Chapter 671

Chapter 671: Lu Chao Chao’s Blame

At the break of dawn, congee was distributed outside the Eastern Ling City, and order among the common folk gradually resumed.

“Even with Spirit Grains, we still need rain. It must rain soon…” Lu Chao Chao gazed at the sky. Another bright and cloudless day.

Before she could even have breakfast, a palace attendant arrived with a message. “Princess, His Majesty requests your presence at court today. There are foreign envoys, and he asks for your assistance.”

Lu Chao Chao didn’t even lift her eyelids. “I don’t know any foreign envoys. Why should I go?”

“It is said that they once oversaw Rain Invocation in the Spirit Realm. His Majesty is uncertain about them, so he specifically requested your insight.” The attendant spoke with utmost reverence, careful not to offend her in the slightest.

Everyone in the palace knew that His Majesty treated Princess Sunshine as his savior, bestowing her with the finest foods and treasures. To anger His Majesty might mean a slim chance of survival. But to offend Lu Chao Chao?

Entire bloodlines would be eradicated.

Just ask General Mo.

Upon hearing mention of the Spirit Realm, Lu Chao Chao no longer declined. “Fine.”

The palace attendant beamed. “His Majesty has sent these garments, all selected according to your preferences.”

Yu Shu and Yu Qin stepped forward to receive them, preparing to dress her after breakfast.

Meanwhile, Shan Shan was already awake, clumsily dressing himself.

“Young Master, there’s no need for you to dress yourself. Allow us to serve you,” a maid hurried over to assist him.

Shan Shan clutched his stomach, his little face twisted in hunger.

The maid wiped his face, and Nanny Lin carried him to the dining hall.

Shan Shan kept his face blank, neither speaking nor smiling. He had resolved to maintain a cold and indifferent demeanor.

“Nanny Lin, Shan Shan isn’t hungry. Why bring him here?” Lu Chao Chao’s casual remark came from the head of the table before she even took her seat.

Shan Shan nearly lost his composure. His little hand had almost reached the bowl but quickly retracted.

Nanny Lin, full of sorrow, opened her mouth several times but held her tongue.

Shan Shan swallowed hard, maintaining his cold façade, repeating to himself, I am an indifferent person.

Lu Chao Chao slurped her meat congee with relish. “Reward the kitchen with some silver. The breakfast today is exceptionally good. So fresh and flavorful…”

Shan Shan swallowed again.

“Whatever is left over, feed it to the dogs outside,” Lu Chao Chao added nonchalantly as she wiped her mouth, stealing glances at Shan Shan.

The kitchen still had a pot of warm congee. She wanted to see how long little Shan Shan could hold out.

Rising from her seat, she made her way toward the door.

Shan Shan shot her one look, then another… and another…

Aren’t you going to coax me?!

Outraged, he let out a furious breath, forming a massive snot bubble!

Shan Shan!!

As Lu Chao Chao reached the threshold, he suddenly slid off his chair and rushed forward, latching onto her leg.

“Sister, give me money!”

One hand clutched her leg, while the other stretched out demandingly.

To hell with cold indifference! I need money! His pockets were empty, and he had learned the hard truth—a single coin could block even the bravest hero’s path. He didn’t even have the travel fee…

Lu Chao Chao almost burst out laughing. Who was kneeling to whom now?

She fished out two taels of silver and stuffed them into his hands.

“Alright, alright. Don’t eat too many sweets, or your teeth will ache,” she said, rubbing her own teeth. She spoke from experience.

Shan Shan stared at the silver, then looked at her pitifully. “More… I need more…”

I have an entire treasure vault, and you give me two taels?!

Two taels?! Do you take me for a beggar?!

“Two taels and you still complain? If you don’t want it, give it back! What do kids know about spending money?” Lu Chao Chao made a move to snatch it back.

Back when she was poor, she wouldn’t even dream of having two taels!

Shan Shan immediately clutched the silver, torn between fury and submission. He had no dignity but refused to return the money.

Sulking, he tucked the silver away and watched helplessly as Lu Chao Chao left.

“Mean sister…” he muttered under his breath. He couldn’t out-talk her or out-fight her, so he could only grumble behind her back.

Nanny Lin chuckled, then carried him to eat.

On the way to the palace, Lu Chao Chao asked the palace attendant, “Who is His Majesty meeting today?”

The attendant bowed respectfully. “Their ancestors were from the Spirit Realm, but for some reason, they left and settled in the mortal world. They call themselves the Northern Abyss Clan. They have lived in the extreme northern lands, where it is eternally winter, and rarely venture out.”

“Northern Abyss Clan? Never heard of them,” Lu Chao Chao searched her memory but found nothing.

“They have remained hidden for generations. It is said that they once had a different name… They were in charge of Rain Invocation. But I know little. You can ask His Majesty once we arrive.”

She nodded.

Upon her arrival, Xuan Ji Chuan was already meeting with the Northern Abyss Clan in the Imperial Study.

“Bring out refreshments! The little princess has arrived,” a eunuch ordered the Imperial Kitchen to prepare snacks.

Lu Chao Chao lifted a small basket from the carriage, revealing vibrant green leaves covering tiny fruits. Amidst a barren land plagued by disaster, even a single leaf was precious, exuding a distinct sweet fragrance.

“Prepare a plate and let everyone have a taste.”

These were fruits that grew beside her Spatial Spring. She had distributed some at the posthouse and sent some to Xuan Ji Chuan. Since the Northern Abyss Clan was visiting today, they might as well partake.

A eunuch bowed gratefully. “In these troubled times, fresh fruit is more valuable than gold.”

The Imperial Study doors swung open, and Lu Chao Chao, taking small, quick steps, scurried inside.

The members of the Northern Abyss Clan wore white robes and had long white hair, exuding an air of ethereal grace.

Without greeting or ceremony, Lu Chao Chao hopped onto the Dragon Throne, where Xuan Ji Chuan naturally lifted her and placed her beside him.

“His Majesty’s beloved daughter possesses exceptional talent—a perfect candidate for cultivation,” an elder from the Northern Abyss Clan complimented.

Xuan Ji Chuan’s smile froze slightly.

“Elder, you must be mistaken. Look again,” he replied, his expression warm, yet his presence suddenly imposing.

The elder stiffened. The Eastern Ling Emperor was known to be ruthless and bloodthirsty, yet he smiled with such tenderness now.

At first glance, anyone would mistake her for his actual daughter!

“Chao Chao, the Northern Abyss Clan claims to be capable of Rain Invocation. They will perform the ritual tomorrow,” Xuan Ji Chuan explained carefully.

“Rain Invocation?”

“The Spirit Realm indeed had those skilled in Rain Invocation, but they were not called the Northern Abyss Clan…” Lu Chao Chao frowned.

The clan elder let out a long, bitter sigh, his face filled with resentment.

“We were not always the Northern Abyss Clan…”

“It was all because of Lu Chao Chao! The legendary Sword Sovereign Sunshine!”

He spoke through gritted teeth, looking as if he wanted to devour her whole.

Lu Chao Chao blinked in confusion.

What does this have to do with me?!

How could I possibly be blamed for this?!

“We were once the Spirit Water Clan, residing in the Spirit Realm’s vast waters, coexisting peacefully with the Dragon Clan. We performed Rain Invocation in exchange for offerings.”

“Life was peaceful—until Lu Chao Chao drove us from the Spirit Realm, forcing us into exile in the mortal world!”

“She banished us to the Northern Abyss and named us the Northern Abyss Clan!”