Chapter 764 - 489: The Most Untouchable Person, the Hook Jade Obtained! (Double-Length) _2

Chapter 764: Chapter 489: The Most Untouchable Person, the Hook Jade Obtained! (Double-Length) _2

In the sky, Song Changming sat cross-legged atop a mass of crimson cloud.

Suddenly, the Yunhai churned once more. Song Changming looked up and saw a Situ Ming emerge from the Yunhai.

"Younger Brother Song, you are still quick." Seeing Song Changming, Situ Ming floated over with a smile and sat cross-legged atop the Yunhai, mimicking Song Changming’s pose.

"Not at all, Brother Situ, you aren’t slow either," Song Changming replied with a faint smile.

Both of them held a Hook Jade in their hands, naturally appearing calm and composed, no longer in a hurry.

"While we still have time, why don’t we spar a bit more? I still have many skills I haven’t shown," Situ Ming couldn’t hold back and suggested once again.

He greatly enjoyed the intense battles of fists with Song Changming, a pleasure he couldn’t find with other Grandmaster Martial Artists.

He had no choice; among those with strong physiques he had met, there was only Song Changming.

"Brother Situ, next time, for sure," Song Changming declined politely.

He wasn’t a battle enthusiast; after sparring once, it was hard for him to muster the interest for another round.

After all, the Hook Jade was already in hand, and now he just had to wait for the Celestial Ruins Realm to fully open.

Moreover, compared to sparring with Human Race Grandmasters, he preferred battling Demons.

After all, there was no need to hold back, and there was the bounty of the Great Demon Essence that could be refined.

Situ Ming was not unreasonable; since Song Changming was unwilling to exercise further, he didn’t insist.

"Alright then, congratulations Brother Song, on receiving the emperor’s thousand-pound special Spirit Wine."

"If Brother Situ wants some, I can share," Song Changming said with a faint smile.

"Wonderful! Who wouldn’t love top grade wine?" Situ Ming laughed heartily, immediately putting aside the idea of sparring.

The more he looked at Song Changming, the more pleasing he found him.

As the two sat and chatted, others came hoping to vie for the Hook Jade.

But upon seeing Situ Ming beside Song Changming, in shock, they sensibly turned and left without hesitation.

The final struggle for the Hook Jade only ceased at the last moment as the sun set.

In the dim twilight, as night fell, the stars twinkled in clusters, forming a Milky Way high above.

The six who eventually obtained the Hook Jades earned the chance to enter the Void Realm this time.

"Let’s go." Song Changming, originally admiring the stars, suddenly stood up, brushed off some lingering clouds from his body, and descended towards the hall.

Beside him, Situ Ming, Bai Qing, Huaqing Pool, and two attendants brought by the princes, all holding Hook Jades, became the final victors.

The rest could only watch with envy, perhaps unwillingly, but they could only wait for the next opportunity.

"Everyone, come in."

The close ministers were waiting outside the hall early. Once everyone returned, they ushered them back inside.

"Great King, punishment for the failure this time..." Gao Zigugu returned to his seat behind Prince Rui, asking for forgiveness in a low voice.

Normally, failing to seize a Hook Jade wouldn’t require Gao Zigugu to specifically apologize to Prince Rui.

The key point of his apology lay in being utterly beaten by an attendant from Prince Cui, with no way to fight back, which not only disgraced him but was bound to displease Prince Rui.

"Forget it; if your skills are inferior, there’s nothing to say," Prince Rui, despite being deeply dissatisfied, could only say this, as Emperor Yun was still watching from the throne.

Gao Zigugu took a deep breath, sighed inwardly, knowing this matter wasn’t over.

Instinctively, he glanced towards where Prince Cui was seated.

After receiving praise from Emperor Yun, Song Changming had also returned to his seat behind Prince Cui.

Unlike the heavy atmosphere on Prince Rui’s side, Prince Cui was spirited and cheerful, conversing jovially with many Titled kings.

"Damn it..." Gao Zigugu was once again frustrated seeing Song Changming’s composed demeanor.

If not for Song Changming, even if he couldn’t seize any benefit from him, he could at least have ensured acquiring a Hook Jade, rather than returning empty-handed and full of grievances.

The cloud fighting seemed more like a halftime entertainment show; it was the main event but not very crucial.

After the cloud fighting, the princes and ministers continued discussions on the grand strategies, concerns in and outside Yun Province, and the key focus of development for the next twenty-five years, which were the true reasons for the Imperial Banquet.

In these matters, Song Changming had no role; they were of little concern to him.

He only needed to listen while eating and drinking behind Prince Cui.

However, during the discussions, Song Changming did hear some information that caught his interest.

That was the opening time of the Celestial Ruins Realm, feared to be no later than half a month, earlier by at least three to five years than past occurrences.

Emperor Yun, having sensed the unusual stirring of the Celestial Ruins Realm, realized its looming near and thus advanced the timing of the Imperial Banquet to make comprehensive preparations early.

Considering the considerable threat posed by the Demon Race in the Celestial Ruins Realm, Emperor Yun placed more emphasis on this opening than before.

If the princes didn’t need to return to guard their territories, Emperor Yun would have sent all Thirty Six Kings into the field to fiercely counter the Demon Race.

At dawn the next morning, the Imperial Banquet concluded.

"Changming, rest assured and stay at my mansion. When the Celestial Ruins Realm opens, heed caution; it’s not only the Demon Race’s threat but inherently perilous with opportunities often accompanied by dangers, always act within your means."

In Prince Cui’s Mansion, before departing, Prince Cui earnestly and solemnly advised Song Changming.

"I will remember," Song Changming nodded.

With the Celestial Ruins Realm set to open soon, Song Changming, having earned the entry slot, naturally had to stay in the Imperial City to wait for its impending opening.

As for Prince Cui and his party, they needed to return first, while he continued to reside in Prince Cui’s mansion alone.

"Alright then, Old Hu, with Changming’s strength, nothing will happen. Now let’s drink for a few days after the separation at the Imperial Banquet," Prince Xia, unable to endure the nagging, urged.

Soon, the trio left.

Before leaving, Hong Zhen cast a couple more glances at Song Changming.

Hong Zhen also participated in yesterday’s cloud fighting, but unfortunately, his strength didn’t stand out among the grandmaster powerhouses.

From start to finish, he didn’t even get to touch a Hook Jade, let alone have any significant moments.

To the point that Song Changming didn’t even notice Hong Zhen’s presence.

Yet, Hong Zhen had inadvertently witnessed Song Changming thrash Gao Zigugu, amazed at Song Changming’s current strength, genuinely envious of how easily he won the Celestial Ruins entry slot.

But he also understood the vast gap between them, with little chance for future encounters or battles.

Thinking this, Hong Zhen’s mood turned even more complex.

"Brother Song, bring some treasures from inside, so that we can also see them someday," Hong Zhen suddenly said to Song Changming before leaving.

"No problem," Song Changming smiled.

A rare smile emerged from the usually stern-faced Hong Zhen as he followed the two kings, quickly departing.

"Lord Song, during these times, should you need anything, please instruct this old servant," the old steward approached Song Changming, bowing, after Prince Cui left.

In Prince Cui’s absence, this old steward managed the mansion located in the Imperial City.

Following Prince Cui since childhood, he was deeply trusted by Prince Cui as he was once his attendant and study partner.

Clearly, Prince Cui had specifically instructed him to serve Song Changming well.

Hence, the old steward treated Song Changming with utmost respect.

"I don’t need you to do much, just keep an eye on any decrees from His Majesty," Song Changming said.

He was only staying temporarily and would soon head to the Celestial Ruins Realm, so there was little need for the mansion staff to do anything for him.

"Understood," the old steward agreed, understanding that Song Changming wasn’t fond of disturbances, made a mental note to instruct the mansion’s maids and servants to avoid bothering the esteemed guest.

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