Xue Yueliag laughed, "I'm just messing with you; I meant a proposal for an alliance."

"But I wouldn't be opposed to the former, either." Xue Yueliang winked, not allowing her to rest.

"Yue'er, let's discuss this properly."

The sudden endearment shocked Xue Yueliang as she listened intently to what the princess had to say, perking her ears up. A faint wave of Qi left her hand, forming a barrier around Zhong Xi's tent, so they could discuss this without worrying about her eavesdropping. Though she was not much of a threat, Zhong Xi had shown she was one to have too many useless thoughts, so she guarded against her.

Yao Niang did not oppose this and asked her, "You're comfortable with Mo Luli hearing this?"

Other than them, only Mo Luli was left, and Yao Niang did not want to proceed if Xue Yueliang did not want her to be there.

"Of course, since you trust her a lot, so do I."

When they talked earlier, the person Yao Niang had the most favourable relationship with was Mo Luli,

And she had a hand in helping the princess realise.

Strictly speaking, Xue Yueliang owed her a huge favour.

"Okay," Yao Niang smiled, enjoying Xue Yueliang's trust.

"Why do you want us to propose an alliance to each other?"

"It would be beneficial to both of us by improving our standing." Xue Yueliang explained, "If I become the heiress first, and you come to visit, and I agree to your form of alliance, what do you think the person who could make the unreasonable Invincible Dao Sect join them get? At the very least, it would be a good contribution to the Qinxia Kingdom."

"And if I become the Crown Princess first, I can help you become a step closer to becoming the successor of the Invincible Dao Sect." Yao Niang replied, catching on.

"You're really far-sighted." She praised, "Compared to you, I feel like the many books I've read are coming to a waste."

"Don't be harsh on yourself, princess," Xue Yueliang comforted. "I don't even know how talismans are made."

Yao Niang was stunned, then finally said, "I guess we both have a lot to learn."

She did not expect Xue Yueliang to not know something as essential as making a talisman, nor did she expect her to admit to it to comfort her.

"Um, if you want, I could teach you?" Yao Niang asked, afraid of hurting her pride but feeling odder if she did not offer.

"It's fine; if I ever need to learn, I'll do it then."

If Xue Yueliang was being honest with herself, she lacked basic knowledge about the cultivation world, but if she sat down to start studying now, it would derail her cultivation. Whatever information she needed, she could learn it at the time.

Though I guess it isn't good to be too casual about it.

"Oh, speaking of gifts, I remembered something." Xue Yueliang said, "Your Highness, do you remember when I was going through my tribulation."

"Yeah, you returned from the dead."

"Uh-" Xue Yueliang did not expect her to say that but continued, "Yeah, the tribulation lightning turned out to be a blessing in disguise; it can improve the grade of your platform. It has been sitting in my dantian doing nothing for a while now, do you think you could handle it if I transferred it to you?"

The best way to cement a good impression was to part with a thoughtful gift; Xue Yueliang felt triumph rise in her heart as the princess's smile warmed, but she rejected, "Thanks, but my mother had given me a gift recently that has the exact purpose. I appreciate the sentiment, though."

Xue Yueliang felt crestfallen, knowing there was not much else of value she could give to her.

I can already guess she will be a terrible mother-in-law, she thought bitterly.

"I also have a gift for you," Yao Niang said, making Xue Yueliang feel more ashamed.

She took a jade box with embroidered golden patterns from her storage ring, which was delicate and exquisite.

"I noticed your hair gets soaked and dirty when battling, and that feeling couldn't be pleasant." Yao Niang began, "Other than tying your hair, this Moon hairclip also amplifies your divine sense and makes it more precise."

Xue Yueliang was amazed by the thoughtfulness; though she did not think the princess went to buy this for her, she was happy just knowing she had taken some effort in choosing between her possessions.

Looking at the awestruck Xue Yueliang, she added sheepishly, "Also, you're both named after the moon."

Her shy features made Xue Yueliang feel better, as she beamed, "Thank you."

Xue Yueliang accepted the jade box; she had never even known that her hair had bothered her beforehand. She opened the jade box, looking at the even more exquisite crescent-shaped hair clip. It was pale white in colour, giving a warming sensation, and had intricate designs drawn in it, or maybe they were symbols.

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"Shall I help you put it on?" Yao Niang asked and was met with a nod.

She gathered all her hair up, carefully styling it as she put the hairclip in, but due to her untrained hand, some hair strands slipped away, framing Xue Yueliang's face.

Even with her imperfect job, she appeared to shine brightly, "You're too pretty," Yao Niang sighed, resting their foreheads together, "You should wear your veil." Xue Yueliang nodded, "And be careful," She added.

"Okay."

"And don't trust people easily."

"I don't."

"Stay alert, don't give people an opportunity to work against you."

"I can take care of myself," Xue Yueliang said, comforted that someone would worry for her, "I think you should worry more about them."

The princess laughed, not refuting her words, "I only care about you out there."

"Then I promise to follow your advice, as long as you stay cautious too, Your Highness. Don't let your compassion for that vermin of a brother cloud your judgement."

"I'll try my best."

Yao Niang sighed, knowing their time together was coming to an end, there was not much else for her to do or say anymore.

"I can give you two a lift to the outskirts of the border if you want?" Yao Niang offered; it would not take much time for her magical artefact to get them out quickly; it would definitely beat having to walk through the mountain. "Of course, why would I say no to seeing you for a bit longer?" Xue Yueliang said unabashedly.

"Let's go." She smiled softly.

Xue Yueliang dissipated the barrier she formed around the tent, "We're going, Zhong Xi." She informed, "Pack up the tent if you want it." She added, giving her a choice.

Meanwhile, Yao Niang had already taken up to the sky, unfurling a fan, and it enlarged in the sky, becoming large enough to fit four people inside.

How amazing.

She remembered Li Hua comparing it disfavourably to Shi Ling's halberd and couldn't help but feel indignant for the princess.

Zhong Xi walked out of the tent, somehow appearing weaker than she was before, and she folded the tent, storing it into her ring, and stood behind Xue Yueliang.

Following her as she took her sword, riding up to the fan, Xue Yueliang sat by the princess, and Zhong Xi took her place at the edge of the fan, "Move forward if you don't want to fall." Xue Yueliang said, not a hint of care in her voice.

She moved forward a bit, but before either of them could say anything, Mo Luli appeared from behind her, pushing her forward, "There's no need to be coy," she said, "We're all women here."

"Greetings, fellow Daoist Mo Luli," Xue Yueliang smiled, "I don't think we have been properly introduced. It's nice to meet you."

"I heard a lot about you," Mo Luli smiled, "I'm grateful that you're in Her Highness's life."

"I heard I owe you for that, so thank you."

"I just helped speed things up," Mo Luli replied humbly, "It's not something to be grateful for."

Xue Yueliang smiled politely, realising something.

She was the presence I felt when I was talking to Li Hua.

The princess was using her to eavesdrop on her conversation, making her feel a little bit uncomfortable.

"From what I heard, you're one of the most important people in her life; I'll have to win you over, so don't make it too difficult on me." Mo Luli laughed, "I only want the best for Her Highness; if that's you, I will naturally root for you."

"I'll make sure to be." Xue Yueliang said, ending the conversation as she pushed the feeling of discomfort deep down, not wanting to show behind her easy smile.

Meanwhile, Zhong Xi retreated into herself, trying to be smaller than she already was, while Yao Niang watched their conversation with comfort, "It's good you two are getting to know each other."

"Yeah, it was great meeting your close confidante," Xue Yueliang smiled, "I can already tell we will get along well."

She would naturally see more of Mo Luli from now on, and it was best if they knew each other well.

Plus, if you want to be with someone, you have to win over their friends too.

"Urgh."

Suddenly, Xue Yueliang's face paled, feeling a head-splitting headache; as she grabbed her head with both of her hands, she could feel the world turn small as if some large hand was trying to grab her. It was as if chains that bound her mind, body and soul were being tugged, forcing her to move a certain way.

The Qin Patriarch.

Her gaze turned cold, knowing this was not something she could resist, but she had trust in her master. She could feel the chains turn tighter, causing her face to pale further and her breathing to be messed up; she knew what she had to do to live - she had to turn back.

"Are you okay?!" The princess exclaimed, worried as she put her hands on her shoulder, trying to calm her tremors.

Xue Yueliang wanted to respond, but nothing came out of her mouth other than gasps for air and some gurgling. Yao Niang did not know what was happening and was about to let in her spiritual Qi to investigate, but Xue Yueliang stopped her, shaking her head.

A symbol appeared on her forehead, obscured by her lowered head and a wave of strong spiritual Qi left it, suppressing the effect of the verdict, slowly allowing her to regain control of her body, and she exhaled, glad for the pain to be gone. Though the pain appeared like it was lasting forever, it had barely been a moment, and Xue Yueliang returned to her usual state, except she had broken out in cold sweat.

I'll get back at him. She thought darkly. She could forget about everything, but it was another matter for him to continue torturing her after she left.

"What happened?" Yao Niang asked, disturbing her from her thoughts of revenge.

"My father." She shrugged, not knowing what else to add; she said: "It seems I'm hard to let go of."

She did not mention who he was, not wanting Zhong Xi to catch on, and the princess understood, "And it's dealt with now?"

"Yeah, my master promised he would take care of it, and he did."

Although she tried to appear easygoing, her heart was still clutched in fear. She rubbed her neck, recalling the feeling of the air leaving her lungs as she was about to suffocate in her own saliva.

Imagine that power.

She was by no means weak, but from such a fair distance, he was able to make her own body work against her and threaten her life without even looking at her. When the symbol appeared on her forehead, her master's voice left some words for her.

"Three uses are left; so much for surviving without my help."

His voice was teasing, irking her, and she wanted to remind him that he was the person who promised to take care of this problem. Sadly, it was just a pre-recorded message, and she could not vent her frustrations at him.

"It seems your master really cares for you." Yao Niang smiled, "Well, I am his only hope." Xue Yueliang replied.

She turned to her left, noticing the edge of the Misty Mountain Range and the border of the Qinxia Kingdom.

Unlike the other borderlands, the kingdom had, this one was not stationed by soldiers, as the many beasts, forestry, and terrain made it a natural barricade.

There weren't many signs of people, just a few dozen disciples meeting with their elders on the border. Though disciples were allowed to enter the Qinxia Kingdom for the trial, their elders had to wait outside. Otherwise, they would be seen as a threat and blocked or even exterminated.

"That's you." Yao Niang said softly.

"It is," Xue Yueliang replied, not feeling as glad to leave this country as she had thought she would be.

The fan gently lowered until it was midair, and Yao Ninag reminded, "Don't forget what I told you and take care of yourself." She gently reminded her, "I will."

Xue Yueliang acquiesced, taking out her veil as she covered the lower portion of her face.

"Although I'm the one in the outside world, you should remember politics are just as dangerous as the unknown, don't trust anyone, and don't lower your guard against them either. Even the most useless person can be dangerous when used right."

Yao Niang nodded, squeezing her hand one last time, "Goodbye."

"Until we meet again."