Ever since Li Qing had made a name for himself in Jade Capital City, he had taken up a temporary stay at King Ning's Estate, hoping to avoid the limelight for a while.
But things went against his wishes. Even hiding within King Ning's Residence did not grant him any peace.
These past days, King Ning's Estate had been bustling beyond measure. From time to time, ministers arrived with their daughters to pay a visit, their purpose naturally being Li Qing.
In a mere dozen or so days, Li Qing had met practically every unmarried young lady from prominent families in Jade Capital City.
The eldest daughter of a Minister, a general's granddaughter, a Vice Minister's beloved daughter, and so on—he had nearly been unable to cope with them all.
But after he firmly declared that he had no intention of forming a dao companion bond with anyone else, he finally managed to avoid the storm of attention.
Late autumn was approaching, yet the scenery within King Ning's Estate remained as lovely as spring. Rare and precious spirit trees stood everywhere, their branches heavy with abundant fruit.
Now that he had finally found some leisure, Li Qing took a walk through the estate's gardens. He was considering how to bid King Ning farewell and return to his own cave abode.
Though the cultivation environment in King Ning's Estate was quite good, located at the heart of a sixth-rank spirit vein, he still felt rather uncomfortable remaining here.
Just as Li Qing was pondering how to bring it up, respectful voices from the servants rang out beyond the garden:
"Greetings, His Highness Qinghe!"
"Mm, dispense with the formalities."
Li Qing looked over at the sound and saw the princess who had left a deep impression on him during the contest in