Banquet Probing, Commandery Princess Guanshan!

"Hahaha."

"Old Ninth, we're all brothers here, no need for formalities."

"We, your imperial brothers and sisters, are all happy you've returned."

"Consort Shi and His Majesty have missed you for many years. Now that you're back, it's finally a wish fulfilled for them," said the Fourth Prince Chu Shen with a smile.

"That's right, Ninth Brother."

"We're all family, no need for such polite talk."

"If you ever need anything in the city from now on, just come to Sixth Sister," the Sixth Princess Chu Xinyan chimed in.

"Thank you, Sixth Sister," Chu Yun said, setting down his wine cup and sitting back down.

"Ninth Brother, the banquet today was primarily set up for you."

"Don't you have to show us, your imperial brothers and sisters, what you've got?"

Chu Yuan, who was actually the Sky Demoness in disguise, said leisurely.

This was all arranged by the Crown Prince from the start, and the Sky Demoness had already secretly informed Chu Yun.

She knew what arrangements would be made for him at today's banquet.

Chu Yun, without changing his expression, smiled and asked, "What do you mean, Third Brother?"

Chu Yuan chuckled, "Our Great Xia Dynasty has always revered martial prowess. As princes, we cannot be lax in our martial arts training."

"Ninth Brother has been back for a few days now, but we still don't know anything about your talent or strength. Why not take this opportunity during this grand feast to show us?"

Upon hearing this, most of the nobles and dignitaries present showed meaningful expressions.

It was clear that the Third Prince wanted to probe the Ninth Prince's cultivation and strength to see what level he was at.

"Third Brother, Old Ninth has only been back for a few days."

"He probably hasn't even had a chance to learn most of the royal family's techniques and divine abilities yet. Why the rush?"

To Chu Yun's surprise, the one speaking up for him was the Eighth Prince Chu Hao.

He recalled that at the Misty Rain Pavilion auction, Chu Hao's people had participated in bidding for intelligence on the protective forces of his Prince's Mansion.

He harbored suspicions about Chu Hao's intentions towards him.

The Eighth Prince Chu Hao had an elegant demeanor, appearing like a scholar, and his emotions were exceptionally calm and stable.

Just by looking at Chu Hao's face, Chu Yun could tell that his thoughts ran deep and he was definitely not as simple as he appeared on the surface.

"Old Eighth, you're mistaken."

"We are all princes. I merely want to see the growth Old Ninth has experienced while he was away all these years."

"Whether he is strong or weak, as his elder brother, how could I possibly criticize him?" Chu Yuan retorted.

The Crown Prince, as the host of this banquet, was currently holding his wine cup and watching leisurely from his seat.

Chu Yun understood that if he refused now, they would find other excuses later.

Since that was the case, what was wrong with accepting the challenge?

"Thank you for your kind intentions, Eighth Brother. Chu Yun is grateful."

"However, Third Brother also has a point. Since this banquet was hosted by His Highness the Crown Prince for me, I should indeed put on a display," Chu Yun slowly stood up.

The Crown Prince offered a polite remark, "No need for formalities. If Ninth Brother doesn't want to, we can just continue chatting and drinking."

Chu Yun shook his head, inwardly mocking Chu Rong's hypocrisy.

He had the Third Prince act as his mouthpiece, and then he himself tried to appear as the good guy.

"But if I'm going to display my skills, I should have an opponent, shouldn't I?"

Chu Yun stood in the center of the grand hall. The singing girls had all departed. He looked around and then said to the Crown Prince.

"Then allow me to experience the Ninth Prince's impressive skills."

From among the noble families and dignitaries, a young woman dressed in blue slowly stood up and walked over.

"Who is this?"

After Chu Yun's question, the Crown Prince immediately introduced her. "I almost forgot."

"Come, let me introduce you."

"This is the beloved daughter of the County King Guanshan, and also the adopted daughter of our current Imperial Advisor, Commandery Princess Guanshan, Bei Lanqi."

Chu Yun looked at her and smiled, "So it's Commandery Princess Guanshan. I've heard much about you."

"Ninth Prince, you are too kind."

"Today, Lanqi will have the honor of learning from Ninth Prince. I ask that Ninth Prince go easy on me," Commandery Princess Guanshan said with a slight smile.

Chu Yun replied without holding back, "Certainly, certainly."

"Ninth Brother, Commandery Princess, this match is just a simple spar. Please do not let it harm your harmony," the Crown Prince hypocritically admonished.

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Don't worry, Eldest Brother."

The two immediately stood opposite each other, only five paces apart. All eyes in the hall were fixed on them.

Bei Lanqi's cultivation was at the peak of the Qi Gathering Realm. Among the geniuses in the Imperial City, she wasn't particularly outstanding.

However, everyone knew that Chu Yun had been missing for over twenty years. He had lacked the resources and training of the royal family since childhood and had only returned a few days ago. This match, they were certain, would be a crushing defeat for him.

There was no suspense.

"Ninth Prince, I apologize."

"Five Star Divination!"

Bei Lanqi attacked first. Spiritual energy in her hand transformed into five spiritual orbs resembling stars, which rained down from five directions.

Chu Yun looked up and simply smiled faintly.

The next second, Chu Yun's body moved like a phantom, easily dodging the five spiritual orbs.

"So fast!"

The Ninth Prince's pupils constricted slightly. The other princes, seeing Chu Yun's speed, instantly realized.

Their Ninth Brother might not be as simple as they thought.

Bei Lanqi wasn't flustered when Chu Yun dodged. With a control of her spiritual energy, the five spiritual orbs shot out hundreds of radiant spiritual lights, descending like a torrential downpour.

Chu Yun then raised his left palm, releasing spiritual energy from his palm to form a blood rainbow in front of him.

"Break!"

The blood rainbow pierced through, swift as a blood dragon devouring everything. Blood light splashed, shattering the radiant spiritual lights.

Bang bang bang!!

The blood rainbow pressed on, continuously piercing through Bei Lanqi's five spiritual orbs.

By the time she reacted, the blood rainbow had stopped directly at her brow.

Half a step further, and her life would have been in danger!

At this sight, the entire hall fell silent.

Bei Lanqi's face turned pale, her breathing momentarily stopping from fear.

As for the others, their faces were filled with shock.

Even the Crown Prince had a deep surprise in his eyes.

"Not too scared, Commandery Princess?"

Chu Yun retracted his power and approached her with a faint smile.

"No... I'm fine."

"Thank you, Ninth Prince, for showing mercy," Bei Lanqi said, taking a deep breath.

"That's good." Chu Yun then looked towards the Crown Prince.

"Eldest Brother, I hope my display has satisfied you and everyone here?" Chu Yun asked deliberately.

"Ninth Brother, you've truly given your big brother a surprise."

"I didn't expect Ninth Brother to already be in the early stage of the Qi Transformation Realm. Big Brother is happy for you!"

Although Chu Rong was extremely displeased internally, he maintained a smile outwardly.