Even Ruthless had said so. Ren pulled himself out of his gloom and nodded. "All right... Let's head back to the Ziwei Palace in the Heavenly Court together!"
With a sweep of his sleeve, he put away the Four Zhu Xian Swords, the Zhu Xian Formation Diagram, and the two Killing Swords!
Ruthless's serene expression did not change. She rose slowly, her calm gaze settling on Ren!
Once Ren had packed everything away, he left the palace with Ruthless!
Outside, the Ziwei Guards still stood ready at their posts. The moment they saw Ren, they bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Ziwei Great Emperor!"
Ren waved a hand. "No need for ceremony! You've worked hard. Go back, get some rest, and enter seclusion to reflect on what you gained from the battle! I'm going to cultivate in the Heavenly Court, so if anything important comes up, find me there!"
The Ziwei Guards nodded solemnly. "Yes, Ziwei Great Emperor!"
Ren smiled faintly, took Ruthless's hand as though it were the most natural thing in the world, and flew toward the Heavenly Court!
Ruthless merely glanced at him. She neither consented nor resisted, letting him hold her hand as they flew!
Passing through the Heavenly Dipper Layers again, Ren felt a strange sense of familiarity. It was almost like coming home. Perhaps that was the effect of refining the Heavenly Dipper Pearl!
He did not dwell on it. Holding Ruthless's hand, he soon flew into the Heavenly Court and on to the Ziwei Palace!
When they reached the Violet Myrtle Star and the Ziwei Palace, Ren felt as though the journey had passed in an instant. He had held Ruthless's hand the whole way, and neither of them had spoken. It was as if words had been unnecessary!
But once they entered the Ziwei Palace,