The princess did not understand why Xue Yueliang asked her such a question but answered truthfully.

"They are one of the three most powerful clans in our kingdom and are supporters of my older brother, the third prince. They do not wish to see a woman ascend to the throne and are my unavoidable enemies."

She stressed the last part as she knew the relationship between her and Lei Jian and did not wish to make her think she would compromise. "What if I told you there was a chance you could destroy them."

Xue Yueliang smiled mischievously but did not forget to address the princess' concerns, especially when she saw the princess' expression change. "Lei Jian cut ties with his family, so there is no need to worry." She did not wish for Yao Niang to think she was heartless, as although that was true, no one would fall for someone who could abandon their friends.

"How?" "Well, I'll need a memory jade."

Xue Yueliang replied, feeling ashamed due to her lack of resources but did not let it bother her. Asking for things before giving anything would only thicken her skin, which would only be helpful to her in the long run. The princess waved her hand, and a translucent palm appeared on her palm. It was a faintly transparent purple jade that released soul energy.

Xue Yueliang received the stone and transferred some of her memories over. Although she could directly imprint these memories into the princess' mind, the same way she had for Jiu Ling, it was a violent method and was unsuitable in this setting.

The princess viewed the content in the memory jade and was happy with the information inside but still frowned, "It's not enough to incarcerate them."

Though memory jades could capture people's memories, it was not a piece of foolproof evidence since memories could be easily manipulated and tampered with.

"It's enough to start an investigation," Xue Yueliang smiled slyly, "Or even threaten others."

Seeing her evil expression, Yao Niang couldn't help but laugh, "I can't mess with people's lives. If they betrayed my country, they deserve to die." A chilling expression was on her face, and her previous kindness was changed to viciousness.

"That's where you are wrong, princess. They are betraying your father, not the country. What you do is up to you, but I don't think annihilating an entire clan is in your best interest." Xue Yueliang said calmly, surprising the princess as she thought she would be all in for carnage. "Didn't you say I should kill the chicken to scare the monkey?" She questioned.

Xue Yueliang bitterly smiled at her question, "The Lei Clan is not a bunch of chickens that could be slaughtered at will, but certain members are. If you were to gather enough evidence and threaten various elders, what do you think would happen?" Though the princess was bright, scheming did not seem to be one of her strengths, so Xue Yueliang's words were interesting to her.

"So, instead of bringing them to justice, you wish that I use their weaknesses for my own benefit?" Yao Niang realised, "But isn't creating scapegoats dishonourable?"

"Betraying your ruler is immoral," Xue Yueliang remarked, adding, "There is no dishonour if no one knows about it."

The princess mulled over her suggestion and could not help but question another aspect, "Would my father allow me to build up power like that?" "Did he allow the Lei Clan to try and rebel?" Xue Yueliang's words were clear, as it did not matter what her father said if she could pull it off. "And did you not say that the Lei Clan supports the third prince?"

A laugh escaped from the duo as they talked about various plans they could implement. Some were absolutely ridiculous but enjoyable to think about.

"Xue Yueliang, why don't you work for me?" Yao Niang suddenly asked, "You are both smart and powerful, so you would do really well in the palace."

Xue Yueliang was surprised by this sudden offer and seriously thought about it. Working with the princess had the advantage of being with her often and gaining her trust. However, she was afraid that would make the princess see her as a friend or a confidante. Besides, she did not fare well with rules and enjoyed her freedom too much.

"Thank you for the offer, princess, but I would rather roam the continent."

"I didn't expect you to agree," Yao Niang said mildly, "You seem to enjoy slaughter too much to be suited for such an atmosphere."

A slight feeling of embarrassment overwhelmed Xue Yueliang as she corrected, "It's not that I enjoy murder. It is just the path that was chosen for me."

"No one other than yourself can choose your path."

"Do you not believe in fate?"

"I believe we have the ability to overcome it."

Xue Yueliang felt sceptical as she asked, "What do you think of my fate?"

Although there was nothing wrong with what the princess said, she sensed that those words were somehow directed at her.

"I have no way of knowing," Yao Niang said, her gaze darting around, finally landing on the white lilies in Xue Yueliang's hands.

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"Why did you buy white lilies?"

"It's my mother's death anniversary, and these were her favourite flowers." Xue Yueliang smiled, "Don't worry, I'm not upset. I just recalled it."

Though she shook it off so easily, the princess could not help but see some pain deep in her eyes, but she did not wish to pry. "I'm sorry for your loss." Yao Niang said apologetically but was inwardly happy that Xue Yueliang did not continue suspecting her.

Seeing the atmosphere drop, Yao Niang informed Xue Yueliang that she was free to spend the night here if she wished because it was already dark outside. With that, the two women began cultivating to pass the time; unbeknownst to Xue Yueliang, the princess had many thoughts running through her head.

Why did I invite her to work for me? She questioned. Although she was smart, bringing her to her side had more drawbacks than anything. She had almost exposed that she knew about her fate, making her blush from embarrassment.

I should work on thickening my skin, she seriously thought.

When the sun had risen into the sky, Xue Yueliang finished her cultivation session and stood up to stretch her body as her gaze immediately landed on Yao Niang. She sat on her bed, the sun rising behind her, outlining her silhouette, and a feeling of light jealousy appeared in Xue Yueliang.

"Are you leaving?" Yao Niang asked, her thoughts calming after her cultivation session.

"I was hoping to admire your looks for a little longer," Xue Yueliang honestly answered. She felt that if her beauty was compared to a star, then the princess would be the sun, completely suppressing her.

A smile appeared on her face as she got up, handing a pill bottle to her. "Take this pill, it will help you recover from your injuries."

"I already owe you for saving me once, and now I owe you again." Xue Yueliang laughed, accepting the pill. Though she could easily recover from her injuries, it would take her at least six months to fully recover. During this time, she would also be unable to cultivate, so buying a pill was only natural, and how could a store-bought pill compare to one that came from a royal. She did not see any reason to reject her kindness.

"The information you gave me more than makes up for it. Don't worry."

"My life is more precious in my eyes, and I'm even willing to repay you with the better half of my life."

The princess, stunned yet again, stared in shock. Before she could get a word in, Xue Yueliang's expression changed as strong fluctuations appeared in her mind palace; Hei Yu was finally advancing. An oppressive strength escaped from her mind, and Hei Yu floated in front of the duo. His ruby red eyes were closed peacefully, but the bloody aura that surrounded him made his seemingly cute figure terrifying.

His body seemed to be building up energy, and as Xue Yueliang was panicking about what to do, the princess placed a palm on her shoulder and both she and Hei Yu were teleported out of the city. This was not Yao Niang's own power, but her methods were still something to be in awe of. Black energy swirled around his body, and his red pupils finally opened as he growled toward the sky. A bolt of lightning crackled as it landed straight onto its frail-looking body.

The women drew their distance from him, not wanting to involve themselves in the tribulation. If the heavens deemed they were interfering, its might would change, and they would all be killed. Hei Yu bravely stood in place, welcoming the attacks that came at him, looking as if he did not understand fear. Three sets of three lightning bolts landed on his body, and as a being of extreme yin - a being of death and slaughter - injuries formed on his body, but they did not kill him. Hei Yu had successfully advanced to the Foundation Establishment Realm. He happily grunted and headed toward Xue Yueliang, finding its spot naturally in her arms and cuddled.

"Congratulations on your spirit beast's advancement." Yao Niang beamed, genuinely happy at Xue Yueliang's increase in strength.

Hei Yu, finally noticing the presence of a stranger, angrily stood in her arms, its fur standing on edge as it growled. Though it was trying to intimidate Yao Niang, its fierce display still appeared adorable in her eyes. Seeing that she was not afraid, Hei Yu thought before realising what to do. Its mouth opened wide, its razor-sharp teeth glistening in the morning sun as it tried to bite Yao Ming. It appeared like a rabid dog instead of the lovely bunny it was a few seconds ago.

The princess yelped in surprise, then said sheepishly, "And quite protective of its master."

"Calm down, Hei Yu," she said, trying to coax it, but before it could fully calm down, it saw Lei Jian appear. It grumpily turned its butt toward Lei Jian, pouting in dissatisfaction.

"It seems like he still doesn't like me," he bitterly smiled, "Congratulations, Yueliang."

"At least he did not try to attack you," the princess laughed, but her gaze flickered after seeing how intimately he had called her. Thinking about it, even last night, they seemed to be holding hands. Perhaps their relationship was something out of the ordinary.

Xue Yueliang noticed her odd expression and hurriedly tried to get rid of the misunderstanding, "Brother Jian and I are like siblings, So Hei Yu is familiar with him." She placated, "If princess were to spend more time with me, then Hei Yu would view you as family."

"I'll be looking forward to that day," she laughed, "Until then, farewell. I have things to attend to."

"Don't forget what I told you yesterday, have a good day!"

As soon as Yao Niang was out of sight, she felt defeat for the first time in a while. If the princess was not with her, how would Hei Yu get accustomed to her? What was she looking forward to? This was not a type of battle she was used to fighting. She hated that she did not work with people much in her past life, but it was not surprising since her mother needed to control her.

I'll make a lot of friends in this life, she thought. She no longer wished to be the puppet she was created to be.

After some small talk with Lei Jian, she sat down to help Hei Yu recover, but before she could do anything, her master's voice sounded in her ears.

"With this level of skill you won't get far," He laughed gleefully.

"Where can I see your wife?" She retorted, shutting him up.

It was bad enough that she had embarrassed herself. She did not need an old single soul to make fun of her, making her situation all the more depressing.

"I was busy cultivating my entire life; if I were a mortal, I would have had many wives and concubines." He snorted, "But you spent your entire life working for some hag."

"Hag or not, your terrible tongue would chase all the women away. Who needs a man more argumentative than an old witch."

She recalled how quickly Yao Niang changed the subject earlier and implemented her tactics, asking, "Does the princess really know something about my fate?"

"She wouldn't approach you if she didn't," Yao Ming said carelessly, "She probably knows more than me."

Although he was once an expert, he was nothing but a remnant soul that did not even specialise in divination arts. He did not doubt the kingdom knew more about Xue Yueliang's fate than him, and as its princess, Yao Niang knew something too. Xue Yueliang fiddled with the jade bottle in her hand before storing it away, causing her master to question, "Do you not plan on consuming it?"

"If she knows about my fate, then it's obvious she has impure attention, so I think I should sell it."

"Do as you please but don't arouse her suspicion." He warned.