Bastard, Qian Renxue

The beauty of Ye Yunxi naturally carried the primordial spiritual charm of the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox; even when she deliberately restrained her martial soul, that aura of pure, breathtaking elegance could not be concealed.

The glazed silk dress she wore set off skin as fair as snow, and her long, raven-black hair draped over her shoulders. Her peach-blossom eyes seemed to hold the essence of autumn waters, and even when she simply lowered her gaze in silence, she possessed a beauty that was nothing short of soul-stirring.

Those imperial guards, clad in heavy armor and supposedly bound by strict military discipline, found themselves momentarily dazed upon seeing Ye Yunxi.

Some felt their spears tremble involuntarily in their grips, while others flushed red, their eyes fixed and vacant, their posture losing its usual rigid composure.

A few soldiers exchanged low whispers, their tones filled with awe, yet they dared not let their gazes linger, casting only hurried glances at her graceful figure before hastily bowing their heads.

"Is this the Crown Prince's consort? She truly looks like a fairy..."

"With such beauty and grace, it is no wonder His Highness values her so much."

The faint murmurs drifted into her ears, causing Ye Yunxi to knit her brows in slight discomfort. She was not one to enjoy the spotlight, and being the subject of such clandestine scrutiny made her feel as if she were sitting on pins and needles.

Qian Renxue took in everything, her aura sinking slightly as her gaze swept calmly across the surroundings.

She shifted her body imperceptibly to shield Ye Yunxi, a wisp of soul power rippling silently from her sleeve—not sharp, yet carrying a distinct, heavy pressure.

The soldiers immediately straightened, holding their breath and lowering their eyes, no longer daring to let their minds wander.

Qian Renxue looked down at the person beside her, her voice soft yet carrying an air of unquestionable authority: "The imperial palace is a place of great importance; every word and action must be cautious. Since you are by my side, I will naturally ensure your safety."

Ye Yunxi turned her face away, her tone laced with dissatisfaction: "If you hadn't insisted on bringing me into the palace, why would I be here suffering such unwanted attention?"

"Since you are here, stay at ease." Qian Renxue's lips curled upward, her tone calm yet resolute, "With me, no one shall disturb your peace."

The two reached the palace gate, where a carriage inlaid with gold and jade had been waiting for some time.

Qian Renxue raised a hand in a gesture of support, guiding Ye Yunxi toward the carriage.

"Watch your step." Qian Renxue's voice was close to her ear, the warmth of her breath brushing against her temple, "You shall have your freedom back once we return to the Crown Prince's Mansion, but..."

She paused, a faint smile flickering in her eyes, "You should understand that once you leave my side, the outside world may not be as secure as you imagine."

With that, she stepped gracefully into the carriage, and the door closed softly, shutting out all noise from the outside world.

The interior of the carriage was spacious and comfortable, draped in fine silks and filled with the faint scent of sandalwood.

Ye Yunxi sat leaning against one side, arms crossed in silence, her brow still furrowed with lingering resentment, much like a sulking little fox.

As Ye Yunxi leaned against the carriage wall, she was busy calculating her own schemes.

Once her soul power was unsealed, she would find an opportunity to run. With her Lingbo Microsteps and the speed of the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox, even if Qian Renxue were a Title Douluo, she might not be able to keep her.

"What are you plotting again, Consort?"

Qian Renxue's sudden remark startled Ye Yunxi, who was deep in thought. She paused and shook her head, "Nothing, just thinking about how to improve my strength quickly."

She really is Bibi Dong's daughter, so sensitive. My performance wasn't that obvious, was it?

"Is that so?" Qian Renxue smiled faintly, "The Consort is a very meticulous girl; why should I believe what you say?"

"Believe it or not, and stop trying to get close to me!" Ye Yunxi pouted, puffing out her cheeks in a fit of pique.

Without Qian Renxue, she could have lived a happy and carefree life for a long time.

"The Consort really is just a child; you turn down a life of luxury just to dream of being a little bird!"

Ye Yunxi chuckled softly, "So what if I'm a child? There are some things you just don't understand."

"Didn't the Consort say you wouldn't get close to me? Why are you starting to chat with your husband again?" Qian Renxue said with a smile.

"You—hmph, I'm ignoring you." Ye Yunxi felt stifled; this Qian Renxue was truly, truly, truly detestable.

"How interesting."

Qian Renxue just loved girls with such lively personalities.

Upon returning to the Crown Prince's Mansion, Qian Renxue kept her word and released the seal on Ye Yunxi.

"Haha, Xue Qinghe, releasing me is your mistake! Goodbye! Once I cultivate to become a Title Douluo, just wait until I teach you a lesson!"

With her seal broken, Ye Yunxi declared triumphantly, immediately unleashing her Lingbo Microsteps and turning to bolt toward the door with all her might.

The gate before her was clearly wide open, unobstructed.

Qian Renxue sat by the bed, unhurried and calm.

Where could her person possibly run to?

Sure enough, as Ye Yunxi rushed toward the gate, she was abruptly blocked by an invisible barrier of soul power, coming to a dead stop in her tracks.

"What is this?" Ye Yunxi froze, her eyes filled with shock. Where did this barrier come from?

Qian Renxue's voice came slowly, tinged with mockery: "Take a guess? Why would I release the seal on your soul power without setting any precautions?"

"You, you, you—you detestable Xue Qinghe!" Ye Yunxi's cheeks flushed with anger. Her Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox martial soul manifested instantly, a bewitching halo rippling around her as she prepared to strike again.

But before her, Qian Renxue's figure had already vanished.

By the time she reacted, Qian Renxue had appeared behind her, her slender fingers precisely gripping her wrists, firmly pinning her hands in front of her.

"Xue Qinghe, what are you doing?!"

Qian Renxue smiled faintly: "Take a guess!"

The Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox martial soul had not yet dissipated, its nine tails fanned out to the side.

[Ding! Host's current bashful posture has triggered Ultimate Allure, beauty rating has soared to SSS+, unlocking passive: Soft Bone Fragrance (when in close contact, the target's mental fluctuations double, and soul power circulation is slightly hindered)!]

The system's chime rang in her mind, yet Ye Yunxi felt not a shred of joy, only a desire to die from shame and indignation.

Get lost! she cursed inwardly. I don't want some Soft Bone Fragrance, can't you give me a proper soul ring reward instead!

[Apologies, Host. This system only triggers rewards according to the rules. With this system present, neither glory and wealth nor cultivation opportunities shall be lacking.]

"..."