Happy New Year

Whoosh—

The hall, still somewhat noisy a moment before, fell silent in an instant.

Every gaze turned toward the entrance in unison.

Wind and snow swirled inward.

A figure stepped onto the red felt carpet and slowly entered.

Some widened their eyes, eager to see what the legendary Princess Royal, who had slain a Lotus-Seeding Realm opponent while only in the Ink-Point Realm, actually looked like.

Others straightened their backs, ready to find fault with her appearance and etiquette.

Yet.

The moment that figure truly came into view.

Everyone's breathing stopped.

A figure in red crossed the threshold and entered the hall of wealth and splendor.

Hiss—

Someone sucked in a breath of cold air.

The newcomer wore a scarlet ceremonial robe, its five gold-thread phoenixes poised to take flight, shimmering beneath the candlelight.

A phoenix hairpin swayed atop her towering cloudlike coiffure, its dangling tassels framing a face as fair as jade.

A floral ornament burned like fire between her brows.

Beautiful.

Breathtakingly beautiful.

But hers was not a delicate, yielding beauty.

It was an almost aggressive, icy beauty that made people afraid to look directly at her.

The young woman lifted her chin slightly, her calm gaze sweeping across the hall.

Everyone her gaze passed over.

Whether princes accustomed to lofty authority or consorts who prided themselves on imperial favor, all felt their hearts tremble and instinctively looked away.

"So this is... Princess Royal Zhaoyue?"

The prince murmured to himself, feeling as though his very soul had been stolen away.

Li Jingran glanced at him.

For some reason.

An inexplicable sense of superiority arose in his heart.

Look at you lot, who've never seen the world!

This imperial younger sister of his was not merely terrifyingly powerful.

Her looks were enough to topple kingdoms and bring ruin to