Heaven Dou City, Prince's Mansion.
The midday sun filtered through the garden leaves, casting dappled, dancing patches of light across the bluestone path.
A woman in a golden palace gown stood holding a silver watering can, slowly watering a stalk of blue-gold grass.
Her long gown was woven with golden threads, its style ancient and elegant. Her long golden hair draped casually over her fragrant shoulders, left uncombed, forming a striking contrast with her immaculate palace attire.
She was Qian Renxue.
The guards of the Prince's Mansion had long since been replaced by Spirit Hall loyalists. Within these high walls, she could finally shed Xue Qinghe's disguise and be herself again.
And the grass she was watering was Tang Hao's wife, Ah Yin.
At that moment, a figure appeared beside her and bowed urgently. "Young Master, Elder Golden Crocodile has sent word. The Great Enshrined will hand Xiao Yan's information over to His Holiness the Pope tomorrow."
A chill abruptly flashed through Qian Renxue's golden pupils, and an icy aura burst from her body.
"Clang—"
The silver watering can crashed onto the stone, water spilling across the ground. Qian Renxue had already vanished from the garden.
Spirit City, Pope's Palace.
Bibi Dong sat upon the throne, a Gem Scepter in one hand and a dossier in the other. The cover bore the two words: "Xiao Yan."
Chrysanthemum Douluo stood respectfully below, with a woman standing beside him.
She was tall and dressed in a high-slit gown. Her fair skin carried a rosy glow, and her soft facial features made her resemble a gorgeous flower in spring.
Her alluring eyes shimmered with endless charm, and her entire body exuded a mature, seductive air.
She was Hu Liena, one of the Golden Generation.
She was also Bibi Dong's prized disciple, and even