Ye Yunxi's beauty was born of the Nine-Tailed Sky Fox's innate spiritual grace. Even with her Martial Soul deliberately concealed, her captivating, ethereal air was impossible to hide.
Her Glazed Ru Skirt made her skin look fairer than snow. Dark hair fell over her shoulders, and her peach-blossom eyes seemed to hold autumn waters. Even when she merely lowered her gaze in silence, her beauty was enough to take one's breath away.
The imperial guards were clad in heavy armor and should have been models of discipline. Yet the moment they saw Ye Yunxi, every one of them seemed dazed.
Some unconsciously let their spears tremble in their hands. Others flushed, staring blankly, their posture no longer as straight as usual.
A few soldiers exchanged glances and murmured in awed voices. They didn't dare let their eyes linger, only sneaking a hurried glance at her lovely figure before hastily lowering their heads.
"Is this the Crown Prince's Imperial Concubine? She's truly like a celestial maiden..."
"With such beauty and bearing, no wonder His Highness values her so much."
The faint whispers reached Ye Yunxi's ears. Her brows knit slightly, and she felt uncomfortable all over. She had never liked attracting attention, and being covertly scrutinized by so many people made her feel like she was sitting on pins and needles.
Qian Renxue took it all in. Her aura grew heavier, and she swept a cool glance over those around them.
She shifted subtly to shield Ye Yunxi, and a wisp of Soul Power rippled soundlessly from her sleeve. It wasn't fierce, but its pressure was unmistakable.
The soldiers immediately stiffened, all holding their breath and lowering their eyes. None dared let their attention wander again.
Qian Renxue looked down at the person beside her. Her voice was gentle, yet carried an undeniable firmness. "The imperial palace is a place of great importance. You must be careful with your words and actions. Since you're by my side, I'll see that you're safe."
Ye Yunxi turned her face away, her voice tinged with displeasure. "If you hadn't insisted on bringing me into the palace, why would I be here, drawing everyone's attention?"
"Since you're here, stay at ease." Qian Renxue's lips curved slightly. Her tone was calm but certain. "With me, no one will disturb your peace."
When the two reached the palace gates, a carriage inlaid with jade and gilded with gold had already been waiting for some time.
Qian Renxue lifted a hand to steady her and guided Ye Yunxi aboard.
"Watch your step." Qian Renxue's voice sounded close to her ear, her warm breath brushing her temple. "Once we return to the mansion, I'll give you your freedom. But..."
She paused, a faint smile flickering in her eyes. "You should understand that away from my side, the outside world may not be as safe and peaceful as you imagine."
With that, she gracefully climbed into the carriage. The door shut softly, cutting off every sound from outside.
The carriage was spacious and comfortable, furnished with silk brocade and scented faintly with sandalwood.
Ye Yunxi sat to one side with her arms crossed, saying nothing. A disgruntled look still lingered between her brows, like a little fox sulking.
Leaning against the carriage wall, Ye Yunxi was busy making plans of her own.
As soon as her Soul Power was unsealed, she'd find a chance to run. With her Lingbo Microsteps and the speed of the Nine-Tailed Sky Fox, even if Qian Renxue was a Soul Emperor, she might not be able to keep her there.
"Imperial Concubine, what are you plotting now?"
Qian Renxue's sudden question made Ye Yunxi's heart jump. She paused, then shook her head. "Nothing. I was just thinking I should hurry up and get stronger."
No wonder she was Bibi Dong's daughter. She was so perceptive. I wasn't even being that obvious, was I?
"Is that so?" Qian Renxue smiled faintly. "The Imperial Concubine is such a clever girl. How am I supposed to believe you?"
"Believe it or don't. And stop trying to get chummy with me!" Ye Yunxi pursed her lips and puffed out her cheeks, sulking.
Without Qian Renxue, she could have enjoyed a long, carefree time.
"The Imperial Concubine really is a child. You don't want fine clothes and good food, and all you can think about is being a little bird!"
Ye Yunxi chuckled. "So what if I'm a child? There are some things you wouldn't understand."
"Didn't the Imperial Concubine say she wasn't going to get chummy with me? Why are you chatting with your husband now?" Qian Renxue said with a smile.
"You—hmph! I'm not talking to you anymore." Ye Yunxi was frustrated. Qian Renxue was just too, too, too detestable.
"How interesting."
Qian Renxue liked cheerful girls like her.
Upon returning to the Crown Prince's Mansion, Qian Renxue unsealed Ye Yunxi as promised.
"Haha! Xue Qinghe, it's your own fault for unsealing me. Goodbye! Just wait until I become a Titled Douluo—I'll give you a good beating!"
The moment her seal was released, Ye Yunxi crowed triumphantly. She immediately used her Lingbo Microsteps and spun around, making a desperate dash for the door.
The door before her was wide open, with nothing in her way.
Qian Renxue sat by the bed, calm and unhurried.
Where could one of her people possibly run?
Sure enough, the moment Ye Yunxi charged up to the door, an invisible Soul Power barrier stopped her cold, bringing her to a hard halt.
"What's going on?" Ye Yunxi froze, her eyes full of disbelief. Where had this barrier come from?
Qian Renxue's voice drifted over, tinged with mockery. "Why don't you guess? Did you think I'd unseal your Soul Power without taking precautions?"
"You—you—you—damn you, Xue Qinghe!" Ye Yunxi was so furious that her cheeks flushed. The Nine-Tailed Sky Fox's Martial Soul instantly possessed her, and a bewitching glow spread around her as she prepared to attack again.
But Qian Renxue was already gone.
By the time Ye Yunxi realized what had happened, Qian Renxue had appeared behind her. Her long fingers had seized Ye Yunxi's wrist with precision, firmly holding both her hands in front of her.
"Xue Qinghe, what are you doing?!"
Qian Renxue smiled faintly. "Why don't you guess?"
The Nine-Tailed Sky Fox's Martial Soul had yet to fade, and its nine tails spread out beside her.
[ Ding! The host's bashful appearance has triggered Supreme Charm! Beauty rating has soared to SSS+. Passive ability unlocked: Soft Bone Fragrance (when in close contact, the other party's emotional fluctuations double, and their Soul Power circulation momentarily slows)! ]
The system's notification sounded in Ye Yunxi's mind, but she felt not the slightest joy—only shame and fury.
She cursed inwardly: Get lost! I don't want any Soft Bone Fragrance! Can't you give me some decent Soul Ring rewards instead?!
[ Sorry, host. This system only issues rewards according to its rules. With this system here, you'll never lack wealth and status or opportunities to improve your cultivation. ]
"***"