Afternoon.
Zhu Zhuqing woke up, her mouth and even the corners of her eyes reflecting a sense of enjoyment. Her small cat-like nose deeply inhaled the scent lingering on the pillow. It was one of the few times she could be so close to Gu Yi and enjoy his scent—a small indulgence of hers.
She couldn't act as flirtatious and forward as Dugu Yan, nor could she be as bold as Ning Rongrong, who had even dared to kiss him. The constraints of her family prevented her from expressing her feelings to Gu Yi and she didn't want to burden him either. Even a Titled Douluo might not be able to withstand the power of an entire empire.
Each time she pushed herself to the brink of exhaustion, it wasn't just to improve her strength faster—it was also for this small comfort.
"Zhuqing, you're awake! Let's go shopping now!" Ning Rongrong entered, looking excitedly at Zhu Zhuqing. They were all aware of Zhu Zhuqing's situation and her feelings for Gu Yi were clear to everyone, though it remained an unspoken understanding.
"Alright, let's go," Zhu Zhuqing agreed. It was something she had promised Ning Rongrong, so she wouldn't break the agreement.
...
Prince's Mansion.
"Is this true?" Qian Renxue's hands trembled as she read the gathered intelligence.
"Yes, young master. Though we had spies in Tianwen Academy and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, they mostly observed Ning Fengzhi and Gu Yi's interactions in public, without anything suspicious. But just a few days ago, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan suddenly announced three sets of self-created spirit abilities, exclusively for their true disciples. And ever since that meeting with Gu Yi, Sword Douluo has gone into seclusion, rumored to be breaking through to a higher realm." Snake Spear Douluo reported the collected intelligence in a measured tone.
"From all these signs, it seems likely that Gu Yi has struck some unknown deal with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. That might explain why he came to the Prince's Mansion last time, warning us not to investigate him further." Qian Renxue's exquisite face grew dark, feeling as though she had been betrayed by the person she most desired. The blow was unprecedented, even surpassing her resentment towards Bibi Dong.
"Young master, since Gu Yi now has other interests, delay could lead to complications. We must either eliminate him quickly or figure out the nature of his deal with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. We cannot afford to let our guard down with such a person." Porcupinefish Douluo chimed in, still harboring a grudge from their previous encounter.
"Shut up! If Gu Yi had truly allied with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, do you think my identity would still be a secret?" Qian Renxue displayed the authority of the Holy Maiden of Spirit Hall, exuding divine might despite not yet inheriting the Angelic Godhood. She was like a celestial treasure destined to inherit the divine position.
Snake Spear and Porcupinefish Douluo said nothing, silently withdrawing.
"It can't be true. It can't be true. Gu Yi wouldn't betray me." Despite her words, Qian Renxue lacked confidence, repeating them as if to reassure herself. She decided to confront Gu Yi in person to find out what was going on.
...
Meanwhile, Gu Yi, the focal point of all these suspicions, was leisurely enjoying Ah Yin's service, a satisfied smile on his face.
"I must say, Ah Yin, your skills have really improved," Gu Yi remarked, looking down at Ah Yin as she diligently worked.
"It's all thanks to your teachings, master," Ah Yin replied, continuing her service with increasingly refined techniques.
"By the way, is Tang San responsible for the recent events in Heaven Dou City?" Gu Yi pulled Ah Yin closer, his gaze lingering on her translucent red lips before locking onto her Blue Silver Grass-colored eyes.
Tang San's martial spirit had undergone a significant change. Despite Gu Yi's considerable knowledge in martial spirits, he had never encountered something as sinister as those blood-red thorns—poisonous, paralyzing, and exceptionally resilient. The transformation from the Blue Silver Grass martial spirit was astounding and difficult to compare.
Yet, even with his doubts, Ah Yin would have a better understanding than him. No matter how Tang San's martial spirit changed, it was still fundamentally based on Blue Silver Grass. As the Blue Silver Emperor, Ah Yin had an innate connection with all Blue Silver Grass, allowing her to detect subtleties that even Gu Yi might miss.
"Perhaps… maybe… it's possible?" Ah Yin hesitated. Despite her deep connection to Blue Silver Grass, she couldn't be certain. The aura from Tang San, who had taken her son's soul, was consistent, without any rejection or difference. But no matter how the Blue Silver Grass mutated, it should never turn into something so bloodthirsty and vile.
Ah Yin harbored no goodwill towards Tang San; her heart was filled with hatred. Her poor child hadn't even witnessed the world before being mercilessly snuffed out, making Tang San a cruel executioner in her eyes. This had even caused her feelings towards Tang Hao to diminish significantly. His actions over the years had crossed all of Ah Yin's boundaries, showing none of the masculinity she once admired. Marrying such a man was a mistake.
"You're not afraid I'll trick you anymore?" Gu Yi asked, amused, remembering how she once doubted him so steadfastly.
Ah Yin smiled seductively, "What's left for you to take from me?"
Gu Yi nodded, acknowledging the truth. After all, she was entirely in his possession now—there was nothing left to deceive her over.
"Alright, go back and continue your cultivation. Try to regain your human form as soon as possible."
Though Ah Yin could be physically touched, she hadn't fully regained her human form. She was temporarily using the power of the Blue Silver Grass across the vast world to maintain a physical presence. However, since she still retained the Blue Silver Emperor bloodline within her, regaining her cultivation, though not easy, would be much faster than for an ordinary spirit beast. Blue Silver Grass was weak, its existence easily erased by any force. But when those forces combined, they formed the Blue Silver Emperor—a mighty existence. Re-cultivating might not be a bad thing for Ah Yin, giving her a chance to avoid the many mistakes she made in her previous life.
(End Of Chapter)