Qin Yao shook her head.
She was just about to enter the cabin to look for her own room when she saw Jing Tan’er ignoring the guards and stepping onto the second deck.
That place wasn’t open to ordinary passengers at all.
The little Princess finally decided to walk on her own, stretching her long black-silk legs and heading straight for the red-topped pavilion on the third deck.
The Vermilion Saint Princess wanted to announce her takeover of the Golden Crow on the spot and return to the palace in style—how could she possibly squeeze in with a bunch of country bumpkins below?
The Villainess Trio formed a triangular formation, charged in, and headed straight for the Captain’s Quarters.
“Here we go again.”
Qin Yao shook her head with a bitter smile, feeling a headache coming on.
She’d really accepted an incredible task.
Dealing with the three big shots wasn’t good for body or mind—it was even harder than serving the junior sisters of Clear Mist Peak.
She was practically a mother to three children in advance!
“Princess arriving, everyone out of the way!”
The Eunuch General cleared the way on both sides.
The treasure ship’s guards looked at each other, but no one dared block the path—they hadn’t received any notice beforehand at all.
Her Highness was used to acting overbearing in the Shenhua Sect, shielded by the resourceful Grand Elder of the Zhu Sacred Kingdom, and after leaving the mountain, she only became more unrestrained.
But within the Dynasty’s borders, there shouldn’t be any major problems, right?
This idea was immediately dispelled.
From the Lieyu Pavilion, a gray-robed elder walked out slowly, his face ashen.
“Insolence! How dare you trespass on the core of the treasure ship!”
With a flick of his sleeve, spiritual energy surged—a green ripple pushed Jing Tan’er and her group back.
He was a Wind Spiritual Root Golden Core Cultivator, in charge of the ship’s formation.
Jing Tan’er cried out and fell into a soft embrace, staring in shock at Qin Yao.
Nini and Lu’er were knocked against the railing by the wind’s force, their qi seas shaken—they fainted on the spot.
Qin Yao narrowed her eyes, her expression grave.
The juniors weren’t strong enough, but with the other’s cultivation, there was no way he didn’t notice—yet even as a warning, he’d gone too far.
If she hadn’t reacted in time, the little Princess would have landed hard—her rear end might’ve suffered enough to make walking difficult.
“Do you know who I am? How dare you speak to me like that! Arrest him!”
Jing Tan’er propped herself up, furious and humiliated.
Ji Shiyu and Xiao Xinran also stopped fooling around, whistling as they gathered to watch the commotion, both hands still tightly gripping the ‘portrait’—neither willing to let go.
Was Her Highness’ reputation not all that impressive?
Dozens of soldiers on the third deck stood firm, even surrounding the Shenhua group, completely ignoring the Jimen Token.
Xiao Xinran and Ji Shiyu instantly tensed up.
How had they gotten arrested just after boarding the ship?
Had a new dynasty replaced the old—were former dynasty Princesses even lower than dogs?
The elder glanced indifferently at Jing Tan’er, his expression unchanged.
He seemed to have known about the girl’s special identity but showed no trace of respect.
“I am Min Hen of the Qingshan Sect. I only know that every nation has its laws and every family its rules. No matter who you are, once on the Golden Crow, you’re just a guest! Lay down your weapons and surrender—or don’t blame me for being rude!”
“What did you say?”
Jing Tan’er’s face turned cold.
She had never suffered such humiliation within the Dynasty.
Her dignity was in tatters.
The elder stared at the green-clad girl—most threatening of the four.
Behind him, the doors of Lieyu Pavilion suddenly opened and a man and woman stepped out.
The woman was graceful, with curly chestnut hair and a semi-transparent black skirt.
Her appearance somewhat resembled Jing Tan’er.
She frowned and spoke.
“Mr. Min, what has happened to disturb our honored guests?”
“Madam, someone was causing trouble. I will expel them from the ship at once.”
Xiao Xinran and Qin Cha were stunned.
Jing Tan’er was too—but not because of the elder’s threats.
“Whoa, wish come true?”
Ji Shiyu glanced down at the portrait, then at the expressionless white-robed youth.
They’d really summoned the actual person.
Her smile broadened.
Who else could this honored guest be but the East Extreme Pavilion Master?
Yun Liu rubbed his brow, silent.
The mature woman glanced over the group’s Cloud Robes, finally looking at Jing Tan’er with a cheerful smile.
“Oh my, what an unexpected guest—just a misunderstanding! This is the Vermilion Saint Princess, Long Princess of the Dynasty, of noble status. We must not neglect Her Highness.”
Only then did the soldiers lower their weapons, dispersing to guard the area and prevent any suspicious persons from causing trouble.
“So it was Her Highness the Princess. I wondered what bold bandit could be so brazen. If I have offended just now, please forgive me.”
Min Hen of the Qingshan Sect gave a thin smile, unfazed and full of false bravado.
Their voices played off each other, the tone sarcastic, which only infuriated Jing Tan’er further.
On this treasure ship, it seemed everyone obeyed a single command—whether royal or sect noble, without a ship command token, even the emperor would be helpless.
“Aunt!”
Jing Tan’er gritted her teeth.
So the Golden Crow belonged to Black Crow.
No wonder.
Aunt?
Qin Yao and the others were shocked again.
This elder sister’s background was impressive.
That token should only be held by a few members of the Royal Family.
Logically, news of the little Princess boarding should have reached the top deck, but this woman had deliberately allowed her subordinates to embarrass the Princess.
Ji Shiyu glanced at Ao Tian.
Even she could see the tension between the two sides.
Yun Liu nodded to Qin Xiang, signaling there was no need for concern.
The Sword Sect Five Peaks each had their own allegiances.
It was normal for the Dust World Dynasty not to be united—various powers were tangled and complex.
“These must be the five peak disciples invited to attend. I am Jing Rui, master of the treasure ship. Greetings, young celestial masters. Shenhua Sect members are always honored guests here. If you have any requests aboard the Golden Crow, I will do everything I can.”
Black Crow Captain’s gaze swept over the remaining three, surprise flashing in her eyes.
She hadn’t expected the three girls to be so outstanding—rumors hadn’t exaggerated at all.
The Chief Disciple of Clear Mist Peak was a tough character—not as easy to deal with as the foolish niece—worth keeping an eye on.
According to intelligence, the Miss Xiao of the Xiao Family was also present.
Her relationship with Jing Tan’er was antagonistic—perhaps it could be used.
Besides those two, there was even a mysterious golden-haired girl whose beauty made even Jing Rui envious.
Who could she be?
“For real? Then let me try a hundred bottles of Spirit-Summoning Elixir first!”
Ji Shiyu immediately raised her hand, making a lion’s demand, leaving Jing Rui speechless.
Wait—I was just being polite, couldn’t you tell?
You really dared to say it!
It took Black Crow Madam a while to force a dry laugh.
“This little sister is certainly interesting. She must be the new disciple of Zhuiyun Peak praised by Master Xun, Miss Ji who slew the Bloodthirsty Banner Demon?”
“That’s right, that’s right—it’s this genius, beautiful sword cultivator!”
When the demonic person was mentioned, a chill flashed in Jing Rui’s eyes.
The yellow-haired girl rubbed her nose, completely unaware.
“Mr. Min, quickly invite Her Highness and her friends into Mingya Court. I have matters to discuss with Lord Yun.”
“Yes, Madam!”
Rui’er?
Oh, no!
Jing Tan’er scratched her throat.
If not for Yun Liu being present, she would rather jump off the airship than board her aunt’s pirate ship.
“No need. I’m a bit tired.”
Yun Liu waved his hand and went downstairs, a shadowy figure serving quietly at his side.
Min Hen immediately stepped aside, not daring to stop him.