In the night floated silver-black robes, extraordinarily slender fingers covering Er Gouzi’s mouth…

Jing Hengbo’s knees trembled as she continued: “…charming or not? Ah, the weather’s so cold, how about we get up and warm ourselves?” while trying to stand up.

She couldn’t teleport while in a sitting position.

Unfortunately, it was already too late. That person appeared behind her like a ghost, his knee against her back, making Er Gouzi’s bird claws scratch her head, his voice carrying laughter: “What? Want to leave? You want to go and I can’t stop you, but leave this bird for me to roast and eat?”

“Don’t eat me! Don’t eat me!” Er Gouzi screamed. “If you must eat something, eat the little monster! Thin skin, thick meat, one bite of oil!”

Jing Hengbo sighed, turned sideways, and patted the grass beside her: “Come, sit down and discuss how to roast the bird more fragrantly.”

“Da Bo, you female pervert! Eating birds leads to family cremation!” The cursing Er Gouzi was pressed heavily into the mud by the bridge-burning Yelu Qi.

“What’s the point of keeping such trash?” Yelu Qi very familiarly pointed at Feifei. “This kind is worth keeping more of… hey, don’t look at me like that, I can’t withstand your seductive gaze.”

He smiled and reached out to press down Feifei’s big head, covering Feifei’s eyes. Feifei’s plan to use his gaze to bewitch him and rescue his master instantly failed. He swished his tail resentfully and jumped off Jing Hengbo’s lap.

Jing Hengbo smoothed her temples, very casually tilting her head to smile at Yelu Qi: “Hey, I thought you’d run away long ago. Why are you still here?”

In the darkness, the river water sparkled with faint light. Her smile seemed to generate misty brilliance, flowing with charm and fragrance.

Yelu Qi’s eyes narrowed, seemingly startled for a moment, then awakened and quickly dodged aside, avoiding a stream of urine Feifei sprayed behind him.

Feifei shook his head and sighed, drooping his tail as he walked away.

Jing Hengbo helplessly pursed her lips—the beauty trap had also failed.

Yelu Qi sat to one side, still gripping Er Gouzi tightly, smiling and sighing: “They all say the new Queen is unlearned, lustful, lazy, greedy, rule-breaking, and completely useless. But why do I think you’re the truly intelligent one?”

“Are you talking about me in the first part?” Jing Hengbo blinked. “Of course, I think the last sentence is very correct.”

Her long, slightly curled eyelashes fluttered, and Yelu Qi suddenly felt his heart fanned by a fragrant breeze, soft and tickling, making his heart panic.

When she was still, her innocent yet slightly seductive expression was like a red lotus sword, gently scraping at one’s flesh and bones.

Yelu Qi inconspicuously sat further away before smiling: “But such an intelligent person is about to be exiled—quite a pity. I wonder if your intelligence can keep you safe and sound in that miasmatic swamp wasteland?”

“This is why you risked staying behind, right?” Jing Hengbo chuckled. “You’re specifically waiting for me to negotiate? What do you want to discuss with me? How did you know I would come out?”

Yelu Qi smiled without speaking, only saying after a long while: “I still understand Gong Yin.”

Jing Hengbo shrugged, not understanding the connection between his understanding of Gong Yin and knowing she would come out. Hearing Gong Yin’s name now made her irritated and restless, so she quickly changed the subject: “What do you want from waiting for me? What new tricks are you planning? Stay away from me—haven’t you harmed me enough? Wasn’t the lesson you learned last time enough?” Suddenly remembering something, she leaned back and stared at him warily. “You’re not settling accounts for my kick earlier, are you? Hey, hey, my ‘pillar reaching the sky’ move didn’t actually break your…”

“Stop!” Yelu Qi quickly waved his hand, interrupting a certain woman’s unscrupulous and terrifying mouth. “If I really planned to settle accounts with you, could you still be sitting here properly?”

“Stop bragging.” Jing Hengbo pursed her lips. “If I really wanted to leave, you couldn’t keep me…”

“Fine, fine, say I can’t keep you.” Yelu Qi looked at her with a smile. “Looking so dejected—what happened? Did Gong Yin give you trouble? You just desperately tried to save him several times, yet he still didn’t appreciate it. Truly an unromantic fellow. How about kicking him aside and joining me? Mm, beloved Majesty, please believe I will definitely protect you.”

He leaned back on his hands, slightly raising his chin, smiling at Jing Hengbo in a completely unguarded posture.

Jing Hengbo’s gaze very precisely fell on his neck—somehow Yelu Qi’s collar had opened, revealing a line of chest and half a collarbone. His pale, milky, crystalline skin seemed to glow in the dim starlight, and his collarbone was so straight and exquisite, reminding one of his extraordinarily slender fingers—every inch was beautiful, as if a master had carved him from beautiful jade.

Beauty… vivid beauty… mysterious warm-man starlight beauty… Jing Hengbo heard her own loud gulp.

Before she could react, her claws had already unceremoniously touched the side of Yelu Qi’s neck behind his ear: “Oh… how do you maintain this? The skin here tends to get rough easily. Tsk tsk, so delicate, feels so good. What skincare products do you use…”

“You…” Yelu Qi stared at her with a complex expression.

As if being molested, yet as if the beauty had taken the bait, but behind such casual lustful behavior, he could feel her purity and carelessness. It seemed that male beauty was something she liked, but just liked—the same as liking a flower, a bird, a white cloud.

This feeling made him somewhat uncomfortable. He irritably brushed away Jing Hengbo’s hand and pulled up his collar.

Then he glanced in a certain direction and suddenly smiled lazily again.

Jing Hengbo withdrew her hand, thinking it was somewhat strange. Just now she had been moved, shocked, delighted, but this being moved, shocked, and delighted was just the kind of liking that came from seeing beautiful things—the same as countless times on forums looking at hot guy pictures, licking screens in worship, being a fangirl and drooling. But after licking and fangirling, there were no ripples in her heart, and soon she would forget.

“Why should I join you? Are you very kind?” Jing Hengbo pursed her lips, flicking willow branches at the river water. “Alright, let’s stop beating around the bush. What do you want? Tell me.”

“Earlier in Fei Luo’s tent, you also heard the rules about the hundred-li Queen welcome.” Yelu Qi finally sat up straight, but his body still leaned slightly toward Jing Hengbo. From a certain angle, the two seemed to be snuggling together.

“At the welcoming ceremony, the Queen must display talents that convince everyone.” He smiled. “Do you have any?”

“Do you? Did previous Queens?” Jing Hengbo retorted resentfully. “I don’t believe any talent could convince everyone—this is clearly making things difficult.”

“You’re right.” Yelu Qi clapped and laughed. “In Dahuang’s history, the hundred-li Queen welcome actually only happened three times, each with hidden circumstances. Historically, in three welcoming ceremonies, two Queens passed successfully, one failed and was exiled.”

“The success rate isn’t low—two-thirds!” Jing Hengbo’s eyes lit up as she licked her lips.

Her pink tongue swept across her lips like an active little fish. Yelu Qi caught sight of it and felt his heart skip a beat again. He quickly collected himself and smiled: “Exactly. Not low. Quite easy to pass.”

“Tell me, tell me.” Jing Hengbo quickly grabbed his hand, nervously excited.

Yelu Qi looked down at her hand—warm, soft, and small, with an especially warm palm like a ball of fire-warmed silk pressed against the back of his hand, making even his heart instantly warm and soft. His hand gradually relaxed too, his gaze intentionally or unintentionally glancing at the distant darkness again, smiling very pleasantly.

With a mysterious smile, he patted Jing Hengbo’s hand before saying: “One Queen came from Xiang Kingdom. Xiang Kingdom mobilized the entire nation’s strength to equip the Queen with a think tank of up to three hundred people. For three whole days and nights of examination, they helped her pass the ceremony. Another Queen came from the Tortoiseshell tribe. The wealthy Tortoiseshell tribe sent over a hundred envoys and hundreds of carriages loaded with gold and silver. In one night, they used gold and silver to open the doors of all important ministers, buying their silence with heavy gold, thus ensuring the Queen’s smooth enthronement… Well, what do you think?”

“Wonderful…” Jing Hengbo said like a wooden chicken. “One used gunmen, one used gold. The whole nation and tribe backing one person… What can I use? Feifei? Who’s backing me? Er Gouzi?”

“Live as a hero among men, die as a ghost hero,” Er Gouzi screamed with a mouth full of sand and mud. “Without thirty million, absolutely won’t cross the river!”

“Let Feifei give you three slaps!” Jing Hengbo irritably slapped it away, holding her head in agonizing thought.

“To see such a woman as you so worried is truly the most unsettling thing for all ministers,” Yelu Qi looked at her with a smile. “So I risked staying behind to share your worries and solve your troubles…”

Before he finished speaking, Jing Hengbo suddenly stood up, smoothed her hair, and sighed: “Alright. That’s it. Mm, Yelu Qi, thank you for chatting with me and helping me make a decision. Let’s write off all our past grievances, okay? Muah, goodbye!”

She spoke like a machine gun, casually grabbing Er Gouzi from the stunned Yelu Qi’s hand, beckoning Feifei with one hand, and turning to leave.

“You…” Yelu Qi never expected such a reaction from this guy, saying in shock: “You… were you even listening to me?”

“Doesn’t seem like it…”

Yelu Qi began coughing.

“But I can guess what you wanted to say.” Jing Hengbo glanced at him sideways. “There’s no such thing as a free lunch. You risked staying to discuss this with me, so there must be something worth your risk. What can I give you? What can I exchange with you? If you help me pass the Queen’s test, what do I need to help you do? The Queen ascends the throne and moves into Jade Palace, and Gong Yin’s office is also in Jade Palace. Then the only thing I, this puppet Queen, can do is help our ambitious Left State Preceptor Yelu eliminate the equally ambitious Right State Preceptor Gong Yin from within, right?”

A moment of silence.

The river made soft brushing sounds, wild grass lay prostrate by the riverside, night birds quietly folded their wings. This moment of night was so quiet it was chilling.

After a long while, Yelu Qi slightly raised his face, showing a bitter smile for the first time: “I thought I never underestimated you, but in the end I find I still underestimated you.”

Jing Hengbo proudly tossed her hair, putting her hands on her hips and declaring loudly: “Who am I! I am the one forged through countless palace intrigue, transmigration, BL, GL, fantasy, romance, heart-abusing, body-abusing waves, knowing astronomy above, geography below, and human relations, customs, geography, human hearts, and schemes in between—Jing Hengbo!”

Yelu Qi stared at this person who was serious one moment and crazy the next for a long time, almost overturning his judgment again.

Gazing at Jing Hengbo’s animated face, he questioned his judgment ability for the first time. What kind of woman was before his eyes?

Call her shrewd—much of the time she lived confusedly, simply unwilling to sort out right from wrong, her face clearly writing “this is also fine, let’s muddle through.” Call her confused—at crucial moments she was always clear-headed, always had her own judgment and opinions.

She was lustful but not promiscuous; gluttonous but not greedy; lazy but not dependent on others; arrogant but harmless to others.

She was like a brightly colored painting—at first glance so vivid it was overwhelming, with chaotic lines. Only by calming down and carefully discerning could one discover the clear structure hidden beneath the confusing brilliant exterior, with distinct warp and weft, spanning heaven and earth.

“Think carefully,” he finally put away his smile and adopted a serious tone. “You’ve already entered Dahuang territory. Things look normal around here only because this is a secret path developed by our people over a hundred years. If you want to leave and avoid Gong Yin’s pursuit, you can’t take this path. Then, all around this path are endless swamps. The swamps outside the national borders aren’t like those inside the country—they’re ordinary swamps, full of dangers. For years, Dahuang Ze has relied on these swamps to block invasion from various countries. Are you sure you can get out?”

“So terrifying?” Jing Hengbo shivered. “But how will I know if I don’t try?”

“You’d rather try the swamps than be Queen?” Yelu Qi looked at her incredulously. “The Dahuang Queen isn’t as terrible as you imagine. Except for lacking freedom, the Queen enjoys supreme honor and the most noble treatment. Yes, the Queen can be deposed by the State Preceptor, so you should cooperate with me even more. If Gong Yin gains great power, he won’t allow you to ride over his head forever. He has reasons he must ascend to the throne. But if you help me seize power in Jade Palace, I can promise to help you modify the laws in the future, give you freedom, and always honor you as Empress.”

Jing Hengbo propped her chin, blinking at him as if weighing the truth in his words.

“Compared to wandering forever in various terrible swamps,” Yelu Qi’s smile was full of temptation, “wouldn’t it be better to be a relaxed, free Queen who enjoys glory and wealth for life?”

Jing Hengbo pondered for a long time, then nodded very sincerely: “Mm, what you say is very tempting. But I don’t understand—as Left State Preceptor, I heard that although you seem to have less power than Gong Yin, you’ve actually accumulated substantial strength privately. Since you don’t lack people to use, why must you personally risk coming to make a deal with me, a puppet Queen?”

“Tonight, assassinating Gong Yin was just incidental—I actually came specifically for you.” Yelu Qi leaned lazily against a tree, his rose-like red lips blooming with a slightly wicked smile. “Your Majesty, don’t underestimate yourself. After you truly become Queen and enter Jade Palace, you’ll have very important, irreplaceable uses. The one who can kill Gong Yin is none other than you…”

He suddenly saw Jing Hengbo’s expression change, paused in shock, and his own expression changed.

Jing Hengbo instantly recovered her smile, so quickly it was as if the momentary change of expression never happened. She smiled and beckoned him with her finger: “Go on, continue. I’m very interested.”

Yelu Qi stared deeply into her eyes. Jing Hengbo’s smile remained unchanged, but she cursed this fox in her heart.

Yelu Qi finally looked away, and when he spoke again, his tone had changed: “Of course, if you’re unwilling to dirty your hands with blood, or unwilling to directly confront Gong Yin and provoke his revenge, I can choose not to kill him. You just need to help with a small favor to drive him from power. I can even promise you to give him a position of wealth and honor until old age. This way, you become a comfortable, noble Queen without harming Gong Yin—wouldn’t that be perfect?”

Jing Hengbo made another “mm” sound, her eyes slowly turning as if seriously considering.

“Your Majesty is intelligent and should know how to choose.” Yelu Qi smiled.

“Mm, I think…” Jing Hengbo said slowly, “after telling me so much, if I don’t agree, you’ll definitely find a way to kill me, right?”

“Why put it so bloodily? This minister knows Your Majesty is intelligent and won’t disappoint this minister. Of course, if Your Majesty doesn’t agree but knows so much, naturally you become this minister’s enemy from now on. Though this minister is weak and has limited means, Your Majesty wouldn’t want to make this minister your enemy and face deadly traps at every step afterward, would you?” Yelu Qi’s gaze swept past somewhere in the darkness, looking gently into her eyes. “If Your Majesty foolishly refuses… this minister would be very puzzled… Your Majesty, you’re not reluctant to part with Gong Yin, are you?”

The last sentence was pitched slightly higher, carrying far in the darkness.

Jing Hengbo jumped up like being stung by a scorpion.

“Reluctant to part with him?” She seemed insulted, shrieking furiously: “Why would I be reluctant to part with him? He captured me, tied me up, bullied me, treated me coldly, repaid kindness with enmity and wronged me, and even wants to steal my Queen position. I’d have to be blind and crazy to be reluctant to part with him.”

“But…” Her furious expression suddenly changed, smiling wickedly as she lifted Yelu Qi’s chin with her finger. “You’re right about one thing—I don’t like killing people. I’m such a beauty, having blood on my hands would spoil the scenery. Besides, I think killing Gong Yin would be such a waste—he’s so good-looking. Killing any beauty is wrong! How about you defeat him, take his power, and give him to me? He’s bullied me so long, it’s time for the tables to turn and let me bully him back.”

Yelu Qi smiled even more gently, reaching out to gently hold her fingers, his lips touching her fingertips as he smiled: “Then Your Majesty agrees to cooperate with me?”

“Of course. I’ve figured it out.” Jing Hengbo smiled sweetly. “I originally thought this area was as easy to travel as Da Yan, but it turns out it’s all swamps, so I can’t get out. Between dying in a swamp and being a free Queen, only a fool wouldn’t choose the latter.”

“Your Majesty is wise.” Yelu Qi praised highly.

The two smiled at each other warmly. Jing Hengbo smiled seductively, trying to withdraw her finger, but Yelu Qi held on, still pressing it tenderly to his lips.

Jing Hengbo’s expression changed slightly, then her smile deepened. She simply pushed her finger forward, pressing it to his face, smiling intoxicatedly: “You’re very good-looking too… I was amazed by you the moment I saw you…”

Yelu Qi’s laughter was low and seductive: “Really? What a coincidence—I was also amazed by Your Majesty at first sight…”

The small river, faint moon, gentle breeze, shallow grass, handsome man and beautiful woman facing each other under a tree, the posture of smiling and lightly kissing fingers—all formed a hazy, seductive silhouette.

Anyone watching would see a pair of lovers meeting secretly at night, expressing their feelings to each other.

Er Gouzi had been pressed down by Yelu Qi the whole time, blinking his eyes as if wanting to match the scenery by composing a colorful poem, but unfortunately his mouth was stuffed with dirt.

Feifei sat very obediently, suddenly releasing a fart. Er Gouzi whimpered: “So stinky! So stinky!” Feifei looked at him disdainfully.

No one knew that in this crisp fart sound, a sharp tree branch suddenly detached from the tree body.

The branch slowly moved downward.

Jing Hengbo averted her gaze from meeting Yelu Qi’s eyes, raising her hand to smooth her temples, aimlessly looking around and murmuring: “Being out so long, will we be discovered?”

“Though this seems close to the camp, there’s actually a small swamp between here and the camp. The swamp’s poisonous gas is fierce, so no one will come for a while.” Yelu Qi smiled at Jing Hengbo. “What’s wrong? Your Majesty seems somewhat disappointed?”

“Yes, I’m disappointed you’re so unromantic…” Jing Hengbo looked at him with a half-smile, her finger gently tracing across his exquisitely lined chin. “Since there’s no one around and the road is far, you see…”

“Ah… Your Majesty’s favor… this minister is extremely fortunate…” Yelu Qi’s voice also lowered, each word rich as strong wine, his startlingly bright eyes gradually becoming intoxicated.

The branch descended, its tip pointing down, aimed directly at the vital point of Yelu Qi’s neck.

“Then shouldn’t you…” Jing Hengbo giggled, her finger circling on Yelu Qi’s neck, her body slightly tilting in a graceful arc.

The branch was already one chi behind Yelu Qi.

In the distance, there seemed to be the sound of robes stirring in the wind.

“Just what I desire…” Yelu Qi grasped her hand, his body slowly leaning back. “Why don’t we commit ourselves to each other here, and let Your Majesty see this minister’s heart…”

Jing Hengbo’s gaze lifted, giggling as her arm hooked around his neck, gently pulling him back: “Hey… why are you leaning back? Don’t tell me you like women on top? Good man… I like your masculine style…”

“I also like your natural charm…” Yelu Qi went with the flow, embracing her waist.

The branch was right at his neck, paused, then plunged down like lightning!

“…But I don’t like your underhanded tricks!”

Yelu Qi’s voice suddenly turned ice-cold!

Jing Hengbo cried out in alarm, but unfortunately her arms were already tightly held by Yelu Qi. Just as she was about to call Feifei to act, Yelu Qi lowered his head and his lips pressed down.

Jing Hengbo immediately turned her head. Yelu Qi’s burning lips brushed across her cheek. As Jing Hengbo glanced sideways, she saw that damned branch rapidly falling. Just then, Yelu Qi’s shoulder shifted intentionally or unintentionally.

“Thud.” The branch went straight into Jing Hengbo’s shoulder acupoint, and her upper body immediately couldn’t move.

Jing Hengbo’s gaze froze as she wailed in her heart—why did using telekinesis to harm people never succeed? Did this skill conflict with State Preceptor-type creatures?

“Your Majesty is truly cunning…” Yelu Qi still looked gentle, intimately burying his face in her shoulder, laughing low as he casually destroyed the evidence of the branch.

Jing Hengbo’s internal wailing hadn’t stopped when she heard his next sentence and her whole body stiffened.

“…The Right State Preceptor has such a good temper,” Yelu Qi smiled. “Watching for so long and still won’t show himself?”

What?

Right Right Right State Preceptor?

Gong Yin?

Jing Hengbo’s scalp exploded as she looked up in terror—Gong Yin had been there all along? He’d actually been there the whole time? How much had he heard just now? How much had he seen clearly?

Then she saw Gong Yin.

…

The darkness of mountain forests and wilderness had always been thick and thin in patches—dark where the trees stood, light where the sky showed, undulating where distant mountains rose.

When that deep and shallow darkness was suddenly stripped away, and a large mass of lush scattered leaves swirled up, Jing Hengbo saw Gong Yin’s figure slowly emerging.

His position wasn’t far—just across the narrow river, close enough to hear most of what was said aloud.

Jing Hengbo stared wide-eyed as Gong Yin slowly approached, a large cluster of green leaves continuously shattering before him, scattering in all directions to reveal his snow-white form, as if night’s cloak was silently falling away, as if he was walking from the chaotic black hole of the universe.

Perhaps using internal force to shatter the green leaves concealing him, his hair also lifted slightly, black hair billowing in the wind, making his eyes appear even more condensed and profound, like the tranquil abyss of ten thousand years.

A breathtaking illusion technique, a god-like entrance scene. But Jing Hengbo had no mind to marvel—Gong Yin’s gaze was too cold, more detached than usual, and she sensed danger.

But she had no time to analyze this now. Gong Yin slowly approached.

“Walked” across the small river.

Jing Hengbo watched him slowly treading on water, green leaves crushed into sky-filling powder, like a cluster of swirling green silk circling his sides before gracefully settling on the clear water surface.

The river water was like a bright mirror, the green leaves like jade. He walked forward on the river surface leaves, his snow-white robes and black hair flying together, scattered dancing petals falling around him.

A beautiful scene, yet unsettling.

Even Yelu Qi’s gaze watching him became more serious. He suddenly sighed softly: “Crystal Heart Ice Soul—he’s actually nearly mastered it…”

“Mm?” Jing Hengbo watched Gong Yin intently, questioning with a nasal sound.

Yelu Qi also seemed somewhat distracted, muttering to himself: “Strange, this guy has even more complex affairs than me, even more dirty scheming than me—how can he cultivate such a pure and desireless mental technique…” Then he smiled lightly: “Your Majesty, don’t move around. If you seduce this minister, this minister will have to act recklessly.”

Jing Hengbo, who had quietly raised her knees trying to knee him in the lungs, stiffened and smiled awkwardly, cursing this cunning bastard in her heart.

She looked at herself, then at the somewhat rigid stance of the great god, feeling truly nervous—after pretending and saying so much nonsense earlier, now in this position with Yelu Qi, where would the great god’s thoughts go…

“Gong Yin,” Yelu Qi sat up holding the immobilized Jing Hengbo, greeting with a smile, “this late at night, troubling you to stand guard in the wind for us—really embarrassing, haha.” Then he added with a bashful expression: “Your Majesty was really too enthusiastic… the private meeting in the tent wasn’t enough, she insisted on seeing me again… When Your Majesty shows favor, we as ministers can’t refuse, right?”

“Enthusiastic your sister…” Jing Hengbo was about to curse when she suddenly met Yelu Qi’s gaze.

Or perhaps it wasn’t a gaze, but a mist, a wave of hazy water, emptiness and void. Jing Hengbo’s heart shook, suddenly feeling dazed and drowsy, her eyelids too heavy to open, mumbling “mm” unclearly.

As soon as this sound escaped, she suddenly awakened, opening her eyes sharply. Yelu Qi before her had clear, bright eyes—where was the emptiness and void from just now?

What was that? Evil magic? Hypnosis? Why hadn’t he used it before?…

“Her Majesty the Queen is being shy…” Yelu Qi turned to smile at Gong Yin.

Gong Yin had already stopped on the river surface, robes fluttering, neither speaking nor moving.

Unable to see his expression clearly in the darkness, Jing Hengbo only felt her heart growing cold.

“You have people lying in ambush around here, right?” Yelu Qi said unhurriedly. “I’m not confident I can break through your encirclement. What should I do?”

“Then stay and die.” Gong Yin finally spoke, his tone calm, not even glancing at Jing Hengbo.

“But I don’t want to die.” Yelu Qi shrugged, looking at Jing Hengbo still intimately embracing him, his gaze shifting: “How about we make a trade?”

“Holding the Queen hostage in exchange for letting you go?” Gong Yin cut him off immediately. “Compared to a Queen who can be replaced at any time, I’m more interested in your life.”

Jing Hengbo blinked—well, she could console herself that this was Gong Yin deliberately acting indifferent to save her, to avoid being passive, but hearing such words really… wasn’t very pleasant…

“Oh, no, no,” Yelu Qi held Jing Hengbo while wagging his finger. “Which eye of yours saw me holding the Queen hostage? You clearly saw with your own eyes that she privately came out to throw herself into my arms, didn’t you? I just want to give you a big gift. I’ll help you kill her—how about that?”

Jing Hengbo’s whole body shook, staring at Yelu Qi in disbelief—what kind of logic was this? You think you can escape by killing me?

“If I wanted to kill her, I could do it myself anytime. No need to trouble you.” Gong Yin showed no shock, maintaining his unmoved appearance.

“I believe that.” Yelu Qi smiled. “All of Dahuang knows you fundamentally don’t want another Queen. Without her, you could become emperor. Later, forced by circumstances, you had to escort her all this way. Now with the hundred-li Queen welcome, you’re in a difficult position and must support her to ascend the throne first. But you also know that once she takes the throne, variables will inevitably arise. Who knows how many in the six kingdoms and eight tribes are eyeing Jade Palace with ill intent. Once she’s seduced by someone, she’ll become an assassin lurking beside you. Tsk tsk, thinking about such days for you makes me feel they’d be hard to bear. I’m curious why you don’t kill her—I suppose you’re reluctant? Then let me kill her for you. This woman just agreed to assassinate you for me. Having such a woman by your side—how unsafe is that?”

“You’re talking nonsense, I didn’t…” Jing Hengbo’s roar wasn’t finished before Yelu Qi knocked her down with a hazy hypnotic gaze.

In Gong Yin’s eyes, it probably looked like guilty conscience and inability to speak.

“Killing you, then killing her—I think that’s better.” Gong Yin’s gaze swept over Jing Hengbo, pausing at her torn collar, and when he spoke again, his tone was still concise and cold, cutting straight to the point.

“Killing me will cost you something, and killing her afterward will put you in a passive position.” Yelu Qi wagged his finger. “You’re a smart person—why must you choose to do troublesome things today?”

Gong Yin looked at him calmly, his gaze mocking: “There’s nothing bad in this world that isn’t troublesome.”

“I can help you do troublesome bad things.” Yelu Qi smiled. “You go summon the guard leaders of the six kingdoms and eight tribes, along with Fei Luo, then I’ll announce before everyone that the new Queen doesn’t follow palace rules, forcibly seduced the Left State Preceptor, violated palace law and dignity, and make her commit suicide. Of course, if she refuses to commit suicide, I’ll make her obediently commit suicide anyway. This way, the Queen is easily eliminated, you bear no responsibility, and I can also escape safely—after all, in front of the six kingdoms and eight tribes, you can’t kill me. See, this way I’m safe, you get your wish—isn’t this perfect?”

“Did I kill your whole family or rape your brother-in-law, you wild donkey? Why are you so viciously harming me?” Jing Hengbo glared and shrieked. If her whole body wasn’t immobilized, she would definitely pounce on him, attack his lower body first, then go for his face, beating him until flowers bloomed all over.

Yelu Qi dodged her spittle like avoiding flies, smiling: “Hey, I don’t like that nickname.”

“Go die, just go die…”

“Good.”

A clear, cold, and firm answer abruptly cut off Jing Hengbo’s angry roar. She froze, not quite believing her ears, slowly turning her head.

On the water surface, Gong Yin was already slowly retreating.

As always so stern and decisive, once he made a decision he neither explained nor hesitated. While retreating, he raised a finger, and a firework lit up. From all directions came immediately the din of voices converging.

Jing Hengbo stared at him fixedly, her heart cavity tightening, so tight it seemed to convulse, her breathing also seeming thinner, like a blade pressing heavily against her chest.

Wrong.

Everything was wrong.

Just now she was still thinking that Gong Yin must be playing along with Yelu Qi, pretending to agree with him, definitely wouldn’t believe Yelu Qi’s nonsense, definitely was using a stratagem to save her.

Unfortunately, Gong Yin was so cruel he didn’t even give her a chance to console herself, so quickly using actions to crush her hope.

Originally, even if he agreed to Yelu Qi’s conditions, as long as he was still alone, Jing Hengbo would firmly believe he was deceiving Yelu Qi. But he had sent out the notification.

This made her despair.

How strict were the Dahuang Queen’s prohibitions? The posture she and Yelu Qi were in now—however you looked at it, she was throwing herself at him. If those people saw it, even if she wasn’t forced to commit suicide, she’d be stoned to death.

She suddenly felt somewhat dazed… Gong Yin… was he truly angry?

Already suspicious about her and Yelu Qi being together in the tent, then seeing her actually run away, seeing her being “intimate” with Yelu Qi, hearing those deadly words of betrayal—anyone would be angry and disappointed, right?

In the darkness, his lips were so cold and white, pressed in a tight line, also like a blade, cruelly chopping between her and him.

Only separated by a river, yet like mountains and seas stretching endlessly.

“If you leave today, tomorrow you’ll be my enemy.”

Heh heh.

The great god was indeed a great god—decisive enough. Only she would take it as a joke, right?

The crowd’s arrival was faster than she expected. Every bit closer the flickering torchlight came, the closer she got to death.

Jing Hengbo had difficulty breathing, her vision darkening, her heart like a wild horse breaking free, charging about restlessly. The taste of waiting for death was so unbearable that she temporarily forgot to hate these two heartless men.

She was changing her mind now!

She would no longer flee! She wanted to be Queen!

But never again would she be a puppet Queen controlled by others, bound by countless rules, whose life and death could be decided by any random cat or dog!

She wanted to be a true Queen who held great power, decided her own and others’ life and death, and would never be controlled by anyone!

She wanted to secure the throne, possess strength, then overthrow, defeat, and trample underfoot all those damned rules and doctrines, and slap those hypocritical guardians and dictators seventy or eighty times across their faces!

Now, she first had to live!

The darkness in the distance was already lit up, and they could almost see the first person’s head.

As soon as one person saw, things would be irreversible…

Yelu Qi’s face looked strange in the torchlight, seeming disappointed and surprised. He suddenly muttered in a low voice: “Miscalculation—he’s actually willing to let go. It seems I can only…” He moved as if to get up.

No one paid attention to his words because Jing Hengbo was taking a breath, while Gong Yin suddenly raised his hand at this moment.

Before the fastest person was about to enter view, he brought two fingers together and suddenly shot out a ball of blue flame.

As soon as the flame appeared, the vast sounds from all directions and the endless stream of approaching people stopped.

Yelu Qi’s expression changed drastically, then transformed into frenzied excitement, his gaze burning bright as stars.

“Ultimate Prohibition Order! Hahaha, I still guessed right—you indeed…”

Before he could finish, suddenly Jing Hengbo screamed, drowning out his voice.

“Pssh—”

It was hard to imagine someone making a shushing sound so loudly. In the shushing sound, Er Gouzi, who had been trembling to one side, suddenly flew over stiffly, as if pulled by strings or yanked by invisible hands. In mid-air, he rigidly spread his wings, eyes wide open, his whole body shaking like having convulsions.

“Hurry up!” Jing Hengbo shouted anxiously. “Pssh!”

“Splat.” A glob of yellow-green bird droppings shot out with the shushing sound, landing squarely in Yelu Qi’s mouth as he looked up laughing!

…

A moment of silence.

Jing Hengbo was panting—telekinetically moving Er Gouzi had cost her more energy than usual.

Er Gouzi crashed to the ground.

Gong Yin, who had swept over like lightning, nearly fell into the river water.

Only the distant torches swayed in the wind, making this moment’s stiffness even more pronounced.

Oh, there was one more conscious being. Feifei took advantage of this chaotic moment to quietly creep over, appearing at Yelu Qi’s right side. His little bloody mouth opened, revealing two rows of gleaming white teeth. “Crack!”

“Ah!” Yelu Qi finally let out a great cry, leaping up with a whoosh, shaking his body to fling Feifei away, while his other hand still didn’t forget to grab Jing Hengbo, who was trying to escape.

A figure flashed—Gong Yin had already appeared opposite him, blocking his escape route.

Feifei hit the ground, rolled, and immediately got up, pouncing onto Yelu Qi’s hair, grabbing his topknot and hanging down, preparing to give him an intimate stare.

But it didn’t succeed in staring.

Yelu Qi, in mid-air, suddenly lifted Jing Hengbo and lowered his head, firmly blocking her lips!

…

Feifei was knocked away by Yelu Qi’s forehead.

Gong Yin, about to strike, changed expression.

Jing Hengbo stared wide-eyed.

She never could have imagined Yelu Qi would do this at such a critical moment.

But immediately she knew why Yelu Qi had done this!

His lips and tongue moved, and then a glob of extremely foul-smelling, soft, rotten stuff was suddenly fed into her mouth!

In a flash, two words swept through her mind.

Bird! Shit!

“Bleh!” Jing Hengbo was already vomiting wildly in mid-air, but while vomiting, she drew a dagger from her thigh side and with a flick of her fingers, stabbed out very nimbly!

Blood and filth splattered together! Red and yellow colors crossed past each other.

Almost immediately, Yelu Qi released his grip, flinging the retching Jing Hengbo in the opposite direction.

A figure flashed—Gong Yin unhesitatingly went to catch her.

“Splurt.” Jing Hengbo, landing in his arms, instantly sprayed him with vomit—yellow and green, reeking and pungent. But Gong Yin didn’t even frown, only held her tightly, slowly lowering her to the ground, supporting her in his arms with her upper body tilted down to facilitate vomiting and prevent the spraying vomit from blocking her throat.

He gently patted her back, continuously supporting her sliding body.

Jing Hengbo vomited until her vision blurred with tears, her stomach churning, her whole body convulsing. She couldn’t care who was supporting her, only feeling the arm she leaned on was solid and warm, steadily anchoring her constantly weakening self. From the corner of her eye, she saw snow-white robe edges splattered with yellow-green liquid, continuously covered with layer after layer of vomit, yet always hanging quietly without the slightest withdrawal.

Was this Gong Yin… it couldn’t be… he spoke so coldly… she must have transmigrated again…

Confused thoughts flashed through her mind, then were covered by a new wave of nausea. She didn’t know why this self-inflicted bird droppings would cause such a strong reaction, or perhaps from the moment she moved Er Gouzi, some change had occurred in her body again.

“My head hurts so much…” After a violent bout of projectile vomiting, Jing Hengbo suddenly let out a weak murmur, then leaned back and fainted.

Gong Yin caught her in time.

At this moment, he looked not much better than the disheveled Jing Hengbo, covered in yellow and green, his white clothes turned into flowered clothes.

The torches in the distance were still flickering, the crowd still hadn’t moved—all of the Right State Preceptor’s orders were iron commands. Especially that later Prohibition Order. Once a Prohibition Order was issued, everyone was strictly forbidden from acting without permission!

But a Prohibition Order was a major command, only used for significant matters, generally used by the State Preceptor with supreme authority when mobilizing or controlling armies. Seeing the Prohibition Order tonight without understanding what had happened ahead, all those standing rigidly in place, not daring to step beyond the bounds, looked around in bewilderment and unease.

Naturally, no one stopped Yelu Qi’s departing steps, but Gong Yin seemed to have forgotten this great enemy.

A figure flashed—someone appeared beside Gong Yin. Meng Hu, probably the only close confidant of Gong Yin who could still move under the Prohibition Order.

“Send the Queen back to camp.” Gong Yin handed Jing Hengbo to him, then instructed: “Have the imperial physicians take good care of her. I’ll follow Yelu Qi a bit further to see what arrangements he has.”

“Yes.” Meng Hu took Jing Hengbo but didn’t immediately leave, his expression hesitant.

Gong Yin turned to look at him quietly.

“Master.” Meng Hu, looked at by his clear, penetrating eyes, felt his heart grow cold. Gritting his teeth, he still said: “This subordinate feels you were too hasty today…”

Gong Yin remained silent, turning to look at the undulating black mountains in the distance.

“After all, today was mutual probing between you and Yelu. He wanted to know what position the Queen holds in your heart. Now, he knows.” Meng Hu sighed. “If this subordinate hasn’t guessed wrong, Yelu Qi wouldn’t truly put the Queen in danger. If you had held firm and not issued the Prohibition Order, he definitely would have left with the Queen as hostage.”

Gong Yin still didn’t turn back. His straight back was like a towering mountain that had borne the eternal winds of thousands of years.

Meng Hu stopped talking.

What he knew, Gong Yin must also know. Knowing yet still acting this way—why? He didn’t dare think, didn’t want to think.

He only felt regret and sighed for his invulnerable master finally having a weakness discovered by the enemy.

The struggle among those in power was so cruel and intense. The slightest carelessness would allow others to enter and strike with a blade. All along, his master could intimidate the world and hold supreme power because he had a heart as solid as jade, as clear as crystal—strong and complete, leaving no opening for others.

Such a heart came from his experiences and from the unique cultivation method he chose. Because of this, he had more restrictions than ordinary people regarding human nature and love.

Previously, it didn’t seem to matter—men compete for the world with hearts in court and country, everything else like grass.

But if there truly were attachments, things he cared about, it would be like jade developing cracks, crystal gathering dust, his whole body thus sprouting countless loopholes and weaknesses, each leading to failure and death.

Meng Hu looked at the weak-breathing Jing Hengbo, then at Gong Yin standing in the darkness like a jade carving, and suddenly shivered.

Dahuang wasn’t desolate, swamps were wetlands—once meeting, was it calamity or fate?

He only felt his heart suddenly heavy, every inch and fraction loaded with worry, but didn’t dare say anything more, supporting Jing Hengbo as he slowly withdrew.

Gong Yin never turned back.

Before him stretched vast wilderness, gradually revealing its grandeur in dawn’s faint light. Beyond this ancient path lay the mysterious and complex vast Dahuang. His and her journey hadn’t completely reached its destination, yet this road had already left behind and entangled too much.

Soiled robes could be washed clean, useless things could be discarded—but how could strange, inexplicable moods be reorganized?

Mountain winds howled, trees undulated, the rustling sound of leaves stirring seemed like her voice, repeatedly brushing across his heart.

“…He captured me, tied me up, bullied me, treated me coldly, repaid kindness with enmity and wronged me, and even wants to steal my Queen position. I’d have to be blind and crazy to be reluctant to part with him!”

“Yelu Qi, the moment I saw you… I was amazed by you…”

“Gong Yin, I’m curious why you don’t kill her? Reluctant to part?”

…

He began to smile bitterly, alone, facing the transparent wind in dawn’s twilight colors.

No one saw the slight weariness and faint coolness in his smile.

Yelu Qi, you were right.

I truly am…

Reluctant to part with her.