While both Granny and Harold looked troubled, their faces contorted with frowns as they wondered what could have happened since they had left the palace in the morning, Nyx merely smiled as she looked up at the gloomy, cloud-covered sky.

Unlike her previous smile, that was warm and full of hope, the smile she was revealing now was more like that of a predator that was being forced into a corner by a flock of sheep.

It was a chilling smile that caused all that could see it, both guard and civilian alike, to subconsciously shiver and look away.

Nyx's personality, while delighting in psychological warfare that would give her the advantage, was always targeted towards direct confrontation. She wasn't one that enjoyed the mind games of others.

Waiting, especially when not in the know, caused Nyx to feel extremely anxious. So much so that when the messenger had finished speaking, the anxiety that had been slowly building the more she thought about her situation, almost completely evaporated.

Her enemies, whoever they were, were already making their move.

Looking towards Nyx, who was staring upwards with a terrifying smile on her face, Harold felt a sense of dread wash over him.

After her previous statement, he no longer could convince himself into believing that she didn't know what was going on. Instead, now Harold saw that terrifying visage, he felt like not only had Nyx anticipated what was about to occur, even if it was ahead of schedule, she was looking forward to it with a certain amount of bloodlust.

Harold could only describe the look of his sister as if she had seen a long forgotten enemy and remembered the animosity between them, relishing in the chance to finally settle their scores.

Nyx ignored the odd, somewhat disturbed, look from Harold as she lowered her head and met the eyes of the old woman.

Feeling the change in the atmosphere around Nyx, Granny couldn't help but frown.

For a mere core foundation expert's aura to respond to their mood and mindset so well, she knew that Nyx was gifted in more ways than just cultivation. There were only two words to describe her: a young, unparalleled genius or a hatchling monster.

Granny internally sighed, knowing that only time would reveal which the young woman was. "Harold, escort your sister home. I will come as soon as I am done wi-"

"Lady Longshaw." Interrupted the messenger once again. "The Second Prince and Princess Camilla are also to make their way to the Grand Council for a public announcement later today. However, your presence is urgently needed, and so, I must insist that you go on ahead."

Granny snorted in disdain, glaring at the messenger so hard he felt as if his life was in danger and took a step back. She wasn't a fool, yet until someone had made a hostile move, or she had evidence, there was nothing she could do. If she refused the summons, even with her power, she could be immediately evicted from the country.

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Nyx's smile only turned colder, a terrifying aura seeping from her body as if an ancient dragon was waking from its slumber.

In her mind, Nyx was sure that, as long as this wasn't an assassination plot, those that were pulling strings from behind the scenes expected her to act in one of two ways.

One was to passively accept what was happening and go along with their whims. The other, which Nyx bet they felt was more likely, was for her to lash out and cause a scandal, proving them right in the eyes of both commoner and noble alike.

To them, no matter how she acted, it was a win, win situation.

Nyx was somewhat impressed with her unseen, faceless opponents, instantly deciding that they were worthy of her attention.

She had always believed that to consistently emerge victorious, one must strive not only to understand their opponent but respect them.

This move, though Nyx had never been given a chance, situation or opportunity, was one she would have employed if she were in their place.

The best battles were ones that were won without spilling your own blood. It also had to be an absolute, resounding victory that gave the opponent no chance to retaliate.

If it were her, she wouldn't let the target return to home ground, recovering and receiving the influence and guidance of others. No, Nyx would strike from the darkness while her opponent was unbalanced and unsure before they had a chance to solidify their power and mindset.

After a moment of hesitation, Granny stood while huffing, clearly displeased. "These damn youngsters. I'm a cultivator of the Eastern Mountain Sect, not a mere housemaid they can order about as they please."

The old woman hadn't broken eye contact with Nyx the entire time, and even though Nyx's face was an emotionless mask, Granny knew without a doubt that Nyx had not only registered the situation but was already thinking up countermeasures.

And judging by the bleak aura that was starting to wrap around her like a cloak, those measures would be anything but peaceful.

Leaning towards Nyx as if she were going to offer her some words of encouragement before leaving, blocking both of their faces from the view of the messenger, Granny's started to whisper into Nyx's ear.

"Do not try to escape or leave the Capital. Do not kill unless it is in self-defence and do not, under any circumstance, do something that would create a blood feud with this country or a noble family."

Straightening somewhat, Granny's voice boomed in the ears of those nearby, clearly showing she wanted people to hear her next words. "Abide by these rules and then, no matter what happens, as my disciple I will protect you and strike down any that intend you harm. You have my word as the third head of the Eastern Mountain Sect and as your master."

Nyx and Granny stared into each other's eyes for a few seconds before Nyx nodded once causing Granny to reveal a warm smile.

"Good girl, now I'm off. Try not to scare too many people before we meet at the Grand Council." With that, Granny's figure flickered as she shot into the sky and into the distance.

Only Tripple ranked gem cultivators and above could emulate anything similar to flight. The move, along with her previous words, a thinly veiled threat to any who harboured ill intent towards Nyx.

The crowd who were watching the scene unfold went silent for a moment before exploding into an uproar. Yet without a moments pause, making Nyx more and more confident that this wasn't a spur of the moment event but something orchestrated from the shadows, the carriage lurched forward and turned towards a street that followed the same direction Granny had flown.

The sense that they were not only watching but participating in history, resonated in the observer's minds and they quickly followed the guarded carriage as the royal guard promptly moved to put themselves between the royals and any potential threat.