That day, the Imperial Family of Ice Profound Empire held the National Banquet – the grandest state feast of the year. Every vassal power, every noble clan, every influential figure within the Empire was invited. It was exactly the banquet Bing Feifei had mentioned days ago.
A few days prior, a eunuch personally delivered an invitation to Lan An – but the title on the golden card was not "Fiancé of Third Princess", but "Lord of the Rear Palace".
Lan An had only curled his lips and accepted. Sooner or later he had to meet the Imperial Family. Might as well settle everything tonight.
For the banquet, he didn't bother being fancy. He casually bought a Spirit-grade White Feather Robe from the Lucky Clothing Shop, slipped it on, and under Bing Lin'er's starry-eyed escort, headed to the palace.
Bing Lan Xi and Bing Dung had entered earlier as royalty. Lan An and Bing Lin'er departed from the Fourth Prince's mansion.
"Young Master is so handsome~!" Bing Lin'er's eyes glittered like a galaxy. The White Feather Robe not only defended, it increased speed and agility. The higher the Lucky Shop's grade, the better the items.
Of course Lan An wouldn't let his woman lack anything. He personally picked a Spirit-grade Ice Jade Dress for Bing Lin'er – tonight she would outshine everyone.
Flight was banned in Ice Profound City, but carriages were beloved. Lan An pulled Bing Lin'er's hand. She blushed happily as they stepped into the luxurious carriage.
The snow-treading horses were Third-Rank spirit beasts with intelligence. No driver needed – they galloped smoothly toward the palace on their own.
"Mmm… Young Master is so bad~!"
Inside the carriage, Bing Lin'er moaned softly, breathing rushed. Lan An teased relentlessly: first claiming her sweet lips, tongue dancing; then kneading those proud peaks through silk until even the bold little maid melted into his arms, ears crimson, letting him feast.
"Hehe, practice makes perfect~" Lan An wickedly licked her lips.
"Mm… continue…" She stuck out her wet tongue again, tangling eagerly.
Happy times flew. The carriage soon stopped – the Imperial Palace.
Bing Lin'er was still dazed. She steadied herself, fixed her slightly messy dress, took out a scented handkerchief and gently wiped the red lip prints from his mouth.
They stepped down.
The palace stood majestic ahead – no less grand than White Sand's, even more beautiful under eternal snow. Crystal architectures glimmered like a fairy tale.
As soon as they appeared, all eyes locked on them.
Lan An in white – dashing, carefree, lazy evil smile at the corner of his mouth. No one could connect this elegant man to the demon who erased Lan Clan days ago.
Bing Lin'er – usually a violent little maid – now carefully dolled up. The Ice Jade Dress hugged every youthful curve, her radiant face still flushed and moist from their carriage play.
Nobles and clan heads who had seen countless beauties still lost their souls for a moment.
"When did the Empire have such a stunning fairy?"
Many whispered. Few recognized the infamous Third Princess's handmaid beneath the glamour.
Bing Lin'er proudly ignored the stares, obediently holding Lan An's arm as they entered.
Soon they arrived at the main hall.
A vast palace – golden-green splendor, dragon pillars, crimson carpet, endless spirit wine and treasures served. Even grander than the Elf Queen's birthday.
For some reason, Lan An felt the Empire was deliberately showing off to him.
Two rows of seats faced each other – guests could stare straight across.
Ignoring shocked gazes, Lan An led Bing Lin'er to the seat written on his invitation.
Second only to the host's throne.
He didn't care. Bing Lin'er stood behind, gently massaging his shoulders. Guests weren't full yet – he closed eyes, enjoyed her service, ate fruits she fed him.
Many wanted to approach – all scared away by his lazy dominance.
Seats filled gradually. Only the highest seats remained empty.
At the head of both rows sat two Complete Void Refining middle-aged men – Duong Quoc (Generalissimo) and Vu Ha (State Teacher). Seeing Lan An look over, both hurriedly sent friendly, even fawning smiles. Lan An nodded back.
"Young Master Lan, that seat belongs to the Imperial Family!"
A voice rang. A handsome youth approached.
Long loose hair, refined figure, extraordinary aura, Void Refining cultivation – clearly a genius.
"And you are?" Lan An raised brow. The invitation said sit here.
"This one is Liu Feng, honored to meet the Lord of Rear Palace!" Youth cupped fists, humble tone – but jealousy in eyes couldn't escape Lan An.
Crowd buzzed:
"That's Romantic Young Master Liu Feng, rank 80 on the new Golden Board?"
"Yes, heard he adores Fifth Princess, joined her faction!"
"Hmph, famous playboy – definitely has designs on her."
"He's right though – those seats are for royalty. Why is Lan An sitting there?"
Lan An instantly knew who he was. Calmly tilted head:
"Thanks for reminder. But I like this seat. No need to worry."
Liu Feng's face stiffened. He knew the top seats were reserved for Imperial Family. He came to embarrass Lan An – didn't expect such nonchalance.
If asked who Liu Feng envied most in this world – undoubtedly Lan An.
Once a rogue cultivator, he obtained a Complete Body Integration inheritance, soared to Golden Board before 500.
Master of romance – countless girls swooned over his title. Women followed wherever he went – hence "Romantic Young Master".
Eyes grew higher. Targeted Golden Board goddesses. Bing Feifei first.
Came to Ice Profound, joined Fifth Princess – goal: make her his, become Imperial son-in-law, glory forever.
But ever since Lan An's name shook the star – everything Liu Feng prided himself on became trash.
Any Rear Palace woman crushed all his lovers. Twin Moons, Hundred Faces, Hundred Flowers – drove him mad with jealousy.
Yet the gap was heaven and earth. He didn't dare offend.
Seeing Lan An ignore him, Liu Feng forced a smile, cupped fists, returned to lower seat.
Lan An didn't care. Liu Feng no longer worth his attention – as long as no killing intent.
"Princes and Princesses arrive!"
Six figures entered – hall instantly silent.
Almost every gaze locked on two of them.
Fifth Princess Bing Feifei – proud peacock in black silk evening gown, rubies and jewels dazzling. Deep neckline teased smooth ravine. Slender waist, graceful steps.
Countless men drowned in desire.
Bing Feifei smugly curved lips, sneaked glance at Lan An – heart tightened seeing his eyes elsewhere.
Because Lan An was staring at his Empress.
Bing Feifei was supreme beauty, but tonight he knew who deserved his gaze.
Bing Lan Xi in Ice Empress Robe – perfectly hugged ripe curves. Ice Phoenix embroidery radiated dominance. Endless jade legs stepped on every man's heart.
Hair pinned high with jade clasp, cold sharp face, red lips slightly parted like orchid, mature as honeyed peach – begging to be bitten.
Entire hall stunned. Even the princes beside became background.
Peacock vs Phoenix – both flawless. Taste decided preference. Impossible to judge winner.
Suddenly Bing Lan Xi looked at Lan An – saw him staring intently. Her icy face bloomed like spring snow melting.
Instantly – her beauty surpassed Bing Feifei.
Men clutched hearts, struggling to stay calm.
Before shocked eyes, Bing Lan Xi elegantly sat beside Lan An – one step below him.
Bing Feifei lifted gown, sat beside Bing Lan Xi.
Bing Dung smiled bitterly, sat below Bing Feifei.
Lan An held Bing Lan Xi's hand, smiled, scanned opposite row.
Three extraordinary men – Bing Phach head lowered in defeat. The other two calm – similar features: First Prince and Sixth Prince.
Seventh Prince still struggling in Sacred Spirit Academy.
Everyone thought Lan An would face First Prince.
Then gasped – First Prince's seat only equal to Bing Feifei!
Two empty seats remained – level with Lan An and Bing Lan Xi!
Liu Feng's face ashened, like swallowing a fly.
"His Majesty and Her Majesty the Empress arrive!"
Eunuch announced.
Countless hearts had absurd thought – could it be?
No time to think.
Bing Changkong and a breathtaking empress entered – domineering aura forced everyone to stand:
"Long live Your Majesty! Long live Your Majesty!"
Only Lan An leisurely sipped tea.
Many faces changed – but remembering his identity, all shut up.
"Rise…" Bing Changkong nodded faintly, led Empress to seats above First Prince.
When everyone saw – pupils contracted.
Bing Changkong sat directly opposite Lan An. Bing Lan Xi opposite the Empress.
Countless hearts clenched.
The Imperial Family acknowledged Lan An's status equal to a Ninth Grade power lord!
And Bing Lan Xi's relationship known to all – her seat equal to the Empress!
Then who sits at the very top throne?
Everyone guessed silently.
"Retired Emperor arrives!"