Chapter 171
191. Bestowed Name: Star Official [Please Subscribe!]
During these two years, she had been in seclusion and was unaware of the development of the Great Xia.
Hearing Xiao Minghuang's question, Lin Wanqiu smiled and said:
"Your Highness, rest assured, the Great Xia's national strength has advanced by leaps and bounds in the past two years. Nearly ten million martial artists have entered the country, with hundreds of experts at the Divine Sea Realm and more than thirty at the Spirit Seed Realm. In addition, we have two experts at the Nascent Primal Embryo Realm, our Old Ancestor and the Medicine King, to oversee us. We are now the undisputed number one overlord of the Southern Border!"
"If we express our willingness to help the Fire Dragon Country, I believe those nine kingdoms wouldn't dare to disrespect Great Xia!"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Minghuang smiled slightly and said:
"In that case, let's help them!"
Lin Wanqiu nodded. If His Highness hadn't emerged from seclusion, she would make her decision first.
Now that His Highness shares her opinion, things will be easier to proceed.
"Okay, I'll go arrange it right away."
Before leaving, Lin Wanqiu gave a reminder.
"Your Highness, Sheng Bailan has not left the Princess Mansion for the past two years. I wonder what kind of conspiracy she is plotting."
"As for the matter His Highness instructed me to teach the children martial arts, it has been completed. They have all grown up and cannot remain without formal names. His Highness, you may suggest one when you have time."
Princess Mansion.
On her way here, Xiao Minghuang had already decided what names to give them.
Previously, she received the inheritance of the ancient Great Xia from the Dragon Transformation Pool.
The Twenty-Eight Constellations Book was obtained from this.
In the ancient Great Xia system, these twenty-eight constellations appeared as the Emperor Xia's personal guards, and each guard was given the name of a star.
The name "Star" signifies, firstly, the Emperor Xia's trust in these guards.
Secondly, it represents their immense individual strength.
The Twenty-Eight Mansions, when combined, form a unified whole and possess extremely powerful strength.
According to Xiao Minghuang's estimation, all twenty-eight constellations that have entered the Divine Sea Realm can kill Spirit Seed Realm after forming an array!
Before long, twenty-eight girls gathered at the Training Ground.
More than two years later, they saw Xiao Minghuang again, each of them looking on with curiosity.
Although they had been at the Princess Mansion for a long time, they had rarely interacted with Xiao Minghuang.
They saw that Xiao Minghuang was dressed in a bright yellow dress, wearing a phoenix crown, with a graceful figure, as beautiful as a fairy.
Her eyes seemed to hold endless wisdom, as if they could see through everything; every move she made was elegant and noble.
"Greetings, Princess."
Twenty-eight young women bowed respectfully.
No need for formalities.
Xiao Minghuang raised her hand, her voice clear and melodious.
"Now that you have all entered the Divine Sea Realm, it is time for you to officially serve as my subordinates and fulfill your duties."
"I bestow upon you a formal title; from this day forward, you shall be called: the Twenty-Eight Star Officials!"
Are you willing?
The Twenty-Eight Star Officials are the names of twenty-eight stars, each corresponding to a star in the sky.
How could they not be happy with such a prestigious title?
"Yes, sir!"
Twenty-Eight Star Officials bowed in unison to thank Xiao Minghuang.
At this moment, Xiao Minghuang suddenly remembered the matter of rescuing the Fire Dragon Country.
Previously, she had no intention of getting involved in this matter herself.
But now that the Twenty-Eight Star Officials have just been officially appointed, it's a good opportunity for them to gain some experience.
After all, the Twenty-Eight Star Officials spend most of their time cultivating in the Princess Mansion. Even when they occasionally go out for training, they only fight against some bandits and thugs, which are just minor skirmishes.
Without the tempering of iron and blood, these young girls cannot grow up, let alone become her reliable and trustworthy subordinates.
Thinking of this, Xiao Minghuang glanced at the bright-eyed girls and said loudly:
"Recently, things have been quite turbulent in the Southern Border. Our neighbor, the Fire Dragon Country, is being attacked by a coalition of nine kingdoms!"
"The nine kingdoms are greedy and have no legitimate reason for their attack; they are purely after the resources and population of the Fire Dragon Country!"
"They harbor treacherous ambitions; after conquering the Fire Dragon Country, they will surely turn their attention to our Great Xia!"
"Therefore, we must unite and help the Fire Dragon Country!"
"Tomorrow, I will lead you on an expedition to rescue the Fire Dragon Country!"
Upon hearing this, the Twenty-Eight Star Officials immediately perked up and their eyes shone brightly!
"Please rest assured, Your Highness! We will certainly not fail in our mission!"
They had waited so long, and finally they could follow the princess into battle and engage in a real fight!
Seeing that all Twenty-Eight Star Officials were full of energy, Xiao Minghuang's lips curled up slightly, and a smile appeared in her eyes.
"Go for it! I believe in you!"
After saying this, Xiao Minghuang turned and left.
She had another very important matter to attend to.
She cannot leave Xiadu with peace of mind if she cannot handle this matter properly.
Deep within the Princess Mansion.
A quiet room.
The courtyard was filled with fallen leaves, and the bluestone was covered with moss, giving it a desolate and dilapidated appearance.
Squeak...
The dull yet crisp sound stood out clearly in the desolate courtyard.
The door hinges turned, and a stunningly beautiful woman dressed in a bright yellow dress pushed the door open and entered.
It was Xiao Minghuang.
This courtyard is where Sheng Bailan secluded herself.
"Bai Lan, I've emerged from seclusion."
Xiao Minghuang stood in the courtyard and spoke to the door of the house. Her voice was not loud, but it wasn't quiet either.
As her words fell...
Inside the room, a sharp burst of sword intent erupted, instantly slicing the decaying door to shreds.
The next moment.
A white figure leaped out and pounced on Xiao Minghuang.
"Minghuang, you've finally emerged from seclusion!"
Sheng Bailan hugged Xiao Minghuang tightly, overwhelmed with emotion.
Xiao Minghuang was startled by her sudden appearance, but quickly recovered, gently stroking her back and softly saying:
"My seclusion has lasted quite a while; I apologize for keeping you waiting."
Sheng Bailan released Xiao Minghuang, but still held her wrist tightly, a deep smile on her lips.
Although two years have passed, Sheng Bailan's appearance remains unchanged.
She had delicate features, fair and smooth skin, a high nose bridge, and full, rosy lips. Her beautiful eyes were misty with tears, no longer cold and aloof, but rather like those of a beautiful young lady who had longed for her lover for a long time and was finally reunited with him.
"Minghuang, I have something to tell you. Come in and sit for a while."
Sheng Bailan took her wrist and led her into the house.
"Well, I also have some questions for you."
Xiao Minghuang smiled and agreed. There were some things she couldn't let go of until she got to the bottom of them.
Two years ago, on a certain night at the Spirit Sword Sect.
That unforgettable erotic dream.
What is going on?
She believed that her current strength was no weaker than Sheng Bailan's, and even if she got angry and turned against her, she was not afraid that Sheng Bailan would cause trouble in Xiadu. That's why she came alone.
Sheng Bailan was completely unaware of this.
Sheng Bailan had been in seclusion for two years, and her room was covered in dust.
After entering, Xiao Minghuang waved her hand and cast a small spell, quickly cleaning the room until it was spotless.
192. The Princess's Punishment [Please Subscribe!]
After taking her seat, Sheng Bailan seemed restless, saying she had something to say, but she hesitated to speak, as if she wanted to say something but then stopped, and then hesitated again.
Over the past two years, her longing has grown stronger day by day, and her guilt has deepened day by day, to the point where she had to speak out.
Seeing her like this, Xiao Minghuang was anxious for her. Just as he was about to ask what he wanted to ask, he saw her take out a small booklet from her sleeve and place it on the table.
What is this?
Xiao Minghuang was taken aback and asked.
A blush crept onto Sheng Bailan's cheeks as she turned her head away, remaining silent.
A bad feeling arose in Xiao Minghuang's mind: the things recorded in this booklet were probably not things that could be openly and honestly brought into the house.
Xiao Minghuang picked it up and saw four large characters written on the cover.
The Twin Swords Fusion Sword Technique!
It doesn't look particularly special.
She turned to the first page.
Man and sword become one, man replaces sword, the Twin Swords Combination, invincible under heaven.
These words are somewhat incomprehensible.
Xiao Minghuang continued reading.
Then she understood.
After understanding the content, even Xiao Minghuang's fair face gradually flushed red.
She had previously practiced dual cultivation techniques.
This is nothing to be ashamed of.
But this dual cultivation technique is truly unique.
The entire piece uses objects to symbolize people, yet the writing is detailed and comprehensive, making one want to try it out.
After a long while, Sheng Bailan raised her head and stared intently at her.
"Minghuang, what do you think of this cultivation technique?"
Xiao Minghuang felt awkward. Not knowing how to answer, she could only lower her head and pretend she hadn't heard.
Asking her so bluntly, she truly has Clear Sword Heart...
Thinking of this...
Xiao Minghuang suddenly remembered something.
Two years ago.
Is Sheng Bailan also so direct?