As the golden chariot soared through the sky, the trio found themselves gliding over a breathtaking landscape. Below them, the grand Tianfu Sword Palace came into view, its majestic structures lying nestled between two contrasting natural wonders: the serene expanse of Tortoise Lake on one side and the wild, untamed stretch of the Willow Forest on the other.

Tianfu Sword Palace, with its towering spires and elegant courtyards, seemed almost suspended in time, a symbol of ancient power and refined beauty. The lake, vast and tranquil, reflected the palace’s silhouette on its glassy surface, while the forest on the opposite side stretched out like a sea of green, its dense canopy whispering secrets of the wild.

However, the dense Willow Forest below was known to lead directly into the vast wilderness beyond, a place of untamed dangers and uncharted territories. Understanding this, Ji Ying deftly guided the chariot away from the forest and in the direction of Tortoise Lake. The shimmering waters provided a safer path, ensuring they would bypass the treacherous wilds.

As they flew over the lake, it became abundantly clear just how remote and desolate the area truly was. The academy, once seen as a bastion of learning and civilization, now appeared as a solitary outpost in an isolated, almost forgotten plain. The vast stretches of land that surrounded it were wild and untouched, emphasizing the academy's seclusion from the outside world.

With the wilderness at their backs and the safety of the lake below, the chariot continued its smooth flight, carrying them onward as the grandeur of Tianfu Sword Palace gradually faded into the distance.

Han Xiao sighed, his gaze lingering on the fading silhouette of the academy.

“Already missing it?” Ji Ying teased with a smile so enchanting it could topple a kingdom.

Han Xue, noticing the exchange, scoffed inwardly. Hmph! What a flirt. Don’t even think about getting close to my brother! She turned away, her expression sour.

“Something like that,” Han Xiao replied thoughtfully. “It’s been three years since I’ve been here. I’ve developed some kind of emotional connection to the place.” Then, turning to his sister, he asked, “What about you, Xue'er?”

The casual use of the affectionate term caught Ji Ying off guard. Her thoughts swirled with confusion and doubt as she observed the siblings. Xue'er? she mused, surprised. Isn’t she older? Why is Han Xiao calling his elder sister by such..intimacy? Is this some custom of the Han Palace that I’m unaware of? But after a quick consideration, she dismissed the thought. Nope, nothing I’ve heard of.

She half-expected Han Xue to reprimand her brother for breaking royal etiquette, but to her surprise, Han Xue responded calmly, “What’s there to miss? It’s just a place full of idiots who think they’re cultivators. If it weren’t for you, I would’ve left that hellhole a long time ago.”

Han Xiao shrugged as if expecting that answer. “Figures. And you, Sister Ying?”

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After a brief, awkward pause, Ji Ying answered, “No, I don’t have any attachment to that place. It was my first time there, sent as royal punishment for being too playful. I’ve moved around so much that forming emotional ties is the last thing on my mind.”

“Fair enough,” Han Xiao said, his expression suddenly shifting as his eyes turned pitch black. “Two men are following us. One is Elder Bo. The other… I don’t recognize.”

Ji Ying glanced back and reassured him, “No need to worry. That must be my secret bodyguard, arranged by my royal father.”

Han Xue’s eyes narrowed, still simmering with anger over the recent assassination attempt on her brother. “He better be,” she muttered through gritted teeth, “or I’ll turn him into an ice statue.”

That killing intent is no joke, Ji Ying mused. Even with my cultivation level a full realm above hers, I felt a tingle of danger. These siblings are really something. But on the bright side, she does look adorable, worrying about her brother. Ji Ying’s thoughts took a lighter turn, unaware that her playful flirtation with Han Xiao had earned her a secret curse from Han Xue.

Han Xiao, however, was fully aware of the situation. A new Curse Point had quietly been added to his stats not long ago. Still, he chose to feign ignorance—it wasn’t his business to intervene. Besides, if he were to reveal the truth, it would make for a long, awkward journey with two powerful and eccentric women.

As the conversation began to stall, Ji Ying broke the silence. "Don’t take this the wrong way, but can I ask a question?" Her eyes shifted between the two siblings.

“Sure,” Han Xiao agreed.

“Who’s older between you two?”

“I am,” they both blurted out simultaneously as if it were a race. Han Xue shot her brother a glare, while he could only muster an awkward laugh.

Turning to Ji Ying, Han Xue’s voice grew cold. “Sister Ji Ying, you’re a respected princess of Zhao. Why ask such a silly question? You should already know I’m the Sixth Princess and this fool is the Seventh Prince.” Her gaze hardened as if daring Ji Ying to press further. She was on high alert, suspecting that their closely guarded secret might have been discovered. If Ji Ying’s next words hinted at anything more, Han Xue was ready to strike.

But instead of answering directly, Ji Ying, ever the strategist, let her smile turn into a knowing smirk. From that reaction alone, she sensed that something was indeed off about their birth.

Han Xiao, reading the tense atmosphere, intervened. “Calm down, Xue’er! She’s just confused because I called you ‘Xue’er,’ that’s all.”

Right! With that thought, Han Xue turned her frustration toward her brother. “Xue’er?! Are you asking for a beating?” she snapped.

Yikes! This is getting awkward fast. Ji Ying thought to herself, observing the scene. Her acting is terrible… Maybe she really is the younger one. If this got out, it would be a shocking revelation. Well, at least I’ve got some leverage now.

Han Xiao shot a pleading glance at Ji Ying for help. Ji Ying merely shrugged, silently communicating, This is between you two. Don’t drag me into it. She’s terrifying.

Han Xiao responded with an exasperated look. You started this with that stupid question. Just take responsibility, or I’ll make you pay later.

Fine, consider this a favor you owe me, Ji Ying replied telepathically. Out loud, she said, “Yes, that’s right. Who calls their elder sister like that? If I were you, I’d beat the crap out of him.”

Han Xiao was taken aback. So that’s your idea of help? Great, now I owe you nothing.

Han Xue hesitated, raising her hand as if to strike, but internally she screamed, I hate this! Her hand froze just inches from Han Xiao’s face.

Seeing the moment of hesitation, Ji Ying quickly reached out and exclaimed, “Ah, look at that mosquito!” With a swift motion, she slapped hard just behind Han Xue’s palm, causing it to connect with Han Xiao’s face in a loud, resounding slap.

“You!” Both the siblings screamed pointing at her.

“Oops! My bad, there was a mosquito there,” Ji Ying said, feigning innocence.