Chapter 122: The Mysterious Mountain Cave

The Fourth Princess’s favor toward Bai Feiyu filled Liu Xuan with overwhelming jealousy. A sinister premonition took root in his heart: could this Bai Feiyu be poised to take his place and marry the Fourth Princess? If that were to happen, this outsider from a sect would ascend to greatness, seizing the very prize Liu Xuan had spent his life dreaming of. The thought sent a shiver through Liu Xuan, and he resolved then and there to stop the man at any cost.

He harbored a deep contempt for those from the sects. In the imperial capital, families of standing trained their own disciples; those who crawled out of sects were merely low-born, impoverished wretches. How could someone so inherently base lay claim to the treasures he could not reach? His resentment toward Bai Feiyu reached a boiling point.

“Bai Feiyu, it’s quite alright. If it’s inconvenient for you to teach me, no worries—we’re still good friends!” the Fourth Princess said with a carefree air.

“Thank you for your understanding, Your Highness,” Bai Feiyu replied with a sheepish grin. He was relieved that she hadn’t forced the issue; dealing with such a spoiled princess was a headache he wanted to avoid. If he didn't manage her temperament well, her influence could easily crush him. Fortunately, she possessed at least a modicum of breeding.

After capturing a wild donkey, the group continued deeper into the mountains. Bai Feiyu had become the star of the Fourth Princess’s retinue; she spent her time scouting for game, only to have him deliver the final blow. When Liu Xuan tried to insert himself, the Princess brushed him aside. She had grown weary of his clinginess and his desperate, often humiliating, attempts to show off.

Over time, the Fourth Princess had come to dislike him. She knew exactly why Liu Xuan sought her company—she had been surrounded by such sycophants her entire life. This was why Bai Feiyu’s arrival was so refreshing; he was indifferent to her beauty, treated her as a genuine equal, and refused to grovel. His poised, unpretentious attitude captivated her. Her only regret was that he already had a partner. Since she wasn’t the type to covet what belonged to others, she settled for a friendship, which she found quite agreeable.

As they ventured further, a grim, imposing mountain loomed ahead. At its base stood the mouth of a cave. The surrounding land was barren, stripped of all vegetation, and even the spirit birds avoided the area. It looked like the very gateway to hell. Bai Feiyu realized instantly that a formidable creature must reside within to cause such desolation.

“We must be careful,” Bai Feiyu warned the Princess and the others. “There is certainly a powerful beast inside that cave.”

“A powerful beast?” The Fourth Princess’s eyes lit up with excitement. She lived for such thrills. “Wonderful! Let’s go capture it!” she said, casting a spirited glance at Bai Feiyu. Her tone was a mix of consultation and an unspoken command that dared no defiance.

Bai Feiyu offered a wry smile. This little lady was difficult to handle, yet he knew it wasn’t just simple arrogance. Compared to other royals, she was quite reasonable; her slight haughtiness was merely a product of a life where the world revolved around her. The fact that she bothered to ask for their opinion at all was a testament to her character.

“Very well,” Bai Feiyu agreed. “But we must be cautious. Ready your weapons. Our bows will likely be useless for what we are about to face.”

The beast occupying such a territory was not to be trifled with. Standard arrows would fail to penetrate its hide, and relying on them would only squander their chance to strike effectively. The Princess nodded, accepting his logic; for all her pride, she was capable of listening to sound advice.

Liu Xuan, sensing he had become a mere bystander, felt a surge of bitterness. Seeing the call to put away the bows, he jumped at the chance to regain his relevance. “I agree with the Princess’s proposal. Let us enter; I shall protect you all. As a master of the Shackles Realm, it is my duty to ensure everyone’s safety.” He shot a defiant look at Bai Feiyu, the implication clear.

Bai Feiyu merely chuckled, offering no retort. His confidence was rooted in his own strength, and he felt no need to argue. Only the weak felt the need to boast; the strong never bothered with such trivialities. If Liu Xuan wanted the role, he could have it—Bai Feiyu would be ready to act if things turned sour.

“Enough talk. Let’s go,” the Fourth Princess said, unable to wait any longer, and she marched to the front. Liu Xuan scrambled to follow; his family’s position in the imperial court depended on her safety, and he dared not let her come to harm. Moreover, he still harbored hopes of the marriage alliance.

The group stepped into the dark maw of the cave, unaware that, before long, many of them would come to deeply regret their decision.