Chapter 456: Any Trouble

Chapter 456: Chapter 456: Any Trouble

Millions of people watched as Xiaoyao Hou spat out blood, each with a unique expression of surprise. Though tales of a thousand voices striking gold and destroying bones were legendary, witnessing it firsthand was an exhilarating experience. For most, it was a once-in-a-lifetime event, and happening right before their eyes made it all the more exciting.

Immediately, the chant of "Get out!" echoed without end.

With millions chanting, the scene was overwhelming. Surrounded by countless layers of people shouting, Xiaoyao Hou couldn't bear it any longer. He signaled, and a subordinate quickly carried him away. As he flew off, still spitting blood, Xiaoyao Hou cast a venomous glance at Zhong Shan in the distance.

Zhong Shan coldly met his gaze, indifferent to his departure.

"Let's go!" Zhao Tiansha, recognizing the terror of the situation, led his subordinates away swiftly.

In an instant, the troublesome figures vanished. The overwhelming tide of public opinion left no room for resistance, and leaving early was better than facing the humiliation Xiaoyao Hou had endured.

At this moment, Tian Linger became acutely aware of the millions of eyes on her, her face flushing red with embarrassment.

Zhong Shan released his embrace, holding Tian Linger's hand, and pointed to the heart-shaped scroll.

"Linger, these people are our witnesses. That 'Million Blessings' scroll is a permanent token of my love for you. The cry of ten thousand phoenixes celebrates us. Last time was rushed and somewhat humble; today, I want to proudly tell the world that you are my wife," Zhong Shan said.

"Yes!" Tian Linger nodded, deeply moved.

Gently extending her hand, Tian Linger intertwined her fingers with Zhong Shan's, just as they had done when heaven witnessed their vows.

"Do you remember what I said last time?" Zhong Shan asked.

"Heaven as our witness, from this day forth, Zhong Shan and Tian Linger are husband and wife, sharing life and death, never to part," Tian Linger recalled. This phrase would forever be etched in her memory.

"Heaven as our witness, Zhong Shan and Tian Linger are husband and wife, sharing life and death, never to part!" Zhong Shan declared again.

"Heaven as our witness, Tian Linger and Zhong Shan are husband and wife, sharing life and death, never to part!" Tian Linger echoed.

At that moment, despite the millions present, there was complete silence. Even the phoenixes ceased their cries, and the surroundings fell utterly quiet, with only Zhong Shan and Tian Linger's words echoing around.

Their words seemed sacred, stilling the entire world.

Nie Qingqing, standing nearby, was moved to tears, covering her mouth as the tears streamed down her face. She wasn't the only one; many women in the crowd were deeply emotional, their eyes welling up with tears. This sacred moment, witnessed by the world, moved countless people to tears.

"Linger, come with me!" Zhong Shan said once more.

"Yes!" Tian Linger agreed without hesitation.

Zhong Shan laughed heartily, then turned to the layers of onlookers.

"Thank you all for witnessing this moment. As a token of my gratitude, I'll share a fact with you!" Zhong Shan announced.

As he spoke, everyone fell silent again.

"I'm sure you're all curious why the Phoenix Sovereign helped me so much."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

"It's because the immortal longevity elixir displayed previously has been given to the Phoenix Sovereign. Perhaps it no longer exists in this world," Zhong Shan continued.

When Zhong Shan finished speaking, the crowd erupted in a frenzy.

The Immortal Longevity Elixir? Yes, only the Immortal Longevity Elixir could have persuaded the Phoenix Sovereign to perform the Phoenix Cry of the Nine Heavens and summon ten thousand phoenixes! If it no longer existed, it meant it had already been consumed—by the Phoenix Sovereign!

Immediately, emotions of anger, frustration, and regret surged within the crowd. But what could they do? The exchange for the Immortal Longevity Elixir was beyond their capabilities.

Some called Zhong Shan foolish, while others saw him as deeply romantic, willing to give up immortality for a woman.

Simultaneously, many female cultivators turned to their partners.

"If you had the Immortal Longevity Elixir, would you give up immortality for me?"

Suddenly, many partners swore oaths, claiming they would be even more devoted than Zhong Shan if they possessed such an elixir.

The plaza buzzed with excitement. Even without seeing the Immortal Longevity Elixir, everyone felt their trip was worth it. The events of the day would be talked about for a long, long time.

"Lin Xiao, clear the way!" Zhong Shan commanded.

"Enough with the pleasantries. Where is the Mingyuan Pill?" Wu Jiutian asked bluntly.

Zhong Shan gave Mr. Shi a look, and Mr. Shi immediately took out the 'Immortal Longevity Elixir.' Nie Fancheng quietly observed Mr. Shi, his eyes filled with a strange intent.

Zhong Shan handed over the Mingyuan Pill, and Wu Jiutian quickly grabbed it and vanished from sight. Zhong Shan knew she was going to check on Tian Linger.

"Greetings to the Emperor of Great Li!" Zhong Shan said.

"So, you think you can just take my princess away like this?" Nie Fancheng said in a deep voice.

"Linger is my wife. Taking my wife away is my responsibility. I hope the Emperor of Great Li can understand," Zhong Shan said with a smile.

Zhong Shan knew Nie Fancheng had other matters to discuss.

"But you have not fulfilled your promise. You said you would hand over the Immortal Longevity Elixir to me. Why did you give it to someone else?" Nie Fancheng asked.

"Is the Phoenix Sovereign considered someone else? Haha, Emperor of Great Li, if you have any requests, please state them directly. I will weigh the pros and cons and give you a fair answer," Zhong Shan replied.

Hearing Zhong Shan's words, Nie Fancheng didn't know whether to be angry or amused. A fair answer? That was as good as saying nothing.

Looking at Mr. Shi, Nie Fancheng said, "I want that rune from that day!"

"Rune?" Zhong Shan looked at Mr. Shi.

"Your Majesty, I happen to have an extra celestial talisman," Mr. Shi said.

Upon hearing this, Zhong Shan understood Mr. Shi's meaning. Those talismans were plentiful for Mr. Shi, and he had no problem parting with one.

Nie Fancheng's eyes lit up slightly, but his expression remained unchanged. He seemed to realize something, and his face gradually darkened.

"Emperor of Great Li, in my youth, I was a merchant and made countless deals. I would like to exchange this rune for something that might be insignificant to you," Zhong Shan said.

Negotiating? Nie Fancheng looked at Zhong Shan curiously. This person, whom he could crush with a finger, dared to negotiate with him?

Xuan Yuan, standing beside him, also found it odd. This young man really didn't know his place!

"Oh? Let's hear it," Nie Fancheng said, oddly not showing anger.

"In the past, the Great Hong Dynasty had eleven Immortal Steles. In the hands of the Emperor of Great Li, they might be insignificant. I would like to have one," Zhong Shan said directly.

Immortal Steles?

Nie Fancheng and Xuan Yuan's pupils contracted simultaneously.

"Bold, very bold!" Nie Fancheng said mysteriously.

Bold? Zhong Shan didn't understand the peculiar nature of the Immortal Steles, but since Nie Fancheng agreed, Zhong Shan didn't want to linger. He immediately looked at Mr. Shi.

Mr. Shi took out a celestial talisman and handed it to Nie Fancheng. The talisman shimmered with an ethereal glow, exuding a mysterious and powerful aura. Nie Fancheng examined it closely, his eyes filled with satisfaction.

"Very well, Zhong Shan. You have the Immortal Stele you requested," Nie Fancheng said, producing a small, ancient-looking stele from his sleeve and handing it to Zhong Shan.

"Thank you, Emperor of Great Li," Zhong Shan said, accepting the stele with a bow.

"Remember, Zhong Shan, our agreement. If you ever need assistance or have further dealings, you know where to find me," Nie Fancheng said, a hint of amusement in his tone.

"Of course, Emperor of Great Li. I will remember," Zhong Shan replied.

With the transaction complete, Zhong Shan and Mr. Shi prepared to leave.

As they flew back towards the valley camp, Zhong Shan couldn't help but reflect on the day's events. He had achieved his goal and ensured Tian Linger's safety. The Immortal Stele in his possession was a valuable asset, and the celestial talisman had secured his agreement with Nie Fancheng.

Arriving at the valley camp, Tian Linger rushed to greet him, her face filled with relief and happiness.

"Zhong Shan, is everything alright?" she asked.

"Yes, everything is fine now," Zhong Shan said, embracing her.

The journey ahead was uncertain, but with Tian Linger by his side and the support of their allies, Zhong Shan felt prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead.