Chapter 555 - Hua Ying Palace Master

It wasn’t long before,an announcement came from outside, “Master of Yangxin Palace has arrived!”

The Master of Yangxin Palace was none other than the Ninth Prince, Jiang Wuji.

Inside the Unparalleled Martial Hall, everyone who was already seated stood up again!

It was only at this moment that Jiang Wang realized he might have underestimated that prince with a soft and feminine demeanor.

Perhaps it was Li Fengyao’s straightforwardness, and Jiang Wuji’s shamelessness in front of him, that made Jiang Wang’s understanding of his position in Qi Country not so profound.

One should know that even Yan Fu stood up, and although it was just a formality, not every prince was deserving of their salute!

This was an individual who could truly ascend the Dragon Throne.

Among the various people in the crowd, Jiang Wuyong’s face turned somewhat dark.

He had arrived first today, thinking to secure a good seat.

He knew well that the crowd for today’s battle would be anything but small, and a good seat was undoubtedly a demonstration of status.

He could also take advantage of his early arrival to socialize in advance.

As for the little conflict with Jiang Wang before…

how could someone focused on great achievements be constrained by personal grudges?

He could forgive Jiang Wang!

But to his surprise, upon arrival, he found that the seats were mostly just plain wooden stools…

These were the first-class areas costing a hundred Prime Stones each!

Moreover, his “networking” didn’t have much effect; he looked down on those clinging to him, while those he intended to befriend, like the Bao brothers and Yan Fu, were polite but distant.

As a prince in Qi Country, unnoticed and uncelebrated, such moments of frustration were not uncommon; in fact, from childhood to adulthood, he had seen too many!

Yet he was still not accustomed to it.

What truly darkened his face was the fact that, despite also being a prince, he didn’t receive such attention upon his arrival.

Zhongxuan Sheng didn’t even come out to greet him personally!

Of course, he wasn’t in a position to make a fuss about it at this time, and no matter how unhappy he was in his heart, he had already stood up respectfully and called out to the arriving Jiang Wuji, “Ninth Brother!”

Jiang Wuji did not seem to fancy this Fourteenth Brother much and made only an imperceptible hum in response.

Following behind him were four beautiful palace maidens, gracefully presenting his usual playboy demeanor.

When he arrived at the location assigned to his number card, he had the same initial reaction as most people—surprise.

He turned his head, somewhat amused and exasperated, and looked at Zhongxuan Sheng, “Aren’t you being a bit too stingy?”

“My apologies,” said Zhongxuan Sheng, without a trace of embarrassment, “We were in too much of a hurry and didn’t have time to decorate!”

Too rushed to decorate, but you had time to collect money?

And even brazen enough to charge by dividing the number cards into three different levels!

Of course, Jiang Wuji didn’t confront him directly.

He probably knew very well about Zhongxuan Sheng’s thick skin; the man had clearly shown he had no shame and wasn’t afraid of being called out…

Even in front of beauties, the master of Yangxin Palace who could behave shamelessly, did not feel a sense of camaraderie.

Quite the opposite, he sighed with a sense of loss, waved his hand, and one of the palace maidens behind him turned around and left.

It wasn’t long before a group of servants entered, carrying a soft couch, a canopy, a small table…

one after another with various items.

In a short amount of time, they had rearranged the area for the Master of Yangxin Palace—obviously the space corresponding to his number card wasn’t sufficient, so they conveniently purchased some nearby spots as well.

And the four beautiful palace maidens took wine sets and jade platters out of the Storage Box at the right time, with all sorts of fine wines, fruits, pastries…

everything that one might enjoy while watching a good show.

Satisfied at last, Jiang Wuji took his seat on the soft couch and, served by the beautiful maidens, leisurely awaited the start of the spectacle.

The actions of the Ninth Prince reminded many who were willing to spend dozens or hundreds of Prime Stones to watch the fight that they were not so poor either.

They quickly sent people to arrange for items, and at the very least, exchanged their seats for more comfortable cushions.

Shortly, the place was like a construction site.

In the “first-class area” on the opposite side, Gao Zhe teased Yan Fu in a low voice, “Today, the richest man in Bei County seems to have lost in grandeur.”

Yan Fu could only shake his head and bitterly smile.

The wealth of Bei County was unmatched in Qi, and the wealth of the Yan family was unmatched in Bei County.

As a legitimate descendant of the Yan family, he was certainly used to the good life and would normally rearrange things to his liking.

But this seat was a gift from Zhongxuan Sheng, and if he redecorated, wouldn’t it be a clear sign of disdain?

Being as thoughtful as he was, he naturally wouldn’t let such misunderstandings occur.

But what he didn’t know was…

that was exactly what Zhongxuan Sheng was hoping for!

At this moment, Zhongxuan Sheng was quietly bragging to Jiang Wang, “Look, our Martial Hall’s facilities are being renewed just like that, all high-quality merchandise!”

He was smug, “These nobles and gentry aren’t likely to have the gall to carry the chairs back, right?”

Zhongxuan Pang, you too come from a noble family.

Jiang Wang’s eyebrows twitched, but in the end, he said nothing.

After all, it was a martial arena they both shared…

some things were not worth fussing over!

Just then, another announcement rang out, “Hua Ying Palace Master has arrived!”

The Third Princess, Jiang Wuyou, was also here!

Just like when Jiang Wuji arrived, everyone in the martial arena stood up again to welcome her.

Zhongxuan Sheng had anticipated that Jiang Wuji and Jiang Wuqi would come.

The former had once lost to Wang Yiwu at the same level of cultivation, and now that Jiang Wang had defeated Wang Yiwu with the same cultivation level, he could not possibly stay away.

As for Jiang Wuqi…

Lei Zhanqian was his cousin, so he would certainly come to support him.

But the appearance of Hua Ying Palace Master, Jiang Wuyou, that he truly hadn’t expected.

This Third Princess was not one to enjoy such bustling events.

Yet no matter what he thought inside, he still greeted her warmly, taking the initiative to step forward a few paces.

Hearing the announcement and in order to avoid social niceties, Jiang Wang, who had been pretending to meditate in battle preparation, couldn’t help but open his eyes and look.

Since arriving in Qi Country, he had long heard the name of the Hua Ying Palace Master, but it was his first time having the opportunity to meet Jiang Wuyou in person.

As the only princess qualified to contend for the imperial throne, he was understandably curious.

A tall woman with an imposing air walked into the martial arena, alone without any attendants.

Jiang Wuyou was not a delicately featured woman, lacking fine willow eyebrows and cherry lips, without any applied makeup.

But her features were spirited and striking, memorable at first glance and hard to forget.

She wore a simple martial outfit, her physique robust and healthy.

Her long hair was tied back neatly, with a high ponytail swinging behind her head.

As she entered the martial arena, she only gave it a brief survey before her gaze settled on Jiang Wang, directly meeting his eyes.

Jiang Wang, who was sneakily observing, subconsciously dodged a bit…

He had been using the pretense of concentrating on the upcoming battle to avoid socializing, but now that he had been caught red-handed, he felt somewhat guilty.

“Wait for your fight to end; I have something to discuss with you,” Jiang Wuyou said to him directly.

Her voice was like chiselled jade, crisp, decisive, and pleasant to hear.

Just from her tone, one could roughly gauge her strong-willed character.

Why had she sought him out?

Jiang Wang hadn’t expected her to be here for more than just watching the fight, and was completely clueless, but he could only nod in agreement for now.

The direct invitation from the Hua Ying Palace Master indeed caused many present to entertain various thoughts, though none showed it.

At that moment, Jiang Wuji spoke up, “Third Sister, come sit with your brother; there’s plenty of space here!”

“No need,” Jiang Wuyou had already seen the wooden stool at her designated spot but still refused bluntly, “I’ll just take my own seat.

The world itself is spacious enough.”

What a spirit!

Jiang Wang silently applauded in his heart.

“That’s fine too,” Jiang Wuji laughed and let it go.

It was only after Jiang Wuji had called out that Jiang Wuyong could continue to greet, “Third Sister!”

As princes, the chasm-like difference in status was a stark reality.

After all, in the end, there could be only one seated on the imperial throne, and Daqi did not have a tradition of idly supporting multiple princes.

With each arrival of a brother or sister, he had to stand up and present his respects, probably regretting coming so early at this point.

“Little Fourteen is here too,” Jiang Wuyou nodded at him, lifted her hem, and without an ounce of hesitation or pretense, sat down directly on the wooden stool,

She placed her hands on her knees, sat upright with a dignified demeanor, seemingly unshaken by any turmoil.