Chapter 234: Chapter 234 - 226: Stunning the Whole Audience!

The woman wore a bright red velvet gown, her figure graceful and slender, with perfect curves. Her waterfall-like black hair cascaded down her back, with minimal adornment, highlighting her snow-white skin and lips as red as flowers, a beauty beyond compare!

Her face was exquisitely beautiful, her cat-like eyes enchanting, the tails of her eyes slightly upturned. Under the striking colors, she appeared not at all vulgar, but exuded a soul-stealing allure! Her aura was uniquely noble, cool and seductive.

Shen Li held her hand, dressed in a matching outfit.

The man’s long red hair was tied at the end, with a strand falling gently over his chest. His every move was elegant and noble.

He had a faintly charming smile on his thin lips, his gaze gentle as water when he looked at the female by his side.

The stunning attire that overshadowed everyone else was personally chosen by him for her today.

As he expected, it was perfect.

No, it was even more beautiful and captivating than he had imagined!

Xiao Jin, Jia Lan, Xue Yinzhou, and the others followed behind Shen Tang as they walked into the banquet venue.

The moment the five of them appeared, the whole room fell into a profound silence, where even a pin drop could be heard.

As Shen Tang walked past the crowd, the breeze from her gown carried a subtle fragrance.

Many young male beastmen could not control their rapid breathing, staring at her in dumbfounded shock and madness, almost unable to stop themselves from transforming on the spot!

After a moment of breathless suspension, those present snapped out of their trance, releasing waves of discreet exclamations.

"Oh my god, Princess Shen Tang actually came today!"

"This is the first time I’ve seen Her Highness up close. Compared to only seeing her from the stage before, she seems even more beautiful..."

"I smell a delightful aroma that seems to be emanating from Princess Shen Tang."

"What brand of perfume is she wearing? Could it have some illegal additives? I can’t help but want to transform into beast form and lick her feet..."

"Who’s the pervert here? Guards, throw him out!"

Yun Han stared intently at the graceful silhouette not far away, his deep pupils slightly widening, oblivious even to the wine spilling from his cup.

After the tidal wave of shock receded, he was left with nothing but disbelief.

Could she...

Be Shen Tang?

How could that ugly woman have become so beautiful?

Since she walked in, the faint fragrance lingering at his nose was identical to the one he encountered that night at the lantern festival, but even clearer, making his breathing subtly rapid, and a trace of loss appeared in his eyes.

The beautiful female he had met at the lantern festival, how could she be Shen Tang?!

Shen Qingli turned her head and saw Yun Han staring fixedly at Shen Tang, with an unexpectedly absent and awed look on his cold, distinct face instead of the disdain she had anticipated.

Her face turned pale, her heart in disarray.

What was happening?

Hadn’t they just had a major argument a few days ago?

Why was it different from what she imagined?

Shen Qingli’s face darkened, her nails unconsciously digging into her palm, turning her head to glare angrily at the gorgeously dressed Shen Tang.

Compared to her outfit, hers appeared utterly plain.

Today was supposed to be the celebration of her birthday, and this wench was clearly here to steal her thunder!

Suppressing her displeasure, Shen Qingli pulled Yun Han by the arm and coquettishly said, "Brother Yun Han, so many people are watching, and you’re not even helping me put on my necklace."

Yun Han finally snapped back to reality upon hearing this.

He looked at the expectant female before him, chuckling softly as he agreed and took the necklace from her hands, helping her to put it on.

Yet his eyes lacked the passionate resolution they had before, now seeming somewhat absent-minded.

Shen Qingli stroked the exquisite necklace hanging around her neck, unaware of the change in him at that moment, and asked, "Brother Yun Han, does this necklace look good on me?"

Yun Han’s eyes, filled with affection and doting, fell upon her pure and charming face. The icy blue necklace hung on her slender neck, draping over her collarbone, accentuating her skin that was as fair as jade, truly beautiful.

He touched her face, genuinely praising, "Beautiful! You are the most beautiful in my heart!"

Shen Qingli, hearing this, felt even happier.

While comforting her, Yun Han’s peripheral vision involuntarily glanced toward Shen Tang, his brows twitching as deep confusion flashed in his eyes. What on earth was going on?

Completely baffling.

Yet with so many people present, no one questioned it. Shen Tang’s identity couldn’t possibly be faked.

Catching a moment while mingling, Yun Han asked Lin Yu, "Was it her you all saw that day?"

Lin Yu, understanding what the young master was asking, nodded with a complex expression, "Yes, Princess Shen Tang has changed a lot!"

Another beastman remarked, "It just feels like Princess Shen Tang is more beautiful this time compared to the last."

Ever since Shen Tang made an astonishing entrance with her companions, the exclamations from the audience continued unabated.

Most in attendance were supporters of Shen Qingli, begrudging Shen Tang.

Someone, seeing her wearing an extravagant outfit, mocked with sarcasm, "It’s just a birthday party, and a guest wearing something so ostentatious is really stealing the host’s spotlight! No wonder she’s an illegitimate child of unknown origin, without a drop of noble royal blood, lacking any upbringing or decorum."

Someone, unable to bear such biting words, retorted, "Princess Qingli hasn’t said anything, so why are you being critical here?"

"Moreover, isn’t it good that she’s dressed so grandly? It shows Princess Shen Tang values this event."

"Exactly, if she had worn just anything here today, some who don’t like her would surely criticize her again."

"I think Princess Shen Tang’s attire is quite festive and looks great."

"Her Highness is so beautiful, anything she wears looks good. Some people just can’t stand seeing others thrive."

Amidst the nobility, overt and covert battles were frequent. Some sincerely spoke up for Shen Tang, while others deliberately contradicted, leaving those who initially ridiculed her speechless.

The two princesses were undoubtedly the center of attention, with supporters discussing them in private.

"I used to think Princess Qingli was the Empire’s finest and most beautiful female, but compared today, she seems somewhat plain."

"Right, both princesses have their merits. But I always thought Princess Qingli was a bit superior. Yet today, after Princess Shen Tang appeared, my gaze fell on her and has lingered ever since!"

"Finally, someone understands me, though I didn’t dare say it. Today, after all, is Princess Shen Qingli’s banquet..."

"What’s there to fear? I also think Princess Shen Tang is more beautiful. When she walked past me, she carried a faint fragrance that made my soul feel like it was drifting away..."

Various gazes landed upon Shen Tang’s face amidst whispered discussions. Shen Tang appeared oblivious, gracefully sitting down with her beast husbands.

Listening to such talk, Shen Qingli grew more enraged and flustered.

She bit her lip, her mind spinning, deliberately guiding Yun Han toward Shen Tang.

At the same time, her slender, jade-like fingers intentionally brushed over the blue necklace around her neck. The gemstone sparkled brilliantly under the lights, causing the surrounding nobles to exclaim in admiration.

"Up close, the gems on Princess Qingli’s necklace look even more gorgeous. If anyone were willing to gift me one, I’d marry them on the spot."

"Don’t even think about it! These gems are priceless, impossible to buy. We’re fortunate that Young Master Yun Han is a powerful Ninth Rank Beastman, capable of hunting for such treasures!"

Yun Han listened to the crowd’s admiring words, his heart unmoved. From childhood, he had heard countless such insincere praises. Yet, his brow subtly raised, and his peripheral gaze unconsciously traveled toward Shen Tang’s direction.

Shen Tang laughed and chatted with her beast husbands, seemingly unaffected by the idle gossip, showing no trace of jealousy or anger.

She was too calm and composed, having hardly glanced at him from arrival to seating.

As if she didn’t care at all.

Yun Han dangerously narrowed his cold eyes, their color becoming even more deep and obscure.

Ha.

She’s quite the pretender, isn’t she?

Yun Han, holding Shen Qingli by the waist, moved to stand before Shen Tang’s table, looking down on her from a height.

In a lazy and indifferent tone, he called out,

"Shen Tang, long time no see."