He took a step forward.
Ripples of ice crystals spread through the void.
When she appeared again, she was already outside the Imperial Study.
The bone-piercing chill filling the sky receded, leaving only the innate authority of one who stood above others.
Song Wuya knelt on the ground, pressing his forehead firmly against the tiles, not daring to glance up at that peerless figure.
The emperor's face lit up with joy. "Huang'er, you have successfully reached this realm! Heaven truly watches over our Great Zhou!"
Jiang Qinghuang nodded slightly.
Her expression was as cold as frost.
"Father."
Her voice was cool and indifferent.
There was not the slightest elation at her breakthrough.
It was as though reaching the great perfection of Divine Mansion was simply a matter of course for her.
The emperor stepped forward.
He told Jiang Qinghuang, one by one, of all the major events that had unfolded throughout the realm during her years in seclusion.
Jiang Qinghuang listened quietly.
Even when she heard of the World-Purifying Cult's rebellion, her expression did not change.
Only when she heard that Li Xinge had seized the south and proclaimed himself King of Chu...
Did a faint ripple stir in those eyes, still as an ancient well.
When the emperor finished speaking...
Jiang Qinghuang merely replied coldly, "Understood."
Her icy attitude left the emperor somewhat embarrassed.
Had any of his other sons or daughters dared treat him this way, they would have been banished to the cold palace.
But...
This eldest daughter of his alone...
The emperor smiled bitterly to himself, helpless.
He gave a dry cough to cover his embarrassment.
"Huang'er, now that you have reached the great perfection realm, this World-Purifying Cult..."
He glanced at Jiang Qinghuang's expression.
"How about leaving them to you?"
This daughter of his might