Chapter 4

"Young prince, I'm at your service." A young boy in black around the age of 10 bow towards Xiaoyu.

"You're quite punctual. I want you to spy on someones call Yizhan. His whereabouts and his background."

"I understand, anything else?"

"Do you have a name?" Xiaoyu takes a glance at him.

"I don't young prince. Bird messenger don't go by name."

"I know. That's all you may go."

.................

Yizhan look deeply into the night view at his sight. Standing at the peak of Jingyi Mountain while carrying his sword. It's been almost a month since he wander around this city. There's nothing much here except for some lost demon and ghost. Somehow, he starts to wonder whether his judgement that day is true or maybe mastermind behind this doing his job in silence.

If he travels to the next city, it will be the Muxiang City. The city where's most of the merchant and royalty resides. It's the most prosperous city and have a lot of rules also. The royalty is the most influential in the city and most of the citizens are normal people who somehow has no interest in cultivation at all.

Yizhan take a deep breath, preparing himself for the next journey. At some point, his mind suddenly remind him regarding Xiaoyu. This morning, before he left the tavern. He once again check Xiaoyu pulse, heartbeat and skin. He even use his spiritual power to check Xiaoyu veins. But, nothing odd appears. Thinking back, from Xiaoyu's pulse, his cultivation does not seems so powerful. He most likely only at the third phase of cultivation. But, the flying sword yesterday need a lot of spiritual power since it's not a true sword but a sword make from the caster spiritual power. For a person to be able to cast that perfectly, they need to be at fifth level or above.

*In cultivation, the power will be assigned based on rank. First phase is for beginners who only knows how to control their breathing and some spells. Second phase is for intermediate who master a few spells and has about 15% spiritual power that fully mastered. Third phase is where a cultivator can control their spiritual weapon, have 50% of spiritual power mastery and can cast almost all of the spells in their sect. The forth phase is where the cultivator enter the spirit phase where they can use spiritual instrument like guqin or flute and able to talk to spirit and spiritual beasts. This phase also need 100% spiritual power mastery. Fifth phase is the pre-immortal phase. This phase can only be gain when the cultivator enter tribulation and succeed. This phase allows the cultivator to enter immortal realm and can communicate with immortal. Next phase is the immortal phase. This phase allows the cultivator to have healing power and can live eternally. The next phase is the god phase where they have power to grant wish from human prayer and stay at the heavenly realm.*

*Currently, Yizhan is at the fourth phase while Xiaoyu phase is still unknown. But since Xiaoyu is the demon prince and have lives for more than 300 years, can you guess which phase he at now?*

"Xiaoyu, may the next time we meet I can see your true ability." Yizhan whisper slowly.

........................

*Muxiang City*

Yizhan takes a walk inside the city while took a glance at his surrounding. Most of the people here are considered as rich and influential in courts. Just in some abandoned corner or alley the poor can be seen.

Right in front, he sees a merchant who sells book with his small cart. He walks towards it and looks at his item.

"The Legendary Immortal of Muxiang?" Yizhan reads the title in a low voice.

"Mister, you have a good eyes. This is the latest book release this month. It's a true story about an immortal who just arrived here a few months ago. It's a currently bestseller." The merchant speaks up.

"Immortal? Why immortal visit this city? Is there anything happens?" Yizhan asks.

"Mister, you must be not from Muxiang right. A few month ago, an immortal appears here and saving the princess from being captured by demons. He truly powerful that the demon got no chance to fight back. The king wants to grant him a title in court but he refused. The princess even want to marry him but he said that he help out of justice only. Now everyone envy the princess for have a chance seeing the legendary immortal." The merchant smile.

"The immortal, is him still in the city?"

"Not anymore. He left right after he save the princess." The merchant replies.

"Is there anything else happens? Something about demon or weird event?"

"Mister, are you a cultivator? You comes to the wrong place. Everything here is fine and bless by the god. No more demon invade after that."

"Then, that's good omen. Thank you sir." Yizhan about to left when the merchant suddenly grab his sleeves.

"Mister, don't you won't buy anything?" The merchant gives him a book.

"I'll take the bestseller. Thanks." Yizhan gives him 5 silver coins.

"Thank you mister."

................

Yizhan enters a tavern. He plans to meet the princess himself to ask regarding the immortal. But, not everyone can casually enter the castle unless there's an event or ceremony.

"Sir, what would you like to eat?" A waiter comes to him.

"Just tea and some specialties here will do."

"Coming right away."

"Good news! Good news everyone! Next week is the princess birthday. Everyone is invited to the castle." A man in an official dress shout in joy.

The whole tavern starts murmuring among themselves.

Yizhan feels relieved. What a perfect timing now that he's able to meet the princess himself.

...............

A week has passed, and today early in the morning, a parade can be seen marching from the gate of Muxiang City and circling around the city for a few hours. The parade was join by a lot of aristocrat and army. They perform a battle between soldiers, some musician also perform some songs. There's also a lot of mascot costuming as the king, the princess and the queen. Some actors and actresses also perform a theater regarding the story of where the immortal saves the princess a few months ago. At the end of the parade, there's a high altar with complete roof and servant besides it. Inside the altar is the princess who cheerfully waving her hand to everyone outside. The whole citizen of Muxiang City line up along the road to celebrate the birthday of their princess. The crowd cheers and happily dancing with each other.

Yizhan stands in between the crowd while seeing the view. He decides to wait for the banquet tonight which will be held inside the palace itself. All of the citizens are actually invited to dine in and greet the king and princess themselves.

At some distance, Xiaoyu look at Yizhan. He smiles and glance towards the princess altar. He purposely wear a red, black and gold attires today. In his hand, hold a bunch of red roses. A black and gold mask is wear on his face showing his deep dark hazel eyes. The mask only covers his upper part of the face and showing off his beauty mark around his lip. Some crowds also notice his lavish appearance but dare not to talk to him. Xiaoyu look once again at the altar and make a giant leap towards it. The whole crowd is shock while the army are surprised. They quickly be on alert in case Xiaoyu might be wanting to assassinate the princess.

The princess look at him in awe. She raise her hand to take off the mask but Xiaoyu reflect on it. His hand holding a bouquet of roses is given to the princess. His hand slowly hold the princess hand and he kiss it.

"I'm sorry if I startles your grace. I'm just a big fan of your grace beauty and demeanor. I'm wishing you a happy birthday. May every wish that you make come true and stay in happiness and good health." Xiaoyu said looking deep at the princess eyes.

"Thank you. May I see who you are? Your surprise gives me a great pleasure today." The princess speaks up.

"I dare not showing my face to your grace. If your grace wish to see me. I'll be waiting you at the banquet tonight." Xiaoyu smiles beautifully.

"Can I at least know your name!" The princess shout when seeing Xiaoyu was about to jump off the parade.

"Call me Yixian, your grace." Xiaoyu gives off his name and quickly jump off the parade.

"Yixian." The princess smile while holding the roses close to herself.

As soon as Xiaoyu jump off the parade, the guards hold him tight.

"Open your mask and show yourself. How dare you meet the princess like that!" The guard shout.

"I'm just a fan of the grace. You can't arrest an innocent man." Xiaoyu replies.

By looking at the man demeanor, Yizhan actually recognize him. He quickly rush in between the crowds to meet Xiaoyu.

Seeing the situation, the servant besides the altar tells the princess immediately.

"Guard! Let him go. He mean no harm to me!" The princess shout.

Listening to the command, the guard immediately let Xiaoyu off.

"I'm so sorry sir." The guard apologizes.

Xiaoyu brush off his hand on his shoulder. The , he walk away. Seeing that Xiaoyu wants to get out of the crowd, Yizhan quicken his pace but unfortunately failed to catch up on him.

A lot of thought rush to his mind.

'What's he doing here?'

'How he knows the princess?'

'Did the immortal is actually him?'

Not giving up, Yizhan follows Xiaoyu trails. A brief walk brings him to a small farm with a few sheep and a white horse.

"Following me?" A voice appears from behind.

"Xiaoyu?!" Yizhan startled.

"Did I startled you? Hahaha, sorry sorry I didn't mean that." Xiaoyu replies. He already changes his attire. A normal black attire covers his whole body.

"Are you the one that... meet the princess..." Yizhan lips seal. He doesn't know how to ask about his relationship with the princess or if he knew anything about the immortal since they barely know each other.

"Hahaha, why you looks so hesitant? Yes, I meet the princess just now. What do you think of my performance? So handsome and cool right." Xiaoyu smile while lift up his eyebrows.

"How do you know the princess?" Yizhan ask while facing his face away from Xiaoyu.

"Ehh, why everytime I met you always have a lot of questions?" Xiaoyu bend his body to peeks at Yizhan reaction.

"If you don't wanna tell then it's fine, I'll leave." Yizhan starts to walk away.

"Yizhan... Yizhan... can't you slow down for awhile. I was about to tell then you want to leave already." Xiaoyu pout his mouth.

Yizhan stops his pace, waiting for the answer. Xiaoyu takes a walk and stand in front of Yizhan. He smiles.

"How I know the princess? Hurmm... actually I just meet her just now. I just curious how she looks like because the crowds keep saying that she's so gorgeous and beautiful. So I jump on the parade to see her." Xiaoyu glance at Yizhan face.

"You keep asking me about the princess, you must be curious to know how pretty she is right? Well, she actually..."

"I don't wanna know." Yizhan cuts him off. His cultivation is pure and restrict him from any worldly material and greed.

"Really? But she actually is so...... pretty. I nearly fall in love with her." Xiaoyu continues.

"Tch, how lame." Yizhan walks away.

"You don't wanna meet her? I actually will meet her personally tonight. I can introduce you to her Well, that's being said if you want." Xiaoyu looks at Yizhan's back.

Yizhan loss in his thoughts. He really wants to know the immortal identity so bad. Since he is an immortal, how can he actually jump on to save the princess directly. Immortal should never be involve in human personal affairs.

"If you don't want, that's fine." Xiaoyu turns his back.

"Bring me along!" Yizhan replies in panic.

"Haha, I know you want it too. Then see you tonight." Xiaoyu takes a huge steps and leap on the roof. In a few seconds, he disappear.

Yizhan stood there for seconds before walks back to the tavern.

................

As soon as the sun started to set down. A large crowd is seeing go to the castle for the banquet. Yizhan walks calmly following the crowd. The castle are not allowing any weapons inside, so Yizhan left his sword at the tavern. He only brings along his guqin that he hide using his spiritual power.

At the entrance of the castle, a group of guard is standing upright checking each of the peoples coming before allowing them inside.

Yizhan walk ahead before stops right in front of the guards. He looks in front seeing others being examine.

"Hand out your weapon. No weapon allowed." The guard voice out strictly.

"But I always carry my sword everywhere I go. It's very precious to me." The man in white attire and sky blue line pattern replies.

"Rules is rules. If you can't follow, you are not allows inside." The guard said sternly.

"But, you will take a good care of it right? I can't bear to lose it." The man ask pitifully.

"Sir, you don't have to worry. All of your weapon will be keep in our weapons inventory safely. You can claim it back once the banquet finished. Please give us your cooperation." The guard begin to be more lenient.

"Then, you can keep it." The man hand out the sword and walk slowly inside the castle.

Yizhan rush to the man. He didn't expect to meet his peer in this city.

"Sir, are you also a cultivator?" Yizhan ask politely after matching their pace.

"Yes. But, who are you? I never seen you here before." The man ask curiously. He look at the man in front of him ups and downs. Wearing a white robe with some white patterns really makes someone looks so powerful and convincing. His hair also tied neatly with a headpiece on his bun.

"I'm also a cultivator." Yizhan replies.

"Wow, then it's good to see you. I'm Qin Zheng from Muxiang City." Qin Zheng offers a handshake.

"Yizhan from Yuan City." Yizhan takes his handshake.

"Yuan city! The city where the most prestigious cultivation sect resides. The Wang Sect. Are you one of their disciple?" Qin Zheng ask in joy.

"It's indeed a prestigious sect. But I'm just a normal outer disciple." Yizhan reply modestly.

"Woahh... so you really one of the Wang disciple. What are doing here?" Qin Zheng ask another question.

Yizhan keeps silent for a while. At some point he reminds about Xiaoyu since he also ask various question to him.

"I'm just traveling around." Yizhan replies.

"Then let's head inside. You're so lucky this time that the royalty holds banquet tonight. Their food is so delicious. I gonna eat fully today." Qin Zheng grin while walk fast inside. Yizhan follows him from behind.

...................

It's been one hour since Yizhan arrives here. He sit beside Qin Zheng at the dining table. His eyes wander around looking for Xiaoyu. A lot of people also already here and most of the tables are now occupied. However, within this large hall he still can't see any trace of Xiaoyu.

'Did he bumps into problems?' For no reason, he kinda worry.

"Yizhan, who are you looking for? Do you have any other friends coming?" Qin Zheng notice Yizhan uneasiness and begin to ask.

"Yes." Yizhan replies.

"It's okay. There's still 30 minutes left before the banquet starts. He will be here soon." Qin Zheng looks back at the food serves in front of them. His stomachs begin to rumbling.

"Look at this food so appetizing. Woahhhh." Qin Zheng talks to himself.

................

*The Princess of Muxiang City Chamber*

Princess Li Hui Fen dress herself in a flower pattern dress. The servant places a beautiful head crowns on her bun with flower shaped hairpin. Some light make-up applies on her makes she looks truly gorgeous and beautiful.

"My daughter looks really pretty today. It's seems like you're gonna married." Queen Li Jingyi takes a walk to her only daughter.

"Mom, it's looks so good in me right. Dad personally choose this dress for me." Princess Li Hui Fen replies while seeing herself in front of the mirror.

"Of course. My daughter is the most pretty princess in this realm." Queen Li Jingyi cups her daughter face. Princess Li Huifen smiles gorgeously.

"Mom, I'm already 18 this years old. That's being said I should get married soon right." Princess Li Huifen look at her mother.

"My daughter, I wouldn't marry you off if you don't want to. You can stay here with me forever." Queen Li Jingyi hugs her daughter.

Princess Li Huifen takes a glance at the bouquet of roses in a flower pot. She smiles.

"Then I will stay with you until I meets someone I love." Princess Li Huifen hugs her mother tightly.

"Your Highness, Your Grace, someone ask me to deliver this letter to the Your Grace." A servant appears with a piece of paper in her hand.

Princess Li Huifen let go of her mother and takes the letter. She signal the servant to leave. The servant bows before leaving the chamber.

"Who is it?" Queen Li Jingyi asks.

Princess Li Huifen smiles broadly while reading the letter. She looks at her mother with sparkling eyes.

"Someone I like." Princess Li Huifen replies.

"Who is it this time, before this you said that you admire the immortal who saves you. You even agree to marry him before." Queen Li Jingyi pulls her daughter to seat on the chair.

"Mom, the immortal is someone I admire only. Since he save me, of course I need to be grateful. But, he didn't even look at me and I don't even see his face. Since he's an immortal, he must be too old for me. I just agree to marry him because dad ask me." Princess Li Huifen ramble.

"But this time is different. His eyes so pretty and his smile is so attractive. I can tell that he more handsome than dad." Princess Li Huifen continues.

"You... you should knows a man with his heart also not only by his face. Some man may harbors evil attention while gets close to you." Queen Li Jingyi pokes her daughter nose.

"I know mom. That's why I want to ask dad to take him as our guest. Then I can get to know him more." Princess Li Huifen holds her mother hand dearly.

"What's his name?" The queen ask.

"It's secret for now. I'll introduce him to mom later." Princess Li Huifen stand up. She once again reads the letter in her hands.

' I'll go to you later during the banquet. Don't refuse me when you seeing my face. '

- Yixian -

....................

The banquet begins when the King of Muxiang City arrives. He sit on his throne on a higher stage while the queen is on his right side and the princess on his left side. After a few salutations, the minister and aristocrat peoples start presenting their gift to the princess.

Yizhan still looks around looking for Xiaoyu. Until now, he still can't see him.

"Your friend hasn't arrives yet?" Qin Zheng asks. He also prepares some gift for the princess. But since he's only a normal citizen, he just need to gives his present to the guard on duty at the entrance of the hall. Yizhan also do the same.

"I don't know." Yizhan replies.

"Announcing the arrival of Prince Feng Yixian from Yinhui Country to the banquet." A guard at the hall entrance spokes up. All the crowd quickly turns their attention to the hall entrance.

"It's him." Princess Li Huifen smiles broadly.

"I don't expect a prince from other country to comes here personally." The King comments.

"Yinhui Country is and old allies of us. It's been so long since I heard about them." The King continues.

At the hall entrance, a man in a white and gold robe walk inside elegantly. He wears a pretty smile on his face and silently took a glance at Yizhan on the side of the hall. Two servant follows him while carrying one large box of gift each. He stop in front of the King stage and bow respectfully.

"Greeting Your Majesty." Zhan Xiaoyu smiles.

"He's here." Yizhan said in a slow voice.

"What? Your friend is a prince?" Qin Zheng shock.

"I'm also surprises." Yizhan look at Xiaoyu.

"Greeting Prince Yixian." The King stand up. Xiaoyu rise his head and looks at the king.

"I'm sorry for coming here unannounced. My dad is too old to hit on the road upon receives your invitation. So, he send me instead." Xiaoyu speaks up.

"That's right. I always send him invitation every times I make a banquet. But he never comes and always send me gifts only. I don't expect his prince already grown up this much." The King replies.

"I'm so sorry that I can't attend any of your banquet before. Our country just regain back the glory after a few years of war against the demons. I'm still remember, the last time I meets your majesty when I was 3 years old 17 years ago." Xiaoyu replies.

"It's been 17 years already. Time really fly so fast." The King smile.

"Here I present my gift for the princess." Xiaoyu looks back waiting for his servant to open up the box.

"This is dragon jade from our country. I hope your majesty and family always be grant a good health, luck and wealth. While this is just some jewelry makes of diamonds and gold thread fabric for your grace. I wish your grace a forever beauty and elegance." Xiaoyu smiles.

"Good gift. Good wishes." The King smile. "Prepares a sit for Price Yixian." The king command his servant.

"It's fine your majesty. Since I coming here unannounced, I can sit with the others here. No need to worry." Xiaoyu bow before turning back looking for an empty seat. He then saw a set besides Yizhan is empty and quickly walks towards it. Unknowingly, Yizhan actually reserves this seat for him.

After all of the guest completely present their gift. All of the guest and citizen starts to eat. Xiaoyu takes a seat in between the commoners making them feel kind of awkward. He looks at Yizhan that actually pretend doesn't know him.

"I'm sorry, kinda late prepares for all of that." Xiaoyu smiles and looks at Yizhan.

"I thought you're an ordinary cultivator, but it seems that I'm wrong. So Xiaoyu is your fake name?" Yizhan ask.

"You sure pent up a lot of questions for me." Xiaoyu chuckle.

"Both are my real name." Xiaoyu answers.

"I have a pretty lots of names and title. Some that I don't even remember anymore." Xiaoyu continues.

"You're always surprising me whenever I see you." Yizhan replies.

"Really? Then I still have so much more surprises coming." Xiaoyu takes a sip of the wine serves. Yizhan unknowingly stare at him with a lots of questions unresolved. Meanwhile, Qin Zheng just continue enjoying his meal without take any interest in their conversation.

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