Chapter 16: The Prince’s Unyielding Pursuit

As a Golden Core expert and the most promising heir to the Cloudsoar Kingdom, Yun Tianqi’s status was undeniably lofty.

His formidable foundation, coupled with his heroic appearance, had captured the hearts of countless maidens.

Many young women harbored fantasies of winning his affection, dreaming of a single ascent to prominence, transforming from a common bird to a phoenix.

The current King, Yun Tianqi’s father and the undisputed strongest in the Cloudsoar Kingdom, had repeatedly attempted to select a consort for his son.

Yet, each time, Yun Tianqi vehemently refused.

Only a select few knew the truth behind his unwavering rejections: his heart already belonged to someone.

This revelation eventually reached the King’s ears.

His son was, after all, the Prince of the Cloudsoar Kingdom; any maiden he desired from any household could be his.

Moreover, to earn Yun Tianqi’s admiration was considered an immense blessing, accrued over countless lifetimes.

How could any girl possibly refuse such an honor? They should have been overjoyed.

However, the truth proved exceptionally harsh.

The object of Yun Tianqi’s affection was neither a common girl nor the daughter of an ordinary noble, but Huang Yao Yue, the cherished pearl of the Huang family!

Even with Yun Tianqi’s immense power within the Cloudsoar Kingdom, the Huang family presented an entirely different challenge.

Wealth, status, and authority meant nothing to them; even the all-powerful King could not compel or threaten the Huang family to surrender their daughter to marry his son.

Their strength alone was sufficient to pose a threat to the Cloudsoar Royal Family.

Furthermore, Huang Yao Yue’s grandfather was also a Nascent Soul expert, rendering status, power, and wealth utterly insignificant in their eyes.

Faced with the unyielding Huang family, Yun Tianqi was left with no recourse but to resort to the most straightforward method: a direct pursuit of this seemingly unattainable ‘high-mountain flower’.

The results were entirely predictable.

Huang Yao Yue offered Yun Tianqi no opportunities whatsoever.

His trite, clichéd declarations of love and flamboyant confessions proved utterly ineffective, instead fueling her growing disdain.

His special status, however, prevented her from dismissing him as directly as she would others.

Each polite refusal only seemed to embolden Yun Tianqi, making him cling to her like an inescapable piece of gum.

“Your Highness Yun Tianqi, this might be somewhat inappropriate.

After all, my fiancé is right here, and he tends to be quite the jealous sort.

If he were to find out, he would surely cause a scene, which could negatively impact His Highness’s reputation.”

“Heh heh, Miss Huang, I have no ulterior motives.

I merely wish to invite you for a dance.

Everyone at a ball has the right to ask anyone else to be their partner; surely, even your fiancé has no right to stop me?”

Yun Tianqi offered a faint smile, yet a glint of sinister malice flickered in his eyes.

The word ‘fiancé’ from Huang Yao Yue’s lips signified that the unseen man had very likely already captured the heart of the girl he desired.

This meant the man was now his rival.

As someone accustomed to privilege and having his way, Yun Tianqi believed that anyone who dared to take what he considered his own would be made to pay the most brutal price.

Thus, Lan Wu Xi was unknowingly blacklisted by Yun Tianqi.

Of course, Lan Wu Xi himself remained utterly oblivious, even as he vomited in the restroom at that very moment, contemplating another drink.

“This…”

Huang Yao Yue had not anticipated such resolute persistence from Yun Tianqi.

Already, many in the hall had noticed his actions.

If she were to refuse him outright, she would undoubtedly be labeled arrogant and conceited.

Though she harbored no fear of Yun Tianqi’s retaliation, she knew she could not allow her family to suffer such a tarnished reputation, even if not for her own sake.

“Brother, today, Sister Huang, she…”

Truthfully, Yun Feiyan still harbored a deep-seated hope that Huang Yao Yue would marry her brother.

Such a union would forge an incredibly stable alliance between the Huang family and their royal house, a scenario immensely beneficial to both, with no discernible downsides.

Yet, Sister Huang’s heart was already claimed, and her brother remained relentlessly persistent, even resorting to threats to make her dance with him.

This behavior was starkly different from his usual demeanor, a complete departure from the brother she knew.

Normally, her brother presented himself as gentle and understanding, but today, an unprecedented and terrifying aura emanated from him.

This transformation made Yun Feiyan look at Yun Tianqi with a sense of unfamiliarity.

It was not at all how her brother typically acted.

Could this truly be his real personality?

“Yan’er, Young Master Yun is likely visiting the royal palace for the first time today, isn’t he? Why don’t you take him on a tour?”

Before Yun Feiyan could utter a word in Huang Yao Yue’s defense, Yun Tianqi spoke with a grave tone that brooked no argument.

Yun Feiyan froze for a moment, then met her brother’s unspoken gaze.

Her mouth opened and closed repeatedly, the words she wished to speak trapped in her throat.

Finally, she could only cast a regretful, helpless glance at the somber-faced Huang Yao Yue, then lowered her head, murmuring softly,

“Yes, Brother…”

Yun Feiyan turned and walked away from Huang Yao Yue, not forgetting to cast a worried glance back.

“Brother Yun…”

“What is it, Yan’er? Why do you look so pale? Has someone been bothering you?”

“No, no, it’s just that I suddenly feel a little unwell.

Brother Yun, could you please take me outside for a walk? Perhaps I’ll feel better then.”

“But Lan Wu…”

“Oh, come on, Brother Yun, let’s go.

Young Master Lan will be fine.”

And so, Yun Jingping helped Yun Feiyan depart from the banquet.

Before leaving, he cast a puzzled glance at Yun Tianqi and Huang Yao Yue, a flicker of doubt crossing his mind.

Yet, he dismissed it with a self-deprecating smile, reasoning that with Yun Tianqi present, surely nothing major would transpire.

After all, Yun Tianqi was the only rival he himself acknowledged.

“Well, Miss Huang? Will you do me the honor of a dance?”

Yun Tianqi spoke with a smile, but to Huang Yao Yue, he appeared as terrifying as a devil cloaked in human skin.

Yun Feiyan had been sent away by this obnoxious man, and the other fellow was nowhere to be found.

If she refused now, there would be no plausible excuse.

Yet, for some inexplicable reason, she recoiled at the thought of him touching her, wishing she were with Lan Wu Xi instead.

“Very well, if His Highness doesn’t mind.”

The words were uttered almost through gritted teeth.

Perhaps it was the sheer indignation at Yun Tianqi’s aggressive demeanor that caused Huang Yao Yue’s tone to turn frigid.

Yun Tianqi certainly felt the biting coldness in her voice.

In the past, he might have immediately apologized to try and mend the situation, but now, such a pretense was entirely unnecessary.

With Huang Yao Yue already having a fiancé, he no longer needed to play the role of a virtuous gentleman.

The man standing before her now was his true self—the arrogant, overbearing Yun Tianqi.

And so, Yun Tianqi and Huang Yao Yue, each burdened by their own thoughts, stepped onto the dance floor.

The stir created by this pair was no less impactful than that of Yun Feiyan and Yun Jingping earlier; in fact, it was arguably more potent.

The news of Huang Yao Yue having a fiancé had already been shocking enough, yet now she was dancing with the Third Prince.

This sight sparked a wave of bewilderment in the hearts of those present.

Could the Third Prince also harbor feelings for Miss Huang? Everyone began to speculate about the nature of their relationship.

Seeing the reactions of the onlookers, Yun Tianqi’s lips curved upward.

Everything was proceeding according to his plan.

This was clearly no ordinary banquet.

He knew everyone was now speculating about his relationship with Huang Yao Yue.

With a little careful manipulation, news of their dance would spread throughout the entire Cloudsoar Kingdom by the next day.

People would inevitably gossip about their supposed romance, and over time, he and Huang Yao Yue would be inextricably linked.

At that point, even if Huang Yao Yue vehemently opposed it, the Huang family would be unable to withstand the storm of rumors and public opinion, and the ultimate outcome would be self-evident.

Of course, this was merely his primary objective.

His second objective was…

“Bang!”

At that very moment, the ballroom lights vanished, plunging the entire hall into instant darkness.

A ripple of commotion spread through the crowd, as no one recalled a power outage being part of the program.

Soon enough, however, the lights returned, but instead of the previous white glow, a cherry-blossom pink hue now bathed the ballroom.

The court orchestra, which had been playing lively dance music, ceased their performance with remarkable synchronicity, replaced by a romantic, mellow melody.

Everything felt far too peculiar; everyone sensed that matters were becoming increasingly complex.

“What’s happening? This is…”

Huang Yao Yue halted, pushing Yun Tianqi away with a look of distaste.

As she gazed at his oddly smiling face, a profound sense of foreboding welled within her.

Suddenly, Yun Tianqi dropped to one knee.

From his sleeve, he produced a small, pre-prepared box, opening it to reveal a dazzling, brilliant ring before everyone’s eyes.

Huang Yao Yue was utterly stunned.

Could this man truly intend to…

“Miss Huang, I have admired you for a long time.

Please, marry me!”

Yun Tianqi’s loud declaration echoed before the dumbfounded crowd.

Then, without warning, the colorful ball suspended above the center of the ballroom burst open, sending a cascade of flower petals, brilliant as sunset clouds, fluttering down from above.

A romantic aura instantly filled the air.

With Yun Tianqi’s completely unexpected gesture, the atmosphere in the hall reached its peak.

“Wonderful!”

Everyone paused in surprise, then those who recovered quickly began to clap and cheer loudly.

Soon, everyone was applauding in unison, offering congratulations.

“Congratulations, congratulations! What a perfect match!”

“Oh, congratulations! I had no idea His Highness the Prince was fond of Miss Huang.”

“Marry him, marry him! They’re so well-matched! Today’s event will surely become a beautiful tale for generations!”

Every mouth was filled with praise, commending Yun Tianqi’s earnest and profound affection, yet not a single person considered Huang Yao Yue’s feelings.

It seemed, in their minds, no one would ever refuse someone as outstanding as Yun Tianqi.

They even conveniently forgot the fact that Huang Yao Yue already had a fiancé.

Many busybodies even began whistling and jeering, while Yun Tianqi gazed at the inexpressible expression on Huang Yao Yue’s face, his eyes brimming with what he presented as deep emotion.

“Say yes to me! I will make you happy.

As long as you marry me, our Royal Family and your Huang family will reach unprecedented heights!”

Yun Tianqi observed Huang Yao Yue trembling, her eyes flickering wildly, betraying her wavering resolve.

This entire situation was utterly sudden; Huang Yao Yue had received no prior indication, otherwise she would never have attended this banquet.

Now, she was cornered into an impossible dilemma.

Agreeing was absolutely out of the question! However, refusing would undoubtedly expose her to even more gossip and slander, potentially incurring the enmity of everyone present, thereby plunging the Huang family into an isolated and helpless situation because of her.

“I…”

Huang Yao Yue subtly clenched her dress, her mind racing with frantic thoughts on how to navigate the unfolding crisis.

Yet, no matter how she tried, she was still merely a sixteen-year-old girl, and this ordeal far exceeded her capacity to endure.

For any other girl, a moment of emotional fervor might have led to an immediate acceptance.

But deep within her heart, Huang Yao Yue was a thousand times unwilling.

Just the sight of Yun Tianqi’s smug, punchable smile made her stomach churn.

All she wished for now was a peerless hero to descend from the heavens, riding on a chariot of colorful clouds, to rescue her from this dire predicament.

Alas, a peerless hero was ultimately a figment of imagination.

Today, no one could save her.

The chorus of congratulations sounded to her like the terrifying swing of a grim reaper’s scythe.

Everyone offered their insincere blessings, completely disregarding her true feelings.

Everyone was like this.

“Hey, why is she sitting there all by herself?”

“You mean her? She’s the Huang family’s eldest young lady.

She’s not like us common folk.

She definitely looks down on us, so why bother inviting trouble?”

Two young boys whispered, looking at the little girl sitting alone on a swing.

She swayed gently, a forlorn expression on her face, her eyes devoid of any spark, and she hadn’t uttered a single word.

“Miss has lost control of her Qi! Miss has lost control of her Qi! Someone, quickly!”

“What’s happening? What’s going on?”

“You’re finally here! Miss lost control of her Qi while consolidating it.

Come quickly and help!”

“What! Miss lost control of her Qi? Hahaha, Auntie Wang, surely you jest?

Miss is the most talented individual our Huang family has ever seen! How could she possibly make a mistake that only common people like us would? You must be overly anxious.”

“But…”

“Indeed, our Miss could sense spiritual energy on her own at four, reached the first level of Qi Refinement at six, and even achieved the eighth level of Qi Refinement by eight years old!

Such talent is as rare as a phoenix feather in the entire Cloudsoar Kingdom.

How could she possibly make such a basic error?”

“You’re right, I must have been too nervous…”

The woman called Auntie Wang let out a long sigh, then looked at Huang Yao Yue, who was trembling, beads of sweat on her forehead, biting her lips and struggling to endure.

Every word spoken by those people had fallen into her ears, not a single one missed.

‘Impossible!’ they said.

Why couldn’t she lose control of her Qi? Why did she have to be different from everyone else? Was it simply because she was the Huang family’s young lady? Because she was the most talented in the Huang family’s history?

She was only eight, yet her childhood was entirely unlike others’.

Everyone treated her with a respectful distance, believing her to be different from them.

They all spoke to her deferentially, never once treating her like an ordinary little girl.

Everything she did was branded with the Huang family’s name, and no one cared about her true feelings.

She yearned to play with friends like other children, to act spoiled, and to have someone to lean on for encouragement when she failed.

Even if she was a genius, even if her status was noble beyond compare, she was still just an ordinary eight-year-old girl.

Why couldn’t she be like everyone else?