As Feng Ninghe's transformation unfolded, Feng Tong became insignificant, and Baili Ye lost his patience.
Before becoming Crown Prince, he still had to maintain his pretense, not letting anyone glimpse his true intentions.
Baili Ye sat beside her and whispered soothingly, "Tongtong, I know you've been wronged."
Ever since the battle between Feng Ninghe and Feng Tongtong, the two of them had become the talk of many cultivators.
Everyone secretly speculated about what had truly happened that year.
Some opera houses, eager to earn spirit stones, even staged elaborate plays filled with melodramatic plots, all to capture attention.
These rumors were highly detrimental to Baili Ye.
At the birthday banquet, Feng Guangyao had silenced Jiang Bugao with precious medicinal herbs, but the incident of Feng Tongtong crawling into the bed of the Immortal Sect's Elder of Enforcement still spread like wildfire.
If he were to marry Feng Tongtong, who was burdened by such infamy, the royal family would likely mock him for it.
Baili Ye's concern brought a bright smile to Feng Tongtong's face, and her grievances seemed to melt away at that moment. "Eldest Prince Brother, with your words, I feel no wronged at all."
She affectionately linked her arm with Baili Ye's, resting her head on his shoulder.
Baili Ye subtly pushed Feng Tongtong away and changed the subject. "Tongtong, was Feng Ninghe's strength on the arena truly that formidable? Even you couldn't resist?"
Even though Baili Ye had witnessed it firsthand, he couldn't help but ask.
He still found it hard to believe that Feng Ninghe could possess such power.
Mentioning Feng Ninghe, a resentful yet fervent glint appeared in her eyes. "Who knows what tricks Feng Ninghe used in secret to make me unable to resist? There must be something fishy going on."
Feng Tongtong vividly remembered the oppressive aura Feng Ninghe had exuded on the arena.
Even recalling it now sent a chill down her spine.
She naturally couldn't let anyone else know of this fear.
Baili Ye's gaze darkened as he fell into thought, his eyes flickering with unspoken depths.
After a moment, he composed himself and looked at Feng Tongtong. "Tongtong, I don't know the extent of your injuries, nor what medicinal herbs would be suitable for you. I came unprepared today, so I couldn't bring anything. I will look through my collection later and send over any suitable herbs if I find any."
Ever since his treasury had been ransacked, Baili Ye's life had become quite strained.
His Jade Ring held only a meager amount of wealth.
He couldn't afford to spare any extra medicinal herbs for Feng Tongtong; he barely had enough for himself.
However, he still had to say the right things.
News of the Eldest Prince's treasury being plundered hadn't spread widely.
Feng Tongtong was unaware of this and still believed Baili Ye to be the same generous Eldest Prince as before.
Upon hearing that the Eldest Prince would send her something, she smiled shyly, her mood improving. "Thank you, Eldest Prince Brother. I know you care about me the most."
Thinking of his empty treasury, Baili Ye gritted his teeth. He had been investigating discreetly for days but had yet to find the culprit.
"Tongtong, you are still injured, and I shouldn't disturb you further. Rest well, and I will visit again when I have more time."
Baili Ye didn't wish to linger. After offering polite words, he departed.
After leaving, Baili Ye headed towards Shiyuan, where Feng Ninghe resided.
Coincidentally, Feng Ninghe was just exiting Shiyuan.
Seeing Baili Ye, she furrowed her delicate brows, her gaze sweeping over him dismissively, showing no intention of engaging.
"Eldest Miss."
As Feng Ninghe walked past him without a glance, Baili Ye grew anxious. He quickly stepped forward, blocking her path. "I have something I wish to discuss with you. Do you have a moment?"
Feng Ninghe narrowed her eyes and glanced at Baili Ye. "No."
With those two words, she continued on her way.
Seeing Feng Ninghe walk away without a word, Baili Ye pursued her again. "Eldest Miss, I genuinely wish to have a sincere conversation with you."
Feng Ninghe rolled her eyes impatiently. "Eldest Prince, I am very busy and have no time for you. I have a match today. Please excuse yourself."
This match would determine whether she entered the top ten, and it was an event many eagerly anticipated.
Baili Ye, however, clung to her like a stubborn piece of candy, following closely behind.
"Eldest Miss, I know I have neglected you these past days, and it is only natural for you to hold a grudge. I wish to apologize."
"If you are willing to be with me, I will immediately break off my engagement with the Third Miss of the Feng family, Feng Tongtong! Once we are married, I will ensure you receive a proper betrothal, and you will never be wronged!"
Every word was spoken with utmost clarity by Baili Ye. His earnest demeanor made Feng Ninghe feel nauseous.
Baili Ye's treasury was empty, and he likely didn't have much spirit stone on him. He was a pauper, yet he dared to put on airs and speak such sweet words.
Feng Ninghe paused and cast a cold glance at him. "Eldest Prince, you should focus on preparing the betrothal gifts for the Third Miss. I am looking forward to attending your wedding."
Baili Ye became anxious. "Ninghe, do you have some misunderstanding about me? If there is a misunderstanding, I will surely clarify it for you. Didn't you like me before? Why have you changed so much in such a short time?"
Baili Ye was intelligent and understood who could bring him the greatest benefit.
Feng Tongtong had already become a national laughingstock, with everyone mocking her. If he married her, Baili Ye would also become a subject of gossip.
The best course of action now was to find a different bride.
He and Feng Ninghe were originally engaged, but he had changed his mind at the last moment. Now, if he wanted to go back and marry Feng Ninghe, it would be justifiable.
Feng Ninghe raised an eyebrow, the sharpness in her eyes piercing. She casually tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear.
"It seems the Eldest Prince has some misunderstanding about me. I have never liked you. It was the Third Miss who liked you. You are a perfect match, a talented man and a beautiful woman."
Her languid voice seemed to dismiss everything.
This also made Baili Ye's gaze falter.
While he was lost in thought, Feng Ninghe had already disappeared from his sight.
Baili Ye instinctively rubbed his ears, fearing he had misheard.
This woman claimed she had never liked him?
Then what had happened before?
He was the Eldest Prince of Ligguo, of noble birth, and countless women had thrown themselves at him since childhood.
Yet now, Feng Ninghe treated him with indifference.
The more aloof Feng Ninghe appeared, the more Baili Ye desired her.
Even if Mo Zisang liked her, he could let Mo Zisang have his fun first.
What he cared about was not Feng Ninghe herself, but the Medicine Valley behind her and her power.
With this thought, Baili Ye's gaze darkened, his expression turning cold.
The arena was abuzz with noise.
Cultivators were engaged in duels on the arena stage.
Today's matches determined entry into the top ten, and the cultivators fought with the fervor of being injected with chicken blood.