At this moment, Qin Hengyu had already finished cultivating in the underground palace beneath the Great Qin Empire and had been sent back out.
In a single night, his cultivation had reached the 5th stage Spirit Manifestation Realm.
The fog shrouding his heavenly palace had grown thinner.
Before long, he would likely be able to clearly see the true state of his Ninefold Heavenly Palace.
However, under the subtle influence of fate, his realm became stuck once again.
With no other option, Qin Hengyu came to find Liu Ruyan and Ye Xingchen, intending to suppress them to improve his fate.
The two of them were, in a sense, like antidotes to his condition.
Naturally, he intended to make full use of them.
Seated in a carriage, surrounded by strict guards and a formal retinue, Qin Hengyu appeared nearby. The crowd instinctively parted, leaving a clear path in the center.
When Liu Ruyan saw him approaching, her complexion dimmed instantly. A sense of foreboding rose in her heart.
“Liu Ruyan, are you short of spirit stones? I have a method to help you obtain them. I wonder if you’re willing?” Qin Hengyu said as he looked at Liu Ruyan and Ye Xingchen.
This was not kindness.
It was merely the beginning of humiliation.
Turn the other cheek?
Ridiculous.
He was the villain. One should press the advantage while victory remained and not imitate false magnanimity. If he were not temporarily unable to kill Liu Ruyan and Ye Xingchen, his blade would already have fallen.
Since he could not kill them now, collecting some interest was perfectly reasonable.
Upon hearing his words, disgust immediately filled Liu Ruyan’s eyes.
Was Qin Hengyu regretting his actions?
She wanted to snort coldly and reject what she believed was his attempt at reconciliation.
However,
After being expelled from the Great Qin Empire, enduring the humiliation at the city gate, and now having no place to stay, she had realized that she desperately needed spirit stones.
Especially if she wanted to live in Jin city.
In the end, Liu Ruyan did not remain as firm as before, though her expression remained unwilling. “Speak.”
Her tone was distant and cold.
The surrounding crowd was momentarily stunned by the exchange.
Could it be…
Was the old flame about to rekindle?
Lin Yiyi, Saintess of the Star Pavilion, showed a trace of frustration in her eyes, inwardly scolding Qin Hengyu as a fool who might once again be manipulated by Liu Ruyan.
After finally showing backbone, would he allow himself to be humiliated again?
Meng Danyan also shook her head lightly.
The silver crown upon her head chimed softly with the sound of small bells, like a faint sigh.
“I am willing to lavish 10 million spirit stones in exchange for one night with you, Liu Ruyan. What do you think?” Qin Hengyu said with a mocking smile.
10 million spirit stones sounded like an enormous sum, even generous.
Once she had been the Royal Consort. Now she was treated like merchandise.
At the same time, this move would drive a wedge between Liu Ruyan and Ye Xingchen, pressure the Liu family, and morally corner her.
If Ye Xingchen acted rashly, even better. Qin Hengyu needed an excuse to strike.
Public opinion still leaned in his favor. Reputation also influenced fate. He could not afford to let his standing decline.
“Whew…”
After Qin Hengyu spoke, the onlookers collectively exhaled.
They had feared the Royal Prince might once again humiliate himself. At least this time, he retained some dignity.
“You!”
Ye Xingchen stepped forward, pointing at Qin Hengyu as if to demand an explanation.
“I dislike it when someone points at me,” Qin Hengyu said coldly.
As Ye Xingchen advanced, Qin Hengyu seized the opportunity. He condensed all his cultivation into his fingertips, forming a dragon claw of vast and ancient aura.
The dragon claw struck directly toward Ye Xingchen’s groin.
Ever since Jiang Zhan intervened last time, Qin Hengyu had regretted not crippling Ye Xingchen then. Now he had his chance.
Ye Xingchen had only just entered the Spirit Manifestation Realm.
He had not even anticipated that Qin Hengyu would break through to the Spirit Manifestation Realm, and he underestimated him slightly.
Pop.
A sound like something shattering rang out as Ye Xingchen was sent flying.
No matter how he cultivated, he remained human. In that instant of destruction, he curled up like a shrimp, agony overwhelming him.
“Sigh, I didn’t intend to act,” Qin Hengyu said lightly. “Liu Ruyan, now it seems that besides arranging lodging for the Liu family, you will also need to cover medical expenses. Have you considered my offer? I imagine 10 million spirit stones would be quite useful.”
After striking, he waved his hand dismissively and did not even glance at Ye Xingchen, focusing solely on Liu Ruyan.
He knew well that the Liu family was now destitute. Every choice they made would be painful and humiliating.
Nearby, after Qin Hengyu withdrew his hand, Lin Yiyi looked meaningfully at the fallen Ye Xingchen.
Just now, Qin Hengyu’s aura had been at the Spirit Manifestation Realm.
Wasn’t it said that he would never break through further?
That had been a rumor spread by Liu Ruyan.
The winds were changing.
A Royal Prince who could cultivate and continue advancing was entirely different from one forever trapped in the Qi Sea Realm.
The former was destined to inherit the Great Qin Empire. The latter still carried uncertainty.
Meng Danyan’s gaze, meanwhile, fell upon the crimson stain beneath Ye Xingchen. As a woman, she keenly sensed the ruthlessness in Qin Hengyu’s strike.
Interesting.
Rather than feeling disgust, she regarded Qin Hengyu more favorably.
At least he was not spineless.
His transformation was remarkable.
There would be much to watch.
When Ye Xingchen flew away, Liu Ruyan turned and saw her junior brother writhing in unbearable pain.
Damn it.
She wanted to rush forward and strike Qin Hengyu.
Yet, it was true that Ye Xingchen had been reckless first.
“Fine. I agree.”
Liu Ruyan bit her lip as she accepted.
In her heart, she calculated further. Once alone, she believed she could completely control Qin Hengyu, turning his scheme against him.
This confidence stemmed from her past dealings with him.
Among the onlookers, Liu Ruyan recognized the proprietor of a famous inn, Shopkeeper Liu of Fortune Inn.
Fortune Inn was luxuriously grand, with nine floors, known as the Ninefold Palace Pavilion.
Within, there were courtyard-like suites resembling private estates, with elegant scenery and fine surroundings.
“Shopkeeper Liu, can you accommodate the Liu family?” Liu Ruyan asked, then looked at Qin Hengyu, clearly expecting him to pay.
Shopkeeper Liu, ever the merchant, produced his golden abacus and calculated on the spot. “Fairy Liu may choose a luxury estate suite. It costs 100,000 spirit stones per day and can house all members of the Liu family. The deposit required is one million spirit stones.”
“I’ll cover it,” Qin Hengyu said casually, flicking his sleeve. A small piece of source stone equivalent to one million spirit stones flew out.
Source stones were smaller and far more precious than spirit stones. Large transactions were often conducted using such items.
The deal was made.
Of course, Qin Hengyu had no intention of stopping there. Two more source stones worth 10 million spirit stones each landed before Liu Ruyan and Shopkeeper Liu.
The first confirmed the transaction.
The second was for that night’s lodging. Qin Hengyu had no intention of returning immediately to the Great Qin Empire. He instructed, “Prepare the Royal Pavilion for me tonight.”
This was the most expensive suite in Fortune Inn, costing 10 million spirit stones per night.
“Uncle Jiang, remember to seal all of Liu Ruyan’s cultivation and give her Soft Bone Pills.”
Qin Hengyu would not allow someone whose cultivation surpassed his to stand before him freely, retaining strength.
Tonight was meant for enjoyment.
Jiang Zhan, who had been at his side all along, acted swiftly. He sealed Liu Ruyan’s cultivation and forced several strength-weakening pills into her mouth.
She barely managed to remain standing.
Qin Hengyu sneered. With a casual motion, he lifted her onto his shoulder as if she were merchandise.
Led by Shopkeeper Liu, he carried Liu Ruyan toward the Royal Pavilion.
Ye Xingchen had only just recovered from the shock of pain when he looked up and saw only Qin Hengyu’s retreating back.
His mind was dazed.
He could not tell whether the pain below was worse, or the pain in his heart.
The members of the Liu family, including Patriarch Liu Zheng’an, watched with faint hope in their eyes.
At least they were settled for the night.
They could only pray that tomorrow would bring a greater turning point.