Chapter 375: The Grand Peach Festival

Crackling sounds echoed across the boundless heights while heavy clouds of leaden mist and a hazy spring drizzle cascaded down.

After the great battle, the rain lost all restraint, pouring down in an even more overwhelming torrent.

Divine Capital Second City.

Above the makeshift canopy at Jade Plaza, a stunned silence prevailed as one figure after another couldn’t help but cast curious glances toward the main seat in the banquet area.

There, two figures rose to their feet—even the Emperor, dressed in a bright yellow robe, stood up.

In that moment, the atmosphere seemed to freeze with arrested tension.

The Empress’s phoenix hairpin trembled as her lovely eyes revealed a trace of shock while she looked at the Emperor, whose face was now shrouded in a mysterious aura of divine might and vitality.

“Let me handle this,” the Emperor declared.

He spoke, his tone leaving no room for dispute.

His words carried an air of absolute authority.

Gusts of wind whipped by, carrying shards of shattered rain droplets that brought a brush of cool moisture.

The Empress was surprised—after all, at the Peach Festival, it was typically she who conferred the honor in tune with the Temple Spirit Resonance of the Western Queen Mother Bizarre Temple and the winners of the Young Dragon Championship.

She never expected the Emperor himself would intervene this time.

What message was hidden in all of this?

The Empress’s eyes danced as she pondered the Emperor’s intention, recalling his earlier inquiry about the little girl Li Nuǎnxi.

At that time, she had not thought much of it.

But now, it seemed…

Could it be that the Emperor had other ulterior motives?

Her eyes sparkling, the Empress offered a respectful smile and bowed, “If Your Majesty is so inclined, then please proceed.”

As her words faded, she stepped back and handed the peach—a peach exuding an overwhelmingly potent fragrance, as if a mighty hurricane had swept over it—to the Emperor.

The Emperor let out a quiet laugh as he effortlessly grasped the peach between his fingers.

Nearby, Eunuch Lian had long lowered his head; though astonished, he showed no sign of it.

He turned and led the way ahead, his voice booming into the heavens as he sliced through the swirling air.

“I invite Your Majesty to present the peach to Li Nuǎnxi, the champion of the Young Dragon Championship,” he announced loudly, his hands interlocked in front of him.

His resounding voice spread like shock waves throughout the canopy, drawing awed stares from many onlookers.

Prominent sect heads from various Divine Sects, powerful figures from illustrious families, and even princely vassals like Ji Mo Li—all wore expressions of astonishment, clearly not expecting the proceedings to veer off course.

Everyone looked stunned, as if the sequence of events had taken an unforeseen turn.

“Your Majesty, why are you personally conferring the peach? This defies protocol,”

objected Gu Changqing, the patriarch of the Tian Dan Divine Sect, his brows furrowing.

In the usual flow of the Peach Festival, the honor of presenting the peach was always the Empress’s duty. The Emperor’s interference simply disrupted the established order.

After all, the delicate balance of the Temple Spirit Resonance with the Western Queen Mother Bizarre Temple was not something to be trifled with.

Gu Changqing had already been deeply troubled by Li Nuǎnxi’s unexpected success, and now the Great Jing Emperor’s actions only added another obstacle.

The Emperor presenting the peach in person carried a significantly different weight compared to the Empress doing so.

Not only them, but also the First Prince Lü Yousheng, Second Prince Lü Hengyi, and Third Prince Lü Litong all wore looks of surprise.

They seemed to sense the Emperor’s deep appreciation for Li Nuǎnxi through his demeanor.

Yet Third Prince Lü Litong’s expression was especially grim.

Lü Litong clenched his fist, hot breath escaping through his nostrils—as he immediately recognized that the ingenious method by which XiXi had defeated Zhang Yuanhu was nothing other than the mechanism employed by the Underworld Ma Mian.

In other words, Li Nuǎnxi must have close ties with the Underworld!

And Lü Litong’s consort, Consort Ji, had been killed by the Underworld!

This made Lü Litong seethe with anger, plotting that if Li Nuǎnxi were to lose in a battle against Zhang Yuanlong, he would expose her collusion with the Underworld, prompting the Emperor to issue an arrest order.

However, against all odds, Zhang Yunlong was defeated, and Li Nuǎnxi not only clinched the Peach Festival championship but also received the personal honor of the Emperor presenting the peach.

Lü Litong was furious—how could the Emperor act so?

Consort Ji died at the hands of the Underworld! This Li Nuǎnxi’s collusion with the Underworld was utterly disgraceful!

Lü Litong balled his fist and drew a deep breath, then glanced at the silent figure of Han Sixi standing behind him.

“Diao Si, tell me—should I step forward and expose this?”

Lü Litong asked fervently.

“This Li Nuǎnxi is clearly linked to the Underworld that killed my consort. Should I really expose her now?”

He pleaded passionately.

For him, Han Sixi was his most crucial support and the key to his ambition for the Crown Prince’s position.

Han Sixi bowed slightly, a gentle smile on his face. “Your Highness, I really think it’s best you keep your head down for now.”

Lü Litong raised an eyebrow.

“Your Highness, the Young Dragon Championship is a cornerstone event for the Great Jing Court—so many eyes are here. It concerns the face of the entire realm.

If you were to expose this now, both Your Majesty and the Empress would suffer public embarrassment—even if it were to avenge Consort Ji’s death,”

he continued, “But if Consort Ji is already gone, letting her death affect Your Majesty’s view of you would be a grave mistake.”

Han Sixi’s face remained calm as he spoke in his measured tone.

His message was clear: at no cost should Your Highness make a scene now.

“Do you know the true significance of the Peach Festival?” Han Sixi inquired.

Lü Litong took a deep breath and closed his eyes, slowly grasping the meaning behind Han Sixi’s words.

A shiver ran down his spine as the truth dawned on him.

“I may have gotten carried away,” he admitted, “simply because that little girl showcased the Underworld’s methods to clinch the championship, throwing my state of mind off balance…”

“My inner self definitely needs more tempering,” he acknowledged with a nod.

Lü Litong nodded in agreement.

Han Sixi smiled. “Your Highness, the Peach Festival isn’t just a contest—it underpins the Temple Spirit Resonance between Your Majesty, the Empress, and the Western Queen Mother Bizarre Temple.

Its impact is enormous, so please think very carefully before making any decisions.”

Lü Litong’s heart pounded as a look of dread flashed across his eyes.

Li Nuǎnxi seemed capable of handling everything, but the Peach Festival was of utmost importance. Disrupting the Emperor’s and Empress’s Temple Spirit Resonance would have dire consequences!

He might even lose his chance at the Crown Prince position altogether!

Cold sweat had already soaked his back without him noticing.

Lü Litong couldn’t help but feel grateful to Diao Si.

He truly depended on Diao Si.

At Lotus Pavilion in the main banquet area, Lu Chi sat obediently, his eyes lifted as he watched XiXi—standing amidst ruins, hands on her hips, proudly flaunting her little belly.

A smile crept across his face.

No wonder XiXi was hailed as the great XiXi Emperor!

Even the Young Dragon Championship couldn’t hold you down—indeed, you stand atop its peak!

Though XiXi’s victory was due to cunning strategies and the might of the Third Prince Temple Spirit, a win was a win—and the Emperor even personally presented her with the peach!

National Teacher Xie Yunshen, dressed in humble robes, watched the scene with a warm smile. When he saw that the Emperor had decided to personally bestow the peach upon XiXi, his smile deepened noticeably.

It appeared that his advice had truly resonated with the Emperor.

The Emperor took the peach, his bright yellow robe billowing in the wind.

The Empress stepped back with a bow, while Eunuch Lian lowered his head and led the way.

A subtle, deep chuckle resonated as the Emperor strode forward—each step as if descending from a mountain top. In that fleeting moment, his aura and presence transformed dramatically.

It was as if a blinding sun was slowly descending upon the world, a majestic power that brought with it an overwhelming, terrifying pressure.

Like the very sky collapsing, tumultuous winds roared and battered, as if torn apart by a relentless force.

With each heavy step, the Emperor’s presence reverberated upon the jade tiles of the ruinous plaza, his footsteps echoing like resounding chimes.

Officials and martial elites alike felt their souls tremble under an irresistible, crushing force.

At the heart of the ruined Jade Plaza,

Li Che and Lü Taibai stood at the edge, their brows furrowed.

Both felt an overwhelming pressure, as if an invisible hand had clutched their chests.

Li Che’s heart tightened.

In that moment, every Dao Fruit within his chest seemed to pulse and collide under a colossal threat.

Boom—

Above the Heavenly Dome, amid towering leaden clouds, thunder roiled as if boiling over!

The relentless spring rain tore through the sky, ripping apart the dense, swirling clouds like dark, spilled ink!

Step by step, the Emperor advanced. The robed figure from Purple-Clad Diao Si walked silently in front—his prowess unmistakable. That fleeting, awe-inspiring move made Li Che realize the man’s cultivation was nothing short of top-tier.

An overwhelming willpower surged as if perfectly fused with the will of heaven and earth—one thought could alter the very skies.

Clearly, the Emperor’s cultivation was exceptional!

Moreover, his strength could trigger a reactive surge in the Dao Fruits!

The Emperor’s prowess was not to be underestimated!

Li Che’s eyes narrowed as he fixed his gaze on the approaching Emperor.

Lü Taibai’s silver hair flared as he murmured, “Do you really think the Emperor’s strength is lacking?”

“You’re gravely mistaken. Never underestimate the Emperor’s cultivation. As for its extent, no one truly knows, for no one has ever witnessed him in action.”

Lü Taibai then addressed Li Che, “The Great Inspector’s Divine Register and Heavenly Gate lists don’t even include the Emperor. Many say it’s because the Great Inspector, mindful of His Majesty’s status, deliberately omitted him.”

“Yet some believe it’s because the Emperor’s strength far exceeds what any list can capture—”

At these words, Li Che’s heart shuddered.

“Divine Calamity?!”

Li Che transmitted, asking, “Divine Calamity?!”

But then—

When a Divine Calamity cultivator appears in the mortal realm, aren’t they inevitably suppressed by the will of heaven and earth? Aren’t they doomed to suffer countless calamities?

If that were the case, the Emperor could never hide his strength.

Unless, of course, the Emperor’s ability doesn’t even qualify him for inclusion in the Divine Register or the Heavenly Gate.

Yet Li Che thought—

Something stirred his Dao Fruits into a frantic beat. The Emperor’s strength was undoubtedly formidable.

Though doubts lingered in Li Che’s mind, he ceased communicating further with Lü Taibai.

For in just a moment, the Emperor was enveloped in an awe-inspiring presence, as though he and the will of heaven and earth had merged—a force that stilled even the very air.

His bright yellow robe fluttered as he gripped the fragrant, divine, and spiritually charged peach with one hand.

That peach exuded an almost overwhelming divine aura—not only divine but also infused with a staggering vitality!

Li Che’s gaze fell upon the peach, and his Pure Heart Dao Fruit throbbed mightily, its sound outshining all the others.

【Nine-Thousand-Year Ginseng Peach】

With the Star Plucking Gaze, Li Che immediately recognized the peach’s origin.

It was indeed a genuine Nine-Thousand-Year Peach.

Li Che’s heart soared. This peach could extend a mortal’s life by a thousand years!

As long as Zhang Ya’s cultivation didn’t break into the Divine Calamity realm, even if she reached the Martial Saint or Divine Transformation stages, she could live a thousand years thanks to the peach’s life-extending properties!

A powerful allure emanated from the peach, stirring an almost greedy craving in one’s soul.

XiXi’s eyes shone bright like twin beacons as she fixed her gaze on the peach in the Emperor’s hand.

Eunuch Lian led the Emperor to stand before XiXi, bowing deeply and performing the customary salute.

The Emperor now stood before XiXi.

Clutching the peach, his face—swirling with blood and divine energy—was obscured, yet his eyes sparkled brilliantly.

He slightly bowed, his bright yellow robe fluttering in the wind, as his gaze met the piercing eyes of XiXi.

Time itself seemed to freeze at that moment.

Of course, XiXi’s attention immediately fell on the peach, not sparing the Emperor a second glance.

Her drool began to trickle uncontrollably.

For XiXi, parting with this peach—a gift meant for her mother—was an enormous challenge. The peach was simply too enticing; its rich aroma stirred an irresistible longing within her small body.

Yet the Emperor did not immediately hand the peach over to her.

Instead, he fixed his gaze on XiXi, as if trying to see through everything that made her who she was.

His eyes lingered on the prison-lotus pattern between her brows until its gleam grew ever brighter.

The spring rain pattered down on the ruined Jade Plaza, washing away the charred remnants of destruction.

The steaming white vapor rose like ethereal mist, akin to the immortal aura of a celestial sanctuary.

“Hahaha!”

Suddenly, the Emperor burst into laughter. No one could tell what he found so amusing as the gazes of powerful figures, officials, and martial elites all turned toward the scene, their brows knitted in confusion about what the Great Jing Emperor was up to.

“Good girl, what a clever little girl,” he exclaimed.

“I simply adore you,”

The Emperor roared with laughter.

Then, he handed the Nine-Thousand-Year Ginseng Peach to XiXi. The peach, drawn by an unseen force, floated gracefully before her.

Without hesitation, XiXi reached out with both hands, cradling the peach tightly in her arms.

She deeply inhaled its heavenly scent—so sweet and luscious that it flushed her little cheeks and made her feel dizzy and intoxicated.

She even staggered as if about to lose her footing.

“Little girl, now that you have this Nine-Thousand-Year Peach, why not eat it immediately?

It tastes sweet and juicy—why not give it a try?”

The Emperor, his face half-obscured yet his eyes unfathomably deep, asked XiXi.

Instantly, XiXi clutched the peach even tighter.

“This peach is for Mother! With its life-extending power, Mother can live a thousand years! Without tasting it, Mother won’t truly be blessed!”

XiXi spoke warily to the Emperor, as if afraid he might snatch the peach away at any moment.

At her words, the Emperor’s eyes softened noticeably as he suddenly realized that XiXi had obtained the peach for her mother.

How filial that was!

After all, this was a Nine-Thousand-Year Ginseng Peach—a single bite could extend a mortal’s life by a thousand years;

provided one did not break into the Divine Calamity realm, one could potentially live for a millennium!

What a tremendous temptation!

The Emperor’s eyes grew misty. He had numerous sons and daughters in the palace, yet not one of them would fight tooth and nail for a single peach meant to extend life.

Every royal offspring only craved the crown, wishing for the Emperor’s early demise so they could seize power sooner.

At that moment, the Emperor found himself strangely envious of Zhang Ya and Li Che—blessed with such a devoted daughter!

The Emperor reached out as if to gently tousle XiXi’s hair.

But XiXi, maintaining a respectful distance, dodged his hand.

The Emperor’s hand remained suspended in midair.

Eunuch Lian, witnessing this, immediately turned pale; the word “bold” was nearly on the tip of his tongue, ready to burst forth like an exploding cannonball.

Before he could speak, the Emperor’s raised palm silenced him, leaving him unable to utter a word.

Eunuch Lian then clasped his palms together and bowed deeply.

“It’s of no consequence,” the Emperor waved dismissively, a wry, half-smiling expression fleeting across his face as blood and divine energy intermingled.

“What a devoted little girl—if only I had a daughter like you,” he laughed.

His tone carried both genuine admiration and perhaps a hint of implication.

“Little one, how about I make you my princess? Would you be my daughter?”

The Emperor asked, his voice laced with a gentle amusement.

As his words echoed, Li Che’s brow furrowed in confusion while Lü Taibai’s eyes narrowed.

The atmosphere itself seemed to freeze.

Yet XiXi shook her head resolutely.

“XiXi has a Father!”

“I will always be my Father’s daughter!”

XiXi clutched the peach close, her eyes brimming with determination as she declared.

At her words, the surrounding air seemed to be sucked dry, vibrating with a subtle tremor.

The Emperor glanced sideways at Li Che, as if silently admonishing his earlier composure.

“Ah, Li Bansheng truly has a wonderful daughter—I’m envious,” he remarked before dramatically flicking the sleeve embroidered with dragons covering the four seas, shattering the air as he spun around with Eunuch Lian in close attendance.

XiXi continued to hold the peach tightly.

Lü Taibai let out a sigh of relief.

For him, the fact that the Emperor hadn’t caused any major issues was welcome news.

The Emperor then announced his intention to make XiXi his daughter. Li Che was momentarily stunned, but when XiXi firmly refused, Li Che felt warmth and happiness swell in his heart.

Still, Li Che worried that if XiXi rejected the Emperor’s offer, the wrath of the Emperor might overturn in an instant.

After all, as the ruler of the Dajing Dynasty, commanding the Eleven Routes of Dajing, his word was law—a terrifying force not to be trifled with.

Even so, Li Che had mentally braced himself to take XiXi to Mo City if need be.

Fortunately, the Emperor did not turn hostile, as if his earlier comment had been nothing more than a jest.

Li Che could hardly believe that the Emperor would actually try to steal away his daughter!

After all, she wasn’t even his biological daughter—what would be the point?

Still, Li Che’s heart grew heavy as he noted this incident in his Life and Death Book.

The Emperor strode forward with imposing steps, his formidable aura shifting with each movement. Dark clouds reformed and dispersed as if mountains were crumbling before his presence.

Returning to the main banquet table, the Emperor’s face betrayed no emotion; with a decisive sweep of his bright yellow, dragon-embroidered robe, he intoned gravely, “The Young Dragon Championship is over—new banquet begins!”

“The Peach Festival carries on!”

“Let the Heroes’ Feast commence!”

With a grand gesture and booming voice reminiscent of thunder, the Emperor announced his orders, echoing through every corner.

In the next moment,

Eunuch Lian straightened up and shouted, “New banquet, begin!”

“Let the Heroes’ Feast commence!”

His voice reverberated like ancient, solemn echoes atop a snowy mountain, each note shattering the spring rain!

Instantly, a buzz of excitement spread throughout the canopy.

Inside Divine Capital First City’s gate, eunuchs and maidservants carried heaping platters of delicacies out of perfectly aligned counters.

They replaced the previous dishes atop each guest’s table with fresh, tantalizing meals.

The second banquet featured even grander fare—wine, dishes, and meats taken to an entirely new level.

The sumptuous aroma drifted through Divine Capital Second City’s canopy, tantalizing the culinary-hungry crowd outside Divine Capital Third City, filling them with envy.

Everyone knew that attending the Peach Festival was well beyond their station. Merely squeezing in to catch a glimpse of the event was a rare privilege.

Gurgling sounds of swallowing echoed as groups of people chattered excitedly, while restaurants in Divine Capital Third City were fully booked. In that moment, every fine wine and delicacy served seemed to taste of the Peach Festival’s splendor.

XiXi, delighted at the sight of the new dishes, clutched the Nine-Thousand-Year Peach and dashed excitedly toward the main banquet area of the Qianyuan Divine Sect.

She returned to the main hall, beaming as she presented the peach to Zhang Ya.

“Mother! XiXi did it! I’ve secured this invaluable Nine-Thousand-Year Peach for you! Once you partake in it, you can live a thousand years—so we can be together forever!”

XiXi beamed brightly.

Zhang Ya’s eyes glistened as she covered her mouth in overwhelming emotion. She knew full well how much effort XiXi had put into winning that peach.

This Peach Festival had been both dangerous and arduous.

“My dear daughter,”

Zhang Ya whispered softly as she placed the Nine-Thousand-Year Peach on the banquet table, embracing XiXi tightly.

“Mother, don’t cry. I’ll work hard to become stronger—strong enough to protect you and Father! And when I’m mightier than Father, I promise I’ll defend you even further!”

XiXi, nestled in Zhang Ya’s arms, mimicked the gestures of an adult as she gently patted Zhang Ya’s shoulder.

It made Zhang Ya burst into quiet laughter.

“Mother, go ahead and eat the peach! This is my filial devotion to you!”

XiXi exclaimed happily.

However, Lü Taibai intervened.

“This Nine-Thousand-Year Ginseng Peach is of an extremely high rank, containing an immensely profound mix of divine energy, essence, and vitality.

It shouldn’t be consumed casually.

Zhang Ya’s mortal body might not be able to fully refine it. Before she can ingest the peach, she must prepare—a formation must be arranged to better absorb its essence and vigor!”

Lü Taibai hurriedly explained.

Hearing this, XiXi felt a pang of regret. She had thought she might soon witness her mother’s transformation to eternal life.

But recklessly using rare treasures carries great risk.

XiXi, however, was no longer an ignorant child regarding cultivation and felt no objection.

Zhang Ya, on the other hand, was nonchalant. Once the peach was safely stored away, she accompanied XiXi to savor the dishes of the second banquet.

The second banquet’s fare was exquisite—the overall quality far surpassed that of the first.

This was no surprise, as the second banquet was part of the Heroes’ Feast.

The Peach Festival was held in two parts:

the Young Dragon Championship and the Heroes’ Feast—

with the Heroes’ Feast being the more prestigious.

After all, the Young Dragon Championship was essentially just a brawl among children—even if their cultivation was advanced.

But the Heroes’ Feast was entirely different.

Here, the stalwarts from Divine Sects and elite families came together!

Unless one reached the Martial Saint or Divine Transformation stage, one couldn’t even participate in the Heroes’ Feast.

It was only the true heroes, from ages fifteen to fifty, who dominated their realms with unmatched spirit!

Now, everyone was curious about the rules of the Heroes’ Feast.

They wondered if, like the Dragon Championship, the reward would also be a Nine-Thousand-Year Ginseng Peach!

“Eat up,”

Li Che affectionately tousled XiXi’s hair.

How could one not love such a daughter?

For the sake of her mother’s longevity, she fought with extraordinary determination—even though she was only six.

Li Che recalled XiXi’s transformation during her battle against Zhang Yunlong, when her spirit awakened with formidable divine will.

That moment had risked everything—if grown-up XiXi ever harbored selfish intent, her very body might be overtaken, leaving nothing but a hollow shell!

Yet XiXi had resolved to follow through!

Li Che sat beside a teary-eyed Zhang Ya as they sampled the dishes of the second banquet.

With the second banquet underway, the atmosphere grew even more lively.

Perhaps it was the Young Dragon Championship warming up the crowd, igniting excitement all around.

Yet the price for such liveliness was steep.

The First Young Dragon of Purple Mansion Divine Sect, Zhang Yuanlong, had indeed paid with his life!

Many savored the sumptuous food while pondering the exact rules of the Heroes’ Feast.

Would it, too, grant a slightly lower-grade peach?

Winners would then decide whether to offer a sacrifice and continue to the next round!

The powerful figures from various Divine Sects, illustrious families, and princely heirs were no longer savoring the delicacies.

They silently contemplated the potential rules of the Heroes’ Feast.

At the banquet table behind him at Witch God Mountain, Goldmane sat, his eyes like twin floodlights fixed intently on Li Che as he devoured a morsel of roasted mystical beast meat with intense fervor.

Goldmane’s determination burned bright. He was ready to crush Li Che utterly to settle their wager once and for all.

But as Goldmane mulled over the wager with Li Che, he realized how foolish he had been!

For Li Che had managed to win the bet without even risking anything!

If Li Che lost, he would only have to hand over Jin Taisui.

Yet if Goldmane lost, he would be reduced to a slave like Jin Taisui!

How absurd—why should Li Che lose without consequence, merely parting with a Jin Taisui?

Not even sharing a blood tie, not even a chance to shake Li Che’s mood.

Meanwhile, Goldmane was indeed sold out!

Who said Li Bansheng was nothing more than a dumb log skilled only in carving Divine Wooden Sculptures?!

The spring rain trickled down once more.

Crack, crack!

Thunder rolled fiercely above the endless expanse of leaden clouds.

As dusk approached, the day of the Young Dragon Championship drew to a close, leaving the sky dim.

But the banquet in Divine Capital Second City was still in full swing.

Eunuch Lian, head bowed and shuffling along in small steps with his hands crossed, returned to the main banquet area where the Emperor and Empress were seated.

He glanced at the Emperor and Empress, as if asking if it was time to announce the rules of the Heroes’ Feast.

The Emperor turned to the Empress. “Now that the rules for the Heroes’ Feast have been decided, Empress, please go ahead.”

“My recent unilateral decisions have somewhat muddled the details between the Peach Festival and the Temple Spirit Resonance…”

“So please, Empress, help me tidy up the aftermath.”

The Emperor chuckled softly.

“Your words are too harsh. As the Emperor of the Dajing Dynasty, how could I possibly disrupt the Peach Festival?”

“But since you’ve granted me this honor, then—thank you, Your Majesty.”

The Empress bowed gracefully, smiling as she replied.

Then, under the Emperor’s steely gaze, she rose with regal grace—adorned in opulent robes, crowned with a phoenix headdress, her features as delicate as a painting, her ruby lips curved into a smile as if stepping out of a masterpiece.

Her warm gaze swept over the entire hall like a gentle spring breeze, capturing everyone’s attention.

In an instant, the lively second banquet fell silent.

Both Divine Capital Second and Third Cities turned deathly quiet.

All eyes converged behind the Empress.

With her wide sleeves unfurled, she resembled a phoenix spreading its golden wings, radiating a brilliance as if reclaiming the splendor once wrested away by the Emperor.

Utensils halted mid-air as every eye was fixed on the stunning, majestic Empress.

It was as if she alone embodied the spirit of the entire Peach Festival.

A heavy hush descended on all as a collective shiver passed through the crowd.

“My loyal subjects, the Peach Festival is well underway, and the champion of the Young Dragon Championship has been crowned. Now, after the second banquet, a grand highlight of this Heroes’ Feast awaits.”

“I hereby announce that the Heroes’ Feast is officially open!”

The Empress’s voice resounded powerfully, as if ripples of sound folded into the air.

Everyone drew a deep breath, holding their collective attention for what came next.

“I now personally announce the rules of the Heroes’ Feast—”

Her gaze swept the room.

Then, with a graceful smile, she continued, “Under one roof, the most brilliant heroes gather to compete for the peach—”

“After discussions with His Majesty, we have set forth the following rules:”

“After thorough pre-selection at the Heroes’ Feast preliminary banquet, exactly one hundred heroes from various Divine Sects and illustrious families shall be chosen.”

“They will all trigger the Western Queen Mother’s divine aura from the peach branch—”

“After which they will enter the most mysterious area within the Three Pure Ones’ Western Queen Mother Bizarre Temple—the Peach Garden!”

“Honorable heroes, in the first round you will enter the Thousand-Year Peach Orchard and obtain five Thousand-Year Peaches, thereby granting access to the next round in the Five-Thousand-Year Peach Orchard.”

The Empress’s voice boomed.

Though a woman, her tone rang clear in every ear.

The Empress clasped her wide sleeves in front of her.

With a graceful smile, she added, “Additionally, may I remind you all—”

“In each round of the Peach Garden—”

“You may only pluck a single peach.”