Chapter 208: The Empress Gets Flustered, The Dowager Gets Wrecked, and Someone Hits the Jackpot (4)
"Reward? What reward?"
Su Qing had question marks floating above his head.
He hadn't thought much of it earlier, but now he suddenly felt like he'd taken a massive loss.
Especially as they passed by Jinxiu Boutique—he felt like he'd lost a fortune.
The Empress, of course, didn't answer. She let her annoying little brother stew.
Her mood was excellent, though she kept her cool expression.
Even as her ears tingled and her cheeks warmed at his teasing, she didn't show it at all.
After all... this was just part of her daily duties as a ruler pampering her loyal subject!
And so the outing ended.
The two most powerful women in the Southern Dynasty returned to the palace, both looking dazed.
Some anonymous insider later claimed they kept smiling to themselves all day, for unknown reasons.
As for a certain young man, he was left a little frustrated, having failed to get any reward despite all his efforts.
He couldn't help but feel like something had gone a bit wrong today.
In a quiet courtyard...
Gu Hanyan circled the silvery-white cocoon before her, making sure nothing was out of place.
Brilliant light shimmered from its surface, and life pulsed visibly within.
All signs pointed to Gu Qingzhou being close to breaking through—though it was taking much longer than expected.
The blonde beauty's eyes held a trace of confusion.
She could clearly sense the vibrant life inside, but something still felt... off.
This transformation of her nephew didn't match anything in the records!
Was it a flaw in the written accounts?
If not for the stable aura inside, she might have forcibly interrupted the process.
Having never witnessed a Nirvana rebirth in person, Gu Hanyan could only wait, puzzled but cautious.
Everything would have to wait until her nephew emerged. Surely he would understand better.
With that thought, the blonde beauty let go of her worries and set up multiple layers of protection.
She came to check several times a day, reinforcing all safety measures to prevent any accidents.
When her nephew came out and met his new cousin, he would definitely be happy.
They were already close as brothers—now they'd be even closer. Family strengthening family.
Just as Gu Hanyan was preparing to return to her cultivation, her gaze flicked to the door.
The formation had been triggered—someone had entered.
"Aunt!"
A familiar voice called out from outside.
The coldness in the blonde beauty's eyes melted into a gentle warmth.
She had just been thinking about him, and here he was.
Was this the famed bond of family?
She immediately went out, ready for a warm chat.
But upon seeing who was with him, her expression quickly cooled.
The coldness wasn't for her nephew, but for the person he brought.
She had no fondness for the witch she'd recently helped.
Betrayed and cast out, wandering from place to place—she not only hated her senior sister, but also the ruthless Demonic Sect.
She had helped only for two reasons: out of love for her nephew, and to strike at her old rival.
Otherwise, she wouldn't have lifted a finger, let alone out of some shared sect bond.
"Aunt, Long Ye came to thank you."
Su Qing sensed the tension and smiled.
As the mediator, it was his job to ease things between them.
"Thank you, senior, for saving my life. I feel no aftereffects at all now."
"I've admired you for a long time, but never had the chance to meet. I'm lucky fate allowed it."
Long Ye showed no sign of minding the cold reception and bowed respectfully to the blonde beauty.
The demon girl casually revealed Gu Hanyan's identity, her eyes glowing with admiration.
The awe and devotion in her gaze were like a fangirl meeting her idol.
"Oh? Is that so?"
Gu Hanyan's voice was flat, tinged with sarcasm.
Admiration? She didn't buy it for a second.
A disgraced figure like her, exiled and infamous throughout the Demonic Sect—how could she have fans?
Clearly, this was just an attempt to cozy up.
If not for her nephew, she would have kicked the witch out long ago.
Su Qing remained silent, letting the stage belong to the real star today.
Today was Long Ye's show, and he was just here for support.
"Senior, I'm not just saying that, and I'm not trying to butter you up—I mean every word."
"The Demonic Sect spreads many lies about you, but I found out the truth."
"I understand what you've gone through. You've endured far more than I have. Can't I be allowed to admire you for that?"
Long Ye took a deep breath and spoke seriously.
Before a True Immortal, there was no room for deception—and so the demon girl showed rare sincerity.
Gu Hanyan frowned slightly and looked at her nephew.
Since leaving the Demonic Sect, she had fallen into a wretched state, completely cut off from information.
She knew little about Long Ye, and didn't understand why her nephew had brought her here.
"Aunt, she really does understand. I can vouch for it."
"Long Ye is the heir of the Heavenly Demon Sect, and she too was betrayed by someone close—her master."
"She had no choice but to flee."
Su Qing laid everything out plainly.
"Qing'er, why are you telling me this?"
Gu Hanyan's eyes showed some displeasure.
Was he trying to win her sympathy?
She didn't hand out compassion freely. And who was she to pity anyone?
"Aunt, her background is a great opening—a legitimate path for your return!"
"You saved her life. I've spent plenty of time with her and know she can be trusted."
"She'll be an excellent stepping stone. We have to cultivate her!"
Su Qing sent her a sound transmission.
Gu Hanyan froze.
She looked at the serious-faced boy, and her displeasure turned to guilt.
He wasn't trying to earn her sympathy. He was planning for her future.
Now that she thought about it, if she wanted to reclaim her position, she needed an opening and a bridge.
And Long Ye was perfect for that—a foundation on which to rebuild.
Her nephew had always thought only of her, yet she doubted him again.
Had she become too suspicious?
This wasn't how family should treat each other. She was a poor excuse for an aunt.
"Aunt, I just wanted you to know she's someone you can absolutely trust."
Su Qing winked at the blonde beauty.
The demon girl, overhearing, had her affection levels raised yet again.
"Mm, I understand. Qing'er, since we have time today, let me guide your cultivation."
Gu Hanyan nodded toward Long Ye, then turned to Su Qing.
Overwhelmed with guilt, she now just wanted to do something for her nephew.