In a short while, Ling Xiang was blasted back by a burst of energy. Yuwen Minke didn't go too far; it was just a friendly spar, and the Princess Consort of Xiang was of high status, so Ling Xiang remained standing unharmed.

"Princess Minke, your skills are truly impressive; I am no match for you," Ling Xiang smiled gently. She had at least shown off a little, and it wasn't too embarrassing, was it? After all, no one had volunteered to go up to her.

"The Princess Consort of Xiang is no weakling either," Yuwen Minke replied nonchalantly.

Then he shouted loudly, "Does Great Xia still have anyone willing to step up? If women aren't suitable, men are fine too. In Northern Yan, men and women are equal."

Inside Tianshui Tower, a private room by the window was tightly closed. Through a crack in the window, one could see the scene of the arena.

"Master, I'll go. Bei Yan has gone a bit too far with his showing off these past few days."

Emperor Wenxuan sipped his tea leisurely, with the Crown Prince and Liu Shuyao sitting opposite him.

The Northern Flame had set up the arena for several days, and Emperor Wenxuan hadn't interfered. After all, exchanges between the two countries weren't a bad thing. However, he wouldn't sit in the palace and be blind, so he quietly left the palace.

"Cheng Song, you're still too impatient. You should learn from those two over there."

Looking towards Qingyi Pavilion across the way, Chu Tianyou's eyes flashed, and he slowly said, "Princess Changning doesn't seem to have any intention of participating."

Because Bai Chuxiao's attitude towards the Second Princess's marriage was ambiguous, he and his mother still had some reservations.

Emperor Wenxuan's lips curled into a smile, "The Princess Consort of Xiang is quite a good one."

Chu Tianyou was puzzled by his illogical remark. How did this bring up again? But Fifth Brother's recent limelight had been a bit overshadowed...

Liu Shuyao smiled and said, "Father has a discerning eye. These younger sisters-in-law are all intelligent and courageous. Princess Changning will probably make her move soon."

Emperor Wenxuan cast an approving glance at her. She wasn't wrong; he was quite satisfied with all his daughters-in-law. However, their intelligence might not necessarily be a good thing...

No sooner had she finished speaking than Bai Chuxiao leaped down and onto the arena. She couldn't possibly let Yuwen Minke cause trouble here; what would become of the Great Xia's prestige?

Seeing her arrive, Meng He narrowed his eyes. Could she really be on par with the Third Prince? He was somewhat skeptical. Seeing is believing, and he wanted to see for himself whether the woman Yuwen Yaofeng and Xiao Hong praised as unparalleled was truly talented.

Bai Chuxiao didn't want to waste any more words. She drew her soft sword and said calmly, "Princess Minke, please."

Yuwen Minke's expression was solemn. Provocation was one thing, but fighting this person in front of her wouldn't be easy, but she was determined to win.

"Princess Changning has offended you," Yuwen Minke said, picking up her curved sword and striking first.

Bai Chuxiao's expression remained unchanged. A flurry of swordplay erupted in the arena. After dozens of exchanges, she had a better grasp of Yuwen Minke's techniques. It was clear that Yuwen Minke hadn't used her true strength in her fight with Ling Xiang.

It has to be said that Yuwen Minke is very strong, at least the strongest woman she has ever met. No wonder Xiao Chen brought her to the Great Xia Dynasty.

Inside Qingyi Pavilion, Xiao Chen said calmly, "Actually, I wish to form an alliance with you, Prince Yan. What are your thoughts?"

Chu Tianze remained calm. "Oh? The First Prince seems to have mistaken you for someone else."

Xiao Chen raised an eyebrow, "I trust my judgment."

"Then why do you think I'm willing?" Chu Tianze said calmly, sipping his tea.

Xiao Chen's lips curled into a smile, and he remained silent, merely observing the two people on the arena.

Meanwhile, Bai Chuxiao and Yuwen Minke had already exchanged hundreds of blows. Yuwen Minke's skill was surprisingly comparable to Xiao Hong's, which slightly surprised Bai Chuxiao, giving her a new assessment of Bei Yan's strength.

In fact, Yuwen Minke already had a bad feeling. She had prepared in advance, so she had used all her strength this time. Her level in this battle was far superior to her previous ones, but judging from Bai Chuxiao's appearance, it seemed that she was still holding back...

Having fought for so long, it was about time. Bai Chuxiao smiled slightly, then executed a beautiful sword flourish, unleashing a sword aura far more formidable than before, and charged straight at Yuwen Minke.

Yuwen Minke was unable to withstand the attack and was blasted off the stage.

Bai Chuxiao clasped her hands in a fist salute, "Princess Minke, you flatter me," then turned to look at Meng He. Since she was already there, she naturally had to have a go at this one too.

Yuwen Minke forced a smile. She didn't want to admit that she was inferior to Bai Chuxiao, but she had to.

Looking at the beautiful and charming woman in the center of the room who was being admired and praised by everyone, she couldn't help but feel a little jealous. Why?

She then secretly picked up a dart and shot it directly at Bai Chuxiao. Her kung fu was not weak, and Bai Chuxiao had her back to her and was caught off guard, so she was sure to hit her. Just thinking about the sight of this woman bleeding on the spot made the smile on her face become a little more genuine...

No one expected Yuwen Minke to launch a sudden sneak attack, not even Bai Chuxiao.

Just as the surrounding people were shocked, a jade pendant collided with a dart and fell to the ground. Chu Tianze, who had been in Qingyi Pavilion, suddenly appeared on the arena, pulling Bai Chuxiao back a few steps.

"Yuwen Minke, you're courting death," Chu Tianze said coldly, a dark glint in his eyes.

Then, with a wave of his hand, Yuwen Minke was sent crashing to the side, spitting out several mouthfuls of blood.

Bai Chuxiao's face turned ashen. She hadn't expected Yuwen Minke to launch a sneak attack in broad daylight, and she had almost fallen for it.

Actually, not only was she surprised, but even Xiao Chen was stunned. He couldn't help but curse inwardly, "Damn it, what's wrong with Yuwen Minke? Her plans have been ruined!" But he couldn't just let it go like this.

So she came to the arena, clasped her hands in greeting, and said, "Gentlemen, Min Ke was at fault in this matter. Min Ke acted rashly in a moment of panic, and I hope you will forgive her."

Meng He quickly stepped forward and stood behind Xiao Chen. The sudden turn of events had caught him off guard; the original plan was not like this at all.

Bai Chuxiao sneered, "The daughter of a dignified Pillar General, so despicable, truly shameful."

Meng He's face darkened. He could criticize anyone, but calling him a Pillar General was something he couldn't tolerate.

"Princess Changning, please be careful with your words. Princess Minke only made a mistake on purpose, and Prince Yan has already taught her a lesson. What more do you want?"

Chu Tianze's eyes were filled with coldness. "I want her dead."

Inside the Tianshui Tower, the atmosphere in the private room where Emperor Wenxuan was located was somewhat heavy.

"Cheng Song, go and call them all up." This seventh son and his wife are both stubborn, and this concerns diplomatic relations between two countries; it would be difficult to explain if Yuwen Minke were to die here.

"yes"

Cheng Song appeared on the arena. "Your Highness and General Meng have come from afar. Why don't you return to the inn and rest? If you wish to continue the challenge, I am happy to oblige."

Xiao Chen narrowed his eyes. "Who are you?"

"I am Cheng Song, Commander of the Imperial Guards."

Seeing that he was quite imposing, Meng He felt a desire to spar with him and was about to speak when Xiao Chen stopped him.

"In that case, let's take Minke back to rest first. She must be quite tired after these past few days of trekking."

Cheng Song nodded slightly. After he arrived, Bai Chuxiao and Chu Tianze remained silent.

Who told him to be His Majesty's man? Since he's here, it must be on His Majesty's orders. What else could they possibly do?

"Your Highness, Princess, this way please," Cheng Song said, cupping his hands in greeting.