The lavish halls of the Heaven Dou Palace whispered of death. News traveled fast—Prince Xue Beng had been found dead in a brothel. The official report called it a tragic accident, but those who moved in the shadows knew better.
In her private chambers, Qian Renxue—still disguised as Crown Prince Xue Qinghe—sat in silence, fingers lightly tracing the rim of a jade cup. The scent of tea lingered in the air, untouched. Across from her stood Snake Lance Douluo, his face impassive, waiting for her command.
"Good work." Her voice was soft, but the weight of authority behind it was unmistakable.
Snake Lance Douluo dipped his head slightly in response.
Xue Beng had been nothing more than a self-indulgent fool, a minor nuisance with no ambition beyond his next indulgence. His existence was an inconvenience, and now, it was no longer her concern. Yet, there was no satisfaction in his removal, only a quiet void.
With a wave of her hand, she dismissed Snake Lance Douluo and turned her attention to the letter resting on her desk. The delicate strokes of ink carried the unmistakable hand of her teacher, Ning Fengzhi. Her sharp golden eyes scanned the words, but the moment she reached a particular line, a cold chill ran through her.
Ryan is from the God Realm.
The cup in her hand nearly slipped.
Ryan… The man who had seen through her disguise without a second thought. The enigma who spoke of things he shouldn't possibly know. The one who shattered her composure with just a glance.
She had wanted to believe his words were mere manipulation, a test of her wit and control. Yet, confirmation from her grandfather himself made denial impossible.
Her mind raced. If Ryan truly hailed from the God Realm, then why was he here? Was he observing her? Was he part of some divine trial? Or was this something far more dangerous?
She clenched her fists. No. She needed answers, and there was only one person who could provide them. Ryan himself.
Yet, he had seemingly vanished over the past few weeks.
She had already sent feelers to track him, but so far, they had found nothing. It was frustrating. As if his existence vanished off the planet.
And as if that weren't enough, her plate was already overflowing. The looming Angel God Trials, her mother's issues, the threat posed by the Clear Sky Clan—it was suffocating.
Then there were the recent disappearances. Nobles and young masters vanishing without a trace. No one knew where they had gone, and whispers hinted at the work of an Evil Spirit Master. Another problem to add to her growing list.
---
Elsewhere, in the streets of Heaven Dou City…
Ryan sighed as he stood before yet another group of guards, their richly dressed employer sneering at him with the confidence only an entitled fool could possess.
Fleur, beside him, looked slightly embarrassed.
"You wouldn't want anything to happen to your boyfriend, would you?" The noble's smirk deepened. "If you come home with me, I might consider sparing his life."
Ryan rubbed his temples. "This is, what, the ninth one this week?"
The young master's arrogance vanished in an instant as fire surged in Ryan's palm. Before a single scream could escape, the entire group was reduced to less than dust in the wind.
Another problem solved.
Ryan had spent the past week balancing training and dates, taking Fleur and the others shopping or out to dinner. It was supposed to be a pleasant time. But almost every outing was interrupted by some young master attempting to claim his women with either wealth or brute force.
Do you know who my father is?!
Courting death!
Cripple your cultivation and kowtow before me!
Break his legs and bring that woman to me!
At first, it had been amusing, almost nostalgic in its absurdity. But by now, it was just annoying.
Nearby onlookers stared in horror, but before panic could spread, Ryan gave a lazy flick of his wand. A subtle Obliviation rippled through the crowd, their eyes glazing over as the last few minutes were wiped from existence.
He exhaled, shaking his head. "It's like rats crawling out of the woodwork when they smell meat. Maybe I should start considering this karmic work—wiping out the trash, erasing half of Slaughter City's scum, taking out corrupt nobles. My good karma must be through the roof by now."
Fleur giggled, stepping closer. "Oui. I'll be sure to reward you later," she purred before pulling him into a heated kiss, right there in the middle of the street.
By the time he caught his breath, she was already tugging him toward a nearby boutique.
"Come, mon amour. I saw the most exquisite set of dresses earlier!"
Ryan sighed. He still couldn't escape shopping duty.
The boutique was lavish, lined with elegant gowns, shimmering jewelry, and delicate perfumes that filled the air with an intoxicating scent. Fleur's sapphire eyes sparkled with excitement as she flitted from one rack to another, holding up dresses against herself before discarding them just as quickly.
Ryan, however, leaned against a nearby wall, arms crossed, watching with a mix of amusement and resignation.
"Are we almost done?" he asked.
Fleur turned, her lips curving into a sultry smile. "Non, mon amour. I have not even begun."
Before he could ask, she grabbed his wrist and dragged him toward the dressing rooms at the back of the boutique. The attendant barely had time to register what was happening before Fleur flashed a charming smile and waved her away.
Ryan raised an eyebrow. "You don't need help changing?"
She clicked the lock behind them and leaned against the door, her smirk deepening. "Oh, I do. But I'd rather have you help me."
The small space suddenly felt much smaller. Fleur stepped forward, pressing against him, her fingers toying with the buttons of her blouse.
"You've been working so hard, mon chéri," she murmured, tracing a slow circle on his chest. "Eliminating pests, protecting me… I think it's only fair I properly reward you."
Ryan grinned, his hands instinctively finding her waist. "We're in public, you know."
"Then you'll just have to be quiet, non?" Fleur whispered, her breath warm against his ear.
Whatever complaints he might have had vanished as she captured his lips in a deep, searing kiss, her body molding against his.
Then she sunk down to her knees eagerly. "Just like Hogwarts, non?"
The sounds of slurping, flesh slapping and moans filled the dressing room soon after.
Sometime later, when they finally emerged, Fleur looking especially radiant and Ryan slightly disheveled, the boutique attendant raised an eyebrow but wisely said nothing.
Fleur merely hummed in satisfaction, linking her arm through Ryan's as she handed the attendant a selection of dresses. "We'll take these."
The attendant got a nice tip as well.
[Send me tips and Powerstones. Also you guys have really been slacking on the big booty anime girls lately, cowards! Cashapp $Ryantheholy.]