Thinking back to the moment when Jiang Jue had just saved her, Juzi felt a slight stirring in her heart. Ever since her father died years ago, she had always relied only on herself.
This was the first time someone had saved her from the brink of life and death. Moreover, Jiang Jue had just given her a chance to personally avenge her father. For some reason, her heart became a little unsettled.
Although Ke Ke would never meet Jiang Jue again, she could…
Silently, Juzi touched the mark on her right hand. It was the symbol formed from the necromantic contract just now.
"Your Highness, His Highness is asking whether you will return to the palace or continue staying in the military camp."
The Huanglong deputy commander looked at Juzi and asked softly, a trace of admiration visible in his eyes.
Although Juzi's operation this time had been risky, it had wiped out the main forces of Duke Huihuang in one blow. On the other front, after losing his main army, Duke Huihuang would soon be executed.
From the strategy to the execution, everything had been conceived and carried out by Juzi herself. She could be said to have contributed the most to this victory. After this battle, her status in the military would rise rapidly.
"No. I'll continue staying in the army."
After thinking for a moment, a determined look flashed in Juzi's eyes as she shook her head.
She was very smart. She knew that Jiang Jue was willing to give her the contract because he valued something about her. What she needed to do now was maximize that quality and increase her own value.
Staying in the military was her best choice.
Although Xu Tianran treated her well, because he lacked certain things, he had a somewhat twisted tendency to treat her like a caged canary.
"Very well. I will truthfully report this to His Highness."
The Huanglong deputy commander nodded slightly. At that moment, the tens of thousands of troops behind them finally arrived late.
Six days later.
Douling Empire – Jialing Pass.
The sky was clear and blue. Thick clouds drifted slowly across the sky. Warm sunlight scattered down, draping a golden veil over Jialing Pass, which had stood for ten thousand years.
"What was once the natural defensive stronghold of the Heaven Dou Empire ten thousand years ago has now become the border between the Heavenly Soul Empire and the Douling Empire. Rather ironic."
Jiang Jue looked at the endless ancient city walls. The scars of war crisscrossed across them. Under the sunlight, instead of looking aged and worn, they appeared full of glory.
He chuckled softly and slowly shook his head.
"Come out, Ye Guyi."
Jiang Jue raised his hand, and a flash of light appeared.
"Huh? Why did you release me again?"
Ye Guyi, dressed in white robes, looked around at the unfamiliar surroundings. Her golden eyes turned toward Jiang Jue as she pouted and asked.
"Follow me."
Jiang Jue said nothing more and calmly walked into Jialing Pass.
Looking at his back, Ye Guyi showed a flash of irritation on her pretty face and stomped her foot angrily. But she still followed behind him, secretly waving her delicate fist toward his back.
"One day, you'll rise up! When that day comes, you'll turn the tables and become the master. Believe in yourself, Ye Guyi!"
After ten thousand years of development—and because it had once been the battlefield of the divine war—Jialing Pass had long grown into a city. It had even developed a thriving tourism industry. Visitors came in endless streams to sightsee.
Entering the city required two copper soul coins.
"Pay."
Jiang Jue glanced at Ye Guyi behind him and spoke calmly.
Ye Guyi froze for a moment. Her pretty face instantly flushed red with anger. So she had become a little maid now?
"Ah!"
"Turns out you're Soul Masters! How could we possibly charge you? Please, both of you, go right in."
Before Ye Guyi could speak, the two soldiers standing by the gate looked at Jiang Jue with flattering expressions and invited him inside.
Every profession had its own survival skills. These two soldiers had worked here for years; when it came to judging people, their eyes were as accurate as rulers. Whether someone was a Soul Master or not—they could tell at a glance.
Jiang Jue looked at them with interest and walked into the city.
Ye Guyi followed behind him, taking out a silver soul coin while muttering under her breath, though it was unclear what she was saying.
"Hmm?"
As soon as Jiang Jue entered the city, the first thing he saw was a massive statue.
The statue was of Tang San.
"Well, it makes sense. This was the battlefield of the divine war ten thousand years ago. In the end, Tang San helped the Heaven Dou Empire defeat the so-called 'villain'—the Spirit Hall Empire."
Jiang Jue thought to himself, then looked toward Ye Guyi.
"Do you feel anything unusual? Like the time you sensed that fragment of the Angel God's divine position?"
Ye Guyi froze for a moment and suddenly understood why Jiang Jue had released her.
Wasn't he just using her as a treasure-detecting mouse?
"Damn it!"
But under Jiang Jue's gaze, although unwilling, she still released her Angel-type soul power and carefully sensed the surroundings. After a moment, she shook her head.
"No."
"Alright. Let's find a place to stay first."
Jiang Jue nodded slightly. He hadn't expected to find a fragment of the Angel God's divine position the moment they arrived. After ten thousand years, the place had long since changed.
Soon, Jiang Jue and Ye Guyi arrived at a well-decorated hotel. The moment they stepped inside, a sweet fragrance filled the air. The walls were decorated in warm tones, giving the place an extremely suggestive atmosphere.
At the counter, a male attendant had just finished receiving three guests—one man and two women. Both women wore light makeup, had tall figures, and were dressed very boldly. Most surprising of all, their appearances were identical.
They were twins.
After the three entered their room upstairs, the attendant noticed Jiang Jue and Ye Guyi and immediately brightened up, greeting them warmly.
"What kind of room would you two like?"
"A thrilling and passionate Rose Suite, or perhaps the dreamy and intoxicating Drunken Love Suite? Of course, we also have—"
As he spoke, the attendant gave Jiang Jue a knowing look.
"Although your rooms sound nice, they're a bit… too much like that. Do you have anything else? Let us take a look."
Ye Guyi stepped forward calmly, though her golden eyes kept glancing around, betraying her inner unease.
"Yes, miss! We do! Rooms like this—we actually have nine different styles available. I guarantee you'll be satisfied."
The attendant replied immediately.
"…"
Ye Guyi slightly parted her lips. There were nine more rooms like this? She didn't even dare imagine how extravagant they must be.
"No need, no need. Just open two rooms for us."
A faint blush appeared on Ye Guyi's face as she quickly waved her hand.
"Sorry, miss. Since it's the peak tourist season, we only have one suite left."
"But don't worry—the beds in our rooms are quite large, and the facilities are complete. Two people playing… I mean staying… will absolutely not be a problem."
The attendant secretly glanced at Jiang Jue, pretended to flip through a ledger, and handed over the suite key. At the same time, he gave Jiang Jue a subtle wink.
"Then you go sleep inside the Human Emperor Banner."
Jiang Jue secretly transmitted his voice and picked up the key, walking toward the room.
"Huh? I paid for the room, and you're telling me to go back into that smoke-spewing banner to sleep? This is outrageous!"
Ye Guyi froze for a moment before anger surged inside her. This evil soul master was worse than those nobles—he was exploiting her!
If he wanted her to go back, then she absolutely wouldn't do what he wanted!
Fuming, Ye Guyi paid the money and followed Jiang Jue upstairs.
Today would be the day she turned the tables!
"Ah… I've done another good deed. My merit has increased again."
The male attendant sighed emotionally as he watched Ye Guyi leave.
As the sun set, fiery clouds spread across the sky, and lights illuminated Jialing Pass.
The streets were full of vendors shouting to sell their goods. The aroma of street food drifted everywhere. The city was filled with lively energy and occasional bursts of laughter.
After resting briefly in the hotel, Jiang Jue took Ye Guyi out to search the divine war ruins from ten thousand years ago.
Feeling the lively atmosphere around her, Ye Guyi lightly sniffed the air. Her previously gloomy mood gradually faded.
That hateful evil soul master had actually made her sleep on the sofa!
She was the one who paid for the room! Although she wanted to resist mentally, her body had obediently listened…
And she had even accidentally discovered some blush-inducing "little toys" inside the room.
(End of Chapter)