The Emperor of Haoyue glanced at Yao Fei when he heard the suggestion of the marriage alliance. He had indeed considered this alliance before, as it would bring significant benefits to Haoyue Kingdom. Initially, he wanted Chen'er to marry Yan Zhaoxue as the Crown Princess. However, he was currently dissatisfied with the proud Yan Zhaoxue. And if it were Tian'er instead, he would be even more concerned. Tian'er already had ambitions for the throne, and adding Yan Zhaoxue into the mix would make Chen'er no match for them. The balance of power would shift, and Chen'er would eventually suffer. It was not a matter of his favoritism as a father; he genuinely liked his son Chen'er. They say those born in the royal family lack emotions, but Chen'er was an exception. Only Chen'er could understand him.
"This matter requires further consideration," the Emperor of Haoyue coldly replied, dismissing Yao Fei.
Yao Fei clenched her teeth, suppressing her anger.
He only cared about the Crown Prince and had never shown any concern for her Tian'er. What did Tian'er lack compared to Jun Shaochen?
Yao Fei cast a malevolent glance at Jun Shaochen.
Coincidentally, at that moment, Jun Shaochen also looked at her. He smiled with a deeper meaning, knowing that these two women loved to compete. So let them fight to their heart's content.
Fate had given him a certain life, one he couldn't choose. He couldn't control his destiny, but he could choose how to walk this path. The meaning of life wasn't to escape but to choose a genuine existence. Previously, he had no concept of the throne, but now things were different. He wanted to uncover the truth behind his mother's death and give his beloved woman a peaceful and tranquil life.
Jun Shaochen's eyes unconsciously glanced at the gentle and serene Su Zinian, radiating a gentle light.
At this moment, Yan Zhaoxue stepped onto the platform, facing Su Zinian directly.
"Princess, let's have a showdown here, in front of everyone," Yan Zhaoxue said.
"Very well! In that case, I, Su Zinian, will be upfront. This contest of cultivation is a matter of life and death, but it's only between the two of us," Su Zinian replied.
"Do not worry, Princess Nalan. If I were to die by your sword in this match, Zisang Kingdom will not trouble Li Xia Kingdom. Conversely, if Princess Nalan were to die by my sword, please remember, Li Xia Kingdom, that it holds no relation to the conflict between our countries."
Yan Zhaoxue interrupted Su Zinian's words, staring at her with eyes as cold as a corpse.
Upon hearing this, Su Zinian smiled and said, "Words alone are not enough; it's better to put it in writing!"
The Empress recalled Heng'er's match with Su Li and Su Li's cultivation. Su Zinian's cultivation was not as high as Princess Yan Zhaoxue's, but looking at Su Zinian's calm demeanor, she felt that something was amiss.
"Very well!" Yan Zhaoxue readily agreed.
The Emperor of Haoyue understood and had the Chief Eunuch deliver the life and death agreement to them.
Su Zinian took the pen and signed her name boldly on the agreement.
Yan Zhaoxue was not to be outdone, and both of their names filled up most of the agreement.
The young ladies below, witnessing Su Zinian's bold and fearless display, couldn't help but sigh. If it were them, with such a vast disparity in cultivation, they wouldn't dare to compete against the Princess of Zisang Kingdom.
"Although the life and death agreement has been signed, the outcome will not affect the relations between our two countries. If the two princesses are ready, you may begin the competition," the Emperor of Haoyue calmly announced. Su Zinian truly knew how to play on a grand stage. It was quite extraordinary, as others were concerned about preserving their lives, yet she and her son both enjoyed gambling with their lives.
"Princess Nalan, please!" Yan Zhaoxue courteously extended her hand, gesturing for Su Zinian to make the first move.
Su Zinian smiled and let her water-sleeve fall from her wrist, her graceful figure standing out in stark contrast to the vibrant red dress, exuding full confidence that captured everyone's attention.
There is a saying: only by giving it your all and exerting every effort can you tap into the maximum energy within your body. Su Zinian wanted to show the world how someone with a six-stage disparity in cultivation could emerge victorious.
The people below widened their eyes, focusing intently on the two figures on the stage, afraid of missing any exciting moments.
Suddenly, Yan Zhaoxue gripped a silver sword in her hand, which, under the candlelight, emitted an eerie glow.
The hilt of the sword was engraved with a lifelike silver butterfly.
Su Zinian recognized the sword—Butterfly Dance. No wonder Yan Zhaoxue was so arrogant. This Butterfly Dance was also a rare treasure that appeared once every hundred years.
Some people recognized the sword in Yan Zhaoxue's hand, causing concerns for Su Zinian.
Just as everyone wondered what weapon Su Zinian would use, a white silk slowly rose behind her, creating a striking contrast with her crimson attire.
The Emperor of Haoyue's eyes flashed with a chill. Was this the legendary Xuan Bing Xuelian?
Murong Zeyu's eyes widened in astonishment as he stared at the rising white silk. Indeed, all eight great mystical treasures were loyal to their masters.
Yan Zhaoxue sneered. So this was the legendary Xuan Bing Xuelian? She wanted to see if Su Zinian's Xuan Bing Xuelian was superior or her own Butterfly Dance.
The night breeze tousled their hair, and as their eyes met, an instant clash erupted.
Su Zinian held the other half of the Xuan Bing Xuelian. The Xuan Bing Xuelian could extend and retract freely, flowing effortlessly like running water, effortlessly blocking Yan Zhaoxue's fierce attacks.
"Clang... Clang!"
The collision between the Xuan Bing Xuelian and the Butterfly Dance sword produced a sharp clash.
Murong Zeyu was surprised, his mouth slightly agape. The Eight Profound Treasures ranked second among the eight great mystical treasures. It was flexible like the wind but as strong as profound iron when clashing.
Yan Zhaoxue's gaze emitted a cold light as she observed the Xuan Bing Xuelian held in Su Zinian's hand, realizing that Su Zinian had the advantage. The Xuan Bing Xuelian was over two meters long, making it impossible for her Butterfly Dance sword to get close to Su Zinian. Even her cultivation at the seventh stage of the Divine Profound Realm became useless upon encountering the Xuan Bing Xuelian. This caused a hint of panic to rise in Yan Zhaoxue's heart, explaining Su Zinian's confidence.
Yan Zhaoxue quickly considered her options. If she wanted to kill Su Zinian, she had to separate her from the Xuan Bing Xuelian. Only then would she have a chance of winning.
After a few moves, both of them remained unscathed. Yan Zhaoxue's body trembled as she forcefully pushed off the ground, attacking Su Zinian with the momentum of a breaking rainbow and bamboo.
Mu Yunxuan clenched his hands together, feeling a sudden nervousness.
Su Zinian's beautiful eyes flickered with a chilling light, exuding an infinite coldness. She released the Xuan Bing Xuelian, which quickly expanded and increased in height.
Yan Zhaoxue's strength became useless as it collided with the Xuan Bing Xuelian.
The Xuan Bing Xuelian seemed to have eyes as it suddenly surged towards Yan Zhaoxue like a storm, carrying a strong gust of wind. Yan Zhaoxue's eyes widened in shock as she quickly dodged, but she was no match for the speed of the Xuan Bing Xuelian.
Witnessing this reversal, the entire audience fell into silence.
The Xuan Bing Xuelian seemed devoid of mercy or emotion, only harboring the intent to kill.
When Yan Zhaoxue reached the edge of the platform with no way to retreat, she looked up and flew into the air again.
However, no matter how she moved, the Xuan Bing Xuelian followed her.
Yan Zhaoxue became enraged and fiercely slashed her Butterfly Dance sword at the Xuan Bing Xuelian.
In an instant, sparks flew and silver light shimmered.
The Xuan Bing Xuelian remained untouched, like steel without a single scratch.
Yan Ping'an's body leaned slightly forward, a sense of urgency rushing through his mind. If things continued like this, Snow would undoubtedly lose.
This was a miscalculation. Su Zinian's Xuan Bing Xuelian turned out to be so powerful.
Surprise filled the eyes of the onlookers. They were even more astonished by Su Zinian's calm demeanor. No wonder she was so confident. With just the Xuan Bing Xuelian, she could defeat many experts at or above the seventh stage of the Divine Profound Realm.
Su Zinian observed everything before her, her beautiful face unusually calm, while a chilling aura circulated around her in the air.
The mysterious white silk displayed an indescribable ability, truly opening everyone's eyes.
"Su Zinian, if you have the guts, face this princess alone in a one-on-one duel instead of using a profound weapon to influence this princess's abilities. That would be a real show of skill."
Yan Zhaoxue landed, her breath unsteady as she shouted.
Su Zinian retracted the Xuan Bing Xuelian, holding it by her side.
"Yan Zhaoxue, you're shameless and even ghosts are afraid of you. You hold the Butterfly Dance sword and yet you want me to face you alone. Are you suffering from delusions?" Su Zinian deliberately twisted Yan Zhaoxue's words.
"Su Zinian, how dare you insult this princess!"
Yan Zhaoxue was infuriated, her eyes filled with venomous rage. She wanted nothing more than to slowly torture and kill Su Zinian.
"Hmph! In a contest of strength, it's each person's ability that matters. As long as one defeats the other, it's considered a victory. The princess of Zisang Kingdom cannot match up to her opponent and stopped halfway to demand a one-on-one duel. Do you have the face to say you're in the right in front of everyone?"
"Su Zinian, you...!"
Yan Zhaoxue was silenced by Su Zinian's words. The life-and-death situation had already been set, and she had to compete against Su Zinian. Otherwise, Zisang Kingdom's reputation would be completely ruined.
"Hmph! The match isn't over yet. If the princess of Zisang Kingdom admits defeat, I won't hold you to this life-and-death situation."
"Don't pretend to be kind. I won't admit defeat! Su Zinian, the victor and the loser have yet to be determined."
Yan Zhaoxue roared in anger. The concept of losing had never existed in her life. As Yan Zhaoxue looked at Su Zinian, who exuded a smile of absolute determination, she seemed like a dazzling and captivating flower, radiating a charm that could blind anyone's eyes.
"Then let's continue!" Su Zinian moved her body, and the Xuan Bing Xuelian followed her.
Yan Zhaoxue steeled her heart and once again clashed with her sword.
Mu Yunxuan narrowed his eyes and grew nervous once more.
Murong Shaofeng glanced at Mu Yunxuan and transmitted his voice quietly.
"It seems like you still don't understand Mo'er well enough."
Mu Yunxuan turned his head and gave Murong Shaofeng a cold glance.