Chapter 83: A Nation's Ruler, A Woman's Heart
A sleepless night.
A sleepless night.
A sleepless night.
The long-dormant energy had finally begun to stir.
All night, His Majesty remained in the imperial study, never ceasing his work. The flickering candlelight cast a wavering silhouette, one that rustled and shifted with the turning of pages.
When morning arrived and the first light of dawn crept in—
The two of them were wrapped in each other's embrace, finally finding a moment of peace.
"Brother Qin Chuan, I was really scared…"
Qian Renxue clutched Qin Chuan's arm tightly, her eyes red with lingering fear.
"When Xue'er heard that the Emperor of Xingluo was personally leading an expedition, I wished I could fly to your side immediately."
Qin Chuan simply smiled and listened.
His other hand, however, roamed without restraint, gently kneading a certain soft curve.
"Xue'er was already restless, and on top of that, those old fools in the court kept preaching funeral songs, trying to curse you from afar. It made me furious."
"Brother Qin Chuan, do you know what I did that day?"
"I executed several people during the court session."
"Anyone who dared to speak against me—I ordered them beheaded. By the end, no one dared to utter a word."
"But Xue'er knows…"
"They were just silent on the surface. In their hearts, they must think I'm a tyrant, someone who will bring ruin to the empire. But I'm not afraid."
"Brother Qin Chuan, if anything had really happened to you…"
"Even if it meant the destruction of Heaven Dou, I would've dragged the entire Xingluo Empire down with me."
"Fortunately… fortunately…"
Qian Renxue hugged his arm tighter, her voice soft and dreamy.
"Fortunately, just when Xue'er was about to collapse, your battle report arrived…"
"Xue'er finally knew…"
"Brother Qin Chuan, that you were alive…"
"Xue'er was so happy… I almost cried…"
She suddenly rolled over and buried her face against his chest.
Qin Chuan felt the warmth envelop him again.
A burning desire surged within him—just as he was about to act, the sharp voice of a eunuch echoed from outside the imperial study:
"Master Ning, His Majesty is receiving a guest. His Majesty has instructed that no one is to be disturbed."
"Out of my way!"
Ning Fengzhi's cold voice rang out:
"I want to see what kind of 'distinguished guest' is worth making this sect master wait for an hour in the meeting hall."
"Master Ning—"
The eunuch tried to stop him.
"Get lost!"
Another voice erupted, this one sharp and heavy with sword intent.
The eunuch fell silent immediately.
Inside the imperial study, Qian Renxue lifted her head. Her flushed face now radiated anger.
"That Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect is becoming more and more insolent."
Qin Chuan also frowned, displeased.
But as footsteps neared, Qian Renxue whispered,
"Brother Qin Chuan, Xue'er will make it up to you tonight, alright?"
"Let's hear what they have to say."
Qin Chuan responded.
Bang—!
The doors of the imperial study were flung open.
Ning Fengzhi stepped inside, clad in a white robe. Behind him followed Sword Douluo Chen Xin, also in white.
"Your Majesty, I must see what kind of important guest made you skip morning court."
His gaze fell on Qin Chuan's back. His pupils contracted.
"Who is this?"
"Master Ning, you really are a noble person who forgets things easily."
Qin Chuan turned calmly, the corners of his lips curled in amusement.
Seeing his face, Ning Fengzhi's expression changed subtly.
"Your Majesty Qin Chuan… You've returned?"
Behind him, Sword Douluo Chen Xin's expression darkened.
Qin Chuan had become stronger.
So strong that he now appeared completely ordinary—an illusion only possible for those whose strength had reached an unimaginable height.
"It was I who failed to inform Master Ning in advance."
Qin Chuan's laugh was cold and distant.
Regardless of who was inside—
Forcing their way into the imperial study like this was a blatant affront to the imperial authority of Heaven Dou.
Just as Qian Renxue had said, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect had indeed grown too arrogant.
"Your Majesty Qin Chuan jests."
Ning Fengzhi's voice held a faint awkwardness.
"Your deeds—defeating an empire singlehandedly—are beyond any mere minister. Of course you deserve Her Majesty's personal reception, haha."
"Merits greater than the master."
Ning Fengzhi really knew how to stir the pot.
If not for Qin Chuan's special relationship with Qian Renxue, even he might have been provoked.
"Master Ning, is there a reason for this visit?"
Qian Renxue finally spoke, her gaze sharp.
"Indeed, there is."
Ning Fengzhi's expression turned solemn.
"But if Your Majesty wishes to continue your discussion with His Majesty Qin Chuan first, our sect can wait."
"Ha."
Qian Renxue sneered.
"Master Ning, please speak now. I don't appreciate being interrupted at such… critical moments."
She was still upset.
She'd been on the verge of taking the next step—
And they had barged in.
Naturally, her mood soured.
"Your Majesty, please mind your tone."
Sword Douluo Chen Xin spoke coldly.
"Are you threatening me again?"
Qian Renxue looked at him without fear.
Now that her support had returned—
Qian Renxue no longer feared anyone. Not Chen Xin. Not even Gu Yuena.
Another threat?
A dangerous glint flashed in Qin Chuan's eyes.
This wasn't the first time.
The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect had done this before.
"Your Majesty," Chen Xin narrowed his eyes, "Sect Master Ning is your former teacher, after all."
"Heh."
Qian Renxue sneered again.
"Since the day my father died, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's conduct has nearly erased any bond of teacher and student."
"Elder Chen Xin, I suggest you don't mistake me for a soft persimmon."
In just a few exchanges, the atmosphere in the imperial study became charged with tension.
A powder keg, ready to blow.
Ning Fengzhi only pursed his lips and stayed silent.
His furrowed brow showed the heaviness on his mind.
"Sect Master Ning," Qin Chuan cut in, breaking the tension. "Please speak."
As his voice fell, the weight in the room lessened slightly.
Ning Fengzhi nodded, a faint sigh escaping him.
"Your Majesties," he said, "perhaps some of our sect's actions in the past caused… misunderstandings. But we are doing our best to correct them. We sincerely hope to reconcile."
"Master Ning, get to the point."
Qian Renxue's face was cold.
"Very well. Then I'll speak plainly."
Ning Fengzhi straightened and declared,
"Our sect wishes to assist with the reconstruction of Tiandou City."
"Upon our return, we are willing to dispatch 500 additional soul masters to complete the work according to the Ministry of Households' plans."
"What's the price?"
Qian Renxue didn't even lift her head.
"The conditions are simple."
Ning Fengzhi's eyes flickered.
"Once Tiandou City is rebuilt—our sect wishes to gain ownership of three main streets."