[Fantasy] The Romantic Substitute Duan Yu of the Heavenly Dragon (Complete) - Chapters 31-33

page views:1 Publication date:2023-03-22

Chapter 197 [Ye Erniang]

"Is it her? She's your target this time."

Xuan Nu asked Duan Yu with a puzzled look.

"That's right, it's her!"

Duan Yu said with a smile.

"Since that's the case, you go by yourself. I'm leaving first!"

Xuan Nu said,

and her body was about to flash away. However, Duan Yu suddenly hugged her tightly and said softly, "Don't even think about running away."

Xuan Nu glared at Duan Yu and said, "Do you want me to see the whole thing? I've been following you for so long, I know your methods. If you want to go, go by yourself. Don't worry, since you've formed a karmic bond with her, I know what to do."

Duan Yu smiled when he heard Xuan Nu say this, "Anyway, I've already seen so much, is there anything I can't bear to see this time?"

Xuan Nu glared at Duan Yu angrily, her face slightly unnatural. She had indeed seen too much; she had seen almost all of Duan Yu's women! After hearing Duan Yu say this, Xuan Nu was really a little embarrassed. Watching secretly was one thing, watching openly was another.

"You don't want me to follow you invisibly, do you? Let me make this clear, that's not allowed. I don't want to do that,"

Xuan Nu said coquettishly.

"Of course not. I'm not asking you to follow me to do anything else, just to keep an eye on things,"

Duan Yu said.

"Really? Aren't you afraid I'll ruin your plans?"

Xuan Nu asked in surprise.

"Of course not,"

Duan Yu said with a smile.

"Okay, you said you wouldn't blame me if something goes wrong later,"

a glint of light flashed in Xuan Nu's eyes.

Seeing Xuan Nu's expression, Duan Yu was a little uncertain. However, he believed that Xuan Nu wouldn't do anything to harm him, so it seemed he might face some difficulties later.

Smiling at Xuan Nu, Duan Yu said, "Of course I won't blame you. Let's go down together."

After saying that, Duan Yu put his arm around Xuan Nu and they flashed to the ground.

Xuan Nu's aura had been completely concealed! Duan Yu was the same. This was to prevent being detected by the Earth God.

They now looked like ordinary people. There was no trace of immortal aura on them.

The two appeared at an intersection, where Duan Yu stood with Xuan Nu in his arms. Suddenly, a gust of wind swept past.

Ye Erniang, carrying a small infant, rushed forward with a loving expression.

But as she passed Duan Yu and Xuan Nu, she was startled! She clearly saw Duan Yu's face.

"We meet again. Whose child is this this time!"

Duan Yu suddenly said.

"How is it you? What are you doing here!"

Ye Erniang frowned at Duan Yu. Ever since the Zhenlong Chess Game, Ye Erniang had a very good understanding of this man's prowess.

When Ye Erniang's gaze fell on Xuan Nu in Duan Yu's arms, her eyes widened in astonishment. What a stunning beauty! Ye Erniang felt as if she were falling for her after just one glance. A woman who could move even other women's hearts—who was this?

"Hehe, of course, I came specifically to find you,"

Duan Yu said with a smile.

"Came specifically to find me? What do you mean?"

Ye Erniang asked in surprise, her eyes filled with even deeper wariness.

"What an adorable little child, let me hold him."

Duan Yu said, and with a flick of his wrist, the baby instantly appeared in his arms.

Ye Erniang stared at Duan Yu in utter shock; she hadn't even noticed how the baby had been taken from her.

"Duan Yu, what do you mean by this?"

Ye Erniang said coldly.

"Don't you think it's best to return this child to his parents?"

Duan Yu said with a smile. As he spoke, he teased the child in his arms with his finger. The baby was now opening its adorable eyes and smiling at Duan Yu. What a beautiful and intelligent baby.

Duan Yu had to admit that Ye Erniang had a good eye; this child must have been born extraordinary.

Ye Erniang glared at Duan Yu and said, "Duan Yu, I know your martial arts are powerful; even our leader is no match for you, but don't be so arrogant."

"What arrogance do I have to say? We don't seem to have any connection. I'm only here to reform you,"

Duan Yu said with a smile.

"Reform me? Duan Yu, have you gone mad?!"

Ye Erniang giggled coquettishly, looking at Duan Yu with a seductive gaze. "What do you have to reform me with?"

"Ye Erniang, do you still remember your son who was taken away by someone else right after he was born?"

Duan Yu said with a smile.

Upon hearing this, Ye Erniang suddenly trembled, looking at Duan Yu. "How do you know I have a son?!"

"Not only do I know you have a son, but I also know that you burned nine incense marks on his back and both buttocks when he was born. Tell me, is that right?"

Duan Yu said.

Ye Erniang was completely shocked. Along with the shock, Ye Erniang was also filled with doubt. How did Duan Yu know so much about this? This matter was definitely her biggest secret, even her eldest brother and the others didn't know it. She had only met Duan Yu a few times. From the time he took the third brother as his disciple to the Zhenlong Chess Game, she had never had any further contact with him. But this time, he actually said he was specifically reforming her. How could this be?

Over the years, Ye Erniang had never stopped missing her son, which was why she resorted to stealing other people's sons. She missed him terribly. She hated the unfairness of fate. She hated the person who had taken her son.

"Which damned scoundrel stole my child, causing us to be separated for twenty-four years? Even if I travel to the ends of the earth, I will find this scoundrel and tear him to pieces!"

Ye Erniang suddenly said coldly to Duan Yu.

"Was he really stolen? Was your child stolen or robbed? Where did these six bloody marks on your face come from? I think I don't need to explain,"

Duan Yu said with a smile.

"You...you...how do you know so much? Do you know where my son is? Tell me. Tell me quickly where he is, my poor child!"

Ye Erniang looked at Duan Yu expectantly.

Seeing Ye Erniang's state, Duan Yu sighed with emotion. He couldn't bear to tease this sorrowful woman any longer, so he said softly, "Back then, you had an affair with Abbot Xuanci of Shaolin Temple and had a child. This child is still in Shaolin Temple, by his father's side. You don't need to worry about him at all!" "

What? My child is in Shaolin Temple? This... how is this possible!"

Ye Erniang asked in disbelief, her eyes filled with astonishment.

"I have no reason to lie to you. Your son is now called Xuzhu, just an ordinary monk. He's doing very well and has no danger to his life, much less involvement in the conflicts of the martial arts world."

" Duan Yu said.

Ye Erniang shook her head blankly, her eyes still filled with disbelief. She couldn't accept the fact that her son, whom she had been searching for so desperately, had been staying safely at Shaolin Temple all along.

"I know you don't believe me, but I'll tell you a secret now." After Duan Yu

finished speaking, he recounted the entire story of Xiao Yuanshan, Murong Bo, and the others' involvement.

After Ye Erniang heard the whole story, she suddenly sighed softly. Her face was full of confusion: "Why is this happening? Why is this happening! Is it karma? Why did my poor son have to be dragged into this?"

"No one can be blamed for this. Back then, in the battle of Yanmen Pass, my elder brother's father did indeed suffer an undeserved calamity, and Xuan Ci did indeed receive his due punishment. However, this retribution has been imprinted on you and your son,"

Duan Yu said.

Ye Erniang shook her head: "I'd rather it all happen to me, why not just be imprinted on me alone?"

Duan Yu shrugged: "No one can predict this so-called cause and effect."

"Why do you know all this? What do you mean by this?"

Ye Erniang asked.

"Why I know everything, I can't tell you now. As for what you mean, that goes without saying. Since your son is alive, you don't need to harm these lovely children anymore. Over the years, your hands have taken countless innocent lives. They were all lovely flowers, why take your anger out on them?"

Duan Yu said with a smile: "Look how cute this child is, how heartwarming he is. This child should be truly happy with his own parents."

Ye Erniang looked at Duan Yu, her mind in utter turmoil. She hadn't realized that all her actions over the years had only resulted in countless killings.

Now, when she suddenly remembered the countless lives she had taken, Ye Erniang's heart was filled with boundless confusion and boundless fear! Cause and effect, no! No more retribution. It absolutely cannot befall her son.

Ye Erniang desperately wanted to see Xuzhu, but she dared not, fearing she would bring karmic retribution upon herself. After hearing Duan Yu's story, Ye Erniang was truly terrified. She hadn't expected it all to be based on a single, flawed story.

Xuan Nu hadn't uttered a word, merely watching Duan Yu curiously, yet he had once again managed to deceive her with just a few words.

Those who know everything about others are indeed the most terrifying. In this world of scheming, how many can outmaneuver someone like Duan Yu?

It's no wonder, given Duan Yu's profound knowledge of Tianlong. He had thoroughly understood the character and conduct of every woman here, knowing exactly what methods to use against each type of woman—

it was all at his fingertips! Ye Erniang seemed cold-hearted and vicious, but Duan Yu knew her weakness: Xuzhu. Everything else was meaningless to her.

To win her over, he had to use this drastic measure!

"Now you can tell me where you snatched this child. It's best to return him,"

Duan Yu said.

Ye Erniang nodded, "He's the son of a high-ranking official. I don't know his exact identity, but the people taking care of him are no ordinary people. He must be a minor prince."

"A minor prince?"

Duan Yu's expression changed in surprise. He looked at Ye Erniang with amusement, "It seems you've got some nerve this time! You even dared to steal from a minor prince!"

Ye Erniang smiled charmingly, "What wouldn't I dare to do? He's just a minor prince. In my eyes, he's still just an ordinary child."

Seeing Ye Erniang quickly regain her composure, Duan Yu was quite impressed. No wonder she was one of the Four Evils!

Just as the two were talking, a large number of footsteps suddenly sounded from afar, followed by shouts. Duan Yu and Ye Erniang turned their heads simultaneously.

Ye Erniang's expression changed drastically upon seeing what she saw! Facing them was a force of several thousand soldiers! From the silver-white armor these men wore, Ye Erniang recognized their formation: they were Imperial Guards. These men were all Imperial Guards! How could there be Imperial Guards here? Although this was Kaifeng Prefecture, weren't the Imperial Guards supposed to be stationed in the Imperial City?

Chapter 198 [Ye Erniang 2]

These Imperial Guards quickly rushed towards Ye Erniang and her companions. When they saw the child Duan Yu was holding, a lieutenant general, also dressed in silver-white armor, waved his hand, and thousands of Imperial Guards instantly surrounded Duan Yu and his companions. Accompanying this man were several men in brocade robes. These men were clearly top-tier experts from the Imperial Palace.

Duan Yu's lips curled into a wicked smile. He leisurely looked at Ye Erniang and said, "It seems the child you stole this time really is a little prince. The Imperial Guards have been dispatched; this is no small matter."

Ye Erniang was somewhat surprised but not particularly afraid. She looked at Duan Yu and said, "You won't just stand by and do nothing, will you? You are the Emperor of Dali."

"You and I are not acquainted; why should I care?"

Duan Yu said with a smile.

"But you can't ignore it either. Do you think these people will think you're not one of us?"

Ye Erniang giggled charmingly.

It must be said that Ye Erniang's appearance was truly remarkable. Her still-charming appearance stunned the surrounding soldiers.

"You audacious thief, hand over the little prince immediately!"

A man in brocade robes coldly looked at Duan Yu and his companions and said.

When his gaze fell on the silent Xuan Nu, the man's eyes instantly widened in shock. Good heavens! How could such a stunning beauty exist in this world? She's not an ordinary mortal; she's a fairy!

He was absolutely right; the woman before him was truly a fairy.

And it wasn't just him; the surrounding soldiers all reacted the same way! Such a breathtaking beauty was truly rare in this world.

The absolute sacred aura emanating from her made them reluctant to defile her, reluctant to even look at her. Even gazing at her made these soldiers feel ashamed.

"Is this really the young prince?"

Duan Yu asked with a smile.

Hearing Duan Yu's words, the man in brocade robes who had been shouting frowned. His name was Xu Ping! He was originally a martial arts practitioner, but because of the imperial city's recruitment, he had become a top-tier imperial guard! (Note: Not the Embroidered Uniform Guard!) The Imperial Guards are the most mysterious organization in the palace, responsible for surrounding the royal family. When Xu Ping discovered that the person who stole the young prince was Ye Erniang, one of the Four Evils, he immediately understood the gravity of the situation and reported everything to the prince. The Seventh Prince was a decisive man; without hesitation, he dispatched several thousand Imperial Guards under the control of his trusted men! Although the Imperial Guards were supposed to be stationed in the capital, there wasn't just one unit! The Seventh Prince's contingent of Imperial Guards was lured out of the capital under the pretext of a combat drill! Xu Ping and his men relentlessly pursued Ye Erniang, and with Duan Yu's delay, they were immediately intercepted.

The reason for sending so many men was that Xu Ping and his men were not confident they could handle Ye Erniang; these Four Evils were quite infamous in the martial arts world.

For those who risked their lives within the palace, understanding the martial arts world's most formidable fighters was crucial for their survival and the safety of the royal family.

It was precisely because Xu Ping knew the Four Evils' strength that he requested the Imperial Guards! Without such a force, they simply couldn't defeat them.

This person didn't seem to be a member of the Four Evils .

"Who are you? You're not one of the Four Evils?"

Xu Ping asked suspiciously.

"Of course not!"

Duan Yu said with a smile.

"Since you're not, why is the young prince in your arms?"

Xu Ping said coldly.

"Heh, I saw injustice and drew my sword to help! I happen to know Ye Erniang's character. This child was snatched from her hands,"

Duan Yu said.

"Since that's the case, then please hand over the young prince to us!"

Xu Ping said, a glint of light flashing in his eyes.

"Heh, just like that? I might as well hand him over to your prince myself!"

Duan Yu said with a smile.

Xu Ping's expression turned slightly cold upon hearing this. "What do you mean by this? Going to see the Prince won't do you any good. Do you want a reward? Don't worry, as long as you bring the young Prince back, I will definitely report this matter truthfully to the Prince and have him reward you!"

Duan Yu laughed and said, "Although I, Duan Yu, am not talented, I am still the Emperor of Dali. Is it not allowed for me to meet your Emperor?"

"You are the Emperor of Dali!"

Xu Ping exclaimed in surprise. "What proof do you have that you are the Emperor of Dali?"

"Seeing that you are also a martial artist, you should know my Dali One-Finger Divine Skill." After

Duan Yu finished speaking, he raised his hand and pointed several fingers into the distance. Instantly, several bright lights flashed. The trees dozens of feet away were suddenly pierced through with several holes by invisible force.

"Sizzle..."

Everyone who saw it, except for Xuan Nu, gasped. That was dozens of feet away! To pierce through that tree with just force, what kind of attack was that?

Xu Ping was now extremely hesitant; the strength this person had displayed was far too terrifying. With such power, escape would be effortless for him. People in the martial world were known for their agility and skill. Despite the large number and superior equipment of the Imperial Guards—two thousand of them already with bows drawn and ready to fire—

Xu Ping dared not order the firing of the young prince, who was still in the enemy's hands.

"General Li, what do you think we should do now?"

Xu Ping suddenly asked the general beside him.

"This time, the prince's order is for me to assist you. All matters will be under your command, Commander Xu!"

Li Yuan said respectfully.

Hearing Li Yuan's words, Xu Ping cursed inwardly, "You sly fox!" He then looked at the other imperial guards, but they all seemed equally indifferent, appearing oblivious to the world's troubles.

Li Yuan was utterly frustrated; these people were all incredibly cunning. Who said being a leader was easy?! If Li Yuan knew who said that, he would have killed them on the spot. This leader is practically a scapegoat!

"Judging by the finger strength alone, it should indeed be the Dali One-Finger Divine Skill, but that alone isn't enough to prove your identity,"

Xu Ping said cautiously.

"Then this will do,"

Duan Yu suddenly produced an identity token and tossed it to Xu Ping! It bore the character "Duan" from the Dali Kingdom. Looking at this token, Xu Ping was completely moved! Identity tokens from neighboring countries were among the first pieces of intelligence they, as imperial guards, needed to obtain immediately. So, just one glance was enough for him to confirm. After confirming that the other party was the Emperor of Dali, Xu Ping's expression became respectful! The other party was the Emperor! Although the Dali Kingdom was far inferior to the Song Dynasty, as a diplomatic ally, he couldn't afford to offend them lightly.

"Xu Ping greets Your Majesty!"

Xu Ping said with a slight bow, returning the token to Duan Yu. Although Duan Yu and he weren't ruler and subject, they still had to perform the royal courtesies. Even

if it was perfunctory, it had to be perfunctory—that's what politics is all about.

“Now we can go see the Prince, right?”

Duan Yu said with a smile.

“Of course, His Majesty has come to our Great Song, and it is only right that our Great Song sends people to welcome him.”

Xu Ping finished speaking and stepped aside to let Duan Yu and the others proceed. The other party was the Emperor, and Xu Ping didn’t know what to do at this moment. Although they were experts in the Imperial Guard and had special status, they could exercise ordinary powers. However, this matter involving the monarch of another country was beyond his ability to handle. Since this person wanted to see the Prince, then he would comply with his wishes.

Duan Yu smiled and immediately walked forward to the cleared path.

“You’re quite intimidating as an emperor!”

Xuan Nu transmitted her voice with a charming laugh.

“Of course, I am an emperor after all.”

Duan Yu also transmitted his voice with a smile.

“I really wonder what the Emperor of the Great Song will do when he finds out that it was you who absorbed their dragon vein.”

Xuan Nu said.

“What else can I do? I don’t believe he dares to touch me! Anyway, the situation has changed now. If he dares to touch me, I don’t mind getting rid of him for Empress Dowager Xiao.”

Duan Yu said with a smile.

"You understand him? If you do that, you're very likely to attract attention,"

Xuan Nu said seriously.

"Is it that easy to attract attention? The Song Dynasty is already in a turbulent time. The current emperor has always wanted true power, and Empress Dowager Xiao won't relinquish it so easily. It's not impossible for the emperor to die, don't you think?"

Xuan Nu glanced at Duan Yu and said, "You don't really want to kill the Song emperor, do you?"

"That's hard to say. If it weren't for the Heavenly Court's restraint, I would have already mobilized the Dali Kingdom and, together with the Western Xia and Khitan, directly annexed the Song Dynasty!"

Duan Yu said.

Xuan Nu looked at Duan Yu seriously and said, "Do you want to become the Human Emperor?! Duan Yu, tell me, do you have that intention?"

A hint of excitement flickered in Xuan Nu's eyes. Before, she didn't know Duan Yu's strength and worried about him, but now that she knew Duan Yu had fully obtained the Dragon God's inheritance, Xuan Nu no longer had so many concerns.

The Human Emperor hasn't appeared for a long time. To become the Human Emperor, one must unify the world! With Duan Yu's body, having absorbed the imperial dragon vein, no one in the world is more qualified to be the Human Emperor than him!

If Duan Yu becomes the Human Emperor, the Jade Emperor will be powerless against him. This would greatly ease the burden on the Heavenly Court. The more

Xuan Nu thought about it, the more feasible it seemed!

"You want me to become the Human Emperor?"

Duan Yu asked.

“If you’re truly determined, Duan Yu, I think you should become the Human Emperor first! Given the current state of the Heavenly Court, if you plan well, you can annex the surrounding countries and unify the entire Divine Continent in a short time. Then, Heaven and Earth will surely acknowledge your achievements, and you will be the Human Emperor! The Jade Emperor won’t be able to send people to deal with you at will anymore, while you can secretly deal with him,”

Xuan Nu said.

“Secretly deal with him? Xuan Nu, your heart isn’t entirely pure either,” Duan Yu

said with a mischievous smile.

Xuan Nu pursed her lips and said, “I’m only thinking of you.”

“Actually, I’ve always had the idea of unifying the Divine Continent, but when I suddenly learned about the power of the Heavenly Court, and my strength had only just reached the Immortal level, I gave up on this plan. But now that you’ve brought it up again, I have to think about it carefully. To be honest, becoming the Human Emperor doesn’t seem so bad! But once I unify the Divine Continent, I will have to make contact with Amaterasu. I wonder what kind of strength Amaterasu from the East is?”

Duan Yu said with a sigh. "This matter seems easy, but it carries a great deal of risk. I am absolutely confident that I can completely control the Khitan and Western Xia in a short time. With the current strength of the Dali Kingdom, attacking the Song Dynasty will be swift. However, this will inevitably cause massive bloodshed, which is not what I want. While I will gain merit, I will also incur countless karmic consequences. I am not afraid of karma, but I am not afraid of the karma of beautiful women. Let's forget about the karma of innocent people."

"That depends on your own thoughts. Why not try a divide-and-conquer strategy? You just said you wanted to kill the Song Emperor. In that case, why not support someone to take control of the Song Dynasty, and then have the other countries under your control simultaneously declare submission? Then you can ascend the throne and become emperor, thus achieving the status of a human emperor!"

Xuan Nu said.

At this moment, Xuan Nu truly revealed her ancient goddess wisdom and ruthlessness in Duan Yu's eyes!

Scheming—how could Xuan Nu not know the power of scheming!

In this way, Duan Yu essentially missed the chance to become the Human Emperor during the Investiture of the Gods! This was a loophole exploited by the Heavenly Court.

Suddenly bringing this up again, Duan Yu's heart began to stir. To be honest, the temptation was immense, and after this analysis, the success rate seemed incredibly high! Wouldn't it be a disservice to himself not to do so?

His increased strength had made Duan Yu forget about his previous schemes. Lately, his attention had been entirely focused on the Heavenly Court; when had he ever considered using the path to becoming the Human Emperor to challenge the Heavenly Court?

Not only him! Even the Dragon King hadn't considered this. It wasn't that they hadn't thought of it, but rather that they didn't know Duan Yu's power in the mortal realm was so immense. Indeed, who knew that the largest countries in the Divine Continent were already under Duan Yu's covert control?

With Li Qiushui's identity, the Western Xia was practically under his absolute control. As for the Khitan, Duan Yu had already sent people to secretly control them! With the abilities of the seventy-two cave masters and Duan Yu's understanding of Khitan history, how could the Khitan possibly escape? When unrest breaks out in Khitan, that will be the time Duan Yu will control them!

Khitan, Western Xia, Dali—then only Tibet, Goryeo, and Nanzhao remain. Once Duan Yu controls them all and they simultaneously declare submission, Duan Yu will ascend the throne, and Heaven will bestow its blessings upon him, allowing him to become the Human Emperor!

(Um, I suddenly realized that Nanzhao existed in the Tang Dynasty. Brothers, do you guys think we should add the Legend of Sword and Fairy storyline? And what about Ling'er? It's up to you guys, anyway, Tianlong is all about the storyline!

Chapter 199 [Sharing a Bath]

"So it seems I really have to become the Human Emperor first. Originally, my plan was to first enter the demon race's forces and integrate a group of people. Now that I have a better way, I'll become the Human Emperor first. Becoming the Human Emperor is like getting a talisman. With this identity, the Jade Emperor really won't openly deal with me anymore. Although the Human Emperor can't compare to the Heavenly Emperor, he's not much less powerful."

Duan Yu said.

"So you've already decided?"

Xuan Nu said with a charming smile.

"Yes, it's decided! Let's consolidate the human forces first. I was originally waiting for the second Investiture of the Gods war to begin, but now that there's a loophole, of course I'll take advantage of it. I really have to thank you for reminding me this time,"

Duan Yu said.

Xuan Nu smiled and said, "The matter has been analyzed clearly. Whether you can do it or not depends on you! I hope you won't disappoint me." "Do

I look like the kind of person who would disappoint you? Now, three countries are already under my control. Does the Great Song Dynasty think it can escape?"

Duan Yu said.

"How do you plan to reclaim the Great Song Dynasty?"

Xuan Nu asked.

"He's been the emperor for too long. Since he's not content with being just a puppet emperor, let me help him transcend that,"

Duan Yu said with a smile.

"Are you still planning to kill him?"

Xuan Nu said.

"I'd rather deal with women than men. Empress Dowager Xiao's lifespan isn't long! The Song Dynasty is about to change! Let's talk to her," Duan Yu

said with a wicked smile. Xuan Nu gently shook her head, her eyes filled with determination. She had now acknowledged her identity as Duan Yu's woman. Having accepted this identity, she had to consider Duan Yu's well-being. Although Xuan Nu disapproved of some methods, she would allow Duan Yu to use them for the sake of the plan.

Duan Yu didn't have much time, and some special methods were necessary.

The two were communicating telepathically, while Ye Erniang followed them, confused. She didn't understand why they were going to see the prince.

However, since Duan Yu wanted to go, Ye Erniang couldn't do anything about it. Because... She had no confidence in escaping from the thousands of imperial guards! These men were all watching her warily.

The several imperial guards were especially vigilant.

The group quickly arrived at Kaifeng Prefecture. At Duan Yu's signal to keep a low profile, his identity was not revealed.

The group headed directly towards the Seventh Prince's residence.

Although they were to proceed discreetly, Xu Ping still immediately sent someone to inform the prince. The imperial guards, after entering Kaifeng, discreetly made their way to their camp.

In fact, upon learning that Duan Yu was the Emperor of Dali, Xu Ping knew that there was little point in pursuing the matter further. Now that the young prince was safe, everything would be fine.

When Duan Yu arrived at the Seventh Prince's residence, someone was already waiting there. The Seventh Prince himself was waiting at the gate.

"Your Majesty, the King of Dali, has

traveled a long way to greet me. I, Zhao Kuo, am deeply sorry for not welcoming you properly." Zhao Kuo laughed and bowed to Duan Yu.

"Hehe, Duan Yu is merely the king of a small country. There is no question of being impolite. On the contrary, it is I who have disturbed Your Highness

with my unannounced visit." Duan Yu returned the bow with a smile.

"What are you saying? Since Your Majesty is a friendly neighbor, I, Zhao Kuo, will of course warmly welcome you. Your Majesty, please come inside."

Zhao Kuo stepped aside and said.

Duan Yu smiled lightly and entered without hesitation. Following Duan Yu, Zhao Kuo followed. From the moment he saw Duan Yu, he hadn't asked about his son. Upon seeing Xuan Nu's unparalleled beauty, he was only momentarily stunned before reacting. Duan

Yu noticed this expression, and a subtle smile appeared on his lips. Zhao Kuo seemed to be no ordinary

person. Xuan Nu's journey had certainly caused a stir in Kaifeng. Although Duan Yu had said he would keep a low profile, it was impossible to. Everyone who saw Xuan Nu was utterly captivated by her stunning beauty! It was a face that shouldn't exist in the mortal world.

Passing through artificial hills and lakes, and traversing several long corridors, Zhao Kuo led Duan Yu to a reception hall. Servants quickly brought out tea and snacks.

At Zhao Kuo's instruction, the servants quickly dispersed,

leaving only Zhao Kuo and Xu Ping .

"Your Majesty, please have some tea and snacks!"

Zhao Kuo invited the three of them to sit down, smiling. "I've long heard that the emperors of Dali are all men of both literary and military talent. It's truly an honor to meet Your Majesty today."

Zhao Kuo showed no restraint in front of Duan Yu. To these princes, while Emperor Duan Yu was indeed of high status, he was nothing special. So, he was merely being polite.

"Your Highness, you flatter me. I've come to return the young prince."

Duan Yu didn't stand on ceremony, smiling as he handed the child to Lord Qiwan.

Lord Qiwan took the young prince! Without asking any questions, he simply smiled and instructed his servants to take the young prince away.

"Thank you for Your Majesty's assistance,"

Zhao Kuo said. "May I ask what brings Your Majesty here this time?" "

Hehe, I've only come to the Song Dynasty by chance! There's nothing special about it,"

Duan Yu said with a smile.

"Your Majesty has quite the refined taste,"

Zhao Kuo said with a smile.

“You should say I’m being lazy! I’m not very enthusiastic about state affairs, which is why I’ve been wandering around! This time, I’ve come here hoping to bother Your Highness for a few days,”

Duan Yu said.

“It is only right that I, Your Majesty, fulfill my duty as host to Your Majesty in coming to the Central Plains. I’m just worried that Your Majesty might not be comfortable here. Please don’t blame me then,”

Zhao Kuo said.

“Your Highness, you are too modest. Although I am the emperor of a country, our Dali Kingdom is far inferior to the Song Dynasty. How could I not be comfortable here?”

Duan Yu said with a smile.

“That’s good! Your Majesty has come from afar and must be quite tired. I will arrange for the servants to make preparations. After Your Majesty has freshened up and rested, I will take Your Majesty on a proper tour tomorrow. I must also report Your Majesty’s arrival to His Majesty,”

Zhao Kuo said.

“Then I thank Your Highness for your kindness,”

Duan Yu said.

Zhao Kuo exchanged a few more polite words and then left with Xu Ping and the others, leaving only a few maids to serve Duan Yu and his companions.

Watching them leave, Ye Erniang looked at Duan Yu with a seductive gaze and asked, "Duan Yu, what exactly do you want to do?"

"What do I want to do? Nothing,"

Duan Yu said casually, peeling an orange.

"Nothing? What are you doing here? Don't tell me you want to talk to the Emperor of the Song Dynasty!"

Ye Erniang said.

"That's not necessarily a bad thing. You know I've only been on the throne for a short time, and I'm not very good at handling state affairs. The Emperor of the Song Dynasty has been on the throne for so long; it's only right that I consult him,"

Duan Yu said.

The maids nearby, hearing Duan Yu and his companions openly discussing the Emperor, changed their expressions slightly, but weren't overly surprised.

At this moment, these maids were all secretly observing Duan Yu with curiosity.

Such a handsome man was actually the Emperor! For these maids, this was not something they could encounter casually.

Many people would never see the Emperor in their entire lives.

Although Duan Yu wasn't the Emperor of the Song Dynasty, he was still an emperor nonetheless.

"Why are you all staring at me like that? If you want to look, then look boldly,"

Duan Yu said with a mischievous grin, eyeing the maids around him.

"We wouldn't dare. Please forgive us for offending Your Majesty,"

the maids said sweetly.

"What's there to offend? Look if you want, but don't peek,"

Duan Yu said with a smile.

The four maids exchanged glances, then shyly raised their heads to carefully examine Duan Yu. At this moment, the four maids were all bewildered! They had always heard that serving a ruler was like serving a tiger! The person before them was the Emperor, but he lacked the aura of an emperor.

"What are your names?"

Duan Yu asked with a smile.

"Our names are Chunxiang, Xiaxiang, Qiuxiang, and Dongxiang!"

the four women said in unison.

Hearing their common names, Duan Yu sighed softly. Such names were truly common in this era!

"Are you all curious why I lack the majesty of an emperor?"

Duan Yu said to the four women with a smile.

"No!"

Chunxiang shook her head.

"Little girl, it's not right to lie,"

Duan Yu smiled, not teasing the four women any further.

Chunxiang lowered her head shyly after hearing this.

"Are you really the emperor?"

Qiuxiang asked.

"How could it be fake?"

Duan Yu said with a smile.

"But aren't emperors supposed to be very busy? How come you're so free?"

Dongxiang asked curiously.

"How do you know I'm not busy?"

Duan Yu said.

"If you were busy, would you have come all the way to the Central Plains?"

Xiaxiang giggled.

Duan Yu smiled mischievously and said, "Don't you know that emperors like to travel incognito? I've come out this time to look for beauties. I think the four of you are quite nice, so you can come back with me."

The four women's expressions changed upon hearing this, staring blankly at Duan Yu, unsure whether he was telling the truth or not. If he really wanted to take the four of them away, even the prince would probably agree.

Seeing the four women's expressions, Duan Yu laughed, "I was just teasing you, why are you so nervous!"

The four women each glared at Duan Yu, then ignored him completely. Emperors are all really wicked! That was what the four women were thinking.

Duan Yu and the other two didn't wait long. Zhao Kuo came in again.

"Everything is arranged, Your Majesty, please go and freshen up,"

Zhao Kuo said.

"Then I'll trouble Your Highness to make the arrangements,"

Duan Yu said.

Zhao Kuo immediately led the three to a bathroom! It was a very large bathroom! The prince led Duan Yu to the door and said, "Does Your Majesty need servants to serve you?"

"Your Highness, do you think I need any?"

Duan Yu gave the prince a look that only men could understand.

Prince Qi Wan laughed and said, "I think it's unnecessary. In that case, I'll take my leave. Someone will bring you clothes in a moment."

Prince Qi Wan then left.

As the Seventh Prince left, a wicked smile appeared on Duan Yu's lips as he stared mischievously at Ye Erniang and Xuan Nu.

Xuan Nu rolled her eyes at Duan Yu without saying a word.

Ye Erniang also gave Duan Yu a charming glare, but she wasn't entirely at ease.

"Duan Yu, why are you looking at me like that?"

Ye Erniang said.

"I was wondering whether you'd like to leave now or come with me to take a bath. Let me warn you, there are a lot of imperial guards around here. This prince seems to care about nothing, but as soon as you leave my side, I can guarantee you'll be attacked immediately,"

Duan Yu said with a smile.

Ye Erniang frowned upon hearing this; she was well aware of this. She had also clearly sensed the surrounding precautions. She glared at Duan Yu and said, "Do you want me to serve you?"

"Do I look like I need your service? My sister Xuan Nu is much better than you,"

Duan Yu said, pulling Xuan Nu close.

Xuan Nu rolled her eyes at Duan Yu and said, "I won't serve you."

Chapter 200 [Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden]

Ye Erniang was surprised by Xuan Nu's words. She giggled and asked Xuan Nu, "Where are you from, sister?"

"Hahaha..."

Duan Yu suddenly burst into laughter.

Duan Yu's laughter confused Ye Erniang.

"What do you mean by that?" Ye Erniang said coldly.

"You actually call Xuan Nu 'sister,' hehe, she's not someone you can just call 'sister',"

Duan Yu said with a smile.

Ye Erniang looked at the two of them, still confused.

"If you want to know the answer, let's talk inside."

Duan Yu said, not even glancing at Ye Erniang, and pulled Xuan Nu's delicate body into his arms, leading her inside.

Xuan Nu's pretty face was slightly flushed, and she stared at Duan Yu with a low gaze, saying, "Don't forget your promise."

"Of course not, but can't I even take a bath with you?"

Duan Yu said with a smile.

"No!"

Xuan Nu said coquettishly.

"It hurts me to say that."

Duan Yu said resentfully, looking at Xuan Nu.

"Hehehe... You big bad guy, don't try to play tricks on me, no means no. Who knew you'd be so wicked and not know how to do something else?"

Xuan Nu said .

"Do I look like that kind of person?"

Duan Yu said.

"Very much like it, no! I should say you are."

Xuan Nu said with a coquettish laugh.

Duan Yu chuckled, "I don't care, I'm definitely taking a bath with you today."

Xuan Nu rolled her eyes at Duan Yu, "You're going to break your promise so quickly? I'm really going to get angry."

"I'm not afraid of getting angry,"

Duan Yu said cheekily.

"You..."

Xuan Nu glared at Duan Yu angrily. This man was too good at manipulating women's hearts. He clearly knew that she couldn't leave him now, yet he treated her like this.

Seeing Xuan Nu's angry expression, Duan Yu suddenly kissed her lips, a light kiss that made Xuan Nu blush. This man had once again ambushed her.

Xuan Nu didn't even have time to resist.

Meanwhile, Ye Erniang slowly walked into the bathroom. Her eyes were filled with doubt! Who exactly was this beautiful woman?

Why did Duan Yu say that? Although Duan Yu's words seemed like a joke, she clearly sensed the true meaning behind them.

This woman was probably no ordinary woman.

"Who exactly are you?"

Ye Erniang asked Xuan Nu directly.

"My name is Xuan Nu,"

Xuan Nu said.

"Xuan Nu?"

Ye Erniang frowned, still unsure who this person was. Searching the martial arts world yielded no information about her. Could she not be a martial artist? But if not, why didn't this woman show any fear when she saw the Imperial Guards? It was absolute confidence.

"You can't guess who she is? You shouldn't overthink it,"

Duan Yu said with a wicked smile.

"Duan Yu, what exactly do you want this time? How did you know I was at that intersection? Judging from your actions, you were probably waiting for me,"

Ye Erniang said.

"That's right! I was waiting for you,"

Duan Yu said.

Ye Erniang's expression changed: "Then tell me why you were there? And how do you know that Xu Zhu is my son? Even if you know about some of the events, you shouldn't know that Xu Zhu is my son."

"If I told you I'm an immortal, would you believe me?"

Duan Yu asked, looking at Ye Erniang.

"You're an immortal? You're an immortal?"

Ye Erniang smiled charmingly, but her smile didn't last long, because something unbelievable suddenly happened before her eyes. Suddenly, half of Duan Yu's body vanished!

Ye Erniang stared at Duan Yu in horror; only his upper body remained.

"Whoosh...whoosh...whoosh..."

Ye Erniang stumbled back several steps.

"This...this..."

Ye Erniang was speechless.

"Still don't believe me?"

Duan Yu said with a smile.

Ye Erniang swallowed hard, saying, "You really are an immortal...you are the Mystic Maiden? The Mystic Maiden? Could you be the Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden?"

"Hehe, a goddess? That's right, it's her. But she's not a goddess, she's my woman,"

Duan Yu said with a laugh.

Ye Erniang's eyes widened, shaking her head in disbelief, "This isn't real...this isn't real...it must be a dream...it must be a dream...how could I have such an absurd dream...son, an immortal...ha...ha...hahaha...I'm going crazy...it seems I've gone mad!"

Ye Erniang was completely confused; the shock was too overwhelming.

"Is it a dream? Can a dream be this real?"

Duan Yu said with a laugh.

"Not a dream? Really not a dream?"

Ye Erniang murmured.

"Of course it's not a dream! Look closely, all of this is real,"

Duan Yu said.

"How could you be an immortal? Aren't you Duan Yu?"

Ye Erniang tried to calm herself down.

"How could I not be Duan Yu?"

Duan Yu said, "As for why I'm an immortal, I, Duan Yu, am naturally gifted, so becoming an immortal is only natural."

Xuan Nu scoffed lightly from the side, thinking how shameless this scoundrel was.

Ye Erniang ignored Duan Yu's antics and looked directly at Xuan Nu, saying, "You really are the Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden."

"That's right, it really is me,"

Xuan Nu nodded.

"This humble woman, Ye Erniang, pays respects to the Mystic Maiden,"

Ye Erniang suddenly knelt down.

Duan Yu and Xuan Nu were both dumbfounded.

"What are you doing?"

Xuan Nu frowned slightly and waved her hand, instantly lifting Ye Erniang up.

Ye Erniang looked at Xuan Nu excitedly and said, "If you really are Xuan Nu, then you must have heard my prayer. My poor son, he's finally safe. Thank you, thank you, Your Majesty, you finally heard my prayer."

Now Duan Yu and Xuan Nu finally understood what was going on. It seemed that the deity Ye Erniang worshipped was Xuan Nu.

Duan Yu looked at Xuan Nu with amusement. Mortals all believe in gods, but how could they know that gods aren't truly omnipotent?

"This wasn't me. I'm sorry, I didn't hear your prayer. Only Duan Yu knows about your son,"

Xuan Nu said.

"Ah..."

Ye Erniang was surprised.

"Really, didn't I tell you everything about your son's whereabouts? Why didn't you believe me? Although Xuan Nu is more senior, she's my woman now,"

Duan Yu said domineeringly, embracing Xuan Nu.

Ye Erniang was truly provoked. Before, not knowing Xuan Nu's identity was one thing, but now that she knew, and seeing her embraced by Duan Yu like this, she was deeply shocked.

Xuan Nu being held by Duan Yu like this! What did this mean? It meant that Duan Yu was at least not just an ordinary deity.

Shaking her head blankly, Ye Erniang didn't know how to react. Although she had killed many and her mind was relatively stable, beneath that surface lay a fragile heart.

Now, when she learned that Duan Yu was a deity and the woman before her was Xuan Nu, her fragile heart was fully revealed.

"You are a deity, so what do you want with me?"

Ye Erniang asked.

"I have formed a karmic bond with your son, Xu Zhu, and now I must repay that bond,"

Duan Yu said.

"You and my son have formed a karmic bond. Could it be that you will…"

Ye Erniang pointed at Duan Yu in shock.

"Don't look at me like that. It's not what you think. I only took some of his opportunities. You could say that half the reason I was able to attain immortality is because of him. Of course, I only took his opportunities. Even if he had those opportunities, he wouldn't have been able to become an immortal. Do you understand?"

Duan Yu said.

Ye Erniang shook her head and said, "I don't understand!"

"Don't understand? That's easy. Eat this and you'll understand."

After Duan Yu finished speaking, he took out a magic pill and handed it to Ye Erniang.

Looking at the glittering magic pill, Ye Erniang stared blankly at Duan Yu and said, "Really, eating this will make me understand everything?"

"Of course, why would I lie to you?"

Duan Yu said.

Having received a positive answer, Ye Erniang took the magic pill and swallowed it in one gulp. As soon as the golden pill was swallowed, radiance immediately flashed from her body.

Without the slightest mistake, under the enhancement of this golden pill, Ye Erniang directly became an immortal. In becoming an immortal, she also comprehended the Heavenly Dao!

As she comprehended the Dao of Heaven, Ye Erniang's mind was completely immersed in it, as if her very being had merged into it.

It was an indescribable feeling, and gradually she realized she was about to lose herself in it. Just then, she suddenly felt a warm presence. It was a love etched deep in her bones, a love filled with intense tenderness.

What was this feeling? Why did she feel it so profoundly? Her mind couldn't help but drift towards that love, and when her mind and that love intertwined, Ye Erniang suddenly found that her senses had returned.

When she opened her eyes, Ye Erniang froze. Because she found herself being kissed.

The person kissing her was none other than Duan Yu.

"Ah...you..."

Ye Erniang exclaimed in surprise and tried to push Duan Yu away, but Duan Yu held her tightly.

"You...what are you doing?"

Ye Erniang said.

"Nothing, just following the normal procedure. Didn't you notice that your body is different?"

Duan Yu said.

Hearing Duan Yu's words, Ye Erniang immediately disregarded him and examined her own body. She was stunned by what she saw. Was this still her body? How had it suddenly become like this? This was clearly a young girl's body! How could her fair and delicate skin possess such a radiant, watery glow?

"This... what exactly happened?"

Ye Erniang asked in astonishment.

"Have you forgotten your earlier realization?"

Duan Yu said with a smile.

Duan Yu's words were instantly imprinted in Ye Erniang's mind like lightning. She suddenly remembered that strange realization! The Heavenly Dao! It was actually the Heavenly Dao. With this realization, Ye Erniang suddenly experienced an even stronger shock.

An expression of disbelief appeared on her face. An immortal! She was already an immortal. Then, her pretty face flushed a rare red, because she suddenly remembered the love she had felt during her moment of confusion—a love that was so heart-wrenching.

Why was this happening! Why did she feel such profound love? She was completely immersed in that love!

That love came from the person before her! Duan Yu! From him? How could it be! Everything seemed so absurd!

Ye Erniang realized she seemed to understand the cause and effect Duan Yu spoke of. Having just comprehended the Heavenly Dao, she vaguely understood the concept of cause and effect! But she still couldn't accept it.

"Do you really have to understand cause and effect with me?"

Ye Erniang asked softly.

"That's right! This is the cruelty of cultivators! Now that you've become an immortal, don't you understand?"

Duan Yu said.

Ye Erniang sighed softly, "Why must you choose me?"

"Didn't you say you'd let cause and effect be imprinted on you?"

Duan Yu said with a smile.

Chapter 201

Hearing Duan Yu's words, Ye Erniang's face changed. She didn't know what to do. She had indeed said she would let karma bind her, but now that karma was truly upon her, Ye Erniang was bewildered.

Gently touching her cheek, Ye Erniang was astonished to find that the scar had vanished! An immortal! She was already an immortal!

Why was everything so confusing?

Looking at Duan Yu's mischievous grin, Ye Erniang's pretty face suddenly flushed slightly! This man had just kissed her! Judging from his talk of karma, he probably wanted her to follow him.

Follow him? How could that be? But what else could she do if she didn't follow him? He was an immortal? And she had now been made an immortal by him. Could she still escape? Could she leave him?

Even the ruthless Ye Erniang was at a loss when faced with such an unbelievable situation!

Feeling the immortal energy within her, Ye Erniang sighed helplessly.

"Does this karma have to end like this?" Ye Erniang said.

Duan Yu chuckled mischievously, "I can't think of a better solution. Now that you're an immortal, do you think you can run away?"

Ye Erniang rolled her eyes at Duan Yu, "Since you're an immortal, why do you have to scheme against weak women like us!"

"Hahaha... You're a weak woman? Ye Erniang, one of the Four Evils, actually claims to be a weak woman? If word got out, I doubt anyone would believe it," Duan Yu said with a wicked grin.

"Who says no one would believe it! Am I, Ye Erniang, born this wicked?" Ye Erniang glared angrily at Duan Yu.

Duan Yu chuckled again, turning his gaze to Ye Erniang. Suddenly, he reached out and lightly placed his hand on Ye Erniang's chin, lifting her beautiful face: "No matter what, you're my woman now."

Ye Erniang felt utterly helpless looking at Duan Yu's flirtatious gesture! Having just comprehended the Dao of Heaven, Ye Erniang understood the entanglements of the mortal world! The feelings she once shared had vanished under the influence of the Heavenly Dao—something even Ye Erniang herself couldn't comprehend.

Cause and effect! Cause and effect! For her son's sake, she had to accept this cause and effect! And for this cause and effect, she also had to forget the shadow in her heart.

Glaring fiercely at Duan Yu, Ye Erniang felt a mixture of anger and shame! Just now, awakened by Duan Yu's love within the Heavenly Dao, Duan Yu's image had suddenly appeared in Ye Erniang's heart.

Looking at Duan Yu and then at Xuan Nu beside her, Ye Erniang shook her head again.

Duan Yu looked at Ye Erniang with a mischievous smile, then glanced at Xuan Nu, and with a swift movement, pulled both of them into his arms, then leaped into the steaming bath beside them with a splash!

Water splashed! As the three of them landed, the steaming water immediately splashed onto the shore.

"Duan Yu, you…" Xuan Nu waited for Duan Yu with a coquettish tone, her eyes full of resentment. This wicked man was simply unbearable; if she let him go, he would always have wicked schemes.

As they fell into the water, Duan Yu still held them both. A flash of light, and his clothes vanished.

"You…" Xuan Nu was mortified. Although it wasn't the first time she'd seen Duan Yu naked, this was the first time she'd seen him so close.

"What… Don't you need to take off your clothes to bathe? Hehe, Xuan Nu, do you want me to help you take them off?" Duan Yu said with a wicked grin.

"Don't even think about it… You lecherous scoundrel, you're too naughty…" Xuan Nu retorted angrily.

"This isn't how Xuan Nu should act, how can you say that to me!" Duan Yu said, still holding Xuan Nu.

Ye Er Niang's face was also flushed! Good heavens! This man is too bold! She hadn't even been in contact with him for long, and he was already reacting like this!

Ye Er Niang really wanted to leave immediately, but she found herself suddenly unable to move. She couldn't muster any strength at all; it was undoubtedly this man's doing!

"Let me go first," Xuan Nu said, both ashamed and indignant.

"Let you go, or you'll run away! I won't let go!" Duan Yu said domineeringly, not only refusing to let go but also pulling Xuan Nu even tighter into his arms.

Xuan Nu glared angrily at Duan Yu, her pretty face growing increasingly red! Especially when she saw that shameful thing, Xuan Nu's shy heart panicked even more.

Seeing Xuan Nu's angry expression, Duan Yu suddenly kissed Xuan Nu's small lips!

"Mmm..." A soft moan escaped from Xuan Nu's lips. This time, Duan Yu didn't just give it a quick kiss.

This time, his kiss was particularly domineering, until Xuan Nu was completely limp on his body, and his hands were already roaming restlessly over Xuan Nu's body.

Caressing Xuan Nu's extremely graceful body, Duan Yu's heart was now burning with boundless heat!

When his hand touched Xuan Nu's soft breasts! Xuan Nu finally glared fiercely at Duan Yu, and then, in a flash of light, Xuan Nu's body disappeared.

Watching Xuan Nu disappear, Duan Yu merely chuckled, his gaze settling on Ye Erniang's body! How could he possibly devour this beautiful woman if Xuan Nu didn't leave?

Duan Yu knew Xuan Nu wouldn't give herself completely to him, so he could only take advantage of her a little. Now that

Xuan Nu was gone, Duan Yu's lust naturally turned to Ye Erniang.

Duan Yu looked at Ye Erniang with a wicked grin, pulled her close, and with a flick of his hand, Ye Erniang immediately regained consciousness.

"Duan Yu, what are you doing?" Ye Erniang asked angrily.

"What do you think I'm going to do?" Duan Yu's expression was extremely wicked; he looked every bit the lecherous devil.

Holding Duan Yu, clearly feeling his hands roaming over her body, Ye Erniang's pretty face flushed slightly! A sense of sorrow rose in her heart.

Without any further movement, Duan Yu let Ye Erniang know what he was going to do. He kissed her small lips, and his hands expertly undressed her.

Under Duan Yu's domineering actions, Ye Erniang was utterly powerless.

Unbuttoning her pink dress, Duan Yu's hands roamed over her smooth body, his gentle teasing captivating Ye Erniang's soul.

She struggled in vain, her movements utterly feeble.

When Duan Yu bit her tender nipple, Ye Erniang let out a soft cry! Her entire body went limp in Duan Yu's arms.

Duan Yu's hands roughly kneaded Ye Erniang's shapely buttocks! He caressed her thighs, his fingers stimulating her long-parched vulva.

Ye Erniang bit her lip, trying to stifle her moans. She clearly felt her body beginning to change under Duan Yu's caresses. A gentle stream of fluid flowed from her vulva. At this moment, she was already lost in an endless sea of desire, unable to extricate herself. Reason had been consumed by the burning flames of lust, utterly indifferent. Her entire being felt an intense hunger deep within her lower body, waves of overwhelming desire surging forth. In her dazed and confused state, she subconsciously responded, "Is it coming? Come quickly..."

When Duan Yu's fingers brushed against her chrysanthemum bud, Ye Erniang felt a jolt of electricity fill her body and soul.

Her eyes, stimulated by this sudden touch, instantly changed color!

The increasingly provocative stimulation made Ye Erniang's face grow ever redder, until her eyes were completely filled with the color of lust.

The two naked bodies soon became entangled.

Duan Yu thrust his lower body forward, merely gripping his enormous penis, rubbing, bumping, and touching the glans between Ye Erniang's two delicate, bud-like labia until Ye Erniang was breathless, her body trembling, her stunningly beautiful face filled with unbearable torment, and she let out a long string of plaintive moans. Only then did Duan Yu aim his thick, long penis at Ye Erniang's vulva and thrust it in hard!

"Ah..." Ye Erniang let out a pleasurable cry from the depths of her soul.

"Ah...uh...ah...ah...ah...ah...ah...uh...uh..." With Duan Yu's thrusting, Ye Erniang began to moan seductively.

She didn't want to moan, but she couldn't control herself.

She still bit her lip lightly, but with Duan Yu's thrusting, she would still open her small mouth and let out seductive moans.

Duan Yu kneaded Ye Erniang's large, jade-like breasts, touching her fair skin.

"Is it beautiful like this?" Duan Yu asked with a wicked smile as he thrust.

Ye Erniang gazed at Duan Yu with infatuation, wanting to deny it, but when Duan Yu thrust forcefully, she couldn't help but nod.

"Want to be even more beautiful?" Duan Yu continued his seductive grin. He thrust deeply into her.

"Mmm..." Ye Erniang nodded again.

Duan Yu kissed Ye Erniang's lips, a deep, passionate kiss followed by a suckling at her breasts.

His thrusts became even faster, each one sending shivers down Ye Erniang's spine.

Each thrust brought her to the brink of ecstasy! In just a few moments, Ye Erniang reached two orgasms.

After dozens of rounds, he shortened the distance, thrusting rapidly and forcefully, leaving the aroused Ye Erniang dizzy and moaning incessantly; while on Duan Yu's smooth, firm buttocks, the bulging muscles twitched incessantly, like a beast in heat, desperately pushing into Ye Erniang's secret place.

Having just experienced two intense stimulations, Ye Erniang's burning sensation hadn't subsided when another storm raged within her vagina. Her sacred flower core was once again subjected to unprecedentedly fierce impacts. The ever-increasing speed and increasingly brutal thrusts made her feel as if Duan Yu's large penis was a scorching pillar of fire, wildly burning, stirring, turning, and surging within her honeyed cave.

Ye Erniang's face flushed crimson with desire, her legs kicking wildly in the air, her body convulsing once more. She cried out in a wanton and seductive voice, "Oh, so itchy... mmm... um... ah... so good... so good!... I'm so swollen... oh... oh... oh...

my good brother... ah... oh... you... so good!... ah... um... oh, oh..." After

a fragrant bath together, Duan Yu helped the still flushed Ye Erniang dress in the clothes prepared by the Seventh Prince.

Once dressed, Ye Erniang faced a dilemma.

She looked at Duan Yu and asked, "Will it be alright to go out like this?" Ye Erniang then touched her cheek, referring to the changes in her body.

"That's easy!" Duan Yu said, waving his hand and casting a hand seal on Ye Erniang's body. Ye Erniang immediately returned to her original form.

At the same time, Duan Yu also transmitted various cultivation techniques and incantations into Ye Erniang's mind.

Feeling those mysterious hand seals, Ye Erniang stared at Duan Yu with a deep gaze. Everything that had just happened was still clearly displayed in her mind. She shook her head with a blush on her pretty face.

Just then, a flash of light appeared, and Xuan Nu's figure reappeared in Duan Yu and Duan Yu's sight.

Xuan Nu glared at Duan Yu resentfully, her eyes filled with annoyance. How could she not understand what this big bad guy had planned? Now everything had already happened.

Looking at Xuan Nu, an unnatural look flashed in Ye Erniang's eyes, and she couldn't help but look at Duan Yu. In fact, she had always been puzzled. Although she had now witnessed Duan Yu's strange abilities, how did he have a relationship with the Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden? Judging from this, the Goddess of the Nine Heavens was still letting him get away with it.

The Goddess of the Nine Heavens wasn't some mortal like herself; how could she have been outmaneuvered by Duan Yu?

"Duan Yu, if you do this again, I'll really ignore you!" the Goddess of the Nine Heavens said angrily.

"Of course there won't be a next time," Duan Yu said seriously, gently pulling the Goddess of the Nine Heavens into his arms. The Goddess of the Nine Heavens only struggled symbolically, rolled her eyes at Duan Yu, and sighed softly. This man had her completely under his thumb. Even though she threatened him, would it really have any effect? Thinking about how he had just touched her body, the Goddess of the Nine Heavens felt a sudden flutter of panic in her heart. That feeling was truly too strange.

"Don't be angry. I will definitely keep my promise to you. As long as you don't agree, don't worry, I will never force you," Duan Yu said.

"Then what did you just do…" the Goddess of the Nine Heavens said, glaring at Duan Yu.

"Hehe, I wanted to measure my future wife's figure!" Duan Yu said with a wicked smile.

Xuan Nu lightly pursed her lips and said, "What future wife? Nonsense."

"Yes, yes!! I was just talking nonsense. It should be future immortal couple," Duan Yu said.

Xuan Nu rolled her eyes at Duan Yu, ignoring his antics, and turned to Ye Erniang, saying, "Don't be so reserved. That's how bad people are. You'll understand everything if you follow him."

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Ye Erniang replied respectfully.

"No need for that. Just call me Xuan Nu. With your current status, there's no need for formality," Xuan Nu said softly.

A hint of surprise flashed in Ye Erniang's eyes. Xuan Nu's words meant she had completely acknowledged her identity. A glint appeared in her eyes. Ye Erniang wasn't one to be overly reserved. She had been quite shocked to learn that Xuan Nu was the Nine Heavens Xuan Nu, but now that she had this relationship with Duan Yu, it wasn't so unacceptable! She was an immortal now, so what was there to be reserved about?

The three of them dressed up and emerged from the bathroom. As soon as they stepped out, maids greeted them.

Led by the maids, Duan Yu and his companions arrived at a large hall, where food and wine had already been prepared.

Upon entering, Prince Qiwan greeted them with a smile, saying to Duan Yu, "Your Majesty, did you enjoy your bath?"

"Hehe, not bad, Your Highness's bathroom is truly excellent," Duan Yu replied with a laugh.

"Don't mention it, I was afraid of neglecting Your Majesty! Come, Your Majesty, please sit!" the prince invited Duan Yu to take a seat.

Duan Yu readily accepted and sat in the head seat, with Xuan Nu and Ye Erniang sitting beside him.

"Your Majesty, please enjoy the food! These are all dishes prepared by the imperial chefs; please try them," Prince Qiwan said with a smile.

After a few rounds of drinks, Duan Yu and Prince Qiwan became quite familiar with each other. Through their conversation, Duan Yu found Prince Qiwan to be very witty and talkative.

Prince Qiwan, in turn, found Duan Yu to be the same.

The two were discussing matters of the heart.

"With the Empress accompanying His Majesty, does Your Majesty really dare to go drinking and carousing?" Prince Qi chuckled.

"Hehe, a beautiful lady is a gentleman's desire. I've long heard that Suzhou and Hangzhou in the Song Dynasty are famous for their beauties, so of course I'll have to go and have a look around now that I'm here," Duan Yu said.

"Hehe, Your Majesty certainly has a refined taste. In that case, I'll take Your Majesty out for a proper stroll tomorrow!" Prince Qi said.

"I'm just afraid the Princess will scold me then!" Duan Yu said. "By the way, where is the Princess?"

“My wife is longing for our son and is currently taking good care of Tian’er! She can’t come out to see His Majesty, so His Majesty must

atone for her inability to do so,” the prince said with a smile. “What are you saying? This time, it was I who startled Your Majesty. My concubine was born a woman of the martial world and suffered some trauma in the past, which sometimes causes her to become neurotic. This time, she even dared to snatch the young prince without permission, truly causing trouble for Your Majesty,” Duan Yu said.

“A concubine?” Lord Qiwan looked surprised. He knew very well who Ye Erniang was.

“Yes, she is a concubine I only recently took in,” Duan Yu said.

Chapter 202

Lord Qiwan said with a smile, “So that’s how it is. It’s no wonder, Your Majesty. Tian’er is fortunate to have Your Majesty’s favor!”

Seeing Lord Qiwan like this, Duan Yu became even more interested in him. Lord Qiwan’s cunning was indeed extraordinary. Duan Yu didn't believe that Master Qiwan hadn't thoroughly investigated Ye Erniang's identity.

"Hehe, Your Highness is too kind. It's all because my beloved concubine is being mischievous," Duan Yu said with a smile.

After some pleasantries and the dinner, Master Qiwan had rooms arranged for the three of them. Then he took his leave.

It was a rather luxuriously decorated room! Several large red lanterns hung at the entrance, and the room was filled with various valuable paintings and calligraphy, as well as rare antiques. These were all decorative items. On a beam inside the room were four large gilded characters: "Dragon and Phoenix Bring Auspiciousness!"

A luxurious large bed stood prominently inside.

Duan Yu, Xuan Nu, and Ye Erniang were standing in the room. Ye Erniang still looked somewhat uneasy, while Xuan Nu glared fiercely at Duan Yu, looking at him helplessly. Now that she was with him, she had to cooperate with him.

"Ladies, shouldn't we rest now?" Duan Yu said mischievously to the two of them.

Xuan Nu rolled her eyes at Duan Yu and said, "Don't you dare

have any bad intentions." "What bad intentions do I have? I just want the two beauties to rest. Don't you know that sleep is the most important thing for women? Staying up late will cause wrinkles," Duan Yu said seriously.

Xuan Nu and Ye Erniang giggled at the same time. They were immortals, how could they experience the same things as mortals?

"Duan Yu, tell me what you're planning to do?" Xuan Nu asked seriously.

"Let's stay in this palace for a few days first. Then we'll go find Empress Dowager Xiao," Duan Yu said. "What do you think of this Master Qiwan?"

"This Master Qiwan must have quite a bit of ambition. The fact that he was able to suppress the matter of his son being stolen so easily shows that he's not simple!" Xuan Nu said.

"This Master Qiwan is certainly not simple, but he's nothing to us! Could he possibly ruin our plans?" Duan Yu chuckled and pulled Ye Erniang down to sit in a chair.

Ye Erniang's pretty face flushed slightly, but she didn't struggle. She just looked at Duan Yu with a puzzled expression and asked, "What are you all talking about?"

"Hehe, I can't tell you for now. Just listen obediently," Duan Yu said with a smile.

Ye Erniang was surprised after hearing this, but she didn't ask any more questions. Duan Yu and Xuan Nu were not people she fully understood.

"Disrupting the plan is of course impossible, but Duan Yu, I still don't know what you plan to do!" Xuan Nu said.

"That depends on the situation in Khitan. Last time I sent people from the Seventy-Two Caves to infiltrate Khitan, and so far there has been no concrete news. It seems that things haven't completely changed there yet. We'll wait until there's turmoil in Khitan before we talk about it!" Duan Yu said.

"Aren't you going to go and take a look?" Xuan Nu asked.

"Didn't you say it was to be done secretly? Anyway, my subordinates are doing it for me, why should I go again!" Duan Yu said.

"Be careful that your plan doesn't change!" Xuan Nu said seriously

. "It shouldn't be. As long as the people from the Seventy-Two Caves do as I say, there will definitely be no problems," Duan Yu said confidently.

"Are you that confident?" Xuan Nu said.

"Of course!" Duan Yu said with a smile.

Xuan Nu shook her head and glanced at Duan Yu, saying, "Since you're so confident, then I won't say anything more! I'll be going now!" Xuan Nu said, about to dart away.

But before she could move, Duan Yu grabbed her.

"Is sleeping with me that scary to you?" Duan Yu pulled Xuan Nu onto his lap as well.

Xuan Nu blushed and looked at Ye Erniang, who was equally uneasy, saying, "Aren't you afraid I'll ruin your good time?"

"I don't need to do that every night," Duan Yu said.

"You promise you won't do that tonight. If you dare to deliberately provoke me, I... hmph..."

"Hehe, of course. Alright, ladies, let's go to sleep." Duan Yu said, pulling the two women into bed with a swift movement.

Xuan Nu looked shyly at Duan Yu, this wicked man, who wouldn't let go of any opportunity.

"Do you want me to help you take off your clothes?" Duan Yu said with a wicked smile.

Xuan Nu glared fiercely at Duan Yu, then reluctantly removed her outer garment. The moment she untied her belt, Xuan Nu felt an overwhelming surge of shyness, her hands trembling slightly.

With a wave of her hand, the burning candle was extinguished completely. Although Xuan Nu knew Duan Yu could still see clearly, at least it made her feel a little better.

After removing her outer garment and shoes, Xuan Nu found herself suddenly pulled into Duan Yu's arms, followed by a passionate kiss on her lips.

"Mmm..." Feeling Duan Yu's passionate kiss again, Xuan Nu felt shy but didn't resist much.

Duan Yu was quite proper, only kissing her lips, and his hand holding her body didn't roam freely.

Xuan Nu's heart calmed down, and as if rewarding Duan Yu, her tongue actively intertwined with his, making Duan Yu's heart itch. He wanted to just take this beauty down with him! But Duan Yu knew that now was still not the time.

Xuan Nu had already pushed herself to her limit; she should take it slow. One should always be content.

This kiss left Xuan Nu breathless.

*****

It was a peaceful night, a night that soothed the heart, and a night that kept Xuan Nu's heart restless.

The night finally passed slowly! Xuan Nu slept soundly in the silence, the most peaceful night she had ever slept in millions of years. A serene smile graced her lips throughout the night. She gently rested her head on Duan Yu's chest, her arms wrapped around his waist.

Ye Erniang also slept peacefully that night!

***

The next morning! The sun shone brightly.

Xuan Nu awoke from her sleep, the first thing she saw in Duan Yu's tender eyes. The instant she opened her eyes, she found herself being kissed again.

Xuan Nu blinked, responding to Duan Yu's kiss.

Her pretty face was flushed, making her look incredibly cute. Xuan Nu had never known she could have such a side to herself, that she could cling to a man's arms so affectionately.

At that moment, Xuan Nu realized that her delicate body was almost completely pressed against Duan Yu's, and her two jade-like legs were actually wrapped around Duan Yu's legs.

Xuan Nu almost blushed so much she wanted to disappear into the ground.

Releasing Xuan Nu's lips, Duan Yu looked at her resentfully and said, "Do you know how hard I had to endure last night?"

"Hehehe..." Xuan Nu giggled and said, "Anyway, you promised, so even if it's hard, you have to endure it."

"Having a beauty like you in my arms is actually quite satisfying, but don't deliberately provoke me because of my promise," Duan Yu said mischievously. Chapter 203 (
October 18th) : "Hehe... interesting, interesting... hahaha..." When Duan Yu heard that the emperor wanted to summon Xuan Nu to the palace, he burst into laughter. He was just planning to get to know the emperor directly, but unexpectedly, the emperor had come to bully him first. Summoning the Mystic Maiden to the palace? Doesn't he even know who he is?! Lord Qiwan, watching Duan Yu's laughter, a glint of cunning flashed in his eyes, and he said with a smile, "Your Majesty, please don't be angry. It must have been some ignorant servant who reported this to the Emperor! How could he know this is the Imperial Concubine!" Duan Yu waved his hand, saying, "It's alright, it's alright. But since the Emperor has summoned me, let's go together. I also want to see His Majesty the Emperor. Having been in the Central Plains for so long, as a friendly neighbor, I should have paid my respects to the Emperor of the Great Song long ago!" " In that case, Your Majesty, please come with me to the palace." Lord Qiwan said, then ordered a sedan chair to be prepared. Although the Emperor hadn't summoned Duan Yu, Lord Qiwan didn't think he had done anything wrong by bringing Duan Yu along! What a joke! The Emperor of a nation openly summoning another's concubine in front of the ruler of another country—this was blatant provocation! At this moment, Lord Qiwan really wanted to know how the Emperor would react when he learned that Duan Yu was the Emperor of Dali. Especially the Empress Dowager—how would she react when she learned of the Emperor's absurd behavior? Regardless of the outcome, Prince Qiwan knew that the Emperor was in deep trouble this time! Given the Empress Dowager's strictness and her approach to politics and state affairs, she would absolutely not tolerate such provocation of other countries. Although Dali was a small country, it had always been a land of martial arts! The Duan family were originally martial artists! In terms of martial arts masters, the Dali Duan family was definitely among the best! Such provocation meant that even if their military strength couldn't match yours, assassinations by martial arts masters were impossible to guard against! Furthermore, as the saying goes, "a single hair can move the whole body," if the two countries truly went to war, the Western Xia and Khitan, already eyeing the Song Dynasty with predatory intent, might simultaneously attack it. This would be a terrible situation. The Prince's thoughts raced. Meanwhile, Duan Yu, with Xuan Nu in his arms, sat comfortably in the sedan chair. Xuan Nu gently rested her head on Duan Yu's shoulder. After spending so much time together, Xuan Nu finally understood why so many women in the world were so easily swayed by love! She finally understood why so many celestial maidens in Heaven longed for the mortal realm—this was what love was like. The more time she spent with Duan Yu, the more Xuan Nu realized she couldn't live without him. She had become accustomed to everything about him, and with each passing day, Xuan Nu was increasingly experiencing the emotions of a mortal woman! She discovered that she too could be sentimental! She realized that she was, in fact, just an ordinary woman. "If only the laws of Heaven weren't so cruel," Xuan Nu murmured. "They would be wonderful, but isn't the law of Heaven cruel? The rules of Heaven are, after all, rules. If everyone could transcend the rules of Heaven, then the world wouldn't be as wonderful as we imagine," Duan Yu said, looking at Xuan Nu's beautiful face. Xuan Nu shook her head and said, "People always say that all three thousand paths lead to immortality, but after becoming an immortal, there are even greater constraints! The Heavenly Dao! It's impossible for anyone to wholeheartedly pursue the Heavenly Dao. In the process of pursuing the Heavenly Dao, there will always be countless tribulations! Those who overcome them are over, but those who don't are left with only death. Heaven and earth are cold and ruthless, the Heavenly Dao is ethereal and illusory! Alas..." Duan Yu affectionately stroked Xuan Nu's hair and smiled, saying, "This isn't the ancient goddess Xuan Nu, is she? " Xuan Nu gave Duan Yu a playful glare and said, "Do you still consider me your sister Xuan Nu?" "Of course I do. In my heart, you are actually my closest person! The karmic ties in the dark have already bound our fates together completely," Duan Yu said. Xuan Nu's pretty face flushed slightly as she leaned tenderly on Duan Yu's shoulder, her slender hand clasped in his large hand, their fingers intertwined and tightly held together. "In this life, you and I are entangled in karma; our red thread is bound by the karmic law of Heaven. I wonder what the Old Man of the Moon's reaction will be when he senses all this. I think he'll be quite shocked," the Mystic Maiden said with a smile. "Oh? Your marriage is also governed by the Old Man of the Moon?" Duan Yu asked疑惑地问道. "It's not being governed, but rather a mysterious connection by the karmic law. The Old Man of the Moon has the most special status in Heaven; no one can do anything to him because no one wants to be entangled in karma. In terms of karma in the world, the Old Man of the Moon has the deepest karmic ties. His innate treasure, the Red Thread of the Moon, is truly too strange!" the Mystic Maiden said. Duan Yu's eyes lit up upon hearing this, "This is a good thing!" The Mystic Maiden lightly pursed her lips, "You wouldn't be trying to steal this Red Thread of the Moon, would you?" "Hehe..." Duan Yu chuckled mischievously but didn't deny it. Seeing Duan Yu like this, Xuan Nu angrily pinched his waist and said, "I knew I shouldn't have told you! You're such a person, everyone else keeps their distance, but you insist on having it!" "I was just thinking about it, I'm not really going to steal it," Duan Yu said with a smile. "Really?" Xuan Nu asked incredulously. "Of course it's true!" Duan Yu said. Xuan Nu shook her head and said, "It would be strange if I believed you." As she said this, there was an indescribable resentment in Xuan Nu's voice, and at the same time, her heart was filled with shyness. During this time, while staying at the Seventh Prince's mansion, Xuan Nu had been sharing a bed with Duan Yu. At first, with Ye Erniang around, Duan Yu wasn't too unrestrained. But after Ye Erniang suddenly left, Xuan Nu realized how wicked this man was. At first, he was relatively well-behaved, but later, his wicked hands would wander over her body at night. Every time, he would make her feel shy and flustered. Now, aside from not being eaten by this scoundrel, her entire body has been thoroughly explored by him. Every morning when she wakes up, Xuan Nu would whine coquettishly, because Duan Yu's wicked hand would inevitably have slipped through her clothes and intimately touched her sacred goddess peaks. Thinking of this, Xuan Nu's ears turned red. She gave Duan Yu a resentful glare and stopped talking to him, simply leaning quietly against his chest. After a while, Duan Yu chuckled softly and said, "What do you think the emperor's reaction will be when he sees you?" "Emperors in the mortal world have always been lustful. Which emperor doesn't have three thousand beauties in his harem! Even the least lustful emperor has an astonishing number of women! Back then, King Zhou angered Nuwa with a single poem, and in his anger, the entire Shang Dynasty changed." Xuan Nu said. "Nuwa was able to start the Investiture of the Gods in a fit of anger, so what does our Xuan Nu intend to do?" Duan Yu asked with a grin. Xuan Nu glared at Duan Yu, then suddenly smiled charmingly and said, "She's your woman now. How you deal with the emperor is up to you. Hehehe... Sister Nuwa had the great achievement of initiating the Investiture of the Gods, you can't be worse than her. Otherwise, I won't allow it. If you don't do it to my satisfaction, you'll be sleeping alone tonight!"

Duan Yu was stunned for a moment, then said bitterly, "No way! I can't do worse than Sister Nuwa, Sister Xuan Nu, aren't you deliberately making things difficult for me? Now you want me to achieve the body of the Human Emperor, but you also want me not to do worse than Sister Nuwa. I can't do that. If it's about restarting the Investiture of the Gods, I can do that instantly. But to rival the Investiture of the Gods, and to prevent things from getting too big, is simply impossible." Duan Yu shook his head repeatedly; it really was too difficult.

"Hehe... who told you to be dishonest? If you can do it, tonight I can... I can reward you..." Xuan Nu whispered the last sentence close to Duan Yu's ear.

At that moment, Duan Yu's heart almost ignited. A reward from Sister Xuan Nu! That wasn't something an ordinary person could easily obtain. Although he had already brazenly caressed Sister Xuan Nu's delicate body, he had never actually seen her most perfect physique! Even now, Xuan Nu still hasn't taken off her undergarments; every time she sleeps, there's a final restraint.

Duan Yu's eyes lit up as he looked at Xuan Nu's stunning face and said, "Can you tell me what the reward is?"

Xuan Nu charmingly shook her head, tapping Duan Yu's nose with her slender hand and coquettishly said, "I won't tell you, just know it won't be low." As she spoke, a hint of lust rose in Xuan Nu's eyes.

Heavens! Duan Yu was shocked. Seeing that lustful glint, Duan Yu's fighting spirit soared.

What kind of reward would it be? What kind of expectation? Xuan Nu's eyes held lust—did it mean he could devour her?! The more he thought about it, the hotter he became!

Along with the heat, Duan Yu also felt a pang of resentment! He stared resentfully at Xuan Nu, sighing! Ancient goddesses were so difficult to conquer. They were nothing compared to mortal women. There was nothing he

could do; her magic was powerful, and her will was unwavering. Even his forced advances were futile. One spell from her... "Ah! There's nothing I can do!"

Duan Yu was extremely frustrated. Every time he offended Xuan Nu or angered her, he wouldn't even have the chance to have intimate contact with Goddess Peak that night. He simply couldn't enter the celestial robes. He didn't even know what material Xuan Nu's undergarments were made of!

What grade were they? Duan Yu still hadn't figured it out!

How could he do it? Duan Yu's mind raced. It seemed he really had to figure things out! What could be comparable to the Investiture of the Gods?

Shaking his head, Duan Yu couldn't think of anything for the time being.

Xuan Nu smiled gently, looking at Duan Yu tenderly. A sweet feeling welled up in her heart; the more she felt this way, the more important she was in this villain's heart!

She couldn't afford not to deal with this villain properly! Otherwise, he would become increasingly audacious. However, thinking about the price she would have to pay if he succeeded, Xuan Nu felt a pang of doubt. Should she really do that?

After thinking for a moment and glancing at Duan Yu's furrowed brow, Xuan Nu's resolve hardened. So be it. As long as this bad guy didn't break the rules too much, rewarding him wouldn't hurt. After all, were they really that different now? Even if she didn't reward him, with time, she would eventually submit to him completely.

The two remained silent, and they arrived at the palace during their silence. As the sedan chair stopped, Duan Yu and Xuan Nu stepped out.

Prince Qi Wan also emerged from his sedan chair, smiling at the two.

Chapter 204

As the three walked out, a eunuch had already come forward to greet them.

"This servant greets Your Highness!" The speaker was called Xiao Chunzi.

"No need for formalities," the prince said.

"Thank you, Your Highness!" Xiao Chunzi said respectfully. After speaking, Xiao Chunzi prepared to search Duan Yu and the others according to palace rules.

Duan Yu frowned and looked at the prince.

Prince Qiwan immediately gave a wry smile. This was a rule in the palace, and Prince Qiwan believed that Dali should also have this rule. However, this was the emperor; they wouldn't be foolish enough to bring weapons to assassinate him.

He immediately glared at Xiao Chunzi.

Xiao Chunzi was taken aback, hesitatingly looking at the prince and cautiously saying, "Your Highness, this..."

"I will take full responsibility if anything happens. Do you think I'm plotting something against you?" Prince Qiwan snorted coldly.

"Of course not!" Xiao Chunzi hurriedly said, but his face was still grim. Not following the rules could cost him his head.

"If not, then step aside. Can you bear the responsibility of delaying my audience with the emperor?" Prince Qiwan said.

"No...no...this servant wouldn't dare," Xiao Chunzi said in great fear. Although unwilling, seeing the prince's firmness, he dared not say anything more. He immediately let Duan Yu and the other two enter.

This was Duan Yu's second time in the palace, and he was quite familiar with everything around him.

The prince looked at Duan Yu's calm expression, his expression slightly surprised, but not overly so.

The three of them quickly followed a eunuch to the imperial study!

"Your Highness, please wait a moment!" the eunuch said before going inside to report.

Duan Yu didn't seem to mind, simply smiling at the prince. A moment later, an announcement came from inside: "Summoning Prince Qiwan and Xuan Nu for an audience."

This time, however, Duan Yu wasn't summoned! Ha! A summons! Even with a summons, neither Duan Yu nor Xuan Nu moved. Their status wasn't something that could be easily manipulated by a summons.

The prince glanced at the two, then went inside himself.

Upon entering the imperial study, he saw Zhao Xu sitting on a dragon throne.

"Your humble servant greets Your Majesty, long live the Emperor!" Prince Qiwan bowed slightly.

"Seventh Brother, no need for such formalities. By the way, where is Xuan Nu?" the Emperor said, frowning slightly.

Seventy-One sighed bitterly, "Your Majesty, you have no idea who she is. It's not that the Goddess Xuan Nu doesn't want to see you, but she's already waiting outside."

"Oh! What did you call her? You called her 'Goddess'?" A hint of doubt flashed in Zhao Xu's eyes.

"Your Majesty, you may not know, but this Goddess Xuan Nu is the Imperial Consort of Dali. Emperor Duan Yu of Dali and the Goddess Xuan Nu are waiting outside!" Seventy-One said.

"What did you say!" Zhao Xu stood up in shock. "The Emperor and Consort of Dali! Go... hurry and go out to greet them!"

Zhao Xu's face changed drastically, turning slightly pale. The Emperor and Consort of Dali had actually come to his palace without his knowledge. Most importantly, he had forcibly summoned their Imperial Consort to see him. This was terrible! If the Empress Dowager found out, what would the consequences be? Zhao Xu couldn't even imagine.

Last time, when the dragon energy clashed in the palace, he thought it was a sign of his rise, but with the defeat of the dragon energy, Zhao Xu clearly understood his weakness! The imperial power was still in the hands of the Empress Dowager. Knowing this, Zhao Xu, though still absolutely ardent in his desire for imperial power, no longer possessed

the intense yearning of before. It was precisely because of this that he chose to indulge himself a little, but unexpectedly, this indulgence brought him trouble.

This time, he suddenly heard that a peerless beauty had appeared in Kaifeng, and this beauty was living in the Seventh Prince's mansion. Normally, if it were just a beautiful woman, it wouldn't be a problem.

However, the servants described her as being as beautiful as a celestial being. He initially didn't believe it, but after some investigation, he came to believe it too. She truly was unparalleled in beauty, which is why he issued an edict ordering Master Qiwan to bring Xuan Nu to an audience. He thought that once he acted this way, the beauty would definitely be his. But little did he know such a blunder would occur. This beauty was actually the Empress of Dali! Zhao Xu believed that Master Qiwan would never dare to lie to him. Therefore, the beauty was definitely the Empress of Dali.

With a shocked expression, Zhao Xu and Master Qiwan arrived at the entrance of the Imperial Study, just in time to see Duan Yu embracing Xuan Nu, leisurely enjoying the scenery outside.

The moment Zhao Xu saw Xuan Nu's face, his heart was shaken! What an unparalleled beauty! Looking at Xuan Nu's breathtaking beauty, Zhao Xu suddenly felt his soul tremble.

Just looking at Xuan Nu's face, Zhao Xu suddenly felt that for the first time in his life, he had a clear purpose. This was the kind of beloved concubine an emperor should have!

At this moment, Zhao Xu was intoxicated! He was truly intoxicated! Such a peerless beauty exists in the world!

I must have her! This thought was deeply rooted in Zhao Xu's heart! He had to have her, even at the cost of everything.

As the saying goes, "I love the country more than the beauty!" At this moment, Zhao Xu's ambition for imperial power completely transformed into his affection for Xuan Nu.

At this moment, Zhao Xu seemed to be possessed, and a ruthless glint suddenly rose in his heart. Even knowing that the other party was the Emperor of Dali, even knowing that the other party was the Empress of Dali! Zhao Xu looked at Duan Yu embracing Xuan Nu. His eyes released a bloodthirsty glint filled with jealousy!

Following behind Zhao Xu, Lord Qiwan immediately sensed the change in Zhao Xu's aura! The emperor's aura had changed in an instant.

A secret smile appeared on Lord Qiwan's lips! It seems that this beauty is truly the poison of all monarchs!

"How dare you, daring to casually embrace my newly selected concubine! Guards, seize this person!" Zhao Xu's cold voice suddenly rang out. Enraged, Zhao Xu's eyes flashed with a chilling light. He realized only the Seventh Prince knew this man's identity, meaning the Dali Emperor must have been traveling incognito. This meant that if he handled things properly, no one would know he had killed him! The emperor's heart turned ruthless.

Although he hadn't wielded absolute power, he had long since honed his imperial ruthlessness.

As Zhao Xu finished speaking, the imperial guards instantly surrounded Duan Yu and Xuan Nu.

"Hehehe... Zhao Xu, what are you doing?" Duan Yu laughed, looking at Zhao Xu. As the Dali Emperor, Duan Yu's address to Zhao Xu was not inappropriate. After all, Dali and the Song Dynasty had no political ties; the Song Dynasty wasn't subordinate to it. "How

dare you address me by my name like that! You're courting death! Guards, kill him on the spot!" Zhao Xu said coldly, his face like frost.

"Yes, Your Majesty!" A cold voice rang out, and Yang Tian, the commander of the Imperial Guards, immediately drew his long sword and slashed at Duan Yu's body.

Zhao Xu wore an extremely cold smile; he could almost see Duan Yu falling. As long as he dealt with the Emperor of Dali, the beauty would be his for the taking. Only this Seventy Thousand Lord, hmph! At this moment, Zhao Xu already had a plan. If he knew what was good for him, great; if he didn't know what was good for him, Zhao Xu would kill him immediately. Now, Zhao Xu's heart had become completely ruthless. At this moment, for the sake of Xuan Nu, he even had the idea of killing the Empress Dowager and seizing power directly.

This was something no one could have predicted!

If Duan Yu knew that all of this was forced out by Xuan Nu, he would definitely laugh out loud. In history, Zhao Xu, for the throne, went to see the Empress Dowager with a long sword, and finally angered the Empress Dowager to death! At this moment, he himself had been completely led by Xuan Nu towards history.

Seeing the long sword coming at him, Duan Yu showed no intention of dodging, still smiling as he looked at Zhao Xu!

"Clang!" The sound of metal clashing rang out. The long sword suddenly broke in two! Yang Tian's expression changed, staring at Duan Yu in disbelief.

And it wasn't just him! The surrounding guards and Zhao Xu all looked at Duan Yu in astonishment.

"Kill! Kill them!" Zhao Xu was like a gambler at this moment!

With his shout, the surrounding soldiers attacked Duan Yu.

"Be careful not to hurt my beauty!" Zhao Xu warned again.

Shaking his head slightly, Duan Yu waved his right hand, casting a hand seal in all directions. The first thing he needed to do was block the detection of the immortals and gods!

After casting the hand seal, Duan Yu waved his hand again, casting another hand seal, and softly shouted, "Freeze!" With this shout, the attacking soldiers all stopped moving. Each one maintained a fixed posture.

Everything around them changed completely at this moment. This was no longer the scene from before, but a starry sky shimmering with seven-colored light! All of this was a method of restriction.

“Demon…demon…” Zhao Xu’s face changed drastically, and he exclaimed in horror, “Seventh Brother, how dare you! Why did you plot against me!” Zhao Xu turned to Lord Qiwan and said coldly. Zhao Xu completely blamed everything on Lord Qiwan.

At this moment, Lord Qiwan was also shocked!

The reason he was so calm was because he also knew martial arts! To be honest, he didn’t take the Imperial Guards seriously either, but when he saw Duan Yu’s bizarre abilities, he was horrified.

What kind of methods were these? What kind of abilities were these?

This was simply like a god.

Lord Qiwan took a deep breath, ignoring Zhao Xu, and stared blankly at the Mystic Maiden in Duan Yu’s arms. Suddenly, a flash of inspiration struck him, and he said, “You are the Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden!”

The Mystic Maiden smiled and nodded gently, saying, “Thank you for your hospitality, Your Highness.”

Lord Qiwan immediately bowed down, “Mortal Zhao Kuo greets the Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden.”

In the Song Dynasty at this time, people knelt to heaven, earth, and their parents, and they also knelt to gods and immortals.

The Nine Heavens Mysterious Lady—that's a mythical legend! She's a goddess revered by all. Her name has been passed down since the time of the Yellow Emperor's battle against Chiyou.

For the Chinese people, the reverence for the Nine Heavens Mysterious Lady is no less than that for Nuwa! That's why Master Qiwan bowed so deeply.

"You're the Mysterious Lady? How could that be? How could that be? Aren't you the Empress of Dali? Hahaha… You're all demons! Keep acting! I, Zhao Xu, am the son of the true dragon, I, Zhao Xu, am the true Son of Heaven, ordained by Heaven! Do you think you can fool me like this?" Zhao Xu laughed heartily.

"Zhao Xu, I wasn't originally planning to deal with you. Last time I came to the palace, I absorbed your True Dragon Qi, and I felt quite guilty about it. But this time, you provoked me, so I have no choice but to take your life!

Don't worry, I won't let your soul be scattered, but I also can't let you go to the underworld like this. You'd better come in here obediently." Duan Yu finished speaking and waved his right hand, and the God-Slaying Spear appeared in his hand.

"It was you...it was you who absorbed the True Dragon Qi! How is that possible? How is that possible? No! This isn't real, this isn't real!" Zhao Xu said in great fear.

Duan Yu was too lazy to waste words with him. With a wave of his right hand, Zhao Xu's soul was immediately stripped away by him. Then, with a flick of his hand, Zhao Xu's soul was instantly swallowed into the God-Slaying Spear.

As Zhao Xu's soul entered, Duan Yu actually faintly sensed it. The God-Slaying Spear let out an excited roar. Could it be that Zhao Xu's soul was still useful to the God-Slaying Spear?

Shaking his head, confused, Duan Yu didn't dwell on it. He only had the God-Slaying Spear as his magic weapon. To prevent Zhao Xu from ruining things, he could only temporarily subdue him or completely destroy his soul. However, absorbing the True Dragon's Qi last time had created a karmic connection. If he rashly destroyed Zhao Xu's soul, he would incur immense karma. It was best not to destroy his soul; he didn't want to ruin his own affairs because of it.

Beside him, Zhao Kuo watched Duan Yu's godlike abilities, his eyes constantly shifting.

"Brother Zhao, please get up," Duan Yu said with a smile.

Zhao Kuo glanced at Xuan Nu and, receiving her nod, immediately stood up. However, the situation between Zhao Kuo and Duan Yu had changed drastically. Initially, Duan Yu was just the Emperor of Dali, and Zhao Kuo didn't think much of it. But now that Duan Yu was an immortal, it filled him with fear. Chapter

205

: Looking at Duan Yu with a hesitant expression, Master Qi Wan didn't know how to address him. Duan Yu's current methods were no ordinary feat; his ability to extract souls horrified Master Qiwan, who wondered how Duan Yu would deal with him.

Duan Yu smiled at Master Qiwan, pondering a plan. To control the Song Dynasty, he needed a proxy, and Master Qiwan was a suitable candidate.

Given Master Qiwan's cunning and shrewdness, he should know what to do after witnessing Duan Yu's display of power.

After all, once he achieved the Emperor's Body, he wouldn't care so much about the throne; what he wanted was the merit recognized by Heaven and Earth for becoming Emperor. Of

course, thinking about what came after becoming Emperor was too early.

***

"Your Majesty, what exactly do you intend to do?" Master Qiwan asked cautiously, looking at Duan Yu.

"Nothing much. Just want to unify a few surrounding countries for fun!" Duan Yu said with a smile. Master

Qiwan's expression changed upon hearing this. Unify a few surrounding countries? This was an absolutely major event. If Duan Yu had said this at the beginning, Master Qiwan would have taken it as a joke, because for Dali to unify the surrounding countries was no easy task. Dali was just a small country! But now, with Duan Yu displaying such formidable strength, Master Qiwan dared not say that Duan Yu was joking.

"Then what does Your Majesty mean?" A glint of light flashed in Master Qiwan's eyes.

Duan Yu looked at Master Qiwan and smiled gently, "It's very simple, Zhao Kuo, do you want to be the emperor?"

"The emperor? Does Your Majesty want me to be a puppet?" Master Qiwan asked.

"Hehe, you're very clever. That's right, I want you to be a puppet, but don't worry, this puppet will have absolute power. You've seen it yourself. I'm an immortal! As an immortal, I'm not very enthusiastic about imperial power. As long as it's necessary, listen to me, and I might even give you a bigger throne in the future!" Duan Yu subtly revealed his future intentions to Master Qiwan.

Upon hearing this, Master Qiwan hesitated for a moment, but this hesitation quickly disappeared. The hesitation vanished in an instant, replaced by unwavering resolve.

"I will obey Your Majesty's arrangements!" Lord Qiwan immediately declared. Lord Qiwan was inherently an extremely ambitious man! Now that he understood Duan Yu was an immortal, and the other was actually the ancient goddess Xuan Nu, Lord Qiwan had no other ulterior motives. If he hadn't immediately pledged his allegiance knowing their identities, he wouldn't be Lord Qiwan.

"Very well, but to avoid unnecessary trouble, you must forgive my petty nature." Duan Yu finished speaking and waved his right hand, a beam of light striking Lord Qiwan: "This is a restrictive technique. If you reveal the secret to others, or if others attempt to forcibly break this restriction, you will die! But don't worry, if you don't willingly allow it to be broken, nothing will happen. At most, you'll just forget everything."

Lord Qiwan showed no shock upon hearing this.

"Your Majesty, how exactly do you intend for me to replace you?" Lord Qiwan asked.

"You have two choices. One is for me to extract your soul and implant it into Zhao Xu's body; the other is for me to use magic to directly change your physical appearance. The choice is yours!" Duan Yu said with a smile. Master

Qiwan was taken aback. Both seemed the same, but the first was definitely the more meticulously planned. However, this meant he would become Zhao Xu. This was not what Master Qiwan wanted! After thinking for a moment, Master Qiwan chose the second option.

"Since you've chosen the second, then Zhao Xu's body is no longer needed." Duan Yu finished speaking and unleashed a ball of true fire, instantly burning Zhao Xu's body.

After burning Zhao Xu's body, Duan Yu looked at Master Qiwan, and with another wave of his right hand, a radiant light enveloped Master Qiwan, instantly transforming him into Zhao Xu's appearance.

"Now that you've become Zhao Xu, it's up to you to resolve Master Qiwan's identity! You understand what to do, right?" Duan Yu said with a smile.

"I understand!" Master Qiwan nodded.

"Since you understand, that makes things easier. You stay here now. I'll go take care of another matter!" Duan Yu said.

"Is His Majesty going to kill the Empress Dowager?" Seventh Prince asked, startled.

"Heh, whether she'll be killed or not is still unknown; it all depends on the Empress Dowager's decision." Duan Yu finished speaking and waved his hand, restoring everything around him to its original state.

As soon as it was restored, the surrounding people rushed towards where Duan Yu had started.

"Stop! All of you, retreat!" Zhao Kuo waved his hand sternly and said coldly.

The surrounding soldiers looked at Zhao Kuo in confusion, not understanding how the Emperor could be so different in such a short time.

However, despite their confusion, they respectfully responded and retreated.

Zhao Kuo laughed and said, "King of Dali, you have come to my Great Song Dynasty. I failed to properly welcome you; please forgive me! Brother Duan, please come in!"

Then Zhao Kuo invited Duan Yu and Xuan Nu into the Imperial Study! The surrounding soldiers were stunned! The King of Dali! After all that, it turned out to be the King of Dali. It seems everything just now was just the Emperor joking. But was it really just a joke? These people were all confused; the scene of the long sword aimed at them was deeply etched in their minds.

They didn't know what had just happened; their minds were still stuck on the moment of the attack.

Entering the imperial study, Duan Yu simply smiled at Zhao Kuo and said, "Just be a good emperor. I won't come looking for you unless there's a special reason."

With that, Duan Yu and Xuan Nu disappeared.

Watching Duan Yu and Xuan Nu disappear, Qi Wanye looked around, then walked to the dragon throne and plopped down. Raising his hand, Qi Wanye stared blankly, then burst into laughter.

Emperor! He had actually become emperor! Although just a puppet! But Qi Wanye understood that Duan Yu was telling the truth; he wouldn't control him too much! Thus, although he wasn't very free, when he thought of the other party's immortal status, Qi Wanye didn't feel anything was wrong!

What mortal could fight against a god! Being chosen by a deity is a blessing! A burning desire ignited in Zhao Kuo's eyes as he contemplated the deity's identity! Immortality! Perhaps working under a deity would grant him immortality too! While

Zhao Kuo was lost in thought, Duan Yu and Xuan Nu had already arrived at Cining Palace! The Empress Dowager was intently reviewing countless memorials.

Seeing this, Duan Yu sighed softly. This Empress Dowager was a wise ruler! It was a pity she was a woman. If she could completely emulate Wu Zetian, she would be even more powerful.

Duan Yu glanced at Empress Dowager Xiao's body and knew that her lifespan was truly short. Even without any unforeseen circumstances, she only had a few months left to live! It was laughable that Zhao Xu had been so intently cursing her death. Little did he know that his wish would soon come true.

But it didn't matter anymore; it was all irrelevant to Zhao Xu!

Xuan Nu and Duan Yu stood silently to the side; only the three of them were present.

After an unknown amount of time, Empress Dowager Gao finally finished processing all the memorials and sensed people around her: "Didn't I tell you not to disturb me unless it's important?...Eh? Who are you?!" As she spoke, Empress Dowager Gao looked up and suddenly realized that they weren't palace maids or servants. Her brows furrowed slightly, but she showed no panic.

"Clap clap clap..." Duan Yu clapped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, what a spirit!" Empress Dowager

Gao looked at the two of them and shook her head slightly, saying, "What's so great about spirit? I'm an old woman on the verge of death. Death is nothing to me. What do I have to fear?"

Empress Dowager Gao's expression was extremely calm.

"If Your Majesty weren't a woman, it would be truly wonderful for you to rule the world! What a pity, what a pity..." Duan Yu said with a smile.

"Hehe, this is the first time I've heard someone say that. Which of the civil and military officials in the court isn't saying behind my back that I control the court? Women, must women be so humble! Please, both of you, sit down." Empress Dowager Gao smiled knowingly.

Duan Yu took Xuan Nu's hand and walked to a chair to the side, sitting down without any awkwardness.

"Actually, Your Majesty, you don't need to work so hard right now! With your current health, such hard work is of no benefit whatsoever!" Duan Yu said.

"As long as I live, I will do my utmost to manage state affairs! How I wish I could rest, but now..." Empress Dowager Gao shook her head bitterly, "Xu'er, that child, besides being warlike, understands nothing about state affairs! Now I want to teach him properly, but I have no way to do so! All he thinks about is my death. He doesn't even consider that with the military strength of our Great Song, if we were to truly go to war with the Khitan, how could we possibly win! Great Song looks incredibly prosperous now, but he doesn't know that precisely because of this, Great Song is now even more dangerous! The surrounding countries are all eyeing our Great Song with covetous intent... Alas..." Duan

Yu looked surprised and asked, "Empress Dowager, why are you telling me all this?"

"Although I am old, I am not senile. The two of you have entered my palace so easily; you must be extraordinary! Since you allow me to speak so freely, it means you are absolutely certain that nothing will happen.

Judging from your bearing, you must be members of the royal family. Among the surrounding countries, Western Xia only has one princess, and the Khitan, being a barbarian land, could not possibly have produced such a talent. The only other country with similar culture to our Great Song is Dali! You

must be Duan Yu, the newly enthroned emperor of Dali," the Empress Dowager said calmly.

"I am indeed Duan Yu! Empress Dowager Xiao is indeed very capable," Duan Yu replied with a smile. This Empress Dowager Gao is truly remarkable; she could completely guess my identity simply from the natural royal aura emanating from me.

"I've long heard that the emperors of Dali have always been martial arts masters, but the current emperor is rumored to be just a weak scholar. I, this old woman, didn't quite believe it. Not long ago, news came from Dali that the emperor had secretly slipped out of the palace. At that time, I had a feeling that perhaps we would meet, and I didn't expect that I would actually guess right," said Empress Dowager Gao.

"Empress Dowager also cares about matters of the martial world!" Duan Yu said.

"Of course, the most unruly people in the world are the martial artists, but they are also the most patriotic! I, this old woman, have always longed for the martial world. Although these people are disobedient, I both love and hate them! Not long ago, I heard that Qiao Feng, the leader of the Beggars' Sect, resigned from his position and became sworn brothers with you. How could someone valued by Qiao Feng be an ordinary person! It's laughable how ignorant people in this world are," said Empress Dowager Gao. At

this moment, the two were like old friends who hadn't seen each other for a long time, chatting about everyday matters and matters of the martial world. The three of them seemed very harmonious.

Chapter 206

"Since Your Majesty has guessed that I am the Emperor of Dali, then guess what I've come here for this time?" Duan Yu said with a smile.

"Hehe, do you really think this old woman is a goddess? I can't guess what you two are doing here. This must be the Xuan Nu who has recently become famous in Kaifeng Prefecture." Empress Dowager Gao smiled and turned to Xuan Nu.

Xuan Nu smiled and said, "Your character is indeed excellent. With a character like yours, it's a real pity you're not emperor. If I had met you before, I might have helped you!"

"Why do you say that?" Empress Dowager Gao's expression finally showed surprise. Because Xuan Nu's attitude was too unusual. Xuan Nu looked at her as if she were looking at a junior. This surprised Empress Dowager Gao. She believed her eyes; she was absolutely not mistaken. Xuan Nu's eyes were definitely filled with appreciation and

surprise for a junior. At the same time, Empress Dowager Gao felt a little dumbfounded. It seemed that she was older than Xuan Nu.

The Mystic Maiden smiled, and a flash of light appeared as she reverted to her attire as the Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden. With the appearance of her celestial robes, a seven-colored celestial sash floated behind her. When this face of the Mystic Maiden appeared, the Empress Dowager Gao's astonishment deepened.

"Are you an immortal?" the Empress Dowager Gao asked doubtfully, though she remained composed.

"I am the Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden!" the Mystic Maiden declared.

"So you are the Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden! This is truly unbelievable," the Empress Dowager Gao said, shaking her head with deep emotion.

"I greet the Mystic Maiden!" the Empress Dowager Gao said, bowing to the Mystic Maiden. At this moment, she could not maintain her outward composure.

"Aren't you afraid that I might be an imposter?" the Mystic Maiden asked with a smile.

"Even if someone were an imposter, I wouldn't be able to tell. Although I am the Empress Dowager of a nation, I am still a mortal. To have the honor of seeing Your Majesty today is enough to make my life complete," the Empress Dowager Gao said.

"Don't you hope I will grant you a longer life?" the Mystic Maiden asked.

"If life could be so easily prolonged, wouldn't all the emperors in the world be immortal? Birth, aging, sickness, and death are the inevitable cycle of life. Although I also yearn for immortality, I understand that emperors cannot live forever!" Empress Dowager Gao said.

"You're right, ordinary emperors indeed cannot live forever. However, not every emperor is immortal," Duan Yu said.

"So Your Majesty is already an immortal. Your Majesty is truly blessed. I envy you!" Empress Dowager Gao's eyes showed no concealment; she genuinely envied him.

"Hehe..." Duan Yu smiled.

"What brings Your Majesty and Your Majesty here this time?" Empress Dowager Gao finally got to the point.

"I've basically accomplished what I needed to do. This time, I've come to eliminate Zhao Xu," Duan Yu said, staring at Empress Dowager Gao.

Upon hearing this, Empress Dowager Gao's eyes flashed with a sharp light, then she sighed and said, "Why did Your Majesty kill Xu'er!"

"I just said that ordinary emperors cannot live forever, but there is one kind of emperor in this world who can," Duan Yu said with a smile.

"Do you want to emulate the ancient Yellow Emperor?" Empress Dowager Gao said in surprise.

"Indeed! It seems Your Majesty's interests are quite broad," Duan Yu said.

Empress Dowager Gao stared blankly at Duan Yu and said, "It's not that I'm involved in a wide range of things, but the legend of the Human Emperor is originally recorded in the palace. I never expected that you would want to learn from the ancient sage emperors, unify the surrounding countries, achieve the body of the Human Emperor, and reach the legendary supreme realm!

This supreme realm has never been reached by anyone except the Yellow Emperor, but it seems that Your Majesty can reach it now. With Your Majesty's immortal body, becoming an ancient sage emperor is a piece of cake.

I understand what Your Majesty's purpose is this time. It turns out that Your Majesty wants me to transfer the imperial power of the Great Song Dynasty to Your Majesty!"

"Hehe, it's not a transfer. Actually, you don't need to be emotional, because I am originally a Han Chinese! There is no great racial difference between Dali and the Great Song Dynasty! My purpose is simply to reunify our Chinese dynasty. Since it is recorded in the palace, you should know that not every emperor can achieve the status of a sage emperor.

Only an emperor who has entered the Dao can! The Yellow Emperor was originally an enlightened person," Duan Yu said.

Hearing Duan Yu's words, Empress Dowager Gao pondered for a moment and nodded, saying, "My time is already running out! I don't really know what will become of the throne. If it means I have to bring down the Song Dynasty's imperial power, I wouldn't want to either.

But your situation is different. Unifying China and integrating all the countries is every emperor's dream. Since I cannot achieve this dream, creating an opportunity in your hands is just as good!

Don't worry, I know what to do. I, Gao Di, am not a stubborn person!"

"That's good! Today you helped me achieve this opportunity, and when I become the Human Emperor, I will certainly count your merit. At that time, I will definitely guide your reincarnation to cultivate and comprehend the Dao. Is that acceptable?" Duan Yu said with a smile.

"Really!" Gao Di said with delight!

"Do I look like someone who would lie to you? Or I can make a vow. Once we cultivators make a vow, heaven and earth bear witness!" Duan Yu said.

Gao Di stood up gracefully and bowed to Duan Yu, saying, "Then thank you very much for your kindness, Your Majesty." Gao Di was truly happy at this moment. She knew her days of happiness were numbered, and Duan Yu's assurance meant he was certain he would find her in her next life.

"I have already collected Zhao Xu's soul, but don't worry, I won't destroy it. When I become Emperor, I will release him immediately. He will actually benefit from the merit, as he was a major contributor to my ascension. I

have now temporarily placed Zhao Kuo in Zhao Xu's place as Emperor. Now you only need to completely relinquish the throne to Zhao Kuo. I believe Zhao Kuo is quite capable in handling state affairs, so you don't need to worry too much. You only have two months left to live. During this time, I will impart some Taoist insights to you. Reflect on them carefully. Rest well during these last two months. After your reincarnation, I will guide you to achieve immortality!" Duan Yu said.

Gao Di nodded and said, "I will follow Your Majesty's arrangements."

"Hehe, then I will first brand a mark on your soul, so that I can find you in my next life." Duan Yu said, casting a hand seal on Gao Di, and then imparting some Taoist knowledge to her! Duan

Yu couldn't articulate his feelings about Gao Di. The reason he promised her immortality was because he genuinely admired her; it all depended on her achievements in the next life. Now that

she had become an immortal, to be honest, Duan Yu himself felt bewildered. Many things now seemed like fantasy. Actually, saving Gao Di now wasn't out of the question; he only needed to give her an immortal pill. However, Duan Yu didn't want to do that. It was better for Gao Di to be reincarnated and have her memories of this life erased! Only after reincarnation can one be a pure being.

Free from all attachments, when she reincarnates, she will be severed from everything of this life!

***

Just as Duan Yu and the others were talking, suddenly a report came from outside by the palace maids.

"Reporting to the Empress Dowager, the princess requests an audience!" Just as the palace maid announced this, a sweet cry rang out.

"Grandma! Grandma, Yanying has come to see you again!" With this cry, a young girl in palace attire entered. She was a girl in a long green palace dress, her beauty breathtaking. This woman was none other than the princess who had appeared after Duan Yu and Azi's outrageous encounter in the wilderness.

"Eh! Grandma, there are people here. Who are you?" Zhao Yanying asked Duan Yu and Xuan Nu with a puzzled look, immediately running to the Empress Dowager's side and clinging to her affectionately.

"Little girl, can't you see there are people here? Where did you run off to play again today? Why did you remember to come see this old woman again?" Empress Dowager Gao said kindly, looking at Zhao Yanying.

"What do you mean 'again'? When have I not come to pay my respects to Grandma?" Zhao Yanying pouted. "Grandma, who are they? This lady is so beautiful!"

"Hehe, let me introduce you. This is the Emperor of Dali, Duan Yu, and this is Xuan Nu," said Empress Dowager Gao.

"Yanying greets Your Majesty." Upon hearing that Duan Yu was the Emperor of Dali, Zhao Yanying immediately slid off Empress Dowager Gao, straightened her clothes, and bowed softly to Duan Yu. Her pretty face was slightly flushed. She had thought it was another young master whom the Empress Dowager had chosen. She had been extremely depressed lately. Her grandmother, who hadn't been very strict with her before, had suddenly become obsessed with her marriage, insisting on finding her a suitable husband. Her grandmother had arranged several for her recently. So, she felt a bit awkward when she saw a man, which was why she hadn't paid attention to etiquette and deliberately clung to Empress Dowager Gao in a coquettish manner. She knew her grandmother loved her and would never do anything to her; otherwise, she wouldn't have been able to go on her last trip. Her other sisters were quite envious of her last trip.

Duan Yu smiled and returned the greeting.

"Xuan Nu? You must be the famous Xuan Nu from outside lately. You're so beautiful! I didn't believe it when people first told me!" Zhao Yanying said, looking at her.

Xuan Nu smiled gently at Zhao Yanying's address: "That's me! You're beautiful too, little sister!"

"Hehehe... Sister Xuan Nu, is there something you need from my grandmother?" Zhao Yanying asked.

"Yes, I'm planning to propose marriage to your grandmother!" Duan Yu said with a mischievous grin.

"Whoosh whoosh whoosh... Ah!" Zhao Yanying exclaimed. "You... you're proposing marriage? Who are you planning to marry?"

"I wasn't sure before, but now that I see you, my target is clear!" Duan Yu said.

"No way!" Zhao Yanying's face was filled with bitterness. Could she really be that unlucky?

"Grandma, it can't be true, can it?" Zhao Yanying tugged at the Empress Dowager's hand and pleaded.

"What do you mean, 'no'? His Majesty came to our Great Song to propose marriage. You know we and Dali are friendly neighbors. Now, to strengthen our relationship, a marriage alliance isn't out of the question," Empress Dowager Gao said with a smile.

"Grandma, this is a marriage alliance! Aren't you the one who most advocates for marriage alliances?!" Zhao Yanying said incredulously.

"Whether you like it or not depends on the person. If it were a marriage to a barbarian land, of course I would like it. Look at His Majesty, so handsome! Is His Majesty lacking in looks? Don't even mention you, even if I were decades younger, I might be moved by His Majesty!" Empress Dowager Gao said.

"Grandma!" Zhao Yanying exclaimed, her eyes wide, "What's wrong with you today? This isn't your usual cautious self."

"Does anyone dare say that Grandma is immoral! Hehe! Grandma is getting old, and I don't want to keep worrying about state affairs like this. I'll leave these affairs to your brother," Empress Dowager Gao said.

"Why did Grandma suddenly think this way?" Zhao Yanying was a little unable to accept this change. She had tried to persuade her grandmother before, but each time she could only offer subtle advice, because it involved politics, something she couldn't touch too much. She knew her grandmother's personality very well; her grandmother's passion for national affairs was absolutely intense. For the past nine years, her grandmother had maintained a strong presence in both the court and the country, but today her grandmother suddenly said she was tired!

Zhao Yanying shook her head and looked at the memorials on the table. Those memorials had clearly been reviewed. Looking at these memorials meant that her grandmother hadn't thought this way just now. How could she have changed her mind so suddenly? Was it because of the two of them?

Zhao Yanying looked at Duan Yu and Xuan Nu suspiciously.

Chapter 207

"Grandma, are you sure what you're saying is true? Can you really bear to let her marry into Dali! That way, she'll never be able to see you again!" Zhao Yingyao shook the Empress Dowager Gao's hand and said.

"A ruler's word is law. Do you think Grandma would lie to you?" the Empress Dowager Gao said seriously. At this moment, Empress Dowager Gao was pondering. She wanted to help Duan Yu become Emperor of the Song Dynasty, and simply handing over the throne to him would be illegitimate. However, marrying one of her granddaughters to him would be different! Now that Xu'er had been killed by Duan Yu, and Kuo'er had taken the throne, although she didn't know exactly how Duan Yu had handled it, his confidence meant that Kuo'er was very likely already resembling Xu'er! Marrying her granddaughter to Duan Yu would ensure that Duan Yu's offspring would carry the blood of the Zhao family, thus not betraying the Zhao family's ancestors.

The more she thought about it, the more resolute Empress Dowager Gao's expression became. In that short moment, she had already made the decision to marry Zhao Yanying to Duan Yu.

Duan Yu looked at Empress Dowager Gao, and from the fleeting look in her eyes, he already knew everything. Besides, he possessed mind-reading abilities! Nothing about Empress Dowager Gao could escape his notice.

Normally, Duan Yu disdained using mind-reading, but now, out of boredom, he used it. The effect was quite noticeable! At least no mortal could be fooled.

"Grandma!" Zhao Yingyao shook Empress Dowager Gao's hand and acted coquettishly. Empress Dowager Gao

shook her head and said, "Alright, it's settled then!"

"Why do you want to marry me?" Zhao Yanying rolled her eyes at Duan Yu and said, "With such a stunning beauty as Sister Xuan Nu, you can just let me go."

"Hehe, I like this personality. I like women with this kind of personality the most!" Duan Yu said with a smile.

"No way!" Zhao Yanying slapped her forehead.

Looking at Zhao Yanying's modern appearance, Duan Yu's heart really stirred at this moment! Hehe, as time goes by, it seems like it's been a long time since he's had such a fling! This princess, hehe! He should just go for it.

"Since His Majesty likes it, then let's do it this way. I will draft an edict to announce it to the world!"

Empress Dowager Gao said. Duan Yu shook his head and said, "Let's forget about drafting an edict."

Once the edict is issued, he'll be in trouble. Duan Yu didn't agree with it.

Hearing Duan Yu's words, Empress Dowager Gao, being a shrewd woman, immediately understood that Duan Yu must have some secret. She didn't dwell on the matter and instead chatted with Duan Yu about other things.

Hearty laughter frequently echoed from Empress Dowager Gao's Cining Palace

. After the luncheon, Empress Dowager Gao asked Zhao Yanying to accompany Duan Yu for a walk. Although reluctant, Zhao Yanying agreed and immediately led Duan Yu and Xuan Nu on a tour of the palace.

"Are you planning to take this girl in?" Xuan Nu asked softly.

Duan Yu, holding Xuan Nu's hand, smiled gently and transmitted his voice, "That's right, I'm planning to take her in!"

Xuan Nu sighed softly, "Another woman you're about to ruin! You can't seem to shake your lustful ways!"

"Hehe, a young man who isn't a bit of a playboy is a wasted youth!" Duan Yu said with a laugh, "Besides, taking this girl in isn't without its benefits, is it?"

Xuan Nu gave Duan Yu a reproachful glare, but it seemed utterly powerless against his shameless grin.

Zhao Yanying walked angrily to one side, watching the two holding hands. She was incredibly frustrated. Had she ever seen such shameless people?! Bringing such a stunning beauty to the Song Dynasty to propose marriage! And her grandmother, really! She actually agreed! Was her grandmother getting old and senile?!

"Pah, pah, pah… How could I say my grandmother is senile!" Zhao Yanying cutely stuck out her tongue. But she was truly annoyed by Duan Yu's current behavior! They were holding hands, and what was she?!

However, at the same time, Zhao Yanying also thought the two were incredibly bold and affectionate! Such actions were not something ordinary people could do! In this world, which man and woman dared to openly hold hands? Even standing together in a secluded spot would invite gossip, let alone something like this.

Finally, unable to bear the lonely atmosphere any longer, Zhao Yanying suddenly stopped and stood in front of Duan Yu.

"What is the princess doing?" Duan Yu said with a mischievous smile.

“I was about to ask you something!” Zhao Yanying said.

“What am I asking you? I’ve been following you around everywhere! The scenery in the Song Dynasty’s imperial palace is really nice!” Duan Yu said.

“Just nice scenery!” Zhao Yanying said.

“Of course not, there are also many beautiful women!” Duan Yu said with a smile.

“Many beautiful women!” Zhao Yanying stared at Duan Yu with wide eyes, unable to believe that this person would say such a thing! These words were very frivolous. He was practically a lecherous rogue! This kind of person was actually the Emperor of Dali! Zhao Yanying silently mourned for the people of Dali!

“There are indeed many beautiful women! Look, didn’t a few more beautiful women just walk by?” Duan Yu said.

“You weren’t just busy looking at the beautiful women, were you? You didn’t say a word, I thought you were in trouble!” Zhao Yanying said.

“The princess is trying to make me back down! But I also like this kind of personality. The princess who bowed earlier, although she looked gentle and generous, didn’t have the same authenticity as this one!” Duan Yu said.

"Sigh!" Zhao Yanying lowered her head dejectedly. Why was everything so unlucky?

"Sister Xuan Nu, how did you meet him?" Zhao Yanying asked Xuan Nu curiously. After learning that Duan Yu wanted to marry her, Zhao Yanying no longer held back. Sigh! Although Duan Yu was very handsome, Zhao Yanying really didn't want to marry him like this! Her husband didn't necessarily have to be handsome, but he absolutely had to be talented in both literature and martial arts, preferably skilled in martial arts! Upon seeing Duan Yu, Zhao Yanying shook her head. Such a pretty boy, how could he be someone who knew martial arts!

He spoke so eloquently, needless to say, he was a philandering emperor! Zhao Yanying didn't want to marry the emperor! Look at this palace, with three thousand beauties in the harem! Aren't these three thousand beauties all synonymous with the emperor's philandering? Some of these harem beauties might not even get to see the emperor in their entire lives!

"Hehe, he was tricked into coming here!" Before Xuan Nu could speak, Duan Yu said with a wicked smile.

"He schemed against me! Really!" Zhao Yanying looked at Duan Yu in astonishment. How could he dare to say such a thing? What was he thinking?

Xuan Nu glared at Duan Yu but nodded and sighed softly, "I was indeed schemed against by him!"

"Sister, aren't you angry?" Zhao Yanying said, "Duan Yu, you're so wicked! You'd do anything for a beautiful woman. Aren't you afraid I'll tell Grandma?"

"If I dare to tell, of course I'm not afraid!" Duan Yu said with a smile.

The three walked and talked, and the afternoon passed quickly. Zhao Yanying was now listless and dispirited. She had really miscalculated this time; why did she have to go to Cining Palace? If only she hadn't gone, she would already be out enjoying the spring scenery!

But her grandmother was getting older. Recently, Zhao Yanying had noticed her grandmother's health was deteriorating. Zhao Yanying knew that her grandmother probably didn't have much time left! That's why Zhao Yanying went to Cining Palace—she wanted to spend more time with her grandmother.

"Does spending time with us really make you so listless?" Duan Yu said.

"Of course, if it weren't for this marriage proposal, I would be very happy to take you everywhere. But with this, it's different. Duan Yu, tell Grandma to cancel this proposal! You don't have to marry me, right? Sister Xuan Nu is so beautiful, can you bear to marry someone else and neglect her?" Zhao Yanying looked at Duan Yu hopefully.

"Do I look like the kind of person who would neglect Xuan Nu?" Duan Yu said.

"If you don't neglect Sister Xuan Nu, it means you'll neglect others! Isn't that unfair to the other women?" Zhao Yanying said.

"Why do you insist that I would neglect my women?" Duan Yu laughed.

"Of course! It's not like we can't see each other in the palace. You emperors have three thousand beauties in your harems, do you think you can favor them all? Even if you have one or two concubines a day, that's over 360 days a year, three thousand concubines, how many years would that take?" Zhao Yanying shuddered at the thought! This woman really had no status at all.

"Hahaha... So you don't believe in my abilities! Don't you know that the Yellow Emperor once ascended to immortality after sleeping with three thousand women?" Duan Yu stared at Zhao Yanying strangely!

Zhao Yanying felt uneasy under Duan Yu's gaze, her pretty face slightly flushed, and she spat lightly. These were not words a woman should utter.

Zhao Yanying was only indignant on behalf of those women, but she didn't expect this person to bring up that kind of relationship! "I'm a virgin! How could this person not even watch his words!" This further diminished Zhao Yanying's influence on Duan Yu.

"How could you bring that up?" Zhao Yanying said angrily.

"Isn't that what you meant? It seems I misunderstood. I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I apologize. I apologize... Sigh... It seems there really is a huge chasm between us!" Duan Yu sighed.

Zhao Yanying's eyes lit up. "Then you're going to cancel this marriage?"

"How could I!" Duan Yu glared at Zhao Yanying. "How could I possibly cancel this marriage! A king's words are just a joke. I, Duan Yu, am still an emperor! Although I don't like to use '朕' (zhen, meaning 'I' or 'the emperor') to refer to myself, you shouldn't forget my status.

I just feel that I need to cultivate my character." Duan Yu said.

"That's right. You should study poetry, calligraphy, painting, music, and chess to cultivate your character. If you can master all of these, I certainly won't have any objections to this marriage!" Zhao Yanying said.

"That's not right of you. You give me the impression that you don't value nurturing emotions. It seems the gap between us is indeed quite large. Princess, if you have business to attend to, please leave. I'm tired too, Princess, please rest easy." Duan Yu finished speaking and suddenly embraced Xuan Nu, his body swaying, using his lightness skill to soar into the air, leaping to the side.

Zhao Yanying's eyes widened, staring at Duan Yu in disbelief. He knew martial arts! He… he…

Zhao Yanying stamped her foot resentfully. How could she have thought that way? Logically, Duan Yu's actions were exactly what she wanted, but seeing how Duan Yu treated her so casually and stood her up, Zhao Yanying felt a pang of disappointment.

Alas! That's human nature! When someone treats her like a treasure, she feels elegant and disdainful of those who pursue her; but when someone ignores her, her heart fills with resentment.

Chapter 208

"You're using such methods on that little girl again! Aren't you afraid she'll really stop coming back to you?" Xuan Nu said to Duan Yu with a smile.

"Hehe, doesn't she like men who are both scholarly and martial? I believe she'll come back to me!" Duan Yu said with a mischievous grin.

"You used mind-reading to see her!" Xuan Nu said with a surprised look.

"I read it by accident. I was just checking to see if Sister Xuan Nu was planning to give me a reward. I didn't expect to get another message!" Duan Yu said.

Xuan Nu smiled gently, her eyes full of amusement. "It seems you haven't met my requirements!"

"How could I not! Are you really willing to let me expose everything! The current approach is actually the best!" Duan Yu said. "This way, after I become the Human Emperor, won't I be able to rival the Investiture of the Gods?"

Xuan Nu looked at Duan Yu with a deep gaze. This wicked man had finally realized. In fact, this was a bug! Becoming the Human Emperor was indeed comparable to the Investiture of the Gods.

Xuan Nu's pretty face flushed slightly. She gently rested her head in Duan Yu's arms, saying nothing more.

Seeing Xuan Nu's alluring gesture, Duan Yu knew perfectly well that she had already agreed. He immediately carried her to a palace, the place Empress Dowager Gao had prepared for him! The palace had no shortage of rooms! Luxurious rooms were as numerous as hairs on a cow!

Ah! Such extravagance of the royal family!

Xuan Nu's heart fluttered slightly. This wicked man was so impatient, making her even more uneasy! She hoped he wouldn't be too rude. But would he really be a gentleman? Xuan Nu herself didn't believe it, and neither did our Duan Yu. Facing such a beautiful fairy, it was impossible for Duan Yu to behave properly.

Amidst Xuan Nu's flustered shyness, Duan Yu had already brought her to the palace! With a wave of his hand, he cast a protective barrier around them! Duan Yu didn't want anyone to disturb his beautiful moment.

After releasing the restriction, Duan Yu acted like a true gentleman, simply sitting on the bed with Xuan Nu in his arms, gazing tenderly at her. Xuan Nu leaned gently against Duan Yu's chest, their eyes meeting deeply.

Duan Yu lowered his head and kissed Xuan Nu's lips again! Cool and soft, his lips parted her pearly teeth, their tongues entwining, greedily drinking in the nectar from her mouth!

His wicked hands slowly roamed over Xuan Nu's delicate body! With a shy, approving look in Xuan Nu's eyes, he gently unbuttoned her outer garment. With a mixture of resistance and resistance, Xuan Nu's clothes were removed by Duan Yu! The little garment that Duan Yu both loved and hated reappeared before his eyes. The reason for this mixed feelings was that this garment perfectly outlined the curves of Xuan Nu's breasts! The alluring valley between her breasts was so captivating. Previously, he could only peek through the thin slit, but now he could finally see its true face!

Gazing at Xuan Nu's flushed cheeks, Duan Yu's hands trembled as he untied the binding of her undergarment! The reason he trembled was because Duan Yu was truly excited.

Xuan Nu looked at Duan Yu's trembling hands and smiled sweetly, her shyness lessening considerably with the smile. Xuan Nu hadn't expected the fearless Duan Yu to be so excited at this moment.

"Boom!" It was as if his soul had been shaken! When Duan Yu saw Xuan Nu's perfect skin, his handsome face flushed, and his eyes shone with a burning light!

Xuan Nu closed her eyes, not daring to meet Duan Yu's gaze any longer. Her shy expression, combined with her current appearance, made everything seem so alluring, so captivating.

Duan Yu gazed at Xuan Nu, pressing his body down as if admiring a priceless treasure! That graceful body, that flawlessly beautiful form, those breathtakingly alluring peaks! What kind of jade peaks were those! Just seeing those pure white, towering jade peaks, Duan Yu felt as if he were already sinking into them! So captivating, so exciting! Xuan Nu, at this moment, Xuan Nu was completely naked.

What kind of valley was that? It was a valley that made one unable to resist sinking into it completely, looking at the two protruding points on the jade peaks. Duan Yu couldn't help but swallow hard! This was a sacred and beautiful body that one dared not defile.

Xuan Nu was incredibly shy; Duan Yu's gaze was simply too fiery! She couldn't help but open her eyes, just in time to see Duan Yu's dazed expression.

"Pfft..." Xuan Nu giggled. With her giggle, the jade peaks trembled slightly. Duan Yu's eyes followed the movement of those jade peaks.

As Xuan Nu smiled, Duan Yu finally realized what was happening. His face flushed, and with a mischievous grin, he kissed Xuan Nu's lips, his hand immediately caressing her breasts.

Gently kneading, Duan Yu's hand rubbed Xuan Nu's nipples, making her tremble slightly!

Not content with just kneading, Duan Yu took one nipple into his mouth, his hand moving in tandem! Xuan Nu's face was flushed crimson; it was an indescribable feeling! It was an emotion that made Xuan Nu blush, her body and soul intoxicated. He

continued to knead Xuan Nu's breasts, unable to tear himself away! The feel of those breasts was absolutely delightful.

Kissing Xuan Nu's skin little by little, Duan Yu reached her private area. Xuan Nu's legs were tightly closed. Sensing Duan Yu's movements, Xuan Nu cried out softly, "Duan Yu, you..."

"I was just looking!" Duan Yu said with a smile.

"Looking? No! That's not part of the reward!" Xuan Nu said coquettishly.

"Really!" Duan Yu grinned mischievously, his hand sliding onto Xuan Nu's jade-like legs. After a few gentle caresses, Xuan Nu couldn't help but open her legs. Her hands lay limply on the floor. She knew that once she took off her clothes, this wicked man would inevitably take advantage of her.

Duan Yu parted Xuan Nu's legs, revealing her deep, secluded valley. Looking at the valley, its peaks and valleys faintly visible in the forest, Duan Yu's heart skipped a beat. His hand couldn't help but reach out and touch it! He skillfully found the love bean!

"Mmm..." Xuan Nu let out a soft moan! Her hand grasped Duan Yu's hand! "You can only look, not touch!"

But Duan Yu continued his actions, gently rubbing against her. Xuan Nu immediately fell silent, for the feeling was too strange. She hadn't expected it to feel so good! Why was it like this? Xuan Nu was even more confused! After

a few more rubbings, the sound of flowing water came from Xuan Nu's secluded valley! Xuan Nu's pretty face flushed crimson, her alluring eyes filled with a dreamy look. She bit her lip lightly, wanting to stop Duan Yu's actions, but she couldn't bear to! What to do? Xuan Nu felt a vague unease; she vaguely realized that she was essentially playing with fire!

However, Duan Yu was indeed incredibly gentlemanly. He only used his tongue, without crossing the final line. But with just that pull, Xuan Nu suffered. Under Duan Yu's actions, Xuan Nu experienced unprecedented stimulation. Sometimes, she wished that Duan Yu would cruelly break his promise, but Duan Yu was truly a gentleman.

Under Duan Yu's actions, Xuan Nu, her pretty face flushed, let out an extremely charming moan, reaching the peak of her desire.

The night passed just like that. Although Duan Yu didn't get complete release that night, he was very satisfied, because he had at least let Xuan Nu experience the pleasures of being a woman. Duan Yu believed that soon he would be able to enjoy Xuan Nu as his delicious meal.

***

Time passed, and Duan Yu and Xuan Nu became familiar faces in the palace. The imperial guards were already familiar with their faces. They also recognized Duan Yu's identity as the King of Dali, and Xuan Nu as the Consort of Dali!

The people in the palace were quite surprised, wondering what the King of Dali was doing here! They seemed to treat the Song Dynasty palace like their own home, always frolicking around.

However, no one felt the slightest dissatisfaction, because this pair of beautiful women had unexpectedly added a touch of celebration to the oppressive atmosphere of the palace.

"You said you loved lilacs the most

because your name is like them

. What a melancholy flower,

what a sentimental person!

When the flowers wither,

when the scene freezes,

what a delicate flower,

yet it cannot escape the wind and rain,

drifting and swaying through its life.

So many beautiful dreams woven ,

gone so quickly. You

left me with a lifetime of

longing. The flowers blooming on your grave are the beauty you so yearned for.

Look at the hillsides covered in flowers, do you still feel lonely?

Listen, someone is singing your favorite song.

So much chaos in the world, no need to worry anymore.

The yard is full of lilacs, blooming with beautiful purple flowers.

I'll stay here with her, protecting her for all eternity

..." A song from a different era drifted from a garden in the early morning. Duan Yu was playing and singing it with deep emotion on a guitar.

Playing a guitar was too easy for Duan Yu now. Xuan Nu looked at Duan Yu with dreamy eyes, a happy smile on her face.

"Is this a song from your era? It's really beautiful," Xuan Nu said with a smile.

"Hehe!" Duan Yu chuckled softly and plucked the strings of his zither again.

Meanwhile, not far from the garden, a woman stared in astonishment at Duan Yu and Xuan Nu.

This woman was Princess Zhao Yanying!

Three days had passed since Duan Yu abandoned her, and in those three days, neither he nor the Empress Dowager had issued any decrees.

Finally, unable to suppress her curiosity any longer, Zhao Yanying came to find Duan Yu. Unexpectedly, as soon as she entered the garden, she heard a very beautiful and strange song.

This was a song she had never heard before; it was a bold and open song. But after just one listen, Zhao Yanying was completely captivated.

After listening, she immediately went inside, wanting to know who was playing! But when she saw the player, she was utterly shocked. It was none other than the charming Emperor Duan Yu in her eyes!

Looking at Duan Yu, Zhao Yanying seemed to understand something! Yes, since he was a charming Emperor, how could he not possess extraordinary abilities! To be a romantic, talent is essential.

Thinking this, Zhao Yanying suddenly felt her behavior that day was truly childish; she had actually made him learn music, chess, calligraphy, and painting to cultivate his character.

Heh. Zhao Yanying sighed bitterly. From the piece this man played, she understood that his technique was absolutely masterful.

Of course! Duan Yu was now an immortal; his music inherently contained a divine essence, making the piece even more ethereal and awe-inspiring than the original.

This divine music clearly penetrated the very soul of those who played it.

Zhao Yanying stared blankly at Duan Yu, who had begun to pluck the strings again, a hint of bewilderment in her eyes.

Chapter 209

"Sword boils wine, tasteless; for whom do I drink this cup?

You bid me farewell, you bid me farewell .

The scent of rouge, I can love but cannot give.

How long is the sky? How far is the earth?

You are a hero, destined to be tearless and without regret.

How dangerous is this smile? It's poison that pierces the gut.

How beautiful are these tears? Only you know.

My heart is laughable without you.

I don't want this life's fame; I only

ask for a smile from my beloved

. If I can be reincarnated ,

I'm willing to be a cow or a horse in the next

life to follow you to the ends of the earth.

Sword boils wine, tasteless; for whom do I drink this cup

? You bid me farewell, you bid me farewell.

The scent of rouge, I can love but cannot give.

How long is the sky? How far is the earth?

You are a hero, destined to be tearless and without regret.

How dangerous is this smile? It's poison that pierces the gut.

How beautiful are these tears? Only you know.

My heart is laughable without you.

I don't want this life's fame ; I only

ask for a smile

from my beloved. If I can be reincarnated,

I'm willing to be a cow

or a horse in the next life to follow you to the ends of the earth

..." A poignant melody of "Beauty in the City" flowed from Duan Yu's lips, and Zhao Yanying's eyes were filled with stars. This song, "The Beauty," perfectly captures the spirit of chivalry and warriors amidst the sounds of war!

Beauty and heroism! A life of iron and blood!

A ruthless battlefield, a world of passionate slaughter!

For beauty, they are willing to bear the scorn of the world! Beauty! Beauty is the graveyard of heroes, the place where heroes are buried.

Heroes cannot resist the allure of beauty, knowing it's like poison, yet still willingly falling into its clutches.

The battlefield is cruel! For the sake of the people, for the common folk, they must abandon their beloved, they must embark on that bloody path!

This is a poignant song, a melody that deeply moves Zhao Yanying!

Her beautiful eyes gaze intently at Duan Yu, who sings with deep emotion. What kind of ruler is he? How can he sing such a moving song? Does

he also harbor a story unknown to others?

Regardless, Zhao Yanying is deeply touched by this song.

Unaware of the subtle smile playing on Duan Yu's lips...

She's taken the bait! Another beautiful girl has fallen for it! A beauty! Truly a powerful presence! Hehe! This song, "Beauty," has already captivated the hearts of several women!

When Duan Yu stopped, he sighed with a sense of melancholy: "What is love in this world, that it makes people willing to die for each other? Beauty is fleeting, who in this world can truly be called a hero!"

When Zhao Yanying heard that sigh, her heart suddenly felt a pang, and at that moment, her heart pounded. Her

beautiful eyes fixed on Duan Yu, Zhao Yanying couldn't help but walk towards where the two were.

"What's the name of this song?" Zhao Yanying asked softly.

"Beauty!" Duan Yu said, looking at Zhao Yanying. "Beauty?

So that's what it's called. What a fitting name! Heroes and heroines, beauties and warriors! Did you compose this song?" Zhao Yanying asked with a soft sigh.

Duan Yu smiled but didn't answer.

But this silence was far more stimulating than the silence itself, as Zhao Yanying herself guessed that it was Duan Yu who composed it.

"Princess, what brings you here?" Duan Yu asked with a smile.

"Are you blaming me?" Zhao Yanying said softly.

"Blame you? What are you saying, Princess? I don't understand!" Duan Yu said with a smile.
Chapter
210

After the three of them left the palace, Zhao Yanying led Duan Yu and Xuan Nu directly in one direction.

"Where are we going?" Duan Yu asked with a smile.

"We're going to the Imperial Study!" Zhao Yanying said with a smile. "The Imperial Study?

What kind of place is that? It's not a place for composing poems and painting, is it?" Duan Yu frowned slightly.

"It is a place for composing poems and painting!" Zhao Yanying said.

"That place! I'd rather not. I don't like that kind of place!" Duan Yu stopped and said.

"Why?" Zhao Yanying asked, puzzled.

"What's so good about going to the Imperial Study! It's just a few repressed people composing poems, humming tunes, and painting. It's much more elegant to go to a pleasure boat and listen to beautiful women sing!" Duan Yu said.

"Uh!" Zhao Yanying was taken aback, giving Duan a red-faced glare, surprised that he was so indignant. The Imperial Study—well, what he said wasn't wrong; many frustrated scholars did indeed compose poems and paint there! But that was too dismissive.

"The Imperial Study is much better than the pleasure boats. You can't generalize. There are still many heroes there. Even the Duke of Jing, Wang Anshi, left an inscription there, and even the current Prime Minister, Su Shi, occasionally composed poems and painted there! So the Imperial Study is quite nice," Zhao Yanying said.

Hearing this, Duan Yu's heart stirred. Having come to this era, he hadn't yet met any of the famous heroes of later generations!

Now that he had killed Zhao Xu, he had subtly changed their fates. Su Shi was still highly regarded by Empress Dowager Gao; it seemed he really needed to meet him sometime.

However, going to the Imperial Study was out of the question now! Duan Yu knew his own limitations!

" Going to the Imperial Study will inevitably require me to write and paint a few things, which wouldn't be good then. I don't have the leisure for that right now. " Duan Yu said. "Fine, I was wrong. But I'm really not interested

in the Imperial Study!" "Then where do you suggest we go? You're not really going to a brothel, are you? If you go there, then I'm not going!" Zhao Yanying could only sigh. What can you do when he's the emperor?

"Hehe, how could I? With such beautiful weather, we should definitely go hiking and wading!" Duan Yu said.

"That's more like it. Let's go then, but we haven't prepared anything. Isn't that a bit inappropriate?" Zhao Yanying said.

"Hiking and wading is more fun when you're bare-handed. We can also catch some wild game!" Duan Yu said with a smile.

Hearing about wild game, Zhao Yanying's heart skipped a beat. "Are you planning to catch wild animals with your bare hands?!"

"Hehe, I'm here! Don't worry! I definitely won't let you go hungry!" Duan Yu said with a smile.

Zhao Yanying's eyes lit up, and excitement rose on her face. Actually, she had never gone hiking or wading alone before! Every time she went out, she was always protected by guards! Only this time, after witnessing Duan Yu's display of light-footed skill, did Zhao Yanying dismiss her guards! However, there were still hidden sentries around.

As a princess of the Song Dynasty, even if she didn't want to, these guards would still protect her secretly; after all, she was the Empress Dowager's most favored princess!

"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!" Zhao Yanying said with a charming smile.

"Don't rush! Don't rush! We're not going without any preparations. For a picnic, we need to bring a jar of wine, right? Let's go get something first!" Duan Yu said with a smile.

Zhao Yanying nodded and immediately led Duan Yu towards a restaurant.

Just as they reached the restaurant entrance, a richly dressed man called out from a window upstairs, "Yingyao, over here, over here!"

Zhao Yanying frowned slightly and looked up at the man. After recognizing him, she smiled slightly but shook her head. Duan Yu

also looked at the man at that moment. He was a man in a magnificent robe, handsome with bright red teeth, a dashing young master! The only slight imperfection was his overly pale complexion, which made him appear less imposing. Duan Yu glanced at him and wondered, who was this man? He seemed quite familiar with Zhao Yanying.

The three of them entered the restaurant and headed straight for the bartender.

"Give me a jar of your finest aged wine!" Duan Yu said to the bartender with a smile.

"Yes, sir! Please wait a moment!" the bartender replied. The bartender then ran off to the side, thinking to himself, "Where did this fairy come from! She's so beautiful!" The bartender was muttering about the appearance of the Mystic Maiden. Zhao Yanying was a regular customer of this restaurant. Almost everyone here knew she was the princess of the Great Song Dynasty!

"Princess, are you going to sit in your usual spot today?" A man in a red silk robe with a goatee, the manager, scurried over to Zhao Yanying, flattering her.

Zhao Yanying gently shook her head and said, "I'm not eating here today, so please excuse me! You may leave."

The manager, without hesitation, immediately excused himself and left.

"Oh? You're a regular customer here!" Duan Yu said with a smile.

Zhao Yanying nodded and said, "I guess so! I came here once before after leaving the palace, and I thought it was quite nice, so I've been coming here often ever since!"

Actually, there was a lot of exaggeration in Zhao Yanying's words.

What did she mean by "I guess so"? She already had a share in this restaurant! The hotel owner, knowing her identity, was trying to curry favor with her. It was a way of establishing connections, and Zhao Yanying understood this perfectly well, but she didn't refuse.

This was the norm around the palace; it wasn't just her, but her brothers and sisters—their influence was felt in almost every industry around the capital. It was an unspoken rule, and Zhao Yanying had no choice but to associate with them. Every fallen prince or princess had to consider their future.

Right now, Zhao Yanying was pampered by her grandmother, so she didn't feel anything, but once her grandmother passed away, Zhao Yanying knew she wouldn't be so carefree!

Among her brothers, her relationship with the emperor wasn't very good either. Because she was too close to the Empress Dowager, her importance in the emperor's eyes had diminished considerably!

Zhao Yanying sighed softly. There were simply too many helpless situations in this palace. Many things had to be accepted and adapted to.

Duan Yu could easily see this, but he simply smiled at it. Just as the two were talking, a man descended from upstairs—the very same person who had called out earlier.

"Yingyao, why didn't you answer when I called you?" This man was the same one from the window earlier, named Lin Zhen, about twenty years old. He was now a guerrilla general, a fifth-rank official. Lin Zhen's father was the Duke of Lin!

"Why are you always so impolite!" Zhao Yanying frowned. "

Hehe, we're familiar with each other! Do you want me to address you respectfully as Princess? Well then, Princess Yingyao, this humble general Lin Zhen greets you!" Lin Zhen said

, bowing formally. Duan Yu's eyes flashed with a sharp light as he looked at this man. Good lad; if he weren't here, this man would be a formidable opponent.

After coming downstairs, this man managed to keep his eyes straight ahead, never once properly glancing at Duan Yu and Xuan Nu, his gaze entirely fixed on Zhao Yanying.

But did he really not look at them?

Of course not! At least Duan Yu sensed that Lin Zhen had looked at him, though his gaze was fleeting, and Duan Yu deeply felt that fleeting admiration.

"Alright, alright! You're quite the oddball! What brings you here today? Aren't you going to train your men?" Zhao Yanying waved her hand, pouting.

"You know my position is just a nominal one! Who are these two? Ying Yao, won't you introduce them to me?" Lin Zhen said with a smile, subtly shifting his gaze to Duan Yu.

"His name is Duan Yu!" Zhao Yanying blinked, not revealing Duan Yu's true identity to Lin Zhen.

"And this one, you should be able to guess, right? The name of Sister Xuan Nu of Kaifeng Prefecture is the most renowned right now," Zhao Yanying said.

Before Zhao Yanying could introduce Lin Zhen further, Lin Zhen smiled warmly at Duan Yu and Xuan Nu, saying, "Hello, I'm Lin Zhen, Ying Yao's good friend. It's a pleasure to meet you both!"

"Hey, hey, hey, what good friend? That's not how you introduce people!" Zhao Yanying frowned slightly, feigning annoyance.

"Isn't that right? We've been childhood sweethearts!" Lin Zhen said with a grin.

Zhao Yanying rolled her eyes at Lin Zhen and looked at Duan Yu and Xuan Nu, saying, "That's just how he is, don't pay him any mind!"

Seeing the two interacting like this, Duan Yu's smile deepened! It seemed the two really were childhood sweethearts! Such casual gestures—there were probably few in the Song Dynasty who would dare to do this to Zhao Yanying. This familiarity went beyond that of ordinary rulers and ministers!

As Duan Yu smiled, he sensed a provocative gaze—from Lin Zhen? Their eyes met subtly, sparks flying in the air. Their gazes only briefly touched before dissipating. However, they both understood each other's meaning.

Lin Zhen sensed from Zhao Yanying's subtle movements that she seemed afraid of being involved with him. She had clearly wanted to explain her identity! This made Lin Zhen feel uneasy! He had been in contact with Zhao Yanying for quite some time. He had originally planned to keep her for himself, but now things seemed to have changed, giving him a strong sense of crisis!

Heh heh heh! Duan Yu chuckled inwardly! Sorry! I'm determined to take this princess.

Duan Yu knew exactly what Lin Zhen was thinking; his gaze had subtly conveyed a threat! Although Duan Yu didn't know Lin Zhen's true identity, his close relationship with Zhao Yanying suggested he was no ordinary person.

Duan Yu knew this, and Lin Zhen knew it too. He was also trying to figure out who Duan Yu was!

The reason for his unwise action and the warning look he gave Duan Yu was because he genuinely sensed a threat. This warning look wasn't entirely unwise. At least from that look alone, Lin Zhen already knew Duan Yu's backing was probably quite powerful, because he completely ignored his warning, and just now, he sensed a hint of provocation in Duan Yu's gaze!

Ha! Few in the Great Song Dynasty dared to treat him like that!

Zhao Yanying moved swiftly, subtly inserting herself between the two! Just then, the bartender brought over the wine! The bartender respectfully handed the wine to Duan Yu.

Duan Yu casually accepted it and tossed over a gold ingot.

Watching Duan Yu take the wine, Zhao Yanying said to Lin Zhen, "I have something to do, so I'll leave first. We'll talk later!"

“So rushed. Anyway, I have nothing to do today, why don’t I come with you?” Lin Zhen said.

“No need!” Zhao Yanying said.

“Then, Young Master Lin, we’ll take our leave!” Duan Yu smiled and cupped his hands, then led Xuan Nu and the other two women out of the restaurant.

Watching them leave, a ruthless glint flashed in Lin Zhen’s eyes! He frowned, without saying a word, glanced at the inn, and then also left.

***

“Why didn’t you take Young Master Lin with you just now?” Duan Yu asked with a smile.

“Why would I take him?” Zhao Yanying asked, feigning ignorance.

“Hehe, aren’t you afraid he’ll be jealous?” Duan Yu said.

“You mean him and me? How could that be? Although we get along very well, I’ve never had that feeling. He’s the son of the Duke of Lin, and he used to attend classes with us. It’s true that we were childhood sweethearts. It’s a pity…” Zhao Yanying shook her head and said.

“That’s good. I was afraid my princess already had a lover! Otherwise, I would have had to think of a way to break you two up.” Duan Yu said mischievously.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Yanying stared wide-eyed at Duan Yu, a faint blush rising to her cheeks. She didn't believe her grandmother had been joking when she made that decision that day.

(Chapter 211)

Watching Duan Yu walk ahead with a mischievous grin, Zhao Yanying felt a pang of unease. Glancing at the nonchalant Xuan Nu, she bit her lip and followed behind Duan Yu.

The three chatted idly along the way, soon leaving the imperial city, stepping off the main road, and onto a side path. After walking along the path for a short while, they came to a field.

"Where are we going?"

Zhao Yanying asked疑惑地问道.

"Just wandering around. I don't really know where we're going,"

Duan Yu said with a smile. "Aren't you the master here? I'm not familiar with this area!"

"Really not familiar? I don't think so,"

Zhao Yanying said disbelievingly. If she really wasn't familiar, why did he know this side path but she didn't?

"Do you still doubt that I'm lying to you? Why would I lie to you?"

Duan Yu smiled and said, "If you don't believe me, ask Xuan Nu. I really don't know anything about this area."

"Sister Xuan Nu, is what he said true?"

Zhao Yanying asked.

Xuan Nu glared at Duan Yu, nodded, and smiled sweetly, "I don't know either. Let's ignore him and go take a look ahead. Look at that lotus pond, that patch of lotus flowers, how beautiful it is!"

"Yes! It's really beautiful! Hehe, then let's go take a look."

Zhao Yanying said, then grabbed Xuan Nu's hand and ran ahead.

Duan Yu stood with his hands behind his back, watching the two women. A smile flashed across his face! His lips were now curving into a wicked grin!

The reason Duan Yu was smiling like this was because he noticed that there were no fewer than ten people following him at this moment! Two of them had been following them from the beginning, while the others had joined later. At this moment, neither group had noticed the other.

Duan Yu was certain that these were two groups. Because the first group was clearly a group of imperial guards, specifically there to protect Zhao Yanying! The reason he dared to do this was because the two people were actually two beautiful young women.

However, upon closer reflection, Duan Yu understood the reason. Zhao Yanying was, after all, a woman, and it was inappropriate for her to be secretly protected by a man.

There were certain places that men couldn't easily see!

This was a princess, and a princess's body was precious! How could such a sacred body be seen by others?

Although the two women were currently trying to conceal themselves, Duan Yu's divine sense still revealed them clearly; their faces appeared distinctly in his mind.

They were two girls of about seventeen or eighteen, both with incredibly beautiful faces! They were currently wearing tight-fitting black clothes, and judging from their appearance, this wasn't the first or second time they had done this.

They were currently hidden in a large tree! The two women were simply watching the princess silently! Although the tree was at least fifty meters away from the princess, their confident expressions showed that those fifty meters were still under their absolute protection.

Of course, that's relative to them. For someone as extraordinary as Duan Yu, fifty meters is a long shot. If he waits for their rescue, it'll be too late!

Besides the two women, there are other pursuers around! These people are also highly trained; their stealthy movements clearly indicate they come from the military!

Huh! Where did these people come from? From the military? After thinking for a moment, Duan Yu focused his attention on Lin Zhen. Needless to say, it must be him. This guy was unfriendly to him earlier, and now he's sent someone!

However, Duan Yu thought about it carefully and felt that Lin Zhen shouldn't be that stupid. He wouldn't make bad plans without knowing Duan Yu's identity.

So what is he doing this time?

As he thought, Duan Yu considered a possibility, hoping it wasn't too far-fetched! Perhaps there will be a chance encounter today?

After passing through lotus fields and traversing a country path, Duan Yu and his companions arrived at a small mountain village. Though called a small village, it wasn't actually that small, as it was located near the imperial city. Could the area around the imperial city really be considered a small village? It was simply much smaller compared to the surrounding large towns.

Upon arriving at the village, Duan Yu didn't lead Zhao Yanying and Xuan Nu inside. Instead, he led them up the mountainside. Behind the village were several rolling mountains, topped with an endless expanse of dense forest.

Looking at the forest, Zhao Yanying's expression faltered. Such a dense forest must undoubtedly teem with rare and exotic animals!

This was an attraction for Zhao Yanying, but at the same time, she hesitated. Perhaps it wouldn't be

wise for the three of them to enter so easily? Zhao Yanying was no mere ornament; as a princess of the Song Dynasty, her favor with Empress Dowager Gao was well-deserved, and she was equally meticulous in handling matters.

This time, Zhao Yanying was completely stunned by Duan Yu, which is why she followed him out. She originally thought Duan Yu was just going to visit other scenic spots nearby, but she didn't expect him to bring her to this deep mountain forest.

"Are we really going in?"

Zhao Yanying asked doubtfully.

"Huh? You're not going? This is just a small hill, is there anything that could frighten you?" Duan

Yu said with a smile.

"This is a small hill? Your vision is quite far-reaching. There might be wild beasts in here. It's not advisable for the three of us to go in without any preparation."

Zhao Yanying said.

"What do you mean 'the three of us'? Don't the hidden sentries around the princess count?"

Duan Yu said with a smile.

"How do you know there are hidden sentries around?"

Zhao Yanying asked doubtfully.

"Wouldn't the princess of the Great Song Dynasty come out incognito without hidden sentries following her? If a princess is not protected, wouldn't the royal family be in danger?"

Duan Yu said.

"And what about you? As the Emperor of Dali, why aren't you being protected by anyone around you?"

Zhao Yanying asked.

"How do you know I'm not surrounded by anyone?"

Duan Yu smiled mysteriously.

"Could it be that you also have someone secretly following you?"

Zhao Yanying asked, surprised.

If someone really was following him, then this group must be very powerful. Duan Yu had been staying in the palace these past few days, and he hadn't been seen contacting anyone when he came out earlier! Could this group have been waiting in the capital the whole time? Perhaps they had infiltrated the palace! Zhao Yanying thought blankly.

Actually, Duan Yu wasn't lying to Zhao Yanying; he was indeed being protected, but the person protecting him was extremely powerful! It far exceeded Zhao Yanying's imagination, because the protector was a Great Luo Golden Immortal sent by the Dragon King of the East Sea!

For Duan Yu's safety, the Dragon King certainly wouldn't be careless! The protection of a Great Luo Golden Immortal was not like that of an ordinary person; this Great Luo Golden Immortal was currently hundreds of miles away!

As long as no large-scale battle occurs at Duan Yu's location, no Grand Luo Golden Immortal will appear, nor will they arbitrarily investigate Duan Yu.

The Dragon King has repeatedly emphasized this point.

This is for Duan Yu's privacy, and also for the safety of those protecting him. If they accidentally see something they shouldn't, who knows what kind of rampage Duan Yu might suffer! A rampage would be terrifying.

For this reason, the Dragon King has already withdrawn those initially protecting Duan Yu and sent another person—a stunningly beautiful woman dressed in purplish-brown!

Clad in purple, she resembled a witch from a magical world! She exuded a cold and alluring charm! Duan Yu had already sensed this woman! And since

Duan Yu sensed her, Xuan Nu had naturally discovered her as well!

This doesn't mean Duan Yu's cultivation level surpassed hers, but rather that she had revealed her identity to him from the moment she was chosen!

Heh, when Duan Yu learned she was a cold and beautiful woman, the smile on his face was incredibly wicked!

This woman had a name familiar to Duan Yu: Yu Ji! It was precisely because of this that Duan Yu accepted the Dragon King's arrangement. In fact, Duan Yu had long been displeased with the others protecting him!

He wondered what the Dragon King and his group's reaction would be when they relayed the news of Xuan Nu's presence with him.

These days, it seems bodyguards are all women!

Duan Yu only learned of Yu Ji today, and this was also the first day of Yu Ji's bodyguard career!

Early this morning, Duan Yu received a seemingly friendly message, and then learned Yu Ji's identity. According to Yu Ji, she was a member of the Black Dragon. The Black Dragon King!

Heh! Black Dragon? Of course, not the Western black dragon.

The dragon race is actually divided into several types!

The Dragon God created the dragon race at the cost of his own life!

The most powerful dragon is the five-clawed golden dragon, followed by dragons of different colors! This black dragon, a black dragon, is not that winged Western black lizard!

Having spent some time in the Dragon Palace, Duan Yu naturally understood this. Unexpectedly, his father-in-law had found him a Black Dragon King!

Yu Ji! Heh, when Duan Yu learned of this name, it was quite strange! He almost thought it was Yu Ji from the story of Xiang Yu, the Hegemon-King of Western Chu.

Actually, Yu Ji's name was Ao Yu. It wasn't a very pleasant name, but according to dragon surnames, it should indeed be Ao! That's why she told Duan Yu her name was Yu Ji.

Just like Duan Yu's wife, Ao Xue, who also had another name, Hongmei Ao Xue (Red Plum Ao Xue). This is also why Ao Xue's surname was Ao, not Ao!

A name is ultimately just a label, and the Dragon King wouldn't care much about Ao Xue's name. Of course, he wouldn't care much, because this name was chosen by the Dragon Mother.

Although the Dragon King held considerable authority in the East Sea, he still readily accepted the Dragon Mother's opinions.

Seeing Yu Ji, Duan Yu also remembered something: could this be the ninth dragon his father-in-law had chosen for him?

Thinking about it, Duan Yu felt it was impossible! According to the Dragon King, only the purest direct descendants of the Dragon King are eligible! If it were that simple, Ao Guang and the others wouldn't have looked so helpless!

The entire Dragon Clan Sea Palace only has eight Dragon Maidens, and now! Two have already been taken into Duan Yu's harem, leaving only six.

Looking at Yu Ji, Duan Yu is also helpless! His father-in-law is very good to him. Unfortunately, these Dragon Maidens are now the ones he dares not touch. Besides the other six Dragon Maidens he already knows, Duan Yu won't casually touch any other Dragon Maidens. This mutated cultivation technique is something Duan Yu fears. He dares not try it rashly.

So, it's really not just three people involved. Duan Yu now wants to know how Lin Zhen plans to appear. If he were visiting a famous scenic spot, he could make an excuse that he just happened to be there. Now that he's in this deep mountain forest, how will Lin Zhen appear?

Far away, at the Duke's mansion, Lin Zhen gritted his teeth! That person had gone to the deep mountains and forests, completely disrupting his plans. What should he do now? Looking at his equipment, Lin Zhen's eyes lit up! He'd got it! Hunting! Ha! Hunting was the best alternative!

He immediately changed out of his young master's attire and into a set of close-fitting clothes. He then ordered a longsword and bow and arrows to be prepared, and rode a fine horse with his men towards the mountain that was monitoring Duan Yu and his group.

***Leaving aside this clandestine confrontation,

Duan Yu was holding the hands of two beautiful women. Xuan Nu appeared completely frail, as did Zhao Yanying. They were crossing a suspension bridge spanning two mountains. Seeing the swaying iron chains, Zhao Yanying's heart tightened! Zhao Yanying wasn't entirely weak; she had also practiced court martial arts! However, this court martial arts is far inferior to that of chivalrous heroes like Duan Yu and Qiao Feng!

Although it was created by incorporating the martial arts of many martial artists, it still differs from those of the martial arts in the Jianghu. Precisely because of this fusion, while the martial arts are powerful, they look rather insignificant in the eyes of true martial arts masters!

Zhao Yanying's greatest skill is swordsmanship! Her other martial arts are lacking; cultivating internal energy requires time and practice.

Zhao Yanying doesn't have that much time to cultivate internal energy, which is why she focuses on swordsmanship. But today, she came here without her sword. To be honest, Zhao Yanying is genuinely a little afraid of going into this deep mountain forest. This is a thrilling and exciting exploration.

Before even entering the forest, they already have to cross this terrifying iron chain suspension bridge. What awaits them on the other side of the mountain?

Duan Yu had only once demonstrated his superb lightness skill in front of Zhao Yanying, but she didn't know anything about his other martial arts abilities.

In Chapter 212

, walking on the swaying iron chain bridge, Zhao Yanying clung tightly to Duan Yu, listening to the whistling mountain wind blowing beneath the bridge, her heart pounding with anxiety. She glanced sideways at Xuan Nu beside her, only to find that although Xuan Nu also appeared frail, there was no fear on her face; instead, she seemed to be enjoying herself immensely.

Zhao Yanying was puzzled after seeing this! How could Xuan Nu not be afraid at all? The other party wasn't afraid, yet she was so terrified. Zhao Yanying's pretty face flushed slightly, but even so, she didn't let go of Duan Yu's hand.

"Sister Xuan Nu, aren't you afraid?"

Zhao Yanying couldn't help but ask, still puzzled.

Xuan Nu shook her head and said, "Not afraid!"

"Oh? Sister is so brave, Ying Yao admires you, hehe, Ying Yao is terrified of what's happening down there."

Zhao Yanying didn't hide her fear at all.

"Hehe, it's not that sister is incredibly brave, but with this bad guy around, you don't need to be afraid at all!"

Xuan Nu said with a smile. She didn't mind pushing all the good things onto Duan Yu! Although she felt a little unwilling, Xuan Nu usually wouldn't go against Duan Yu's wishes.

Xuan Nu knew what to do. Now, her identity was that of a weak woman! At this moment, she wasn't the Nine Heavens Xuan Nu Goddess; she was just a mortal woman, Xuan Nu.

Xuan Nu also enjoyed this mortal's understanding. However, Xuan Nu knew she was ultimately different from others.

Like the women Duan Yu had taken in, for some reason, Xuan Nu could never fully integrate with them. After all, she was the Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden, and this wasn't something Duan Yu could simply grant her. She possessed an innate aura of heaven and earth.

A celestial maiden, she was truly a celestial maiden.

**** Zhao Yanying had also noticed this. She found that although her Xuan Nu sister seemed gentle, there was always something different—an innate noble air that made Zhao Yanying wonder, who exactly was this Xuan Nu sister? Duan

Yu noticed all this, but he didn't mind at all. He knew he couldn't blame Xuan Nu, nor could he say she was arrogant. It wasn't arrogance; it was an unspoken distinction of status.

Just like the goddess Nuwa, she couldn't be friendly with everyone! It was a kind of inexplicable disparity in status!

Xuan Nu was an ancient goddess. Although she never cared much about her status, her perspective differed from that of mortals. Many things mortals thought about were different from what Xuan Nu considered.

The calculations of Heaven! All of this was shrouded in mystery.

******* Crossing the iron chain bridge, the three arrived at a dense forest, so thick that even sunlight couldn't penetrate. Entering the forest, they could hear chirping and howling, the sounds of wild beasts clearly indicating the presence of ferocious creatures.

"Roar!"

As if echoing their thoughts, a fierce howl suddenly rang out from the forest, followed by a piercing scream—the cry of some animal.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Yanying's pretty face paled slightly, and she hesitated again.

"Duan Yu, let's go back. This forest is too dangerous!"

Zhao Yanying said softly.

“We’ve come all this way. How could we just leave like this! Hehe, are you afraid of that howling beast? Actually, it’s just a cute little kitten. Otherwise, I’ll catch it and show it to you.”

Duan Yu said with a smile.

“Catch it?”

Zhao Yanying stared wide-eyed at Duan Yu, not understanding whether he was serious or not!

How could that be a kitten! Zhao Yanying’s first impression was more like a tiger! This dense forest was too thick; no one knew what kind of mysteries it held.

“Yes, if you want to see it, catching it is a piece of cake!”

Duan Yu said. He looked at Zhao Yanying with a playful gaze, waiting for her decision.

Zhao Yanying shook her head. Even if Duan Yu could really catch it, she wouldn’t let him go! Who knew what other dangers they might encounter?

“Let’s go in! Consider it an adventure. My little princess! As a princess, you probably haven’t experienced many exciting things like this. This isn’t something you can just happen to casually!”

Duan Yu said.

Upon hearing Duan Yu's words, Zhao Yanying blushed. What did he mean by "my little princess"? That was an extremely ambiguous term. Although still somewhat reluctant, she reluctantly agreed, because she noticed that Xuan Nu hadn't made any statement from beginning to end; her face still wore a faint smile. This Sister Xuan Nu, no matter how you looked at her, seemed like a fairy untouchable. How could such a beautiful person exist in this world!

Xuan Nu noticed Zhao Yanying looking at her and smiled gently, saying, "Sister Yingyao, it's alright. Just stay by my side. Don't worry, even if these bad guys don't help you, I won't let anything happen to you."

"Huh? Does Sister know martial arts too?"

Zhao Yanying's eyes lit up as she looked at Xuan Nu.

"I know a little bit, more or less!"

Xuan Nu said.

"Sister, it seems you're quite skilled,"

Zhao Yanying said.

Xuan Nu chuckled, "Whether you're skilled or not, you'll find out soon enough."

As she spoke, Duan Yu and the other two ventured even deeper into the dense forest!

As they ventured deeper, the darkness grew ever more intense! Suddenly, eerie wails and howls rose from the surroundings, making the whole scene even more sinister.

After walking several hundred meters further, this feeling intensified! The eerie atmosphere grew ever stronger.

Zhao Yanying's delicate brows furrowed slightly as she felt the chilling atmosphere; her body trembled involuntarily, a bone-chilling coldness washing over her.

Just as she felt this chill, Duan Yu suddenly took her hand, saying, "Seeing how scared you are, why don't you hold my hand?"

As Duan Yu's hand grasped hers, Zhao Yanying immediately felt a warm force flow from his palm along her own, into her heart. The chill vanished instantly. This

caused Zhao Yanying to swallow the words she was about to say in refusal! Her pretty face flushed slightly, and she obediently allowed Duan Yu to take her hand. Fortunately, the dense forest was quite dark, and Zhao Yanying wasn't particularly embarrassed; after all, she had been held hands before!

Being held by Duan Yu! Zhao Yanying glanced sideways at Xuan Nu, only to find that Xuan Nu's hand was already intertwined with Duan Yu's.

Upon discovering this, Zhao Yanying felt a slight pang of jealousy; after all, she wasn't the first person he'd held hands with.

However, this was perfectly normal, after all, Xuan Nu was Duan Yu's concubine! It was only natural for them to hold hands like that. Thinking this way, Zhao Yanying didn't dwell on it too much.

But as she thought this, Zhao Yanying's heart skipped a beat! Why was she thinking like that?

Zhao Yanying realized that something seemed off about her these past few days! From being stood up by Duan Yu three days ago to the intense shock she felt today, her emotions seemed to have changed rather quickly! This wasn't like her.

Shaking her head, Zhao Yanying couldn't quite figure out the reason, but with this thought, her grip on Duan Yu's hand loosened slightly.

"Whoosh!"

Just then, a soft sound rang out, and a figure suddenly pounced towards Zhao Yanying's direction. A pair of gleaming green eyes were the first thing Zhao Yanying saw.

Zhao Yanying's expression changed, and she was terrified! She was currently unarmed and unable to react to what was attacking her.

"Thud!"

Before Zhao Yanying could react, a thin twig suddenly flew out and blocked the attacking creature.

"Ouch..."

A pitiful cry rang out. The creature fell to the ground.

It was a white weasel!

Seeing the white weasel suddenly fall, Zhao Yanying finally believed that Duan Yu's martial arts were quite good, because she hadn't felt any movement from him at all. She couldn't even see Duan Yu move his hand when the twig flew out.

"Hehe, this is quite a haul! I've encountered such a wonderful thing as soon as I came in. This white weasel is my first prey!"

Duan Yu said with a smile to Zhao Yanying, pulling them both to the white weasel's side. Then he released Xuan Nu's hand and picked up the white ferret.

"Is it dead?"

Zhao Yanying asked doubtfully, looking at the white ferret with its eyes closed.

"No!"

Duan Yu smiled and said, "I just knocked it unconscious. How about it? Do you like it? If you like it, you can keep this white ferret as a pet."

"Really! It won't bite, will it?"

Zhao Yanying said.

"Of course it can bite, but with me here, it won't bite!" After Duan Yu finished speaking, the white ferret in his hand, which had been holding it with its eyes closed, suddenly opened its eyes. As soon as its eyes opened, the white ferret immediately struggled in Duan Yu's hand.

"What are you doing? Behave yourself!"

Duan Yu said calmly. He spoke very softly, but a trace of his spiritual pressure penetrated the white ferret's body. The white ferret immediately stopped moving, as if facing a great enemy, not daring to breathe too loudly.

Zhao Yanying looked at the white sable with suspicion. Just as Duan Yu had said, the sable dared not be presumptuous in his presence. Zhao Yanying didn't understand why the swaying sable, which had been struggling moments before, had stopped struggling after Duan Yu spoke softly.

This white sable was a sentient animal; after sensing Duan Yu's powerful spiritual fluctuations, it understood that this person was beyond its control. It immediately submitted to Duan Yu's divine sense!

What a joke! Duan Yu was an immortal! Among all things, mountain spirits, monsters, and strange beasts were actually the most capable of sensing the aura of immortals.

Although this white sable wasn't a mountain spirit, its animal instincts told it that it had to submit.

After calming the white sable with his divine sense, Duan Yu handed it to Zhao Yanying.

Zhao Yanying hesitated for a moment, then took it. Upon receiving it, the white sable became as docile as a kitten.

This time, Zhao Yanying was completely astonished! What kind of method was this? The wild white weasel, which had been so fierce just moments before, had suddenly become calm. The taming techniques were simply too incredible!

At this moment, Zhao Yanying's curiosity about Duan Yu was growing stronger! Just how many unknown abilities did this charming emperor possess?

"Have you noticed that something seems off about this dense forest?"

Duan Yu transmitted his voice to Xuan Nu.

"Hmm! Something is definitely off. There must be some mountain spirits or monsters here. I haven't sensed the presence of the mountain god,"

Xuan Nu replied in kind.

"It seems this time, I'll finally see what a monster is for the first time. What do you think monsters look like? Aren't they cute?"

Duan Yu said with a smile.

Xuan Nu shook her head with a wry smile, saying, "You're always being silly. You'll see when you see them!"

Chapter 213

As they ventured deeper, everything around them seemed eerie. At this moment, Zhao Yanying also vaguely sensed something was wrong! She tightly embraced Duan Yu's hands and leaned her body against him. Her gaze lingered curiously on Duan Yu and Xuan Nu. Why didn't they show any fear?

Judging from their expressions, nothing around them posed any danger to them!

Looking at Duan Yu with curiosity, Zhao Yanying shook her head. She desperately wanted Duan Yu to leave with her right now, but since he wouldn't go, there was nothing she could do! She couldn't help but glance around. She wondered how her protectors were doing.

Not far from Zhao Yanying, the Ning sisters, Ning Xue and Ning Yu, were frowning as they watched the group walking ahead.

"Sister, what should we do now? Should we force the princess to leave? This place is too eerie; it's best to leave as soon as possible!"

Ning Xue whispered to Ning Yu.

Ning Xue frowned, her gaze fixed on Zhao Yanying. She shook her head slightly and said, "Even if we ask the princess to leave, she won't! Now that she's with the Emperor of Dali, this isn't something we can interfere with. I think this Emperor of Dali must have some unique abilities. He's a member of the Duan family, after all! The Dali Duan family has always produced masters! He couldn't possibly be unaware of martial arts!"

"But isn't it rumored in the martial arts world that he doesn't know martial arts?"

Ning Xue asked in surprise.

"How can you believe these rumors? Have you forgotten whose sworn brother he is? Since he's Qiao Feng's sworn brother, how could he not know martial arts!"

Ning Yu said. Ning Yu's guess was exactly the same as Empress Dowager Gao's! From this, it's clear that Ning Yu is also a strategist.

Ning Xue nodded after hearing this, glanced at Ning Yu, and said nothing more, quietly following Ning Yu forward again.

As they went deeper, Ning Xue's face became slightly pale. She couldn't help but look at her sister again and found that her sister was the same!

Although they were martial arts masters! But they were women after all! The fear of ghosts was in their nature; it wasn't just women who feared these eerie creatures, even grown men were afraid!

Such a strange atmosphere made it hard for them not to want to go there!

"Awooo..."

A low howl of a wolf echoed through the forest, and with it, the surrounding air grew increasingly cold! It was a bone-chilling cold.

Such a gloomy place!

Duan Yu and Xuan Nu exchanged a glance.

"Could it be a ghost?"

Duan Yu asked Xuan Nu telepathically.

Xuan Nu smiled gently and nodded, "Such extreme cold... it really must be a ghost, or something like a zombie? Perhaps some ancient corpse is buried here! Buried in the forest surrounding the imperial city! This corpse might not be simple!"

Duan Yu's curiosity was completely piqued; he now desperately wanted the ghost to show itself. He had seen gods before, but to be honest, he had never seen a ghost before! Of course, if he really wanted to see it, he could simply open his Heavenly Eye, but who has nothing better to do than think about seeing ghosts all the time? Duan Yu certainly wouldn't actively seek it out! But he really wanted to see it passively.

After going deeper for about a hundred meters, a white mist appeared around them, and the white sable in Zhao Yanying's arms began to whimper uneasily. It seemed extremely agitated.

"Duan Yu, are we really not going back? The atmosphere here is too strange. Let's leave,"

Zhao Yanying said seriously again.

Duan Yu looked at Zhao Yanying's serious face and suddenly grinned mischievously. His left hand slipped from Zhao Yanying's grasp and, to her surprise, wrapped around her waist. He looked at her wickedly and said, "Since your grandmother has decided to betroth you to me, whether you like me or not, I won't let anyone take you away. My woman, Duan Yu's woman, will not be allowed to be coveted by others! Since you will become my woman, then you should know some of my methods!"

Hearing Duan Yu's domineering words, Zhao Yanying's pretty face flushed slightly. She glared angrily at Duan Yu, and sighed helplessly under his wicked gaze.

It was her grandmother again! She couldn't disobey her grandmother's orders! Why was she a princess of the Song Dynasty? Why did she have to marry Duan Yu?

Although Zhao Yanying didn't deny that everything Duan Yu had done today had somewhat overturned her prejudice against him a few days ago, it was impossible for her to suddenly fall in love with him! Zhao Yanying was simply interacting with Duan Yu with a sense of resignation.

Although she was unwilling, what could she do? Could she disobey her grandmother's orders?

Feeling Duan Yu's strong embrace, Zhao Yanying lowered her head shyly. After finally calming herself down, Zhao Yanying looked at Duan Yu in surprise and said, "What kind of skills do you have? The only thing you showed was your superb lightness skill. Are you really that good at martial arts?"

"Good? Hehe, a year ago I could be considered a top martial arts master, but now..."

Duan Yu smiled and continued, "Watch closely! Disperse!"

With the word "disperse," Duan Yu waved his hand lightly around, and the surrounding white mist instantly disappeared.

Zhao Yanying stared at everything in astonishment, shocked by Duan Yu's skill. What kind of ability was this? What kind of method was this? Her eyes were filled with curiosity.

"What's going on? Why did the fog disappear as soon as you waved your hand? Was it a coincidence? Or..."

Zhao Yanying asked in surprise.

"Do you think it's a coincidence?"

Duan Yu said with a mischievous smile.

Zhao Yanying shook her head. She stared at Duan Yu's handsome face and then looked at Xuan Nu beside her, who showed no shock whatsoever. Her eyes were full of doubt. She was waiting for Duan Yu to tell her everything. What was going on? But Duan Yu didn't tell her what it was! He smiled, put his arm around Zhao Yanying's waist, and took Xuan Nu's hand, and walked forward again.

Everything around him was really nothing to him.

At this moment, behind Duan Yu and the other two, Ning Xue and Ning Yu looked at them in shock.

"Sister, did you see it? What just happened? Why did the fog around us disappear with that person's wave of his hand?"

Ning Xue asked Ning Yu.

Ning Yu was equally shocked. Due to the distance, they could only see Duan Yu wave his hand, but they didn't know what they had said!

This action was simply too terrifying. With a casual wave of his hand, the dense fog in front of them disappeared! What kind of tactic was this? Their bodies, already concealed by the mist and trees, almost revealed their location!

If they hadn't dodged quickly, they might have been exposed to Zhao Yanying! These two were secretly arranged for Zhao Yanying by Empress Dowager Gao.

Zhao Yanying didn't know their identities, had never seen them before, and they didn't want to be exposed to her. Zhao Yanying

was always wise about this, never forcing them to reveal themselves. They had only been secretly solving problems for her.

Although it was impossible for Zhao Yanying to see them just now, they still had to be cautious!

A wicked smile appeared on Duan Yu's lips. How could he not have sensed Ning Xue and Ning Yu's actions? It was precisely because he sensed their movements that he found it interesting!

"Are you trying to seduce that young lady again?"

Xuan Nu's gentle voice echoed in Duan Yu's mind.

"Hehe, really? How could I... Do I look like the kind of person who would have designs on a young girl? And what's more, how could she be a young girl? She's clearly a grown woman!"

Duan Yu chuckled, transmitting his voice.

"Shameless! Your shamelessness is comparable to that of a city wall! You haven't even finished what's in your bowl, and you're already eyeing what's in the pot! That's not right of you!"

Xuan Nu scolded.

"Yes! Yes! Yes! Sister Xuan Nu is right, I should finish what's in front of me first before eating anything else!"

Duan Yu said with an expression of being taught a lesson.

Xuan Nu rolled her eyes at Duan Yu, glanced at Zhao Yanying leaning against him, and sighed silently! She really couldn't do anything about him. Xuan Nu didn't have much backbone left to resist Duan Yu! Who told her to have already fallen for him! Xuan Nu turned a blind eye to Duan Yu's actions! Let it drag on! Let it drag on, until she's completely devoured by this bad guy!

From the moment he transmigrated to this time and space, she had been watching him closely. She had witnessed the methods he used to seduce every woman! She never expected that she would still be unable to guard against his methods. Even knowing he was wicked, she still stayed by his side like a moth to a flame! Wasn't this just offering herself up to this bad guy?

Thinking of this, Xuan Nu's pretty face flushed slightly! She spit out a small gulp, "I'm not offering myself up to this bad guy!"

*** As the mist cleared, everything around them seemed much clearer! The dark forest seemed much brighter, and the sun seemed to be shining down!

Of course, all of this was just an illusion! The surroundings hadn't actually changed much, because the cold aura remained!

The further they went, the colder the aura became! Finally, they could even see grass and trees covered with a thick layer of ice! Seeing

this, Duan Yu and Xuan Nu were completely certain of their guess: there really was a yin ghost here!

"Don't be too surprised when you see something later, I'll take care of everything!"

Duan Yu said softly to Zhao Yanying with a smile.

"You mean... there might be... there might be ghosts or monsters?"

Zhao Yanying asked hesitantly. This thought had been swirling in her mind ever since she sensed the eerie atmosphere, and now she finally couldn't help but ask it out.

Duan Yu nodded and said, "Yes! You might see something that you find incredibly unbelievable!"

Zhao Yanying's gaze was completely fixed on Duan Yu, her eyes filled with doubt and confusion! Why was Duan Yu saying this? And why did the fog dissipate so quickly? What kind of abilities did he want her to learn?

In any case, Zhao Yanying's interest had been completely piqued by Duan Yu! Although she was afraid of ghosts and monsters, she now wanted to know what kind of methods Duan Yu possessed!

Without giving Zhao Yanying any time to be surprised, Duan Yu led the two to a chosen location! They could see many cold-blooded animals around them! Creatures that liked cold and dampness were everywhere. Looking around, Zhao Yanying felt a chill run down her spine!

These things look absolutely terrifying!

As they proceeded, something even more horrifying appeared on the ground: human bones! A vast quantity of human bones suddenly appeared before Duan Yu and his companions! Will-o'-the-wisps flickered everywhere!

Chapter 214

Zhao Yanying now completely believed in the existence of those evil spirits; everything before her was too terrifying. Looking at the gleaming will-o'-the-wisps, Zhao Yanying felt a slight panic! Only by moving closer to Duan Yu did she feel a little calmer.

She looked at Duan Yu curiously, waiting to see what kind of methods he would display.

Ignoring the bone-strewn grass and the eerie will-o'-the-wisps, Duan Yu and his companions continued forward. They hadn't gone far when they saw a beam of red light shooting into the sky! The place was no longer dark; it was filled with a blood-red hue!

What was there?

Within the flickering red light was a bottomless cave! The red light emanated from this cave.

Without the slightest hesitation, Duan Yu and the three women approached the cave!

Duan Yu peered down into the cave, his wicked smile widening. Although he didn't know what lay within, he could definitely sense an incredibly dense, yin energy. The yin energy in this cave was terrifying! An ordinary person who fell in, even if they managed to climb out, wouldn't survive long!

"Should we go down?"

Zhao Yanying asked softly.

"Yes! Are you scared?"

Duan Yu smiled gently.

Zhao Yanying rolled her eyes at Duan Yu and nodded, "Of course I'm scared, but you said you'd protect me. I'll see what you're capable of!"

"Of course! How could I let my woman get hurt!"

Duan Yu said with a wicked grin.

Zhao Yanying glared at Duan Yu again, then turned her gaze to Xuan Nu. She was curious why Xuan Nu didn't seem to mind Duan Yu's philandering. Logically, a woman as beautiful as Xuan Nu shouldn't be so easily involved with others. Why was she so indifferent?

"Are you wondering?"

Xuan Nu asked Zhao Yanying with a smile.

Zhao Yanying nodded obediently and said, "Yes, I'm wondering. I really want to know, Sister Xuan Nu, how did you get together with Duan Yu? I really want to know why you don't mind that he has other women!"

"Did I say I didn't mind? Hehe, but don't you know his identity? He's the emperor! How could a weak woman like me escape his grasp?"

Xuan Nu said with a coquettish laugh.

Upon hearing Xuan Nu's words, Zhao Yanying wasn't sure if she was telling the truth. She looked suspiciously at Duan Yu, who was also smiling, a knowing look flashing in her eyes. She knew it wasn't true, so she immediately said coquettishly to Xuan Nu, "Sister, you're so naughty! You're not honest at all. Tell Ying Yao! Ying Yao really wants to know, Sister Xuan Nu, what your identity is. This unique aura you possess isn't something ordinary people can have!"

"My identity? Hehehe… You'll find out in a moment!"

Xuan Nu smiled but still didn't reveal her identity.

She said it again! Although Zhao Yanying was still unwilling, she could only wait and see since Xuan Nu had said so.

Why were these two so mysterious? If they hadn't been introduced to her by her grandmother, she would have definitely doubted their identities. Just Duan Yu's brief display of skill earlier had already surprised Zhao Yanying!

"You two should come out! This isn't a place you can just go in casually."

Duan Yu didn't immediately go down into the cave, but suddenly smiled and said to those around him.

Hearing Duan Yu's words, Zhao Yanying frowned slightly! She looked at Duan Yu and then at her surroundings. It was still completely quiet!

"Aren't you coming out yet! If you don't come out, I'm going down. Let me tell you something first, this isn't a place that ordinary martial artists can handle! There's something terrifying down there! This eerie cold air, if you rashly enter, you'll only find death!"

Duan Yu said again.

After Duan Yu's words, there was still no movement around him.

Duan Yu chuckled, turning to Zhao Yanying, "It seems only you, Princess, can handle this now. This place is no ordinary place; without my protection, anyone who goes in is committing suicide! If you don't want your two delicate bodyguards to die, you'd better have them come down with us."

Zhao Yanying looked at Duan Yu in surprise. He could clearly identify that two people were protecting her, and even knew they were women! That alone showed his martial arts skills were truly formidable.

Not far away, Ning Xue looked at her sister Ning Yu, "Sister, should we go out? This person could pinpoint us so clearly; it seems we've been discovered!"

Ning Yu glanced around, then at Duan Yu and the others, sighing helplessly. Duan Yu's loud words were clearly meant for them; why make things difficult for the princess?

"Let's go, let's go out!"

Ning Yu stood up from beside the tree and said.

Ning Xue responded and immediately followed Ning Yu, flashing from the tree towards Duan Yu and the others! In a flash, the two landed beside Duan Yu and the others.

Seeing the sudden appearance of the two beautiful women, Zhao Yanying's eyes were filled with surprise. Although she knew her grandmother had arranged for people to protect her, she hadn't expected that her protectors would be two such stunning beauties, and so young at that. They didn't seem older than her! When did they start protecting her? Zhao Yanying wondered.

"Ning Xue, Ning Yu greet the Princess!"

Ning Xue and Ning Yu bowed to Zhao Yanying one after the other.

"No need for formalities!"

Zhao Yanying said softly, "Thank you both for your protection over the years!"

Ning Xue and Ning Yu shook their heads simultaneously, saying, "Protecting the Princess is simply our duty."

"When did you start protecting me? Judging from your ages, you don't seem older than me!"

Zhao Yanying directly asked her question.

"We only started protecting the Princess three years ago. It wasn't us before!"

Ning Yu said.

"Oh!"

Zhao Yanying responded softly, then continued, "It's truly been difficult for you to come out this time! I hope you won't blame me!"

"Ning Yu, Ning Xue wouldn't dare!"

the two hurriedly replied.

"Hehe, you don't need to be so reserved. Since you've secretly followed me for three years, don't you understand Ying Yao's personality?"

Zhao Yanying said with a light smile.

"Hehe, of course we know!"

Ning Xue giggled.

"Xiao Xue, don't be presumptuous!" Ning

Yu frowned and called out.

"Sister!"

Ning Yu pouted and responded unwillingly, but her expression immediately became serious.

Upon seeing this, Duan Yu immediately laughed! It seemed Ning Yu was quite composed, while Ning Xue was rather lively!

"What are you laughing at?"

Ning Xue rolled her eyes at Duan Yu. She was naturally very respectful to the princess, but she wasn't so polite to Duan Yu. Strictly speaking, the two of them weren't under the jurisdiction of the palace. They were both originally taught by the same master!

Three years ago, they learned martial arts from their master on Zixia Mountain! One day, their master suddenly ordered them to go to the capital to protect someone! And so, they protected someone for three years!

Their master was a woman, a reclusive martial arts master!

The martial arts they learned were diverse and profound! It could be said that if the two of them appeared in the martial arts world, they would be top-tier masters!

Even now, after living in the capital for so long and understanding all the sects in the martial arts world, they still couldn't guess who their master was! Their master never revealed anything to them. According to their master, she owed Empress Dowager Gao a favor, and this time they were helping her repay that favor! They only needed to protect the princess for five years!

"I'm laughing at how cute you are!"

Duan Yu said with a mischievous grin.

"How do you know if I'm cute or not? It's none of your business. You're really mean, knowing it's dangerous here yet still coming here. Since you know we've been following you, you still do this, you're just causing us trouble!"

Ning Xue said angrily, staring at Duan Yu.

"Hehe... I didn't ask you to come! Besides, how do you know I'm causing you trouble? Now I'm complaining that you're causing me trouble!"

Duan Yu teased.

"Tch, who knows if what you're saying is true! I don't believe there are really evil things in this world."

Ning Xue said. As she said this, she couldn't help but look at the bright will-o'-the-wisp in the distance. Her pretty face turned pale, and she immediately clung tightly to Ning Xue. To be honest, she was really scared! Why did she bring up ghosts here!

"You don't believe evil things exist, and you say only ghosts know if what I'm saying is true, then fine! I'll let the ghosts prove whether what I'm saying is true or not!"

Duan Yu said with a mischievous grin.

"You...you...that thing is a joke!"

Ning Xue spat out a stone and rolled her eyes at Duan Yu. She dared not utter another word about it! The will-o'-the-wisps around them were too conspicuous; she didn't want to attract anything.

Watching their banter, Ning Yu didn't stop Ning Xue this time. Actually, Ning Yu had been quite curious about Duan Yu all along! Especially that method just now—it was truly terrifying! With a wave of his hand! Why did the fog disappear?

She wanted to glean some useful information from Ning Yu and Duan Yu's conversation! Her gaze never left Duan Yu!

For some reason, she felt that although Duan Yu wasn't looking at her, he knew she was looking at him, and she could even sense the mischievous smile on his lips, as if it were because of her gaze.

This made her even more curious! This person was clearly arguing with Ning Yu, so how did he sense her? Could his martial arts have reached an unbelievable level?

Impossible! Although Ning Yu believed he possessed martial arts skills, she didn't think Duan Yu's abilities far surpassed hers. Over the past three years, they had encountered many so-called martial arts masters, even figures like Qiao Feng and Murong Fu.

Yet, none of them could detect their secret observation of her and Ning Xue!

Zhao Yanying sighed at the argument between Duan Yu and Ning Xue. From the moment they didn't address her as "subordinate," Zhao Yanying guessed something. Judging from their appearance, they couldn't have been trained in the palace! They must be from the martial arts world!

She wondered where her grandmother had found these two beautiful bodyguards!

Judging by their confident demeanor, their martial arts skills must be truly formidable! Although Ning Xue's face was slightly pale, there was a hint of excitement in her eyes! She looked like she was eyeing a predator. After the argument with Ning Xue, Duan

Yu and Ning Xue temporarily became acquainted. Instead of any rift, they seemed quite harmonious after the argument. However, Ning Xue was glaring angrily at Duan Yu, because she hadn't been able to argue with him earlier. She stared fiercely at him, seething with resentment. He didn't even know how to give her a break! She was a woman, after all. He had no manners at all. Pouting, she was furious, but didn't know how to deal with Duan Yu. If the princess hadn't been there, she would have definitely attacked him; she wanted to see just how powerful he really was. Like her sister, she didn't believe Duan Yu's martial arts were that much better than theirs. "Come on, all of you, come here and hold onto my waist. We're going down now," Duan Yu said mischievously to the girls. "What! Hold onto your waist… I don't want to hold onto your waist! It's just going down into this cave, it's not like I can't go down!" Ning Xue exclaimed. "I didn't say you couldn't go down, but if you go down yourself, I can't guarantee there won't be anything evil down there. Maybe the moment you go down, you'll see a long-tongued ghost waiting for you!" Duan Yu said mischievously. From Ning Xue's expression just now, Duan Yu already knew that Ning Xue was terrified of ghosts. Sure enough, after Duan Yu said that, Ning Xue hesitated for a moment. She glanced around suspiciously, and although she didn't say anything, her expression clearly told everyone that she had given in! Zhao Yanying smiled at Ning Xue, and under Duan Yu's mischievous gaze, she shyly walked up to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. Ning Yu glanced at the princess, and although she also felt shy, she still went over and wrapped her arms around Duan Yu's waist. The feeling of two beautiful women wrapping their arms around his waist at the same time was incredibly pleasurable! Duan Yu finally looked at Ning Xue mischievously. Seeing that her sister and the princess had wrapped their arms around Duan Yu's waist, Ning Xue immediately followed suit. It took some skill for the three of them to wrap their arms around Duan Yu's waist; although it was a bit crowded, for Duan Yu, there was nothing better! With three beautiful women embracing him, and the sweet fragrance of their youthful bodies filling his nostrils, Duan Yu's heart was invigorated! Actually, taking them down wouldn't require him to hold their waists, but Duan Yu never missed an opportunity to take advantage! The girls' shy expressions, their blushing yet angry expressions, were the most beautiful charm! The three women leaned against Duan Yu, their hearts pounding! Their pretty faces were slightly flushed, and they dared not look at each other! At this moment, they also had a question: why wasn't Xuan Nu holding onto Duan Yu? Before they could think further, Duan Yu suddenly spoke: "Hold on tight, we're going down!" As Duan Yu spoke, they instinctively hugged his waist tightly, and then a shocking scene appeared before them. A beam of colorful light suddenly enveloped their bodies simultaneously! A light shield appeared around them! Then, the three of them began to fly down into the cave!

Yes! Flying! It was flying! They were certain it was flying, not jumping! At the same time, they finally understood why Xuan Nu wasn't holding Duan Yu's waist; Xuan Nu was now flying comfortably beside him! Seven-colored light shone from her body, and the surrounding chilling aura had no effect on her whatsoever! At this moment, she was simply like a fairy from the heavens.

Zhao Yanying and the other two women stared in astonishment at Xuan Nu, then at Duan Yu, whom they were holding!

This…this…what kind of skill was this! If Duan Yu's wave of his right hand dispelling the thick fog earlier was a shocking feat, then at this moment, Duan Yu was absolutely equivalent to a god in their hearts!

The three women, while shocked, looked curiously at the mischievously grinning Duan Yu!

"Are you really the Emperor of Dali?"

Zhao Yanying asked doubtfully.

"Of course I am the Emperor of Dali!"

Duan Yu answered confidently.

Zhao Yanying shook her head and said, "Since you are the Emperor of Dali, what kind of methods are you using? This...this is simply the method of an immortal!"

"Is this what immortals use?"

Duan Yu smiled and said, "You can also consider me a cultivator! There are countless extraordinary people in this world!"

"Isn't a cultivator almost the same as an immortal?"

Zhao Yanying rolled her eyes at Duan Yu and said.

"Hey! Duan Yu, are you really an immortal?"

Ning Xue also looked at Duan Yu curiously and asked.

"Hehe...I won't tell you!"

Duan Yu said mischievously. As soon as he finished speaking, Duan Yu landed on the ground with the three women. As soon as they landed, everything around them came into view!

They saw a wide hall with a long corridor around it! The corridor was filled with red light, but they couldn't see how long it was!

"Alright, you can let me go now!"

Duan Yu said.

"Let me go? Are you sure?"

Ning Xue asked suspiciously.

"Of course, if you want to hold me tighter, I won't mind!"

Duan Yu said with a smile.

"Who wanted to hold you any longer! Fine! You're just taking advantage of us! You didn't do anything, what's the difference between this and us coming down here ourselves!"

Ning Xue said indignantly.

"Who said there's no difference? Look up carefully, this cave is at least several hundred feet deep. Are you sure you can come down on your own without getting hurt? Besides, who said I didn't do anything? Didn't I put hand seals on each of you?"

Duan Yu said.

"When did you do that! No, you didn't! You're lying..."

Before she could finish speaking, Duan Yu waved his hand, and a hand seal landed on the women. He shrugged and said, "Isn't this a seal?!"

"You... shameless! You're so thick-skinned! I've never seen anyone as shameless as you!"

Ning Xue glared at Duan Yu fiercely.

"Hehe! Alright, can you let me go now? Have all three beauties fallen for my embrace?!"

Duan Yu said.

The three women simultaneously spat, glared at Duan Yu, and then released him at the same time!

After releasing Duan Yu, Ning Xue and Ning Yu instinctively protected Zhao Yanying! They remembered their duty! Their swords were already drawn, and they looked as if they were facing a formidable enemy!

The atmosphere around them was unusually eerie. From the moment Duan Yu dispelled the light barrier, they had heard faint, ghostly cries. Whether they were ghosts or not, they didn't know, but the sound was certainly terrifying!

Duan Yu glanced at the three of them, then gestured for them to walk forward. Duan Yu walked ahead alone, while Xuan Nu and Zhao Yanying followed behind. Zhao Yanying looked at Xuan Nu, waiting for her answer. However, Xuan Nu remained silent.

"Sister Xuan Nu, is this what you call a little bit of martial arts? You can fly!"

Zhao Yanying said coquettishly.

"Hehehe..."

Xuan Nu chuckled, "That's quite a skill! You'll understand what I mean in a moment! Didn't you just say Duan Yu was a god? Flying is nothing in the eyes of a god!"

"That's right! Flying is indeed nothing to a god! Wait... a god! Xuan Nu... ah! Sister... sister, you... you... you are... the Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden... Goddess..."

Zhao Yanying suddenly had a flash of inspiration and pointed at Xuan Nu in shock. Pointing at someone is impolite, and Zhao Yanying would never have done it before, but at this moment she was truly too shocked.

Hearing Zhao Yanying's exclamation, Ning Xue and Ning Yu were also startled. They looked at Xuan Nu in astonishment! There was no way around it, the Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden was too famous! They couldn't help but associate this Xuan Nu with the Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden.

Only the Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden could possess such an unparalleled beauty! This beauty should not belong to a mortal!

Xuan Nu smiled gently and nodded, saying, "Hehe, isn't that me?"

"Sister, is it really Xuan Nu... um..."

Zhao Yanying stared at Xuan Nu in disbelief and asked again.

Xuan Nu rolled her eyes at Zhao Yanying and said, "If you ask again, it's not me! What's the difference between this Nine Heavens Xuan Nu and me, Xuan Nu? Even immortals are human! You shouldn't be so reserved."

At this moment, Xuan Nu finally revealed her true nature. Back in the Heavenly Court, Xuan Nu was quite cunning! From her conversation with the Vermilion Birds at Nuwa Palace, one could see what Xuan Nu's personality was like. However, being with Duan Yu, she was always at a disadvantage, which completely concealed her true nature.

After hearing this, Zhao Yanying's expression flashed for a moment, and she nodded! However, she was still very puzzled as to how Duan Yu ended up with the Nine Heavens Xuan Nu!

"Then, Sister Xuan Nu, how exactly did you get together with Duan Yu?"

Zhao Yanying asked curiously.

"Want to know?"

Xuan Nu said with a smile.

“Of course I want to!”

Zhao Yanying nodded.

“If you want to know, go ask the bad guy! He’ll tell me why I’m with him,”

Xuan Nu said.

“Hmm… Sister… why are you following Duan Yu’s example too! You’re the Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden! You can’t be a liar! How can you do this to him!”

Zhao Yanying said coquettishly.

“Who says the Mystic Maiden can’t be a liar? Didn’t I just say? Even immortals are human! Anyway, I won’t tell you. If you want to know, go ask Duan Yu. You’ve already been sold to Duan Yu by your grandmother!”

Xuan Nu said with a smile.

“Ah…”

Zhao Yanying exclaimed, “Sold to Duan Yu! This… what exactly is going on? Sister, just explain it to me! Does my grandmother know your identities too?!”

“You can think of me from the name Mystic Maiden, do you think your grandmother wouldn’t?”

Xuan Nu said.

"But the reason I could figure it out is because you just displayed some special methods,"

Zhao Yanying said疑惑地.

"Hehe, it just so happens that last time we went to your grandmother's palace, we didn't enter through the main gate!"

Xuan Nu said.

"So, you deliberately went to see Grandma that day. Sister, what did you want with Grandma? Did you want to extend her lifespan?"

Zhao Yanying looked at Xuan Nu hopefully.

Xuan Nu shook her head and said, "Although we can indeed extend your grandmother's lifespan, it's forbidden by Heaven! She is now the Empress Dowager, and the royal family cannot relinquish their power and wealth; it's absolutely impossible to defy Heaven!"

"Defy Heaven? Then why is Duan Yu..."

Zhao Yanying asked.

"Him? He's an exception!"

Xuan Nu said, "Alright, these are things you shouldn't know too much about. Don't ask too many questions. Now that you're with Duan Yu, you'll learn some things!"

Zhao Yanying nodded and didn't ask any more questions. Duan Yu didn't turn around to look at the women even once.

They passed through a long passage, which twisted and turned many times. Duan Yu and his companions suddenly arrived at a massive gate! It was a colossal gate, over ten zhang tall! The material it was made of was unknown, and its surface was covered with hideous runes!

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