Inside Qingluo Pavilion!

Princess Pingyang leaned forward, her delicate, jade-like collarbone entering Xia Chen’s view. A subtle fragrance fluttered toward him like a butterfly.

Her Innate Grace was genuine—no affectation—making her allure all the more potent.

Xia Chen’s gaze shifted slightly from the glimpse beneath her collar. Princess Pingyang noticed her forward tilt was amiss, casting a faintly awkward glance at him.

Seeing his evasive look, a faint sense of satisfaction stirred within her—though she couldn’t say why.

It all unfolded discreetly. Their eyes met briefly in the air, sparking as if in silent exchange, before both quickly withdrew their gazes, returning to a natural demeanor—as though nothing had happened.

“I don’t have much of this tea!”

Xia Chen said with a smile. No sooner had he spoken than Princess Pingyang’s soft, enchanting voice followed.

“I can pay for it—or if there’s something you want, anything I have is yours!”

With no outsiders in the room, her captivating eyes locked boldly onto Xia Chen’s. Her lashes seemed to ripple with spring waters, tugging at the soul.

Even he faltered for a heartbeat, but a strange light soon flickered in his eyes. Deep within his pupils, they briefly appeared as double pupils—one encircling the other—before merging back into one.

Xia Chen’s mind remained icy calm. A smile curved his lips as he replied.

“This tea is scarce, so it’s not for sale. But if Your Highness enjoys it, this jar is yours. In a few days, if you run out, I’ll have more sent to you.”

He still had plenty of Jade Tea—ten jin from the draw, no small amount for tea.

And he could purchase more from the system store. Yet he’d positioned this tea as a non-sellable item, reserved for gifting or barter—favors were worth far more than silver.

“Really?”

Princess Pingyang’s eyes lit up, a radiant smile blooming on her lips. She truly adored this tea—its ability to slow aging and preserve beauty.

Though she considered herself still young, who in this world could defy time’s relentless march?

The twilight of a beauty was too cruel a fate!

“Of course it’s true!” Xia Chen nodded again with a smile.

“In a few days, come to my residence. I’ve got some treasures in my vault—see if anything catches your eye. You must come!”

Her tone was both commanding and coy, soft yet bewitching.

With no outsiders present, she seemed a guileless girl in that moment.

Xia Chen nodded with a smile, but inwardly, he murmured.

“Detect Princess Pingyang!”

He’d always prided himself on his steadfast mind—able to face even Yaoguang with composure. Yet today, Princess Pingyang stirred ripples in his heart repeatedly, signaling she was no ordinary woman. He had to investigate.

[Princess Pingyang: Top-Tier Talent!]

[Command: 67, Intelligence: 93, Politics: 91, Charisma: 99, Fate Trait: Innate Grace—When in high spirits, Charisma increases by +5. Potential: Four and a Half Stars, Realm: Sorcerer Fourth-Rank Realm]

[Note: Body of the Resounding Cauldron, a supreme vessel—innately attuned to the Great Dao of Yin and Yang!]

Xia Chen stared at the system panel, his gaze sharpening. He hadn’t expected such a windfall from this detection.

Body of the Resounding Cauldron—a dual-cultivation sacred physique?

And Princess Pingyang, a Fourth-Rank sorcerer? She’d hidden it deeply!

From the capital’s commoners to the Lamplighters’ records, she was documented as an ordinary person with no cultivation.

Her Intelligence and Politics both reached First-Rate Talent levels.

And her Charisma—99 base, boosted to a staggering 104 with her Fate Trait.

Princess Pingyang, a hidden powerhouse?

“What’s wrong?”

Princess Pingyang’s eyes flickered with confusion. She leaned forward again, her jade-smooth fingers lightly tapping Xia Chen’s arm.

“I zoned out for a moment—my apologies, Your Highness!”

Xia Chen pulled his attention from the panel, refocusing.

“You can zone out in my presence? Am I not beautiful enough?”

She pouted playfully, cradling her cheeks. Cuteness, glamour, and maturity blended seamlessly, radiating boundless charm without clashing.

“Your Highness’s beauty is unmatched—it’s my failing!”

Xia Chen smiled. After the system’s insight, he knew her allure was pure Innate Grace, not some enchantment technique, easing his guard.

“Compared to Yaoguang, then?”

At his words, she propped her cheeks, her wide eyes blurting the question instinctively. Realizing her slip, she hastily added.

“I mean, compared to the capital’s four great beauties— isn’t Yaoguang hailed as one of them?”

She straightened, her gaze slightly unsteady.偷 peeking at Xia Chen and seeing his calm composure, she relaxed.

“I haven’t met the other three, but no matter their beauty, Your Highness’s wouldn’t pale—perhaps even more captivating!”

Xia Chen smiled, pouring her another cup of tea.

She reached for it quickly, their fingers brushing. Xia Chen felt a silky softness, like touching icy jade bones.

Princess Pingyang sensed a warm surge—masculine yang qi flowing into her palm.

Her cheeks flushed, her eyes darting awkwardly.

“System, do I have a Charisma stat? What’s it at?”

Xia Chen acted as if nothing occurred, withdrawing his hand naturally before querying the system again.

A line of text flashed on the panel.

[Xia Chen: Charisma: 105]

[Blessed by the Golden Dragon of Fortune, enhancing the player’s Charisma comprehensively—Appearance Charisma +3, Personality Charisma +5]

[Note: Charisma splits into Appearance Charisma and Personality Charisma. Higher Appearance Charisma draws affection from peers or the opposite sex more easily. Higher Personality Charisma amplifies attraction to those around the player or aware of their name, making it easier to gather the world’s talents—a vital trait for an emperor!]

Xia Chen’s gaze deepened as he read the text. This Charisma stat was formidable—especially the nuanced Personality Charisma!

His base Charisma of 105 wasn’t surprising, but he hadn’t anticipated the Golden Dragon of Fortune—gained in that shattered heavenly court—would boost him so much.

With its blessing, his Charisma could hit 108 to 110!

Was he turning into a succubus himself?