Upon hearing this voice, Jing Hengbo felt every pore on her body suddenly relax. The sour taste of apricot jam now held only sweetness, spreading from her lips and teeth all the way to her heart. She felt her heart bloom instantly, nearly floating with joy. She couldn’t help but smile with curved eyes and brows, even her palms growing warm, her whole body radiating restless excitement. She wanted to jump up, pounce on him, rub against him, pin him down, caress him…

Compared to this, the shock of seeing the formal wear suddenly turn toward her, the amazement at seeing the high heels, the surprise at seeing the apricot jam – none of it matched this moment’s surging emotions of wishes fulfilled. These waves of surprise came too fast and too strong; she was nearly overwhelmed.

Pei Shu angrily discovered that with just one sentence, though Jing Hengbo’s body remained present, her soul had vanished, flying to the hall entrance. The woman’s gaze was vacant, eyes wandering, breathing rapid, her face flushed with a faint peach blossom color – a sight the Young Marshal found quite grating.

At this moment, Jing Hengbo’s eyes held no room for anyone else. She stared directly at the hall entrance, wanting to rush over but ultimately controlling herself. She understood that Gong Yin wasn’t suitable to appear here, so what identity had he assumed for this public arrival?

Could it be Ying Bai? Thinking it over, only the Emerald Queen’s official partner Ying Bai would be appropriate to appear at her side. But this highest-level invitation…

The figure at the hall entrance was backlit, everyone squinting upward to see. They could make out a tall, slender person with long, flowing hair and noble bearing. Jing Hengbo suddenly found this appearance familiar, yet unlike Ying Bai.

The person paused at the entrance, then slowly walked in.

As he entered the hall’s brilliant lamplight, the court ladies near the entrance involuntarily stepped back, retreating while looking up at him, their faces turning pale or flushed. People kept stepping on those behind them, but the steppers didn’t apologize and the stepped-upon didn’t cry out in pain. The hall’s lights seemed to dim suddenly – dimmed by his radiance – while countless gazes seemed to brighten – sparkling with the ladies’ starry eyes.

Jing Hengbo’s eyes were also blinking rapidly – reality was always stranger than imagination. Gong Yin actually appeared in this form!

He approached slowly, wearing a purple wide-sleeved robe. Purple was a difficult color for men to carry off without appearing effeminate, yet on him it only enhanced his nobility. His black hair was lustrous enough to reflect images, unbound and uncapped, flowing smooth as water. Whether his nobility or bearing, all seemed less important before that face. Everyone in the hall found their gazes moving between his dark, profound eyes, his straight-as-jade nose, his beautifully lined lips, his exquisitely sculpted features, unsure what to appreciate and praise most. After staring too long, they suddenly felt such direct gazing was a form of blasphemy.

The Shang King stood frozen in the hall above, while the Queen’s expression had long since changed, her hands twisted tightly in her sleeves until her knuckles turned pale.

She stared fixedly at those gifts placed at Jing Hengbo’s feet, shock and unease surging through her heart. Not because of the gifts’ value, but because she knew deeply that anyone capable of such grand gift-giving and possessing such invitations was someone even Shang Kingdom couldn’t afford to offend. With such a figure personally appearing to support the Queen, then what just happened… her plan…

She shivered, feeling her fingertips ice-cold. She had calculated everything – that the Emerald Queen was alone and unsupported, that she brought few people, that her territory was far from Shang Kingdom, so even future revenge couldn’t reach Shang Kingdom’s interior and might even help eliminate the Crown Prince. Only then had she dared act so brazenly. But human calculations couldn’t match heaven’s will. This affair was clearly about to take a sharp turn. What to do?

Looking again at Pei Shu’s defiant expression, her daughter Shang Yueyue simply couldn’t restrain him, standing aside with tearful eyes, completely unreliable.

The purple-robed man entering the hall clearly had extraordinary status – environment shapes character and residence shapes bearing; innate nobility couldn’t be disguised.

She tentatively stepped forward, hoping to salvage something. The purple-robed man suddenly raised his eyes, glancing at her lightly.

Just one glance, seemingly not particularly stern, yet she suddenly felt her heart chamber turn cold, as if piercing ice needles stabbed viciously, making her dare not move again.

This… was legendary killing intent…

The Shang King hadn’t noticed his wife’s condition, staring dazedly at the approaching man, murmuring: “Could it be…”

Beside him, Shang Lue said quietly: “Father King, you sent out three golden-level invitations. One to the State Preceptor, one to the Nine Heavens Gate Sect Master, one to Sage Ziwei.”

The Shang King slowly drew a breath.

These were the three highest-ranking figures acknowledged throughout Dahuang. The State Preceptor ruled Dahuang as its actual power holder; the Nine Heavens Gate Sect Master represented mysterious otherworldly sects, figures all secular royal powers revered and aspired to; Sage Ziwei belonged to another martial world legend – an individual with the most powerful abilities, inspiring admiration from all, a master famous for many years.

When Cheng Gumo had gone mad with grief over losing his son, Gong Yin had expressed willingness to help invite Sage Ziwei to emerge and provide treatment. Even with his State Preceptor status, he could only use the word “invite” regarding Ziwei, without full confidence. When onlookers heard they might invite Sage Ziwei to act, they immediately felt great hope. This showed this legendary figure who had become mythical held such status in people’s hearts.

Rumors said Sage Ziwei had an eccentric temperament, ageless appearance, loved wearing purple, and played games with the mortal world.

At this moment, the purple-robed man walked to the hall center and stopped advancing, hands tucked in sleeves, seemingly waiting for the Shang King to come greet him.

His slightly raised head carried a solitary bamboo-like quality. Though appearing somewhat arrogant, this perfectly matched his status, making everyone more convinced this was truly a distinguished guest.

Someone below whispered: “This honored guest is so noble – could it be the State Preceptor?”

“No,” someone replied. “I hear the State Preceptor has an ice-snow constitution and only wears white.”

Above, the Shang King urgently turned to the Queen: “We must hurry to greet him.”

The Queen stood motionless. The Shang King looked at her in surprise, seeing her deathly pale expression, asking in confusion: “What’s wrong? Are you still upset about earlier? Control yourself and show your queenly bearing – don’t let the honored guest and all these distinguished visitors laugh at us.”

By the end, his expression showed displeasure.

The Queen pressed her lips together, glancing aside where Shang Lue watched her with mocking smile: “Your Majesty, please.”

The Queen gritted her teeth, knowing that failing to endure this moment would waste all previous efforts. She forced out a gracious smile and followed the Shang King down from the hall.

Descending, she somehow stumbled slightly. Shang Lue quickly supported her, smiling graciously: “Your Majesty, be careful.”

Everyone watching saw a scene of maternal kindness and filial piety, not knowing Shang Lue whispered in the Queen’s ear: “Careful – retribution comes quickly.”

The Queen trembled.

The Shang King greeted him at the steps, bowing slightly: “Honored sir, are you Sage Ziwei?”

The man’s gaze passed blandly over his face, answering faintly: “Indeed.”

The hall erupted – everyone looked amazed. Sage Ziwei had been famous for decades as Dahuang’s acknowledged greatest master. Though rumors said he had arts of maintaining youth, no one expected him to be truly so young and handsome!

Excited discussion masked Jing Hengbo’s snort of laughter.

She’d never imagined someone would impersonate Sage Ziwei. She nearly burst out laughing on the spot.

That someone – if you’re playing Sage Ziwei, at least be professional! Your mannerisms and bearing are still the original Gong Yin version!

The real immortal Ziwei would definitely spit blood seeing this version.

She coughed and laughed simultaneously, thinking the great god’s thought processes were indeed different from normal people. Unable to come as himself and unwilling to suffer loss, he chose an identity equal to or perhaps more revered than his own to bluff people. The State Preceptor was far from Shang Kingdom and perhaps couldn’t do much to them, but Shang Kingdom definitely wouldn’t want to offend someone like Sage Ziwei – a otherworldly master with superior abilities and unpredictable temperament.

After laughing a while, her expression suddenly changed.

Wait.

If Gong Yin was playing Ziwei, wouldn’t that make him a generation older than her?

Before she could think clearly, she heard the Shang King hurriedly bow and respectfully ask: “Our country didn’t know the Sage would truly honor us with your presence. We failed to greet you from afar – please forgive us. However…” He pointed at the gift boxes blocking the road: “What is the Sage’s intention with this?”

Sage Gong lowered his gaze, glancing at him lightly before turning toward Jing Hengbo.

Jing Hengbo blinked at him, thinking that supposedly when cats blink, they’re kissing people. I’m kissing you, kissing you hard – do you understand?

Unfortunately, that fellow didn’t seem to understand. Though his gaze was focused, it showed little emotion. Then he turned to the Shang King: “This old man’s disciple was being bullied. This old man naturally had to come see my disappointing disciple.”

This time Jing Hengbo really did spit out a “pff” sound.

Ah ah ah – “this old man”!

Ah ah ah – “disciple”!

Gong Yin, do you have to get so into character!

Why take advantage of your sister for no reason!

She suddenly felt something was wrong, counting on her fingers for a long while before her eyes widened in shock.

Wait!

Now the great god was her master, so wasn’t she and the great god having a master-disciple romance? That whole… Hua Qiangu vibe?

She was shocked, and everyone in the hall was even more shocked.

“Disciple?” The Shang King asked in surprise: “When did the Sage take a female disciple? Didn’t you supposedly have just seven disciples?”

“Closed-door disciple. Unteachable and most unruly.” Sage Gong answered lightly. His expression seemed disdainful, but even a pig could hear the underlying favoritism and protective affection.

This was normal. Parents always loved the youngest child, masters favored their final disciples.

The Shang Queen looked ready to collapse again.

Sage Gong turned toward Jing Hengbo, glancing at Pei Shu beside her with raised eyebrows. Pei Shu met his gaze without backing down, smiling to show gleaming white teeth.

Jing Hengbo felt uneasy, quietly moving to block between them.

She didn’t know if Pei Shu had recognized Gong Yin, but these two wouldn’t settle old scores in this setting, would they?

“Why did the Sage attack me just now?” Pei Shu actually spoke first, smiling with flashing cold light: “And what did those words mean?”

Sage Gong completely ignored him, turning toward Jing Hengbo and hooking a finger to pull her away from Pei Shu’s side.

“Disciple.” The master earnestly addressed his pupil: “Master once warned you – those who don’t observe propriety and don’t respect women are unworthy as good matches. You must remember this.”

Jing Hengbo blinked, whispering in Master Gong’s ear: “Those who constantly play mysterious, disappear without word, and don’t care for their girlfriends…” Her voice suddenly rose with a smile: “Are indeed unworthy as good matches, right?”

Master Gong glanced at her, using his eyes to indicate she should look at the gifts at her feet – was that not caring?

Jing Hengbo stubbornly refused to look, smiling as she stared at him. People around were listening, so Master Gong’s lips curved in the faintest smile: “Indeed.”

Jing Hengbo raised her head. She loved watching Gong Yin smile – light and faint, clear as bamboo in snow. Only she could feel his unique expression of love in such understated tone and smile, that cherishing and tenderness hidden beneath his seemingly indifferent exterior.

But hearing the crowd’s amazed gasps behind her, she felt unhappy again, wanting to cover his smile so those infatuated gazes couldn’t take advantage.

Nearby, Pei Shu had been about to explode but hearing this exchange, felt somewhat pleased. Jing Hengbo pinched his arm, saying softly: “Don’t make trouble, don’t make trouble. We still have our plan, let’s discuss it later, okay?”

Pei Shu looked down at her raised eyes – pupils clear and bright, eyelashes long and soft, seeming to sweep into his heart, tickling irresistibly. Though unwilling in his heart, his mouth already agreed: “Hmph!”

He raised his finger, pointing at Gong Yin and mouthing: “Just wait.”

From beginning to end, Gong Yin never looked at him once. This type of suitor was too similar to Jing Hengbo’s personality, actually unsuitable for her. Why should he worry? Driving him away was merely for peace and quiet.

“Disciple,” he said: “Remember to wear these high heels and remember what Master told you.”

Jing Hengbo was annoyed by his constant “disciple” and “Master” and huffed: “I forgot! Maybe Master could give me a reminder first?” She looked meaningfully at his feet.

The two flirted quietly while others couldn’t hear, only feeling this “master and disciple” pair seemed intimate – truly deep master-disciple affection. The Shang Queen’s expression grew increasingly ugly.

“Go change clothes.” Gong Yin’s gaze fell on Jing Hengbo with clear dissatisfaction: “Such crude, inferior things shouldn’t pollute your beauty.”

This wasn’t said quietly – both the Shang King and Queen looked uncomfortable. The King wanted to speak but looking at the gift boxes, closed his mouth. Though the Queen’s formal wear wasn’t much less luxurious than those dresses, it was outdated in style and ill-fitting. Compared to those exquisite dresses, it truly couldn’t compare.

Jing Hengbo looked down at the boxes, smiling – this domineering CEO falls for me vibe! The plot most likely to capture romance novel heroines was finally happening to her. Heaven knew when this iceberg had become enlightened?

She casually rummaged in the boxes, then suddenly looked up at the Shang Kingdom noble ladies whose gazes were fixed on the boxes: “I seem to remember hearing someone say that if I had formal wear to change into, she’d eat the floor.”

With a “whoosh,” the Shang Kingdom noble ladies all retreated three feet, each saying frantically: “I didn’t say it! I didn’t say it!”

“Ah, what a pity.” Jing Hengbo muttered: “Why does everyone dare to speak but not admit it? Don’t be afraid – this floor is chocolate-colored and looks quite delicious.”

No one dared respond. From a corner came a quiet voice: “Petty person achieving success.”

Another light voice floated: “Such master and disciple, so ambiguous – truly harmful to morality.”

Jing Hengbo turned to see the Ji Qiong and Ji Yao sisters. The recently impoverished Ji Qiong stared at the jewelry boxes with eyes nearly turning green.

Seeing Jing Hengbo look at her, she averted her gaze, refusing eye contact, while simultaneously saying lightly: “One young in years but youth already gone, one older but maintaining youthful appearance through arts – perfectly matched. No wonder traveling thousands of li to support someone. I wouldn’t dare offend.”

These words were malicious, essentially accusing the master-disciple pair of improper relations – a serious crime in ancient times. Everyone frowned, feeling the Women’s Kingdom truly couldn’t reach refined halls, their princess really had a shameless nature. In such a grand setting under such circumstances with such noble status, to speak such crude words – though forthright in character, they truly dared not associate with her.

Everyone stepped back several paces to avoid being implicated. Jing Hengbo sighed, feeling Ji Qiong truly had a death-seeking personality.

Gong Yin glanced at Ji Qiong once. Jing Hengbo whispered: “Third Princess of Ji Kingdom, your pursuer! Should I also beat her up and say ‘My person, you cannot touch’?”

“Unnecessary – would dirty your hands.” Gong Yin’s lips curved slightly as he gestured behind him.

Below by the carriage, a guard reached into the vehicle, lifted something out, and walked up to the hall.

The thing was a fluffy ball, adorably blinking large purple eyes on the guard’s shoulder. Ji Qiong suddenly cried out in shock.

Jing Hengbo was also somewhat surprised: “Feifei!”

The little monster had been sold to Ji Qiong and reportedly caused her considerable trouble. How was it now with Gong Yin?

She turned to look at Ji Qiong, whose face was iron-blue. Stepping forward, she demanded loudly: “This was a gift I gave to… I gave away. How is it with the Sage? Did the Sage… did the Sage…”

Her eyes slanted sideways – the word “steal” wouldn’t come out, but her meaning was obvious. Everyone glanced at this shameless person and stepped further away.

“Coming from Imperial Song, I encountered a delegation sent by State Preceptor Gong.” Gong Yin still addressed only Jing Hengbo: “He was planning to send people to Shang Kingdom to return a gift someone had given, back to its original owner. Hearing I was coming to Shang Kingdom, he asked me to bring it along. The State Preceptor said this beast was actually quite precious, but the original owner was too repulsive – returning it would waste the creature. Better to let this old man choose someone suitable nearby to give it to.” He took Feifei, and the little monster immediately fawned over him, hugging his neck and nuzzling his face, making Jing Hengbo’s eyes flash blue with jealousy, wanting to tear the little monster off and take its place.

“I see that though you’re incorrigibly unruly, you’re still better than everyone else in this hall.” Gong Yin was as arrogantly dismissive as ever, placing Feifei in her hands: “You raise it.”

Feifei stood in Gong Yin’s palm, clasping hands in a bow to her, its fluffy tail wagging so violently it threatened to break off. Jing Hengbo glared at it, thinking when had this creature become so fawning?

But since the great god was willing to act for her sake, she naturally had to cooperate. Smiling sweetly, she took Feifei and nuzzled it against her face, saying coquettishly: “Master, master, this beast was originally sold by me. Third Princess Ji bought it, saying she wanted to give it as a gift. Ah, so it was for the State Preceptor!”

Behind her came a “thud” as Ji Qiong collapsed onto Ji Yao. Ji Yao disgustedly stepped back: “Don’t tear my dress.” She didn’t support her at all, letting her fall straight down. Only Ji Min, unable to watch, went to help her up.

Everyone stepped back three more paces with disgusted expressions. Though they’d previously thought Third Princess Ji was rough and direct, she at least seemed to have some integrity and care for propriety and gender separation, earning some approval. Who knew this person was typically lenient with herself while strict with others – attacking others for master-disciple impropriety while herself spending lavishly to pursue men. Nothing more than this.

Jing Hengbo didn’t press her advantage, smiling without comment. Why say too much? Poor character would eventually lead to face-slapping moments.

With Ji Qiong’s collapse, the hall became even quieter – no one dared breathe loudly. Jing Hengbo picked up a golden formal dress and smiled at the Shang King: “May I borrow a screen?”

The Shang King hurriedly said: “You may use the side hall to change, Your Majesty should indeed quickly change clothes. This dress, this dress…”

Jing Hengbo smiled, taking the dress to the side hall. After a while she emerged. Everyone was mentally prepared, but looking up, they still couldn’t help gasping “Ah—”

Jing Hengbo wore a golden full-skirted ball gown, its style derived from dresses she’d originally brought from modern times, but removing the short hem, bare arms, bare back, bare neck designs while retaining the fitted waist and full skirt. The materials were more exquisite than her original ordinary version – golden brocade base with woven lotus patterns, adorned with small crystals that sparkled under lamplight. The collar was high-necked with rhinestone diamond collar flowers, narrow shoulders, fitted waist, with layers of heavy brocade trim tightly cinching her impossibly slender waist. Below was an exaggerated full round skirt, with leopard-print high heel points and thin heels showing beneath.

Men and women throughout the hall felt their eyes weren’t sufficient – first dazzled by golden brilliance, then finding the style strange, then suddenly realizing this style made her waist appear impossibly slender. The large, exquisite round skirt was full of court nobility’s complex beauty. The Queen suddenly appeared much taller, her whole figure even more graceful and slender like a willow. Her walking posture was more charming, with everyone’s gazes inevitably falling on those shoes – the slightly lifted hem revealed glimpses of high heels and a line of snow-white instep. Her steps made clicking sounds, sounding leisurely yet noble. The long hem swayed gracefully over brocade carpets, creating golden ripples in the palace lamp shadows.

Exquisite, noble, seductive, moving.

Though most present were royalty and nobility, they felt at this moment that such clothing had an inherent court flavor that ordinary people couldn’t carry off.

Looking again at the bright red Queen’s formal dress draped over Jing Hengbo’s arm, they suddenly felt it truly wasn’t refined enough.

Jing Hengbo lifted her skirt, unaccustomed to high heels after so long, fearing she’d fall flat on her face. She walked carefully, wondering where this dress design came from – it obviously copied her dress style.

Where did it come from? Ask Yu Chun. Commander Yu was sometimes foolish but never at crucial moments. Ordered to make formal wear for Jing Hengbo, he knew the difficulty – the Queen’s former clothing style remained unforgettable. Ordinary formal wear would never catch her eye, and if she wasn’t pleased, the master wouldn’t be happy, and if the master wasn’t happy, their lives would be difficult. Commander Yu understood relationships clearly. Just as he was worrying, the high heels the master had pulled from under the desk inspired him.

Indeed, while tidying the master’s chambers, he discovered a stack of papers by the master’s bedside – actually clothing designs! He immediately tucked these papers away and brought them out.

Normally, things from around Gong Yin couldn’t just be taken, but Yu Chun knew these papers weren’t there without reason – the master deliberately wanted him to take them and have them made.

As mentioned before, Commander Yu wasn’t always foolish – sometimes he was quite clever.

Commander Yu expressed that recently he’d come to know his master anew. Originally the master seemed reserved but was actually passionate – not only governing, killing, and plotting, but also playing with high heels under his desk and drawing women’s clothing. These clothes were all beautifully drawn! Not only clothes but also figures – though faces weren’t shown, the slender waists and graceful poses made it obvious who they depicted even to the blind.

With blueprints and a model, rush orders to the best tailors near Shang Kingdom, finding the finest seamstresses for overnight work, created these sixteen sets of State Preceptor-personally-designed improved Dahuang modern formal wear.

Jing Hengbo vaguely guessed this was Gong Yin’s handiwork. To think that despite governing myriad affairs, he would personally design formal wear for her – she couldn’t help smiling.

Gong Yin stood directly opposite Jing Hengbo, watching her lift her skirt and walk gracefully toward him, her attire noble and posture elegant, while the smile at her lips seemed to concentrate all the hall’s brilliance.

He saw her pupils reflecting only him.

He knew his pupils reflected only her.

In his usually calm-as-deep-water heart, passionate feelings suddenly surged. He cherished this moment while also fearing it – that woman was too beautiful, like sudden sunshine and blooming flowers in cold deep winter, so gorgeous it made one worry about heaven’s next moment of harsh killing.

He remembered what seemed like long ago, when Jing Hengbo had told him that in her former place, weddings differed from Dahuang – women were led by flower girls holding their trains, walking on their father’s arm to the groom, witnessing lifelong vows together.

He remembered when she spoke of this, the longing light flickering in her smiling eyes.

This moment’s scene was vaguely similar – wrong place, wrong people, yet his feelings were comparable. Just seeing her approach him like this, his heart, silent for years, beat like a youth’s. This moment’s emotion was called joy, called anticipation. He anticipated her coming closer, ever closer, until she walked into his very dreams.

Guests on all sides watched standing Gong Yin and approaching Jing Hengbo, suddenly holding their breath.

Such deep affection needed no words to be felt. Everyone suddenly felt they shouldn’t disturb this moment, shouldn’t break these two people’s mutual gaze.

In a corner nearby, Yélu Qi slowly closed his eyes.

His expression remained gentle, but his tightly pressed lips showed a trace of struggle.

Beside him, Ji Min quietly offered a cup of wine. Yélu Qi paused, took it, raised it to her, and drained it.

Ji Min also tilted her head back and finished her wine with spirited manner.

Setting down the cup, she turned to gaze at him, then at Jing Hengbo, releasing a silent sigh.

On the other side, Pei Shu stood with arms crossed, leaning against a hall pillar, staring fixedly at Jing Hengbo.

His eyes held no dejection, only infinite brilliance – infinite brilliance sparked by overwhelming fighting spirit and deep affection.

Someone slowly approached, small hands gently, tentatively tugging at his sleeve. Pei Shu turned to see Shang Yueyue standing uneasily before him, blocking his view of Jing Hengbo, saying softly: “Young Marshal, let’s sit over there.”

Pei Shu stared at her, then suddenly smiled.

His smile was so bright yet fierce, burning as if generating light, startling Shang Yueyue into stepping back.

Pei Shu crooked his finger at her: “Come here.”

Shang Yueyue’s eyes flashed with joy, yet she still hesitated.

Pei Shu smiled again, leaning back and looking at her sideways. Under his gaze, Shang Yueyue trembled slightly.

“Princess,” he said with a grin, “Why would your mother send you to seduce me? With this courage, you’d barely manage to tease silly roe deer in our Daimo mountains.”

Blood drained from Shang Yueyue’s face.

“Know what kind of girl I like?” Pei Shu grabbed her head, unceremoniously turning her face toward Jing Hengbo: “Look carefully. That kind.”

Shang Yueyue’s eyes shimmered with tears: “More beautiful than me…”

“Wrong.” Pei Shu shook his head: “Her current face isn’t as good as yours.”

Shang Yueyue looked up in surprise.

“This kind of girl won’t be anyone’s chess piece or puppet, won’t be afraid to walk up to me, won’t retreat because of my mockery, won’t develop false self-perception, won’t give up fighting for anything in life.” He said: “You only see her dress’s beauty, while I see her spirit’s authenticity.”

“Stay away from me. Don’t try to challenge my patience. I’m busy – I still have to compete for a woman.” He bared his teeth in a grin: “Remember, Pei Shu’s person is hers, his army is hers too. Anyone trying to steal them away – I’ll strangle her first.”

He suddenly released his grip without any tender care. Shang Yueyue staggered away, not even daring to look back at Pei Shu.

That man’s fierce gaze told her what real determination and killing intent meant.

She retreated to a hall corner, watching bitterly yet enviously the eternally most radiant woman at the crowd’s center.

In the hall, Gong Yin extended his arm to Jing Hengbo. She naturally reached out to take it.

As she took his arm, she also felt somewhat dazed – this scene seemed so familiar, as if fulfilling some long-held expectation in her heart.

Then she remembered that as the “master’s” “disciple,” taking his arm like this seemed improper.

But Gong Yin had already taken her arm and slowly ascended the steps.

Her long train swept over jade steps covered in red brocade, creating pale golden shadows behind her.

The two brushed past the frozen Queen, causing her to stumble.

Everyone looked up somewhat bewildered, watching “Sage Ziwei” escort his beautiful “disciple” very calmly all the way up, directly to the highest throne, where they sat.

The natural manner of these two overlooking the hall from their throne seemed so natural that everyone, including the Shang King, felt little resistance, while simultaneously wondering why they felt no such resistance.

As if these two originally belonged in such positions, remote and cold, overlooking the world.

On the throne above, “master and disciple” sat together, then Gong Yin raised his hand, pointing at the Shang Queen.