Outside the Crown Prince's Palace, numerous experts stood gathered, and the situation was incomparably perilous. Yet Ning Xiaochuan's heart instead became calm.
He absolutely had to stay calm. Only calmness could possibly carve a path out of this desperate situation.
Ning Xiaochuan appeared utterly composed as he smiled. "Since our parting at Yunhu Village, has His Highness the Crown Prince been well?"
The Crown Prince's true body emerged from the manor gates. He wore a golden robe, a Sleeve Dragon Jade Belt around his waist, and a Glazed Gold Crown upon his head. As he walked, the bead curtains on his body collided, displaying the majesty of a Martial Venerable and the nobility of the imperial family.
All the martial artists revealed respectful expressions and bowed to the Crown Prince.
The Crown Prince appeared quite amiable as he smiled. "After the battle at Yunhu Village, Manor Lord, you left too hurriedly, and we did not have the chance to exchange many words. Since you have come today, then do not leave. Ling Yi National Teacher is here as well. Why not enter the Crown Prince's Palace and have a proper chat together?"
Ling Yi National Teacher was that Third Grade National Teacher who had arranged the barrier. He served as the Vice Minister of the Imperial City's First Grade Bureau, holding a position of great authority. Among the civil officials of the current dynasty, only the Nine Dukes ranked above him.
The Grand Preceptor and the Nine Dukes were both Daoist sages. Although they were still bestowed the title of National Teacher, they had long since withdrawn from public life to cultivate the Dao in seclusion, rarely involving themselves in court affairs. Only during major ancestral temple sacrifices might one or two of them be invited.
Thus, those who truly