No one was a fool; naturally, everyone could see that this rising star, the Marquis of Spirit Ice, was very likely the future Prince Consort of the Star Luo Empire. Establishing a good relationship with him in advance would certainly bring a hundred benefits and zero harm.
As the music reached its climax, Xu Jiujiu suddenly stepped on Huo Yuhao's thigh, using the momentum to leap up and complete an elegant flip in mid-air. She landed lightly to Huo Yuhao's left, taking the opportunity to lean her entire body against his chest. Turning sideways with her center of gravity shifted back, she appeared as if she were about to fall.
Huo Yuhao reached out to support her delicate back, his own body leaning back to the left, yet he stood firmly while cradling Xu Jiujiu.
The final note came to an abrupt halt, and the dance floor fell into a brief silence. Huo Yuhao maintained the closing pose, gazing at the slightly flushed cheeks of the person in his arms.
Xu Jiujiu's purple eyes trembled slightly, shimmering with a meaningful light. Her tender lips curled into a soft arc as she raised a hand to gently brush against Huo Yuhao's cheek, playfully flicking his long eyelashes.
Huo Yuhao smiled faintly and helped Xu Jiujiu up. The two bowed gracefully to the crowd, and the surrounding applause and cheers instantly grew more fervent.
As expected, right after leaving the dance floor, the surrounding socialites and noble lords all wanted to strike up a conversation, but Xu Jiujiu tactfully blocked them all for him.
Dai Hao looked deeply at the spotlight-stealing Huo Yuhao, clenching his fists. He did not lash out, but instead silently left the banquet hall.
There is still a chance, still a chance...
Blood is thicker than water. He may refuse to acknowledge me, but Yun'er won't!
After the banquet ended, sitting in the carriage and looking at the brilliant, bright starry sky of the night, Huo Yuhao let out a soft sigh.
A girl being so "proactive" toward him... that was probably... an expression of "liking" him, right?
Zhang Lexuan, Ma Xiaotao, and Ning Tian and the others...
It wouldn't do to not respond properly to their feelings...
...
"That guy isn't such a blockhead after all..."
On her soft, large bed, Xu Jiujiu's cheeks carried a moving crimson flush as she hugged a pillow and made a happy sound.
But... it seemed she wasn't the only one.
No, she absolutely could not fall behind!
Xu Jiujiu gritted her teeth, looking at the exquisite box prepared beside her—the gift she intended to send to Huo Yuhao.
But she felt these gifts were a bit too light; should she send something else?
He... probably wouldn't use them to do anything strange, right?
Thinking this, Xu Jiujiu slowly peeled off the silk stockings and high heels from her feet...
Closing the box with a somewhat guilty conscience, Xu Jiujiu cleared her throat, "Someone, come in!"
A maid immediately opened Xu Jiujiu's door and walked in, saying respectfully:
"Your Highness, what are your orders?"
"Deliver this to the Marquis of Spirit Ice's manor. Say that this Princess wishes him a future as bright as a soaring roc."
...
Heaven Dou Empire, Clear Sky Sect.
The Ascension Pavilion had once been destroyed by Baili Du, but since this was a place for worshiping the Sea God, the Clear Sky Sect had rebuilt it.
Although they had lost many of the hidden trump cards left behind by Tang San, the ten-thousand-year foundation of the Clear Sky Sect remained—for instance, they had always enshrined a statue of the Sea God here.
Those hammer-wielding fellows of the Clear Sky Sect were actually quite good at sculpting. The statue was a 3x scale replica of Tang San, looking far more lifelike than the Shrek Bear Lord statue.
In particular, the expression on the divine statue still held that compassionate look of pity for all living transition, as if it were mourning the suffering of the world; it was incredibly vivid.
This Sea God statue had many uses. Not only could it communicate with Tang San in the God Realm, but one could also receive the nourishment of the Sea God's Light here, or even teleport to the Sea God Family in the ocean through the statue.
Of course, it could only be used after offering the power of faith to the statue. The brothers Niu Tian and Titan had only gained permission after joining the Clear Sky Sect disciples in kneeling before the Sea God statue for a long time.
"We shall reverently obey the Third Brother's decree! The guidance of the Sea God is our pursuit!"
After receiving Tang San's decree, Niu Tian, whose injuries were mostly recovered, slammed the table and stood up. "We must strike hard against those fellows at Shrek!"
Ever after Wang Dong was attacked by the Enchantress Empress—a manifestation of the Abyssal Holy Lord's Divine Consciousness—she had chosen to return to the Clear Sky Sect on the grounds of low spirits.
Seeing the child unable to sleep all day, looking terrified and worried, the old fathers Niu Tian and Titan were naturally distressed to death.
Although the fault truly didn't lie with Shrek Academy, they had failed to provide adequate protection. Coupled with Tang San's decree, taking Shrek Academy to task this time had become perfectly logical.
Of course, there was also the intention of sending Wang Dong back to Shrek to continue her studies.
Her mission wasn't finished yet; she hadn't yet reeled in the "Golden Turtle Son-in-law" that was the Son of the Plane. How could she be allowed to continue resting at the Clear Sky Sect?
Beside him, Titan also had a "me too" attitude, waving a fist the size of a clay pot.
"Big Brother, don't worry, I'll go personally! I'll definitely give those Shrek fellows a good lesson."
"No! You can't go." Niu Tian waved his hand. "The person who attacked us last time hasn't appeared again, and our condition isn't great. Striking rashly might trigger the vigilance of the God Realm."
"That's true... but Big Brother, what should we do then?"
Looking at his brother's extremely fiery gaze, Niu Tian felt a hint of strangeness in his heart, but still said: "The Clear Sky Sect and Shrek Academy still have some old ties, after all, and Shrek Academy is the most important link in Tang San's ten-thousand-year plan. We can't make the relationship too strained."
"How about this! Let Elder Tang take several Enshrined Elders to Shrek City. Have them give the Dean a [cordial] greeting, and if necessary, they can demonstrate the strength of our Clear Sky Sect."
Titan nodded thoughtfully. "What about that kid named Lan Xuanyu?"
This person was specifically mentioned by Tang San, so they couldn't afford to ignore him.
Niu Tian frowned, his tone carrying a bit of dissatisfaction. "He failed to protect Dong'er; that is his dereliction of duty. Let's do this: arrange for a few disciples with similar cultivation to find a place in Shrek City and teach him a lesson."
"It is strange, though—someone actually wants to use a Blue Silver King type Martial Soul to control elements... should I call him stupid or clever?"
...
"A hereditary Marquis! Heavens, I remember this title is only one rank below a Duke! Son, you are amazing!"
Huo Yuhao gave a bitter smile. "Only this way can I best take revenge on those people from the Dai family. It can also be considered a transaction with the Imperial Family."
Huo Yun'er smiled and stroked Huo Yuhao's head. "Alright... my little Yuhao has grown up; you are much more meticulous than your mother. A Marquis... the Huo family has truly produced a great talent."
Huo Yuhao smiled.
But after hesitating for a moment, he spoke tentatively, "Mom, that man surnamed Dai will very likely come looking for you... You should understand what I mean, right?"