"Kallu, it looks like you're a big fan of Princess Moon," Su Lin said.
Kallu replied, "Why not? She is not only as beautiful as a fairy, but she is also the most talented cultivator in our kingdom. So, it's natural for me to admire her. Moreover, I've heard rumors that she can fight people from realms above hers."
"Where did you hear that rumor from?" a voice echoed in Kallu's ear. But that voice wasn't from Su Lin; it was from a newcomer. And that newcomer was none other than Princess Moon herself, still using her disguised face as Lina. She couldn't easily reveal her true face for safety purposes and to avoid attracting too much attention.
Kallu froze in his place, as if lightning had struck him. He was unable to utter a single word, stuttering, "I..."
Princess Moon smiled as she observed Kallu's flustered reaction. She had always appreciated her moments of incognito interactions with the citizens of the kingdom. It allowed her to experience their genuine thoughts and feelings without the weight of her royal identity.
Seeing Kallu's speechlessness, Su Lin chuckled softly and glanced between Kallu and the disguised princess. "Kallu, it seems you've met someone who piqued your interest even more than you thought."
Kallu finally managed to regain his composure, though his face was still tinged with a light shade of embarrassment. "I... I apologize, Princess Moon. I mean, Your Highness, I didn't realize it was you."
Princess Moon laughed melodiously, her disguised persona allowing her to interact more freely. "No need to apologize, Kallu. It's quite amusing to catch you off guard like this."
Su Lin grinned mischievously, sensing an opportunity to tease Kallu. "Oh, Kallu, not only are you a fan of Princess Moon, but now you're also caught in a conversation with her in disguise. What luck!"
Kallu's ears turned red, and he scratched his head sheepishly. "Well, it's not every day one gets to speak with someone of such talent and renown."
Princess Moon leaned in slightly, her eyes twinkling with curiosity. "And what is it about my talents that intrigue you the most?"
Kallu thought for a moment, his nervousness fading as he felt Princess Moon's approachability. "Your Highness, it's not just your exceptional abilities that captivate me, but the fact that you're willing to step beyond the boundaries of your status and engage with your people. It's inspiring."
Princess Moon's expression softened, touched by Kallu's sincerity. "Thank you, Kallu. It's moments like these that remind me why I cherish these interactions."
Su Lin interjected playfully, "Well, Kallu, since you're conversing so comfortably with Princess Moon, maybe you can ask her about those rumors of fighting people from higher realms."
Kallu's eyes widened, realizing he had unintentionally brought up the topic of the rumors. Princess Moon chuckled and answered, "Rumors have a way of spreading, don't they? Let's just say, there might be some truth to those tales."
Kallu was astounded, his admiration for Princess Moon growing even deeper. "To possess such strength... It's truly remarkable. I only know one other person with such ability," he said, his gaze shifting onto Asura.
Asura greeted, "Nice to meet you again, benefactor. Oh, my bad, I should call you 'Your Highness'."
Kallu was confused upon hearing this. "Benefactor?"
Then, Su Lin explained to him how Princess Moon had saved Asura's life in the Dark Forest.
Kallu's tone turned reproachful, "You bastard! You never told me you met Princess Moon before."
Asura replied, "I didn't know myself that she was Princess Moon. There are many people with the name 'Moon', and she didn't reveal her true identity to me at that time. Plus, there's very little information about Princess Moon available in the kingdom. I even found out more about her, thanks to Su Lin."
Kallu wasn't fully satisfied by the answer given by Asura but this answer calmed down his emotions.
Princess Moon, who was enjoying the scene, said, "Asura, Kallu, if you both don't mind, you can call me Moon just like Su Lin started to call me, but only when no other outsider is around. In the presence of outsiders, you guys have to call me Lina. Understand?"
Kallu and Asura said in unison, "We understand, Lina." Princess Moon nodded, then her gaze shifted to Asura, and she asked in a serious voice, "I heard from Su Lin that you are not able to trigger your hidden strength again. Is it true?"
Asura replied, "Yes, it is true."
Princess Moon then said, "Maybe I can help you trigger your hidden strength. Do you want to give it a try?"
Asura nodded. Princess Moon said, "It's not going to be easy. We may die in the process. Still want to do it?"
Asura said, "I'm never afraid of a challenges. If there's a chance to master my hidden strength, I will not let that chance slip away because it is very dangerous."
Princess Moon smiled, seemingly happy about Asura's resolve, and said, "Get ready for a pseudo-life-and-death match."
"A pseudo-life and death match?" Asura, Kallu, and Su Lin were confused. They had never heard this term before.