Royal City – Princess Gu Ping's Chamber
The scent of burning sandalwood filled the luxurious chamber as Princess Gu Ping reclined on a silk-draped chaise lounge. She delicately swirled a cup of fragrant tea, her long crimson nails tapping softly against the porcelain.
Around her, two handmaidens skillfully massaged her feet, their heads lowered, their movements careful.
A group of noble servant women stood at a respectful distance, chatting in hushed voices about the latest spectacle gripping the Royal Academy—this year's Annual Challenge.
"I heard Lee Hua dominated the last two rounds," one woman whispered excitedly.
"Bai Wei is no less! His swordplay was so sharp, he cut his opponent's elder rank spirit weapon in half!" another chimed in.
A third servant, adjusting the silk curtains, sighed. "But neither of them is from the royal bloodline. The Ping family's only hope is Crown Prince Ping Ping. Without him, the family will have no representation in the finals."
