Even Xiong Tai, Li Luo, and Fu Liuyun couldn't help but feel that Zi Linling was being treated unfairly.
On the contrary, Ye Lingyuan had already retracted his killing intent, smiling warmly at the woman who was putting on a show.
His Lin'er was not one to be easily taken advantage of.
Disregarding the disapproving looks from everyone, Zi Linling gracefully walked towards an inconspicuous spot.
However, as she had become the center of attention, that inconspicuous spot also became incredibly conspicuous.
Soon, the first round concluded, and the Second Elder, Zi Yangchun, reappeared on the martial arts stage.
"The previous promotion matches were very exciting, fully showcasing the might of our Zi family. We elders are very satisfied with everyone's performance."
"Next, we will have a fifteen-minute break, followed by the second elimination round."
After speaking, Zi Yangchun descended from the stage and sat on the main seat, closing his eyes to rest.
Zi Linling, seizing the opportunity when no one was paying attention, quietly left the martial arts arena.
Ye Lingyuan's attention had always been on her. Seeing her leave, his mind stirred, and he vanished from his spot.
Deep within the rear garden, Zi Linling ducked behind a large patch of vines and softly called out, "Qingyu!"
Qingyu's figure instantly materialized as he bowed, "Your subordinate is here! Does the Princess have any orders?"
Zi Linling handed him a porcelain bottle and said, "Take this Muscle-Sculpting Pill to the Water Moon Merchant Guild and have them auction it in half a month."
Qingyu took the porcelain bottle, his hands trembling slightly.
He had been hidden by Zi Linling's side the entire time and naturally saw everything that had transpired.
He had thought the Muscle-Sculpting Pill was merely Zi Linling's way of disgusting Zi Wenchang, especially since the pill's formula had been lost for a thousand years.
Now, Zi Linling had casually produced one, so it was no wonder he was shocked.
He asked uncertainly, "Princess, is this truly a Muscle-Sculpting Pill?"
Zi Linling nodded and smiled, "Genuine as can be!"
Qingyu felt as if his head had been struck by lightning.
Muscle-Sculpting Pill!
It was actually a Muscle-Sculpting Pill!
He incredulously asked, "Isn't the formula for the Muscle-Sculpting Pill lost long ago?"
Zi Linling said haughtily, "It is indeed lost, but it's nothing to me!"
The "Human Emperor's Medical Canon" within her body originated from ancient times and contained many ancient pill formulas, including the Muscle-Sculpting Pill.
Furthermore, the Muscle-Sculpting Pill she used when breaking through the Body Tempering realm was refined by her using ancient alchemy techniques.
Now, with her spirit fire and Huang Yi's phoenix fire, coupled with the Nine Extremes Qiankun Cauldron, refining it was even more effortless.
Qingyu's head buzzed.
It seemed their Princess was not simple at all.
"Princess, that... that..."
Qingyu scratched his head, unable to speak.
"Yes, you can!"
Zi Linling nodded, then added, "But only after today."
Qingyu was stunned. "Does the Princess know what I want to say?"
Zi Linling rolled her eyes and said irritably, "You've been so obvious, how could I not know?"
Qingyu was filled with gratitude.
The Muscle-Sculpting Pill would be even more effective for someone at his Yuan Transformation realm.
"Your subordinate thanks the Princess in advance!"
Zi Linling smiled faintly.
Since Ye Lingyuan had assigned Qingyu to her, Qingyu was her person.
She never hesitated to be generous to her own people.
"Not only a Muscle-Sculpting Pill, but I can also give you a Marrow-Cleansing Pill!"
Marrow-Cleansing Pill!
That was the most difficult pill to refine, bar none.
The very thing others craved was being casually promised to him by his Princess.
He made up his mind: he would latch onto her!
From this moment on, he would tightly cling to the Princess's thigh!
Thankfully, he didn't voice this thought, or the certain prince would be jealous again.
After all, not just anyone could cling to Zi Linling's thigh.
Qingyu said with immense joy, "Thank you, Princess! Your subordinate will head to the Water Moon Merchant Guild now."
"Mmm!"
Zi Linling nodded. "Tell them this Muscle-Sculpting Pill will definitely fall into the hands of the Zi family!"
Qingyu was confused.
The Zi family had treated the Princess so poorly, why would she still sell the Muscle-Sculpting Pill to them?
However, if Zi Linling didn't explain, he wouldn't ask.
This was a habit he had developed while following Ye Lingyuan—not to ask what he shouldn't.
"Yes!"
Qingyu responded and vanished.
Zi Linling sneered, murmuring to herself, "Second Uncle, I hope you like the surprise I've prepared for you, and I hope you have enough money!"
"Is Lin'er lacking money?"
As the words fell, Ye Lingyuan's presence appeared beside Zi Linling.
He expertly placed his hand on Zi Linling's waist, smiling enchantingly.
"Lacking money? Sort of!"
Zi Linling's body stiffened for a moment before returning to normal.
As if she lacked money!
The spirit stones she had extorted from Xiong Tai, Li Luo, and Fu Liuyun a few days ago were already a considerable sum.
The reason she was targeting Zi Wenchang was simply to reclaim what belonged to her parents and herself.
"Is that so..."
Ye Lingyuan seemed to ponder for a moment, then said with a half-smile, "The Underworld King's Manor is worth quite a bit, how about I give it to you?"
"Oh?"
Zi Linling smiled faintly, a hint of slyness flashing in her eyes.
"Give me the Underworld King's Manor? Not enough!"
Ye Lingyuan's smile deepened, and he whispered in her ear, tempting her, "Then, shall I add myself?"
Zi Linling shook her head, smiling wryly, "Ye Lingyuan, you're too stingy."
"Stingy? Am I stingy?"
The smile on Ye Lingyuan's lips spread, his warm breath caressing Zi Linling's earlobe.
An intimate atmosphere spread outwards from the two of them.
Zi Linling abruptly turned, playfully chiding, "Aren't you? Giving me what's mine, what a thought you had!"
Their eyes met, and it was unclear who was seducing whom.
"Your things?"
Ye Lingyuan clearly froze, his breathing becoming heavier.
"That's right, I belong to you, so my manor naturally belongs to you."
Zi Linling smiled faintly, "You finally understand!"
Ye Lingyuan's seductive skills upgraded, "It seems I need to find a way to earn some private money."
Zi Linling smiled wryly, "Private money?"
Ye Lingyuan swallowed with difficulty, "Lin'er, you misunderstand. I meant earning more assets to hand over to Lin'er for management."
Zi Linling laughed brightly, "That's more like it!"
Ye Lingyuan's handsome face seemed to grow larger in Zi Linling's eyes, "Lin'er, do you know how captivating you are?"
Zi Linling's face flushed slightly, her heart racing.
The smile in Ye Lingyuan's eyes deepened as he murmured, "Lin'er, you make me unable to resist..."
"Unable to resist what?"
The woman's shy demeanor made her even more alluring.
The Prince's lips curved into a wicked smile, and he suddenly pressed his lips to Zi Linling's.
He had intended to pull away immediately, but found himself unable to stop.
"Mmm!"
The woman flusteredly pushed Ye Lingyuan away and fled as if from a pursuer, out from behind the vines.
The Prince gently caressed his lips, his smile becoming even brighter.