Chapter 305 119: The Plot Advances Ahead of Schedule

Following behind Emperor Xia, her handmaiden Spring Orchid, who was also dressed as a man, spoke with a hint of resignation in her voice.

Emperor Xia arched an eyebrow slightly but offered no response.

Although Great Xia revered the Daoist School, that was a matter of the former emperor. She herself held no great love for either the Daoist School or the Buddhist Sect.

After all, the Immortal Sects beyond Great Xia's borders were not subject to its rule and paid no taxes, which was understandable.

But the Daoist School and the Buddhist Sect spread their doctrines within Great Xia's borders, yet they refused to follow the rules, pay taxes, or abide by the law, clearly intending to place themselves above imperial authority.

'This greatly displeased her. Once she truly held power, she would be sure to put those two back in their proper place.'

Just then, a commotion from the river up ahead suddenly caught Emperor Xia's attention.

Two young Celestial Prides stood suspended in mid-air above the river, their robes billowing. Auras of Magical Power surged from their bodies as they conjured dazzling lights in their palms, casting Magic in a fierce confrontation.

One of them was tall and sturdy with a heroic air. His robes bore the insignia of the Red Bright Ancient Sect, and wisps of fiery aura coiled around him, making him look like a young Fire God standing on the river's surface.

The Red Bright Ancient Sect was a renowned and ancient Sect within Great Xia. Its disciples excelled in Fire Element Techniques and Divine Techniques, possessing extraordinary strength.

His opponent, fair-faced and handsome with refined features, wore a blue robe and carried a Long Sword on his back. He possessed the extraordinary bearing of a Sword Hero and wore the insignia of a Yijian Palace disciple.

Several painted boats, noticing the commotion, had already drawn near. Many young Celestial Prides craned their necks, eager to watch the unfolding drama.

'Emperor Xia glanced over, surprised that members of the younger generation would clash at a time like this, looking as if they were on the verge of a full-blown battle.'

Just then, a leisurely young man's voice drifted across the open river,

"During the Southern Hunting drills, you all must abide by the rules of Great Xia. This is merely a spar. Let's not have any bad blood."

On one particularly lavish and ornate painted boat, a young man of noble and distinguished bearing leaned against a pillar by the railing. He spoke with a faint smile, as if enjoying a show.

He was surrounded by a crowd of young men and women, each wreathed in a pure light and exuding a powerful aura.

'Jiang Lan…'

Emperor Xia's eyes narrowed. She recognized Jiang Lan, though his presence here was hardly a surprise.

What Jiang Lan had said was, in fact, a rule of the Imperial Capital, one that the Immortal Suppression Bureau was responsible for enforcing.

'But from the looks of it, he hardly seemed like the type to abide by the rules himself.'

"Don't you worry, Young Master Jiang. We're just having a little spar. I won't hurt the fellow, just break a few of his bones…"

"And when I'm done, I'll make sure he kneels before you and properly apologizes."

The burly man from the Red Bright Ancient Sect, who was still on the river's surface, grinned upon hearing this and called back over his shoulder.

"Hahahaha…"

"We've all seen Brother Sun's strength. Taking this man down will be a trivial matter."

At these words, the young men and women around Jiang Lan all laughed in agreement, as if the outcome of the confrontation was already a foregone conclusion.

Opposite their painted boat, on a vessel made of jade, stood a man with handsome features and an upright posture, dressed in a light gray brocade robe. His expression was grim as he watched the scene unfold. This was none other than Xiao Teng, the third son of Prince Zhenbei, Xiao River.

His fists clenched, knuckles cracking.

He was also surrounded by a number of young men and women, including several disciples in the robes of Yijian Palace.

"Junior Brother Zhang Yuan…" Many of them looked on with concern.

They had only come here for an outing at the Desire Immortal Pavilion at the invitation of Xiao Teng, the third young master of Prince Zhenbei's Mansion. They never expected to run into such trouble.

The trouble had started when Xiao Teng took a liking to a certain Qing Guanren and paid a sufficient sum of Spirit Stones for her company. But as they were cruising toward the center of the river, they happened upon the painted boat across from them.

Unfortunately, that same Qing Guanren caught the eye of Young Master Jiang Lan from the Prime Minister's Mansion, who was on the opposing painted boat. He then demanded they deliver the woman to him personally.

Xiao Teng, being young and hot-headed, naturally found this intolerable.

After a heated exchange of words and provocations from the other party, a conflict inevitably erupted.

As it happened, Junior Brother Zhang Yuan had offended that same young master from the Prime Minister's Mansion at an auction just the other day.