Deploying troops into another country’s territory without permission is equivalent to declaring war. This international common sense was something Princess Hanyue naturally understood. When the Wei Kingdom had previously extended its reach into Yao Kingdom’s territory under the pretext of eliminating demons, it had provoked the latter’s fury and drawn the attention of the world. If the Jin Kingdom dared to secretly pass through the Wei Kingdom’s territory, it would likely cause many troubles.

Mo Tizhun, however, said: “The Princess need not worry about this. My King already has a strategy.” After speaking, he sighed lightly, “It’s a pity.”

Princess Hanyue pondered in her heart and casually asked, “What’s a pity?”

“It’s a pity my third disciple Feng Miaojun couldn’t escape.” Otherwise, the thankless task of persuading the princess would certainly be something Feng Miaojun could handle well.

Princess Hanyue remained silent for a long while before saying, “It was I who insisted on bringing her to Yao Kingdom for the ceremony, otherwise she wouldn’t have met with this misfortune. But since her body wasn’t found that day, perhaps she’s still alive.”

Mo Tizhun sighed gently: “She’s more clever than my other two disciples combined. I also hope she’s well, but the Wei Kingdom’s State Preceptor hates her to the bone and probably won’t spare her life.” At this point, he changed the subject, “Please wait comfortably in Yao’s capital for your wedding. The new dowry is being rushed here and should arrive before the grand wedding.” The dowry was meant to uphold the bride’s dignity—a proper Jin Kingdom princess’s wedding couldn’t possibly skimp on grandeur, this was the most basic etiquette!

Afterward, the Ghost-faced Nest Spider quieted down and stopped mimicking. It seemed Mo Tizhun had left the elegant residence, and the princess didn’t care to speak further.

Feng Miaojun’s heart stirred, surprised to hear herself mentioned.

Back in the underground palace of Cliff Mountain, Mo Tizhun had unhesitatingly left with the princess, abandoning his “third disciple” to Yun Ya’s hands. Feng Miaojun could completely understand this behavior from her nominal master. Faced with a choice between Princess Hanyue, who carried a heavy responsibility, and a false disciple, Mo Tizhun as Jin Kingdom’s State Preceptor would naturally choose to protect the former.

But understanding was one thing; she couldn’t help feeling resentful, after all, he truly had abandoned her to die.

Now that Mo Tizhun brought up her name again, was he feeling guilty?

No, she quickly rejected this thought as soon as it arose. Mo Tizhun was such a practical person; even if he would regret Feng Miaojun’s death, he shouldn’t be expressing such sentiments at this moment.

While she was deep in thought, Yun Ya gently patted her shoulder: “Princess Hanyue seems to have quite a deep friendship with you.”

What about Mo Tizhun, then? This comment was skillfully crafted—it was Mo Tizhun who had first mentioned her, yet Yun Ya only mentioned Princess Hanyue. If Feng Miaojun were still immersed in sadness at this moment, she would inevitably develop more resentment toward Mo Tizhun.

She cooperatively lowered her head, bit her red lips, and said: “I’m going out.”

She looked dejected, like an eggplant touched by frost. Yun Ya guessed her feelings were mixed, and smiled: “You performed very well today, worthy of a reward.”

A reward? She instinctively raised her head.

“From now on, you are permitted to draw upon my spiritual power.”

He watched as her expression changed from blank to shocked, then to overjoyed, her voice rising by five pitches: “Really!?”

My goodness, this surprise gift came so unexpectedly that it nearly knocked her senseless.

Yun Ya nodded with a smile.

Feng Miaojun opened and closed her mouth, wanting to ask him “Can I draw freely, as much as I want?” However, she hadn’t completely lost her senses, so she forcibly swallowed these two questions and said with a beaming smile: “Master’s generosity will surely bring boundless blessings!”

Yun Ya smiled faintly: “Is it just empty words?”

“Hmm?” Was he going to make some unreasonable demand? No, no, she was a proper lady!

“I thought you would pledge to die for me without hesitation, to give your all.”

She laughed dryly a couple of times: “Master, this is, a bit too harsh, isn’t this supposed to be a reward for me?” How did it suddenly turn into pledging loyalty to him? The tone seemed off.

Yun Ya let out a light snort, seemingly dissatisfied with her evasiveness, but didn’t say more. Instead, he took out a jade pendant from his bosom: “This is also a reward for you.” After all, she was like a wild cat brought in from outside, not as docile as a home-raised one. He didn’t expect her to become completely loyal to him after just two or three rewards.

Something worn by the State Preceptor would naturally be valuable. Feng Miaojun snatched it at once, fearing he might change his mind.

Upon closer inspection, she realized that before Yun Ya had disguised himself as Chi Zhe, he had worn this at his waist. No wonder it looked familiar—its style was unique, carved from purple jasper into a string of purplish-red grapes that looked crystal clear and juicy. On the side of the grapes perched a small light pink squirrel, poised as if about to steal a grape to eat.

This was a treasure pendant skillfully carved from dual-colored jasper, with an ingenious composition and perfect lines. Just the craftsmanship alone would be worth a large sum of money, not to mention she believed that anything Yun Ya wore would not be ordinary.

Indeed, he instructed: “This jade pendant has been enchanted with divine powers, capable of protecting you from one fatal attack.” After a slight pause, “Even if Mo Tizhun strikes, it can save your life.”

This man gave her something but didn’t forget to mention Mo Tizhun, reminding her that the great State Preceptor Mo couldn’t offer such a benefit. An uninformed person might think he was single-mindedly trying to poach Mo Tizhun’s subordinate, wanting to take her as his disciple.

Feng Miaojun played with the jade pendant in her hand, glancing at him with her eyes slightly turning: “What if it’s you who attacks? Would it block that?”

Yun Ya smiled. This little girl was probing indirectly, wanting to know which of them, him or Mo Tizhun, had higher cultivation.

“You can try it and see.”

Feng Miaojun strung the jade pendant with silk thread and hung it around her neck: “How could I bear to? This is a life-saving treasure!” Such a precious one-time use couldn’t be wasted.

Her skin was as white as snow, and the jade pendant resting at her neck, accentuated her slender neck and slightly protruding collarbone, fully displaying the beautiful lines of her figure. This jade pendant had been given by Yun Ya, and he had seen it countless times, but never had it looked as crystal clear and full as today, making him particularly want to take a bite.

He naturally wouldn’t do something so crude, only rubbing his fingertips: “Is it not because I was the one who gave it to you?”

“It’s the same meaning,” Feng Miaojun peered at him curiously with her clear black and white eyes, “Does Master often give such things to young ladies?”

This question was somewhat crossing the line; in the past, she definitely wouldn’t have dared to ask it; now, for some reason, she suddenly wanted to know the answer.

Yun Ya reclined lazily on the couch, smiling languidly: “What do you think?”

She pouted: “Master is a generous person.”

“Even so, it doesn’t earn your unwavering devotion.” Yun Ya shook his head and sighed lightly.

Feng Miaojun pretended not to hear, so Yun Ya pointed to the window: “Go, brew tea for me.”

“Yes.” Having received the treasure, she became particularly diligent, her hands moving incessantly, quickly boiling water and preparing tea while asking, “By the way, how were you able to reproduce the conversation between Princess Hanyue and Mo Tizhun?”