[COMPLETE] Transmigrated Author: The Quiet Plum

Chapter 75: Huang Province Top Brass

She said this without an expression on her face, her eyes narrowed at the elder until she felt the pressure on her stagger and vanish.

The elder stared at her in shock. Wasn't there news before that the Huang princess had no cultivation base? What happened? Did they cure it during her disappearance?

Impossible! There was no cure for not having innate talent. That was the way of life.

Elder Huang Liang composed himself but Qiaoli hasn't stopped yet.

"Heh, Elder should also be aware of his misdeeds. Attacking a defenseless maiden without cultivation. Truly a shame to our name."

She proceeded to look the noblemen in the eyes. Her golden orbs reflected the light of the chandeliers. "May this serve as a reminder to our lovely gentlemen seated here. All these years, my family was grieving. But the Vermillion Bird is unbridled and can be reborn. Do not try to fool the Duke again or you will face consequences."

It might be an illusion but their senses couldn't be deceived. The spiritual energy in the room seemed to stir in response to this message and gave rise to goosebumps among the audience.

At the back of their minds were the times they tried to manipulate the Duke into doing what they wanted. But they wouldn't let anybody know.

Tha Marquise stood tall, a lanky frame that seemed to be towering over them. The Duchess was just smiling at the side but she too emitted wisps of her cultivation. And the Duke's smile became eerie as they stared at it.

It was a moment to remember for these gentlemen. One that they had taken as an omen.

---

Two hours later when the meeting ended.

As the high nobility and the lone elder left and closed the doors, Qiaoli's mask was about to break. Her interface had been blinking red nonstop ever since Elder Huang Liang attacked her with spiritual power. It showed the status of her body including her orders to the system to hold on for a few hours.

Her oxygen levels were fluctuating, the blood flow was chaotic and her heartbeat was erratic. Thankfully, her organs were fine. She hasn't been injured too bad thanks to the system.

With the energy connection at 1.03%, she managed to stir the spiritual energy around her to coat her body in a very thin layer. The rest was just acting. Now, she could finally let go.

Li Yun was just about to congratulate his sister when he noticed her clenching her fists.

"A'mei..."

What answered him was a series of coughs and he was horrified to see Qiaoli bleeding from her nose, mouth and eyes.

"Qiaoqiao!" Ruoli panicked too.

But the young Marquise only raised her hand to stop them from raising any alarm.

"Shut! Cough cough! Stop... cough! Don't say a word."

The blood almost stained the dress she was wearing. Her shaking hand raised a handkerchief to her face. She made sure not to leave any drops on the table, chairs, or carpet. There must be no hard evidence.

Li Yun stood there in anguish, not knowing what to do. The scene of the elder attacking his sister with his cultivation force kept playing in his head. She didn't have an ounce of cultivation.

"If this is the consequence of you protecting the ducal title, then I don't want it!" He muttered under his breath. The veins almost popped out on his forehead.

But a pale hand gripped his arm. Qiaoli's coughing fit was calming down. She wiped her lips as she glared at her brother.

"Don't be silly..." She tried hard to compose herself. "Think of it like this, sacrifices are often made on the battlefield."

Li Yun held her wrist. "I can't... sacrifice you!"

His eyes were bloodshot. All the earlier composure was gone.

The day was still long and they had to face the clansmen after an hour of break. Looking at his sister now, could she even stand by herself? They couldn't call any healer for fear of suspicions. If the Duke showed any weakness in this critical juncture, it would only serve as a signal for the hyenas to let loose.

But Huang Li Yun might as well go crazy. He just recently found her, he didn't want her to get hurt. But here they were, almost seeking death.

Rouli who was beside the two didn't know how to intervene as she was also helpless. These years, there was odd news of people wanting to revolt against the Duke's rule. All because he seemed to be always following the Emperor's orders and he was always at the frontlines, protecting the Southern borders.

The return of another noble person from the direct line of Huang was their chance to strengthen Li Yun's foothold.

Of course, there would always be a cost.