Chapter 12:The Disguise Prince

Chapter 12:The Disguise Prince.

Bai Zhi stepped into the grand ballroom of the Celestial Pavilion, the most exclusive gathering place in the city. Tonight was a special night—only the elite had access to this event. The nobles, merchants, and hidden powerhouses of the empire were all in attendance. It was an auction mixed with a masquerade ball, where people could bid on rare treasures, purchase luxurious services, and even make social connections that could change their fates.

Her stunning red dress, custom-made from the finest silk, clung to her body in just the right way, accentuating her curves. Paired with her flawless, radiant skin—thanks to the system's beauty enhancement—she was breathtaking. Men's gazes followed her, while women looked at her with a mix of envy and curiosity.

"Ding! Charm increased by +10. Your presence is mesmerizing."

Bai Zhi smirked. She was here to spend money and dominate the night.

As the event began, Bai Zhi moved towards the grand auction hall. While rare treasures were being sold, one particular item caught her attention.

"Item #47: A Night of Exclusive Service by a Top-Tier Masked Companion."

A special service where the winner would have a private evening with a mysterious, highly sought-after companion. These masked individuals were carefully selected, known for their charm, conversation skills, and even some combat ability. The price was already rising rapidly.

Bai Zhi barely glanced at the bidding price before lazily raising her fan.

"One million gold."

Gasps echoed throughout the hall. One million gold?! That was an absurd amount for a single night, even with a top-tier masked companion!

The auctioneer hesitated before slamming the gavel. "Sold! To the beautiful lady in red!"

The crowd erupted in whispers.

"Who is she? To spend a million gold without hesitation!"

"That masked man must be a legend. I heard he rarely appears!"

"She must be a wealthy noblewoman… or a madwoman!"

Bai Zhi, unconcerned, gracefully took her winning token. The system notification popped up.

"Ding! You have spent one million gold on a Hidden Fate Encounter. Rewards granted!"

New Prime Estate Unlocked! (Celestial Orchid Manor – A secret luxury residence with cultivation benefits.)

Charm Enhancement +20 (Your beauty is now nearly ethereal. Men will find it hard to look away.)

Secret Martial Art: Moonlit Seduction Dance (A combat style that uses beauty and illusion to deceive and overpower enemies.)

Bai Zhi's eyes gleamed. Spending money was truly the best way to grow stronger.

Later that night, Bai Zhi was led to a private garden under the moonlight, where her purchased companion awaited her.

A tall figure dressed in black and silver robes stood with his back to her. A silver mask concealed most of his face, leaving only his sharp jawline and cold, piercing eyes visible. His presence was refined yet dangerous, like a noble predator in disguise.

He turned to her, and for a brief moment, a flicker of emotion crossed his eyes. But it was gone in an instant.

"You're quite bold," he murmured, his voice deep and magnetic. "Spending such an absurd amount on a mere night. Do you not fear wasting your wealth?"

Bai Zhi smirked, stepping closer. "Money exists to be spent. And tonight… I felt like indulging."

The man chuckled, but there was a sharpness in his eyes. "Indulgence? Then I wonder… what exactly do you expect from me?"

Bai Zhi studied him. He wasn't like the usual handsome playthings she encountered. This man carried power—the kind hidden behind layers of deception.

"Why don't you tell me?" she teased, testing his reaction.

The prince's lips curved slightly, though amusement didn't reach his eyes. "Then let's find out."

The evening unfolded with the two engaged in a battle of wits and charm. They played chess, exchanged hidden meanings in conversation, and sipped on rare wines.

Bai Zhi could feel the subtle tension. He was assessing her, just as she was assessing him.

At one point, she reached to move a chess piece, only for his hand to brush against hers. A slight tremor passed between them—so fleeting that one could pretend it never happened.

But Bai Zhi didn't miss the way his fingers curled slightly, as if resisting the temptation to linger.

"Ding! Romance Triggered! The Disguised Prince's Favorability +10."

She inwardly smirked.

Just as the night seemed to be going smoothly, an unwelcome interruption arrived.

A noblewoman—clad in extravagant jewelry and excessive perfume—stepped into the garden with a group of envious onlookers.

"Ah, what a coincidence!" she said, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "I had heard someone recklessly spent a fortune on tonight's masked companion. Who would've thought it was you, Lady Bai?"

Bai Zhi leaned back, unfazed. "And who might you be?"

The woman's face stiffened. Clearly, she had expected Bai Zhi to recognize her status.

"I am Lady Mei, daughter of the Minister of Finance," she said coldly. "And I must say, it's improper for a mere outsider like you to claim the top companion for herself. Shouldn't you give others a chance?"

Bai Zhi laughed. "Are you suggesting I return my purchase and let you have him?"

Lady Mei's lips twitched. "It would be the polite thing to do."

The prince, who had been silent, suddenly spoke. His voice was calm yet cold.

"I belong to no one," he said, his golden eyes locking onto Lady Mei. "But tonight, I am with her."

The crowd gasped.

Lady Mei's expression turned ugly. She gritted her teeth, clearly unwilling to accept defeat.

But Bai Zhi wasn't done. She tilted her head and smirked. "Well, Lady Mei, if you're truly desperate, I'm sure I could lend you some money to buy a new companion. Oh, wait… can you afford one of his caliber?"

Laughter rippled through the crowd.

Lady Mei's face turned purple with rage. "You—!"

Bai Zhi waved a hand. "Now, now. If you'll excuse me, I have an expensive purchase to enjoy."

With that, she elegantly took the prince's arm and led him away, leaving Lady Mei fuming in humiliation.

As they reached a more secluded area, the prince stopped walking.

"You're dangerous," he murmured.

Bai Zhi turned to him, raising a brow. "Oh? And here I thought you were the dangerous one."

The prince regarded her for a long moment. Then, unexpectedly, he lifted her hand—bringing it to his lips.

"Perhaps we are both dangerous," he said softly.

Bai Zhi's heart skipped a beat.

"Ding! The Disguised Prince's Favorability +20. Special Event Unlocked!"

She smiled. Tonight had been… fruitful.

And she had a feeling this prince wouldn't forget her anytime soon.

As the grand ballroom buzzed with gossip about Bai Zhi's audacious purchase, she found herself in a lavish private suite within the Celestial Pavilion. The night wasn't over yet, and the masked prince—her million-gold purchase—stood beside her, gazing out at the moonlit city.

"Are you always this bold?" he asked without looking at her. His voice was smooth, but there was an undercurrent of amusement and curiosity.

Bai Zhi elegantly reclined on a silk couch, swirling a glass of Phoenix Spirit Wine in her hand. "You call it bold. I call it knowing what I want."

His gaze flickered to her. "And what is it you want from me?"

Bai Zhi smirked. "I paid for a companion tonight. So… accompany me."

His lips quirked slightly, as if entertained by her words. But instead of moving closer, he poured himself a drink and settled into the chair across from her.

"Tell me, Lady Bai," he murmured, swirling his wine. "Do you often spend outrageous amounts on men?"

Bai Zhi laughed, tilting her head. "Only when they're worth it."

"Ding! The Disguised Prince's Favorability +10."

The system notification made her inwardly smirk. Good. Let's raise that favorability even higher.

As Bai Zhi continued her game of teasing and testing, the system chimed again.

"Ding! Since you have successfully spent a million gold on a Hidden Fate Encounter, additional rewards are granted!"

Wealth Increased: Ownership of the Celestial Pavilion's Secret VIP Floors.

Charm +15: Your aura now exudes elegance and mystery.

Martial Art Unlocked: Phantom Whisper Technique – A style that blends illusion and speed, making the user nearly untouchable.

Bai Zhi almost choked on her wine. The VIP floors of the Celestial Pavilion? That meant she practically owned a part of the most exclusive social venue in the city!

Meanwhile, the disguised prince was studying her. "Something amusing?"

Bai Zhi's eyes gleamed. "Oh, just thinking about how profitable tonight has been for me."

He raised a brow. "I should be the one saying that, considering you bought me for the night."

She laughed. "Oh, trust me. I got more than my money's worth."

Just as their conversation was growing interesting, a sharp clang echoed from outside.

Bai Zhi tensed, immediately activating her Heaven's Eye Appraisal . The faintest traces of killing intent were closing in on the suite.

The disguised prince set his glass down calmly, but his posture shifted—sharp, alert.

A second later, three masked assassins burst into the room, their blades gleaming under the lantern light.

"Lady Bai, your luck runs out tonight!" one of them sneered.

Bai Zhi's lips curled into a cold smile. Fools.

Before she could even make a move, the disguised prince suddenly stepped forward.

His aura exploded, and the entire room trembled. A royal's suppressive force.

The assassins froze for a split second. In that moment, the prince moved.

With lightning-fast speed, he struck down the first assassin with a single, clean blow. The second one barely had time to react before a silver dagger pierced his throat.

The last assassin staggered back, horrified. "Y-You—!"

Before he could flee, Bai Zhi casually flicked her wrist. A silver hairpin, imbued with her newly learned Phantom Whisper Technique, shot through the air and embedded itself between the man's eyebrows.

He collapsed instantly.

The room was silent.

Bai Zhi turned to the prince, raising a brow. "Quite skilled for a mere masked companion, aren't you?"

The prince sighed, brushing dust off his sleeve. "And you… are certainly no ordinary noblewoman."

They stared at each other, the tension thick between them.

"Ding! The Disguised Prince's Favorability +20."

As Bai Zhi calmly examined the dead assassins, the prince leaned against the wall, watching her with a half-smile.

"You're not going to ask who I am?" he finally said.

Bai Zhi smirked. "If you wanted me to know, you wouldn't be wearing that mask."

He chuckled, shaking his head. "Clever."

Still, she could sense his identity wasn't simple. From the way he moved, the power he exuded, and his reaction to the attack—there was only one type of man who could remain so unfazed.

A prince.

Perhaps even the prince.

But instead of confronting him, Bai Zhi merely smiled and lifted a teapot. "Since we just survived an assassination attempt, shall I pour us another drink?"

For the first time, the prince looked genuinely amused. "You're quite something, Bai Zhi."

"Ding! Romance Triggered! The Disguised Prince's Interest Deepens."

Bai Zhi smirked. This was going to be fun.

To be continued...