How did a bastard like him become an immortal?

Li Muyun couldn't help but take a few more glances at Shi Miaochan's outfit; she was both pure and alluring, like a little queen.

Yan Zhenxu shook his clothes, a slight smile playing on his lips, and stepped forward. He had no intention of standing with Li Muyun, that country bumpkin. He had dressed up especially for today, hoping to attract Princess Miaochan's attention.

The other young masters also straightened their backs, displaying their elegant demeanor, secretly praying that they could catch Princess Miaochan's eye.

Li Muyun couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of the crowd, who were displaying their charms like a peacock spreading its tail feathers. Princess Shi Miaochan's allure was truly captivating.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Shi Miaochan walked into the Du Yan Mansion. Her gaze swept over everyone indifferently, but when she saw Yan Zhenxu's direction, her eyes lit up and she revealed a stunning smile.

Everyone was captivated by that smile. Yan Zhenxu saw Princess Miaochan smile at him, her beauty utterly mesmerizing. He immediately stepped forward, extended a hand, and a smug smile appeared on his pale, almost sickly face. He said, "Your Highness, I, Yan Zhenxu, son of Yan Hui, the Minister of Personnel, invite you to the Banquet of a Hundred Sages!"

Everyone looked on with envy and jealousy. They never expected that this young master Yan would actually be favored by the princess. You must know that the princess is extremely proud and has never shown such a smile to anyone.

Yan Zhenxu struck what he considered his most handsome and dashing pose, flashing his most debonair smile, his gaze fixed intently on Shi Miaochan before him. "Your Highness, Princess, you—"

Before Yan Zhenxu could finish speaking, Shi Miaochan walked past him as if she hadn't seen him at all, and went straight to Li Muyun's side, smiling brightly again, "Young Master Yun, you've arrived."

Although it was just a simple sentence, it was enough to cause an uproar among everyone present. Looking at the embarrassed Yan Zhenxu, the crowd also chuckled softly.

Yan Zhenxu's handsome, dashing, and debonair smile was frozen on his face like a wooden sculpture, and he felt as if he had been slapped hundreds of times in the face, with a burning pain!

The words "self-delusion" and "shameful" are insufficient to describe his current embarrassment.

Shi Miaochan noticed Yan Zhenxu at that moment and asked, "What is he doing?"

Li Muyun's lips curled up. "He might have a serious illness."

Yan Zhenxu's pale face instantly turned a deep liver color. "What did you say?"

Li Muyun tapped his ear, raised his head as if thinking about something, and slowly said, "I remember we made a bet earlier. If Princess Miaochan really invited me, what were you going to do?"

"You're dreaming! You country bumpkin scum, I'll make you pay!" Yan Zhenxu said through gritted teeth.

Li Muyun chuckled lightly, "It doesn't matter, I don't have a grandson as disgraceful as you."

As she spoke, to everyone's astonishment, Shi Miaochan actually took Li Muyun's hand and said, "Young Master Yun, let me introduce you to my royal brother."

Just as the farce was unfolding in the hall, the true protagonist of the banquet arrived.

"Distinguished guests, it is a pleasure to meet you!"

The King of Qin, wearing a golden crown and a black robe adorned with python patterns, wore a humble smile that made everyone feel as if they were basking in a spring breeze. His reputation for treating scholars with respect was indeed well-deserved.

Everyone returned the greetings, but Shi Miaochan directly pulled Li Muyun to the King of Qin and said, "Brother, this is the Young Master Yun I mentioned to you before."

Looking at Li Muyun's appearance, the King of Qin smiled and patted Li Muyun's shoulder, saying, "Indeed, you are a handsome young man. Little Sister Miaochan has mentioned you to me quite a bit."

Shi Miaochan winked playfully at Li Muyun, who nodded helplessly and said, "It is my honor to be remembered by Your Highness the Princess."

"Distinguished guests, everyone has arrived. Let us take our seats."

King Qin laughed heartily, took Shi Miaochan and Li Muyun by the hand, and walked into the Duyan Mansion under the astonished gazes of the crowd.

The others followed suit and took their seats one after another.

Yan Zhenxu watched Li Muyun's departing figure, so angry he almost ground his teeth to powder. "Just who is this damned peasant?"

A familiar face nearby thought for a moment, then squinted and said, "I remember now, it seems to be the illegitimate son of the Heavenly Slaughter Marquis, named Li Muyun!"

His fists clenched so tightly they cracked, and Yan Zhenxu's pale face contorted with rage from the exertion. "Is that the good-for-nothing bastard that Princess Miaochan came to propose marriage to a while ago?"

The others also remembered that Li Muyun was, after all, the son of the Marquis of Tiantu. He had been the subject of much ridicule and sarcasm in the past, and the recent news of Princess Miaochan taking the initiative to propose marriage had caused quite a stir in the capital. Li Muyun's name was now widely known.

"I heard that this kid has become an immortal, and he's not the useless guy he used to be anymore," someone reminded him.

Yan Zhenxu sneered repeatedly, "He's been a good-for-nothing for over a decade and suddenly became an immortal? How is that possible?! He's just a bastard, I want him dead!"

......

This banquet for a hundred sages was held in the largest banquet hall of the capital's banquet hall, with a full hundred seats. Because the King of Qin was often away on campaigns and was extremely passionate about martial arts, a martial arts demonstration stage was set up in the middle so that everyone could show off their martial arts skills at appropriate times.

Li Muyun looked around and saw that most of the people attending the Hundred Sages Banquet were descendants of generals, sons of military officers, or martial artists from the capital who had become famous at a young age. There were not many descendants of civil officials like Yan Zhenxu.

It has long been rumored that the King of Qin and the Crown Prince have been engaged in a power struggle, with the Crown Prince's supporters being high-ranking civil officials and aristocratic families, while the King of Qin's followers were mostly meritorious military generals and disciples of powerful clans. Given this, the rumors are not entirely unfounded.

Li Muyun frowned at this thought. His attendance at the King of Qin's Hundred Sages Banquet was tantamount to siding with the King of Qin and inexplicably becoming involved in the power struggle between the King and the Crown Prince. Fortunately, he was an insignificant figure, and he hoped the princes wouldn't pay him any attention.

However, Li Muyun probably couldn't avoid attention today. Since taking his seat, many eyes have been staring at him provocatively. Li Muyun, on the other hand, remained calm and did as he pleased, eating and drinking as he pleased.

This banquet of a hundred wise men was a gathering for the King of Qin to make friends. After the King of Qin said a few flattering words, everyone began to toast and drink, and dance and sing on the stage.

Shi Miaochan sat next to Li Muyun, and the two drank and chatted, which made many people grit their teeth and glare angrily.

Li Muyun downed the wine in one gulp, glanced at the surrounding gazes, and chuckled, "Your Highness, it's really not easy for me to be a shield. It feels like they all want to make a move."

Shi Miaochan affectionately poured Li Muyun a full glass of wine, saying, "It's not time to make a move yet. After the banquet, there will be a sparring match, and they will definitely want to beat you up then."

Li Muyun was completely bewildered. "Isn't this a banquet? It's just a meal, why is there a sparring session?"