Chapter 86: This Is Truly Interesting! (Please Subscribe)
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When Wu Yue raised her point, Cheng Guang had no intention of contradicting her. He simply replied with a smile, his gaze toward the Princess of Southern Ming still tinged with a trace of amusement.
This Princess had indeed inherited a certain tradition from the late Crown Prince—her demeanor was as reserved as ever, much like a turtle retreating into its shell.
He had teased her quite boldly, yet she endured it without protest. Whatever she felt inside, she maintained an unaffected expression, her noble bearing immaculate.
After speaking to Cheng Guang, Wu Yue glanced apologetically at the Princess. “Mingxian, Guang’er is still young and tends to speak without restraint. Please don’t take offense.”
The Princess pressed her crimson lips together, unmoved by Wu Yue’s explanation. Still young, indeed—how old was he now? Her son’s mind seemed to reside entirely in his lower half.
She looked away from Cheng Guang. Despite her growing dislike, she kept a gentle facade, her voice as elegant as an orchid in a secluded valley. She smiled, “It’s nothing. My nephew is handsome and charming; in this world, he could have any young lady he wished. Why would he be interested in an aging, faded woman like me?”
With that, the Princess returned to her seat, settling herself gracefully.
Wu Yue couldn’t help but shake her head and laugh. “Mingxian, what are you saying? If you consider yourself old and faded, what chance do other women in the capital have?”
“It’s only that Guang’er lacks the fortune, that’s all.”
“You flatter me, Yue,” the Princess replied, her lips curled in a gentle, noble smile. She returned Wu Yue’s compliments, making her laugh in delight.
The two women found themselves unexpectedly at ease, as if Cheng Guang’s presence no longer mattered.
Cheng Guang enjoyed the respite, settling into a corner and watching the Princess as though her face bloomed with flowers, unable to look away.
The Princess, already uncomfortable under Cheng Guang’s scrutiny, struggled to suppress her irritation. Who could have guessed that he would be so shameless, his eyes seemingly welded to her from the moment he entered?
No one had ever dared gaze at her so brazenly. Even the most powerful nobles, confronted by her gaze, would lower their heads, unable to meet her eyes.
Perhaps it was her status, or perhaps her beauty was so overwhelming that others felt inferior.
Whatever the reason, the Princess now felt a tingling on her scalp as Cheng Guang stared at her.
She had come here for two reasons: first, to discover how this Heir had uncovered the demon clan hidden beneath the canal; second, to see if she could employ some means against him.
To achieve these aims, she needed to spend more time with the Heir, preferably in private.
She had planned to use her aunt’s status to feign concern and, after some effort, secure a moment alone with him.
Now, it seemed there was no need for such effort—Cheng Guang was likely to respond with the slightest beckoning.
Feeling uneasy, the Princess shifted her delicate figure and glanced toward the courtyard. She smiled at Wu Yue, “Yue, it’s getting late. Perhaps I should take my leave?”
Wu Yue, startled, glanced outside. It was just past noon, so she urged her to stay. “It’s meal time. Why not dine with us before you go? You arrived unexpectedly, so we have no feast prepared, but we can eat simply. I remember you always loved my Jade Beauty Cake.”
The Princess’s brows eased, but she quickly feigned difficulty. “If you insist. I do love your Jade Beauty Cake; no one else’s suits my taste quite so well…”
Wu Yue was delighted that the Princess remembered her cake. The satisfaction of having her cooking appreciated was strong, and she laughed, “I’ll cook it for you myself.”
Wu Yue rose to leave, pausing to tap Cheng Guang’s forehead. “Guang’er, keep your aunt company while I prepare some delicacies and make her Jade Beauty Cake.”
Cheng Guang withdrew his gaze from the Princess, responding obediently, “Yes, Mother.”
Wu Yue’s graceful steps carried her swiftly away.
Soon, only Cheng Guang, the Princess, and a few attendants remained in the guest hall.
The air grew silent.
When Cheng Guang again looked at the Princess, he found her staring directly at him.
Her noble eyes held displeasure; her beautiful face darkened completely as Wu Yue departed.
Though her expression was grim, she forced a rigid smile when facing Cheng Guang. “Nephew, is your aunt beautiful?”
“You’ve been staring at me since you arrived.”
Her words were tinged with gritted teeth, as if warning him to stop.
Cheng Guang felt a moment of exposure, but showed no embarrassment. He leaned back in his chair, watching the Princess.
“She is beautiful, but I get tired of looking after a while.”
The Princess’s mouth twitched. Tired of looking? His eyes had never left her!
Her smile faltered, and she glanced at the attendants. “You may leave. My nephew and I have matters to discuss. Do not disturb us.”
The servants obeyed respectfully and withdrew.
Cheng Guang was surprised that the Princess dismissed the attendants, creating a private space.
How bold, he thought. Was she not afraid of unforeseen events, or did she have some assurance?
His eyes flickered, thoughts stirring beneath a bright smile. He looked at the Princess.
“Aunt, what’s so secret that you must send everyone away? Is it forbidden?”
He feigned reluctance, “If that’s the case, don’t say it. I’m too young; I care about my reputation.”
The Princess felt deeply insulted. Too young? Reputation? Was he implying she had no shame?
She clenched her fists, jade fingers trembling, struggling to suppress her annoyance. Yet she maintained her noble demeanor.
“Nephew, I heard you recently discovered the demon clan’s gathering place beneath the canal. Did someone tell you, or did you deduce it yourself?”
“Or…”
“Did your father, Cheng Zhi Hai, find it and let you take the credit?”
“I’m curious. Tell your aunt, won’t you?”
Her gaze lingered on Cheng Guang, awaiting his response.
He didn’t answer directly, but asked, “What do you think, Aunt?”
The Princess was surprised. Despite his brazen behavior, he had some depth—he replied with a question, giving nothing away.
Impeccable.
This attitude contrasted sharply with his playful demeanor.
She glanced at him, considered her words, and smiled, “I doubt you discovered it yourself.”
She intended to provoke him.
She knew noble heirs like Cheng Guang had strong pride; if it was his achievement, he’d boast. By doubting him, she expected him to defend himself.
Yet Cheng Guang again surprised her.
He picked up his teacup, sipping casually. “Aunt, believe what you wish.”
He said no more.
The Princess’s mouth twitched.
She realized she could extract little information from him.
With no one around, she truly wanted to kill him, but if anything happened to Cheng Guang, she would certainly be implicated—at best, she’d suffer greatly.
Exchanging her life for his seemed unwise.
So she merely stared at him, subtly pointing. On Cheng Guang’s shoulder, a pale pink spark flickered, energy quietly entering his body.
Cheng Guang, still drinking tea, suddenly felt a jolt and looked at the Princess, his expression turning strange.
What was this?
Divine power?
Soul force?
The Princess actually possessed cultivation, seemingly of the spiritual path. He would never have guessed if she hadn’t acted.
If she practiced the spiritual path, she must have royal blood—was she of the royal family?
Unlike the previous heir, not everyone had a grandfather at the celestial realm and a father willing to sacrifice his life for the bloodline.
Cheng Guang mused.
The Princess, outwardly unremarkable, was actually of royal descent? Was she of the Great Zhou, or another dynasty?
Her divine technique resembled his Bewitching Eyes, though weaker—able only to cloud his mind as if drugged.
Her soul technique, as it approached, was dispersed by the protective power of his Celestial Silkworm Garment before it touched his soul.
The Princess was stunned.
She stared at Cheng Guang, not expecting he could resist her soul attack.
She guessed he possessed some rare treasure that granted immunity. Though her attempt failed, she was not worried.
She knew that even if Cheng Guang resisted her attack, he likely wouldn’t notice her action.
Soul attacks were subtle; only high-level cultivators could perceive or defend against them.
Cheng Guang was simply well-equipped.
Thus, though she failed, she remained composed, sipping her tea and pondering her next move against this Heir.
He had far more depth than she expected—she could not probe him. The demon clan’s hideout could not have been exposed by the demons themselves; perhaps this Heir truly discovered it.
No matter how skeptical she was, the evidence pointed only to him.
Her failed attempt, and the likelihood of him possessing a soul-protecting treasure, meant she could do little for now.
If she acted too boldly, she’d attract the attention of the martial experts in the Duke’s mansion, making it hard to explain.
Her spiritual path cultivation was always hidden.
Outwardly, she appeared as a powerless woman.
She would not have acted so rashly with anyone else.
The Princess sighed. Had her attempt succeeded, Cheng Guang would already be at her mercy.
She sipped tea and pondered, her beautiful eyes flickering with mysterious light.
Meanwhile, Cheng Guang, watching her, began to smile with playful amusement.
The Princess of Southern Ming—a royal.
Was she connected to the late Crown Prince?
Interesting…
Things were getting intriguing.
Judging by the soul power she displayed, her royal blood was quite strong; her spiritual cultivation had reached at least the sixth grade, far above his own.
Clearly, she had cultivated the spiritual path for some time.
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The two fell into an awkward silence.
Initially, the Princess worried that being alone with Cheng Guang, he might behave inappropriately. If he lost control, she could justify disciplining him.
Unexpectedly, though Cheng Guang seemed infatuated with her, he did nothing beyond staring.
No other reaction.
The Princess wondered if the Duke’s Heir was impotent.
Ordinary men, upon seeing her, would lose composure, bending to hide their embarrassment.
But not Cheng Guang.
Strange.
She couldn’t understand it, but let it be. Unable to extract information or use other means, she would reconsider after returning home.
She had already marked his soul; later, she would have plenty of options.
The Princess mused, noticing Cheng Guang still watching her. Was he truly never satisfied?
Perhaps she should simply undress and let him look!
Her brows knit unconsciously. She was ready to leave.
Yet Wu Yue was preparing her beloved Jade Beauty Cake, cooking it herself. No matter how eager the Princess was to depart, she could not leave before tasting it, lest she insult Wu Yue.
Time passed; soon, Wu Yue returned, followed by several maids carrying a tray of exquisite, pearl-like cakes.
As Wu Yue entered, the hall filled with a delicious fragrance that aroused anyone’s appetite.
Even Cheng Guang, though not hungry, was drawn to the cakes.
He hadn’t known Wu Yue possessed such skill—he’d never tasted her cooking despite living in the mansion for so long.
Wu Yue first handed a plate to the Princess, “Mingxian, try some. I don’t know if it suits you; I haven’t made this in years.”
She then gave a plate to Cheng Guang.
“Guang’er, try it. I learned this from your imperial grandmother, though I rarely cook these days.”
Cheng Guang tasted the cake, finding it soft, sweet, and pleasant. “Mother, this is delicious. With your skill, we hardly need a chef.”
Wu Yue smiled radiantly, her gaze toward Cheng Guang even more affectionate.
“If you like it, I’ll make more for you.”
Cheng Guang nodded, appreciating her kindness. “Don’t trouble yourself too much.”
Wu Yue nodded, then turned to the Princess. “Mingxian, what do you think?”
The Princess, lacking appetite, forced herself to taste a bit for Wu Yue’s sake, then replied, “It’s good.”
Wu Yue relaxed, instructing the servants to serve the rest of the meal and inviting Cheng Guang and the Princess to eat.
Whatever the Princess thought, Cheng Guang enjoyed himself.
After the meal, the banquet dispersed, and the Princess prepared to leave.
Wu Yue could not detain her further, and together with Cheng Guang, walked her out.
At the mansion entrance, the Princess’s ornate carriage appeared.
Before boarding, she glanced at Cheng Guang, smiling nobly. “If you have time, nephew, you may visit your aunt’s estate. I’ll stay in the capital for some time, but if you want to see me later, you’ll have to go to Southern Ming.”
Southern Ming was her fief—ten thousand miles from the capital.
Cheng Guang smiled and agreed, saying little.
Was the Princess prompting him to seek her out again?
How amusing.
He knew he lacked the means to deal with this seemingly simple yet cunning Princess.
She saw his assent, yet her gaze lingered only briefly before she bid Wu Yue farewell, smiling gently as she entered her carriage.
Soon, she departed, vanishing down the street.
Wu Yue led Cheng Guang back into the mansion.
Walking along the pebble-lined path, Wu Yue mused, “Your Aunt Mingxian grows more beautiful each year. She wasn’t like this before, but now she’s even more stunning.”
“But Guang’er, don’t pine after your aunt. I saw you staring at her—the girl Yanqiu is no less lovely.”
Wu Yue had noticed Cheng Guang’s behavior, but refrained from mentioning it until the Princess left.
Cheng Guang blushed, feeling the shame of being caught as a child.
Honestly, he wasn’t entirely infatuated with the Princess—he was mostly studying anatomy.
Wu Yue said no more, tapping his forehead twice before leaving.
After parting, Cheng Guang returned to Wanxiang Garden.
……
As Cheng Guang returned to Wanxiang Garden, the Princess arrived at her estate in the capital.
Her maids, seeing her grim face, kept silent, escorting her to her room.
They guessed she’d visited the Duke’s mansion and was tired, quietly closing the door.
Her chambers were luxurious and noble.
The Princess sat on her couch all afternoon, unable to calm herself since leaving the Duke’s mansion—restless as ever.
Their plans had gone smoothly, but always met with surprises.
The attempt on the Heir had failed.
Then the duel between Wei and Zhou was disrupted by the Heir.
Even now, the demon clan’s hideout was exposed by the Heir.
All these changes seemed centered on him.
She had gone to investigate, and though the Heir had depth, he was essentially a lecher.
Whenever she closed her eyes, she saw his gaze.
She couldn’t explain why, but his look wasn’t just lust—it was amusement and mockery.
As if…
She had been stripped bare and laid before him.
Thinking this, she shook her head, patting her cheeks to dispel the daze. She feared she’d developed a psychological shadow.
She brooded for half an hour.
Suddenly, she sat upright.
Outside the gauzy curtains, the eternal lamp cast its glow on her jade-like face.
Her beauty was otherworldly.
Her mind flashed back to Cheng Guang’s gaze as she spoke to him before leaving.
She felt he had already seen through her motives and identity—no matter how lustful, he would not truly approach her.
Reflecting, it seemed true. He had stared all day, but never acted.
“Something’s wrong—very wrong…”
She sat upright.
Her soul stepped out, easily passing through walls and soaring into the void.
Her soul moved swiftly, every gesture like an immortal descending to earth, hair flowing, robes clinging to her graceful figure.
She flew over the capital, her soul cloaked in some secret technique, undetectable.
Thus, she arrived at Wanxiang Garden, at Cheng Guang’s chamber.
As her soul peered inside, she saw something unexpected.
Cheng Guang and Qingluan were embracing in bed, clearly having just weathered passion—no sign of impotence.
So how had Cheng Guang restrained himself with her that morning?
She couldn’t understand, but decided it was time to act—she would make this Heir hers.
Her soul technique, though not as subtle as the Bewitching Eyes of the Qingqiu Fox Clan, could forcibly erase a person’s mind, leaving them dull and obedient, far more brutal than the Bewitching Eyes.
She knew attacking the Heir carried risk, but if she succeeded, she could control him to pretend nothing had happened, fooling everyone.
As long as she could hide it until she left the capital, no one would suspect her.
After all, she was merely the powerless Princess of Southern Ming.
This method could only be used by royal-blooded spiritual cultivators.
She could even frame the Great Zhou royal family for the Heir’s decline.
A double victory.
With this in mind, she approached Cheng Guang.
As her soul passed, a cold breeze swept through.
Qingluan seemed to sense something, shivering and snuggling closer to Cheng Guang.
At the same time, she whimpered softly.
As she moved, Cheng Guang’s body was exposed.
The Princess blushed, thinking him shameless for not wearing clothes at night.
She controlled her soul and hovered above Cheng Guang, then, in a flash, entered his body.
She entered his mind, seeking his soul.
About to employ her divine visualization technique, she froze.
She saw Cheng Guang’s soul, not as weak as she had imagined, but shimmering with unique golden light.
Radiant and resplendent!
Behind his soul stood a colossal, awe-inspiring divine figure.
Even her soul could not discern the figure’s features—only sense its noble and terrifying presence.
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She was startled, speechless.
That divine being’s breath seemed to stir a myriad of lights.
Countless rays fell upon Cheng Guang’s soul, strengthening it by degrees.
“What is this?”
“Divine Visualization Diagram?!”
“Cheng Guang is visualizing a divine diagram?!”
“He cultivates the spiritual path?! How can he cultivate the spiritual path? Wasn’t his Great Zhou royal bloodline drained completely?!”
The Princess’s soul stood within Cheng Guang’s mind, staring at his soul in shock.
She saw clearly that as he visualized the divine diagram, countless brilliant lights burst from his solid soul.
Golden streams flickered, mingled with mysterious energies.
But this was not all she saw.
Cheng Guang’s martial path had reached the Physical Realm, a step from the Purple Mansion Realm, though not yet at the Divine Ability stage.
Yet she saw divine ability marks glowing within his soul.
They seemed to be bloodline divine marks.
There were two…
The Princess gazed, motionless in the void, sensing his body.
“Soul… blood… Cultivating both spiritual and martial paths…”
She stared, a strange terror welling within her.
The Duke’s Heir was nothing like the rumors.
His martial path was remarkable, but he also cultivated the spiritual path, and his divine diagram was a precious rarity!
Far superior to her own visualization.
“No—I must eliminate him, even at the risk of exposure.”
“If he can cultivate the spiritual path, he must have noticed my attack earlier, though he said nothing.”
“All day, I must have looked like a clown before him.”
As she frowned, her beautiful face turning cold, preparing to act.
Cheng Guang, in the midst of visualization, watched as the Divine Sage of Clear Source slowly opened a third eye.
As the eye opened, countless stars shot forth, dazzling with endless brilliance.
Cheng Guang sensed something, his soul slowly opened its eyes, his handsome, resolute face expressionless, silently observing the Princess who intruded upon his mind.
His demeanor gave her the impression he was not at all surprised.
The Princess never expected Cheng Guang could perceive her presence.
None of the martial experts in the mansion could sense her, and even if Cheng Guang cultivated the spiritual path, he was only at the Yang Spirit stage.
If she wished to hide, he should not have detected her.
It made no sense.
This Heir made everything seem inexplicable.
Her beautiful eyes flickered, glancing at the divine figure behind Cheng Guang.
Was it because of this divine diagram?
She wondered.
As she pondered, Cheng Guang’s voice sounded.
“Aunt, wandering around at night to spy on your nephew—surely that’s inappropriate.”
“Did seeing your nephew today leave you yearning, love at first sight?”
His words were playful.
The Princess’s expression froze, showing awkwardness.
She nearly laughed in anger—how could he remain so calm?
Even if he cultivated the spiritual path, how could he match her?
Her expression cooled; she stepped closer to Cheng Guang’s soul.
Her soul’s chilling aura grew stronger, and even before attacking, Cheng Guang felt as if needles pricked his back.
Yet his handsome face remained unchanged, his eyes calm as ever, his soul standing quietly, watching her.
The Princess, confident, took her time, examining his soul.
Curious, she asked, “Your divine diagram is impressive—where did you get it? Did your father find it for you?”
“And why can you cultivate the spiritual path? Your Great Zhou royal blood should have been drained. The royal family wouldn’t allow their bloodline to persist outside, especially not in the Duke’s mansion.”
Her eyes filled with questions as she waited for his answer.
But Cheng Guang did not reply, instead returned the curiosity.
“Speaking of which, Aunt, you’re impressive as well—how can you cultivate the spiritual path? Your soul is strong; your cultivation is high.”
“Are you connected to the Great Zhou royal family? Or the late Crown Prince? Or the Southern Ming King?”
“Hmm, those two are probably the same person, right?”
The Princess’s noble face did not change, but her eyes betrayed shock.
Her fingers clenched, a powerful aura spreading uncontrollably.
Within Cheng Guang’s mind, a storm raged.
Yet Cheng Guang’s expression remained unchanged, watching her with amusement.
Inside, the Princess’s mind was in turmoil!
His words shook her deeply.
He knew the late Crown Prince and the Southern Ming King were the same person?!
Why?!
Only a few should know this—how did Cheng Guang find out?
Was there a traitor among them?
No, impossible.
She dismissed the thought; even if there was a traitor, they would have informed the Emperor, not just Cheng Guang.
If so, she and the Southern Ming King would not be so safe.
So…
How did Cheng Guang know?
She pondered, unable to figure it out, her eyes growing colder.
She had already planned to act.
Now, it was not just a matter of attacking him—she must destroy his soul utterly.
Her brow began to glow with radiant light, as she stepped toward Cheng Guang’s soul.
With each step, her aura intensified.
“Aunt is going to attack her nephew?” Cheng Guang asked, his tone curious, tinged with regret.
As if lamenting something.
The Princess stared at him.
His calm gaze had always unsettled her—now, hearing his regret, she thought he was finally afraid.
She paused, extending a hand as brilliant pink light bloomed from her fingers, like a flower in full bloom, beautiful yet deadly.
“Though I don’t know how you learned these things, it doesn’t matter now.”
“I know you won’t tell me even if I ask.”
“Today, I will erase your mind completely. Only with your death will I feel at ease.”
Her voice was gentle and noble, as befitting her station—even as she prepared to kill him.
Cheng Guang smiled. “Do you really think you can kill me?”
The Princess laughed, “If you escape me, that would be a miracle.”
With that, she pointed.
Light flooded Cheng Guang’s mind, a powerful, terrifying aura spreading within.
In the dazzling brilliance, Cheng Guang’s figure began to blur.
At that moment, his voice sounded calmly.
“If we were outside, Aunt, you might really kill me.”
“But in my mind, your soul is lacking.”
“Especially when you try to use this half-baked Bewitching Eyes you learned from the Qingqiu Fox Clan against me.”
As he spoke, divine marks appeared in his soul’s eyes.
Strange pink light swirled like a kaleidoscope.
A vast, powerful divine aura overwhelmed the Princess’s soul technique.
She felt the impact and her face changed.
“This… this… Bewitching Eyes?!”
She was stunned.
The Bewitching Eyes, a bloodline power unique to the Qingqiu Fox Clan, appeared in Cheng Guang!
Even more shocking, her attack on Cheng Guang was absorbed without a trace—like rain into the sea.
It was completely immune!
Her enchantment was useless!
The Princess was stunned, motionless. When she tried to respond, she found the Bewitching Eyes’ power invading her mind.
Her strong soul, usually steadfast, began to waver.
She realized that breaking through would draw the Duke’s attention.
If she didn’t, she risked being enslaved by Cheng Guang’s Bewitching Eyes.
Now, she was in trouble.
……
(End of Chapter)
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