Amid their argument, Luo Yu Heng emerged from the cave with Xu Qi An.

Such a small Heaven Path, yet it produced two such remarkable talents… Having overheard snippets of their conversation, Xu Qi An couldn’t help but jest internally, his gloomy mood lifting slightly.

Not only were the Heaven Path’s Holy Son and Holy Maiden peculiar, but they could even perform comedy routines.

“How did it go? Did you learn anything valuable?”

Li Miao Zhen asked bluntly.

Li Ling Su was also curious but dared not be so impolite while noting that his junior sister seemed quite familiar with Xu Qian.

After all, she showed no restraint or particular respect when addressing him…

“It has completely scattered—both soul and spirit.”

Xu Qi An tried to keep his expression from appearing too grave.

Soul and spirit scattered… Li Miao Zhen was stunned, not expecting this outcome, feeling both confused and shocked.

Li Ling Su’s reaction was similar.

However, Chu Yuan Zhen and Heng Yuan, the two Earth Book fragment holders who had experienced the underground palace adventure, changed their expression dramatically, showing intense emotional fluctuations.

They had personally experienced the tomb exploration and knew how terrifying the ancient corpse was. If not for the Observatory Master’s contingency left on Xu Qi An helping them avoid that calamity.

The Heaven and Earth Society might have long since dissolved due to the premature deaths of its founder and key members.

But how could such a powerful ancient corpse have its soul and spirit scattered?

“What happened?”

Chu Yuan Zhen asked in a low voice. In other circumstances, he might have felt such a question inappropriate, but everyone present was on their side.

Though Li Ling Su was only half-familiar, as both Heaven Path’s Holy Son and a Heaven and Earth Society member, he was trustworthy.

As for Miao You Fang, the Top Scholar Chu had no intention of looking down on him.

This level of secret was simply beyond his comprehension anyway.

Xu Qi An pondered: “I suspect the tomb’s master has returned.”

These words sent chills down everyone’s spines, making their scalps tingle.

“Will this threaten you?” Li Miao Zhen’s focus was clear and direct.

Li Ling Su immediately perked up his ears.

Xu Qi An didn’t know whether to nod or shake his head and said:

“We’ll take it one step at a time.”

Li Miao Zhen nodded slightly, her beautiful and heroic oval face growing somewhat heavy.

Li Ling Su, unable to hear the confidential information, felt somewhat disappointed.

Xu Qi An looked around at everyone and said: “The Imperial Mentor and I need to return to the capital. Will you accompany us or part ways here?”

Chu Yuan Zhen smiled: “It’s perfect timing to ask the Observatory Master to help refine the Earth Book fragment.”

Xu Qi An’s ability to sense and collect Dragon Qi through the Earth Book was because the Observatory Master had inscribed formations within the fragment.

The Earth Book was the world’s only treasure that could contain Dragon Qi.

…

In the palace, Jing Xiu Palace.

Lin An sat on a small couch, chatting with her mother, Noble Consort Chen.

She wore a plum-colored jacket and fluffy gauze skirt, her carefully arranged hair adorned with a small phoenix crown, silver-gilt hairpins, gold phoenix pins inlaid with jewels and kingfisher feathers… and a pure silver necklace.

She was dressed gorgeously, in luxurious splendor.

Ordinary women, even if beautiful, would struggle to carry such dazzling and luxurious ornaments.

But Lin An uniquely suited this style of dress and carried it well, enhancing her beauty.

Lin An in plain clothes and light makeup was beautiful but unremarkable.

In luxurious attire, she entered the realm of exceptional beauty.

Noble Consort Chen held a teacup with elegant poise, faint crow’s feet at her eyes. Though she had lost the striking beauty of her youth, her full figure held its charm.

Noble Consort Chen examined her daughter, suddenly sighing:

“Now that His Majesty has ascended to the throne, my only wish is to see you married.

“Lin An, it’s time you took a husband.”

Ah… Hearing her mother bring this up, Lin An still felt a bit shy and joyful, agreeing that it was time for her to marry.

Always staying in the palace and Lin An Manor was utterly boring; it would be nice to live somewhere else, like the Xu Manor, for instance.

Just as she was about to say something, Noble Consort Chen continued:

“The second son of the Duke of Establishing the Nation is of marriageable age. Recently, the Duke’s wife visited the palace and mentioned this while having tea with me.

“She asked me to petition His Majesty on her son’s behalf, to have you married into the Duke’s household.”

Lin An rolled her eyes, puffing her cheeks:

“How could a mere Duke’s mansion contain me? Mother, don’t just—just decline them.”

Noble Consort Chen angrily replied:

“If the Duke’s mansion can’t contain you, what place can? Lin An, you’re not getting any younger. Previously, the former Emperor was obsessed with cultivation and ignored the marriages of princes and princesses.

“That bitter woman in Phoenix Roost Palace couldn’t be bothered to care about you either. Now that the Crown Prince has ascended the throne, court customs have been renewed, and many things that should be done can be done.

“Mother knows the Duke’s wife has her motives—the title goes to the eldest son, leaving nothing for the second. That’s why she wants to marry a princess into the family, to secure a bright future for the second son.

“Since Wei Yuan died at Jing Shan City, Great Feng has lost many soldiers and generals. That Duke led troops in the Mountain Sea Pass campaign, showing exceptional military talent and His Majesty values him greatly.

“The Duke’s second son is likewise talented, accomplished in both civil and martial arts, and particularly fond of you. You even met last year. The Duke’s wife says the young master has been lovesick since seeing you, thinking of you day and night.”

I can’t even remember what he looks like… Lin An grumbled internally, her round, delicate oval face stern as she replied irritably:

“Did Imperial Brother ask you to persuade me?”

“Actually, no,” Noble Consort Chen smiled. “He’s focused solely on being a wise ruler—how could he have the energy to worry about you? This is mother’s idea.”

Lin An raised her chin confidently: “Then just tell Imperial Brother.”

She had long since given her heart to that former Bronze Badge, and the Emperor knew it.

But few at court knew this, such as the Duke’s noble family. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have dared send the Duke’s wife to probe the possibility.

Noble Consort Chen’s smile gradually faded as she looked at her daughter coldly, pondering for a moment:

“You’re still thinking of him?”

Lin An’s gaze suddenly became evasive: “Who, who are you talking about…”

Noble Consort Chen sighed deeply and said earnestly: “He’s not a suitable match for you. It won’t end well.”

“What do you mean by that, Mother?”

Lin An frowned, her delicate eyebrows knitting together.

At this moment, palace maids entered in a line carrying exquisite dishes, arranging them one by one on the table.

Noble Consort Chen changed the subject opportunely:

“The dishes are all served—why hasn’t His Majesty arrived yet?”

Lin An happened to be hungry, her peach blossom eyes gazing longingly at the food as she said sweetly: “Imperial Brother is busy with affairs of state, perhaps he’s delayed. I’ll send someone to inquire.”

Noble Consort Chen nodded: “Be quick about it.”

…

In An Shen Palace.

The Yong Xing Emperor sat in the imperial study’s grand chair, wearing yellow robes, his expression grave as he surveyed the assembled officials.

After ascending the throne, the Yong Xing Emperor did not move into Emperor Yuan Jing’s Qian Qing Palace, but rather to An Shen Palace on the west side.

He disliked Qian Qing Palace, just as he despised the former emperor’s obsession with cultivation—it would constantly remind him of the former emperor’s face, of his true identity.

“The snowstorm disaster in the northern regions is severe, with large numbers of refugees moving south, disturbing other provinces. Moreover, Qing Province, Yu Province, Xiang Province, and others also face snowstorms, with frequent civil unrest and rioting.” The Yong Xing Emperor said gravely:

“My beloved officials, how do you think we should handle this?”