Chapter 1202: Wind Sweeping the Entire Venue

He aimed to firmly establish the current alliance, realizing it was time for Xiaohua to utilize her current physical form for their purpose. Xiaohua clearly saw the Sixteenth Prince's profound devotion to Consort Qingcheng. If she could gain the Sixteenth Prince's support and trust by using this body, then the subsequent plans between the Fifth Prince and Xu Yang would naturally proceed more smoothly. "Your Highness, long time no see!" Consort Qingcheng removed the blindfold from her head and the veil from her face, revealing her truly stunning, peerless beauty.

When this scene unfolded, the various martial arts experts surrounding them were utterly stunned. They had never dreamed that Consort Qingcheng, who had supposedly perished decades ago, would suddenly reappear at Jianzong today. When had she been resurrected? And why was she with Xu Yang? All these questions flooded the minds of the various powerhouses, unable to find a precise answer. Seeing Xiaohua's actions, Xu Yang smiled and swept his gaze across the surrounding crowd.

"Friends, what you may not know is that Qingcheng is now my woman. All past rumors about her will be erased after today. Her past is like fleeting clouds, no need to ask further." Xu Yang's few words clearly demonstrated his stance and his current strength. Who among those present dared to continue approaching him with an offensive attitude?

As expected, after Xu Yang's declaration, the various martial arts heroes all showed him respect, stepping back and no longer wishing to disturb Consort Qingcheng. Only the Sixteenth Prince remained stubbornly rooted in place, showing no intention of giving up. It was clear that his infatuation with Consort Qingcheng had exceeded everyone's wildest imagination.

"Qingcheng, do you know how I've lived all these years since your passing? I dreamed of seeing you again, but who would have known that when we finally met, you would no longer be the woman you once were?"

"Sixteenth Prince, why hold onto such an obsession? The only thought in my mind now is to stay by A'yang's side and enjoy the seasons with him. Everything else in this world holds no meaning for me."

The Sixteenth Prince's face showed an expression of anxiety and despair. "Is there truly no possibility between us anymore?" Consort Qingcheng gave a cold and resolute smile.

Although her soul had become Xiaohua, and she was merely acting for the Sixteenth Prince using this body, she genuinely wanted to use this method to make the Sixteenth Prince give up his infatuation completely. Otherwise, it would only cause him more pain.

"A'yang once told me that he has the ability to contend for supremacy and make me the most respected woman on this Yingzhou Continent. Now, I believe what he told me. And his strength is evident to all of you. If anyone else can reach a level comparable to his, then I, Qingcheng, will give them the chance to pursue me as well. But if you cannot, then please, everyone, live in peace."

Sorrow filled the Sixteenth Prince's eyes as he stared at Consort Qingcheng's silhouette, remaining motionless for a long time. Just then, he heard the Fourth Prince's mocking laughter from behind him.

"I say, Sixteenth Brother, why trouble yourself so much? Everyone knows you're a lovesick fool. You've sacrificed so much for Qingcheng, only for her to end up by Xu Yang's side. Doesn't that pain you? If you join your Fourth Brother's faction, I promise that after I kill Xu Yang, I'll give Qingcheng to you as a gift."

The Fourth Prince intended to seize this opportunity to recruit the Sixteenth Prince, knowing full well that what his Sixth Brother truly desired was not the throne, but the beauty he longed for. However, the Fourth Prince had not anticipated that in the Sixteenth Prince's heart, Qingcheng had already attained a near-divine importance. Upon hearing his Fourth Brother suggest giving her to him as a gift, the Sixteenth Prince felt it was a blasphemy against Qingcheng.

"Shut your mouth! Do you think Qingcheng is as trivial in my heart as those women are to you? I forbid anyone from insulting her, not even a single word! Even if she no longer belongs to me—even if she never belonged to me—I am still willing to protect her, no matter how fruitless it may be. I am utterly devoted."

The Sixteenth Prince truly embodied the type who valued beauty over power, expressing his feelings for Qingcheng with almost no regard for his own status or reputation. Upon hearing such words, the members of the Eight Gates team couldn't help but gasp in astonishment. Even Bloodblade, a woman known for her usual cold demeanor, couldn't help but show a look of tenderness. "Heavens, if a man loved me like that, I wouldn't have lived this life as a woman in vain."

"Hehehe, save it, girl. In this life, you're only suited to be a bloodthirsty assassin, an endless killer! Of course, if you're a bit nicer to me, I wouldn't mind reluctantly taking you into my chambers." Old Crow, the second brother of the Eight Gates team who had always pursued Bloodblade, spoke with a lewd, sly smile, teasing her while subtly expressing his admiration for her once more. However, his words were completely shut down by a cold glare from the fierce woman.

"You old fool, stop daydreaming. Unless you can reach the level of our boss someday, don't even think about having me."

The rest of the Eight Gates team also began to tease Old Crow, though everyone knew it was just good-natured banter. In contrast, the exchange between the Fourth Prince and the Sixteenth Prince was a true clash of wills. After being publicly humiliated, the Fourth Prince flew into a rage, attacking the Sixteenth Prince without hesitation.

Unbeknownst to them, at that very moment, the Sixteenth Prince's top personal guards clashed simultaneously with the Fourth Prince. The incredibly powerful auras from both sides pressed down on their opponents. It had to be admitted that the guards around the Sixteenth Prince were quite formidable. However, the Fourth Prince was, at the very least, the host, and as the acknowledged next Sect Master of Jianzong, how could he lose face on his own territory? With a wave of his hand, countless guardians inside the building soared into the air, engaging the Sixteenth Prince's top guards in a fierce battle. The scene, which had almost settled down, became utterly chaotic as the forces of the Fourth Prince and the Sixteenth Prince began to clash.