In the city of Linzi, there stands a Cloud Mist Mountain, its renown almost rivaling that of the Azure Mountain.

At this moment, Jiang Wang, along with Xu Xiangqian, Li Longchuan, Gao Zhe, and Yan Fu, were leisurely seated in a pavilion. Outside the window, swirling clouds and mists danced, transforming into various shapes.

Within the Great Qi Royal Palace, there exists an Observatory Tower, the tallest structure in Linzi.

And the highest mountain within Linzi is generally considered to be Cloud Mist Mountain.

Of course, neither architecture nor mountain could surpass the Observatory Tower in height.

Cloud Mist Mountain boasts a spectacle known as the Mirage of the Cloud Sea.

Fixed on the first day of each month, the stacked clouds upon Cloud Mist Mountain would conjure scenes of illusory pavilions and towers, a sight of breathtaking beauty.

Initially, some speculated it was a hidden realm, others believed it to be a natural wonder, and some even claimed it was the reflection of an ancient immortal palace in the mortal world…

Of course, it was later proven that this so-called Mirage of the Cloud Sea was merely the manifestation of an array. The surging clouds and mists on Cloud Mist Mountain were not solely due to the terrain but also to the gathering of a magical formation.

This spectacle was not natural but man-made.

Hence, it never earned a place among the Seven Scenic Wonders of Linzi.

The reason why Cloud Mist Mountain’s fame could rival Azure Mountain was not due to this heavily manipulated Mirage of the Cloud Sea but rather due to the place where they were currently seated.

This pavilion belonged to the Celestial Fragrance Cloud Pavilion, one of the Four Famous Pavilions of Linzi.

Among the Eight Sound Teas, Crimson Sleeves monopolized three. Celestial Fragrance Cloud Pavilion possessed only one, the reason its reputation was not inferior to others lay in the words “Celestial Fragrance.”

While seated in the pavilion, one could faintly detect a fragrance lingering in the air. This fragrance was neither incense nor the scent of cosmetics but rather the aroma of the Cloud Mist Flowers atop Cloud Mist Mountain. The fragrance was ethereal and subtle, yet it evoked a sense of longing.

The details of its origins need not be elaborated upon, but suffice it to say that the entire Cloud Mist Mountain belonged to Celestial Fragrance Cloud Pavilion.

Among the Four Famous Pavilions, Crimson Sleeves and Begonia Spring were both located in bustling areas. Only Celestial Fragrance Cloud Pavilion had a unique disposition, located in a relatively secluded area, yet it was renowned throughout Linzi, often frequented by wealthy patrons who would stay for months, seeking only tranquility.

Seeking tranquility in a place of pleasure, imagine that.

Jiang Wang had been very active in visiting the Four Famous Pavilions recently, thus earning himself a bit of a reputation among the younger generation of Linzi’s circles. Yan Fu spent money like water, always treating others, and Xu Xiangqian would always follow whenever he heard that Yan Fu was present, even dragging Li Longchuan along. Of course, the word “dragging” was debatable, as Li Longchuan never seemed unwilling.

But unlike the others, Jiang Wang was not there for the ladies of the Four Famous Pavilions but for the Eight Sound Teas.

The Eight Sound Teas resonated with eight musical instruments: Chimes, Flute, Drum, Pipa, Zither, Se, Yu, and Sheng.

Among them, the chime’s sound was the Drunkenness of the Marquis of Music, the pipa’s sound was the Pipa of the Mist Maiden. The zither’s sound was available in this Celestial Fragrance Cloud Pavilion on Cloud Mist Mountain, named Hidden in the Clouds.

A cup of flower tea, the zither’s melody lingering, making one feel intoxicated, as if hidden in the clouds.

Since sparring with Li Longchuan, Jiang Wang had been experimenting with incorporating sound into his techniques, making groundbreaking progress.

During this time, Chong Xuan Sheng was very busy, so he often had Jiang Wang represent him in social gatherings. Socializing was not Jiang Wang’s forte; he wasn’t one to excel at social graces. But since he had to taste all eight sounds anyway, it was both a matter of public and private interest, so he went along with it.

Yan Fu was a person who was hard not to like, cultured and courteous, and very generous.

And Gao Zhe was another kind of person, a bit rough in appearance, but with a very deep mind.

When with Jiang Wang and others, he never mentioned his cousin who was trapped in the Heavenly Palace Secret Realm. It was unknown whether it was due to a poor relationship or because Xu Xiangqian had argued with Gao Jing outside the Heavenly Palace Secret Realm.

After drinking Hidden in the Clouds, the group discussed going to the mountaintop to admire the flowers.

Having come to Cloud Mist Mountain, there was no reason not to see the Cloud Mist Flowers.

The Celestial Fragrance Cloud Pavilion had a covered walkway that directly led to the summit.

The wooden walkway was attached to the mountain on one side, while the other side seemed to float in the clouds.

Although everyone possessed considerable cultivation, no one was so uncouth as to simply fly up the mountain.

Halfway along the path, a group of people, with a youth being the center of attention, approached.

It was autumn, and Cloud Mist Mountain was somewhat cold, but those who came here to enjoy the scenery generally had some cultivation, mostly wearing light robes.

Only this youth was wrapped in thick sable fur, his face pale, giving off a frail feeling.

However, among the group behind him, Jiang Wang saw a familiar face – Zhang Yong.

He was no longer the naive and inexperienced youth he was outside the Heavenly Palace Secret Realm. He was dressed appropriately, his aura complete. The way he looked at people was no longer evasive but with scrutiny and a hint of gloom. He merely nodded slightly at Jiang Wang, acknowledging his presence.

Then the identity of the sable-clad youth became clear – the Eleventh Prince of Great Qi, Jiang Wuqi, also one of the strongest contenders for the throne.

“Your Highness.”

Li Longchuan, Yan Fu, and others around him greeted him. These people were all wealthy and influential, so they didn’t need to perform a full bow when meeting a prince.

They simply pulled Jiang Wang to the side to show respect.

Even this level of respect was not something all princes and princesses could enjoy.

What if Chong Xuan Sheng came and met the Fourteenth Prince, Jiang Wuyong?

It was only because Jiang Wuqi had a bright future and the possibility of ascending the throne that he was worthy of respect from these promising scions.

The atmosphere in Great Qi was considered tolerant, even if a prince came to a place of pleasure like the Celestial Fragrance Cloud Pavilion, it wasn’t considered disrespectful.

Especially for people like Li Longchuan, Yan Fu, and Gao Zhe, they had seen many princes and princesses, so it wasn’t anything rare. When they met, they simply exchanged greetings and went their separate ways.

The truly top-tier aristocratic families would not get involved in the struggle for the throne. No matter who ascended the throne in Great Qi, they couldn’t do without their families. It was only people like Zhang Yong, whose families had declined, who needed to gamble on supporting the right prince to seek resurgence.

To everyone’s surprise, Jiang Wuqi didn’t leave but stopped.

After acknowledging the other aristocratic scions one by one, he looked at Jiang Wang and said, “You have an extraordinary bearing. The sword at your waist already has the potential to become a famous weapon. You must be Chong Xuan Sheng’s right-hand man, the Azure Sheep Town Baron of Great Qi?”

Jiang Wang bowed slightly as a greeting, “Jiang Wang greets Your Highness.”

Jiang Wuqi coughed twice before saying, “You have rendered meritorious service to Great Qi in Yangdi, and I respect that. But in the Southern Remote of Scarlet Sun, you publicly humiliated my Fourteenth Brother. As his elder brother, I would have let it go if I hadn’t seen you, but now that I have, I must express something.”

“To promote the prestige of Qi, I should reward you. But I must uphold the dignity of the royal family.” He looked at Jiang Wang and said, “What do you think?”

His words were clear and straightforward, his intention to cause trouble was also upright, making it difficult to harbor resentment.

“Once on the battlefield, there is no right or wrong, only life and death. I killed some people and shed some blood in Yangdi, and even if I have some merit, His Majesty has already rewarded me, so there is no need for Your Highness to reward me again.”

Jiang Wang looked directly into Jiang Wuqi’s eyes, without flinching. “As for the matter in the Southern Remote, right and wrong are self-evident. Your Highness should also be aware of it. I never intended to humiliate anyone, but those who humiliate others will be humiliated in return.”

These words were neither humble nor arrogant, and Li Longchuan and Yan Fu on the side nodded secretly in approval.

Jiang Wuqi directly told him – I am a person who is clear about rewards and punishments. I want to reward you, and I also want to punish you. Can you accept that?

And Jiang Wang answered Jiang Wuqi – As for the reward, I don’t need your reward, that is what the Emperor should do; As for the punishment, I haven’t done anything wrong anyway, do as you please!