Chapter 69
In the blink of an eye.
Seven days had passed.
In the cultivation chamber.
Xiao Minghuang sat cross-legged, her posture upright.
Around her, almost all the spirit stones and medicinal pills had turned to ash.
Suddenly.
The spiritual energy within her body surged violently, like an uncontrollable, turbulent sea.
Sensing the change within herself, a wave of joy rose in Xiao Minghuang’s heart.
“I’m about to break through!”
In an instant.
Nine vortexes appeared around her body, continuously pulling in the spiritual energy from all directions, like nine black holes. With each breath, they absorbed all the spiritual energy within a radius of several dozen meters, along with all the spirit stones and medicinal pills in the cultivation chamber!
The numerous spirit stones and medicinal pills turned to dust in an instant!
The nine vortexes gradually faded, and Xiao Minghuang slowly opened her eyes, her pupils shining with a golden light, like twinkling stars.
“The ninth level of Qi Refining, just half a step away from breaking through to the tenth level. This is even better than I expected!”
Xiao Minghuang murmured to herself. Originally, in her plan, this period of seclusion would at most allow her to barely break through to the ninth level, with a long way to go before reaching the tenth level.
But with the resources sent by the Emperor, she had reached the peak of the ninth level of Qi Refining, just half a step away from the tenth level.
Xiao Minghuang let out a light breath, pondering in her heart:
“With my current strength, even if I were to face a True Disciple of the sect at the second level of the Spring Realm, I would not fear them… Perhaps, I wouldn’t even fear someone at the third level of the Spring Realm!”
At that moment.
A presence approached from outside the door.
Xiao Minghuang restrained her aura and walked out of the cultivation chamber.
…
The person outside the door was none other than Lin Wanqiu.
After a period of cultivation, Lin Wanqiu’s realm had also improved, reaching the third level of Qi Refining.
This was within Xiao Minghuang’s expectations.
However.
Upon hearing Lin Wanqiu’s words, a wave of confusion arose in Xiao Minghuang’s heart.
“Your Highness, several guests from the Jinghai Kingdom have arrived, bearing official documents issued by the Jinghai Royal Family. They claim to have important matters to discuss with Your Highness.”
The Jinghai Kingdom was a neighboring country to the Great Xia, slightly stronger than the Golden Elephant Kingdom, and both were subordinate forces of the Dragon Tiger Sect.
Although there were occasional frictions with the Great Xia, no formal war had broken out, so there were frequent trade exchanges and information sharing between the two countries.
However, as for any personal connection between the Jinghai Kingdom and her, the Ninth Princess, there had never been any.
“Since they have come from afar, let’s meet them.”
Not long after.
Inside the room stood a young man with a folding fan tucked at his waist, exuding an air of arrogance. Beside him was a martial artist with a short beard.
The young man was around the second level of the Spring Realm, while the short-bearded elder had eyes as deep as an abyss, his spiritual power vast like the sea, clearly a powerhouse of the Divine Sea Realm.
Xiao Minghuang sat at the head of the room, glancing at the two of them.
She noticed that from the moment she appeared, the young man’s eyes had been fixed on her, a glint of greed flickering in his pupils, causing her discomfort.
The young man’s gaze made Xiao Minghuang quite displeased, and she had no intention of engaging in pleasantries, cutting straight to the point:
“I heard you are from the Jinghai Kingdom. What business do you have with this Princess?”
The young man cupped his hands in a seemingly respectful gesture, though his posture remained upright. He smiled and spoke:
“We apologize for the sudden intrusion. Please forgive any impropriety.”
“Speak directly.”
Xiao Minghuang’s delicate brows furrowed slightly, her expression as calm as still water.
Seeing that the Ninth Princess had no intention of exchanging pleasantries, the young man frowned, seemingly displeased, but quickly composed himself and smiled again:
“Before we proceed, allow me to introduce myself. I am the Third Prince of the Jinghai Kingdom. I have come because I know that the royal competition in your country is approaching, and I wish to offer my assistance to the Ninth Princess in securing the position of Crown Princess.”
Hearing this, Xiao Minghuang was momentarily taken aback. The royal competition had been announced to the public long ago, so it was no surprise that the news had reached the Jinghai Kingdom.
But why would this Third Prince of Jinghai propose to help her seize the throne?
“Oh? I’ve heard that there’s no such thing as a free lunch. What conditions does your kingdom have for helping me ascend to the position of Crown Princess?”
The Third Prince gently waved his folding fan, appearing suave and debonair, and said:
“The Ninth Princess is wise and intelligent, and I admire her greatly.”
“As for the conditions… though there are some, they will surely bring only benefits and no harm to the Princess!”
Such words were impossible for Xiao Minghuang to believe.
Where there is abnormality, there must be deceit!
Seeing that Xiao Minghuang was not responding to him, the Third Prince gradually felt a surge of irritation. Since the moment Xiao Minghuang had seen him, she had not even looked at him properly.
In the Jinghai Kingdom, which woman did not smile at him, flatter him, or even offer herself to him?
The Third Prince took a light breath, suppressing his agitation, and continued:
“Princess, rest assured, we are absolutely sincere.”
“As long as the Princess is willing to agree to our conditions, our kingdom can immediately offer you 100,000 spirit stones, 1,000 Yellow-tier pills, and 10 Profound-tier low-grade Spirit Condensing Pills!”
“With these resources, the Princess’s victory over the Second Prince and her ascension to the position of Crown Princess would be a certainty!”
Hearing this, even Xiao Minghuang couldn’t help but be slightly surprised.
The generosity of the Jinghai Kingdom had surpassed even that of the Xia Emperor.
At least in the resources bestowed by Emperor Xia, there were no Spirit Condensing Pills, such precious items!
The efficacy of the Ningling Pill far surpasses that of the Yunling Pill. It can enhance the cultivation of warriors at the Spring Realm and even has a certain effect on those at the Divine Sea Realm.
Noticing a flicker of interest in Xiao Minghuang’s expression, the Third Prince couldn’t help but reveal a faint, disdainful smile.
He knew that the Ninth Princess of Xia Kingdom originally had mediocre talent. Although she later gained some opportunities and acquired the Five Elements Spiritual Roots, they were only of the lowest Yellow Grade.
While rare, they were merely comparable to ordinary Profound-tier Spiritual Roots and not particularly powerful.
Coupled with her long-standing neglect, it was only natural that she would be tempted upon hearing about such abundant resources.
Seizing the moment, the Third Prince continued:
“Moreover, once the Princess secures the position of Crown Princess, Jinghai Kingdom can mediate the conflicts between Xia Kingdom and Jinxiang Kingdom. At that time, we can lay down our arms and coexist peacefully. Wouldn’t that be wonderful?”
Xiao Minghuang nodded and said:
“If nations can coexist peacefully, it would indeed be a good thing for the common people and ordinary warriors.”
“Then, what is the price?”
The Third Prince of Jinghai Kingdom clasped his hands, his covetous gaze now completely unveiled, and a confident smile quickly spread across his face as he spoke:
“As long as the Ninth Princess is willing to marry this prince, Jinghai Kingdom and Xia Kingdom will become one family. And if we are one family, what disputes could there be?”
Upon hearing the Third Prince’s words, Xiao Minghuang did not feel the anger she had anticipated.
Perhaps she had already guessed his conditions and was mentally prepared.
Xiao Minghuang sat indifferently on the steps, her gaze towards the Third Prince of Jinghai Kingdom like that of an empress looking down upon a pitiful clown.
Her indifferent gaze was equally unshielded.
“You are not worthy.”
Translator: Glariosa
Editor: Ruu
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