The Royal Orphan, The Proud Maiden

This was Dai Hong.

A commoner youth born from humble origins.

Yet, very few people knew.

The blood of the Dai imperial family flowed through his veins.

Though it was a collateral lineage, distant to the point of being remote.

Over a century ago, this branch of his family had been expelled from the imperial city.

Now, they were no different from ordinary folk.

Dai Hong looked up toward the distant city walls.

Star Luo City, the capital of the Star Luo Empire.

This was his first time coming here.

He came to become stronger.

To provide a better life for his family.

"So this is the imperial city..."

He whispered to himself, his eyes filled with longing.

But soon, he grew calm again.

He had never intended to stir up trouble.

In the few towns he had passed through.

Others had always provoked him first, forcing him to retaliate.

In the end, he had defeated all of them.

The name "Dai Hong" had spread just like that.

But Dai Hong did not care for such fame.

He only wanted to cultivate in peace.

To grow stronger in silence.

After entering the city.

The streets were bustling, filled with people coming and going.

Dai Hong surveyed his surroundings.

Looking for a place to stay.

He did not notice.

A pair of eyes in the shadows was watching him.

Bai Chenxiang sat in a teahouse, behind a bamboo screen.

Observing the youth in plain clothes on the street.

"Is that him?"

Zi'er nodded: "Yes, Miss."

"That is Dai Hong."

Bai Chenxiang looked down from her vantage point.

Her gaze was critical.

"Dressed like that, how does he look like a genius?"

"I fear he is nothing but a hollow name."

Zi'er whispered: "I heard he has defeated many people..."

"Those are all genuine battle records."

Bai Chenxiang let out a scoff.

"What skill is there in defeating trash?"

"This young lady defeats several every single day."

Though she said this, she felt a spark of interest.

This Dai Hong did indeed look different.

When he walked, his steps were steady.

His breathing was long and deep, clearly indicating a foundation in martial arts.

"A bit interesting."

"But, only a little."

Bai Chenxiang stood up, her purple ponytail flicking behind her.

She leaped directly from the teahouse.

Landing steadily on the street.

Her purple combat attire was exceptionally striking under the sunlight.

Pedestrians on the street all made way.

They all knew this young lady was not to be trifled with.

Dai Hong stopped in his tracks.

He felt a sharp aura lock onto him.

It was a young woman in purple.

With purple twin ponytails and a pretty face.

But her eyes were as sharp as knives.

Her curvaceous figure drew many gazes.

But those people didn't dare to look for long.

This young woman's aura was too powerful.

"You are Dai Hong?"

Bai Chenxiang spoke, her voice crisp and carrying an arrogant tone.

Dai Hong frowned: "Who are you?"

Bai Chenxiang didn't answer his question.

Instead, she circled him once.

Sizing him up from head to toe, as if appraising merchandise.

This made Dai Hong very uncomfortable.

"I heard you've become quite famous recently."

"Called a genius?"

Dai Hong shook his head: "I've never said that."

"It's all what others say."

Bai Chenxiang sneered.

"Dare to do it but not to own it?"

"Let me see, this genius you claim to be?"

Before her words even fell, she attacked directly.

She unleashed a palm strike, and a fierce wind swept towards him.

Dai Hong hastily retreated, his expression changing drastically.

"Wait! I didn't..."

Before he could finish speaking, Bai Chenxiang's leg swept out.

Her slender leg was stretched perfectly straight.

With a sound of breaking air, it shot directly towards Dai Hong's face.

The speed was so fast that the onlookers couldn't even see clearly.

Dai Hong could only raise his hand to block.

Bang!

He felt his arm go numb and was forced back three steps.

What immense strength!

This seemingly delicate young woman.

Her strength was actually so terrifying!

Bai Chenxiang's lips curved upwards.

"That's it?"

"You dare to call yourself a genius?"

Dai Hong's face was grim.

With so many people watching on the street.

Being suppressed and beaten by a young woman.

This was incredibly embarrassing for him.

But more importantly, he had no idea what was going on.

When did he offend this young lady?

"Miss, is there some misunderstanding between us..."

Dai Hong spoke up again.

Bai Chenxiang struck out with another palm.

"Misunderstanding, my foot!"

"In Star Luo City, no one is worthy of being number one except for me!"

Her attacks grew faster and faster.

Her purple figure was like a butterfly flitting through flowers.

She circled around Dai Hong.

Every palm strike and every kick carried a fierce gale.

Dai Hong was forced to respond with all his might.

But after all, he came from humble beginnings.

He lacked systematic Martial Soul cultivation.

His techniques were all of the lowest grade.

How could he be a match for Bai Chenxiang?

After ten moves.

Dai Hong was struck in the chest by a palm.

His entire body flew backward, crashing heavily onto the ground.

Blood spilled from the corner of his mouth.

"Cough..."

He tried to crawl up.

But a boot stepped onto his chest.

The girl in purple looked down at him.

High and mighty.

From this angle, Dai Hong could see the girl's face.

As well as the full curves made more prominent by her leaning posture.

Her collar was slightly loose, revealing a hint of spring.

But for Dai Hong at this moment.

It held no attraction.

Only humiliation.

Bai Chenxiang spoke, her voice ringing out clearly.

Loud enough for everyone nearby to hear.

"This young lady is the gifted pride of the White Family Fortress."

"I will not tolerate someone of your ilk acting so presumptuously!"

"Want to be a genius?"

She ground her toe into him.

"You aren't qualified."

These words were like a blade.

Stabbing fiercely into Dai Hong's heart.

He gritted his teeth, his fingernails digging into his palms.

Bai Chenxiang withdrew her foot and turned to leave.

Her purple ponytail whipped through the air, showing no lingering attachment.

The surrounding crowd whispered among themselves.

Those gazes landed on Dai Hong.

Some held sympathy, some mockery, some pity.

This made Dai Hong feel even worse.

He struggled to stand up.

Watching the back of Bai Chenxiang as she walked away.

That slender waist, those perky hips.

The purple skirt swayed with grace.

Yet this beautiful back.

Left the deepest humiliation upon Dai Hong.

He secretly clenched his fists.

His heart was trembling.

Why...

When Bai Chenxiang returned home, she was in an excellent mood.

Humming a little tune, she walked into the courtyard.

Zi'er came up to greet her: "Miss, did you win?"

"Of course."

Bai Chenxiang said as if it were a matter of course.

"A fellow from the countryside dares to call himself a genius?"

"This Young Lady let him know what it means to be truly out of one's depth."

She sat down at the vanity, and Zi'er helped her undo her hair bun.

Her long purple hair cascaded down, draping over her shoulders.

Bai Chenxiang looked at herself in the mirror.

A delicate face, a proud gaze.

"In this Longxing City, I am the number one."

"No one is allowed to take that away."

Zi'er carefully combed her mistress's long hair.

Yet in her heart, she wondered about her mistress's personality.

She did not know if it was a blessing or a curse.

But as a maid, she dared not say anything more.

Bai Chenxiang remained immersed in the joy of victory.

Huo Wu broke free from his embrace.

"How long do you intend to keep holding me?"

Her cheeks were slightly flushed, her voice tinged with feigned reproach.

Yu Xiaolong looked down at the young girl in his arms.

Huo Wu's figure was exquisitely curved.

His heartbeat accelerated involuntarily.

This figure was truly the finest of the fine.

With curves in all the right places, she was voluptuous exactly where it mattered.

He had never imagined he would be able to taste such a stunning beauty.

"Ahem, my apologies."

Yu Xiaolong released his hands, feeling somewhat awkward.

The two straightened their clothes and continued on their way.