The newcomer's aura was deep and restrained, his features square and upright. Yet unlike the usual Imperial Court Zhen Kings, who inspired awe without even showing anger, he carried an air of ease and leisure. Without question, he was the Northern Frontier's Zhen King—King De, Xuan Guangge.
"Uncle Guangge?"
Upon seeing King De's incarnation appear, You Ruhui first furrowed her brows, then said calmly, "Just call me Ruhui. I am no longer the Imperial Court's Princess Mingjing."
"Alright."
King De smiled. His true body had to remain in the Imperial Court, but his incarnation could travel freely. Though he was the Zhen King who had succeeded Prince Jing, You Ruhui knew that he was a good man who had helped An Jing before, so their exchange was not particularly awkward. "I had worried that you might not be in good condition. But now, it seems your cultivation has gone exceptionally smoothly. Your aura is perfectly rounded, and your foundation is far more solid than expected—much stronger than mine was back then."
Turning his head, he shifted the subject and looked at An Jing. "The Naturalist is truly remarkable, to have remade you so thoroughly in such a short time."
"Please, sit." An Jing actually felt more relaxed when speaking with King De in private, but they were still at the Dragon Palace Grand Banquet. He could not let the Imperial Court know of his friendship with King De. King De naturally took a seat, while a dragon-blooded maid beside them brought over cups of wine. He took a small sip and sighed. "The Dragon Palace's ice-brew truly is a secret inheritance. If not for a grand banquet like this, even the Imperial Court rarely gets to drink it..."
As he spoke, he raised his cup. An Jing clinked his own