Son-in-law Heaven Emperor Xiao Yi

The moon shone bright with few stars, an excellent time for moon-gazing.

The Imperial Garden had already been set with numerous tables and chairs, laden with an abundance of fine wines and delectable dishes.

The silver moon had just risen above the willow tips, like a tempting silver-white fruit hanging from the branches.

At this moment...

In the Imperial Garden, seats had already filled with many powerful figures.

Among them were influential court officials, noble families, and representatives of the top ten sects from the capital.

Each one possessed immense clout.

Any one of them could shake the capital with a mere stomp of their foot.

Xiao Yi's seat was in the first row to the left, a good spot, and right next to him was Yang Ling. Clearly, this was a deliberate arrangement; Yang Ling also whispered introductions of the attendees to Xiao Yi.

"That one who nodded to you with his cup is Shi Yun, who replaced Li Shengtian because of your wish; it's thanks to you that he could sit in this position!"

"Next to Shi Yun is Qin Li, who took over Tian Xiao's place. This man was once Tian Xiao's confidant, be careful with him!"

"And that one..."

After the introductions, Xiao Yi had become acquainted with many of those present.

Suddenly.

The noisy Imperial Garden quieted down, and Xiao Yi frowned slightly; despite it being a summer night, he felt a chill. His gaze shifted to the entrance of the Imperial Garden. He saw many guests rising from their seats, bowing towards the garden gate.

A young man dressed in green, with a purple jade crown on his head, walked in.

The youth radiated a cold and solemn aura. Yang Ling's pupils contracted slightly and he whispered, "Xiao Yi, this person is Brave General Sun Yao, who took over from Chen Shuiwen to lead the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy. He also has some history with you!"

"Hmm?"

Xiao Yi was taken aback.
Experience tales at My Virtual Library Empire

He had never seen this person before, how could there be history between them?

Yang Ling whispered, "Sun Yao is from the Tianjian Sect, a senior fellow of Xiao Tianjiao. However, after marrying Princess Changping, the niece of the Emperor's uncle, he left Tianjian Sect and has been defending the frontier for many years as the Brave General. He was expected to become the Great General after another two years' wait, but now he has been appointed as the head of Shanhe Martial Arts Academy instead. He must surely bear a grudge against you!"

Xiao Yi rolled his eyes helplessly.

This was truly a mix of new grudges and old ones!

Since he was Xiao Tianjiao's senior fellow and because of Xiao Yi himself, who had killed Chen Shuiwen, Sun Yao had lost the chance to compete for the position of Great General.

Moreover, Xiaoshanhe Institute and Shanhe Martial Arts Academy were natural rivals.

This truly seemed like a fated enemy!

Sun Yao also noticed Xiao Yi's gaze and a glint of cold light flashed in his eyes. The aura of the seventh layer of the Dharma Manifestation Realm surged toward him like a vast, towering wave. His gaze, corporeal as it was, seemed even sharper than the edge of a blade.

A normal person from the Tao Tribulation Realm would likely be scared out of their wits.

Xiao Yi remained unmoved, his gaze just as sharp as he stared back at Sun Yao.

Bang!

The substantial gaze of the two collided mid-air, exploding into a terrifying blast that caused two nearby guests to scream in agony. Both were civil officials, their eardrums ruptured by the impact of the gaze.

Yang Ling frowned, "Someone, take them away!"

"Yes!"

Two guards immediately escorted the pair away.

Inside the Imperial Garden.

All eyes were alternately sweeping over Xiao Yi and Sun Yao.

Sun Yao walked straight up to Xiao Yi, looking down on him from above.

Qin Li somehow made his way to Sun Yao's side with a sycophantic expression, then turned to Xiao Yi, "This seat is Sun Yao's now, you get lost!"

"Scram!"

Without even lifting his head, Xiao Yi simply responded with one word.

"You little shit, who gave you the audacity..."

Qin Li's face changed, but before he could finish.

He was met with Xiao Yi's slap.

Slap!

With a scream, Qin Li flew backwards, smashing directly into a lotus pond.

"How dare you strike my man? Do you no longer wish to live?"

Sun Yao's gaze hardened, his murderous intent surging like a raging tide.

Yang Ling quickly stood up, placing himself between the two men, and spoke sternly, "General Sun, the seating for tonight's banquet is fixed. Your seat is over there!"

With narrowed eyes, Sun Yao assessed Yang Ling, then suddenly let out a sneer of contempt, his disdainful gaze falling on Xiao Yi, "Compared to brother Tianjiao, you still fall far short!"

Xiao Yi glanced at him, "The dogs raised by Xiao Tianjiao are all so arrogant?"

"You're courting death!"

Sun Yao's expression darkened as he glared at Xiao Yi.

Boom!

A gust of wind burst forth from him, flipping the tables and chairs of several bystanders. Only Xiao Yi and Yang Ling's seats remained immobile. Xiao Yi sat upright, watching him with interest, "What's wrong? Hit a nerve? If you're going to be a dog, act like one and tuck your tail to the side!"

"You little shit, you're looking to die!"

Sun Yao erupted in fury as evil Qi rolled off him.

"Hahaha, General Sun, let this old man give you a hand!" Nangong Shengtian strode in with amusement, standing shoulder to shoulder with Sun Yao.

Beitang Feng also watched Xiao Yi with an amused expression.

"I really want to see who dares to bully my little brother Xiao Yi!" The boisterous voice was none other than Dongfang Kuang, with Ximen Jianxue following at his side, as both landed one on each side of Xiao Yi.

Nalan Qianqiu and Ning Luo also came strolling casually.

They all had their swords drawn and crossbows cocked.

A great battle was on the verge of erupting!

Inside the Imperial Garden, some people took pleasure in the misfortune of others, while some showed worried expressions.

But at that moment...

An authoritative cough echoed, dissolving the tense atmosphere instantaneously. Emperor Qian and Qi stepped in, their gazes sweeping over everyone as they spoke indifferently, "Why is everyone standing? Tonight, I have invited you all to enjoy the moon!"

"We welcome Your Majesty!"

"Long live Your Majesty!"

Everyone hastily paid their respects.

Emperor Qian took his seat at the head, gesturing with his hand, "Please, sit down."

Whoosh!

Everyone sat down meticulously.

Nangong Shengtian whispered, "General Sun, there will be plenty of opportunities to deal with this kid. Why cause His Majesty displeasure?"

"Hmm!"

Sun Yao nodded, his cold gaze sweeping over Xiao Yi, "You just wait!"

"I will be waiting with open arms!"

Xiao Yi replied evenly.

"Hmph!"

Sun Yao snorted and went back to his seat.

Xiao Yi gave Dongfang Kuang and the others a cupped fist salute, "Thank you, everyone!"

"How could I, your brother, miss out on a fight?" Dongfang Kuang winked.

Ximen Jianxue smiled, "It's nothing!"

Nalan Qianqiu and Ning Luo smiled faintly, sitting down beside Xiao Yi.

At the head seat.

Emperor Qian said lightly, "Tonight the moon is full, and I have especially arranged this feast. I hope it hasn't interrupted everyone's life."

"Your Majesty jests!"

"To accompany Your Majesty in admiring the moon is an honor for us..."

Everyone responded in turn.

Emperor Qian nodded, "Tonight we won't talk about state affairs, just drink wine and enjoy the moon..."

No sooner had he spoken,

then Sun Yao said, "Your Majesty, I believe that under such beautiful scenery, we should add some entertainment to the mix!"

"Oh?"

Emperor Qian looked at Sun Yao, his face breaking into a smile, "General Sun, what do you suggest?"

Sun Yao's chilling eyes flickered toward Xiao Yi as he said with a smile, "I have recently taken over the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy, where I have a sword prodigy. Tonight, I have brought him especially to present a sword dance for Your Majesty and the ministers!"

"A sword dance?"

"It is well-known that General Sun is the finest swordsman in the military. If you consider him a sword prodigy, he must be impressive!"

Emperor Qian chuckled, "Then let him come forth and show us!"

"By Your Majesty's command!"

Sun Yao nodded and then ordered someone to fetch the person.

Shortly afterwards,

a graceful young man appeared in the Imperial Garden, bowing respectfully to Emperor Qian and proclaiming, "Your Majesty, this humble person Jiang Feng presents a sword dance called 'Autumn Rain', in hopes of bringing a smile to Your Majesty's face!"

"You may proceed!"

Emperor Qian nodded, smiling brightly.

Clang!

Jiang Feng unsheathed his longsword, manoeuvring it as if it were an extension of his arm.

The dance "Autumn Rain" flowed like drifting clouds and running water, exquisitely performed, eliciting waves of applause: "He truly is a sword prodigy from the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy!"

"This young man's mastery of the sword is extraordinary. Although he's only at the peak of the Divine Ability Realm, he has already grasped half a step of Sword Intent. Remarkable indeed!"

Emperor Qian also nodded in satisfaction, "Award him a thousand taels of silver and bestow upon him a flask of Imperial wine!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Jiang Feng looked up and drained the Imperial wine in one gulp, then wiping his mouth, he said loudly, "Your Majesty, I've heard that the Xiaoshanhe Institute is full of talent, and Xiao, the head of the institute, is a master of the sword. I humbly request Your Majesty's permission for me to seek instruction from Xiao!"

"Hmm?"

Emperor Qian's brow furrowed slightly, and his expression turned somewhat displeased.

Just as he was about to reprimand,

Sun Yao spoke up, "Your Majesty, as the head of an institute, Xiao surely wouldn't begrudge offering guidance to the younger generation!" He looked at Xiao Yi with a smile, "Instructor Xiao, what do you say?"

Xiao Yi turned his head to look at Sun Yao, curled his lip, and said indifferently, "Screw you!"