Chapter Ten The Second Divine Martial Contest Section Eight: Priceless and Irreplaceable (Part One)

“Due to the constraints of the system, the princess’s efforts have been great, yet the results meager. When a few govern the many, even a deity descending to the mortal realm cannot achieve perfection. The princess should take a broader view. Take Lord Xin, for example—his dedication to the nation and its people is no less than the princess’s. His strategies have prevented a decade of warfare, saving more lives than the princess’s tireless work could. The princess’s heart commands deep admiration, yet her actions give me cause for reservation.”

Ling Luo smiled and said, “Northern Lord speaks plainly; Princess, please do not take offense. In truth, Northern Lord voices what I have long wished to say but could not.”

“Northern Lord’s sincerity is most humbling. Though I have understood this truth, I have always found it difficult to refuse these petitions. To think my own clan leader and Lord Xin often labor and worry on my behalf—this is truly a matter worthy of reflection.”

After voicing these words, Bu Jingshen felt a pang of regret. He had forgotten that now he was Zuo An, not Ling Luo’s third senior apprentice brother, Bu Jingshen. If he were the latter, he could have spoken so freely. But given his current identity, it was inappropriate. Reflecting quietly, he realized that his affection for Ling Luo had led him to regard Princess Tianlai as a close kin.

Within the imperial palace, King Zheng was accompanied by the queen and a young, beautiful favored consort, watching a play alongside three princes and two princesses.

Ling Luo informed him that the tallest among them was the Crown Prince of Zheng, much beloved by King Zheng, and the princess seated beside Princess Tianlai was Princess Luo. She was King Zheng’s daughter by Concubine Li, and among all the princesses, King Zheng favored these two most dearly.

Bu Jingshen noticed that Princess Luo was indeed beautiful—almond eyes and peach-like cheeks, a well-proportioned figure, fair skin, red lips, and eyes as clear as autumn waters. Yet she lacked the maturity and composure of Princess Tianlai, appearing more like a child yet to grow up, innocent and unworldly. She kept glancing at Bu Jingshen throughout the performance.

At first, Bu Jingshen paid no mind, assuming Princess Luo was discussing Ling Luo with Princess Tianlai. Later, when Ling Luo stepped away, Princess Luo’s gaze lingered on him.

Princess Tianlai, raised outside the palace, was deeply missed by King Zheng, yet he understood the noble duties she fulfilled. Thus, he turned his attention to other ladies, discovering that Princess Luo was innocent and endearing, exceptionally beautiful and outstanding. Gradually, he grew especially fond of her, often keeping her close for various matters. Since childhood, Princess Luo had known little hardship or disappointment; her nature remained pure and naive. She was close to all her brothers and sisters.

Princess Luo’s favorite sister was Princess Tianlai, whom she clung to each time they met, reluctant to let her go.

During the play, she asked Princess Tianlai about the unfamiliar guests. Tianlai named them one by one. Upon hearing the name Northern Lord Zuo An, Princess Luo exclaimed with delight, “He is the legendary Zuo An of the Late Sunset Tribe, the enemy of ten thousand!”

“You’ve heard of him too?”

“Of course! They say he is formidable—he single-handedly slew over a hundred thousand of the Black Wolf Tribe, and in just over a year, grew the mere dozens of the Late Sunset Tribe to a force of over two hundred thousand elite soldiers. The palace buzzes with his fame. Hey, is his wife truly beautiful?”

“We met once briefly—indeed, she is very beautiful.”

Princess Luo then asked, “Am I more beautiful than her?”

Princess Tianlai laughed, “There is no woman in the world more beautiful than you.”

Princess Luo pouted, “You’re flattering me—lying!”

“No, I’m not!”

“Are! You’re lying! You’re clearly more beautiful than me.”

Princess Tianlai was at a loss. Seeing Princess Luo frequently glance at Zuo An and hearing her say, “I thought he must be huge and mighty, but he doesn’t seem so. Does he really possess extraordinary strength?”

“Extraordinary might may be an exaggeration, but his martial prowess is surely impressive.”

“No, I must see it with my own eyes to believe it,” Princess Luo insisted, then pleaded, “Later, when I visit Lord Xin’s residence, please invite him to come as well, sister. Okay?”

“Well…” Princess Tianlai hesitated, worried that Princess Luo’s impulsiveness might cause trouble. She was reluctant to agree.

“I must go! If you don’t agree, I’ll ask Father. If Father refuses, I’ll invite him myself to demonstrate his strength here. I must see it for myself!”

Knowing Princess Luo’s determination, Princess Tianlai could only smile bitterly and say, “Very well, we’ll dine at Lord Xin’s residence at noon. You’ll come along, but be careful not to cause too much disturbance. He is a guest and the Northern Lord appointed by the emperor himself—not some servant you can command to display feats at your whim. If he refuses, you must not force him, or I won’t take you out of the palace again.”

“I understand, I understand,” Princess Luo replied joyfully. Seeing that Zuo An did not react to her gaze with fear or avoidance, as others might, she found his demeanor all the more admirable. He was not afraid of her looking, and she was not afraid to look back.

When they left the palace, she pleaded with King Zheng for permission and, full of anticipation, accompanied Princess Tianlai toward Lord Xin’s residence.

Upon arrival, everyone waited until they were seated before beginning to eat.

After lunch, Princess Luo could no longer contain her curiosity.

“There are rumors that Northern Lord’s strength is unmatched. Can he topple that pavilion with a single palm? I wish to see it. I hope Northern Lord will oblige.” Then she asked Ling Luo, “Lord Xin wouldn’t begrudge it, would he?”

Ling Luo chuckled, “If it pleases the princess, even toppling this pavilion would be no trouble, let alone a mere structure.”

Bu Jingshen looked toward the pavilion and smiled, “Even many centurions could topple this pavilion—it’s nothing remarkable.”

Hearing this, Princess Luo wracked her brains for something heavier. Suddenly, an idea struck her, and she smiled with satisfaction, asking, “There is a thousand-pound cauldron in Commander Zuo’s residence. Can Northern Lord lift it?”

“A mere thousand pounds—many can lift that. It’s not impressive.”

Seeing Bu Jingshen shake his head, Princess Luo grew anxious, unable to think of anything heavier than the cauldron. The city walls of Zheng were thick and sturdy, but she knew it was out of the question to use them frivolously. Just as she fretted, another idea sparked—this one even better, though she feared it might challenge him too much.

“How about the giant stone monument at the Divine Martial Arena?”

Princess Tianlai shook her head silently. Bu Jingshen had already declined twice politely, yet this girl did not understand and was treating the giant monument as a mere toy. Such a monument—who in the world could lift it? One couldn’t even wrap their arms around it to grasp firmly. It stood in the Divine Martial Arena because it was once lifted and placed there by Zheng Feixian himself, meant to proclaim his might to the world.

“That could be tried,” Bu Jingshen replied.

The unexpected answer surprised everyone; some feared he was overconfident.

“Really?”

“I’m not joking. But how to lift it is another matter.”

Princess Luo refused to believe he could lift it and said thoughtfully, “If Northern Lord can lift that monument, I will gift something priceless that not even a fortune could buy!”

“Agreed.”

Princess Tianlai felt troubled. Although Princess Luo was greatly favored by King Zheng and had received many treasures, she could not imagine what treasure was so precious it could not be bought for any price. On the way to the Divine Martial Arena, when asked, Princess Luo kept the secret, thinking, “He probably can’t lift it.”

“Don’t speak carelessly. If Northern Lord really lifts it and you break your promise, wouldn’t that disgrace the Zheng Kingdom?”

“Sister, rest assured, if Northern Lord truly lifts it, I will not break my word. I doubt even you can guess what the treasure is.”

Princess Tianlai was truly at a loss, unable to imagine what it could be.

Bu Jingshen had only intended to decline politely. Representing the Late Sunset Tribe, it was unthinkable for him to topple pavilions or lift heavy cauldrons just to satisfy a Zheng princess’s curiosity—that would bring shame upon his tribe. But seeing Princess Luo’s childlike insistence and curiosity, he realized she would not relent until she witnessed his strength firsthand.