Today was a very good day, and the Country of Fire’s palace was in a ceremonial mode.
All the eunuchs and palace maids were wearing red clothes that were specially made for this occasion.
The Weiyang Palace was the most solemn place for the royals to hold a banquet. It was normally used to host royals from other countries.
However, today was a special occasion. It was used to send off Shen Ao.
Shen Ao would be on his way to Grand White Grotto-Heaven and be a disciple there tomorrow. Not only could he be part of Grand White Grotto-Heaven, Supremacy Zi Yang liked him very much and was willing to like to take him as a disciple.
As a disciple favored by an immortal senior, he would be able to take his place someday.
The Elder could give lessons to thousands of students, but he would only have a dozen in-name disciples. The number of disciples would be even lesser, normally no more than three. It was not rare to have even one disciple.
After Shen Ao became Supremacy Zi Yang’s disciple, he would definitely learn a lot from him. Shen Ao would undoubtedly reach the Golden Core stage in the future, and Nascent Soul would not be a dream either.
Even the King of Fire, Shen Xiao, was just a peak Golden Core cultivator.
Although there were some Nascent Soul cultivators among the senior guardians that were training in a discreet place in the palace, not all Nascent Souls were the same.
Some stronger Nascent Soul cultivators could fight against 100 Nascent Soul cultivators that were not as good.
The Country of Fire’s royals were no different from commoners in Eastern Wilderness, as there were countless royals like them roaming about. They were nothing compared to Grand White Grotto-Heaven that was considered the top grotto-heaven.
It was Shen Ao’s fortuitous opportunity for being favored by Supremacy Zi Yang. As long as the 6th Prince worked hard in the future, he would be able to reach the Nascent Soul stage if he was lucky. Then, he could easily be the Country of Fire’s strongest defender, meaning the country would be safer and more stable.
All the neighboring countries would show some respect to the Grand White Grotto-Heaven Elder that was defending the Country of Fire.
Thus, this send-off banquet was very important to all the royals and nobles from the Country of Fire, as well as the itinerant cultivators.
Everyone had prepared some valuable gifts just to please the 6th Prince.
Luckily, the 6th Prince was still at the Foundation Establishment stage now. When Shen Ao was at the Golden Core stage, he would not be interested in this worthless trash.
Those royals were not successful for nothing. Naturally, they knew how to act in their own self-interest.
“My prince! Did not see you in a few days, and you’ve gotten handsome again.”
“Splendid, Your Highness! You are at the Foundation Establishment stage at such a young age? You must be a genius!”
“My daughter is 16 this year. She admires you very much and would like to serve you by your side.”
“Your Highness, do you need any servant? My son is ready to take up that role if you need him!”
A crowd surrounded Shen Ao, who was wearing a red python robe. His behavior fit his status, but there was disappointment in his eyes.
A few days ago…
Shen Ao visited Myriad Spirit Garden after reaching the Foundation Establishment stage to get some presents for his master.
Since his servant, Lee, had contact with his thirteenth brother, he believed Lee had bad luck and thus didn’t bring him along.
Even so, Shen Ao still felt that Lee had affected his providence. Before he could even reach the Myriad Spirit Garden, he suffered a Qi Deviation under a tree and woke up two days later! He had passed out for the entire two days!
Shen Ao had a tight schedule and could only stay in the Myriad Spirit Garden for three days. Yet, he had spent 2/3 of the time sleeping!
After Shen Ao woke up, he wasted no time and entered the Myriad Spirit Garden.
He had heard about a legendary person there. His name was Shen Aotian, a name very similar to his. However, Shen Ao felt that he was nothing similar to him as Shen Aotian was a legend in Myriad Spirit Garden!
“If we are fated, my services will be free; but if we are not, no amount of gold would fancy me.” This was how generous this legend was!
He had chosen over 100 Spirit Ores, and nothing had the value below ten times. This was how good this legend was!
To protect his believers, he had gone against his will and chosen a Spirit Stone for Divine Firmament’s Saintess. This was how kind this legend was!
Shen Ao was very remorseful. If only he had reached Myriad Spirit Garden two days earlier, he could have still been able to meet this Master Celestial.
How could he have missed such a legend!? Just because he had accidentally suffered a Qi Deviation during training and passed out for two days!?
Well, even if he did not manage to find Master Celestial, there was still the Celievers’ Grand Elder and current leader. He might have a way to contact this Master Celestial.
Shen Ao heard that many people visited the Sky Spirit Pavilion after Master Celestial had gone missing for a day. Thus, he thought that as the leader of Celievers, Shopkeeper Song might know where Master Celestial was.
However, he found out that the Sky Spirit Pavilion would be closed for a month. The shopkeeper and his son were nowhere to be found.
Shen Ao was utterly depressed.
Thirteenth Brother, seriously? Is your bad luck that powerful!?
Shen Ao decided not to stay in the Myriad Spirit Garden any longer. He believed his providence was getting weaker each minute he spent his time there.
What about choosing the ore myself?
LOL!
Shen Ao had a feeling that he could not even earn 100 Spirit Stones if he used all his money here. Hence, he left the Myriad Spirit Garden in disappointment.
He decided to face his fate. He would have to buy the present with his pocket money, and that would not be cheap!
Luck is not on my side…
Shen Ao was very close to depression while returning to the palace. However, now that he had arrived and everyone was flattering him, he felt better.
Unfortunately, that regretful feeling was still buried deep down in his heart.
He decided to visit the Myriad Spirit Garden again after today’s bouquet and wait for Master Celestial. Shen Aotian had disappeared for three days before, so he may have been in secluded cultivation this time too.
As long as I camp for him long enough, I’ll definitely meet him!
A loud bell suddenly rang and interrupted Shen Ao’s thoughts.
The Weiyang Palace’s eunuch screamed in a shrill voice, “Your Majesty is here!”
Everyone in the Weiyang Palace knelt down and waited for the king’s arrival.
Soon, the King of Fire walked into the palace with a large group of palace maids. He looked solemn and dignified. His reddish-golden dragon robe brought out his aura even further.
“Everyone, please rise,” said Shen Xiao and looked at Shen Ao proudly.
My son, Shen Ao, is gifted and talented. He was born to be special! Going to Grand White Grotto-Heaven is just his first step to greatness!
Shen Xiao was pleased with his son. He smiled and said, “Today is an important day for my son. Ao, do you have anything you wish for? Tell father, I’ll grant you whatever you wish for!”
Shen Ao was very touched by his father’s words, but he could not help but still feel a sense of disappointment.
So what if I have a doting father? I still cannot meet Master Celestial! That’s a lifetime tragedy!
At the same time…
A handsome man outside the Weiyang Palace sneezed. He was late for the banquet as he had gone to buy a present for his sixth brother.
