Chapter 25
Beiyang City was nestled among the mountains, surrounded by rivers on three sides and backed by steep cliffs, making it easy to defend and hard to attack.
After a long journey, the three of them finally arrived outside the city.
During the three days, aside from searching for opportunities and teasing Ye Ruoshui, Xiao Minghuang had also chatted with Lin Wanqiu.
Through their conversations, she learned a lot about the situation in Beiyang City.
Apart from the city lord, who was at the peak of the Spring Realm, there were also four major families, with their heads ranging from the fifth to the eighth level of the Spring Realm.
Additionally, Lin Wanqiu revealed something rather intriguing.
“I was born with blocked meridians, unable to break through the Qi Refining Realm. My father spent countless spirit stones and pills, but he only managed to help me reach the seventh level of Body Tempering…”
When Lin Wanqiu spoke of these things, her expression darkened, and she seemed utterly dejected.
Learning this changed Xiao Minghuang’s perspective on Lin Wanqiu.
Perhaps forming a contract with Lin Wanqiu wouldn’t be so bad. If I can help her unblock her meridians and allow her to continue cultivating, she would surely be immensely grateful to me.
As for how to unblock her meridians, it was simple enough. All she needed was to find some basic pills and keep giving them to Lin Wanqiu, then wait for the results.
Even if the corresponding basic pills were hard to find, Xiao Minghuang had Ye Ruoshui, a little genius in alchemy, by her side, so pills were not a problem at all.
At this thought, Xiao Minghuang’s gaze involuntarily lingered on Lin Wanqiu, a slight smile tugging at the corners of her mouth, and a hint of amusement in her eyes.
Noticing Xiao Minghuang’s gaze, Lin Wanqiu’s fair and delicate face broke into a gentle smile, her eyes seemingly filled with a touch of reluctance.
But she quickly averted her gaze.
Xiao Minghuang and Lin Wanqiu walked ahead, exchanging smiles, their eyes conveying unspoken affection, secretly sending flirtatious glances.
This scene was silently observed by Ye Ruoshui, who walked behind them, her heart filled with complex emotions.
“Her Highness, could it be…”
Xiao Minghuang was oblivious to Ye Ruoshui’s sensitive thoughts.
As for Lin Wanqiu’s unusual demeanor, Xiao Minghuang’s delicate brows furrowed slightly, sensing that there was more to it.
She had only known Lin Wanqiu for three days, despite their pre-existing engagement.
But.
When they first met, Lin Wanqiu didn’t even know her name. How could she claim to have been deeply in love with her since childhood? Wasn’t that too vague and unrealistic?
Yet, since their meeting, Lin Wanqiu had been showing her frequent kindness. How could that be explained?
After much contemplation, Xiao Minghuang murmured to herself:
Could it be that she fell in love with me at first sight?
But then she thought again, finding it hard to believe.
Love at first sight? Such things don’t exist in the world. It’s just something bored scholars made up to comfort themselves.
After pondering for a long time, Xiao Minghuang couldn’t figure it out and decided not to dwell on it.
The three of them arrived at the city gate, where the guards from the City Lord’s residence were already waiting, ready to welcome the Ninth Princess.
As soon as they entered the city, Xiao Minghuang was greeted with a grand reception from Beiyang City.
“Lin Zhengquan, the City Lord of Beiyang, along with all the officials and soldiers, respectfully welcome the arrival of the Ninth Princess!”
Lin Zhengquan led a large group of officials and soldiers, all kneeling before her with utmost respect.
Behind them, many commoners also paid their respects.
Seeing this, Xiao Minghuang was somewhat puzzled. Although she was a princess, the Great Xia Dynasty was a realm dominated by martial artists, and they didn’t place much importance on formalities. Even when meeting the Emperor, one didn’t need to kneel.
This scene was unexpected for her.
After helping the City Lord of Beiyang to his feet, Xiao Minghuang spoke loudly, “Such grand gestures are unnecessary. Please, everyone, rise!”
The officials and commoners stood up, their eyes filled with admiration and gratitude as they looked at Xiao Minghuang.
Xiao Minghuang turned to Lin Zhengquan, her eyes filled with curiosity.
Lin Zhengquan smiled and explained:
“Your Highness, perhaps you’ve forgotten. Three days ago, you killed a rogue cultivator who was causing trouble nearby and rescued the kidnapped commoners. You did a great deed for the people of Beiyang City!”
“After hearing about it, the people spontaneously wanted to thank you, so I arranged today’s welcoming ceremony. I hope Your Highness doesn’t mind.”
After hearing the full story, Xiao Minghuang couldn’t help but laugh. She looked at the bustling crowd and said clearly:
“I appreciate your gratitude, but as a princess of Great Xia, it is my duty to protect the land and its people. Killing a rogue cultivator who was causing harm is my obligation. There’s no need for excessive gratitude. Please, everyone, return to your homes!”
Hearing this, everyone present was deeply moved.
A soldier sighed:
“I used to serve in the capital. Once, because I was a moment late in opening the gate, I was beaten by the Second Prince’s coachman, leaving me with a hidden injury that prevented my cultivation from progressing. Today, seeing the Ninth Princess, I realize that there are such benevolent and humble people in the Royal Family.”
A weathered man with a face full of gratitude spoke:
“My daughter went missing a few days ago. After reporting it to the authorities, the officials simply told me to wait. Everyone knows that if I really waited like that, my daughter would never be found… If it weren’t for Her Highness the Ninth Princess, my daughter would truly be lost forever!”
Thus, a noble and ethereal young woman of unparalleled beauty walked into the City Lord’s mansion under the gaze of countless onlookers.
…
Main Hall, Beiyang City Lord’s Mansion.
Xiao Minghuang sat at the head of the table, with Ye Ruoshui standing beside her. As for Lin Wanqiu, she had disappeared after entering the mansion, likely having returned to her room to rest.
Lin Zhengquan and other high-ranking officials of Beiyang City sat on either side.
After the customary greetings, the officials of the mansion withdrew, leaving only Lin Zhengquan in the hall.
Lin Zhengquan stood up, glancing at Ye Ruoshui standing to the side, seemingly hesitant to speak.
Xiao Minghuang looked at him and said indifferently:
“Ruoshui is my sister, and we are inseparable. Feel free to speak your mind.”
Hearing the words “inseparable,” Ye Ruoshui’s face flushed slightly, and her heart filled with sweetness.
Lin Zhengquan noticed Ye Ruoshui’s striking beauty, which was far from that of a mere maid, and couldn’t help but sigh for his own daughter.
After a moment, he composed his thoughts and spoke respectfully:
“The Ninth Princess has eradicated the evil cultivators, bringing great favor to Beiyang City, and even saved my daughter’s life. Such immense kindness deserves a humble gift from this official. Please, Your Highness, do not disdain it.”
As he spoke, several guards carried large chests from the inner rooms into the hall.
After the guards retreated, Lin Zhengquan opened the chests one by one. Instantly, radiant light shot out, mist rose, and a rich spiritual energy filled the entire hall.
“Such a grand gift from the City Lord, I fear I cannot accept it!”
The spiritual energy emanating from these chests likely far exceeded a thousand spirit stones.
Lin Zhengquan said solemnly, “Your Highness has done a great service to Beiyang City. A mere amount of spirit stones is naturally acceptable. These five chests contain five hundred spirit stones each, totaling two thousand five hundred. Please, Your Highness, do not refuse.”
Hearing this, Xiao Minghuang did not continue to decline but accepted the spirit stones.
Next, Xiao Minghuang attended the welcoming banquet hosted by the City Lord’s residence.
Translator: Glariosa
Editor: Ruu
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