He Yingjian looked as if he wished to wear every treasure he possessed. He was not alone; many disciples had donned their finest, afraid no one would notice their wealth.
Li Qiye shook his head. "Is this a monkey show?" he murmured to Protector Mo. "Everyone's so busy posing."
Mo gave a thin smile and said nothing.
"Show some respect," He Yingjian snapped from ahead. "The Princess is royalty, an honored guest of our Washing Dust Sect (洗尘古宗). We must greet her with proper grace."
He cast Li Qiye a look of disdain.
Li Qiye wore simple clothes and stood quietly — to He Yingjian, it was embarrassing. He had even stepped forward to avoid standing beside him.
Some disciples whispered in excitement. "Her Highness coming here is our privilege."
He Yingjian snorted — these mediocre men dreaming of the Princess were delusional. Even Li Qiye wasn't worthy of a glance.
He scoffed at the ancient marriage pact linking their sects. Did a mortal body and mortal wheel (凡体凡轮凡命) trash like Li Qiye deserve her? Never. Only he, He Yingjian, had the talent to catch her eye.
"Why is the Princess visiting?" a junior disciple asked.
"Rumor says our First Disciple and the Princess are betrothed by ancestral pact," an older senior replied.
Laughter followed. "That guy? I bet she's come to cancel the marriage!"
"Whatever the reason, it's our chance to meet her!" someone said excitedly.
Li Qiye ignored their banter — he had limited patience for such nonsense.
Then came a low hum. Light flared as the Sect's Dao Gate (道门) activated. The portal to the Nine Saint Demon Gate (九圣妖门) opened, and a group emerged — at the front walked the Princess herself.
Following her was the Gate's Chief Protector Yu He and several elite disciples.
She was dressed in snow‑white, her beauty cold and ethereal. Her presence stilled the crowd; even the female disciples felt dim beside her.
He Yingjian stared open‑mouthed, entranced. The Six Grand Elders (六大长老) were also startled — they had not expected Yu He, the marquis‑level (王侯) protector, to personally attend. It was a tremendous honor.
The Grand Elder hurried forward to bow.
"Your Highness and Protector Yu's visit graces our humble sect. Please forgive our meager welcome."
Li Qiye sighed quietly. How low the sect had fallen. Once, when he and the Immortal Emperor Mingren founded the Washing Dust Sect, no one could force them to bow — they had swept across the Nine Realms, bowed to none, and even Heaven's chosen paid respect.
"Elder Gu and all, no need for formality," Li Shuangyan said lightly. Yu He stepped forward to exchange greetings between the sects.
Then Li Shuangyan's gaze fell on Li Qiye. Her eyes, cold and beautiful, met his — he stood motionless, calm as ever.
She walked straight toward him. Every disciple watched, breath held. The Grand Elder secretly sighed in relief. At least, this looked promising.
He Yingjian perked up, assuming she was coming for him. He straightened and smiled confidently.
"I am He Yingjian. It's my honor to —"
She walked past him without a glance, stopping before Li Qiye. The plaza fell silent.
"Young Lord Li," she said simply.
He smiled slightly.
"If you've come to understand, that's good."
Few understood his meaning, but Yu He did. He stepped forward and bowed.
"It is an honor to see you again, Young Lord. His Majesty sends his greetings — when time permits, please visit our Gate. The Emperor will greet you personally after his seclusion."
"Since the Demon Emperor invites me, I won't decline," Li Qiye said casually. "You and Your Highness are welcome here. If there's any need, see Protector Mo or Nan Huairen."
Yu He nodded. That small gesture sent a shock through Protector Mo and Nan Huairen — Li Qiye's words alone had shifted their standing. Where they once were ordinary, now even Yu He, the Chief Protector of the Nine Saint Demon Gate, acknowledged them.
One sentence had changed their fate. Both men stiffened with awe and secretly rejoiced — following Li Qiye had been the smartest decision they had ever made.