As the voice echoed, everyone in the grand hall turned their gazes toward the screen at the back. The sound had come from there. Princess Yao Ye emerged, draped in a gauzy white dress like morning mist, as though she had stepped from the clouds themselves. Her entire figure was wrapped in a veil-like haze, half-real, half-illusory, otherworldly and untouchable. Aside from her ink-black hair, her body was pure snow-white. Her cold and strikingly beautiful face carried a faint pallor, ethereal and flawless, like a celestial maiden descended to the mortal world. Perhaps because it was her first time appearing in such attire, a faint blush tinged her frosty cheeks. When she finally walked up to Chen Mo, her lips curved into a rich smile, and she extended her hand. In that moment, she stunned everyone present—Chen Mo included. Chen Mo’s usually indifferent expression softened ever so slightly. But soon, his face returned to its calm coldness. He nodded lightly. "Princess Yao Ye." He reached out, shook her hand briefly, and when they parted, he felt her slender fingers lightly trace across his palm. Chen Mo lifted his gaze toward her. In her eyes flickered a strange glimmer of amusement. They locked eyes for a brief moment before Yao Ye quickly withdrew, turning instead toward Ya Fei at Chen Mo’s side. She smiled gracefully. "It has been a long time, Ya Fei." With that, she extended her hand once more. "It has indeed. Your Highness, you are truly stunning tonight," Ya Fei praised as she accepted the handshake. "Thank you," Yao Ye replied with a smile. Though the banquet’s nominal guest of honor was the Little Princess Yao Yue, tonight, all eyes were inevitably drawn to Yao Ye. Even though Yao Yue’s appearance and attire were no less refined, compared to her elder sister’s dazzling aura, she seemed slightly overshadowed. Naturally, Yao Ye still had to attend to other guests. Thus, Chen Mo and Ya Fei withdrew to a quiet corner of the hall, where they nibbled on delicacies, sipped fine wine, and whispered playful words and flirtatious banter between lovers. Halfway through the feast, Chen Mo suddenly felt the Supreme Primordial Scripture begin circulating on its own, refining something he had unknowingly inhaled. "Hm?" His sword-like brows furrowed. "My love, do you feel anything strange in your body?" Chen Mo asked quietly. "No, nothing at all. Why? What’s wrong?" Ya Fei asked curiously, sipping another mouthful of red wine. She couldn’t help but sigh—the palace’s wine truly was exquisite. Chen Mo scanned the surroundings. Everyone else was eating the same food, drinking the same wine, and none showed any odd reactions. Was it just my imagination? Shaking off the thought, he returned to teasing Ya Fei. From time to time, nobles and ministers came to toast him, showering him with flattery. Chen Mo did not refuse. With his current cultivation, ordinary wine could never intoxicate him. "Hmm? Mister Chen Mo and Lady Ya Fei seem very close." Yao Ye’s voice floated over as she raised a crystalline wine cup, stepping lightly toward them. When her gaze swept over Ya Fei, her brows arched almost imperceptibly. Ya Fei met her eyes with a charming smile. "Mister Chen Mo and I share more than just a simple friendship. Isn’t that right, Mister Chen Mo?" Her eyes shimmered as they glanced toward him, laced with playful intimacy. She had already sensed Yao Ye’s unusual interest in Chen Mo. Naturally, she had to stake her claim. Chen Mo nodded casually, reached out, and plucked the wine cup from Ya Fei’s hand. Under her faintly blushing cheeks, he drained it in one gulp. Ya Fei quickly snatched the cup back, her face flushed with both annoyance and shyness. "You’re far too rude." "Then drink mine as well." Chen Mo handed her his cup. Without hesitation, she lifted it to her lips and drank. Standing beside them, Yao Ye’s beautiful face twitched slightly as she watched their lighthearted flirting. She had thought Chen Mo’s coldness was simply his nature, but seeing him laugh and smile so warmly with Ya Fei left her unsettled. Could it be that Chen Mo prefers women like Ya Fei? Her delicate brows furrowed faintly. After a moment’s pause, she spoke. "Ya Fei, I have something I’d like to discuss privately with Mister Chen Mo. May I borrow him for a while?" Ya Fei blinked, then smiled faintly. "Of course." Yao Ye’s eyes turned back to Chen Mo, her lips curving into a soft smile. Chen Mo inclined his head. He was curious to see what tricks she was trying to play. Seeing him agree, Yao Ye’s face brightened with a hint of joy. Turning gracefully, she led the way. Chen Mo shrugged and followed. Behind the screen was a side door. Passing through it, the noise of the banquet quickly faded away, replaced by the silence of a long corridor. The air was thick with a strange fragrance, different from outside. Once again, the Supreme Primordial Scripture began to circulate automatically, refining the scent as it entered his body. The corridor was completely deserted—no maids, no guards. After several minutes of walking, Yao Ye led him into a brightly lit study. On the desk sat a bronze incense burner, releasing a soothing sandalwood aroma. Again, the Supreme Primordial Scripture stirred within Chen Mo, refining the fragrance. His brows knit tighter. Yao Ye shut the door, turned, and gestured politely. "Please, sit, Mister Chen Mo." New ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄhapters are published on 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡~𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚~𝙣𝙚𝙩 Chen Mo made no fuss and took a seat at the desk. Smiling faintly, Yao Ye picked up a teapot, poured a cup of tea, and set it before him. "Here, Mister Chen Mo—have some tea to clear your head." She then poured herself a cup and downed it in one breath. Chen Mo raised the cup to his lips and took a sip. A flicker of satisfaction flashed through Yao Ye’s eyes. She moved closer and began chatting casually with him, but her words were hollow—topics already spoken of before, nothing of substance. After a stick of incense’s time, Chen Mo’s patience wore thin. "Princess Yao Ye, what exactly do you want to say?" Yao Ye was momentarily dazed. Isn’t Snake Saliva Incense supposed to incapacitate even a Dou Huang? Why isn’t it working on him? Could it be... he also took an antidote? Impossible! Master Qie Mi’er said himself—this incense is so complex that even a true Pill Master would struggle to identify it, let alone resist it. But reality was plain before her eyes—the incense had no effect on Chen Mo. Cornered, she steeled herself. "Mister Chen Mo, I beg you to protect our royal family." "Hm?" Chen Mo frowned. "Didn’t the empire already negotiate peace with the Snake-People Tribe? What are you implying?" "Forgive me, this concerns state secrets..." Yao Ye bit her lip, her eyes softening. "But if Mister Chen Mo is willing to safeguard the royal family, I will tell you everything without reserve." Chen Mo’s expression remained unchanged as he rose to his feet. "Apologies, but if that is all you have to say, I cannot help you." He turned, ready to leave— —but froze as the sight before him made his blood stir violently. Yao Ye had untied the silk sash at her waist. With delicate hands, she tugged at her snow-white dress from the shoulders. The gown slipped down, revealing a flawless, jade-like body, fully exposed before Chen Mo’s eyes. If you want to support me or read advanced Chapters (21+), consider checking out my pat. patr*on.com/Salsita2k