Chapter 211 The Prince!

Chapter 211 The Prince!

In the heart of Xianghui city's mysterious Jade Court, concealed within the sanctum of a pagoda's most forbidden chamber, an atmosphere charged with intrigue enveloped the scene.

Seated regally, a woman adorned in a flowing black cheongsam, embroidered with delicate orchid patterns, held an unwavering, penetrating gaze. Her eyes, mysterious as the depths of midnight, remained fixated on the mystical figure that flickered to life upon a colossal screen before her.

Close at hand, Yin Yaqing, a vision of seductive allure, possessed a sinuous figure, its curves as beguiling as the secrets that surrounded them. Fear danced in orchid like her eyes, mirroring the palpable tension that gripped the chamber as she too focused her attention on the mysterious projection.

At last, the figure on the screen, a voice shrouded in both authority and mystery, broke the silence. "Lifen, how proceeds our grand expansion?" Each word was imbued with an aura of anticipation.

Tang Lifen, the elegant woman in the ornate cheongsam, offered a deferential nod. "Prince, our mission is in full motion. As we speak, our influence holds sway over the distant regions of Donghai, Hufeng, and Luyan."

Impatience crept into the Prince's voice as he interjected, "That will suffice. What of the central domain? It bears greater importance. Have you asserted dominion over any cities there?"

Tang Lifen's expression darkened, and she ground her teeth in simmering frustration. "Prince, following your directive, we initiated our efforts in Qingyun city, a place largely avoided by martial artists due to rumours surrounding it. However, during negotiations, an unforeseen obstacle has emerged."

The Prince's arched brows betrayed his intrigue. "Explain the issue."

With a sigh of relief, Tang Lifen continued, her voice laced with tension. "It's a man, the leader of a small gang. He has become a persistent thorn in our side, resorting to ruthless violence and violating two of my subordinates. He insists on a face-to-face negotiation."

A frown settled upon the Prince's concealed visage, quickly transforming into an icy demeanor of disapproval. "You struggle against a mere gang leader? Tang Lifen, I've made it clear that if you cannot handle these trivial tasks, you should come to the capital and serve at my side."

Tang Lifen's knuckles whitened as her fists clenched, and her body quivered ever so slightly. "Prince, grant me some time. I promise to bring you good news."

A derisive snort emanated from the Prince, and the lips concealed behind the mask curled into an arrogant smile. "Tang Lifen, let this be your ultimate chance. Seize it, or be prepared to bear the repercussions." he finished speaking, his eyes bore into Tang Lifen's seductive body, casting a sinister glint that sent shivers down her spine.

With a sharp, final zap, the screen abruptly faded to black, severing the connection and plunging the chamber into a profound silence, a silence fraught with the weight of unspoken consequences.

*Boom!*

Tang Lifen, her reservoir of frustration unleashed, unleashed a forceful blow upon a nearby pillar, resonating throughout the chamber. "Fetch those two girls to me at once!"

Yin Yaqing, her worry etched upon her face, swallowed nervously and promptly assented. "Yes, My Lady." She hastened away, leaving behind the oppressive ambiance that had engulfed the Jade Court's secretive enclave.

With a decisive grace, Tang Lifen rose from her seat, her intent as sharp as the obsidian ribbon that had confined her lustrous ebony hair. Slowly, she began to untie the intricate knot, releasing her midnight tresses to cascade like a silken waterfall down her back.

Each inky strand flowed with a life of its own, catching the ambient light and shimmering with an otherworldly allure.

Her eyes, a vivid crimson that seemed to smolder with fierce determination, held an allure that was both captivating and dangerous. They blazed like twin beacons of passion in the dimly lit chamber, hinting at the tempestuous depths of her spirit.

Hidden beneath the folds of her traditional black cheongsam was a figure that defied restraint. Her ample bosom, a testament to her allure, beckoned with a promise of sensual mysteries concealed beneath her composed facade.

A swan-like neck arched gracefully from her delicate shoulders, bestowing an air of regal elegance upon her commanding presence.

Tang Lifen's silhouette was nothing short of a masterpiece, a composition of sensuous curves that drew the eye like a magnet.

Her body, shaped like the sinuous curve of an S, bore a seductive waist that seemed sculpted by desire itself.

As she stood there, her unbound hair cascading around her like a silken shroud, Tang Lifen's resolve solidified.

Her clenched fists and unyielding gaze spoke of a woman who would not be swayed, even by the Prince's audacious demands.

In a soft, determined monologue that hung in the air like a challenge, she sneered in her mind, 'I refuse to be a pawn in his sinister game. I possess my own power, my own strength. I will wield every weapon at my disposal to not become an ornament next to that bastard!' Her crimson eyes burned with an unwavering determination, a fiery resolve that promised defiance in the face of adversity.

At that very moment, Yin Yaqing reentered the room with a mesmerizing sway in her hips, her every step a seductive dance.

She led two figures into the dimly lit space, their expressions downcast and their bodies bearing the marks of violence, partially concealed by a peculiar green paste crafted from medicinal plants.

Qing Cuiying and Qing She, their spirits visibly diminished, bore the weight of their injuries with quiet resilience. Their eyes, once bright with life, now carried a muted sorrow as they regarded Tang Lifen, their savior and commander.

As Yin Yaqing brought Qing Cuiying and Qing She into the room, their weary forms acknowledged Tang Lifen with a mixture of gratitude and nervousness. With downcast eyes, they offered a respectful greeting.

"Madam Lifen," they murmured in unison, their voices carrying a note of respect and loyalty.

Tang Lifen acknowledged their presence with a nod, her expression a blend of concern and determination. She motioned for them to sit, and as they did, she began her inquiry.

"Qing Cuiying, Qing She," Tang Lifen began, her voice laced with a mix of sympathy and urgency, "Tell me everything you know about the man who attacked you. His strength, his motives—every detail you can recall. It is imperative that we understand our adversary."

Qing Cuiying and Qing She exchanged anxious glances, a symphony of fear flickering in their shared gaze, before they began recounting their harrowing encounter with Zhang Wei.

As their tale unfolded, the room seemed to grow colder, the weight of their words settling heavily upon Tang Lifen's shoulders. When they finished speaking, her expression took on a peculiar mix of disbelief and concern.

"You're telling me," she began, her tone laced with incredulity, "that this man subdued you without relying on any artifacts, signs of cultivation, or external support? And none of the seven of my jewels could match him in a fair fight? Are you certain about what you're saying?"

Qing Cuiying and Qing She trembled in unison, their voices quivering. "We would not dare to lie," they replied in perfect harmony, their fear evident.

Tang Lifen's expression softened slightly as she observed their fearful faces. 'Someone as powerful as him... What business could they possibly have in that accursed city? Could the monks of Shaolin have decided to abandon their neutrality and meddle in worldly affairs? It seems unlikely, as they've held steadfast to their principles for centuries. Perhaps it's the recklessness of an ignorant rogue cultivator.'

While Tang Lifen contemplated the situation, Yin Yaqing, positioned just behind her, couldn't conceal the spark of curiosity that ignited in her eyes.

She narrowed her gaze as she studied the Qing sisters intently, their words about this mysterious 'Man' clearly piquing her interest.

In the end, Tang Lifen made a calculated decision.

She would divert her resources and efforts to consolidating control in other cities, leaving Qingyun city for now.

If it was indeed a renegade monk defying the temple's rules, it was best to let the Shaolin temple handle the matter, avoiding interference in their sacred workings and potentially inviting calamity upon themselves.