Chapter 95

A night passed.

The incident at the Treasure Pavilion quickly spread throughout the capital.

The news soon reached the Second Prince’s residence. Upon hearing it, he immediately rushed to the Prince of Wu’an’s mansion.

“Greetings, Second Prince!”

Along the way, the servants of the Prince of Wu’an’s mansion bowed deeply upon seeing the Second Prince.

This was not only because the Second Prince was the son of the Emperor of Xia, but also because the Prince of Wu’an intended to betroth his only granddaughter to the Second Prince.

Thus, the Second Prince could also be considered the son-in-law of the Prince of Wu’an’s household.

As he turned a corner, a slender and graceful figure came into view. She was dressed in a light green dress, her figure elegant, her long hair cascading over her shoulders, and her waist slender. Her beautiful face showed a hint of surprise.

The woman was none other than the only granddaughter of the Prince of Wu’an, Xu Xiu’er.

“Cousin!”

Xu Xiu’er called out and stepped forward, her heart fluttering with nervousness. It had been quite some time since she last saw the Second Prince.

“No need for formalities. I’m here to discuss urgent matters with my uncle. Please carry on, cousin!”

With that, the Second Prince swiftly walked past Xu Xiu’er and disappeared down the corridor.

Watching the Second Prince’s retreating figure, Xu Xiu’er bit her tender lower lip, her heart filled with hesitation.

She wanted to follow the Second Prince, but she was afraid of disturbing him while he was handling important matters.

Although she was the only granddaughter of the Prince of Wu’an, her talent was extremely poor. After seventeen years of cultivation, she had barely reached the ninth level of Body Tempering.

It was impossible for her to support the vast mansion of the Prince of Wu’an after her grandfather passed away.

Thus, when her grandfather arranged her betrothal to the Second Prince, she did not refuse.

She knew in her heart that this was a good thing, both for her and for the Prince of Wu’an’s household.

But as for any feelings between her and the Second Prince, there was nothing to speak of.

The Second Prince was obsessed with power. Aside from befriending knights and courting court officials, he spent most of his time cultivating.

The only reason he agreed to this marriage was because marrying her would strengthen his ties with the Prince of Wu’an.

Thus, although they were privately betrothed, they had never had any physical contact, nor had they exchanged more than a few words.

Xu Xiu’er remembered that the last time she saw the Second Prince was at the royal competition several months ago.

Seeing Xu Xiu’er’s troubled expression, the maid beside her cautiously spoke up:

“Miss… the Second Prince, he…”

“Enough!”

Xu Xiu’er gripped the hem of her dress, her eyes revealing a firm resolve.

Although her talent was lacking, as the dignified granddaughter of the Prince of Wu’an, she would never stoop to chasing after someone!

…

In the main hall of the Prince of Wu’an’s mansion.

The Second Prince paced back and forth, his face filled with anxiety.

After a moment, a stern-looking middle-aged man emerged from the back hall. It was the Prince of Wu’an.

“What brings you here to see me?”

Seeing Prince Wu’an, the Second Prince seemed to have found his anchor. He quickly walked up to Prince Wu’an and asked anxiously:

“Uncle, have you heard about what happened at the Treasure Pavilion yesterday?”

Prince Wu’an took a seat, picked up a teacup, and with a hint of reproach in his eyes, admonished:

“Look at you, a prince of the realm, so flustered. If you ascend the throne one day, will you continue like this?”

Hearing this, the Second Prince felt somewhat embarrassed. Although he was a bit indignant in his heart, he still lowered his head and admitted his fault:

“Uncle’s reprimand is justified. Your grandson will definitely change and not repeat the same mistake!”

Prince Wu’an’s expression softened, and he stroked his beard, saying:

“Alright, speak up if you have something to say. I’ve had some insights recently and might be able to break through to the ninth level of the Divine Sea Realm.”

Hearing this, a flash of joy appeared in the Second Prince’s eyes, and he cupped his hands in congratulations:

“Congratulations, Uncle!”

Then, a trace of worry appeared on his face, and he quickly told Prince Wu’an about the incident at the Treasure Pavilion.

“Yesterday, the Ninth Princess defeated Feng Yi, the True Disciple of the Spirit Sword Sect, with a single move at the Treasure Pavilion. She also publicly declared that the young lady of Beiyang City is her wife.”

The Second Prince analyzed with concern:

“Feng Yi is a True Disciple of the Spirit Sword Sect. Although he is only at the peak of the Qi Refining Realm, he can hold his own even against someone at the first level of the Spring Realm. The Ninth Princess was able to defeat Feng Yi with a single move. Even if there was an element of surprise, her true strength is likely at the second level of the Spring Realm!”

The Second Prince left the rest unsaid.

His own realm was only at the second level of the Spring Realm, and with all his trump cards, he could at most unleash combat power comparable to the fourth level of the Spring Realm.

But if he had trump cards, didn’t the Ninth Princess have them as well?

Prince Wu’an clearly understood this as well. After pondering for a moment, he asked:

“What do you plan to do?”

Hearing this, the Second Prince’s expression became complicated. The last time they had plotted to ambush the Ninth Princess on her way to Beiyang City, but she had narrowly escaped, rendering their efforts futile.

Now that the Ninth Princess was in the imperial city, protected by Wang Jin, a Divine Sea Realm expert, assassinating her would be as difficult as reaching the heavens!

Seeing the Second Prince’s expression, Prince Wu’an understood that he was blaming himself for not successfully eliminating the Ninth Princess.

“That assassination attempt, I sent a Divine Sea Realm expert, yet it still failed. Some things are beyond human control.”

Prince Wu’an’s voice was calm, but to the Second Prince, it sounded like a thunderclap.

He knew that Prince Wu’an was somewhat angry and quickly apologized:

“Your grandson does not blame you, Uncle. I am just worried about how to eliminate the Ninth Princess, this formidable enemy!”

At this point, he paused and slowly said:

“After all, if I cannot defeat the Ninth Princess in the grand competition, the throne will fall to me.”

“Hmph!”

Hearing this, Prince Wu’an snorted coldly. He understood the Second Prince’s implication—he wanted him to personally assassinate the Ninth Princess.

But if the Second Prince could think of this, wouldn’t the Emperor and the Old Ancestor think of it as well?

Prince Wu’an knew very well that if he were to personally take action, the Emperor or the Old Ancestor would likely slaughter his entire family in the next moment!

Therefore, no matter how the Second Prince tried to provoke him, it would have no effect.

After thinking for a while, Prince Wu’an spoke in a deep voice:

“I remember the Sixth Prince has been a disciple of the Spirit Sword Sect for over ten years now…”

The Sixth Prince!

Hearing this title, the Second Prince was suddenly startled, as if waking from a dream.

“The Sixth Prince has been studying at the Spirit Sword Sect for twelve years, during which he rarely contacted the royal family. If my uncle hadn’t mentioned it, I would have almost forgotten!”

Prince Wu’an’s gaze was sharp as he said:

“I’ve always said that a ruler must have a long-term vision, not be confined to a single city, nor only focus on immediate gains and losses. Yet, you never heed my teachings.”

“…”

The Second Prince looked ashamed and lowered his head.

After a moment, he asked:

“Uncle, are you suggesting that when the snipe and the clam fight, the fisherman benefits?”

Prince Wu’an, however, did not answer the question. Instead, he spoke leisurely:

“My informant at the Spirit Sword Sect has sent word that the Sixth Prince has now reached the second level of the Spring Realm and has grasped the rudiments of sword intent. Even a fellow disciple at the fourth level of the Spring Realm couldn’t withstand his second move!”

Hearing this, the Second Prince was shocked:

“The rudiments of sword intent!”

As is well known, for a swordsman, understanding sword intent and not understanding it are two entirely different concepts.

Without sword intent, one can only unleash the power of the magic sword itself or use the sword to carry one’s martial arts. If the magic sword is of a higher grade, the combined strength can be even more formidable.

But if the magic sword is of a lower grade, the power it can unleash might not even compare to using martial arts bare-handed.

Therefore, martial artists who understand sword intent can often fight beyond their level. Even the rudiments of sword intent make them significantly stronger than ordinary martial artists.

Prince Wu’an said indifferently:

“You know what to do, don’t you? I don’t need to teach you personally.”

“Your grandson understands!”

The Second Prince stood up, cupped his hands, and smiled.

Prince Wu’an, however, sighed softly and said wistfully:

“When you have free time, come visit the mansion more often. Xiu’er often mentions you in front of me!”

The Second Prince was about to leave when he heard this and quickly bowed:

“Your grandson understands. I will definitely visit my cousin more often in the future!”

With that, the Second Prince turned and left.

Watching the Second Prince’s back disappear from the hall, Prince Wu’an’s eyes flickered uncertainly, his gaze deep and thoughtful.

…

Princess’s Mansion, Training Room.

Xiao Minghuang stood in the center of the spacious hall, her thoughts turning as she took out the spirit source from her storage bag.

The spirit source, half a person’s height, stood in the center of the hall, pitch black with a glossy surface and many strange patterns.

“Dark Yin Fruit…”

Xiao Minghuang murmured to herself, looking at the spirit source.

According to the rules of the Treasure Pavilion, one usually needs to open the spirit source at the Spirit Source Workshop and record the items obtained.

But given Xiao Minghuang’s noble status, she naturally didn’t need to follow the usual rules.

“If I give this Dark Yin Fruit to Wanqiu, I wonder if it will trigger a high multiple compensation…”

Xiao Minghuang pondered, then extended a hand, a stream of spiritual energy extending out, golden light condensing into a long sword, which she then aimed at the spirit source.

Without hesitation, she swung the sword, striking the spirit source.

Crack!

A crisp sound rang out as the spirit source was split in two, the inert spiritual energy within dissipating like water on flat ground.

At the same time, within the spiritual source, faint divine light flickered, and a deep blue fruit slowly emerged from it. It was only the size of an egg, exuding a fragrant aroma.

Seeing this, Xiao Minghuang’s face lit up with joy, and she reached out to take the spiritual fruit in her hand.

Holding the Profound Yin Fruit in her palm, Xiao Minghuang felt a mysterious aura overflowing from it.

“Is this the sensation of Primordial Qi?”

Previously, although she had read about Primordial Qi in ancient texts, she had never seen it with her own eyes, let alone experienced it firsthand.

Now, upon seeing the Profound Yin Fruit, she realized just how miraculous Primordial Qi truly was.

Primordial Qi was a higher-level energy compared to spiritual energy.

Just this small Profound Yin Fruit, Xiao Minghuang estimated, was worth at least a hundred thousand spirit stones!

Ordinary martial artists absorbed spiritual energy for regular cultivation, but if they could absorb a portion of Primordial Qi, not only would their cultivation progress faster, but they could also assimilate the unique energies contained within it.

The spiritual energy of heaven and earth all fell within the Five Elements.

These unique energies weren’t necessarily powerful, but their special nature often allowed them to produce unexpected effects.

Compared to martial artists, it was akin to possessing various special physiques.

Martial artists all bore spiritual roots, yet they could also give rise to various special physiques, some of which existed outside the Five Elements.

“Perhaps this is the variable!”

Xiao Minghuang sighed softly, no longer dwelling on this issue.

Regardless of how many inexplicable effects Primordial Qi might have, for Xiao Minghuang, its greatest functions were only two.

One was to enhance cultivation, and the other was to help a mortal body undergo a transformation, reshaping the flesh, and returning to the primordial state, achieving a Primordial Body!

But with just this small piece of Profound Yin Fruit, it was likely impossible.

“I hope the compensation this time will be more substantial.”

Xiao Minghuang thought to herself.

A short while later.

Xiao Minghuang arrived outside Lin Wanqiu’s courtyard.

Knock, knock, knock!

After a moment.

The courtyard door opened.

Lin Wanqiu stood before Xiao Minghuang, dressed in a light red dress, her hair cascading down, and she smiled gracefully:

“Your Highness, did you have a good night?”

Seeing the princess come to her so early in the morning, she knew that Ye Ruoshui had probably been appeased.

Xiao Minghuang coughed lightly, reached out, and gently flicked Lin Wanqiu’s smooth forehead, pretending to be angry:

“You dare to tease this princess now!”

Lin Wanqiu pouted, rubbed her forehead, and took Xiao Minghuang’s hand, gently massaging her slender fingers, cooing:

“Ah, it hurts! Your Highness, please spare me, I won’t dare to do it again!”

“That’s more like it!”

Xiao Minghuang chuckled and led Lin Wanqiu into the house.

She took out the Profound Yin Fruit and handed it to Lin Wanqiu.

“This is called the Profound Yin Fruit. It contains a trace of Primordial Yin Qi, which should be beneficial to you.”

Hearing this, Lin Wanqiu was suddenly startled.

“A Primordial Divine Artifact!”

Her gaze fell on the deep blue fruit, her heart pounding.

This was a Primordial Divine Artifact!

She had never seen something so precious before!

She had heard her grandfather mention that Primordial Divine Artifacts were immensely beneficial to martial artists. Not only could they enhance cultivation, but they could also improve one’s aptitude for cultivation and even aid in shaping one’s physique!

“Your Highness, is this really true?”

Lin Wanqiu’s voice trembled, her eyes filled with astonishment.

“Of course it’s true, why would I lie to you?”

Xiao Minghuang smiled gently, placing the Profound Yin Fruit into Lin Wanqiu’s hand.

At the same time.

A system notification echoed in her mind.

【Ding!】

【Host has successfully gifted an opportunity!】

【Congratulations, host, you have triggered a fivefold critical compensation, obtaining Profound Yin Fruit*5!】

Hearing the prompt, Xiao Minghuang’s expression remained unchanged.

Five Profound Yin Fruits would certainly help in advancing her cultivation, but awakening an innate physique was likely out of the question.

Seeing Xiao Minghuang fall silent, Lin Wanqiu thought she might be having second thoughts and quickly tried to return the fruit.

“Your Highness, I’ve thought about it, this is too precious. I should return it to you!”

“I gave it to you, so keep it. Don’t be so indecisive!”

Xiao Minghuang spoke firmly, her eyes filled with determination.

Hearing Xiao Minghuang’s words, Lin Wanqiu clenched her teeth and accepted the fruit.

She knew that if Her Highness had given her something so valuable, it meant she held a significant place in her heart, which was her greatest honor.

“Refine the Profound Yin Fruit as soon as possible. It should greatly aid your cultivation!”

After saying this, Xiao Minghuang turned and left.

From beginning to end, she never mentioned the Innate Profound Yin Spirit Body.

This was something she had learned from the system and couldn’t explain to Lin Wanqiu, so she decided to act as if she didn’t know, hoping that Lin Wanqiu would awaken her physique by chance.

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Translator: Glariosa
Editor: Ruu

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