The night passed in the blink of an eye.
Warm sunlight quietly streamed through the gap in the curtains, casting its gentle glow upon Xu Jiujing. Slowly awakening from deep slumber, she stirred. The unfamiliar warmth beside her reminded her of the days when Shuyan was still around. Back then, no matter how grueling her daily studies or cultivation, a restful sleep in his arms was all it took to recover fully.
But ever since Shuyan left, her sleep had grown worse and worse until eventually, she was even afraid to fall asleep.
All of it stemmed from that boy who used to be inseparable from her. Were it not for the superior constitution of a Soul Master and the extraordinary care afforded to her as a princess, her body might have already broken down long ago…
Last night, she had what felt like a vivid dream Shuyan had returned. Overjoyed, she cried in his arms. After expressing their longing for one another, she fell into a deep, peaceful sleep embraced by him…
The dream felt like the first ray of sunlight breaking through the clouded gloom of her heart. Even her once weary and despondent aura had lifted, just a little.
She shifted slightly, intending to stretch, but in that instant, Xu Jiujing froze she sensed another presence beside her.
The sharp spike of danger triggered her instincts. Without thinking, she struck out with a palm imbued with golden soul power. In response, Shuyanvlying next to her abruptly opened his eyes and caught her glowing hand midair. Their eyes met in silence. Xu Jiujing stood stunned while Shuyan slowly released her now-stabilized hand, then gently pinched her cheek with a sigh.
"Jiujing, trying to murder your husband first thing in the morning? Not exactly a good habit…"
The familiar voice, the familiar tone—it was unmistakable. The Shuyan in front of her overlapped with the Shuyan of her memories. She spoke in disbelief.
"A'Yan?"
Shuyan nodded slightly and pulled her into his arms.
"You haven't truly rested in a long time. Listen to me just sleep a little longer."
He could sense how exhausted she still was. One night's sleep wasn't nearly enough to undo the suffering she'd endured.
Xu Jiujing's body trembled slightly, but under Shuyan's soothing presence, she gradually calmed.
She looked up from his embrace, her eyes brimming with joy and disbelief. Tears slid silently down her cheeks. Her lips trembled, overwhelmed by emotions she longed to express.
Shuyan pressed a kiss to her forehead and whispered:
"Jiujing, I know you have a thousand things to say, a thousand feelings to pour out. My return came too suddenly it must feel surreal, like a dream you're not sure is real. But I need you to know this: I truly am back. These past nine months, so much has happened. I'll explain everything in time. But most importantly I've found a brand-new path for our future. From now on, it'll be our shared goal."
Xu Jiujing nodded through tears, droplets falling onto the golden bedsheets below.
Words couldn't capture how she felt. The surprise and joy of regaining something lost left her breathless. Yet her curiosity also burned—what had Shuyan experienced in the Far North? What was this path he spoke of?
All of it stirred something deep inside her, making it nearly impossible to maintain the composure and elegance expected of a princess. Truth be told, she had always been highly possessive—especially of Shuyan. Now, his return and the mystery that surrounded him gnawed at her. She wanted—needed—to know everything.
Shuyan sensed her turbulent emotions. With a helpless sigh, he reached out and gently patted the softness of her back.
"Stop overthinking. You're my beloved—there's nothing I intend to hide from you. No need for any interrogations or imprisonment…"
A blush bloomed across Xu Jiujing's fair cheeks. His frankness embarrassed her. She shot him a glare, then muttered softly:
"No touching before we're married!"
She hesitated, then added with feigned reluctance:
"Still, if you're really that eager… I might consider making an exception…"
Shuyan imagined the scenario and instantly broke out in goosebumps. Shaking his head, he replied:
"Let's not go that far. Jiujing, it's still early. His Majesty hasn't finished morning court. Get some more rest. Later, we'll enter the palace together. I'll explain everything to you both then."
Xu Jiujing gave a soft hum of acknowledgment. Adjusting into a more comfortable position, she took hold of Shuyan's arm, wiped her tears, and coughed a few times before grumbling:
"Fine. But you must tell me everything later if you don't, don't even think about sharing my bed again!"
Shuyan chuckled softly and nodded. Watching her heavy eyelids finally close and her breathing slow, he carefully adjusted his position, gently pulling his numb leg free.
Looking at her peaceful sleeping face, Shuyan felt a calm settle over him. From this day forth, he would lead Xu Jiujing and the entire Star Luo Empire toward a realm that existed only in the pages of history. From now on, everything would change. The story of Douluo Continent would be rewritten by them.
It was nearly noon when Xu Jiujing finally stirred from sleep. After Shuyan helped her wash up, she clung to him like a lost treasure reclaimed. His vague words still left her uneasy, so naturally, she wished he could stay by her side every moment. Shuyan, unable to refuse her, waited patiently as she applied her makeup. Only then did they finally leave the Princess Manor together.
The Snow Empress and Ice Empress had long been waiting. Hidden in the shadows, not a soul noticed their presence, even amid the crowded streets. Shuyan gave them a small wave. Xu Jiujing, puzzled, blinked and in that instant, the two figures appeared before her.
For reasons unknown perhaps instinct every hair on Xu Jiujing's body stood on end. She instinctively took a step back. These two women radiated an unfathomable aura far beyond anything she'd ever felt. Not even her own royal brother had made her feel this way.
Her intuition screamed that these two were far from ordinary. And when she saw the Snow Empress's face so eerily similar to Shuyan's something clicked in her memory. She trembled and blurted out in disbelief:
"Snow Empress!?"
The Snow Empress's eyes scanned her from head to toe, a hint of scrutiny in her gaze. She was curious what kind of girl could be so important to Shuyan? After her assessment, she had a clear grasp of most of Xu Jiujing's background. All in all, it was… quite impressive.
A princess of the realm, around the same age as Shuyan, with soul power surpassing level 35, and an unusual starlike aura likely tied to her martial soul.
With that identity and talent, she was indeed a fitting match for Shuyan.
With that thought, the Snow Empress parted her lips and spoke...