Chapter 7
In the photo, Jiang Xiaoyao was drinking at a street bar, taking a selfie with his phone to post on social media. But the little girl who accidentally appeared in the background shocked all the elders presentâeven Emperor Jiang himself.
“How could it be Chu Xialing…”
And Chu Xialing happened to be the Imperial Daughter of the Yun ClanâEmperor Yun’s own daughter!
Emperor Jiang immediately asked, “Why didn’t you report something this important earlier?”
Jiang Xiaoyao scratched the back of his head and flashed an awkward grin:
“I was on vacation in Misty Rain City that day, and heard their alcohol was really good.”
“So I drank a bit too much and only just remembered… my bad.”
Everyone’s lips twitched involuntarilyâwhen it came to carefree attitudes, nobody could surpass this guy.
Soon, Jiang Xiaoyao regained his composure and continued:
“That’s why I believe the Yun Clan’s sudden surge in fortune is largely connected to Misty Rain City.”
“As the first half of the prophecy states: ‘Amidst misty rain, an immortal descends.'”
“The ‘misty rain’ likely refers to Misty Rain City itself, while ‘immortal descends’ means a celestial being has fallen to the mortal realm.”
At this point, the Fifth Elder who had remained silent finally spoke:
“And the second half? How does that connect?”
“‘Through hazy clouds,’ in my interpretation, refers to an event.”
“An event so significant yet obscure that no one can foresee its outcomeâlike peering through dense fog.”
“As for ‘strangers’ path,’ that simply means two people who don’t know each other.”
“Combining both fragments, I believe it foretells…”
“An immortal’s appearance in Misty Rain Cityâsomeone unknown to us all.”
“Until… a major event with unpredictable consequences occurs! Only then will we understand.”
Jiang Xiaoyao’s deduction left the entire room speechless.
After a long silence, Emperor Jiang suddenly spoke:
“So you’re suggesting this ‘major event’ refers to that bet between Yun Mochen and Emperor Zhu?”
Not mincing words, Jiang Xiaoyao took a swig of alcohol and chuckled:
“Haha, Emperor Jiang, this is just speculationâI can’t guarantee its accuracy.”
“Moreover, I believe this incident won’t just connect our Imperial Son Jiang Nantian to Misty Rain City, but also earn him widespread admiration and attention.”
“That too is part of accumulating fortune.”
Truth be told, Jiang Xiaoyao wasn’t wrong.
Though fortune seems intangible, its existence cannot be denied.
A clan’sâor even a nation’sâlong-term prosperity heavily depends on it.
Fortune’s origins are rather mysticalâsometimes from newborn descendants, ancestral blessings, or even accidentally acquired treasures.
An Imperial Son born during a prophesied golden age naturally becomes the clan’s primary fortune-bearer.
Whenever such a figure achieves major breakthroughs in cultivation or mindsetâor gains widespread recognitionâtheir personal fortune grows exponentially.
“Xiaoyao, your reasoning is sound.”
“Name your preferred drinkâI’ll bring you several bottles next time.”
Jiang Xiaoyao grinned cheekily, “No need, Emperor Jiang.”
“Just don’t punish me.”
Puzzled, Emperor Jiang looked at him:
“What do you mean?”
Before answering, Jiang Xiaoyao had already sidled toward the meeting hall’s exit.
“Emperor Jiang, those two bottles hidden by your bedside… their aroma was irresistible, so I took the liberty of sampling themâ”
“YOU LITTLEâ *cough* *cough*!”
Emperor Jiang nearly choked on his furyâthose were vintage wines reserved for his son’s wedding!
“Father, why are you so upset?”
Just then.
A handsome youth entered and approached Emperor Jiang, patting his back.
This was Jiang NantianâEmperor Jiang’s only son.
“*Cough*… It’s nothing.”
Emperor Jiang waved it off, then asked:
“Son, have you heard about the Misty Rain City situation?”
Jiang Nantian nodded indifferently.
“Father, such matters aren’t worth your concern.”
“Just some brat’s empty boastingâlet him make a fool of himself.”
His response surprised Emperor Jiang, “Aren’t you worried about losing face?”
Jiang Nantian shook his head.
“Father, apart from slightly trailing the Yun Clan, no obscure minor clan can compare to us.”
“More importantly, I trust my talent to crush all doubts.”
“If that fool insists on seeking death, I won’t hold back during the college entrance exams.”
A flash of ruthlessness crossed Jiang Nantian’s face.
Emperor Jiang laughed heartily and clapped his shoulder:
“That’s my boy!”
Then he addressed the elders:
“Rememberâno unauthorized actions against that boy.”
“As a cultivation emperor clan, even minor incidents get magnified endlessly.”
“With Tian’er’s talents, he’ll undoubtedly top this year’s examsâwe’ll simply watch that fool’s humiliation when the time comes.”
“As for Zhu Qing’an, I’m sure Emperor Zhu will handle her appropriately.”
The elders shuddered and bowed:
“As you command, Emperor Jiang!”
…
Under the setting sun, a slender youth walked alone through the golden light.
Many passersby recognized him as today’s trending topic, whispering among themselves.
But the youth ignored their gossipâlife was for living authentically, as long as his conscience was clear.
“Master, you were absolutely dashing today!”
“System Child, where’s my reward?”
“It’s in your system inventory! Just say the word, and I’ll retrieve it for you!”
Fortunately, he still had that Divine-grade Foundation Establishment Pillâone guaranteeing 100% breakthrough success!
Otherwise, today’s events would have been even more painful.
Though he knew Zhu Qing’an’s words couldn’t have been sincere.
Being publicly dumped by someone you love inevitably leaves scars.
“Your alleyway residence…”
Just then, Yun Mochen’s phone rang.
“Hello, Teacher Luo Wuqing, what can I do for you?”
“Mochen, are you alright?”
“I’m fine, Teacher Luo. Thank you for your concern.”
After exchanging pleasantries, Yun Mochen hung up.
Strangely, that call warmed his heart and lifted his spirits.
To save money, Yun Mochen chose to walk home.
Soon, the elongated shadow stretched across gradually shabbier streets.
An hour later, he arrived near a wet market.
Vendors hawked their waresâfish, shrimp, meat, vegetablesâyou name it.
“Oh! Our Mochen’s back!”
Yun Mochen turned to see a burly, bearded man.
The intimidating-looking man wore only a black apron over his bare torso.
Setting down his cleaver, the man waved cheerfully.
