Xue Ke

Qian Renxue continued to sneak along the edge of the Star Dou Forest for another two days, finally putting enough distance between herself and that region which had left her heart palpitating.

She found a secluded cave and spent an entire day and night regulating her breathing, only then managing to fully suppress the throbbing of the hundred-thousand-year soul ring within her body and restoring her Soul Power to its peak state.

After confirming that the terrifying gaze from the depths of the forest had not reappeared, she let out a slight sigh of relief, though the vigilance in her heart did not diminish in the slightest.

"Heaven Dou City..." She spread out a crude map, her fingertip resting on the point marking the center of power for the Heaven Dou Empire.

While she had made initial progress in controlling this body and her martial soul, she knew that if she wanted to go further—to unravel the secrets of Ye Yang and this soul ring, and to find clues to returning to her own body—staying in some remote corner was absolutely impossible.

Thinking of Ye Yang, Qian Renxue's gaze turned sharp and complex.

"I must go." Qian Renxue whispered to herself, putting away the map. She needed a new identity, one that would allow her to enter Heaven Dou City legitimately and provide an opportunity to access higher-level information.

She changed into a set of clean, simple cloth garments to make herself look like an ordinary young traveler, and set off in the direction of Heaven Dou City.

Meanwhile, inside Heaven Dou City.

Within the East Palace, Ye Yang reclined on a soft couch, his fingers toying with a piece of warm, smooth jade, his eyes dark and inscrutable.

"The three-day deadline has passed. What have the Ministry of Justice and the City Defense Department discovered?" His voice was flat, devoid of any discernible emotion.

A guard standing to the side bowed and said, "Reporting to the Crown Prince, the Ministry of Justice and the City Defense Department conducted a joint investigation and arrested several soul masters suspected of having ties to bandit groups outside the city, but after interrogation, they all denied any connection to the case involving the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect disciples."

"Prince Xue Xing personally pleaded his case to the Emperor yesterday, claiming that someone must be framing the Imperial Family to incite unrest. He requested that the Emperor grant more time, and..."

"And he mentioned again the conflict between the Crown Prince and Ning Yuanfeng and the others on the street. Although he did not state it explicitly, he implied that the Crown Prince might be a suspect in this case."

"Oh?" A cold arc curled the corners of Ye Yang's mouth. "My dear uncle is certainly eager to cast suspicion upon me."

The guard lowered his head, not daring to respond.

"What is Sect Master Ning's reaction?"

"Sect Master Ning Fengzhi entered the palace this afternoon to have an audience with the Emperor. He expressed that the brutal death of his sect disciples has left him filled with grief and indignation, yet he still trusts that the Emperor and the imperial court will uncover the truth."

"He only hopes that the court will accelerate the investigation to put the sect members at ease. The Emperor has already strictly ordered the Ministry of Justice to make a breakthrough within ten days."

Ye Yang nodded and waved the guard away. He walked to the window, looking at the heavily guarded palace walls outside the East Palace, a trace of impatience flashing in his eyes.

"Grounded... hah." He tapped his fingers lightly against the window lattice. He could understand Emperor Xue Ye's concern, but this feeling of being restrained was highly unpleasant to him.

And then there was Tang Yuehua... Thinking of the mistress of the Moonlight Pavilion, whom he had teased until she lost her composure in the carriage and the quiet room, a hint of interest flickered in Ye Yang's eyes. The attitude of the Clear Sky Sect was also worth probing.

"It seems I must go out and move about."

Ye Yang whispered, his fingers brushing over his belt. The power of the Emperor Armor, combined with the profound mystery of the Zen Seal, made bypassing the East Palace's defenses as easy as turning over one's hand. He simply needed to find the right timing and excuse.

Just as he was pondering, an announcement came from outside the door: "Your Highness, Princess Xue Ke requests an audience."

Xue Ke? Ye Yang raised an eyebrow. This younger sister of his had always been close to him, and as the daughter most favored by Emperor Xue Ye, she might serve as an excellent "bridge."

"Let her in." Ye Yang straightened his robes, his face returning to its usual gentle appearance.

A moment later, a young girl dressed in a goose-yellow palace gown with a delicate and charming appearance walked in; it was indeed Princess Xue Ke of the Heaven Dou Empire.

She looked somewhat preoccupied, and upon seeing Ye Yang, she performed a proper bow: "Greetings, Crown Prince brother."

"Ke'er, no need for such formalities. Sit." Ye Yang smiled warmly, gesturing for her to take a seat. "What brings you to the East Palace to see me today? I heard Father recently arranged a new etiquette teacher for you?"

Xue Ke sat down as instructed, wrinkling her small nose at the mention of it, and complained, "That old matron Father found is so incredibly strict."

"Crown Prince brother, how did you find your visit to the Moonlight Pavilion last time? Is Lady Tang Yuehua's tea ceremony really as amazing as they say? It has been so long since I went to the Moonlight Pavilion to receive her guidance."

At the mention of the Moonlight Pavilion and Tang Yuehua, Xue Ke's eyes lit up with obvious longing.

Ye Yang's heart stirred, though his face maintained the gentle, brotherly smile. "The Moonlight Pavilion is elegant, and Lady Tang Yuehua's grace and demeanor are indeed rare in this world; her tea ceremony is also peerless. It is just..." He paused at the perfect moment, shaking his head slightly.

"Just what?" Xue Ke asked curiously.

"It is just that I was discussing matters of refinement with the Lady at the time, and perhaps my words were a bit too bold, which caused her some displeasure."

"Later, that case occurred in the palace, and I was grounded by Father, so I have had no time to go and apologize."

Ye Yang's tone carried a touch of well-measured regret and self-reproach. "I have truly failed to live up to that fine cup of tea from Lady Tang Yuehua, and it has caused the Heaven Dou Imperial Family to lose face."

Upon hearing this, Xue Ke blinked and suddenly said, "Crown Prince brother, since you feel you were impolite, why not offer an apology? Lady Tang Yuehua is the most reasonable and magnanimous person; if you apologize sincerely, she certainly won't hold it against you."

"Oh? How can I make amends? I am currently grounded in the East Palace and cannot even leave the palace gates." Ye Yang spread his hands helplessly.

"That's simple!" Xue Ke seemed to have already thought it through, her eyes brightening. "I can go to the Moonlight Pavilion on your behalf!"

"I'll just say... I'll say that I have long admired her tea ceremony and would like to invite her into the palace to instruct me for a few days, and while I'm at it... I will convey your apologies, Crown Prince brother."

"Father dotes on me so much; as long as I beg him, he will surely agree! If I ask, Lady Tang Yuehua won't refuse to come to the palace for a short stay to teach me, right?"

Ye Yang looked at this younger sister, who appeared innocent and carefree but was actually sharp and clear-minded, a flicker of admiration deep in his eyes.

This was an unexpected breakthrough.

Having Tang Yuehua enter the palace... under the watchful eyes of the East Palace, some probing and observation would indeed be much more convenient. Moreover, with Xue Ke acting as the intermediary, it would be logical and reasonable, raising no suspicions.

"This... would that not be too much trouble for you, Ke'er? Lady Tang Yuehua manages the Moonlight Pavilion and is very busy..." Ye Yang feigned hesitation.

"No trouble at all, no trouble at all!" Xue Ke waved her hands quickly, her face filled with excitement.

"Being able to receive guidance from Lady Tang Yuehua is something I have been wishing for! Don't you worry, Crown Prince brother, I am going to beg Father right now!" Saying this, she stood up and hurried off, full of energy.

"Ke'er," Ye Yang called out to her, saying gently, "If His Majesty grants permission, then you may extend the invitation. But remember, your attitude must be respectful; do not force the matter."

"Furthermore... should the Lady ask about Me, you may truthfully convey My apologies and the current situation regarding My confinement. There is no need to say anything else."

"Understood, Crown Prince brother!" Xue Ke smiled sweetly, curtsied, and turned to leave, her skirt fluttering as she moved.

Watching Xue Ke's retreating figure, the gentle smile on Ye Yang's face slowly faded, replaced by a trace of profound playfulness.

"Tang Yuehua... entering the palace?" He repeated in a low voice, the jade pendant between his fingertips ceasing its rotation. "Very well. Let us stir these waters until they are even murkier."