Elf Princess 2

Azrael strolled towards the direction where the crowds were heading, the people around him seemingly oblivious to his presence. Bianca had already departed after they entered the city of Moonrise, feeling that she had her fill of time traveling with Azrael for several months. This was now a moment for her sister, and she didn't want to monopolize Azrael's attention. Referring to Moonrise as a city was an understatement; it was so vast that it contained literal "cities" within it, capable of housing millions of people without any issues. This expansive capacity meant that the influx of people did not significantly impact the traffic flow.

***

At the heart of Moonrise City, a vast and open expanse unfolded, stretching across a 5-kilometer diameter that defied the norms of a typical urban setting. Commanding attention at the center of this majestic space was a colossal platform, a testament to the fusion of engineering marvel and architectural grandeur.

Ascending towards the sky, the platform matched the diameter of the expansive area below, creating a sprawling stage for events of cosmic significance. At its zenith, two towering pillars, separated by a dignified 500-meter space, reached towards the daytime sky. These pillars, symbols of both power and elegance, stood as silent sentinels, guarding the mysteries concealed within the heart of Moonrise.

Beneath the platform, a collective assembly of formidable cultivators stood watchful, their authoritative presence serving as a deterrent to any potential intruders. Each cultivator emanated an aura of power, showcasing their unwavering commitment to safeguarding this sacred space.

The platform itself resonated with the vibrant energy of Moonrise, a convergence of mortal ingenuity and divine essence. Bathed in the daylight that streamed across the scene, the platform transformed into a celestial stage, poised to host the unfolding drama of the imminent opening of the mystic secret realm. The air crackled with anticipation, and the platform stood as a beckoning beacon for those who sought the enigmatic secrets that transcended the mundane.

This is the very place where the entrance to the secret mystic realm would unveil at any moment. Below the platform, situated a short distance away from the vigilant guards, a congregation of cultivators had gathered. Among them were some rogue cultivators, but the majority belonged to various forces. Representatives from 20 out of 30 kingdoms had dispatched their forces, and ancient sects from different great provinces converged here. This expansive area evolved into a stage for burgeoning stars, with young geniuses renowned throughout the continent emerging as the focal points of this assembly.

"The Prince of the Great Blueheart Kingdom!!!" echoed among the crowd, triggering immediate reactions.

"The successor of the Northern Sect!" exclaimed voices from another faction.

"Is that the young genius from the Three Gate Sect, the ruling power in the Central Plane Province?!" murmured intrigued onlookers.

The attention of those who caught wind of the shout instantly focused on a group gracefully making their way through the crowd. This assembly of young cultivators possessed impeccable posture, exuding an aura of undeniable genius. At the heart of this group strode a young man of around 20 years. His hair, a profound shade of black, cascaded to his shoulders, and he emanated a potent Qi Core cultivation realm, teetering on the brink of the Profound Sovereign Realm—a cultivation befitting the title of a cultivation world genius.

"He's so handsome," murmured a dreamy female cultivator.

"I'm so jealous. Not only is he a genius, but he has the looks too!" remarked another, unable to hide his envy.

"So, that's the famous genius of the Three Gate Sect," commented a prince who hailed from a kingdom far from the Central Plane Province. This was his first encounter with the pride of the current young generation of the Three Gate Sect.

As strong as the Three Gate Sect, and owing to their historical dominance of one-fourth of the 100 great provinces in the past, any genius emerging from their ranks inevitably garnered attention from others. And the prime example is the young man at the center of the geniuses from the Three Gate Sect.

***

As some geniuses engaged in conversation:

"By the way, have you seen the infamous Eastern Prince?"

"I heard he got killed at the entrance of the former Corrupted Region."

"Seriously?!"

"Yeah, but unfortunately for him, it seems the kingdom is more upset about the loss of its powerful cultivator than the death of the prince."

"Well, the Eastern Kingdom is known to have several princes and princesses."

***

"Popular as ever, Senior Brother Desmond!" the man with a broad posture jokingly said.

Desmond slightly smiled, "You yourself made a name after the 'Gathering of the South' competition last month."

"But I still can't compare to you."

Desmond, with his confident posture and a glint of pride in his eyes, seemed to bask in the praises that flowed from every corner of the gathering. He had mastered the art of enjoying the spotlight, reveling in the attention and admiration showered upon him by fellow cultivators. The acknowledgment of his genius and the constant stream of accolades seemed to fuel his ego, turning every word of praise into a testament to his prowess. Desmond, in the midst of the young talents, stood as a living embodiment of the Three Gate Sect's legacy, and he took pleasure in letting the world acknowledge it. The more eyes on him, the more his confidence seemed to swell, and his demeanor exuded an air of self-assurance that could only come from one who knew the weight of his own reputation.

"Hey, is that the Elf Princess?"

As the murmurs of praise and admiration continued to surround Desmond, the sudden mention of the rumored elf princess brought an unexpected shift in the atmosphere. A hushed silence fell over the gathering, and cultivators turned their attention toward a new presence entering the scene.

With an air of regality, the elf princess made her entrance, her golden blonde hair cascading down like strands of sunlight. Every step she took seemed to carry an otherworldly grace, and her ethereal beauty captured the attention of every onlooker. The elf race, known for its captivating allure, had always been a symbol of beauty, and the princess standing before them embodied that reputation with elegance and poise.

The cultivators, momentarily forgetting their admiration for Desmond, were now captivated by the entrancing aura of the elf princess. The atmosphere shifted from one dominated by a genius of the mortal realm to the enchanting presence of an otherworldly being. The elf princess, accompanied by her entourage, became the new focal point, and her arrival added a layer of mystique to the already charged ambiance of the gathering.

Desmond, for a brief moment, displayed a flicker of displeasure that crossed his face like a passing shadow. However, with a masterful control over his expressions, he swiftly masked any sign of discontent, ensuring that no one in the crowd could discern his momentary lapse. His polished demeanor and adeptness at concealing emotions allowed him to maintain the facade of composure, preserving the image of the unrivaled genius that had become synonymous with his name.

"Princess Cecilia, long time no see," the prince from the Blueheart Kingdom greeted enthusiastically, stepping forward to engage the regal elf princess. However, his warm words were met only with a lack of response and interest from Cecilia. Undeterred, she continued to walk with an air of graceful detachment, her maids following in tow. 

Amidst the surrounding cultivators, the prince heard giggles that seemed to mock his failed attempt to engage Princess Cecilia. A flush of embarrassment painted his face a deep shade of red. Taking a deep breath to compose himself, he huffed and left the scene, choosing to retreat with a semblance of dignity.

Other princes and geniuses attempted to approach Princess Cecilia as they observed her settling in a particular place. However, she ignored them all, causing some to retreat with regret while most wore displeased expressions. Desmond smiled subtly, observing the scene with an amused expression. He then strode confidently towards the princess.

Meanwhile, the Blueheart prince slightly raised his eyebrow upon seeing Desmond approaching the elf princess. Understanding his intentions, the Blueheart prince and others genuinely hoped that Desmond would be ignored and embarrassed by the princess.

Desmond approached Princess Cecilia with an elegant stride, wearing a charming smile. "Ah, you must be the famous princess that I've been hearing of," he greeted, attempting to engage her in conversation. However, Princess Cecilia chose to ignore his presence, maintaining an air of aloofness as she focused on her surroundings.

Undeterred by the lack of response, Desmond persisted, "My apologies if my previous words seemed forward. I am Desmond, a cultivator from the esteemed Three Gate Sect. May I know the name of such a captivating princess?" Yet, the princess remained silent, her attention fixated elsewhere, as if the bustling scene held more interest than the young cultivator before her.

Desmond's countenance betrayed a subtle flinch, a rare crack in the facade of his self-assured demeanor. Fueled by an insatiable thirst for attention and adulation, Desmond had approached the princess with the intention of asserting his superiority over the others. In his mind, he was unparalleled in strength, talent, charisma, and charm—attributes he believed set him apart. However, the princess's steadfast indifference shattered the illusion he had carefully crafted, and the geniuses and princes, observing the spectacle, couldn't conceal their smirks. The realization that he failed to capture her attention stung Desmond's pride, a sentiment he rarely experienced.

Undeterred, Desmond pressed on. "To be honest, Princess, I would love to invite you for tea. It's rare for me to encounter someone as beautiful and strong as you. I believe a discussion about cultivation over tea could be quite fruitful," he said, flashing a charming smile that captivated several female cultivators.

Suddenly, Princess Cecilia's face displayed signs of shock, followed by the blossoming of a sweet smile that enchanted the entire surroundings. Desmond, witnessing this transformation, felt a surge of confidence and victory. "Finally, you're in the mood to talk to me," he declared triumphantly. However, his elation was short-lived as Cecilia swiftly dashed past him, leaving him alone in that spot.

The princess hurried through the crowd and embraced a certain man.