Then, with a proud face and a spark of mischief in her eyes, Yue Ling flew straight toward Grandfather Yue. The entire crowd fell into stunned silence, especially the first lady whom Yue Ling had effortlessly flicked out of the ring earlier.
"She can fly? Inside the ring?! That means... she has spiritual qi!"
Gasps spread among the disciples and spectators alike. Shocked faces turned to each other, processing the truth that had just unfolded before them.
"If she has spiritual qi and we couldn't even sense it... what a shame," one elder whispered.
Those who had previously looked down on her, those who had underestimated her, were left dumbfounded—except for Princess Mei, who had seen it all unfold.
Yue Ling landed gracefully at the elder's side, sprinkling a petal from a flower that released the most enchanting medicinal fragrance.
"Grandfather! Grandfather! I got the first position!" she beamed. "How do I look? Don't I look like a small god? That's how I want everyone to see me."
Grandfather Yue, who had prepared a firm scolding, suddenly softened. "Not with that disguise. You almost embarrassed the Yue family," he chided.
Yue Ling giggled. "Hehe, I'd never do that. You know me. I'm hungry now. Old Man Hu! I got the first position, remember? You promised me meat."
Old Man Hu frowned, pretending not to recall. "I don't remember such a promise."
"You actually did, you just don't remember," Yue Ling pouted playfully.
Of course, she was blackmailing him—but in the most charming way possible.
They left the arena together, much to everyone's surprise. Empress Qingtian, especially, raised her brow when she saw Grandfather Yue heading toward Old Man Hu's personal cave instead of returning to the main palace.
Upon arriving, Princess Mei greeted Grandfather Yue cheerfully. His eyes lit up.
"Mei Mei! It's been so long since Grandfather saw you."
If Yue Ling had witnessed the tenderness in his eyes, she might've grown jealous. But she was busy taking her bath, preparing to change out of her disguise.
Grandfather Yue laughed with joy as he brought out a gift. "Mei Mei, I always think of you and your brother. I have many gifts for you both, but I'll give you one now."
He handed her a storage ring refined by himself. "Inside are all your gifts. But to truly make it yours, you must awaken it with your blood."
Empress Qingtian was pleased to see her father hadn't forgotten her children—but a spark of irritation remained in her eyes.
Why didn't he even send a letter to say Yue Ling had started cultivating?
Suddenly, the cave lit up with a soft but powerful glow. A serpent and dragon scale intertwined, their shine forming a unique inscription across the surface of the ring.
Everyone stared in awe.
Empress Qingtian's eyes widened further. The blood inscription wasn't made with a single bloodline. Two distinct bloodlines had activated it.
"She has a dual bloodline?" Old Man Hu gasped. "Do you all understand what that means? Those with dual bloodlines are feared—they're extremely powerful. That also means... you'll form a bond with two spiritual contract beasts. You're truly lucky."
He turned to Grandfather Yue. "Well, with you being a dual bloodline cultivator too, she's in good hands. The Yue family never disappoints."
Empress Qingtian, though still impressed, turned to her father. "Won't you introduce Yue Ling to us now?"
Inside Yue Ling's chamber, the air shimmered with floral fragrance. Princess Mei sniffed and frowned slightly.
"Why does it smell like this in a guy's room?"
Her heart whispered a question she hadn't dared ask: Is Yue Ling really... a boy?
Then came the moment that shocked them all.
A figure emerged—a lady so breathtaking, so flawlessly beautiful that time seemed to halt. If there were a contest of beauty, Yue Ling would win it a thousand times over. Even with a veil over her face, her aura was undeniable.
She turned to Grandfather Yue with a slightly scolding voice. "Grandfather, you didn't even introduce me to the empress and her daughter."
She stopped short when her eyes fell upon them.
"Huh? Grandfather...?"
Grandfather Yue nodded calmly. "This is your mother's stepsister, Yue Qingtian—now the Empress. And this is her daughter, Princess Mei. You can call her your cousin."
Yue Ling blinked, then gasped. "No wonder I liked her from the moment I saw her!
But… cousin, you embarrassed me. I thought you didn't like me."
Yue Ling flushed. "I—I'm sorry. I just didn't know. Honestly, I've never had someone to talk to... if not for what happened recently, I might've never known I had a cousin."
Yue Ling tilted her head. "So, how many cousins do I have?"
"Two. Just me and my twin brother."
"Then... can I take off the veil? I want my cousins to know me."
Grandfather Yue raised his brow. "Of course. You're family. As long as it's not an outsider or a male who might betray your identity, you may reveal your face."
Princess Mei leaned forward. "Wait... does that mean my twin brother can't see her face?"
"No, he can. He's family too," Grandfather Yue said.
Empress Qingtian, who had long yearned to see the face beneath the veil, nodded. "Then take it off. Let us see you."
As Yue Ling's fingers reached for the veil, the ancient ring on Princess Mei's hand whispered through spiritual connection:
If they weren't my descendants, I wouldn't allow this. Go ahead.
But just as Yue Ling was about to reveal her face—
Knock knock.
A sharp knock echoed from the door.
Everyone turned at once.
The moment was broken—but the mystery of Yue Ling's face remained.