Saintess of the Purple Cloud Palace

With a friendly smile, Crown Prince Xue Yufeng responded to Zhou Yuan's question, "Allow me to introduce the lady beside me. This is Lady Qing Yue, the current Saintess of the Purple Cloud Palace. She had originally planned to visit the Luminous Dawn Sect but graciously decided to pay us a visit instead. Consequently, my father, the emperor, entrusted me with the task of showing her around the capital. We arrived just in time to witness your bid."

The title "Saintess of the Purple Cloud Palace" echoed like a thunderclap in the ears of Zhou Yuan, and everyone present. In that instant, Zhou Yuan and everyone else realized who she was.

She was Qing Yue, the only daughter of the Purple Cloud Palace's current leader. Her fame had spread far and wide in the Central Region's cultivation world for more than two decades. Many had challenged her, only to be defeated by her sword.

The reason she had ascended to the revered position of Saintess was none other than her extraordinary Heavenly Body—the Purple Cloud Heavenly Body. Legends spoke of her birth, when auspicious purple clouds had blanketed the sky for an astonishing 49 days. It was a celestial omen, a sign that marked her as a chosen one, destined for greatness.

According to the latest news gathered by various factions throughout the Central Region, she had successfully entered the Spirit Ocean Realm at the age of 25, which was over 2 years ago. Once, she challenged her Senior Brother who was at 2nd Rank of Spirit Ocean Realm while still in the Spirit Ocean Realm and won. The match was decided in 20 moves.

Currently, other than a few selected groups of individuals, no one knew how she had become. The knowledge of Qing Yue's presence, combined with the mystique of her Heavenly Body and her past achievements, left everyone in awe.

Though surprised by this unexpected encounter, Zhou Yuan quickly gathered himself. He might not be able to see, but his other senses were sharp, and he sensed Lady Qing Yue's presence. With respect in his voice, he addressed her politely, "Saintess Qing Yue, it's an honor to meet you."

But Qing Yue's response was as sharp as a blade, "Are you Zhou Yuan?" Her words carried an unspoken judgment, an evaluation that cut deep. "You're too weak. Weaker than your fiancée, Ling Jia. I've met her; she's truly remarkable. She deserves better."

Upon hearing these words, Zhou Yuan gritted his teeth, and a storm of emotions raged within him. The Saintess's words felt like a relentless onslaught, confirming his weaknesses before the world. It was akin to a relentless series of painful stabs with a knife.

As for Xue Yufeng, Ling Ming, and Wu Huang, they concealed their delight at Zhou Yuan's public embarrassment. In the shadows, they relished his humiliation, finding satisfaction in his discomfort.

On the other hand, Zhou Yuan's friend, Yang Jin, felt the urge to step in and defend his comrade. However, he understood that intervening might worsen the situation rather than help.

Before Zhou Yuan could even respond to her sharp words, Qing Yue turned to Fang Han on the stage. "I had the highest bid, so according to the rules the Violet Cloud Heavenly Flame seed should be mine, right?"

"Yes, La-Lady Qing Yue, your bid was indeed the highest," Fang Han stammered, glancing at Zhou Yuan, who was still recovering from the Saintess's blunt criticism, and then back at Qing Yue. "The Violet Cloud Heavenly Flame seed belongs to you."

At this moment, Zhou Yuan felt empty. He had done everything he could to get the Violet Cloud Heavenly Flame seed but had fallen just short. But he was not willing to let other people see him like that. So, he turned to Xue Yufeng and said, "Your Highness, I'd like to excuse myself. I hope you won't take offense."

To the world outside, Xue Yufeng's expression seemed to soften as he observed Zhou Yuan's distress. However, it was all a charade. Deep down, he couldn't hide his satisfaction at Zhou Yuan's misfortune.

Xue Yufeng was well aware of Zhou Yuan's desire for the Violet Cloud Heavenly Flame seed, evident by his willingness to offer 2,500 high-rank spiritual stones for it. Losing it had hit him harder than he expected.

"Junior Bother, there's no need to apologize. I understand," he replied, his voice filled with feigned empathy. "Take all the time you need. We can catch up on a later date." Even with blind eyes, Zhou Yuan could instantly see through the insincerity in those words.

Back in the academy, Xue Yufeng had tried many times to recruit Zhou Yuan into his faction but Zhou Yuan refused but the latter never stopped trying. However, after his fall from grace, there was never a single word from the Crown Prince.

It appeared that the Crown Prince held some grudge against him. In his heart, Zhou Yuan shook his head, concerned about the future of the empire under Xue Yufeng's rule as he walked out the entrance followed by Yang Jin. Their departure was met with nothing but indifferent looks from everyone, and with Zhou Yuan's reputation in shambles...