Leng Yanfeng froze. It was as if he had heard something unbelievable. Then, a slight smile appeared on his usually grave face.

　　His smile, regardless of how you looked at it, was full of mockery.

　　“A person, who has still remained at the Qi Collection ranks after so many years… Is this the genius you’re speaking of? It would seem that the Vermillion Bird Country has truly, declined to such a state. If someone like this can be considered a genius, then is everyone in the Vermillion Bird Country stuck in the Qi Collection ranks?”

　　It wasn’t just Leng Yanfeng this time because even Leng Wujing had begun to feel that Zuo Shangchen’s words were simply a joke.

　　“Fourth Prince, you must be joking. If someone with her level of power could be considered a genius, then what should Lady Shi Yun, who has reached the level of Martial King at such an early age, be considered as?” Leng Wujing shook his head. He found this entire affair rather hilarious. We really don’t know how the Fourth Prince could have determined that Gu Ruoyun was a genius. Leng Wujing thought. This lie was way too obvious.

　　Zuo Shangchen smiled, “As far as I know, Shi Yun is already twenty years of age, and Xiao Yun’er is only fifteen. I dare guarantee that in about five more years, her capabilities would be on par with Shi Yun’s!”

　　“Shut up!”

　　Suddenly, Leng Yanfeng’s expression turned extremely cold. His black eyes were like two sharp blades as he shot a frosty glare towards Zuo Shangchen, “You don’t have the right to talk about Shi Yun’s talent! Especially when you compare her to that good-for-nothing, Gu Ruoyun! She’s not even worthy! Even if we’re talking about ten, twenty, or even thirty years, she will never be able to surpass Shi Yun!”

　　Shi Yun was the goddess of his heart, where all of his faith rested. He would never allow anyone to insult Shi Yun!

　　“Feng’er,” Leng Wujing glanced sideways at Leng Yanfeng before turning his attention back to Zuo Shangchen, “Is the Fourth Prince willing to take a bet with me? No matter how much time you give to Gu Ruoyun, she’ll never be able to surpass Lady Shi Yun.”

　　“My apologies.” The corner of Zuo Shangchen’s lips curled into a faint smile, “I have no interest in placing bets on a sure thing. Furthermore, there is no prize that interests me in Azure Dragon Country.”

　　Leng Wujing’s expression suddenly turned deadly serious. Despite His fear of Zuo Shangchen, He was still the ruler of this country; getting slapped across the face like this made Him feel extremely unhappy.

　　“I only came here to ask You, Your Imperial Highness to warn Your good son. Don’t trouble Gu Ruoyun anymore. He is no match for her status. Now, since I’ve said my piece, it’s time for me to leave.”

　　Zuo Shangchen stretched lazily. His gaze seemed to have accidentally swept across Leng Yanfeng’s face, the mockery in his almond-shaped eyes promptly deepened just as his eyes landed on him.

　　Gu Shengxiao, I wonder how you’ll thank me for protecting your sister like this? Zuo Shangchen thought.

　　As if seeing Gu Shengxiao’s extremely grateful face before him, Zuo Shangchen laughed loudly, “Qingyi, let’s go. To the Hundred Herb Hall! I’m going to go play with Xiao Yun’er.”

　　“Yes, My Lord.”

　　Qingyi bowed her head and joined her hands fist-to-fist expressionlessly. As she looked at that man’s lazy yet bewitching face, helplessness flashed across the depths of her eyes.

　　She had been retained by her lord’s side for so many years, and clearly understood everything about his mysophobia. He refused to let anyone help him, even during dressing — not even his own mother’s concubine.

　　However, it was only in the company of that man alone, that he would allow casual touches, arms across his shoulder, that he would smile so comfortably, so freely…

　　Qingyi felt a little bitterness in her heart at the thought of this. She had accompanied her lord for so many years, silently loving him this entire time. However, her years of companionship could not compare to that one year of friendship between that man and her lord…