As one memory after another surfaced, the earlier sadness gradually faded, and the atmosphere between Jian Shang and Princess Huating grew warm and harmonious.
"Ha ha... the Huan King honors us with his presence! Forgive us for not welcoming you sooner!"
Suddenly, laughter echoed between heaven and earth, rolling through the Forbidden Palace, followed by a booming, powerful voice.
Whoosh, whoosh...
A flurry of sharp sounds tore through the air as several figures descended from the sky.
There were the imposing Qin Martial King Ying Dang, the formidable Lord Wumeng Meng Shuo, the alluring Imperial Consort Dishi, the composed Shanluo Buddha, and dozens of Great Qin Attendants or Peacock Buddhas and guardians whose auras clearly marked them as Late Innate Stage experts.
Nearly a hundred people landed and took up positions on all sides, forming a loose encirclement around the garden of Zhenhua Palace.
Jian Shang, Princess Huating, and the others, who had been engrossed in conversation, exchanged startled glances, fell silent, and looked at the newcomers surrounding them.
Evil Consort Hua Qiandai and Princess Dieyi, who had tactfully withdrawn along with Huating's two maids, hurried into the pavilion and stood on either side of Jian Shang.
"But it seems the mighty Huan King has quite a taste for skulking about like flies and dogs. To think you would sneak into the Forbidden Palace!"
After landing, King Wu of Qin strode toward the pavilion with the bearing of a dragon and tiger, his voice laced with mockery.
Naturally, King Wu of Qin was not referring only to the Huan King's infiltration of the Great Qin Forbidden Palace. He also meant the grudge he bore over Jian Shang's sneak attack during the Qin-Chu Decisive Battle at Great Chen Royal City, which had nearly killed him.
"..."
Princess Huating's pretty face turned