Promise

Zhou Hao tidied his clothes and said, "You've improved too! Not bad."

Murong was slightly taken aback, then looked at him with amusement and nodded, "You've learned to strike first."

Before, she was always the one praising Zhou Hao. She hadn't expected him to speak first this time before she could even say anything.

Zhou Hao smiled triumphantly.

He was becoming more comfortable interacting with Murong.

Seeing this, Murong shook her head and chuckled, "Look at you, all proud. Once you've dealt with your inner demon, I might allow you to show off in front of me, but for now... no."

She lightly tapped Zhou Hao's head.

Zhou Hao didn't feel any pain, but he instinctively touched the spot where she hit him, then asked, "Is what you mentioned useful?"

"You'll know if you try, won't you?" Murong glanced at him and said.

Zhou Hao lowered his head in thought. He was actually recalling the incantation Murong had just told him.

As he recalled it, his mind was filled with Murong's alluring and beautiful appearance, as well as scenes of their intense battle. These images made his face flush slightly.

Seeing this, Murong rolled her eyes slightly and pouted, "Focus."

Zhou Hao snapped back to attention, awkwardly touched his nose, and spread his hands helplessly, "I can't help it. Those ambiguous and enchanting scenes keep popping into my mind."

Murong's expression instantly turned serious. She said lightly, "Focus."

Although her tone was gentle, Zhou Hao's body involuntarily trembled.

Zhou Hao immediately became serious, "I'm focusing now."

Good heavens, she really is the Empress, so moody.

He grumbled inwardly, then truly began to recall the incantation Murong had taught him.

The incantation Murong taught was called the "Calming Incantation." This type of incantation actually exists in every sect and school, collectively known as the "Calming Incantation." Although the name is the same, the content varies greatly. However, their purpose is the same: to prevent the growth of inner demons.

It was perfect for Zhou Hao at the moment.

Zhou Hao followed the circulation method taught by Murong and slowly circulated the "Calming Incantation." After completing one full cycle within his body, he clearly felt his mind become much clearer, as if a sudden enlightenment had dawned.

After confirming its effectiveness, he slowly withdrew from the state of circulating the "Calming Incantation."

"How does it feel?" Murong asked softly.

Zhou Hao opened his eyes, looked at Murong, and said with surprise, "It's useful."

"Of course, it's useful. This is the 'Calming Incantation' I cultivate," Murong said matter-of-factly.

Zhou Hao smiled and flattered her, "Naturally, you are the Empress!"

Unfortunately, Murong didn't fall for it and looked at him expressionlessly, saying, "The 'Calming Incantation' only treats the symptoms, not the root cause. To completely eradicate it, you can only rely on yourself; others cannot help.

However, if you chant the 'Calming Incantation' for a few thousand years, you can indeed avoid being affected by inner demons."

Zhou Hao felt a flush of embarrassment. Thousands of years – he didn't even know if he could live that long.

Murong finally cautioned, "No matter what, practice it more often in the future. It will benefit you."

"Understood." Zhou Hao had only practiced it for a short while and already knew the benefits of the "Calming Incantation." Of course, he would practice it often from now on.

Murong nodded with satisfaction and looked up at the formation above, asking, "When do you plan to leave here?"

Zhou Hao's mind didn't catch up immediately. He was stunned for a moment, then followed her gaze, looked up, and sighed, "I originally planned to leave a few days ago, but as you know, this matter of the inner demon delayed me until today. So, I plan to leave after you do."

Murong walked to the side of the coffin and looked at the groove where the coffin was raised, immediately understanding its use.

She turned back to Zhou Hao and said, "I suggest you practice the 'Calming Incantation' until you've achieved initial mastery before leaving. It will be useful when you venture out, especially with some... women."

Zhou Hao paused, then grinned. So, she's afraid women will tempt me!

"What are you smiling about?" Murong suddenly stared at him with a stern expression.

Zhou Hao's smile vanished instantly, and he immediately promised, "I definitely won't be tempted."

Murong nodded slightly, "It's best if you don't, otherwise..."

As she spoke, she cast her gaze towards Zhou Hao's lower body.

Cold sweat immediately broke out on Zhou Hao's forehead. Without a word, just from that look, he knew what the consequences would be.

He solemnly promised again, "I absolutely, positively, and definitely will not."

"Time will bear witness to everything. There's no need for promises. I hope you'll still be a complete person then," Murong's icy voice echoed in the small, confined room.

Zhou Hao gasped. Although he truly wouldn't be tempted, those words were quite frightening, sending a chill down his spine.

He was stunned for a moment, then looked up and asked, "What about you? What if you're tempted by a man?"

Not to be outdone, if Murong could ask, he naturally could too.

Murong's movements paused. She looked at Zhou Hao seriously and said solemnly, "If I make a mistake of that kind, you can kill me."

Zhou Hao's pupils constricted. Looking at Murong's serious expression, the thought couldn't help but surface in his mind: She's serious.

Murong possessed an aura that could make people believe her in an instant, and he was infected by it.

Zhou Hao slowly came back to his senses. After regaining his composure, he silently grumbled inwardly, How could I possibly kill you?

Murong clearly knew what Zhou Hao was thinking, and said, "When the time comes, I'll stand here and let you kill me. If you can't, I'll kill myself."

Zhou Hao's mouth fell open. Seriously, do you have to go that far? We're just pretend husband and wife.

It was strange, really. They were pretend husband and wife, yet now they had a promise like a real couple. The feeling was hard to describe.

Murong knew he was surprised, so she explained, "I'm a person who likes to be devoted, whether it's to cultivation or my personal life."

One had to know that back then, she possessed the [Chaos Divine Body] and could cultivate all the cultivation techniques in the world, yet she only chose the path of ice. This was precisely because she liked devotion. She believed that only by focusing on one path could one surpass the peak.

That's right, what she wanted was never the peak, but to become a being that surpassed the peak.

Unfortunately, she probably wouldn't be able to achieve this goal now.

"Me too," Zhou Hao replied with a smile.

Murong turned to look at him, nodded seriously, and said softly, "I believe you. I hope you don't betray my trust."

Zhou Hao paused, opened his mouth as if to say something, then closed it again. He sighed inwardly, She truly is the Empress, so domineering.

He suddenly raised his head, looking directly into Murong's bright eyes, and smiled, "I won't say much more. Let time prove it!"

Although they were pretend husband and wife, their physical relationship was real, and he had even enjoyed it.

He would absolutely not allow himself to be with Murong while also liking someone else. That would make him detest himself, and it wouldn't end well for anyone.

Moreover, it seemed he wasn't entirely without feelings for Murong, even if these feelings were somewhat unclear and hard to define.