From Cold Palace Princess to Celestial Empress Ch. 6
“I never expected that while searching for a technique in the Scripture Hall, I would encounter a Spirit Seed Realm Senior.”
Xiao Minghuang steadied her mind and didn’t dwell too much on the so-called duty of guarding Great Xia’s safety. After all, she hadn’t even stepped into the Qi Refining Realm yet. The nation’s peril was still far too distant for her.
Having obtained the Earth-tier lower-grade cultivation technique, she had no intention of practicing it.
Although this technique was not weak, if she were to gift it away, the worst-case scenario would be a tenfold return, which would at least elevate it to an Earth-tier middle-grade technique.
“I’ve already used today’s compensation opportunity. I’ll continue gifting it to Ruoshui tomorrow.”
After making up her mind, Xiao Minghuang didn’t linger in the Scripture Hall and turned to leave.
But as she reached the entrance, she faintly heard commotion outside. Upon listening carefully, her heart stirred, and she suppressed her aura before stepping out.
…
Outside the Scripture Hall.
Seventh Prince Xiao Gang, leading a group of Royal Family members, was confronting Ye Ruoshui and the guards of the Scripture Hall.
“Are you the maid serving my Ninth Sister?”
Seventh Prince Xiao Gang was a burly man, nearly two meters tall, with a muscular build that exuded an imposing presence.
His gaze fell on Ye Ruoshui, and a flash of admiration crossed his eyes.
Though still young, Ye Ruoshui already had a slender and alluring figure, especially with her ample bosom that was hard to look away from. Combined with her round, adorable face that still carried a hint of baby fat, it created a striking contrast that was utterly captivating.
“Our father has been misled by slander and wrongly trusted the Ninth Princess. Why don’t you follow me, little lady? We can pursue the Great Dao together and become a happy pair. Wouldn’t that be wonderful?”
Seventh Prince shook his head and laughed.
“The Seventh Prince is exceptionally handsome, and the lady is extraordinarily beautiful. They are a match made in heaven, don’t you all agree?!”
“Yes, yes!”
The Royal Family members chimed in, echoing the sentiment.
The guards present all wore grim expressions. For Royal Family members to openly harass a maid with no cultivation in public—where would the Royal Family’s dignity be if this got out?
Ye Ruoshui’s face paled, her fists clenched tightly, but her eyes were filled with an unyielding determination.
She knew that Xiao Minghuang had come to the Scripture Hall, so after finishing her chores, she had come specifically to escort her mistress to her new residence. But she hadn’t expected to encounter the Seventh Prince and his entourage.
“If only I had half of my mistress’s strength, I wouldn’t have to endure these people’s arrogant words.”
Ye Ruoshui remained silent, but a strong desire to grow stronger rose within her, burning like a fierce flame, growing more intense by the moment.
Just then.
“Xiao Gang, it’s been a few days, but your mouth is still as foul as ever.”
Suddenly, a voice as clear and melodious as a flowing spring, yet as cold as a biting winter wind, rang out.
The smile on Xiao Gang’s face slowly faded. He didn’t need to look to know who it was!
Ninth Princess, Xiao Minghuang!
“Ah, who do we have here? It’s my defeated opponent!”
Everyone turned to look. At the entrance of the Scripture Hall, a stunningly beautiful young woman in a bright yellow dress walked out gracefully, her presence as imposing as the tall Seventh Prince, if not more so!
“I heard that the Ninth Princess not only didn’t lose all her cultivation but has actually advanced further. Is that true?”
“I don’t know about her cultivation, but the Ninth Princess’s elegance has become even more breathtaking compared to seven days ago during the competition!”
All the Royal Family members, regardless of gender, were struck with admiration.
Sensing that his followers might be swayed, the Seventh Prince sternly rebuked, “Don’t forget who granted you the opportunity to study in the palace!”
“Moreover, is it even possible for someone to not only recover from severe injuries but also have their strength increase instead of decrease? Can’t you all use your brains and think about this for a moment?”
Upon hearing this, the group of Royal Descendants fell silent.
The Second Prince, being the most accomplished in cultivation among Emperor Xia’s sons and enjoying widespread popularity, had already begun to emerge as a leader among his peers. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, it wouldn’t be long before he was officially named the Crown Prince. Even the Sixth Prince, who possessed the highest innate talent with an Earth-grade single spiritual root, found it difficult to compete with him.
However, the sudden emergence of the Ninth Princess, who had recently received generous rewards from Emperor Xia, inevitably aroused the Second Prince’s suspicions.
Thus, he sent the Seventh Prince to lead these Royal Descendants residing in the imperial city to test the waters.
In fact, most of them didn’t believe that the Ninth Princess had already reached the ninth level of Body Tempering, which is why they had come along.
Facing the aggressive Seventh Prince, Xiao Minghuang remained calm and composed, paying him no heed as she walked over to Ye Ruoshui.
She first gently stroked Ye Ruoshui’s soft hair and said softly, “Are you scared?”
Ye Ruoshui was momentarily stunned, but soon her eyes turned resolute as she replied, “As long as I am by Your Highness’s side, this servant will not be afraid!”
“Good girl. Now watch how I teach this barking mad dog a lesson.”
Xiao Minghuang’s tone was extremely calm. From beginning to end, she did not directly engage in conversation with the Seventh Prince and his group. Yet, this seemingly offhand remark completely enraged the Seventh Prince.
The Seventh Prince’s eyes widened like copper bells, almost spitting fire as he roared, “You little brat, are you looking for death? It seems I didn’t beat you hard enough last time, failing to cripple you and letting you come back to life. This time, I won’t show any mercy!”
As he spoke, the Seventh Prince’s aura surged dramatically. His muscles bulged, almost tearing through his loose robes, and a dense surge of vital energy erupted, the aura of the seventh level of Body Tempering suddenly enveloping Xiao Minghuang.
The pressure was so intense that even the royal descendants outside the range of influence felt a sense of oppression.
The highest-ranking guard captain present showed a flicker of surprise in his eyes, thinking to himself: It’s long been said that the Second Prince has the highest cultivation, and the Sixth Prince the greatest talent, but who would have thought that the unassuming Seventh Prince is actually a genius in physical cultivation!
“Your Highness, the Seventh Prince is a rare physical cultivator. You must be careful!”
Sensing the danger, the guard captain quickly sent a mental message to Xiao Minghuang.
Xiao Minghuang glanced at the guard captain, a hint of curiosity arising in her heart. She had never met this guard captain before, so why was he kindly warning her?
However, this did not affect her judgment in the slightest.
Xiao Minghuang tilted her head slightly, nodding to the guard captain, then turned her gaze back to the Seventh Prince.
Even if the Seventh Prince was a rare physical cultivator with formidable strength, capable of challenging those above his level, he would still be no match for her, who had reached the ninth level of Body Tempering.
Thus, Xiao Minghuang was filled with confidence.
The Seventh Prince unleashed his full pressure, attempting to force Xiao Minghuang to submit.
But even after exerting all his strength, beads of sweat formed on the back of his neck.
Xiao Minghuang’s jade-like, crystal-clear, and exquisitely beautiful face showed no sign of strain. Her calm, water-like eyes were filled with ease and leisure.
What is going on?
The Seventh Prince was puzzled. According to his understanding, during the duel seven days ago, Xiao Minghuang had narrowly escaped death and might have received Emperor Xia’s aid to restore her cultivation.
After the competition, he had advanced to the seventh level of body tempering, surpassing Xiao Minghuang. Coupled with the powerful qi and blood strength of a body cultivator, he was more than capable of overwhelming anyone at the same level.
However, the scene before him was completely unexpected.
Translator: Glariosa
Editor: Ruu
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