Chapter 558 - 454: Sleight of Hand: The White Lotus

"Secret intelligence?" Gao Neng’s eyes lit up.

"Yes, including everything that’s happened among the other races since we escaped last time..." Gao Xiaomeng nodded, then began to explain the various pieces of intelligence she had gathered over the past month.

Naturally, Gao Neng didn’t interrupt.

Although Gao Xiaomeng didn’t seem to have a structured narrative, rambling on about one thing and then another, Gao Neng still managed to grasp the general idea.

First, after that incident, Gao Neng’s name had become a household name among the other races.

Next came the gathering of all sorts of intelligence about him.

This was all within Gao Neng’s expectations.

What was unexpected was...

Wu Dingxiang, the Seventh Princess of the Dark Night Elf Clan, had actually managed to use this ordeal to clear her name of the rumors about her colluding with the Celestial Race’s Fourth Prince.

Because all the princes had witnessed the truth with their own eyes.

It was caused entirely by Gao Neng!

The Seventh Princess, Wu Dingxiang, had been wronged...

She was purer than a White Lotus!

Moreover, because of this event to choose her spouse, word of Wu Dingxiang’s beauty spread throughout all the races. Her otherworldly aura and her tear-stained face—like a pear blossom in the rain—became the stuff of legend, spreading like wildfire.

In no time, Wu Dingxiang became the goddess in the hearts of the princes from all the other races.

Of course, word of Mu Feifei’s beauty spread as well.

But what was Mu Feifei’s status?

The Ninth Princess of the Celestial Race!

She wasn’t just exceptionally beautiful; her power was also outstanding. Given her status, most princes wouldn’t dare to even dream of pursuing her.

So, Mu Feifei appealed only to a select few.

The most outstanding princes naturally set their sights on Mu Feifei.

Most princes, however, focused their attention on the Seventh Princess of the Elves, Wu Dingxiang.

As a result, the Dark Night Elf Clan became a lively place.

Every other day, a prince would show up to propose marriage, waiting arduously under the ancient tree. There was even a prince who knelt in the street, holding up nine hundred and ninety-nine clove flowers to propose to her.

Unsurprisingly...

Wu Dingxiang rejected them all.

This only convinced more princes that Wu Dingxiang was truly a sacred White Lotus.

As the saying goes, what you can’t have is always the best.

And after these rumors fermented for a few months, they finally bore fruit.

The Blood Race.

The current Clan King’s legitimate son, the Fifth Prince, sent an invitation for a "friendly get-together."

This Fifth Prince was quite impressive...

Not only was he a legitimate heir, but his conduct was also exemplary and his talent was extraordinary. Two years ago, he had already stepped into the high-tier ranks. In some respects, he was even a bit stronger than Mu Feifei.

Most importantly, this Fifth Prince was born to the Blood Race’s current Clan King’s most favored Princess Consort. From childhood, he had been showered with glory and favor.

Barring any accidents, he was basically the next Blood Race King.

An invitation from such a Prince was something that not even Wu Dingxiang could refuse, let alone the Elf Queen herself.

After all, the Blood Race, like the Celestial Race, was one of the major clans.

Moreover, this Fifth Prince was very clever. He didn’t propose marriage directly, but only requested a "friendly get-together." Even the Celestial Race couldn’t possibly deny him this courtesy.

However, Wu Dingxiang was, after all, the Elf Queen’s favorite Princess. How could the Celestial Race possibly let her marry so far away into the Blood Race so easily?

So, this required some negotiation.

If the benefits were sufficient, Wu Dingxiang could marry.

If not, she could not!

Thus, Mu Feifei became the "Flower Guardian," bringing Wu Dingxiang for the get-together and, incidentally, to negotiate.

This was the official story.

As for the unofficial story...

Gao Xiaomeng offered another theory.

It was heard that the Celestial Race King was also quite satisfied with this Fifth Prince of the Blood Race and intended for him and Mu Feifei to have some "in-depth exchanges."

But the person he had invited was Wu Dingxiang, so the Celestial Race King naturally couldn’t just openly snatch him away.

That’s why it was ultimately decided that Mu Feifei would accompany and escort her.

"’So the saying is true,’ Gao Neng mused, ’guard against fire, guard against thieves, and guard against your best friend.’ He didn’t know if what Gao Xiaomeng said was true, though."

But if this Fifth Prince really fell for Mu Feifei at first sight, then Wu Dingxiang, the Seventh Princess of the Elves, would in all likelihood have to continue playing the part of the White Lotus and step aside.

"You’ve said so much, so what exactly is your plan?" Gao Neng finally asked after listening to all of Gao Xiaomeng’s intelligence.

"A bait and switch," Gao Xiaomeng replied frankly.

"..." Gao Neng.

"Oh, right, Big Bro... I haven’t dual cultivated with you yet!" A mysterious smile played on Gao Xiaomeng’s lips as she spoke.

"Dual cultivation?" Gao Neng looked at Gao Xiaomeng’s exposed long legs. He had to admit that since their fight last time, Gao Xiaomeng had indeed matured a lot.

But that didn’t change the fact that Gao Xiaomeng was, by nature, a cat.

’Hmph!’

’Dual cultivation?’

’In your dreams!’

...

「Time: 10:00 PM sharp.」

The Military Department had long since arranged a military tent for Gao Neng to rest in.

However, for many people, this would clearly be a sleepless night.

When Gao Neng returned to his military tent, a group of people was already waiting outside for him, including Shaximo, Wei Ya, Zhou Jin, and Yi Qinglian.

Yi Qinglian was the first to speak upon seeing Gao Neng.

"We already know. The Military Department is about to launch an attack on the other races. The targets are the three major cities outside the North District. I hope you’ll permit us to participate!" Yi Qinglian’s personality was as direct as ever; without any unnecessary pleasantries, she stated her purpose right away.

"Military campaigns have always been the business of the Military Department. Are you... sure?" Gao Neng looked at Yi Qinglian. He wasn’t too surprised to see Shaximo, Yi Qinglian, and the others on the Northern District Battlefield.

After all, with the lives of twenty million people in the North District hanging in the balance, it was to be expected that the sects and prominent families would step in.

But for Yi Qinglian, Shaximo, Wei Ya, and the others to want to continue participating in the upcoming siege battles... that was somewhat unexpected.

After all, there had always been an unwritten rule in the Alliance.

Waging war was the business of the Military Department.

The prominent families and sects were mainly responsible for "logistical" work. To put it bluntly, they wouldn’t participate in defending cities or fighting unless it was a critical moment.

Of course, if the Military Department had a need—for example, if they required people with special talents and requested aid from the sects and prominent families—then generally speaking, the sects and prominent families would lend a hand.

"We’re sure." Yi Qinglian nodded affirmatively, then added, "This is such a momentous occasion. We can’t bear to miss it. And my father, he wouldn’t stop us from pursuing glory either!"

"That’s right! How could we miss the Human Alliance’s first siege?"

"Please allow us to join the battle!"

"The Military Department’s troops have suffered heavy casualties, but we are fresh forces. We can charge on the front lines!"

The others also chimed in immediately after hearing Yi Qinglian’s words.

"’A momentous occasion?’ Alright, I understand." Gao Neng nodded. He already understood why Yi Qinglian and the others were staying.

The Human Alliance had been humiliated for over a hundred years.

Now, they were finally beginning to fight back.

How could they possibly be willing to leave?

This siege was a moment that would turn a new page in human history, a moment to witness the rise of the Human Race. No one would shrink back at a time like this.

"Thank you, Councillor Gao."

"Thank you!"

"In that case, Councillor Gao, please get some rest."

Hearing Gao Neng’s agreement, the group gradually departed.

Shaximo walked over at this moment, his gaze fixed quietly on Gao Neng. "Gao Neng, I hope that one day, we can have a proper match!"

"And by ’proper,’ you mean without using genetic weapons or Illusion Techniques, right?" Gao Neng looked at Shaximo’s expression, and the corners of his mouth turned up.

"Er... Great Sun Buddha, this humble monk never tells lies... Hmm, you’re right. If you were to use genetic weapons and Illusion Techniques, then this humble monk admits defeat." Shaximo nodded.

"Heh, then after we conquer the city, we’ll have that proper fight!" Gao Neng thought, ’I actually really want to see if I can beat Shaximo without using my trump cards.’

’The number one genius on the Dragon List! If I beat him, won’t that make me the true number one on the Dragon List?’

"Good, it’s a deal!" Shaximo nodded and then stepped back.

Wei Ya and Zhou Jin then walked over together. After reaching Gao Neng, the two of them glanced at each other, seeming to hesitate.

"You two want a fair fight as well?" Gao Neng looked at them.

"No need. If you can beat Shaximo, you can naturally beat us," Zhou Jin shook her head, then continued, "I came to ask for your help."

"Help?"

"Yes, my Sect Leader is only a hair’s breadth away from a breakthrough, so she needs a medicinal pill. It’s just that, this pill’s formula requires a few ingredients..."

"I understand. Just give me the Pill Formula and a list of the missing ingredients." Gao Neng nodded.

’The Sect Leader of Mount Emei might be about to have a breakthrough? This is a good thing. If she succeeds, the Human Race will have another one of the Strongest!’

Gao Neng wasn’t some kind of saint, but he was willing to lend a hand at a time like this.

"Thank you. As for the price, we can pay fifty percent of the market rate!" A trace of delight appeared on Zhou Jin’s face when she heard this.

"Let’s just stick to the price set by the Celestial King Group," Gao Neng waved his hand dismissively.

"Okay, thank you so much!" After speaking, Zhou Jin tugged at Wei Ya, who was beside her, as if to signal that it was his turn to speak.

"Uh... well, I also have something I’d like to ask for your help with, Brother Gao Neng," Wei Ya said, gritting his teeth.

"Go ahead."

"My grandfather also needs two medicinal ingredients. As for the Pill Formula, we..."

"No problem. The price will be as set by the Celestial King Group." Gao Neng nodded.

"Many thanks!" Wei Ya didn’t say any more, unlike Zhou Jin, and simply turned and left.

Next, Yi Qinglian walked over.

She opened her mouth, seeming to hesitate, and the usually straightforward girl actually looked shy at this moment.

"Hm? You need Alchemy too?" Gao Neng asked casually.

"No, I don’t need Alchemy!" Yi Qinglian immediately shook her head.

"Then what do you need?" Gao Neng asked, surprised.

"I don’t need anything... it’s just that I want... no, it’s not me... it’s my mom... she said... she said she wants to meet you alone to discuss something important..." As Yi Qinglian spoke, her face gradually turned red, like a ripe apple.

Watching this scene, Gao Neng could only think one thing. ’Apples are a bit expensive, and I can’t afford to eat them!’

’Still, even though this apple in front of me is a super expensive one, Luna wanting to see me at a time like this... it couldn’t be to propose a marriage, could it? After all, when it comes to marriage proposals... Luna has already brought it up before! And I didn’t agree. So, for Luna to specifically send Yi Qinglian to find me, there must be something truly important she wants to discuss!’

’In the dead of night, a mother sends her daughter to find me, and for a private meeting, no less. What could this be about?’ Gao Neng looked up, a growing feeling that something was off the more he thought about it.