Walking along the bustling streets of Jiang Imperial City, Han Wanxiang's gaze remained calm, her lips curling into a faint, alluring smile beneath her veil. Beside her, one of the elderly guardians accompanying her spoke cautiously.
"Saintess, with your Harmony Sacred Physique now perfected, I dare say no man under the heavens can resist your charms. Even Jiang HuanYu, no matter how exceptional the rumors paint him, is still a man. He will surely fall into your hands."
The other elder chimed in, her voice carrying a trace of amusement. "Indeed. No matter how otherworldly his talents may be, as long as he is male, the outcome is already determined."
Han Wanxiang chuckled softly, exuding quiet confidence. "I, too, am curious now, what kind of man is this Jiang HuanYu? What is his true identity?"
With that, the trio entered the gates of the Jiang Imperial Palace.
"No, Your Majesty! Please!"
"It won't fit!"
"It's alright, Xinrou, just relax. It's a bit tight because it's dry. With some water, it'll slide in easily."
"Ahh...!"
"There, see? It's in now."
Within the imperial bedchamber, Qian Xinrou was sweating profusely, her face pale with fatigue. Her wrist was red, but the translucent jade bracelet now encircled it snugly, shimmering beautifully against her delicate skin.
Jiang HuanYu chuckled, "See? I told you it just needed the right angle and a bit of lubrication. This bracelet contains a trace of my power, enough to protect you from anyone below the Saint Realm. It will ensure your safety."
He cradled Qian Xinrou tenderly, planting a light kiss on her forehead.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," she said softly, her cheeks tinged pink.
But Jiang HuanYu's mischievous grin returned. "Xinrou, I'm not done with you yet…"
"Your Majesty, no!" Qian Xinrou pleaded, her voice trembling. "I can't take it anymore. You've worn me out these past few nights. Your divine strength is overwhelming. I truly can't handle it!"
Seeing her exhausted and pitiful expression, Jiang HuanYu's heart softened. Stroking her cheek gently, he relented. "Alright, I'll let you rest for a few days. But you can't run from me forever."
He kissed her lips lightly and stood, allowing Qian Xinrou to cocoon herself in the blankets. Her body, heavy with exhaustion, soon succumbed to sleep.
As Jiang HuanYu sat to meditate, a cautious voice called from outside the chamber. "Your Majesty."
It was Left Chancellor Zuo Xuanqi.
Jiang HuanYu opened his eyes, his tone calm but commanding. "Speak."
Relieved to hear the Emperor's response, Zuo Xuanqi raised his voice slightly. "Your Majesty, the Harmony Sect's Saintess, Han Wanxiang, has arrived with two Heavenly Realm elders to seek an audience with you. I have invited them to wait in the side hall. Do you wish to see them?"
Jiang HuanYu frowned slightly. "Han Wanxiang?"
His mind raced. He and the Harmony Sect had no significant dealings thus far. Though the system had once suggested that Han Wanxiang could be a valuable consort due to her Harmony Sacred Physique, he had not actively pursued her.
However, he couldn't deny that her sudden visit piqued his curiosity.
From the bed, Qian Xinrou stirred at the mention of Han Wanxiang's name. Though fatigued, she opened her eyes, her expression wary.
"Why is she here, Your Majesty?" she asked softly.
Jiang HuanYu chuckled lightly. "I was about to ask the same thing. Zuo Xuanqi, did she state her reason for coming?"
"She claims to admire Your Majesty's renown and wishes to meet the legend of the Northern Domain in person," Zuo Xuanqi replied.
Jiang HuanYu smirked. "Flattery, huh? Fine. Tell her to wait. I'll meet her after I change."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Zuo Xuanqi answered, retreating swiftly.
As Jiang HuanYu began donning his imperial robes, Qian Xinrou's expression turned thoughtful.
"Your Majesty, I feel this visit from Han Wanxiang is not as simple as it seems."
Jiang HuanYu paused, looking at her curiously. "What do you mean, Xinrou?"
She hesitated briefly before speaking. "Han Wanxiang is known across the Northern Domain for her Harmony Sacred Physique. She has captivated countless men, turning them into willing pawns. Yet none have ever truly won her favor."
Her voice grew serious. "Such a woman must have ulterior motives. With the rumors spreading that Your Majesty may be the reincarnation of a supreme powerhouse, I believe many are eager to uncover the truth, including the Harmony Sect. Her visit may be an attempt to probe your secrets."
Jiang HuanYu's expression darkened slightly as he processed her words.
"So, you think she's here to test me? To see if I truly am the reincarnation of some ancient power?"
Qian Xinrou nodded. "Precisely. And with her perfected physique, she may attempt to sway you. Her allure could compromise even a Heavenly Realm expert, especially if they're unguarded. Your Majesty must exercise caution."
Jiang HuanYu laughed dismissively. "Do you really think she could charm me? My will is strong, and my cultivation surpasses hers by far. Her tricks won't work on me."
But Qian Xinrou's gaze remained firm. "Your Majesty, underestimating her could be dangerous. If her Harmony Sacred Physique truly is perfected, even the strongest wills can falter under its influence."
Jiang HuanYu pondered her warning, a mischievous glint forming in his eyes. "You're right, Xinrou. I must be prepared. In fact, I think I know the perfect solution to ensure her charms won't affect me."
Qian Xinrou looked at him questioningly. "What solution?"
Grinning wickedly, Jiang HuanYu approached the bed. "If I am to face her allure without distraction, I must first rid myself of all desire. And there's only one way to do that…"
Her eyes widened in understanding and disbelief. "Your Majesty, you don't mean—"
He cut her off with a playful yet commanding tone. "Come now, Xinrou. It's for the greater good. Shall we begin?"
Though tired, Qian Xinrou reluctantly nodded. For the sake of protecting her Emperor from Han Wanxiang's schemes, she resolved to give it her all.
(Scene omitted…)
Later in the Side Hall
Having "purified" himself, Jiang HuanYu strode into the side hall with renewed vigor, ready to confront Han Wanxiang.
The veiled saintess stood gracefully, her beauty radiating an almost otherworldly charm, flanked by the two elders.
"So," Jiang HuanYu said, his voice calm but commanding. "What brings the famed Saintess of the Harmony Sect to my court?"
Han Wanxiang smiled behind her veil, her enchanting eyes meeting his boldly. "Your Majesty's reputation precedes you. I simply couldn't resist the opportunity to meet such a legend in person."