From Cold Palace Princess to Heavenly Empress

Within the hidden door, the pearl light was dim.

The space inside was not large. After taking only a few steps, Xiao Minghuang arrived before a stone table.

Upon the stone table sat an exquisite little box, its entire surface glowing faintly, seemingly forged from some extraordinary metal.

"Is the Dragon Origin Scripture inside? It is merely a Mysterious Tier High-grade cultivation method, yet it was hidden away so secretly."

Xiao Minghuang murmured to herself, then opened the treasure box.

A Jade Slip lay quietly within the box, a faint radiance flowing over its surface. It looked exceedingly extraordinary.

"Is this the Dragon Origin Scripture?"

"This is not the Dragon Origin Scripture."

Within the dark, narrow underground chamber, a desolate, hoarse voice suddenly rang out, startling Xiao Minghuang.

She abruptly turned around and saw the black-robed old man standing not far away.

Xiao Minghuang gently patted her chest, soothing her frightened heart.

"What do you mean, Senior?"

The old man spoke, his tone filled with disdain. "The Dragon Origin Scripture is merely a Mysterious Tier High-grade cultivation method. How could it possibly be mentioned in the same breath as the Earth-grade low-rank Dragon Soul Heart Method?!"

Xiao Minghuang felt helpless. Even if the Dragon Origin Scripture was inferior to the Dragon Soul Heart Method, both were inherited martial arts of their own family. There was no need to trample one just to exalt the other.

But she did not dare say that to his face.

"Little girl, are you wondering why the world claims that the most profound cultivation method of Great Xia is merely the Mysterious Tier High-grade Dragon Origin Scripture, while an Earth-grade low-rank Dragon Soul Heart Method is hidden here?"

"This junior is dull-witted and truly does not know."

The old man said proudly, "Earth-tier cultivation methods, even low-rank ones, are immensely powerful and point directly to the Primal Embryo Realm. Such a rare cultivation method would not only attract the covetous eyes of factions comparable to Great Xia—even the Three Great Sects might give rise to greedy thoughts. Thus, in my youth, I took the Dragon Soul Heart Method out of the Imperial Palace and claimed it had been lost. From then on, I never showed it to anyone again. The world believed this cultivation method had vanished, yet no one knew that I had kept it hidden deep within the palace all along, never to see the light of day."

"Senior's calculations were truly divine. This junior admires you beyond measure!"

The old man seemed thoroughly pleased by the flattery and laughed. "Little girl, you truly know how to speak. I did not misjudge you. You must grow stronger as soon as possible. In the future, Great Xia's safety shall be entrusted to you!"

With those words, the old man turned and left.

The topic had changed too abruptly, and Xiao Minghuang did not react at once. She hurriedly asked, "This... may I ask Senior's esteemed name?"

The old man's figure vanished, leaving behind only a faint voice.

"Eight hundred years ago, they all called me the Sacred Dragon Sword."

The voice faded, but Xiao Minghuang sank into thought.

"Divine Sea Realm cultivators can live for at most five hundred years. Why did Senior speak of eight hundred years ago?"

Suddenly, her gaze froze, and she cried out, "He is in the Spirit Seed Realm!"

Divine Sea Realm cultivators could live at most five hundred years, but Spirit Seed Realm cultivators could live for a thousand. Therefore, this mysterious Old Ancestor of the Imperial Clan had to be a Spirit Seed Realm expert!

The Rabid Barking Hound

"I never expected that I would encounter a senior of the Spirit Seed Realm just by coming to the Scripture Depository to find a cultivation method."

Xiao Minghuang steadied herself and did not dwell on the matter of safeguarding Great Xia. She had not even entered the Qi Refining Realm yet; the nation's peril was far too distant from her.

Although she had obtained an Earth-grade low-rank cultivation method, she had no intention of cultivating it.

This cultivation method was not weak, but if she gave it away, the worst return would still be tenfold. At the very least, it could be upgraded to an Earth-grade mid-rank method.

"I have already used today's compensation chance. I'll give it to Ruoshui tomorrow."

Having made up her mind, Xiao Minghuang did not linger in the Scripture Depository and turned to leave.

However, when she reached the entrance, she faintly heard a commotion outside. Once she made out the voices, her heart stirred. She suppressed her aura and walked out.

Outside the Scripture Depository.

Seventh Prince Xiao Gang led a group of Imperial Clan descendants as they confronted Ye Ruoshui and the guards of the Scripture Depository.

"You are Ninth Sister's maid?"

Seventh Prince Xiao Gang was burly and nearly two meters tall, his entire body packed with muscles. He appeared immensely imposing.

His gaze fell upon Ye Ruoshui, and a flash of astonishment crossed his eyes.

Although Ye Ruoshui was still young, her figure was already slender and alluring. Especially her ample chest, which made it difficult to look away. Combined with her round, adorable little face and its faint baby fat, it created a striking contrast that stirred the heart.

"Father has listened to slander and wrongly trusted the Ninth Princess. Why not follow this prince, little lady? In the future, we can pursue the Great Dao together and become a pair of happy lovebirds. Would that not be wonderful?"

Seventh Prince Xiao Gang swayed his head as he spoke with a smile.

"The Seventh Prince is handsome and extraordinary, while this young lady is stunningly beautiful. They are a match made by Heaven. Don't you all agree?!"

"Yes, yes!"

The Imperial Clan members immediately began jeering and echoing him.

The guards present all wore ugly expressions. These were dignified Imperial Clan descendants, yet in broad daylight they were joining together to tease a maid with no cultivation at all. If word got out, where would the Imperial Clan's dignity go?

Ye Ruoshui's little face turned pale. Her hands clenched tightly, yet her eyes were filled with unyielding stubbornness.

She knew Xiao Minghuang had come to the Scripture Depository, so after completing her chores, she had deliberately come to welcome her Highness to their new residence. She had not expected to encounter Seventh Prince Xiao Gang and the others.

If I had even half of Her Highness's strength, I would not have to let these people spout such wild nonsense here.

Ye Ruoshui remained silent. A moment later, an intense desire to grow stronger rose within her heart like raging flames, burning ever fiercer.

Just then.

"Xiao Gang, after not seeing you for several days, your mouth is still as foul as ever."

In an instant, a crisp, pleasant voice like the tinkling of a clear spring rang out, yet it was as cold as a bone-piercing wind.

The smile on Xiao Gang's face slowly disappeared. There was no need to look—he knew who that voice belonged to!

The Ninth Princess, Xiao Minghuang!

"Ah, I wondered who it was. So it is my defeated opponent!"

Everyone followed the voice and looked over. At the gates of the Scripture Depository, an incomparably beautiful young girl dressed in a bright yellow gown walked out leisurely. She was graceful and elegant, yet radiated immense authority. The pressure she gave off was in no way inferior to the towering Seventh Prince—if anything, she appeared even more majestic!

"I heard that not only has the Ninth Princess's cultivation not been crippled, but it has even advanced further. I wonder whether that is true or false?"

"I do not know about her cultivation or strength, but the Ninth Princess's outstanding bearing is three parts more beautiful than during the contest seven days ago!"

The Imperial Clan descendants, male and female alike, all revealed looks of amazement.

Sensing that the underlings he had brought might be on the verge of defecting, Seventh Prince Xiao Gang shouted sternly, "Do not forget who granted you the opportunity to remain in the Imperial Palace for further study!"

"Besides, after being beaten so badly that she was gravely injured, her strength did not decline but instead increased? Can such a thing even exist? Can you use your brains and think for once!"

At those words, the Imperial Clan descendants fell silent.

Among Emperor Xia's sons, the Second Prince possessed the highest cultivation and enjoyed widespread popular support. He had vaguely assumed the bearing of a leader among all men. Barring unforeseen circumstances, he would soon be named Crown Prince. Even the Sixth Prince, who possessed the highest talent and a Mysterious Tier top-grade Single Spiritual Root, found it difficult to contend against him.

But then the Ninth Princess had emerged out of nowhere and suddenly received lavish rewards from Emperor Xia, which could not help but make the Second Prince suspicious.

Thus, he had sent Seventh Prince Xiao Gang to lead these Imperial Clan descendants residing in the imperial city here to probe the truth.

In truth, most of them did not believe that the Ninth Princess had now reached the Body Tempering Ninth Layer. That was why they had followed him here.

Facing the aggressive Seventh Prince Xiao Gang.

Xiao Minghuang's expression remained unchanged. She paid him no heed whatsoever and walked to Ye Ruoshui's side.

She first stroked Ye Ruoshui's soft hair and asked gently, "Are you afraid?"

Ye Ruoshui's eyes went blank for a moment before turning resolute. She said, "As long as I am by Your Highness's side, this servant will not be afraid!"

"Good girl. Now watch how I teach this rabid barking hound a lesson."

Xiao Minghuang's tone was exceedingly calm. From beginning to end, she had not directly spoken with Seventh Prince Xiao Gang and the others, yet this single offhand remark thoroughly enraged the Seventh Prince.

Seventh Prince Xiao Gang's eyes widened like bronze bells, and fire nearly burst from his pupils. He roared, "You yellow-haired little girl, are you courting death? It seems I did not beat you hard enough last time. I failed to cripple you and let you live again. This time, this prince will not show mercy!"

As he spoke, Seventh Prince Xiao Gang's aura suddenly surged. The muscles across his entire body swelled, nearly bursting through his loose robes. Dense power of qi and blood surged wildly as the aura of the Body Refining Seventh Layer abruptly erupted, shrouding Xiao Minghuang from above.

The aura was so heavy that even the Imperial Clan descendants outside its range felt an oppressive pressure.

A trace of surprise flashed through the eyes of the Captain of the Guards, who possessed the highest cultivation present. I had long heard that the Second Prince has the highest cultivation and the Sixth Prince the greatest talent, but I never expected the unassuming Seventh Prince to be a body cultivation genius!

"Ninth Highness, the Seventh Prince is a rare body cultivator. You must proceed with great caution!"

Sensing that something was wrong, the Captain of the Guards hurriedly transmitted his voice to Xiao Minghuang.

Xiao Minghuang glanced at the Captain of the Guards, curiosity rising in her heart. She had never met him before, so why was he kindly warning her?

However, this did not affect her judgment in the slightest.

Xiao Minghuang tilted her head and gave the Captain of the Guards a slight nod, then turned her gaze back to Seventh Prince Xiao Gang.

Even if Seventh Prince Xiao Gang was a rare body cultivator, possessed formidable strength, and could challenge opponents above his level, he could never defeat her, a Body Tempering Ninth Layer cultivator.

Thus, Xiao Minghuang was brimming with confidence.

Seventh Prince Xiao Gang unleashed all his pressure, intending to force Xiao Minghuang to yield.

Yet even after he exerted every ounce of strength, sweat seeping from behind his head.

Not the slightest trace of strain appeared on Xiao Minghuang's exquisite, jade-like face. Her calm eyes, as tranquil as water, were filled only with leisure and ease.

What was going on?

Seventh Prince Xiao Gang was baffled. According to his understanding.

In the contest seven days ago, Xiao Minghuang had narrowly escaped death and perhaps received Emperor Xia's aid, allowing her cultivation to recover.

But after that contest, he had advanced to the Body Refining Seventh Layer and already surpassed Xiao Minghuang. Coupled with the powerful qi and blood of a body cultivator, he should have been able to forcefully suppress anyone in the same realm.

Yet the sight before him far exceeded his expectations.

An Astonishing Wager, One Punch to Defeat the Enemy!

All kinds of speculation flashed through Seventh Prince Xiao Gang's mind, only to be dismissed one by one.

He had considered that Xiao Minghuang might have broken through, but he immediately rejected the thought.

Xiao Minghuang's talent was roughly equal to his own, and she had also suffered severe injuries. How could she possibly break through so easily?

If Xiao Minghuang was not barely holding on, then she must be concealing some kind of treasure capable of blocking pressure.

Under normal circumstances, Seventh Prince Xiao Gang might have thought of retreating now. But before he had left, the Second Prince had personally told him:

"This elder brother has already been chosen as the successor by the Spirit Seed Realm Old Ancestor. Even Father cannot do anything to me. Therefore, this time, Imperial Brother, you must probe Ninth Sister's true strength. This is not only for the sake of us brothers, but for Great Xia's very survival!"

There was no need for the Second Prince to explain the reasons in detail. Seventh Prince Xiao Gang naturally understood.

The Old Ancestor favored the Second Prince, while Emperor Xia favored the Ninth Princess. These two great figures held opposing views and were setting up an arena against each other.

Naturally, Seventh Prince Xiao Gang supported the Second Prince. Not only because he and the Second Prince shared the same mother, but also because the Old Ancestor was in the Spirit Seed Realm, while Emperor Xia was merely in the Divine Sea Realm.

Emperor Xia's arm could never twist the Old Ancestor's thigh!

At this thought, Seventh Prince Xiao Gang's thoughts connected, and he suddenly saw the light.

Seventh Prince Xiao Gang looked at Xiao Minghuang standing not far away and said with ill intent, "It has been several days since we last met, and Ninth Sister's cultivation appears to have improved. This elder brother wishes to exchange pointers with Ninth Sister. I wonder if Ninth Sister would honor me with the opportunity?"

Seeing Seventh Prince Xiao Gang suddenly change his attitude, Xiao Minghuang's delicate brows furrowed slightly.

"You say we should fight, and we fight? Why should I agree?"

Seventh Prince Xiao Gang's eyelids twitched. He suppressed his anger and maintained a pleasant expression. "Then according to Ninth Sister, what should we do?"

"There should at least be some stakes. If you lose, what will you offer?"

Seventh Prince Xiao Gang raised his brows. She had finally taken the bait.

"If I lose, I will give you ten Spirit Stones. How about it?"

Everyone was startled upon hearing this.

Ten Spirit Stones—that was nearly a year's stipend for an Imperial Clan descendant!