"Princess Yu'er, what happened?"
Originally, the twenty-four palace guards had assumed something serious was going on.
But when they discovered that Xianhai Shuoyi had been pinned to the cliff by the young woman's oppressive aura, they were all somewhat bewildered.
After all, they were well aware that although Xianhai Shuoyi's status was humble, he had grown up alongside the young woman, and the two shared a very close relationship.
They couldn't fathom what could have made the young woman so furious that she would treat Xianhai Shuoyi in such a manner.
But precisely because they knew the young woman and Xianhai Shuoyi were usually on very good terms, even though they understood that Xianhai Shuoyi had offended her, they refrained from taking action against him.
They all understood that given the special nature of their relationship, this matter was best left for the young woman to handle herself.
"Xianhai Shuoyi, there are some things I've long wanted to say. Though we grew up together and have been friends for many years—"
The young woman suddenly turned around, her expression grave as she spoke to Xianhai Shuoyi.
"My feelings for you are nothing more than those one would have for a brother. So please do not misunderstand our relationship."
"Furthermore, I warned you before—anything that I like, no one is permitted to speak ill of."
"If you want to know where this ankle bracelet came from, I'll tell you. It was a gift from a friend."
"That's right, it's merely a strange weapon. But I enjoy wearing it, and I will not allow anyone to say it's worthless."
Though her words were stern, the young woman withdrew her oppressive aura.
Freed from the crushing pressure, Xianhai Shuoyi was finally able to rise. He paid no attention to the dust and grime covering his body and instead spoke to the young woman with deep remorse:
"Yu'er, it was my fault. I shouldn't have been so outspoken. As long as you're happy with it, I'll never again—"
"There won't be a next time," the young woman said.
"What?" Xianhai Shuoyi froze, then stammered, "Yu'er, you... what do you mean by that?"
"Palace guards, heed my command!" the young woman suddenly commanded in a loud voice.
"The guards are here." The twenty-four formidable palace guards dropped to one knee in unison.
"From this day forward, unless I personally summon him, Xianhai Shuoyi is not to set foot in my dwelling freely," the young woman declared.
"As you command," the twenty-four palace guards replied in a single resonant voice that echoed across the sky.
Swoosh—
Having spoken, the young woman launched herself skyward. Barefoot, she strode through the air.
Her movements appeared graceful and unhurried, yet her speed was astonishing—in the blink of an eye, she had vanished beyond the distant horizon.
Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh, swoosh, swoosh—
Right behind her, the twenty-three palace guards in attendance took to the air simultaneously and followed after her.
Only one remained standing where he was.
"Yu'er, wait! Listen to my explanation, I truly didn't mean anything by it!"
Seeing this, Xianhai Shuoyi panicked. He scrambled to his feet, wanting to give chase.
Wuuagh—
But at that very moment, a powerful force suddenly bound him, and with tremendous force, he was slammed back against the cliff face.
It was the sole remaining palace guard who had struck—and it was none other than the middle-aged man who had allowed Xianhai Shuoyi entry earlier.
"Let me go! I need to chase after Yu'er!" Xianhai Shuoyi cried desperately.
"How dare you lack discipline! That is Her Highness Princess Yu'er—how dare you address her by name!" the middle-aged man rebarked sharply, all trace of his earlier courtesy gone.
"Get out of my way! Who do you think you are, daring to block me? Do you have any idea what my relationship with Yu'er is?"
"One word from me to Yu'er, and your position as a palace guard will be stripped away instantly!"
Xianhai Shuoyi was seething with fury. In that moment, he had lost all composure, torn away his mask of pretense, and blurted out what he truly wanted to say from the bottom of his heart.
Smack, smack—
But at that very instant, the middle-aged man raised his hand and delivered two resounding slaps. Though they were thrown from a distance, those two blows landed squarely on Xianhai Shuoyi's face.
After the two slaps fell, both sides of Xianhai Shuoyi's cheeks were split open, his once handsome face beaten beyond recognition.
"You—" Xianhai Shuoyi stood there stunned, momentarily at a loss. Only after the pain registered did he manage, "You dare hit me?"