After returning to the Mother Star, Neji did not immediately fade into obscurity.
The newly minted Earl's official title, the halo of merit from returning from the Borderlands, and Prince Longshi's ambiguous favor all made him a topic of discussion in certain circles once more. Amaterasu Palace was also livelier than before. Visitors came in all kinds: low-ranking nobles simply seeking connections, informants from various factions probing for information, and old acquaintances like Xuan and Jiqiao, who came with a measure of sincerity to seek guidance or attach themselves to him.
Senjumaru remained stationed on Azuremist Star, while Mo Yu and Aoba kept Amaterasu Palace in perfect order, quietly turning away most pointless visits. Neji spent most of his time in the cultivation chamber, continuing to assimilate his gains from the Borderlands and stabilize his Mid Nascent Soul cultivation. At the same time, he borrowed a great number of texts on ancient civilizations, energy systems, and the evolution of internal Ōtsutsuki factions, discreetly expanding his knowledge base.
That day, Mo Yu carefully delivered an invitation sealed within a special Energy Crystal shard to Neji.
The crystal shard was pure white throughout, its edges traced with faint golden patterns resembling phoenix feathers. It felt warm and smooth to the touch. Its design and material alone proclaimed the extraordinary status of its sender.
Neji infused a thread of true essence into it with his fingertip. The shard dissolved into specks of flowing light, unfolding before him into a spiritual letter. The wording was elegant, inviting him to Huangyu Palace three days later for a private banquet. The signature read—Ōtsutsuki Huiyao.
Prince Phoenixfeather's legitimate daughter and one of the Conservative Faction's outstanding younger generation.
Neji's gaze settled on the words "private banquet" as he pondered. Their brief encounter at the Star-Appreciation Gathering had