"Happy with your new weapons?"
"It's amazing!"
"We..."
The three were clearly overjoyed, practically cuddling their newly acquired artifacts and rubbing them with a reverence that bordered on obsession. Then Su Min spoke, and her words nearly made them jump out of their skins.
"Since you're so happy with your new toys, stand up and let's have some fun together."
"Huh?"
They froze, stunned at first, but quickly grew excited. To them, Su Min was a figure shrouded in mystery and overflowing with strength. In truth, during their usual sparring sessions, they had long wanted to test their skills against her. Hearing her invitation, they eagerly nodded in agreement. Only the steward who had accompanied them broke into a cold sweat, for he alone detected a hint of sarcasm in her tone.
"Young Master, you should—"
"Let's go!"
Before he could finish, the young master, gripping his sword, rushed forward enthusiastically. The steward had no choice but to swallow his words.
Soon—
Boom!
A deep collision reverberated throughout the Prince Yong's estate. The prince, who had been reviewing documents and allocating resources, paused and glanced at the teacup beside him. Ripples trembled across its surface.
"Who's fighting inside the estate? Have those three rascals gone wild again?"
Ever since the trio had reached the Qi Refining stage, they had often sparred. The prince had never interfered, since this was his estate and there was no need to monitor them constantly. More practice was beneficial anyway. But this commotion seemed a bit excessive.
"Report! It's that young lady. She took the three to the training grounds, and now it seems they've started fighting."
"Oh? She actually took an interest in instructing those brats? How's the battle going?"
"She's beating them barehanded, pinning them to the ground."
"Hmm."
Meanwhile, in the training grounds, Su Min casually brushed her hands together while the three lay sprawled on the ground, moaning in pain, their dignity thoroughly shattered.
Just moments ago, she had taken them on unarmed, one against three, and crushed them with ease. Of course, she had used Tiger Soul Possession. Unlike Vermilion Bird Possession, this technique didn't alter her appearance but drastically enhanced her strength and speed, leaving the trio utterly disoriented.
"Feeling good now, little ones?" Su Min asked, brushing her palms together. "You've got a long road ahead. Well then, I'm off—back to my cultivation."
She patted her hands in satisfaction. The three were surprisingly sturdy.
"Ugh… that was terrifying. What kind of speed was that? I couldn't even track her movements. Having a weapon was useless…"
"You fool! This is someone even my father holds in high regard, someone the entire Prince Yong's estate revolves around. Of course she's this strong."
Though trembling in pain, the prince's son wasn't surprised. Su Min had spared their dignity. Their bodies were covered in bruises, but their faces remained untouched. Besides, with a bit of spiritual energy circulation, these injuries would heal within a day. She hadn't gone all out.
"I'm still some distance away from the Foundation Establishment stage, and I lack the necessary rare materials. There's no way I can attempt a breakthrough yet."
While beating them up, Su Min had taken the opportunity to assess her own condition. Though her progress was excellent, there were still some issues to address.
"Lady Su Min, there's an urgent matter for discussion."
As she headed back to her quarters, someone intercepted her.
"What is it?"
"The nomadic tribes are moving south. His Highness requests your presence for a meeting."
"Fine. Lead the way."
She didn't refuse and followed the attendant. Soon, she arrived before a grand hall and paused. Even without entering, her heightened perception allowed her to sense the situation inside, and it gave her pause. Several auras stood out—sharp and battle-hardened. This wasn't the kind of killing intent born from slaying a few people but from years of war. Moreover, aside from those auras, another Qi Refining cultivator was present, though their vitality was noticeably weaker than that of the three youngsters.
"A military conference?"
It wasn't hard to guess why Prince Yong had summoned her. This was no banquet. It had to be a crucial war council.
"Yes. According to intelligence, the nomads are preparing to invade, targeting the Eight Prefectures under Prince Yong's rule. His Highness has mobilized all forces from the prefectures and issued a rallying call to the martial world. Aside from the generals, the leaders of major sects are also present."
"Tch."
Su Min rubbed her temples in annoyance. She disliked social formalities like this. But judging by the auras in the room, which included one Qi Refining cultivator and several at the peak of Body Refining, it was clear that these people had pressured the prince into meeting her.
"Whatever. They might be useful later. If I'm going to deal with the Demon Queen, I'll need their support eventually."
After a brief thought, she pushed the door open and stepped inside. Instantly, the noisy hall fell silent. Every gaze turned toward her. Many wore expressions of shock, clearly not expecting someone so young.
"Hahaha! Danxianzi, please, come this way."
Prince Yong immediately rose to greet her, guiding her to the seat of honor. The others watched with a mix of awe and uncertainty.
"That battle aura earlier was terrifying, far surpassing even Sect Leader Mo's. We thought it must be some senior master, but… she's just a young girl? She can't even be twenty yet."
"Shut up! Sect Leader Mo only reached Qi Refining thanks to the Qi-Introduction Pill she refined. Someone like her could command countless experts with just a word. If she wanted a sect destroyed, all she'd need to do is say so."
"...Right."
As Su Min sat there, sipping tea and ignoring everyone, hushed whispers filled the room. Though they spoke softly, even shielding their voices with spiritual energy, her keen perception caught every word.
"I am Mo Shaosheng, leader of the Heaven's Gate Sect. My current cultivation is all thanks to your pill, Fairy. I am deeply grateful."
The middle-aged Qi Refining cultivator approached and bowed respectfully. Regardless of her alchemy skills, the sheer power she had displayed earlier was enough to make him aware of the vast gap between them. His attitude was nothing short of reverent.