Chapter 68: Your Majesty the Empress, Surely You Wouldn't Want Your Father and Family to Be Annihilated, Would You?
"Well done. This is for you."
Gu Qing tossed a jade bottle and a jade slip toward Ji Ning.
Ji Ning received them joyfully. Though Gu Qing was only at the Void Dao Realm, she knew him well enough to understand that whatever he gave would never be ordinary.
As expected, when her divine sense swept over them, her beautiful eyes widened in shock.
The liquid within was pure with the essence of laws. Though somewhat diluted, its potency was astonishing.
Moreover, it was an elixir without any side effects, capable of refining her body, soul, and cultivation, allowing her very life essence to transform.
And Gu Qing had not given her a few drops—it was enough to fill a small lake.
Used sparingly, it would be sufficient for her to break through to the mid-stage of the Saint Realm.
Even more shocking was the Nirvana Through Fire Method.
It was a supreme art capable of rebirth through fire, transforming her completely and letting her soar to the heavens in one leap.
It would refine her physique, heighten her comprehension, and elevate her life to a higher state.
She could even use it as a foundation to develop her own Nirvana Method.
If she could integrate this Nirvana art into her own cultivation technique, it would be an immense fortune.
The more Ji Ning thought about it, the more excited she became. Her tone trembled slightly as she gave a solemn bow. "Thank you."
"No need. You've helped me enough; this is simply repayment."
Gu Qing smiled carelessly.
Ji Ning nodded firmly, saying nothing more. In her heart, she had already decided to follow Gu Qing from now on.
As for Zhi Meng—he could go wherever he pleased.
After all, she had followed him for many years and gained enough.
It was time to find a stronger backer.
"System, show me her attributes."
Gu Qing thought suddenly. Come to think of it, after all this time with Ji Ning, he had never actually checked her stats.
[Name] Ji Ning.
[Realm] Peak Ninth Level of the Venerable Realm.
[Physique] Five Elements Divine Body.
[Talent] Innately Gifted, Born Close to the Dao.
[Fate Pattern] Dao Prover.
[Fate] Blessed and Peaceful Life.
[Fortune] 150,000.
"???"
Gu Qing's eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at Ji Ning, as if seeing her for the first time.
Damn—she had hidden herself too deeply.
She had claimed to possess the Geng Metal Divine Body, which was already top-tier, but the Five Elements Divine Body was a Supreme Physique, no weaker than the Starry Cosmos Divine Body.
With two heaven-defying talents combined, Ji Ning was undoubtedly invincible among her peers.
And yet such a person had chosen to serve someone else?
What was wrong with her head?
Wouldn't being the leader herself be far better?
"A sly one—she's a sly one. Never thought such a master schemer would be right beside me," Gu Qing mused, his gaze shifting. They were alike, after all.
Who didn't know he possessed the Starry Cosmos Divine Body?
He himself believed that was his only constitution.
He had always cultivated with its Dao and divine arts.
"What is it?"
Ji Ning suddenly grew alert, sensing something unsettling in Gu Qing's gaze.
"Nothing," Gu Qing replied, retracting his look. He decided he would seek Ji Ning's advice in the future.
After all, she possessed the Blessed Life fate—perfection among all schemers.
Still, what did "Dao Prover" mean?
When in doubt, ask his adoptive father.
[Literal meaning: she has the potential to attain the Dao in the future.]
"Impressive."
Ji Ning had truly reached the pinnacle of cautious endurance—having everything by waiting till the end.
"What impressive?"
Ji Ning looked at him oddly, sensing his strange tone.
"Nothing. Come, let's head to the Marquis of Xiliang's mansion."
...
"Your subject greets Your Majesty the Empress."
Dong Fei spoke respectfully, but made no gesture of courtesy.
His eyes gleamed with predatory hunger, like a starving wolf staring at prey.
This was the woman countless men of the Divine Phoenix Empire dreamed of. He was no exception—if anything, he desired her even more. He dreamed of possessing Bai Suying.
With Ji Ning's assistance, if he could also claim Bai Suying, that would mean gaining Bai Wuya's support as well.
With two Supremes behind him, dominion over the empire would be within reach.
"Hmph."
Bai Suying snorted coldly, her aura exploding as killing intent flashed in her eyes.
"Dong Fei, do you think that with the Goddess Feitian's help, you can do whatever you please?"
"Hahaha! Your Majesty truly lives up to your reputation—stronger and wiser than any man. I am in awe."
Dong Fei laughed heartily. His massive, muscular frame, dark skin, and coarse features made him look like a savage beast.
He sneered. "But if you think you can intimidate me, you're far from it."
Though he looked like a beast, he was cunning and shrewd. He instantly saw through Bai Suying's bluff, and also wanted to test how far Ji Ning would go to aid him.
After all, everyone here was a seasoned fox.
He had risen from an ordinary soldier step by step to become the Marquis of Xiliang—what intrigue or scheme had he not seen before?
"What do you want?"
Bai Suying's expression turned grim.
"Your Majesty the Empress, I want you. Is that acceptable?"
"Delusional."
Bai Suying turned to leave, her sleeves sweeping sharply.
"If you dare step out that door, I'll have the Goddess Feitian destroy your entire family!"
Dong Fei flashed in front of her, his grin ferocious.
"Heh, and who do you think you are, Dong Fei? You think a human Supreme would act on your command?"
Bai Suying's heart sank, though she maintained a cold, disdainful face.
"To be frank with you, the Goddess Feitian promised to fulfill one condition for me, and in return, I agreed to every request she made."
"If you don't believe me, go ahead and walk out." Dong Fei stepped aside, gesturing mockingly.
"Choose another."
Bai Suying clenched her teeth, fury boiling inside her.
To be threatened by two men in succession—it was unbearable.
As the Empress of a nation and daughter of a Supreme, when had she ever been humiliated like this?
"No. I want you—and you alone are irreplaceable."
Dong Fei's tone deepened.
Whether as the mother of the empire, the daughter of a Supreme, or the possessor of unmatched beauty and grace, there was no second Bai Suying in the entire Divine Phoenix Empire.
The title of the empire's number one beauty was no exaggeration.
"The capital overflows with beauties, Marquis Dong. Perhaps you should broaden your horizons," Bai Suying said coldly.
"No, no, no."
Dong Fei shook his head repeatedly, eyes burning with obsession.
"Those painted women are nothing compared to a single strand of Your Majesty's hair. Every time I see them, I feel nothing. Only before you does my blood boil, as though I've returned to my youth. Do you understand, Your Majesty?"
"Hmph. Reckless fool. Have the Goddess Feitian come out now."
Bai Suying's beautiful eyes turned icy, her tone devoid of emotion.
Dong Fei frowned. The favor of an invincible Supreme was far too precious to waste.
Yet seeing Bai Suying's calm defiance, a sudden unease crept into his heart.
Something wasn't right.
Bai Suying was known for her filial piety—how could she be so indifferent to her father's safety?
Before he could think further, the answer revealed itself.
Gu Qing entered with the so-called "Goddess Feitian," smiling faintly. "As expected of Your Majesty, so perceptive. You guessed I was behind this so quickly."
"So it was you, you little bastard."
For the first time in her life, Bai Suying cursed aloud, glaring at Gu Qing with gritted teeth, wishing she could bite him.
First, he had insulted her until she questioned her very sanity, and now he had injured her father—he was beyond intolerable.
Fortunately, she had been cautious. She had long felt it was impossible for such a powerful Venerable Realm expert to suddenly appear in the Divine Phoenix Empire.
After all, Venerables were not cabbages to be found everywhere—they were the cornerstones of great powers.
She had seen most of the Venerables of the Eastern Domain, and heard of the rest. There was no such person as the Goddess Feitian.
Thus, the truth was clear—the Goddess Feitian was one of Gu Qing's people.
"So what if it's me? Do you plan to resist?" Gu Qing no longer bothered to hide it, admitting openly.
He was a little regretful.
Originally, he had planned to play the hero saving the beauty—a smooth and perfect plan to slay and seize. But Bai Suying's sharp mind had seen through it instantly.
Still, it didn't matter. It wasn't a wasted effort.
After this lesson, he doubted Bai Suying would ever dare defy him again.
And indeed, Bai Suying didn't dare. She fell silent.
She knew well—this time was merely a threat. Next time, he might actually follow through.
She had no way to refuse.
"Thud!"
Dong Fei suddenly understood everything. He had been used from beginning to end.
He fell to his knees with a heavy thump, trembling, knocking his head on the ground.
"I deserve death, I deserve death..."
Ji Ning raised a finger, ending him instantly.
A peak Eighth Level King Realm expert, a man who had clawed his way to power, perished then and there.
"Your Majesty the Empress, you see now, don't you? Surely you wouldn't want your father and family to turn to ashes," Gu Qing said softly, taking her delicate hand with a look of feigned sympathy.
Knowing she could not escape his grasp, Bai Suying sighed miserably and muttered through clenched teeth, "You little bastard, how old are you this year?"
"Maybe... a little over twenty," Gu Qing thought carefully and answered honestly.
He had spent so many years in seclusion that he had nearly forgotten the passage of time.
"So young?"
Bai Suying was stunned.
Barely over twenty—and already at the Fourth Level of the Void Dao Realm.
In the past, that would have been unheard of.
Only in this golden age, where prodigies and monsters abounded, could such talent exist.
Even so, among billions in the Divine Phoenix Empire, only Ye Hao and Luo Li had achieved such feats.
Still, she was several hundred years older than him.
Being threatened by someone so young left her feeling utterly humiliated—like an old ox being grazed by a young calf.
"Young? Your Majesty shouldn't speak so carelessly. Reckless words come with a price," Gu Qing said meaningfully, his eyes sweeping over her.
"Ugh!"
Bai Suying blushed, spitting lightly in anger. "Didn't you say I had three days to think about it? It's been barely three hours!"
"Ke ke... but Your Majesty is so enchanting—I can hardly sleep at night because of you."
"You little bastard! To be so young and already forcing yourself on a married woman—does your master know how vile you are?"
Bai Suying had always thought cursing was crude, yet at that moment, it felt indescribably satisfying.
She spat "little bastard" again and again.
Her face, as beautiful as a painting, flushed with anger; her red lips parted with every furious word, creating a strangely captivating allure.
"Heh."
Gu Qing chuckled softly.
Her scolding sounded less like rage and more like flirtation with a lover—devoid of malice, full of charm.
Go ahead, curse all you like. Tonight, he planned to stay in the palace and let her curse to her heart's content.
"I need to return home and inform my father."
After venting enough, Bai Suying averted her gaze, hoping to delay things.
"Alright, go ahead. Take this sacred artifact as my betrothal gift. I'll await you at Moyang Palace—don't keep me waiting too long."
Nodding as though he had misunderstood her intent, Gu Qing tossed her Lin Fan's damaged sacred artifact.
After all, when marrying a man's daughter, one should give proper notice.
Now that he had done so formally, Bai Suying was unmistakably marked as his.
"This..." Bai Suying's divine sense swept across it, her eyes widening.
It was indeed a sacred artifact. Though damaged, it remained functional—and a sacred artifact was a sacred artifact.
Had Bai Wuya possessed such a weapon, he wouldn't have lost so badly to Ji Ning. Without the enemy wielding one, he might even have won.
Of course, against cultivators below the Saint Realm, its offensive use was secondary.
Its true value lay in the holy laws it contained, which could help one break through to the Saint Realm.
To a Venerable, a sacred artifact was priceless.
And Gu Qing had thrown it to her as though it were nothing.
"Ye Hao has arrived with Saints. Should we leave?" Ji Ning suddenly sent a voice transmission.
She had slain several members of the Luo Net—Ye Hao must have learned of it and was now bringing Saint Realm reinforcements.
"No need," Gu Qing replied calmly.
With Ye Hao's cautious temperament, as long as he wasn't provoked, he would continue to endure.
Perfect. That gave Gu Qing plenty of room to maneuver.
Ye Hao liked to play the pig to eat the tiger—so Gu Qing would make him into a real pig.
When Ye Hao finally revealed all his cards and led his army into the city, basking in glory and dominance, Gu Qing would give him a surprise greater than anything he could imagine.
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