"Father…"
Jiang Weiyang's delicate frame trembled, and tears welled up in her bright eyes.
Though her vision was gray and colorless, she could still sense her father's resolute and heavy demeanor.
If even the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty and the Alliance of Righteous Unity were unsafe, where in the vast Vast Expanse could she flee?
She didn't know who the great enemy her father spoke of was, but if they possessed such terrifying power, they couldn't be an ordinary figure.
Perhaps, once she left the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty, she might never see her father again.
Especially since he might have been tainted by Dark Matter.
"This is a brocade pouch I prepared for you long ago. Take it with you and flee the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty as soon as possible while there's still time."
"After tomorrow, I will send people to capture you. Do not let any old sentiments hold you back. Flee with all your might, no matter the cost."
Jiang Yun's voice regained its cold and authoritative tone.
With a wave of his hand, Jiang Weiyang was sent outside the Weiyang Palace, and the ancient, exquisite brocade pouch landed securely in her hand.
Then, with a loud bang, the palace doors closed in front of her.
"Father…" Jiang Weiyang's face was filled with sorrow, her voice choked with sobs.
The news of the impending marriage alliance between the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty and the Nanzhao Ancient Kingdom, with the Weiyang Emperor intending to betroth his daughter, Jiang Weiyang, to the Ninth Prince of Nanzhao, Ye Wudao, quickly spread, causing a huge uproar in the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty.
Countless cultivators and beings were discussing and arguing, their emotions running high.
The young talents from various clans and factions were unable to accept the news, as if struck by a bolt from the blue, standing frozen in place, their hearts aching.
Was the treasure of the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty really going to be taken by a prince from another ancient kingdom?
The entire Weiyang Immortal Dynasty was in turmoil, and the news also shocked and stunned various external powers and civilizations, who found it hard to believe.
The rumor that the Weiyang Emperor intended to choose a son-in-law was actually true.
In these sensitive and turbulent times, many speculated that the Weiyang Emperor had ulterior motives.
But he was truly planning to marry his beloved daughter to the Ninth Prince of Nanzhao.
How could this not shock everyone, making it seem utterly unbelievable?
Was he really planning to join forces with the Nanzhao Ancient Kingdom to deal with the current chaos?
In terms of background and talent, the Ninth Prince of Nanzhao, Ye Wudao, was indeed a match for Jiang Weiyang.
But before this, the Weiyang Emperor had never shown any intention in this direction.
The outside world was in an uproar, with countless cultivators speculating and discussing.
Later, the news was further confirmed by some ministers in the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty's palace.
The Weiyang Emperor had mentioned the matter in their presence, intending to choose an auspicious day for the betrothal of his daughter, Jiang Weiyang, and the Ninth Prince of Nanzhao.
That day, some ministers even saw the Weiyang Emperor summon Ye Wudao, the Ninth Prince of Nanzhao, and the two had a pleasant conversation, with the Weiyang Emperor expressing satisfaction with Ye Wudao.
The spread of these scenes further confirmed the earlier news, making it seem increasingly likely to be true.
The young talents of the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty were disheartened and filled with resentment, as if a treasured gem had been snatched away from them.
Seeing Jiang Weiyang married off to someone else, they felt powerless to change anything.
"His Majesty the Emperor is far-sighted and has long understood that in the current situation, only by joining forces with others can we stand firm in the increasingly chaotic and turbulent future."
"The Alliance of Righteous Unity is doing this, and the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty must do the same. Hence, the marriage alliance with the Nanzhao Ancient Kingdom is a strong union to intimidate the world."
Many ministers of the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty speculated, trying to decipher the Weiyang Emperor's intentions.
Some ministers even began to curry favor with Ye Wudao, the Ninth Prince of Nanzhao, treating him as the Weiyang Emperor's future son-in-law.
Many of the younger generation harbored jealousy and hatred toward Ye Wudao, but there was nothing they could do.
Ye Wudao himself was naturally elated, as effortlessly winning the beauty was beyond his expectations.
He immediately sent the news back to the Nanzhao Ancient Kingdom, informing his father to prepare various betrothal gifts.
That night, Ye Wudao, in high spirits, hosted a banquet at the Feng Hua Xue Yue Pavilion in the capital of the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty.
The moon hung high in the deep sky, its bright, cold light resembling snowflakes.
The grand, palace-like pavilions and towers were majestic, their scenes hazy, shrouded in immortal mist and veiled by the heavens.
Numerous immortal beauties moved gracefully, serving tea, snacks, spiritual fruits, and immortal tea, their dance moves enchanting.
Various melodies and tunes, melodious and soothing, like heavenly music, lingered in the air.
Inside the pavilion, cups clinked, and everyone congratulated Ye Wudao on winning the beauty, becoming the son-in-law of the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty, a feat that filled them with envy.
The banquet was lively, with many prominent figures of the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty attending, showing great respect to Ye Wudao, making it a joyous occasion for both host and guests.
Those young talents who had previously clashed with Ye Wudao could only watch in jealousy, drowning their sorrows in wine to ease their resentment.
Some had initially wanted to challenge Ye Wudao to a duel to humiliate him, but upon hearing the news, they felt disheartened and lost all desire to compete.
Meanwhile, deep within the palace, Jiang Yun stood with his hands behind his back, silently gazing into the distant void, lost in thought.
Finally, he sighed and withdrew his gaze.
"Weiyang, I once paid a great price to divine your fate. You possess great fortune and blessings. Fleeing the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty may not necessarily be a calamity for you."
He murmured softly, then his expression turned cold and profound. With a flick of his sleeve, he returned to the palace.
At the same time, a simple, unadorned carriage pulled by three black heavenly horses took off from a palace, swiftly breaking through the void and disappearing into the distance.
A young man wearing a bamboo hat, dressed as a coachman, was driving the carriage.
"Father…"
Inside the carriage, Jiang Weiyang tightly clutched the brocade pouch, her face filled with reluctance, which eventually turned into determination and silence.
Beside her, her three lifelong maids also remained silent.
No one had expected that, after the news of the marriage alliance between the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty and the Nanzhao Ancient Kingdom, the princess would flee that very night.
However, they had already received the Weiyang Emperor's orders: no matter what happened, they must protect Jiang Weiyang's safety at all costs.
Thus, they followed Jiang Weiyang, escaping the palace with her.
The young man driving the carriage outside was none other than Zhu Fuyi, the great-grandson of the Divine Martial General, Zhu Cangning.
This renowned young talent of the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty had willingly become the princess's coachman, helping her flee the marriage.
His determination and resolve deeply impressed the three maids.
After today, Zhu Fuyi would likely become a criminal in the Zhu Mansion.
Assisting Jiang Weiyang in fleeing the marriage was a grave crime, and even his grandfather, the Divine Martial General, might not be able to protect him.
Inside the Feng Hua Xue Yue Pavilion, the celebration continued, lively and bustling.
Ye Wudao, who had been toasting with several prominent figures, suddenly felt a sense of unease.
It was as if some karmic connection was rapidly slipping away from him.
He was familiar with this sensation, and his expression changed immediately. Ignoring the surprised looks of the surrounding dignitaries, he waved his hand, and a stone disk shrouded in chaotic energy appeared in his palm.
"Reveal!"
Ye Wudao shouted, and a surge of golden light, transforming into Dao runes, erupted around him, so dazzling that many could not keep their eyes open. He resembled a golden-armored war god.
As his eyes opened and closed, beams of divine light shot out like lightning, distorting the void and exuding a terrifying aura.
The stone disk, enveloped in chaotic energy, began to change. The originally blurry surface started to show images.
The onlookers were astonished by this mystical scene, marveling at Ye Wudao's abilities. As the Ninth Prince of Nanzhao, he indeed possessed many mysterious techniques.
Several prominent figures recognized the stone disk in his hand and were visibly shaken.
"A karmic treasure! To think the Ninth Prince possesses such a rare artifact."
"The Dao of Karma is profound and mysterious, akin to fate itself. One's own karma and destiny are like reflections in water or forests in fog—blurry and hard to discern…"
As they marveled, the images on the stone disk quickly became clear, like an ancient, dust-covered scroll being slowly unfurled, revealing its contents.
In the image, a carriage pulled by three heavenly horses was seen breaking through the void, disappearing into a spatial tunnel. The scene was hazy and surreal, quickly fading away.
A thick fog rolled in, obscuring the images on the stone disk, making everything unclear again.
The onlookers were first stunned, then confused, unsure of what they had just witnessed. However, they felt that the palace buildings in the area where the carriage had disappeared looked familiar.
Ye Wudao was also puzzled, frowning as he pondered the meaning of this.
"Isn't that the palace His Majesty built for Princess Weiyang? No wonder it looked so familiar."
A young prodigy spoke in awe, then seemed to realize something.
His words startled everyone, and many began to understand the implications of the scene.
Ye Wudao also suddenly realized what had happened. The joy and pride on his face vanished, replaced by anger and frustration.
However, he was no ordinary person. Although tonight's events would be somewhat embarrassing, he couldn't afford to take his anger out on Jiang Weiyang.
Everyone knew Jiang Weiyang's status in the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty.
Ye Wudao shook his head slightly, put away the stone disk, and poured himself a drink, downing it in one gulp.
"Princess Weiyang is quite mischievous," he said casually, regaining his previous confidence and arrogance.
"To think Princess Weiyang would flee the marriage at this critical moment…"
A prominent figure spoke with a meaningful look, slightly surprised, then glanced playfully at Ye Wudao.
Everyone could guess what had happened—there was no other explanation besides Jiang Weiyang fleeing the marriage.
But no one had expected that the usually calm and composed Jiang Weiyang would take such a drastic step.
This was the Weiyang Emperor's will, and Jiang Weiyang had defied it.
This truly surprised them.
The expressions of the people in the Feng Hua Xue Yue Pavilion varied.
Especially the young talents, who felt a sense of relief.
If Jiang Weiyang had fled the marriage, did it mean she was dissatisfied with the arrangement and was protesting?
Did they still have a chance?
As everyone speculated and pondered, a golden light shot into the sky from deep within the palace.
An imperial decree flew out, breaking through the heavens and quickly spreading to all corners, transforming into a soft yet authoritative voice that echoed throughout the capital of the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty.
"Princess Jiang Weiyang has defied the Emperor's will and fled the marriage tonight. By the decree of His Majesty the Emperor, the entire Weiyang Immortal Dynasty is to capture Princess Jiang Weiyang and bring her back immediately."
"Those who capture Princess Jiang Weiyang will be greatly rewarded."
As the voice faded, the golden light in the sky quickly dissipated.
Then, like a meteor shower, it scattered across the land, piercing through countless universes and worlds, spreading the Weiyang Emperor's decree far and wide.
The entire Weiyang Immortal Dynasty was thrown into chaos by this sudden decree.
Those who hadn't known about Jiang Weiyang's escape were stunned, unable to believe their ears.
The treasure of the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty had actually angered the Weiyang Emperor.
To the point where the Weiyang Emperor personally ordered the entire dynasty to capture her.
This was too absurd and unbelievable.
The people in the Feng Hua Xue Yue Pavilion, including Ye Wudao, were also surprised by how quickly the news had spread.
They had just learned of Jiang Weiyang's escape, and now the Weiyang Emperor had already issued a decree to capture her.
This showed how truly angry the Weiyang Emperor was.
Perhaps the Weiyang Emperor had never anticipated that Jiang Weiyang would flee, which was why she had managed to escape.
Otherwise, within the territory of the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty, how could any movement escape the Weiyang Emperor's notice?
Ye Wudao, who had initially found the situation suspicious, now decided not to overthink it.
"Since Princess Weiyang is my fiancée, I naturally have the right to bring her back."
He laughed heartily, bid farewell to the crowd, and then transformed into a beam of light, flying away with great confidence, as if he was certain he could bring Jiang Weiyang back.
The people in the Feng Hua Xue Yue Pavilion also lost their appetite for further celebration and soon left.
The entire Weiyang Immortal Dynasty was destined to be restless tonight. However, some speculated whether the Weiyang Emperor's decree was truly out of anger or just a momentary impulse.
Did he really have the heart to treat his daughter this way?
"What could have happened to make His Majesty the Emperor agree to marry his daughter to the Nanzhao Ancient Kingdom?"
"With the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty's foundation, it shouldn't have come to this."
This incident led more and more people to speculate and worry, feeling that something must have happened.
Otherwise, why would the Weiyang Emperor act this way and become so enraged?
"How could this happen?"
"Zhu Fuyi helped Princess Weiyang escape?"
In the Zhu Mansion, Zhu Cangning was also shocked, never expecting this outcome.
He had indeed wanted Zhu Fuyi to stay close to Jiang Weiyang, hoping he might win her favor.
But he never imagined that Zhu Fuyi would help her flee the marriage and even become her coachman.
Zhu Cangning broke out in a cold sweat, feeling that things had spiraled out of control.
Once the Weiyang Emperor learned of this, he would surely demand an explanation.
At that moment, an elderly man in a white robe, wearing a hood, with a ruddy complexion and a youthful appearance, approached with a smile.
"State Preceptor Xingming?"
Zhu Cangning quickly bowed, showing great respect.
He knew this mysterious state preceptor had close ties to the figure behind the Weiyang Emperor.
The Weiyang Emperor's great achievements were partly due to this state preceptor's assistance.
"General, there's no need to panic. I've come to help you. Your great-grandson, Zhu Fuyi, assisted Princess Weiyang in fleeing. If the Zhu Mansion wishes to avoid further trouble, it's best to sever ties with him immediately." State Preceptor Xingming said gently.
Zhu Cangning hesitated, "I truly didn't expect Zhu Fuyi to do this, but he is a member of the Zhu Family. How can we simply cut ties? If His Majesty punishes us, the Zhu Mansion will bear the consequences."
State Preceptor Xingming's expression became slightly complicated, but he still smiled gently, "I've always admired and respected your integrity, General. But if you don't want the Zhu Mansion to face greater disaster, it's best to follow my advice."
"Otherwise, the Zhu Mansion may face a great calamity."
Zhu Cangning continued to hesitate.
"I've said all I can. I hope you make the right choice soon."
State Preceptor Xingming maintained his gentle smile. After saying this, he said no more and simply reached out, lightly patting Zhu Cangning on the shoulder.
"I need a personal item of Zhu Fuyi's that carries his aura."
Zhu Cangning was stunned, but State Preceptor Xingming did not speak.
His voice bypassed Zhu Cangning's ears and echoed directly in his mind.