As soon as Alternate Hui departs back to her reality, I take deep breaths, allowing myself a moment to analyze everything that has transpired thus far.
I control my anger, something I have never done before.
Despite replaying the current scenario in my mind a thousand times, I don't feel any anger. Yet, I couldn't understand the sudden increase in my level of patience.
The most important question now is, did I just form an attachment? Or is it something else entirely? This weighs heavily on my mind, especially considering that I am a person committed to doing good and intend to bring happiness to these two fiancées of mine before granting them salvation.
My goodness. I take another deep breath, continuing to ponder the events that have unfolded.
"Honey, aren't you tired? I'll give you a massage. Buckle up," she says for some reason.
Her voice is soft and reassuring, as always.
"Nah, it's fine," I try to decline.
"No, just relax and let me take care of everything," she insists.
"Ok," I agree, succumbing to her offer.
I couldn't help but agree, seeing the earnestness on her face.
I lie down on a nearby massage table where she motions me to.
I don't even bother taking a glance at Augustine, who is just looking at me as if she wishes to confirm something.
To me, Augustine is simply not visually pleasing to see despite general concession considering her a beauty.
On the other hand, Hui reaches out and gently runs her fingers along my arm, her touch sending a teasing shiver down my spine.
What a kind-hearted loving she is, while the other sits idly by, not even extending a greeting.
"Fucking bitch," I can't help but mutter under my breath.
Oh, I can finally say it.
"Did you say something?" Augustine asks.
From her tone, it felt like she heard me muttering but it wasn't technically possible since I'm a very careful person.
"Did you ask something?" I ask back, feigning ignorance.
In an instant, she sheds her doll-like facade and begins spewing nonsense.
I offer some resistance by simply ignoring her drivel.
After realizing that her attempts to grab my attention have failed, her anger reaches its peak but soon simmers beneath the surface, restrained by the presence of Hui.
"Hui?" I call out.
"What is it, honey?" she responds.
"I've had my share of the massage. Now, why don't you tell me why you seem so down?" I inquired, noticing the weight in her demeanor.
"It's nothing, really," she tries to reassure me, avoiding burdening me with her concerns.
"If you can't tell me what's worrying you then why don't you tell me the second most worrying thing which you could tell me."
She hesitates for a moment before divulging. "It has been ten days since you left the Upper Realm."
"Ten days?" I repeat, trying to process the significant time difference.
Internally, I'm astounded by the discrepancy. According to the general understanding, not even a single day should have passed in the Upper Realm during my travel in the lower realm.
"It must be those imaginative warpers," I muse aloud, connecting the dots to the time difference.
"Perhaps, and the reward ceremony has been put on hold due to your absence," she confirms, her voice tinged with concern.
"Hmm, that's quite worrying. But what about you?" I redirect the conversation back, showing genuine interest in her.
"An abyss has opened in YunJian Peak, and our Heavenly Martial Hall has taken the request to clear it," she explains.
"What's the issue? With millions of Outer Sect disciples and hundreds of thousands of Inner Sect disciples in the Lingshu Heavenly Land, shouldn't it be an easy task?" I question.
"You're right," she acknowledges my point.
"I'll accompany you," I offer without hesitation.
Her face shows surprise upon hearing this, and her entire demeanor lights up.
She then gently places her hand on my shoulder, feeling happiness.
Meanwhile, amidst her elation, I can't shake off the nagging thoughts about Augustine's presence in my room, the deviation from my plans, and the looming uncertainty ahead.
After a thorough discussion with Hui, she departs with a determined expression, already making preparations for the challenges of the following day.
Augustine, however, appeared reluctant to leave, but since I was not eager to prolong our interaction. I encourage her departure by resorting to bribing her with my blood.
.....
"So you didn't witness anything noteworthy happening here in my chamber?" I inquire, asking questions to my Shadow Guards.
"Yes, my lord," the Shadow Guards respond in unison.
"Hmm, then all of you are entirely useless, aren't you?" I remark, the question more rhetorical than anything else.
*We couldn't possibly stop or peek at the chamber when Young Misses were inside. Could we?*
"We apologize, Your Majesty," the Shadow Guards respond in unison.
"Well, you certainly should," I retort, my handsome face adorned with a smirk, the corners of my mouth subtly upturned in mockery.
I stride towards the recording crystal ball I had discreetly stashed away.
After my win in the Trial's finals, I had some hallucinations. Those hallucinations were so realistic that I still can't forget them or consider them to be mere illusions.
With a gentle touch, I run my hand over the smooth surface of the crystal, feeling its cool solidity beneath my fingertips.
As I do so, a radiant light begins to emanate from the crystal, casting a brilliant glow that fills the entire room.
*****************
"Did you hear? The Young Lord, may Allah Kabber's peace and blessings be upon him, will be joining our expedition," Disciple 1 shares with excitement.
"The Divine Hero?" queries Disciple 2, his curiosity piqued.
"Yes, he'll be accompanying the Young Miss on this journey," confirms Disciple 1.
"Alone?" questions Disciple 2, a hint of skepticism in his tone.
"Indeed, alone," affirms Disciple 1.
"Don't give me that incredulous look. Why is he planning to come alone? With his authority, couldn't he have an elder accompany him? It would make our mission so much easier" queries Disciple 2.
"Address him with the respect he deserves, dumbass," chides another disciple.
"Ah, yes," mumbles Disciple 2 sheepishly.
"If he does that it would weaken the prestige and influence of our clan's younger generation wouldn't it." replies Disciple 1.
"He could also want to synchronize the memories in his mind with the world outside," adds another, contemplating the Young Lord's motivations.
Meanwhile, Acantha enters the room with a submissive expression, her hands arched in a gesture of deference.
"Your Majesty, this subject has arrived," she announces respectfully.
"Acantha, I'm going to the Abyss that has opened in Yunjian Peak. You're aware of it?"
"Yes, Lord," she replies with a respectful nod.
"I have prepared a gift for you," I inform her, catching her by surprise.
"Pardon?" she responds, her curiosity piqued but needless to say she kept her Emotionless facade.
'System, summon the reward,' I command, eager to present her with the gift I've prepared.
A blue light envelops the entire room, casting an ethereal glow over the surroundings.
Acantha immediately jumps toward me, instinctively covering me with her Qi to protect me.
As the blue light condenses into a ball, a fairy-like figure emerges, her presence captivating and otherworldly. Behind her float blue holy swords, adding to her mystique and power.
"Who are you, vermin? How dare you attack the Lord, the one and only direct brother of the Emperor," Acantha demands, her voice laced with protective fury.
However, the draconic woman remains silent, instead kneeling before me in a display of deference. "I greet my master."
"Acantha, calm down. She's your gift," I explain, trying to soothe her anger.
"What?" Acantha's surprise is evident as she looks at me.
"Acantha, You're suffocating me and might break my bone. Lighten your grip"
She immediately lighten the grip, trying to hide her embarrassment.
"You look funny Acantha. I never thought you could make a face such as this."
"I don't understand. I am always smiling, this is my usual face....." She says, soon taking back her words as the realization hits her "I mean I'm thankful for your Praise my lord."
Her imposing aura, which moments ago surged toward the heavens and pressed down on the world around her, dissipated.
Just a moment ago, Acantha appeared like an ancient Daevi, capable of splitting the heavens and elemental worlds with a single movement. No one could truly estimate her true might.
Now, she resembled a mature, cute woman, exuding an aura of a mortal that beckons one to indulge in her essence.
"So, Acantha, you might need to establish a unique internal law one day. She could assist you with it," I suggest while stroking her hairs.
Acantha seems to have many questions swirling in her mind but refrains from asking them outright.
"I'm thankful for your reward," she says, kneeling down slightly.
"But, my lord, what should her name be?" she inquires.
She asked a pressing question.
I've never been particularly skilled at naming individuals, especially women. Well, let's consult the knowledge within this soul from my current lifetime.
"Bing Xuemei," I suggest.
"It's a wonderful name, my lord, perfectly suited for an ice-cold beauty," Acantha remarks instantly, launching into a spiel about my apparently impeccable naming sense, while I stare at her in utter disbelief.
"So, Ice Beauty, do you like this name?" I inquire.
"Yes, master," she responds.
"No need to be so formal. From now on, you'll serve both me and Acantha," I declare.
She promptly rises and takes a seat after I signal her to do so.
The frosty aura emanating from her as she took her seat chilled me to the bone, compelling me to seek warmth in a brisk shower, hot breakfast, and Warm dressing with Acantha, and with her help, I had swiftly completed the entire routine in less than half an hour. Gathering my belongings, I made my way out the door.