Feng Zihuang and Cang Yan looked at each other, their faces adorned with faint smiles—smiles devoid of emotion. Their gazes met in the air like the collision of water and fire.
“Long have I heard of the unparalleled magical prowess of the King of the Feather Clan. Might I have the honor of exchanging a few moves with Brother Feng?” Cang Yan spoke first, his cold and imperious eyes gleaming.
Feng Zihuang smiled. “I, too, have long heard of the valor of the new Beast King. Since Brother Cang is in such high spirits, I would be remiss to decline.”
“After you!”
“After you!”
Feng Zihuang and Cang Yan simultaneously clasped their fists in salute. As the word “please” fell from their lips, both struck at the same time, launching spells at each other. Though their words had spoken of a mere spar, their movements carried the gravity of a decisive battle.
When masters clashed, especially with magic, the aftermath was never small. Within moments, the once lush surroundings had turned to ruins.
—
### Meanwhile
Under Cang Yan’s orders, Xiao Yao and Xiao Ling, suppressing their injuries, had escorted Yun Qingxue back to her chambers and dared not leave.
“You two should go tend to your wounds,” Yun Qingxue frowned at their condition and instructed.
“Thank you for your concern, Flower Queen. This servant is unharmed!” Xiao Yao bowed, her face filled with trepidation.
From the moment the Supreme Lord had brought Yun Qingxue back, she had known this woman was special. But if not for Feng Zihuang addressing her as the Flower Queen, Xiao Yao would never have connected the composed woman before her to the legendary “feeble-minded and useless” Flower Queen!
The woman before her had clear eyes and sharp wits—where was the slightest hint of idiocy? With such noble status and breathtaking beauty, Xiao Yao finally understood why Cang Yan was so determined to marry her, even going so far as to severely punish Qing Mei’er, the beloved daughter of Elder Qing Yuan, for her sake!
“With such severe injuries, how could you be unharmed? Go and tend to yourselves. I won’t wander off.”
“But…” Xiao Yao hesitated. “The Supreme Lord ordered us to protect you, Flower Queen.”
Yun Qingxue chuckled lightly, her tone half-jesting. “If even the quarters your Supreme Lord arranged for me aren’t safe, then this Beast Clan truly isn’t worth staying in!”
“You exaggerate, Flower Queen.” Xiao Yao quickly bowed, defending Cang Yan. “Qing Mei’er was purely an exception. Please don’t misunderstand. The Supreme Lord cares deeply for you and will naturally ensure your safety!”
Yun Qingxue waved her hand. “If that’s the case, what’s stopping you from tending to your wounds?”
Xiao Yao paused, then smiled gratefully. “In that case, thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty.”
“Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty.” Xiao Ling also bowed alongside Xiao Yao. Earlier in the pavilion, Qing Mei’er had merely immobilized her with magic—her injuries were all inflicted by Cang Yan in his fury.
But compared to the two fox maids who had been killed instantly by Cang Yan’s strike, Xiao Ling felt nothing but relief to still be alive.
“Mmm.” Yun Qingxue responded indifferently. “After walking so long, I’m truly tired. On your way out, make sure no one disturbs my rest.”
“As you wish, Your Majesty. We take our leave.” Xiao Yao and Xiao Ling bowed once more and retreated, with Xiao Yao carefully closing the door behind them.
Yun Qingxue rubbed her temples and sat on the soft couch in the room. In this world, she was too weak. If not for Feng Zihuang’s intervention earlier, Qing Mei’er’s attack would have left her either dead or grievously wounded.
Power… How many more trials must she endure before she could grow strong?
“Qingxue! Qingxue!”
A clear, melodious voice rang through the room. Yun Qingxue looked up to see a lark fluttering in through the open window.
The bird was achingly familiar. Yun Qingxue frowned slightly and tentatively called out, “Liu Ying?”
A shimmer of light swirled, and the bird transformed into a lively young girl upon landing.
“Qingxue! Finally, I’ve found you!” Liu Ying rushed forward and hugged Yun Qingxue’s arm, beaming.
“Do you know how worried I’ve been all this time? That day, I went to find food for you, and when I returned, you were gone! I searched everywhere but couldn’t find you—I was frantic! How did you end up in the Beast King’s palace? Did that villain Cang Yan capture you that very night?”
“It’s… a long story.” Yun Qingxue smiled. “How did you get here?”
“I followed the Phoenix King.” Liu Ying grinned, then frowned. “Thank goodness he intervened in time, or you’d have been in serious trouble. By the way, Qingxue, how did you provoke that vicious fox demon?”
“I didn’t provoke her. Today was the first time I’ve seen her.”
“Then why did she attack you so viciously? Without the Phoenix King’s help, her spell would’ve left you either dead or severely injured!”
Yun Qingxue smiled faintly. Liu Ying truly couldn’t go three sentences without mentioning Feng Zihuang’s life-saving act. “I won’t forget the Phoenix King’s timely assistance.”
Hearing this, Liu Ying grinned again, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Our king is truly exceptional! Qingxue, you’re so beautiful—if you’re thinking of repaying him with your hand in marriage, I’d be happy to play matchmaker!”
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