Chapter 999 - 848: Favorite Gift

The liveliest marketplace in Nanshan Royal City, Bowan Building's South Building is undoubtedly one of them.

The South Building, though called a building, is actually a Lake Heart Island; and though called an island, it is essentially a mountain standing in the azure lake.

Various shops are scattered across the mountain, with the mountain's foot featuring eight large bridges leading in all directions. Each bridge is distinct in style, and the bridge bodies have eight different colors, with long bridges hosting venues for eating, drinking, and entertainment.

On the lake, many boats come and go, and various decorated pleasure boats are quite a sight to behold at night. People coming to the South Building for purchases can choose to cross the bridges, board a boat, or discreetly leave underwater after making a purchase for privacy reasons.

In the air, many birds carrying goods leave the South Building too. It is said that this method of transaction was developed by Miao Dingyi specifically for Nanshan Royal City, allowing certain guests to send birds in their stead instead of coming in person.

Shi Chun's group, having widened their horizons and enjoyed the scenic views of the lake and mountain, finally arrived outside the island's tallest luxury building.

They received quite a bit of attention along the way, as anyone could tell from the golden configurations on their battle armor that they belonged to the Heavenly Court.

Especially Shi Chun's mount, which no one in Nanshan Royal City seemed able to identify, leading many to point fingers at it.

Outside the South Building's central area, Shi Chun requested to be announced.

Upon seeing nine auspicious clouds adorning Shi Chun's waist and a group of guards accompanying him, the gatekeepers did not hesitate and quickly took out the Mother-child Talisman to report.

However, like visiting the Stargazing Pavilion to meet Mulan Jin, Shi Chun encountered a closed door, unable to meet.

The response was that Miao Dingyi had gone out for business; fortunately, Shi Chun was given a home address and invited to attend a family dinner in the evening.

Although he did not meet Miao Dingyi, Shi Chun felt somewhat flattered, having never enjoyed such treatment from the Miao family. Moreover, being personally hosted by someone of Miao Dingyi's stature was undoubtedly an offer he accepted happily, promising he would certainly attend.

In fact, Miao Dingyi was inside the building.

After watching Shi Chun's group leave from the window of the high building, Miao Dingyi couldn't help but curl a grin, "This fool is really quite flashy. It's not a dangerous place, yet he moves around the Royal City with hundreds of guards. In the future, Domain Lord Level might need a thousand to take a stroll."

In a place like the Royal City, there are indeed numerous people of Domain Master level.

An attendant nearby chuckled: "This Shi Chun is quite a legend, having originated from Life Prison, got captured and incarcerated again, and still managed to come out just fine. Hard to find another in the Cultivation World like him. The Battle of Great Pardon was indeed spectacular. He initially went to support Mulan Jin's side; unexpectedly, he ended up backing the Heavenly Court. After the restoration of the Demon Realm, the Spirit Vein rejuvenated, and the deceitful call for participation in the battle became reality. The Four Great Royal Courts may now regret it, realizing if they had known earlier, they could have bolstered their forces significantly, preventing Ming Chaofeng and his ilk from leading the charge."

Miao Dingyi remarked: "This guy has offended many great sects and forces, truly offending wherever he goes. If he doesn't succeed this time, I wonder what he will do." Then he turned around and instructed: "Tonight's family dinner, inform my wife and Lan Lan to return."

For many, returning from afar is not easy; but for some, distance is no issue.

Before dusk, Lan Qiaoyan and Miao Yilan, mother and daughter, rushed back to their home in Nanshan Royal City.

As soon as the mistress returned, she began directing the servants to do this and that, even personally overseeing the dinner dishes.

However, before Miao Dingyi returned, or Shi Chun visited, another uninvited guest arrived first — Gong Shaoci.

Lan Qiaoyan beamed with delight, as Gong Shaoci matched well with her daughter. Lan Qiaoyan had always been fond of him, considering his attention toward her daughter evident by his timely visit as soon as she returned.

Yet amidst her joy was some concern, as her husband Miao Dingyi had always withheld consent for the marriage, especially after the death of Gong Shaoci's father, Gong Yuanzhi.

Years have passed, and Miao Dingyi openly disapproves, yet Gong Shaoci remains so devoted that, given his family background, how could one possibly confront him?

Anything prolonged over time changes in essence, and Miao Yilan has moved from initial shyness to now having no choice but to respond politely. Her mother, Lan Qiaoyan, has also lost some of her initial enthusiasm.

The current major issue is that everyone knows Gong Shaoci is focused on pursuing Miao Yilan. With his family background, few dare compete for her affection.

Those daring to compete might also not find Miao Yilan appealing, resulting in no one else daring to pursue her.

As it stands now, Lan Qiaoyan's worried situation is unfolding; Gong Shaoci shows no sign of leaving, and with mealtime approaching, it's uncomfortable to drive him away.

After a polite remark from Lan Qiaoyan, Gong Shaoci cheerfully accepted to stay for dinner.

When Miao Dingyi returned and saw Gong Shaoci there, he was unsurprised, having gotten used to it, given that whenever his daughter returned, Gong Shaoci would come over and frequently visit her workplace, despite his dislike for the situation.

After only a few polite exchanges, Shi Chun arrived with that fledgling in his arms.

His hundred-odd guards were not brought along, not out of unwillingness but because Miao Dingyi's residence could not accommodate them.

Seeing Gong Shaoci also present, Shi Chun was slightly taken aback, remembering past unpleasant encounters, but nonetheless greeted warmly, including a smile, "Brother Gong, pleasure to meet."

Gong Shaoci, with courteous elegance, slightly bent his body and said, "Brother Chun has certainly made quite a splash this time. I've heard many discussing you, nearly wore out my ears with tales of your vast accomplishments."