The Chaos Sacred Court's mornings were always filled with a faint Chaos Origin Energy. Xiāo Chényǔ stood on the viewing platform of the Sacred Court's main peak, gazing into the distance at the east where the sea of clouds churned. He wore a moon-white brocade robe, hands clasped behind his back, his demeanor aloof, like an exiled immortal carved from jade.
"Brother Chenyu!"
A clear voice rang out from behind him, followed by a waft of fragrant wind. Luò Xuělí had already arrived by his side. She wore a light cyan gauze skirt, embroidered with ice lotus flowers that fluttered gently with her movements. Her exquisite face held a gentle smile, like a spring breeze kissing the skin.
"Xue'li, good morning," Xiāo Chényǔ turned, his gaze soft as it fell upon her.
Luò Xuělí handed him an exquisite food box. "I made some Spirit Fruit Cake myself, please try it." The tips of her ears were slightly red, clearly a little shy.
Xiāo Chényǔ chuckled softly, took the food box, and opened it. Inside were Spirit Fruit Cakes with attractive colors, emitting a faint spiritual energy. He picked one up and put it in his mouth. It was sweet but not cloying, melting instantly, and the spiritual energy circulated within his body, refreshing his mind and spirit.
Just as the two were enjoying this warm moment, the sound of something breaking through the air suddenly came from the sky in the distance. A magnificent flying boat tore through the clouds, slowly approaching the Sacred Court. The flying boat was carved with nine lifelike golden dragons, shimmering with a golden light under the sun. It was the symbol of the Nine Heavens Divine Court.
"People from the Nine Heavens Divine Court are here again?" Luò Xuělí frowned slightly. The arrival of the Nine Heavens Divine Court envoy Dì Xīnyuè last time had caused quite a stir.
Xiāo Chényǔ's gaze sobered. He recognized the flying boat as the Nine Dragon Imperial Sky Boat of the Nine Heavens Divine Court. It was usually only used for important figures traveling. His heart stirred; he wondered what business the Nine Heavens Divine Court had this time.
Soon, the Nine Dragon Imperial Sky Boat landed in the Sacred Court's plaza. The cabin door opened, and the first to emerge were several guards clad in golden armor. They were tall and stood straight, their auras powerful, clearly the elite of the elite. Following them, a tall and slender young man emerged from the cabin.
This man was extremely handsome, with sharp sword-like eyebrows, bright star-like eyes, and a face like polished jade. He wore a purple brocade robe embroidered with golden dragons, a white jade pendant at his waist, and exuded an air of nobility. His cultivation aura was powerful yet restrained; he had actually reached the Peak of Late Nascent Soul!
"This is the Crown Prince of the Nine Heavens Divine Court, Dì Shìtiān!" Luò Xuělí recognized the newcomer, saying softly. "I heard he is the top genius among the younger generation of the Nine Heavens Divine Court. Only a thousand years old, he has already reached the Peak of Late Nascent Soul and is known as the next successor of the Nine Heavens Divine Court."
Xiāo Chényǔ's eyes narrowed slightly. He could feel a powerful pressure emanating from Dì Shìtiān, clearly directed at him. The corner of his mouth curled into a cold smile. This Dì Shìtiān was probably here with ill intentions.
At this moment, Dì Shìtiān's gaze fell upon Dì Xīnyuè standing on the other side of the plaza. Dì Xīnyuè wore a moon-white palace gown, her skin like snow, her beauty dazzling like a bright moon. She was surrounded by several Sacred Court disciples, but she seemed uninterested in their admiration, gazing absently at the mountains in the distance.
Seeing Dì Xīnyuè, Dì Shìtiān's eyes lit up. He adjusted his robes and walked towards Dì Xīnyuè.
"Xīnyuè, we haven't seen each other for many days. Are you well?" Dì Shìtiān's voice was gentle and magnetic, a tender smile on his face.
Dì Xīnyuè turned around and frowned slightly upon seeing Dì Shìtiān. "Why has the Crown Prince come?"
"I heard Xīnyuè is visiting the Chaos Sacred Court, so I came specifically to pay my respects." Dì Shìtiān took out a crystal-clear, ice-blue flower from his sleeve. The flower emitted a faint, delicate fragrance. "This is the Ice Soul Sacred Flower I picked for you in the extreme north. It is said to enhance cultivation speed, so I brought it as a gift."
"Ice Soul Sacred Flower!" Everyone present gasped. This sacred flower grew in the ice abyss of the extreme north, blooming only once every thousand years, making it extremely precious. Not only could it enhance cultivation speed, but it could also purify impurities in the body, making it a treasure coveted by all cultivators.
However, Dì Xīnyuè merely glanced at the Ice Soul Sacred Flower indifferently and did not reach out to take it. "Crown Prince, there is no need for such gestures. I am merely a guest of the Chaos Sacred Court by my father's command and will return to the Nine Heavens Divine Court in a few days."
"Xīnyuè, you still don't understand my feelings for you?" Dì Shìtiān knelt on one knee, presenting the Ice Soul Sacred Flower to Dì Xīnyuè. "I swear by my status as the Crown Prince of the Nine Heavens Divine Court, I will love only you in this life. When you come of age, I will petition the Emperor to marry you as my Crown Princess!"
At these words, the entire assembly erupted in shock. Everyone stared at the scene in astonishment, never expecting the Crown Prince of the Nine Heavens Divine Court to confess his love to Dì Xīnyuè so publicly!
Dì Xīnyuè's expression changed slightly. She hadn't expected Dì Shìtiān to be so bold. Just as she was about to refuse, a figure suddenly blocked her path.
"What is the Crown Prince doing?" Xiāo Chényǔ's voice carried a hint of coldness. His gaze shot towards Dì Shìtiān like a sword. "Miss Xīnyuè is an envoy of the Nine Heavens Divine Court and a guest of the Chaos Sacred Court. Is this behavior appropriate for the Crown Prince?"
Dì Shìtiān slowly stood up, his gaze sweeping over Xiāo Chényǔ. A trace of disdain flashed in his eyes. "Are you the so-called Divine Son of the Chaos Sacred Court? Just a wastrel relying on family connections, daring to be presumptuous before this Crown Prince!"
"Presumptuous!" Luò Xuělí's pretty face turned frosty. "Brother Chenyu is a rare genius of the Chaos Sacred Court, appearing once in a thousand years. How dare you speak nonsense!"
"Genius?" Dì Shìtiān scoffed. "Just a minor cultivator at the Middle Nascent Soul Stage, worthy of being called a genius? This Crown Prince has already reached the Peak of Late Nascent Soul. I can crush you with a single finger!"
Xiāo Chényǔ's lips curved slightly into a mocking smile. "The Crown Prince's cultivation is indeed impressive, but high cultivation does not equate to strong power. How about we spar, and let Miss Xīnyuè see who the true genius is?"
"Good! Since you are seeking death, this Crown Prince will grant your wish!" A fierce glint flashed in Dì Shìtiān's eyes. He had long heard of Xiāo Chényǔ's fame, and today he intended to use this opportunity to suppress him and let Dì Xīnyuè see who the true powerhouse was.
Soon, the two arrived at the Sacred Court's Training Ground. The area was already crowded with disciples watching, all excitedly discussing, eager to witness this astonishing duel.
Dì Xīnyuè stood among the crowd, her beautiful eyes fixed on the two figures in the arena. Her heart was in turmoil. On one hand, she hoped Xiāo Chényǔ would win and prove his strength; on the other hand, she worried about him getting hurt.
"Begin!" Dì Shìtiān stood with his hands behind his back, looking confident of victory.
Xiāo Chényǔ nodded without further ado. A faint Chaos mist began to emanate from him, swirling around his body and forming mysterious patterns.
"Hmph! Posturing!" Dì Shìtiān snorted disdainfully. He formed hand seals, and a golden light shot from his palm, transforming into a golden dragon that lunged ferociously towards Xiāo Chényǔ.
This golden dragon was lifelike. Even its scales were clearly visible, emitting a powerful aura. Wherever it passed, the air was torn, producing a piercing sound.
Xiāo Chényǔ remained calm. He extended his right hand and gently grasped, condensing the Chaos mist into a small Chaos ball. He pushed the Chaos ball forward, and it rapidly expanded in the air, meeting the golden dragon.
With a loud explosion, the Chaos ball collided with the golden dragon, erupting in a blinding light. A powerful shockwave spread outwards, cracking the ground of the training ground.
Dì Shìtiān's expression changed slightly. He hadn't expected Xiāo Chényǔ's Chaos Power to be so formidable. But he quickly regained his composure, forming hand seals again. This time, a golden light enveloped him, making him look like a war god.
"Nine Heavens Divine Court's treasured artifact, the Nine Dragon Divine Seal!" Dì Shìtiān roared. Between his hands appeared a golden seal, carved with nine divine dragons and emitting a powerful aura.
The Nine Dragon Divine Seal was the Nine Heavens Divine Court's most prized artifact, possessing immense power. It could harness the power of destiny of the Nine Heavens Divine Court. Generally, only core disciples of the Nine Heavens Divine Court were qualified to cultivate it. Dì Shìtiān's ability to cultivate it to this extent demonstrated his exceptional talent.
A trace of solemnity flashed in Xiāo Chényǔ's eyes; he could feel the power of the Nine Dragon Divine Seal. But he did not retreat, instead revealing an excited smile. It had been a long time since he had encountered a worthy opponent. Today was a good opportunity to stretch his limbs.
He took a deep breath, and the Chaos mist around him grew denser. This mist formed a massive Chaos Vortex around him, containing a formidable devouring force, as if it could devour everything.
"Chaos Sacred Body, activate!" Xiāo Chényǔ shouted. His body suddenly burst with a blinding golden light. Within this light, his skin turned a translucent golden color, as if forged from Chaos Power.
"Chaos Sacred Body!" Everyone present watched this scene in shock, surprised that Xiāo Chényǔ had actually awakened the Chaos Sacred Body! This was a legendary physique with infinite potential.
Dì Xīnyuè's beautiful eyes also flickered with shock. She hadn't expected Xiāo Chényǔ's physique to be so powerful. A new understanding of Xiāo Chényǔ began to form in her heart. This man seemed more mysterious and powerful than she had imagined.
"Take this!" Dì Shìtiān's Nine Dragon Divine Seal was complete. He pushed the seal forward, and nine divine dragons flew out, lunging towards Xiāo Chényǔ. Each dragon emitted a different glow—some gold, some blue, some red—clearly containing different elemental powers.
Xiāo Chényǔ remained unhurried. He extended his right hand, and the Chaos Vortex instantly expanded, engulfing all nine divine dragons. The Chaos Power began to furiously devour the power of the nine dragons. The light of the dragons grew dimmer and dimmer, until they were completely swallowed by the Chaos Vortex!
"This is impossible!" Dì Shìtiān stared at the scene in disbelief. His Nine Dragon Divine Seal had consumed a massive amount of his spiritual energy, yet it was so easily neutralized by Xiāo Chényǔ!
"My turn!" Xiāo Chényǔ's body suddenly vanished from its spot. The next moment, he appeared before Dì Shìtiān. His right fist, imbued with powerful Chaos Power, struck towards Dì Shìtiān's chest.
Dì Shìtiān had no time to react and could only instinctively raise his hands to block. But Xiāo Chényǔ's fist contained immense Chaos Power. Dì Shìtiān's defense was like paper before this force, shattered in an instant.
Dì Shìtiān spat out a mouthful of blood, his body flying backward like a kite with a broken string, crashing heavily at the edge of the training ground. Blood continued to trickle from the corner of his mouth; he was clearly injured.
The entire venue fell silent. Everyone watched the scene in shock. The Crown Prince of the Nine Heavens Divine Court, a powerhouse at the Peak of Late Nascent Soul, defeated with a single punch by Xiāo Chényǔ! This was simply unbelievable!
Dì Xīnyuè's beautiful eyes sparkled with a colorful light. Her heart was filled with curiosity towards Xiāo Chényǔ. This man always seemed to surprise her.
Xiāo Chényǔ slowly walked towards Dì Shìtiān, his gaze as calm as a lake. "Crown Prince, do you wish to continue?"
Dì Shìtiān struggled to get up from the ground, his eyes filled with unwillingness and resentment. But he also knew that he was no match for Xiāo Chényǔ anymore. He cast a deep look at Xiāo Chényǔ before turning and walking towards the Nine Dragon Imperial Sky Boat.
"Xiāo Chényǔ, we shall see!" Dì Shìtiān's voice was filled with resentment. "One day, I will defeat you myself!"
Xiāo Chényǔ remained silent, merely smiling faintly. He knew that this Dì Shìtiān was nothing more than a clown, not worth worrying about.
The Nine Dragon Imperial Sky Boat slowly ascended and soon disappeared into the horizon. The training ground erupted in thunderous applause and cheers. Everyone celebrated Xiāo Chényǔ's victory.
Dì Xīnyuè approached Xiāo Chényǔ, her beautiful eyes shining with a complex light. "I didn't expect your strength to be so formidable; even the Crown Prince of the Nine Heavens Divine Court is no match for you."
"It was merely a minor trick." Xiāo Chényǔ chuckled. "If Miss Xīnyuè is interested, perhaps we can find some time to discuss cultivation experiences."
Dì Xīnyuè nodded gently. "All right, then I will rely on the Divine Son for guidance."
Luò Xuělí stood nearby, watching the two chat and laugh, feeling a slight pang of jealousy. But she also knew that Xiāo Chényǔ's heart was always with her, so she wasn't worried. She only hoped that Xiāo Chényǔ could continue to be this strong, becoming a man she could rely on.
In the distant sky, a white cloud drifted slowly by. Sunlight filtered through the clouds, casting its glow on every corner of the Chaos Sacred Court. Xiāo Chényǔ stood in the center of the training ground, gazing into the distance, his heart filled with ambition and high aspirations. He knew that his journey had only just begun, with many more challenges awaiting him.