Seeing that her junior brother had another woman in his heart, Ji Xuanyuan felt an indescribable sourness.
The imperial carriage moved slowly forward, passing through the long street toward the auction venue. The streets on both sides were bustling with noise and activity, but she paid it no mind, simply gazing out the window in a daze. The spring breeze brushed past the gauze curtains, stirring the red strands of hair at her temples. The morning light was just right, casting a thin layer of gold over the entire Xuanji City. Yet, inside the carriage, she seemed covered in a thin frost, unable to warm up no matter what.
In contrast, Chu Yuan, having been busy for so many days, was finally able to see the Fox Venerable again and was itching with anticipation.
As the carriage passed through the long street, the two of them spotted the building from afar. The auction venue was located in the central area of Xuanji City, near the City Lord’s Mansion. As a core hub within the city, the auction house occupied an extremely vast area, with upturned eaves, intricately carved beams, and painted rafters. Today was different from usual; the eaves were hung with deep red lanterns, each painted with patterns of divine beasts, gently swaying in the morning breeze.
On either side of the main gate stood two rows of Chu Clan disciples, dressed in brand-new brocade robes with long swords at their waists, standing in formation like two rows of straight wooden stakes. Today was the Divine Grade Auction, a once-in-a-century event attracting guests from all directions. The Righteous Path Alliance, sects, noble families… representatives from any force with some standing would be attending today.
As the host, the Chu Clan naturally dared not be negligent. Even the Young Master of the Holy Domain, Chu Yunlan, who stood behind the scenes, had come to Xuanji City early to prepare. Sweeping the courtyards, decorating the venue, arranging guards—all matters were personally overseen by the Young Master. Of course, among the various guests attending, the one the Chu Clan valued most was the arrival of the future Empress of the Immortal Dynasty, Her Highness the Crown Princess.
Seeing the Crown Princess’s carriage stop at the entrance of the venue, both Chu Yunlan and Chu Zhenshan couldn’t help but straighten their clothes to avoid any breach of etiquette. Witnessing the Chu Clan’s great respect, the cultivators coming and going all around stopped to watch, whispering and guessing the identity of this distinguished guest. Fang Henian, walking ahead of the carriage, cleared his throat and announced, “The Crown Princess has arrived!!!”
Under the varied gazes of the crowd, Ji Xuanyuan lifted the gauze curtain and stepped out first. Her black formal attire today was imposing enough to command the scene. The sunlight fell upon it, making her appear heroic and increasingly majestic.
“Your subjects/people pay respects to Your Highness the Crown Princess!”
Seeing this, everyone on the street, regardless of origin, knelt in obeisance. Only Chu Yunlan bowed slightly, indicating the uniqueness of his status. His posture was elegant, his voice gentle, his demeanor impeccable: “Your Highness honors us with your presence. Yunlan failed to welcome you from afar. I beg your forgiveness.”
Chu Yunlan had already been waiting at the entrance. Today, he too was dressed in new clothes, wearing white jade at his waist and a golden crown in his hair… from head to toe, every detail was exquisite. This was the proper display for the heir of the Holy Domain; he always cared about such things. Behind him, a crowd of Chu Clan disciples knelt in unison, creating a spectacular scene.
Ji Xuanyuan gave a slight nod in return. “Rise. All of you, stand.”
Hearing this, Chu Yunlan straightened up, but his gaze involuntarily fell on the figure who descended after the Crown Princess.
Chu Yuan! This fellow was wearing luxurious brocade robes today, his complexion still somewhat pale. After getting out of the carriage, he consciously stood beside Ji Xuanyuan, eyes lowered, appearing obedient. Chu Yunlan frowned slightly: ‘This trash again!!! Why is he everywhere???‘ Gu Qingwan had not come along; she had been pulled away by the Matriarch to change clothes and was currently in Gu Manor, troubled by a closet full of dresses.
‘Just how much bewitching potion did this trash feed Her Highness the Crown Princess to receive such favor? Really!!!‘ Chu Yunlan’s smile on his face did not diminish, but the hand inside his sleeve slowly clenched. Over the past few days, he had laid plans everywhere, requesting the Fox Venerable’s aid, raising spirit stones… every single matter was for today. Especially a few days ago, Chu Yunlan had even heard that the Great Elder of Chu had gone to the Gu Family on his behalf to demand someone, trying to forcibly separate Chu Yuan from the Crown Princess. Naturally, he was pleased about this, but the news he received was: ‘Her Highness the Crown Princess is having so much fun with Chu Yuan in the Gu Family’s West Courtyard that she doesn’t want to leave!’
Learning of this directly spiked Chu Yunlan’s blood pressure. Especially now, seeing that trash standing behind the Crown Princess, wearing expensive brocade robes, looking composed as if he belonged there. Every time he thought of how the two were having so much fun, Chu Yunlan’s jealousy burned fiercely.
However, now was clearly not the time for an outburst. Moreover, after the Divine Grade Auction concluded, this trash Chu Yuan should return. This way, Chu Yunlan would also have more opportunities to pursue the Crown Princess. Thinking of this, he managed to suppress the surging jealousy back into his heart.
“Your Highness has traveled a long way and must be weary from the journey.” He took two quick steps forward, walking half a step behind and to the side of Ji Xuanyuan, perfectly maintaining the subtle distance between respect and closeness. “Yunlan has prepared a private room inside the venue, facing the exhibition stage by the window with the best view. Additionally, some refreshments have been prepared, all local specialties of Xuanji City. I hope Your Highness will grace us with your presence.”
Facing this meticulously arranged gesture, Ji Xuanyuan was absent-minded. “No need to trouble yourself.”
The corner of Chu Yunlan’s mouth twitched, but his expression remained unchanged. “Your Highness is right. Yunlan was inconsiderate. A soundproofing array has been set up in the private room to ensure no one disturbs Your Highness’s peace. After the auction concludes, Yunlan also has some matters regarding the Divine Hunt Grand Ceremony that I wish to seek Your Highness’s advice on…”
Ji Xuanyuan did not stop walking. “Matters concerning the Divine Hunt Grand Ceremony will be discussed between City Lord Fang and the Chu Clan. This princess’s visit is solely for the auction. Other matters need not be mentioned.”
Chu Yunlan’s smile stiffened slightly. He had already lowered his posture to the extreme, and his words were filled with flattery. With anyone else, even if they didn’t show it on their face, they would at least give some face. But this Crown Princess had not looked him in the eye from start to finish. Every sentence was like a pre-cut piece of paper, neither long nor short, perfectly keeping him at arm’s length. This wasn’t just aloofness; it was pure indifference.
For the first time in his life since birth, Chu Yunlan felt such humiliation. He lowered his eyelashes, pressing that moment of embarrassment back into his heart. Stepping aside half a step, he said with a respectful, bitter laugh, “Heh! Yunlan was presumptuous. Your Highness, please.”
Simultaneously, he hoped the change in his tone would attract the Crown Princess’s attention. However, Ji Xuanyuan stepped forward without giving him another glance.
Clearly, everything Chu Yunlan had done was wishful thinking. As Chu Yuan passed by him, his peripheral vision caught sight of: this fake young master’s hand hanging at his side was clenched so tightly his knuckles were white. Regarding this, Chu Yuan did not hide his mockery at all, the corners of his lips curling high. Facing the fake young master’s displeased gaze, his eyes were full of ridicule.
‘How long had he prepared for today???‘ From the moment he learned the Crown Princess would personally attend the auction, he had begun plotting. The color of his attire, the wording of his speech, the angle of his bow, the arrangement of the private room… every detail had been repeatedly deliberated, striving for perfection. He thought that as long as he was attentive enough, he would eventually earn a single glance from her.
But she hadn’t even looked at him. From beginning to end, her gaze had only fallen on one person. Not him, but that trash!!! That trash from the Chu Clan’s branch family, that trash who should have been trampled under his feet! ‘Why???‘
Watching Chu Yuan’s back gradually walk away, Chu Yunlan straightened up, the gentle smile on his face gradually cooling. At that moment, a bewitching figure appeared behind him, smiling charmingly. “Young Master, it seems your efforts have not been appreciated…”