There were still two days before the Imperial Family Tournament, and all the major demon clans were rushing over from all directions.
It could be said that the Jueyao Ridge was at its most empty right now, and it was the best time for the human clan to harvest spiritual herbs in their territory!
However, not many people were able to seize this opportunity.
Yao Yue and Xiao Liuzi returned together. Although the two of them were not descendants of the imperial family, they had the status of imperial princes!
To be able to be called imperial princes, only those who had the bloodline of an emperor had this qualification!
At this time, Hu Mei Niang was nestled next to Yao Yue and told Yao Yue everything that had happened in this year.
Only then did Yao Yue realize that many things had happened in the past year.
Ever since he left the imperial city with grief, his background had been spread by others.
Because he was a general, the people of the city paid more attention to him.
Long Tianba was furious because of this matter, and he personally flew to the imperial city to announce that Yao Yue was his adopted grandson. He also warned that no one was to talk about Yao Yue's background, or else they would be killed without mercy!
Long Tianba's reputation in the imperial city was like the sun at noon, and his prestige was extremely high. No one dared to go against his wishes.
Bian Jiao Rou cried until her intestines were dry and her heart was broken because of Yao Yue's departure. Every time she cried, she even wanted to commit suicide once. If it wasn't for Hu Mei Niang saving her, she would have already gone to the Yellow Springs!
Later, Long Tianba personally met with Bian Jiao Rou, and after persuading her, she finally dispelled the thought of suicide.
However, as long as Yao Yue didn't return, it would be difficult for her to be happy.
In addition, the Yao family suffered heavy losses because of Yao Yue, and Yao Mingzhe also lost his position as the Minister of Revenue. The Yao family was already showing signs of decline!
The marriage between Yao Yue and the seventh princess, Cymbidium Purpurea, could not be held because of Yao Yue's disappearance.
However, Cymbidium Purpurea had already moved into the Long family's residence. She announced that she was Yao Yue's woman in life and Yao Yue's ghost in death. She was waiting for Yao Yue's return to marry her!
The reason why Hu Meiniang went to the Jueyao Ridge to look for Yao Yue was because when she was cultivating there, she heard from some demonic beasts that Yao Yue had entered the Jueyao Ridge. Therefore, she went alone to the Jueyao Ridge.
During this period of time, she had encountered many dangerous situations. Fortunately, she had the Fox Demon King's inheritance, which allowed her to barely escape from danger. Otherwise, she would have died a long time ago!
Later, she used the Art of Seduction to find the Panther King and the Wolf King, two mid-grade Demon Kings, to act as her protectors. That was how she managed to get here.
After hearing Hu Meiniang's story, Yao Yue gently caressed her face and said, "Don't be so silly in the future, okay?"
"Okay. No matter where you go in the future, bring me with you. That way, you won't be like this anymore," Hu Meiniang said seriously.
"Okay, I'll bring you with me in the future," Yao Yue nodded.
After that, Xiao Liuzi came to Yao Yue and said, "Boss, let's go to the Food Tower to eat." He then looked at Hu Meiniang and revealed a bashful smile, "Greetings, sister-in-law."
Hu Meiniang immediately smiled and said, "Xiao Liuzi has changed so much. I almost couldn't recognize you!"
Xiao Liuzi scratched the back of his head and smiled foolishly.
Yao Yue grabbed Hu Meiniang's hand and said to Xiao Liuzi, "Let's go to the Food Tower."
Yao Yue and Xiao Liuzi were brought here by the Firehawk Emperor. Their whereabouts attracted the attention of many Demon Kings.
"Is that the Firehawk Prince with the Ancestral Awakening Body?
I wonder if he'll put up a shocking performance this time. "
"He must be extraordinary to be valued by the Firehawk Emperor. Even if he can't compare to the princes of the other races, he shouldn't be any weaker than the other princes and princesses."
"I think so too. Didn't the Firehawk Prince call the Celestial Roc Prince a loser?
The Firehawk Prince must have matured by now. "
"That's the legendary Six-eared Macaque. It's not as simple as an ordinary Firehawk Monkey. Otherwise, how could it have such a powerful talent?"
…
When Yao Yue, Hu Meiniang, and Xiao Liuzi arrived at the two Food Towers, they immediately saw familiar faces.
"Haha, Brother Yao Yue, Brother Liuzi, come over here," Qing Styx called out with his hoarse voice.
Having said that, he strode towards Yao Yue and Xiao Liuzi.
Yao Yue and Xiao Liuzi followed him and called out at the same time, "Brother Qing Styx, how have you been?"
When Qing Styx got closer, he noticed that Yao Yue and Xiao Liuzi's demonic auras were even stronger than a year ago. He exclaimed, "Brothers, your talents are truly amazing. To think that you've reached a whole new level. I, Qing Styx, am no match for you."
"Brother Qing Styx, you're too humble. Haven't you reached that level as well?" Yao Yue smiled.
"Haha, let's go. Let's not waste time on pleasantries. Let's go upstairs and drink. I'll introduce some friends to you."
Qing Styx said enthusiastically. Following that, his gaze landed on Hu Meiniang, and a look of astonishment appeared on his face, "Eh? Where did this fox queen come from?"
Ever since the Fox Demon Emperor's clan had been wiped out over ten thousand years ago, it had been difficult to find a single fox demon in the Jueyao Ridge.
Even if they did, they would be killed by the other demon clans, while the female fox demons would be captured and turned into playthings for the other demon clans.
That was why Qing Styx was so surprised to see Hu Meiniang here.
"She's my woman, Hu Meiniang," Yao Yue introduced Hu Meiniang to Qing Styx.
Hu Meiniang then bowed to Qing Styx.
"Alright, let's go upstairs first," Qing Styx replied with a puzzled look. He then led Yao Yue to the second floor of the Golden Food Tower.
Upon reaching the second floor, Yao Yue, Hu Meiniang, and Xiao Liuzi finally met the princes and princesses of the various imperial clans.
They all looked at Yao Yue and Little Six with different looks. Most of them were disdainful or arrogant. It was as if they didn't think highly of Yao Yue and Little Six. If it weren't for Qing Ming, they wouldn't have allowed them to come here.
"Prince of the monkey clan, come and sit with me," Yuan Ba called out to Xiao Liuzi.
Hearing Yuan Ba's words, the Yao Kings all looked at Xiao Liuzi in astonishment.
They were all Yao Kings with good eyesight. When they noticed Xiao Liuzi's six ears, they exclaimed inwardly, Six-eared Macaque!
Six-eared Macaques were extremely rare. Seeing one right now, they could not help but be moved.
Xiao Liuzi glanced at Yao Yue. Yao Yue nodded and said, "You can go over."
After getting Yao Yue's permission, Xiao Liuzi walked over to Yuan Ba.
Yao Yue and Hu Meiniang followed Qing Styx and sat down on the other side.
At that moment, a surprised voice rang out, "Eh? This prince is actually seeing a female fox queen. Her charm is not bad. She suits this prince's taste. I wonder if that man of yours is willing to part with her? I'll buy her for thirty square yuan!"
Yao Yue looked over and saw a blue-haired young man staring at Hu Meiniang with a greedy look. He did not even try to hide his desire for her.
The blue-haired young man was the fourth prince of the Qilin clan, Qi Chen. He was a peak mid-grade Yao King.
Yao Yue gave Qi Chen a warning look and said, "She is my woman. Please mind your words."
"Tsk tsk. Who do you think you are? Do you know that I am a prince of the Qilin clan? A fake prince like you is not qualified to speak to me like that. If you know what's good for you, send that female fox queen to me," said Qi Chen with a disdainful look.
As soon as he finished speaking, Yao Yue suddenly shot up from his seat and arrived before Qi Chen in the blink of an eye. Then, he slapped Qi Chen across the face.
Pa!
Qi Chen's body was sent flying and he spat out a mouthful of blood.
Yao Yue flew back to his seat. He had done so in an instant. He was as fast as lightning. Not many people could catch sight of him.
"If you dare to spout nonsense again, I don't care which clan you are from. I will not let you off so easily," said Yao Yue as he picked up the cup of wine in front of him and drank it.
Many of the princes and princesses present revealed complicated expressions as they looked at Yao Yue. Their arrogance and disdain had been restrained by quite a bit.
On the other hand, the Demon Kings around Qilin Chen were enraged and looked like they were about to attack!
"How dare you hit me! I'm going to eat you!" Qi Chen stood up and glared at Yao Yue with rage in his eyes.
Being slapped in the face by Yao Yue in front of so many princes and princesses was a humiliation. He had lost all face. He had to get back at Yao Yue.
"Fourth brother, come back. You are no match for him," said another blue-haired young man.
The blue-haired young man was the eldest prince of the Qilin clan, Qi Miao. He looked older than Qi Chen and had a stronger demonic aura.
Qi Chen glanced at Qi Miao unwillingly before returning to his seat.
Qi Miao stared at Yao Yue and said, "Kneel and kowtow to my fourth brother. Hand over the female fox queen and I will spare your life."
Before Yao Yue could say anything, Xiao Liuzi slammed the table and stood up. "You are courting death!"
"If you want to fight, let's fight!" said Yao Yue as he crushed the cup in his hand.
The princes and princesses of the Qilin clan were also filled with fighting spirit. It was as if they would attack Yao Yue as soon as their eldest brother gave the order.
"Enough. Qi Miao, Qi Chen, give me some face and let this matter pass. You were the ones at fault in the first place," said Yuan Ba.
Qing Styx added, "That's right. You want my brother's queen as soon as you open your mouth. Your Qilin clan is going too far!"
The atmosphere in the Golden Food Tower changed as soon as Yuan Ba and Qing Styx spoke.
The members of the Qilin clan did not expect the princes of the two clans to stand up for Yao Yue. For a moment, they could not back down.
At this moment, the eldest prince of the Golden Jiao Clan finally spoke, "Everyone, sit down and drink!"
His tone was filled with an unquestionable tone, carrying with it a vast and mighty dignity that was extremely intimidating!
"Fine, I will give Brother Jin Ling face. Let's meet at the Ancestral Ascension Stele," said Qi Miao coldly.
"Anytime," said Yao Yue indifferently.
"Whoever dares to go against my boss will be going against me!" said Xiao Liuzi as he glared at the Qilin clan.
One had to admit that Xiao Liuzi was always so loyal.
The competition had yet to begin, but Yao Yue had already provoked a powerful enemy.
This Imperial Grand Competition, it was already impossible for Yao Yue to want to stay out of it!