The two walked side by side toward the sea of flowers.
It was a vast sea of flowers made up of all kinds of rare blooms—red, yellow, purple, and every color in between, dazzlingly beautiful.
At the center of the flower sea was a small path paved with pebbles.
Like a little girl, Qian Renxue stepped on the round pebbles, skipping forward.
Her long golden hair danced through the air with her movements, refracting a dazzling radiance.
Tang Xiao followed behind her at an unhurried pace, his face full of gentle warmth as he watched her happy figure.
As they walked, Qian Renxue suddenly stopped and crouched before a red flower.
"Husband, come look. This flower is so strange."
Tang Xiao stepped forward and looked in the direction she pointed.
It was a Soul Beast flower known as the "Blazing Rose." Its petals layered over one another like a cluster of burning flames.
Yet at the center of the flower, two tiny golden fruits had grown, making it look especially peculiar.
"These are 'Blazing Fruits,' borne after a Blazing Rose mutates. They contain incredibly pure fire-element Soul Power."
"For fire-element Soul Masters, they're a rare restorative tonic."
Tang Xiao explained from the side.
"So that's how it is."
Curious, Qian Renxue reached out, wanting to touch one of the golden fruits.
But before her hand could reach it, the Blazing Rose suddenly began to tremble violently. The flames on its petals surged at once and curled toward Qian Renxue's fingers.
"Careful."
Tang Xiao's expression shifted slightly. With a flash, he appeared in front of Qian Renxue.
With only a light sweep of his sleeve, a gentle blue surge of Soul Power swept out and instantly extinguished the flames.
The Blazing Rose seemed to sense the terrifying aura surrounding Tang Xiao. It immediately drew back its petals, trembling as it lay flat on the ground, not daring to make another move.
"Husband, I'm fine."
Qian Renxue tugged on Tang Xiao's sleeve and stuck out her tongue a little sheepishly.
"I was careless. I forgot that these Soul Beast flowers can attack too."
Tang Xiao looked at her helplessly.
"You haven't fully recovered your cultivation yet. Why are you still so careless?"
"What if you got hurt?"
Though his words were reproachful, his tone was filled with concern.
"But you were here, Husband. I knew you'd protect me."
Qian Renxue wrapped herself around his arm and gave it a coquettish shake.
At those words, the trace of helplessness in Tang Xiao's heart instantly vanished.
He tapped the tip of her nose and spoke indulgently.
"You really know how to make excuses."
"Of course. After all, Husband is the strongest person in the world."
Qian Renxue lifted her chin proudly. She looked as though she were showing off her most precious treasure.
Tang Xiao shook his head with an amused smile, took her hand, and continued onward.
Deep within the flower sea stood an exquisite pavilion.
Soft white gauze hung all around it, gently fluttering in the wind and creating a dreamlike atmosphere.
The two entered the pavilion and sat on the stone benches.
Somewhat tired, Qian Renxue leaned against Tang Xiao's shoulder and watched the setting sun gradually sink beyond the horizon.
"Husband, how wonderful would it be if time could remain frozen at this moment forever?"
Her voice was soft, carrying a hint of longing for the future.
"It will always be like this."
Tang Xiao tightened his grip on her hand, his tone firm.
"Once we settle these trivial matters, I'll take you back to the Sun Moon Continent to see our empire."
"When the time comes, wherever you want to go, I'll accompany you."
"Really?"
Qian Renxue raised her head, anticipation glimmering in her beautiful eyes.
"Of course it's true."
Tang Xiao looked at her, his eyes filled with a gentle smile.
The afterglow of the setting sun fell over them, bathing their figures in incomparable warmth.
At this moment, there were no conflicts on the continent, no grudges among gods—only two people in love, enjoying the happiness that belonged to them in this tranquil estate.
A gentle breeze drifted through the pavilion, lifting the white gauze curtains.
Drowsiness gradually washed over Qian Renxue. Leaning against Tang Xiao's chest, she unknowingly closed her eyes.
Listening to her steady breathing, the corners of Tang Xiao's lips curled upward slightly.
He slowly circulated the Soul Power within his body, releasing a gentle warmth that enveloped Qian Renxue entirely and kept her from catching a chill.
At the same time, he reached out and idly stroked her smooth, silky hair, his gaze brimming with affection.
This proud and aloof angel princess outside only revealed such a tender, feminine side in front of him.
And Tang Xiao greatly enjoyed the feeling of being trusted and relied upon so completely.
Time passed second by second.
The sky gradually darkened. A bright moon silently climbed above the treetops, scattering its pure light across the earth.
Gentle Soul Tool lights came on throughout the estate, rendering the sea of flowers as dreamlike as an immortal realm.
Qian Renxue shifted slightly and opened her eyes groggily.
"Hubby, did I sleep for a long time?"
She rubbed her sleepy eyes, her voice carrying the soft sweetness of someone who had just awakened.
"Not long. Only about two hours."
Seeing her dazed appearance, Tang Xiao could not help but chuckle.
"It's all because you were too warm, Hubby. I couldn't help falling asleep."
Qian Renxue sat upright somewhat embarrassedly and straightened her slightly rumpled clothes.
"So it's my fault?"
Tang Xiao looked at her teasingly.
"It is your fault."
Qian Renxue shot him a coquettish glare. She could not have looked any cuter.
Tang Xiao laughed heartily, rising to his feet and pulling her up along with him.
"Alright, are you hungry? Let's go get something to eat."
"Mm, now that you mention it, I really am a little hungry."
Qian Renxue touched her flat stomach and smiled somewhat sheepishly.
Arm in arm, the two slowly made their way toward the estate's main hall beneath the moonlight.
A lavish dinner had already been prepared in the hall.
These dishes had all been made with the finest soul beast ingredients. Not only were they delicious, but they also contained abundant Soul Power, offering tremendous benefits for recovering one's body.
Tang Xiao led Qian Renxue to sit down and personally served her a bowl of steaming soup.
"Try this. It's soup made with century-old snow ginseng and spirit fowl. It'll help you recover."
"Thank you, Hubby."
Qian Renxue accepted the soup and took a light sip. Her eyes immediately lit up.
"It's delicious. You should have some too, Hubby."
She scooped up a spoonful and brought it to Tang Xiao's lips.
Tang Xiao smiled and drank the soup. The two fed each other as they ate dinner, the atmosphere warm and sweet.
After dinner.
The two took a walk by the estate's lake.
Moonlight spilled across the lake, its rippling surface glittering like countless fragments of silver.
A breeze swept past, and the lakewater gently lapped against the shore with crisp, pleasant sounds.
Looking at the calm lake, Qian Renxue suddenly spoke with a sigh.
"Hubby, I never imagined that one day, I'd be able to live such a peaceful life."
"In my memories, there was nothing but cultivation and schemes. Every day, I lived with utmost caution."
"Only after meeting you did I realize that life could be lived this way too."
She turned to look at Tang Xiao, her eyes filled with deep affection.
Tang Xiao stopped and turned toward her, cupping her delicate face in both hands.
"Xue'er, let the past stay in the past."
"From now on, your world will no longer have that coldness and scheming. There will only be me, and our home."
"I'll spend my entire life protecting your smile."
His voice was low and gentle, each word striking heavily against Qian Renxue's heart.
Qian Renxue's eyes grew slightly moist. She nodded firmly and took the initiative to kiss Tang Xiao on the lips.
There was no lust in this kiss, only boundless affection and attachment.
Under the moonlight, the two embraced tightly, as though they had become eternal.
Only after a long while did they slowly part.
A little shy, Qian Renxue buried her head in Tang Xiao's chest, listening to his strong heartbeat and feeling incomparably at ease.
Tang Xiao held her as he looked at the bright moon in the sky, a trace of gentleness flashing through his eyes.
He knew that in this life, he had found his most precious treasure.
To protect this happiness, no matter who dared to destroy it, he would mercilessly wipe them out.
"Husband, let's go back."
Qian Renxue spoke, sounding a little tired.
"Alright, let's go back and rest."
Tang Xiao bent down and swept her into his arms in a bridal carry.
"Ah, Husband, put me down. I can walk by myself."
Qian Renxue cried out softly, her hands somewhat flustered as they wrapped around his neck.
"I won't. It's only natural for a husband to carry his own wife."
The corners of Tang Xiao's lips lifted slightly as he carried her toward the bedroom in broad strides.
Qian Renxue shot him a helpless look, but in the end, she sweetly rested her head against his chest and let him carry her.
The night grew deeper.
The manor gradually fell silent.
Only the gentle lamplight and brilliant moonlight continued to quietly watch over the two lovers.
Meanwhile, in distant Slaughter City, Tang San was enduring inhuman torment, his heart filled with hatred and jealousy.
But none of that had anything to do with the two in the manor.
Protected by Tang Xiao's formidable strength, this manor had become the safest and warmest harbor in all of Douluo Continent.
Here, only love flowed quietly, warming two souls that had once been wounded.
The next morning.
When the first ray of sunlight pierced through the curtains and spilled into the spacious bedroom.
Qian Renxue shifted slightly and snuggled against Tang Xiao in his arms, like a lazy cat.
Tang Xiao had actually been awake for a long time, but he could not bear to disturb her sweet dreams, so he had remained still.
Seeing her awaken now, he gently kissed her forehead.
"Awake?"
"Mm, good morning, Husband."
Qian Renxue opened her eyes and smiled sleepily.
That fleeting blend of innocence and charm made Tang Xiao's heart stir.
He rolled over and pinned her beneath him, gazing at her with slightly heated eyes.
"Now that you're awake, shouldn't we do something meaningful?"
"Husband... so early in the morning, you..."
Qian Renxue was a little embarrassed and tried to push him away, but her hands lacked strength.
"The day's plan begins in the morning, Xue'er. We should cherish our time."
Tang Xiao chuckled, lowered his head, and kissed her softly protesting lips.
The morning sunlight filtered through the thin bed curtains, spilling across the rumpled bed.
Qian Renxue lazily shifted, pressing her cheek against Tang Xiao's warm chest. Listening to his steady, powerful heartbeat, she felt incomparably at ease.
"Husband, it's daylight."
Her voice carried the slight huskiness of someone who had just awakened, sounding especially soft and sweet.
Tang Xiao opened his eyes and looked at the lovely face of the beauty in his arms, equally charming in joy or displeasure. Unable to resist, he reached out and pinched her smooth cheek.
"So what if it's daylight? Does Xue'er have something important to do today?"
Qian Renxue shot him a coquettish glare and swatted his hand away.
"Not really. I just feel that staying in bed all the time is somewhat improper."
Tang Xiao smiled faintly and tightened his arm, pulling her even closer.
"In this manor, I am the law. What could possibly be improper?"
"If you want to lie around, then lie around every day. Who would dare say a single word against it?"
Hearing his domineering yet indulgent words, Qian Renxue's heart turned as sweet as honey. She simply stopped struggling and obediently nestled in his arms.
The two lingered together for a long while, only getting up and washing once the sunlight outside had gradually brightened.
At the spacious white jade table, an exquisite breakfast had already been prepared.
Tang Xiao personally served Qian Renxue a bowl of warm lotus seed soup and placed it before her.
"Try this. The lotus seeds were freshly delivered this morning."
Qian Renxue took the porcelain bowl and gently tasted a spoonful, her eyes lighting up slightly.
"It's delicious—sweet without being cloying."
Smiling, she scooped up a lotus seed and held it to Tang Xiao's lips.
"You should have some too, husband."
Tang Xiao obediently opened his mouth and ate it. The two exchanged a smile, and the air itself seemed saturated with sweetness.
However, at that warm moment, the previously clear sky suddenly dimmed slightly.
A vast and majestic aura quietly spread between heaven and earth.
The tranquil sky suddenly rippled with waves of golden light, like a stone dropped onto still water.
Qian Renxue set down her porcelain bowl and looked out the window, a trace of surprise flashing through her beautiful eyes.
"Husband, the Gold Ranking... seems to be moving again."
Tang Xiao remained calm. He lifted his teacup for a light sip, his gaze settling on the heavens.
"What is meant to come will come. Judging by this commotion, it should be announcing the eighth place on the Strongest Power Ranking."
His tone was unhurried, utterly undisturbed by the Gold Ranking's movement.
To him, the rankings on the Gold Ranking were nothing more than a show.
No matter how the Gold Ranking changed, no one could shake his first-place position.
At this moment, the eyes of the entire Douluo Continent were drawn once more to the Gold Ranking in the sky.
Countless experts found their breathing growing hurried.
The previous tenth-ranked King of Ten Thousand Monsters and ninth-ranked Xiong Jun had both received terrifying rewards. Not only had their cultivation soared, but they had also obtained divine-grade treasures.
Then just how terrifying would the being ranked eighth be?
Golden light gathered wildly in the sky, eventually forming lines of huge, soaring characters.
[Strongest Power Ranking · Eighth Place!]
[Name: Snow Empress.]
[Identity: Leader of the Three Heavenly Kings of the Far North, Heavenly Snow Woman, Seven-Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast!]
[Comment: A spirit of heaven and earth, the incarnation of ice and frost, the uncrowned monarch of the Far North.]
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