Chapter 258: Goddess Martial Aunt's Journey for Two, Formal Meeting with the Feminized Son-in-law (4)
"I... No, he told me about you. It's you who helped him."
"You did so much to improve his life. We should be the ones thanking you."
Gu Qingzhou nearly let something slip and quickly corrected herself.
"None of that compares to what he did for me."
"Please let me take care of you on his behalf. That would ease my heart."
Su Qing's voice radiated honesty.
Such a cute little sister—who could say no to that?
"Thank you, Su... Su-gege. The night is late, please rest well. I'll take my leave."
Gu Qingzhou's eyes glimmered with emotion as she spoke in a cool tone.
Her cold exterior was just a mask—her heart was warm, filled with new hope.
Brother Su really did treat her with deep affection!
Because of that, she felt more motivated than ever to fulfill her duty. She would work twice as hard!
She gave Su Qing a sudden bow, then rushed away in a fluster.
Su Qing watched her retreating back, finally letting his surprise show.
Truthfully, he had guessed her real identity at first glance.
Even so, he couldn't help feeling stunned.
He never imagined his bro's transformation would be so... dramatic.
No wonder the guy had gone down such a twisted path.
He did look good—undeniably so.
But Su Qing was a gentleman. He wouldn't entertain any improper thoughts.
He'd already taken the man's wife—no need to go full beast mode.
Su Qing turned back toward the city, thoughtful.
His bro's issues could wait. There'd be time to handle it all later.
Tonight wasn't wasted—he'd picked up new intel.
The Palace Master of the Upper Immortal Palace, that flawless Empress, was coming to the mortal world!
Now that was a real threat.
Because she was in a league of her own—a hidden top-tier powerhouse of the current era!
Figuring out how to deal with her would take serious planning.
After returning, Su Qing didn't rest.
Something this urgent had to be reported to his superior immediately.
When he pushed open the door without hesitation, a voice full of disdain greeted him.
"Traitor, do you not knock before entering? Must I teach you even this?"
The Empress's voice and gaze were sharp with irritation.
She glanced over her shoulder at Su Qing, who had stopped just inside.
If it were anyone else, they'd already be dead.
"Your Majesty, I've acquired critical intel, and in my haste, I forgot. Please forgive me."
Su Qing said this, but his gaze didn't avoid hers in the slightest.
He had just accidentally barged in on the Empress while she was changing—how could he not look?
Beauty was meant to be admired.
The Empress was slightly bent over, her graceful curves fully accentuated.
Her long, flawless legs were still half-sheathed in stockings—one black, one bare.
One hand rested on her thigh, her balance perfect even on one leg.
Her pale skin glowed under the light, a soft, ambiguous shimmer.
And that face—absolutely stunning—looked back at him, sharp and cold.
With just a hint of barely detectable embarrassment.
Everything about her was impossibly beautiful—no master painter could capture this.
"Had your fill?"
The Empress yanked off her stocking and straightened up.
One long leg still clad in black stocking, the contrast striking.
Su Qing shook his head, completely honest.
That sensual back view was amazing—he could never get enough.
If anything, it would've looked even better if the stockings were mismatched.
"If this intel disappoints me, I'll have you executed tonight."
The Empress spoke coldly, raising a hand.
This traitor had gotten bolder since last time—infuriating!
Her face was stern and frosty, but her cheeks had reddened slightly.
The blush was subtle in the dark, but made her even more alluring.
Unfortunately, someone didn't get to admire it for long.
Su Qing flew into the room and expertly dropped to the carpet.
Not White Jade Pavilion's carpet, but still soft—not uncomfortable at all.
As soon as he was in place, he felt the pressure.
This time, it wasn't her foot—the Empress had sat down directly on him, using him as a cushion.
It looked like punishment, but he was kind of enjoying it.
His powerful body shrugged off the weight with ease.
The softness and springy pressure, on the other hand—unforgettable.
From this angle, he could also see a long, stocking-clad leg stretched beside him.
"Your Majesty, the Empress is coming—we need to speed things up."
"Before she arrives, we must take down Tang Xuan, or we'll face a major threat head-on."
Even while enjoying himself, Su Qing stayed focused.
No matter what he was doing, business always came first.
The Empress's calm expression shifted slightly, showing a trace of seriousness.
The Empress...
Undoubtedly a famed powerhouse.
She wasn't afraid—but that didn't mean she wanted trouble.
The plan was to take Heavenly Dao Sect quickly, securing useful hostages.
That way, she might not even have to fight—and maybe gain a powerful ally.
Now that Heavenly Dao Sect was rushing their plans, so must she.
But speeding things up wasn't easy.
A direct attack wasn't wise—too many factors.
She'd hoped to use diplomacy, but time was tight...
Silence fell for a full minute.
Unable to find a good plan, the Empress gave her silent courtier a few pats.
She'd thought of a few options, but none were useful.
Might as well let her pet come up with something.
"Your Majesty, I have a plan—it can speed things up without a direct battle!"
Su Qing seized the moment to speak.
"Then let's hear it."
The Empress steadied herself and asked.
This proud woman wasn't about to admit she didn't want to think anymore.
"We have a defector, but the rest of the sects don't know that."
"The goddess is a beloved idol of the younger generation. She's highly valued."
"And Aunt Yun has a special status—many of the older Heavenly Dao elders respect her."
"Right now, we have both of them in our hands—that's good news for us."
"Some fear we'll use them as hostages, which is why they want to end this fast."
"Our job is to make that fear come true."
Su Qing spoke righteously.
"...So if I'm understanding correctly, you're saying we should use them as hostages?"
