Chapter 66: So upright!
He gently caught a falling cherry blossom, his gaze shifting, as if harboring endless depths in his eyes.
His luxurious brocade robe fluttered in the wind, his presence both graceful and intimidating.
A mystical aura, unlike any other day, transformed into a breeze, stirring up whirlwinds.
The cherry blossoms swayed beautifully in response.
Admiring murmurs could be heard from around, yet no female disciples dared to approach Nolan easily.
After all, Nolan was smitten with Goddess Sylvia and had long vowed his unwavering loyalty to her, a fact well-known throughout the land.
Chancellor Neville bowed awkwardly, "Your Highness, your enlightenment this time seems much more profound than ever before. What have you realized?"
"I've realized something I've always overlooked," Nolan's voice was magnetic, soothing to the ear and smoothing one's mood.
"What is it?" Chancellor Neville swallowed, his curiosity piqued.
Judging by Crown Prince Nolan's demeanor, this realization was bound to be shocking!
"The falling flowers have intentions, but the flowing water is heartless. What I've always overlooked is the goddess's feelings towards me." Nolan gently released the cherry blossom, letting it drift away with the wind.
"Are you talking about Goddess Sylvia?" Chancellor Neville was instantly shocked.
"Yes, everyone knows Goddess Sylvia is as cold as frost, and I too once believed she could never have feelings for anyone. But today's realization proved me wrong."
Nolan looked wistfully at the sky, "Chancellor Neville, have you heard any recent rumors about Goddess Sylvia?"
"I'm afraid not, my lord."
"That's expected, you're not destined to know the intentions of the falling flowers," Nolan shook his head, then suddenly said, "There's a rumor that the goddess has fallen in love."
"What?" Chancellor Neville's eyes widened in disbelief.
"There's no need to be shocked. Haven't you been with me long enough to remain calm in such situations?"
"My apologies for my reaction, my lord. But... if the goddess is truly in love, doesn't that mean...?"
"Ah, you seem to have forgotten to ask who the object of the goddess's affection is." A confident smile played on Nolan's lips.
"Could it be... you, Your Highness!" Chancellor Neville was utterly astonished.
"Exactly, that is the truth I've realized today." Nolan stood tall and confident, hands clasped behind his back.
"I must admit, I did not see this coming. But, Your Highness, you've hardly ever interacted with the goddess. How did you conclude that she has feelings for you?"
"It's simple, because the goddess has graced me with her smile three times."
"Smiled three times?"
Chancellor Neville couldn't believe his ears. "Yes, indeed."
"Firstly, I sent an envoy to Sky Sanctuary with lavish gifts for the goddess, but she scoffed and sent the envoy flying with a slap. I believe her scoff was not truly meant for the envoy, but rather for me. And though it was a scoff, it must have been laden with hidden affection.
Secondly, I heard that the ever-cold Goddess Sylvia once let slip a faint smile during a conversation with Holy Maiden Aeliana. Though it was just a slight smile, it became the talk of the town. I pondered long and hard—what could make the goddess smile? In this world, I am perhaps the only man worthy of her. Surely, she must have been thinking of me."
Nolan paused thoughtfully, "As for the third point, it further confirms my thoughts. The goddess's third smile was none other than the white clouds in this vast sky."
Pointing towards the drifting clouds, he continued, "Look at the shape of these clouds, don't they resemble the goddess's beautiful smile?"
Chancellor Neville, somewhat taken aback, patted Nolan on the head, "Well, Your Highness, you seem to be in good health."
"What did you say? Are you questioning what I, the Crown Prince, have said? Every word I speak is backed by solid evidence! Could it be that you're secretly jealous that the goddess has fallen for me and are trying to drive a wedge between us?" Nolan's brow furrowed, anger rising.
"Of course not, my lord..."
Chancellor Neville suddenly looked extremely excited, "I was just too overwhelmed to believe it. To think that the goddess has smiled three times for the prince! It seems Goddess Sylvia truly harbors secret affection for you! With your current Enlightenment Body, it won't be long before you possess full strength.
Soon, marrying the goddess, uniting the dynasty, and shocking the world will all be within reach!"
Looking up at the sky with tears of gratitude, Neville continued, "Who would have thought such divine favor? The founding emperor's spirit in heaven must also be blessing Your Highness. Under Crown Prince Nolan's leadership, our Phoenix Kingdom will surely march towards endless prosperity!"
"Indeed, the reason I've kept you by my side is that you are practical and don't lie like some others. When I ascend the throne and marry the goddess, I will surely reward you handsomely!" Nolan patted Chancellor Neville, very pleased with him.
As word spread that the esteemed Crown Prince Nolan of the Phoenix Kingdom was at the Blooming Sanctuary, it wasn't long before a dozen people enthusiastically gathered around him, eagerly flattering, "We have long admired Your Highness, and to see you today is truly our honor."
"Seeing the prince today is such a stroke of luck!"
"Greetings to the prince, if there's anything you need in the future, we of the Crimson Sky Kingdom will forever follow you."
Among these people were several of high status, including Rowan Flameborn, the crown prince of the Crimson Sky Kingdom,Yara Silvermoon, the leading female disciple of Moonlight Sanctuary, and Victor Sage, a direct disciple of the Grand Peak Sect.
But as everyone was busy flattering, Nolan suddenly closed his eyes, tilting his head slightly towards the sky.
At the same time, a mystical aura swirled around him like a vortex, making those standing nearby feel as if they were listening to the profound melodies of the universe.
"Your Highness, you've realized something again..." This time, Chancellor Neville looked resigned, seemingly used to these occurrences.
After a while, Nolan slowly opened his eyes, his aura slightly enhanced.
Instantly, Rowan and others burst into cheers, "Crown Prince, you are truly amazing! To think the Enlightenment Body could achieve further realization so effortlessly!"
"With your strength and insight, it won't be long before you achieve even greater transcendence! Perhaps even the goddess..."
Nolan finally smiled slightly, "Though we were strangers before, from today onwards, you are my closest friends. What I appreciate most are those who speak their minds directly. I wish there were more honest cultivators like you in the world."
However, he then sighed wistfully, seemingly muttering to himself, "Like that infamous disciple from Sky Sanctuary, Timothy, such a deceitful and wicked person is truly despicable."
"Who would have thought the prince would be so approachable and consider us friends!"
Some folks were just hoping to cozy up to Nolan, never expecting him to treat them with such warmth. They were deeply moved.
"Thanks for the hospitality, Prince. That Timothy really seems like a sneaky one. We've got some things to take care of, so we'll take off now and come back to see you later," Rowan said, leading the other talents as they turned to leave.
They exchanged glances, a silent agreement in their eyes.
This was their chance to show their loyalty to Nolan.
If they could use this opportunity to crush Timothy, not only would they make a name for themselves through him, but they could also get in good with Nolan.
The benefits were obvious.
Watching them leave, Nolan's lips curled into a slight smile.
Their reactions and attitudes were exactly as he had anticipated.
Using others to do his dirty work, he didn't even need to lift a finger to crush Timothy.
Chancellor Neville bowed slightly, admiringly saying, "Your Highness truly is a master strategist."
"Hmm, I had planned to use Lucian from Thunderflame Valley, one of the few in the world who can match me. These guys don't hold a candle to him."
"Indeed, it's a pity Lucian hasn't arrived yet. With his strength, second only to yours, crushing Timothy would probably be as easy as flipping his hand," Chancellor Neville agreed.
Just then, both of them sharply turned their gaze towards the outside of Blooming Sanctuary.
The flags of Sky Sanctuary fluttered in the wind as the Arcane Airship landed.
Several figures emerged, and leading them was Timothy.
"Timothy."
In that moment, a fierce look flashed in Nolan's eyes.
...
"Ladies, he's here."
Hidden behind a tree, a dozen female disciples shifted their focus to Timothy.
Each of these disciples was stunningly beautiful, a jewel in any Sect.
Many monks noticed these women, their gazes lingering, their expressions dreamy.
Such a beautiful scene could only be found in Blooming Sanctuary.
But soon, they realized these women were stepping lightly from behind the trees, heading straight for the entrance of Blooming Sanctuary where Timothy and the others from Sky Sanctuary were entering.
...
"Brother Timothy, I've heard of your feats, but I never imagined you were this incredible. To defeat Lucian in just a few moves, it's almost unimaginable!"
"Besides Timothy, there are hardly any among his peers who could defeat Lucian so effortlessly."
The disciples from Sky Sanctuary genuinely praised him.
But just as they finished speaking, they suddenly noticed a group of breathtakingly beautiful female disciples running towards them.
These women were not only gorgeous but also dressed in light, bright clothes.
Like blossoming flowers, they were incredibly eye-catching.
Such a wonderful scene was something these disciples had never seen before.
They were completely stunned in an instant.
But the next moment, these running girls pushed past them and surrounded Timothy.
"Huh?"
The disciples from Sky Sanctuary were stunned for a moment, then their faces fell.
They thought they were finally getting some recognition outside of Sky Sanctuary with their handsome looks.
But in the end, it was still Brother Timothy who stole the show!
That was just too much!
How could he steal the spotlight like that!
"Brother Timothy, I've finally met you. You're so handsome, even more than the portraits that circulate in town!"
"Timothy, I've been waiting for you for so long, I'm so glad you're finally here!"
"Brother Timothy~"
In just a moment, Timothy was completely surrounded.
Timothy frowned slightly, his expression stern.
Something was off about this scene.
Could it be that someone was trying to distract him or set him up?
"But I am a gentleman, how could I possibly be tempted by beauty!"
The righteous aura around Timothy seemed to swell even more.
But before he could fully react, he felt a female disciple press close, and then a soft sensation came from behind.
Timothy: "?"
Before he could respond,
Arms, chest... all around Timothy, it felt like he was enveloped in a sponge-like softness.
And the fragrant scent was continuous, refreshing, and intoxicating.
"Brother Timothy."
"Brother Timothy!"
"Brother Timothy~"
Timothy sharply inhaled.
Finally, he coughed lightly, his gentlemanly aura completely dissipated.
...
It was like being deeply buried in countless soft cottons, with waves hitting him occasionally, making the sensations even clearer.
Timothy couldn't help but close his eyes comfortably, immersed in the feeling.
But suddenly, he jolted awake, feeling a cold sweat on his back.
He quickly looked around. Sylvia was nowhere to be seen.
But for some reason, just at that moment, he felt an extremely sharp murderous intent.
The murderous intent came quickly and left quickly, as if it had never existed.
But that feeling was very real.
Timothy shuddered with fear. Although his wife wasn't nearby, if she saw this scene, the consequences would be unimaginable!
"All things are inferior, only my wife is supreme. How could I, Timothy, be lost in beauty?" Suddenly, Timothy seemed to radiate a sharp righteousness.
A ripple emanated from him, sending several soft bodies flying off him. Timothy's eyes were full of righteous energy: "Back off, wretched women! Do not disturb my resolve to cultivate!"
In this moment, he appeared so upright!