Chapter 9: Long Live the Princess

That spot had belonged to her all along. They wanted to steal it shamelessly, yet they twisted the narrative to paint her as the one scrambling for it. What a grand and hollow justification!

A flash of sharp, fleeting brilliance crossed Wen Yue’s eyes before she resumed her feigned gentle demeanor. "Qingyao, are you considering it? Do you intend to give it up entirely?"

Luo Qingyao was unable to move or speak, so she could naturally offer no answer.

Wen Yue sneered inwardly, well aware of why Luo Qingyao remained motionless and silent, yet she wore an expression of feigned regret. "Yaoyao, if you do not speak, I shall take it as your voluntary withdrawal. Do you have any objections?"

Luo Qingyao still could not utter a single word; she could only gaze back with pleading eyes.

At this moment, the entire audience erupted in cheers. Everyone was delighted that their noble and beautiful Princess Lan Ruoshui would be joining the Jade Pure Palace. Not a single person cared about Luo Qingyao, who stood on the stage as if turned to stone.

Wen Yue and Jade Dragonfly exchanged a glance, seeing the joy reflected in each other’s eyes. Then, Wen Yue began her announcement: "In that case, I must declare that Luo Qingyao has forfeited her opportunity to enter the Jade Pure Palace. This spot shall be granted to Ruoshui!"

As Wen Yue’s words fell, the entire arena surged with excitement. All the commoners cheered and jumped for joy: "Long live the Princess! Long live the Princess! Long live the Princess..."

High above, Lan Ruoshui, riding her green dragon, wore a face full of triumph and arrogance. She had known this outcome all along, so there was no surprise.

Suddenly, she circled the air a few times with the dragon before descending onto the arena. As she dismounted and walked toward Jade Dragonfly, she passed by Luo Qingyao, casting a look of disdain her way. She then knelt respectfully before Jade Dragonfly. "Ruoshui pays respects to Master!"

Jade Dragonfly, beaming with joy, personally helped Lan Ruoshui to her feet and said kindly, "From now on, we are one family; there is no need for such formalities. Quickly, go pay your respects to Young Master Feng; he is the witness for today!"

At the mention of Young Master Feng, Lan Ruoshui’s face flushed red.

Feng Qingjue was not only the Master of the Carefree Pavilion but also one of the Five Noble Young Masters of the world, widely known as the "Cold Young Master."

Lan Ruoshui had long admired him, this legendary figure, and to be joining the Jade Pure Palace under his witness was a joy and excitement beyond words.

Thus, Lan Ruoshui walked obediently before Feng Qingjue, her eyes stealing glances at him from time to time. "Thank you, Young Master Feng..."

Before Lan Ruoshui could complete her bow, a powerful force of energy stopped her, making it impossible to sink any lower.

Startled, she looked up abruptly, gazing at Feng Qingjue in confusion. Even Jade Dragonfly and the others nearby looked at him with bewilderment.

Feng Qingjue’s expression was indifferent, and his tone was as cold as frost. "I am only here because I owe Palace Master Jade a favor, which is why I was compelled to accept the invitation. As for your thanks, you may spare them!"

Clearly, he did not consider Lan Ruoshui of any consequence.

Upon hearing this, Lan Ruoshui’s pretty face turned pale, and she nearly burst into tears from the grievance.

Seeing this, Jade Dragonfly hurriedly spoke up. "Young Master Feng, why be like this? Since you are already here, why act this way? The remaining apprenticeship ceremonies will naturally require your guidance as the presiding witness!"

She had just rid herself of that good-for-nothing Luo Qingyao and was feeling quite pleased, and as such, she was particularly doting on Lan Ruoshui.