Chapter 77: Liu Ruoyi Flirts, the Stern-faced Emperor!

“Compared to entering the palace with you, I think I have a better option…” Liu Ruoyi gazed at Phoenix Nest with cold indifference in her eyes. She hadn’t expected such a vast disparity between them. Phoenix Nest hadn’t lasted more than a few moves against Ling Tian; Liu Ruoyi considered herself to be of similar strength. Now Phoenix Nest was seriously injured, and even if they joined forces, it would hardly make much difference. Rather than gamble on this illusory chance, it was better to seek a more reliable opportunity for herself.

Of course, she assumed subjectively that Ling Tian would help Xiao Ling’er, simply because he owed someone a favor. As long as it was out of obligation, things would be easier; if she could offer enough benefit, there was no reason they couldn’t enter together.

Xiao Ling’er was momentarily stunned, not expecting Liu Ruoyi to target her own person. With her limited experience, she couldn’t guess Liu Ruoyi’s intentions. Ling Tian, however, narrowed his eyes, appreciating the ruthless and relentless tactics—this woman was truly formidable.

“My friend, I believe we have much to discuss—for instance, why enter the hall with her? I daresay my looks are no less than hers, and in certain aspects, I possess even greater advantages!” Liu Ruoyi spoke as she removed her veil, revealing her beauty, glancing at Xiao Ling’er, and then straightening her chest, making her intentions clear.

“You—how reckless!” Xiao Ling’er glanced at Ling Tian, her gaze lingering, then stomped her foot and pointed at Liu Ruoyi, exasperated. What was all this?

“Oh? Interesting. But such words alone are hardly enough,” Ling Tian stroked his chin, his expression full of interest. He wanted to see what this decisive woman would offer to tempt him. On what grounds did she think her chances were better if he brought her into the palace?

“Is that so? You are truly insatiable, my friend. But I like it!” Liu Ruoyi looked at Ling Tian, flaunting her charms, standing tall and accentuating her advantages. Before Ling Tian or Xiao Ling’er could respond, she offered another enticing condition:

“I suppose you are not of the Phoenix clan, nor am I; we need not exhaust ourselves for their sake. If we two seize the opportunity here, wouldn’t that be an incredible tale? I am the third holy maiden of the Swallowing Sky Python clan. If you help me enter the palace, my clan will be forever grateful. As for myself—well, however you wish to deal with me, that is your prerogative!”

Liu Ruoyi spoke as she moved closer to Ling Tian, wrapping her arm around his, even pressing herself against him. It had to be admitted, her terms were alluring.

Yet, for Ling Tian, aside from her offer of her body, any attempt to claim things from her clan would not be so easily accomplished. She was merely a holy maiden—how could she make such decisions?

“It sounds rather good, but… you’ve made the wrong calculation!” Ling Tian’s face still held a smile, but in the next instant, his tone was chilling as he raised his hand like a claw, ready to kill Liu Ruoyi.

“How heartless you are! After all that, you still refuse—could it be you have other preferences?” Liu Ruoyi, wary as she approached Ling Tian, quickly withdrew when he made his move, casting him a resentful look. Clearly, she was still unwilling to give up on this opportunity.

“Preferences? Try and see for yourself,” Ling Tian replied curtly, holding the Imperial Banner, ready to subdue this enchantress. He couldn’t let his heart be disturbed. This woman was too ruthless, too patient, and her calculations too many—she could not be trusted. Who knew, once inside the palace, he might be the next to suffer.

“Divine Bind!”

He was about to deal with Liu Ruoyi. Her expression turned grim, knowing she could not escape the artifact before her, and she called out in resignation, “I concede!”

As the words fell, Liu Ruoyi vanished.

It turned out that only one man and one woman could enter; the winner would proceed. ‘Defeat’ could mean many things—conceding was defeat, dying was defeat. It depended on whether you understood the rules. Those who could open this barrier were at least descendants of the Phoenix clan; naturally, they wouldn’t encourage mutual slaughter. As long as one conceded, the loser would be sent away, leaving the winner behind.

Phoenix Nest hadn’t expected Liu Ruoyi to risk everything for a chance, even putting her life on the line. Truly unfortunate.

“Tsk, she escaped—what a pity. If only I’d taken full advantage first,” Ling Tian muttered with regret.

He spoke carelessly, but Xiao Ling’er beside him caught the words, her face showing displeasure: “What did you say?”

She herself didn’t know why she asked, perhaps influenced by the earlier encounter. Ling Tian was about to retort, but realized they had already arrived at the palace gates.

Emperor Cool Beauty.

The four words shone brilliantly above the palace. Clearly, this was the imperial honorific. Those who attained the Dao and became emperors would be recognized by Heaven, bestowed with a title related to their life’s deeds. For instance, Ling Tian’s mother was the Emperor of Grace and Elegance.

Things left behind by an emperor—now that was something. Ling Tian mused, thinking that Xiao Ling’er was meant to have such fortune. Yet, he wondered why this emperor’s title was so peculiar.

The two pushed open the door and entered; the palace was splendid and magnificent.

“We have waited so long, and finally a prodigiously talented descendant has come!” A vast voice resounded, and Emperor Cool Beauty’s visage appeared, wearing a phoenix crown and ceremonial robes, radiant and unparalleled, with phoenix eyes and the aura of the Dao swirling around her. Of course, this was not the real emperor, but a divine remnant of her will.

Strangely, this remnant possessed remarkable presence. Ling Tian pondered and soon found the answer: it seemed this palace was itself a secret treasure.

“Junior pays respects to Emperor Cool Beauty!” Xiao Ling’er, before her own ancestor, dared not be disrespectful and bowed deeply.

Emperor Cool Beauty said nothing, sending a strand of her essence blood into Xiao Ling’er, then transmitted imperial-level techniques. With a wave of her hand, Xiao Ling’er vanished from the hall.

Hmm?

Ling Tian frowned slightly. Was he merely here to accompany her?

“You shall not be left unrewarded.” Emperor Cool Beauty seemed to sense Ling Tian’s thoughts and sent another drop of essence blood into him.

“What is this?” Ling Tian looked at the flame in his hand; it burned so fiercely it distorted the void.

Emperor Cool Beauty’s beautiful eyes studied Ling Tian and explained, “This is my natal flame, cultivated into True Samadhi Fire—no less than any innate flame.”