"Because you can make me stronger. You can help me break free from my predetermined fate."
Those words struck the hearts of everyone in Blue Silver Valley like a heavy hammer.
The valley fell into a brief, deathly silence, broken only by the rustling of Blue Silver Grass in the breeze.
Zhu Zhuqing stared fixedly at Ling Xuqing. Her eyes, once cold as ice, now burned with an unprecedented fire.
She bit down hard on her lower lip, her hands unconsciously clenching into fists. Her nails dug deeply into her palms, as though she had exhausted all her strength merely to maintain that wavering defiance.
She knew how abrupt her request was.
She had only just entered this mysterious valley. She had not even finished learning all the sisters' names, yet she already wished to join this godlike group.
But she had no other choice.
"Break free from my predetermined fate..."
Ling Xuqing quietly repeated those words, a complex emotion flashing through his deep eyes.
"The fate you speak of—is it the struggle for the throne of the Star Luo Empire?"
"Yes!"
"Then why did you choose to follow me? Your plan should have been to go to Suotuo City and find Dai Mubai."
"Yes! But..."
"Fate had Xiao Wu save me and led me to meet you."
"Although I don't know who you are, I know you're very strong. The people around you are all very strong too. You certainly aren't ordinary, so I know that perhaps you are another choice for me."
"Are you sure?"
"I'm sure!"
"Alright, I accept."
"Phew—"
Upon hearing those four words, Zhu Zhuqing's taut body suddenly relaxed. She let out a long breath, and her eyes instantly reddened.
She abruptly dropped to one knee and deeply lowered her head toward Ling Xuqing.
"Thank