"But this is the Eldest Princess's Mansion, if we force our way in to investigate, it might lead to trouble!"
One of the Daoists with a medium build and a gaunt face furrowed his brows.
He was Jingyu Daoist.
Beside him were a priestess and a stout, defiant Daoist.
They were Jingmin Daoist and Jinghui Daoist.
These were the disciples of the Second Generation of Dong Shen Temple, also the junior disciples of State Preceptor Master Jingming.
The three were originally in quiet meditation at Dong Shen Temple, but a few days ago sensed an unusual movement of an ancient magical treasure within the Phoenix Perch Pavilion, thus they came to find the destined individual by following the changes of the treasure.
The magical treasure of the Phoenix Perch Pavilion was the Phoenix Perch Zither, an ancient artifact left by the Empress of the Grand Ancestor of Daqian. It was also a special magical treasure.
Phoenix Destiny Treasure.
It was refined by merging with the Phoenix Maiden Fate before the empress's fall, and it naturally had the ability to sense the Phoenix Maiden Fate.
Whenever a Phoenix Maiden approached, it would naturally incite strange phenomena from the Phoenix Perch Zither.
Its previous owner was the Empress Dowager Shizu.
This was the first time in thirty years it had shown any abnormality, naturally attracting the attention of the three Daoists from the Phoenix Perch Pavilion lineage.
This was also the mission of the Daoists from the Phoenix Perch Pavilion lineage, to find noblewomen with the Phoenix Maiden Fate for successive Emperors of Daqian.
Of course, not every Emperor of Daqian could wed a noble lady with the Phoenix Destiny.
For instance, the previous emperor, the Grand Ancestor, Emperor Zhongping, and Emperor Xuanzong all failed.
The Phoenix Perch Pavilion lineage actually leaned toward the cultivators of the Daqian Royal Family within the Dong Shen Temple.
They themselves were inclined to fully support the Daqian Court, and naturally took this matter very seriously.
But searching the Eldest Princess's Mansion was obviously not feasible.
The priestess Jingming Daoist spoke.
"Perhaps I could first go to the Eldest Princess's Mansion under the guise of a guest to visit Princess Qingfeng and search for an opportunity. You two, my senior brothers, wait at the gate. When the ladies come out, they must use the main entrance. Calculated with uncalculated intentions, it should be foolproof!"
"Meanwhile, senior brothers could notify the Observatory Platform. With their communication, the Eldest Princess, who is reasonable, would not obstruct us further."
Jingmin Daoist, with a delicate face but hair tied in a bun like a married woman, was indeed a mature woman and actually the wife of a nobleman in the city. However, she had become a nun halfway through cultivating.
Though already at a considerable age, she had many children and grandchildren.
In fact, there were quite a number of disciples and members like her in Dong Shen Temple.
Especially since the Daqian Court sought to further influence Dong Shen Temple, annually sending some of their children there for advanced studies.
"That's fine then!"
Upon hearing this, both Jingyu Daoist and Jinghui Daoist nodded in agreement; there was no other option now.
At this point, Jingyu Daoist handed the compass to Jingmin Daoist, who entered the Eldest Princess's Mansion under the guise of a disciple of the Phoenix Perch Pavilion to visit Princess Qingfeng first.
However, at this time, Princess Qingfeng and Qi Yuanwu were completing the final ceremony of their wedding and could not personally greet them.
Instead, they were greeted by a prince from the royal family.
Called King Wu, Wei Xi.
He was a tall and imposing old prince, holding a high position within the royal family and was also the Grand Minister of the Imperial Clan.
"Dong Shen Temple's Jingmin pays respects to the Old Prince!"
Upon seeing this esteemed and honorable old prince, Jingmin Daoist dared not be slack, feeling a strong Dragon and Tiger Qi emanating from him, which was quite suppressive to her, even with her possession of the Mysterious Technique from Dong Shen Temple.
"Master Jingmin, no need for formalities. Guests are to be welcomed; soon I will have the kitchen prepare meals and wine again for the master's honor!"
At this moment, Wei Xi's expression was a bit peculiar.
Since the wedding celebration was nearing its end and most guests had eaten their fill, why did this Daoist from Dong Shen Temple come to stir the scene?
Realizing King Wei Xi's suspicion, a thought crossed Jingmin's mind: if she could earn the support of this old prince, even if the Eldest Princess were to blame, the presence of the old prince backing her would make it difficult for her to do so.
"I beg your pardon, Old Prince. We are keepers from the Phoenix Perch Pavilion in Dong Shen Temple. Today, there was a magical treasure anomaly, and we suspect a noble lady with the Phoenix Destiny has appeared within the Eldest Princess's Mansion..."
"A noble lady with the Phoenix Destiny?"
King Wu's expression shifted, and upon listening to Jingmin Daoist's explanation, his demeanor turned solemn, understanding the importance of the matter.
If word got out, the person most concerned would undoubtedly be Emperor Jingwu.
After contemplating for a moment, King Wu asked, "What does the master wish to do then?"
Upon hearing this, Jingmin Daoist relaxed a bit, seeing that the old prince was amiable, and immediately responded.
"Simply put, perhaps the prince could grant me the convenience of performing magic within the Eldest Princess's Mansion to search; of course, there won't be much disturbance, nor would it affect the princess and the prince consort's wedding chamber!"
Wei Xi gently stroked his beard, finding the matter straightforward: "This is simple. Later I will have the kitchen prepare more fruits and pastries to stall the guests, creating an opportunity for the master!"
Jingmin Daoist's face broke into a gentle smile.
"Many thanks for the prince's assistance. If this succeeds, we will report to His Majesty!"
"My pleasure!"
Meanwhile, inside the hall, Zhang Jian glanced in the direction of Jingmin Daoist and Wei Xi, with a slight smile on his face, still holding Qi Yuhua's hand.
At this moment, Qi Yuhua, slightly shy with Zhang Jian holding her hand, nonetheless carried herself with elegance.
Now their marriage was virtually set in stone, with both families having long given their tacit approval. All that remained was a formal ceremony, after which they would officially be husband and wife, unfazed by any gossip from others.