully led Huo Yuhao through one graceful movement after another. The surrounding dancers stopped, voluntarily clearing the floor for the two protagonists and watching them with admiration.