Chu Minghao felt as though disaster had struck him out of nowhere.
It was vexing that he had to be the one to mediate a dispute between women.
However, although Chu Qianli's martial arts were not weak, she had been affected by the aphrodisiac and had been poisoned before.
Now, even with makeup on, one could still clearly see her paleness.
Her cultivation should not have fully recovered yet.
Chu Minghao, who had been drinking silently, put down his cup and stood up, looking at the Empress Dowager.
"Imperial Grandmother, your grandson obeys your command."
He had to try and play along in front of the Empress Dowager.
Chu Minghao looked at Chu Qianli and cupped his hands, "I have heard that the women of the Dragon Ascending Kingdom are as formidable as men. Miss Chu, I shall have to ask for your guidance."
Chu Qianli returned a faint smile, saying nothing.
Everyone was shocked.
Although Prince Hao was not a top-tier master, he was, nonetheless, the most skilled among the princes.
The princes of our Southern Underworld were not just the sons of two kings, but also included princes of different surnames and royal princes.
There were also several other princes!
But Prince Hao was the most outstanding among all the princes in both literary and martial arts.
Chu Qianli looked so delicate and weak; how could she fight him?
Moreover, what about this grand attire?
Chu Minghao also looked at Chu Qianli's attire and said courteously, "Miss Chu, do you need to change into more practical clothing?"
"No need. The women of my Dragon Ascending Kingdom, whether lightly or heavily adorned, can go to battle."
These words made all the young ladies present instantly feel their blood boil.
Who among them didn't have a wuxia dream?
Could it be that the women of Dragon Ascending were truly so miraculous?
If that were the case, being born in Dragon Ascending would undoubtedly be an extremely wonderful thing.
A flicker of something crossed the Empress Dowager's eyes, and suddenly, she felt less inclined to trouble the girl.
Yet, she suddenly also felt a strong desire to witness it.
Could she really fight in such attire?
Beside her, Chu Feiyan suddenly whispered, "She still speaks so eloquently, but in reality, she doesn't have much skill. Imperial Grandmother, don't be fooled by her."
The Empress Dowager did not reply, her gaze still fixed on Chu Qianli.
Did she only know how to talk?
"This..."
"Prince Hao, I see the young ladies below are waiting for their performances. Let's not waste everyone's time and begin."
Chu Qianli actually left her seat and stepped forward first.
Feng Yexuan put down his cup, his indifferent gaze, devoid of any ripple, fell upon Chu Qianli.
Looking at her, it was no more than watching an unrelated spectacle.
Feng Qihe's gaze held a hint of complexity, but in the end, it too turned to indifference.
Princess Ling looked at Chu Qianli's long dress, her brow furrowed with a touch of worry.
But with the Empress Dowager present, she dared not say much.
Chu Qianqian was actually a little concerned at this moment.
Regardless, Chu Qianli had helped her today, and she owed Chu Qianli a favor.
She hoped Chu Qianli wouldn't make a fool of herself.
But in this grand attire, it wouldn't just be a disadvantage; it would be utterly embarrassing, wouldn't it?
She feared she might trip over her own clothes before even starting.
What to do?
Chu Minghao's gaze turned cold, "Since His Highness Prince Li has no objections, let us begin. Please!"
Weapons were not allowed in the hall, so today's competition would be a test of bare-handed combat.
She was still Prince Li now, not Miss Chu. If she didn't defeat him quickly, he would lose face in front of the Empress Dowager.
With a shift in her thoughts, Chu Minghao leaped forward and struck towards Chu Qianli's face with an open palm.