Chapter 1080 A Polite Refusal

After a few days of endless hustling and bustling, the Ximen Clan finally started their grand centennial celebration. Thousands of guests noisily gathered, their chitchats filled with excitement.

The square where the ceremony was held was extremely packed and all kinds of performances were ongoing. At the front of the square was a platform paved with red carpet which was specially built for the honorable attendees. Bryant, his granddaughter, Shirley, and the elders of the Ximen Clan were sitting on the platform. They were accepting blessings and gifts from various clans and major forces, the royal family, several civil and military officials, and other guests.

Time flew by without anyone noticing due to the euphoric atmosphere brought about by the celebration. Two hours into the celebration, a disciple of the Ximen Clan came up on the platform and announced with a bow, "My Chief, the emperor is at the gate!"

However, instead of waiting at the gate for the Ximan Clan to properly welcome him, Alston had come inside and walked along the main road leading to the square. He was escorted by two masters of the Divine Stage, another nine masters of the Supernal Stage and some twenty spirit manipulators of the Heavenly Stage.

Bryant stood up at once. He lifted his elegant robe and ran down the platform to welcome Alston. He was followed by Shirley, the seniors, and the elders.

When everyone saw that Bryant was in a hurry, they realized that Alston was here. No other person in this world could arouse such a whirlwind of chaos. The noisy square quieted down immediately. The crowd parted automatically to make a path for Alston. Everyone echoed greetings of respect towards the acting emperor.

"Greetings, Your Majesty!" The whole square was suddenly filled with everyone's greetings.

Alston, on the other hand, marched on with ease. He wore a wide smile across his face as he waved his hand towards the crowd. For the people who knew him little, he was as common as an old shoe, but not the insidious, despicable and ruthless monster who tried to murder his own brother for the throne and who used every way possible to get rid of those who disobeyed him.

As Alston pressed forward towards the platform, Bryant and Shirley met him at the middle of the square, as well as all other seniors and elders from the Ximen Clan.

"Your Majesty!" Bryant stopped in front of Alston and respectfully bowed.

"Nice to meet you, Chief Bryant, Miss Shirley and all the elders! Please do not be nervous. I am here today to congratulate your clan on your centen

cubines. So, even if Alston presented thousands of Dark Heaven Insects, it was impossible for her to show any delight at all.

"Shirley," Bryant murmured, instructing her to show her gratitude to the emperor.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. I really appreciate your sincere kindness. I never expect so many gifts from Your Majesty!" Shirley replied with all of the formalities she could muster.

"I am happy to hear that you like it. Oh, I want to ask something, if you don't mind? Can I have your reply regarding marrying into the royal family now? I personally would like to give you a few more days to think, but they have already prepared for the wedding ceremony. So, I want to know the answer as soon as possible." Alston's words were very polite, but it was clear that he wanted to tell Bryant and Shirley that today was their deadline.

"It's my honor to be favored by Your Majesty!" Shirley said with a polite nod.

As soon as the crowd heard her words, the whole square became loud again. It seemed that the emperor was going to get what he wanted today.

A trace of a triumphant smile flashed in Alston's face. Today's agenda was going smoother than he had thought. As the first clan, Bryant had the power to stand on the opposite side of the royal family, and Alston had already prepared for it. But he was confident in Bryant's loyalty. Bryant had no reason to refuse, and their clan would only be promoted by this marriage. Besides, he knew that Shirley really appreciated him before, so he believed that Shirley would not refuse him.

"But I sincerely apologize, Your Majesty. I cannot marry you!" To Alston's great surprise, Shirley suddenly turned the situation around and politely declined him.