Third Princess Shangguan Sangxi had passable spiritual power. After using her attendant as a human shield, she kicked the maid aside, maintaining her elegant posture throughout.
"Third Sister... it's quite impressive that you could subdue a divine beast."
Fourth Princess Shangguan Yuwei tugged at Shangguan Sangxi's sleeve, attempting to placate her.
Rumor had it that this Demon Empress was very powerful.
It was best they didn't offend her.
Moreover, she didn't find this Demon Empress as terrifying as the rumors suggested.
"Slap!"
A crisp slap echoed through the hall.
Shangguan Sangxi glared at Shangguan Yuwei, "How dare you, you little slut, speak out of turn when I'm speaking!"
"Fourth Princess, we are all from the capital, and righteous individuals. Aren't you being too biased by siding with outsiders? If others hear this, they'll think you truly have some connection with this demon!"
Miss Fan, Fan Tianqian, stepped forward and stood in front of Shangguan Yuwei, speaking mockingly.
Although she feared the Demon Empress, she didn't fear the lowly Princess Shangguan Yuwei. She was accustomed to bullying Shangguan Yuwei, as she often did.
Shangguan Yuwei clutched her slightly swollen cheek, a few tears clinging to her long, narrow eyelashes.
"Third Sister, Yuwei is not feeling well. I will return to the palace now. Farewell."
Shangguan Yuwei curtsied to Shangguan Sangxi. Despite being a princess, she was the least favored in the palace. Third Sister Shangguan Sangxi often bullied her, and she never dared to retaliate. This time was no different.
"Where do you think you're going? I haven't finished speaking!"
Shangguan Sangxi blocked Shangguan Yuwei's path and raised her hand again.
Many onlookers were enjoying the spectacle. Especially those who had lost face earlier. They wished to build their own displeasure upon the suffering of "others." Only then would their own pain lessen!
The attendant behind Shangguan Yuwei's eyes showed even more disgust. She stood behind Shangguan Yuwei, extended her hand forward, and pushed Shangguan Yuwei closer to Shangguan Sangxi.
Shangguan Yuwei instinctively closed her eyes.
However...
Just as Shangguan Sangxi raised her hand to strike, a slender, long, and jade-white finger suddenly grasped her wrist.
"You are very noisy!"
A cold voice sounded near Shangguan Yuwei's ear.
She suddenly opened her eyes. What met her gaze was a head of red hair, the strands fluttering in the wind, brushing against her face. A faint fragrance lingered in the air. She was momentarily stunned.
The Demon Empress protected her?
Shangguan Sangxi found her wrist unable to move. She looked at the person before her in astonishment.
"You... you filthy demon, what do you want to do..."
"Slap!"
Before she could finish speaking, a "palm" of red landed on Shangguan Sangxi's face.
"You foul-mouthed person, shut up!"
A cold reprimand. Gu Qianying looked at Shangguan Sangxi with cold eyes.
"I've seen many shameless people, but you are the first I've encountered who is so shamelessly offensive! Hmph!"
She couldn't be bothered with Shangguan Sangxi's angry expression. Gu Qianying turned and ordered A Mu, "A Mu, someone here has insulted us demons. Arrest all these insulters!"
"Yes! Sect Master!"
The Flood Dragon A Mu raised his hand. Several black-robed, shadowy evil spirits wielding long swords rushed in, surrounding everyone in the Ling Shu Pavilion.
"Little lady, you have quite the nerve."
As Gu Qianying turned, Shangguan Rongjing blocked her path. At the same time, the guards with swords he had brought with him also rushed in. Leaning forward, inhaling the scent that captivated him, Shangguan Rongjing's heart raced, and he wished to embrace the person before him. The moment his hand reached out...
"Swish, swish..."
Two silver needles flew from behind him.
"Third Brother!"
Shangguan Beichen frowned, flicking his sleeve and using his spiritual energy to deflect the two silver needles aimed at Shangguan Rongjing. He turned to meet the cold gaze of Nangong Mo, who was looking their way. The two silver needles were thrown by the white-robed man before him. Although the needles lacked spiritual power, their accuracy was extremely high. He had some understanding of acupuncture points, and a needle to the Fengfu acupoint at the back of the head would cause intense pain.
At this moment, Nangong Mo's expression was icy, like the cold of winter. His wife was not to be trifled with by others! Not even a finger could touch her! Although he was now crippled, he had learned some basics when discussing needle insertion techniques with his wife. He had no spiritual energy within him, but his hands still possessed some strength. As Shangguan Beichen looked at him, Nangong Mo met his gaze coldly. Their eyes were like blades of ice, neither fearing the other.
Sensing what was happening behind him, Shangguan Rongjing glanced at Nangong Mo. Turning back to Gu Qianying, he said with a half-smile, "Little lady, your husband is quite hot-tempered. He patted his chest, "I'm so scared..." As he spoke, Shangguan Rongjing leaned closer, "However... you are so beautiful, it's understandable that he's worried someone might snatch you away. Little lady... I am the one who pities beauties the most. Why don't you come with me, little lady?"
As he attempted to provoke further, Nangong Mo's face darkened immediately.
"Du Chun, kill him!"
Du Chun nodded and complied. Seeing the black-robed man speak such shameless words to Gu Qianying, he was already enraged. Now that Nangong Mo had given the order, he felt even more emboldened and lunged at Shangguan Rongjing with his sword. Recently, Old Man Wu had also been teaching him spiritual cultivation, and in addition to true qi, he now possessed some spiritual energy. The sharp sword tip lunged towards Shangguan Rongjing's side.
Shangguan Rongjing's lips curved into a sinister smile as he dodged.
"With your meager cultivation, you dare to court death? Hmph!"
He leaned forward, ducked under Du Chun's arm, turned, and raised his palm, gathering crimson spiritual energy within it, and struck at Du Chun. Du Chun's sword was deflected. His cultivation was far inferior to Shangguan Rongjing's.
At this moment.
Several black threads swiftly wrapped around Shangguan Rongjing, and the spiritual energy in his palm dissipated completely.
Everyone was astonished. A powerful demonic aura spread wantonly around everyone. The young masters who had intended to act found their swords still sheathed when they were seized by shadow-like evil spirits. Seeing the surrounding evil spirits in black robes with hidden faces, the young ladies from various households became frightened. Some cried, some hid in their mothers' arms, and a few cried out for mercy.
The First Prince Shangguan Beichen also made his move. His opponent was the Flood Dragon A Mu. Amidst the clash of swords and blades, Shangguan Beichen lost and was captured by A Mu.
Meanwhile.
Gu Qianying used her demonic power to control Shangguan Rongjing. Wrapped tightly in black threads, Shangguan Rongjing showed no fear on his face. He looked at Gu Qianying and smiled.
"Little lady, do you like me so much? Look, you've wrapped me up so tightly. Stop using your demonic power. Come here, use your little hands to hold me, and I'll surrender willingly. Little lady, hurry and come over..."