Qian Renxue nodded.
"I've already made preparations."
Ice Empress looked up at her.
"You've only just ascended the throne, and you're already arranging meals for Chen'er?"
"My brother has been with me all day."
Qian Renxue looked at Qian Chen beside her.
"Of course I'll take care of him."
Snow Empress did not object.
The group walked forward along the palace corridor.
The setting sun dipped below the palace walls.
Golden light shone on Qian Renxue's imperial robes, and the mountain and river patterns on the hem rippled gently with her steps.
She suddenly stopped as she passed through the Imperial Garden.
Qian Chen turned her head to the side.
"What's wrong?"
Qian Renxue looked at the flowering trees not far away.
The tree was covered with small white flowers.
A few petals were blown down by the wind and landed on the bluestone path.
"It's a beautiful place."
"Want to go back?"
"Um."
She released Qian Chen's arm.
A golden skirt trailed across the stone path.
Qian Renxue came to the foot of the flowering tree and caught a falling petal.
The setting sun cast its light on her profile.
The beaded fringe framing her forehead intertwined with her long, golden hair.
A white petal rested in her palm.
Qian Renxue turned around.
"Elder brother."
Qian Chen looked at her.
Is it pretty?
"Nice."
I'm asking about the flowers.
"The flowers are beautiful too."
She gently pursed her lips.
"Then, between me and the flower, who is more beautiful?"
Qian Chen walked up to her.
He took the petal from her palm and placed it among her piled-up blonde hair.
A white petal rested on a strand of golden hair.
"You."
Qian Renxue nodded in satisfaction.
She reached out and grabbed Qian Chen's sleeve.
"Brother, you're not allowed to take it off."
"Good."
"I'm going to wear it back."
Ice Empress stood not far away.
She reached out and folded off a small, bright green flower, placing it in her hair.
"Chen'er."
Qian Chen turned her face away.
Ice Empress pointed to his long hair.
What about me?
"It looks good too."
Ice Empress walked over.
She hugged Qian Chen's arm and presented him with the small flower from her hair.
"Put it on for me."
Qian Chen took down the small flower.
He reinserted the flower branch into Ice Empress's long, emerald-green hair.
Ice Empress raised their hand and touched it.
"It can't fall."
"Won't."
Snow Empress stood to one side.
Qian Chen looked at her.
"Snow Sister, would you like some?"
"Don't want."
Snow Empress walked up to Qian Chen.
She plucked a white petal from the tree and placed it on the lapel of Qian Chen's silver-white cloak.
That's good.
Qian Renxue looked at the group.
She reached out and took Qian Chen's arm.
Let's go eat first.
"Today is my first day on the throne."
"Brother, you have to have a drink with me."
Inside the palace.
Shui Bing'er and Shui Yue'er had been waiting for a long time.
Huo Wu stood by the table and placed the last dish on the table.
Qian Renxue entered the palace.
Shui Yue'er immediately looked at the white petals in her hair.
"Sister Qian Renxue, what are you wearing on your head?"
My brother put it on for me.
She came to the bronze mirror.
The white petals nestled among her golden hair created an exceptionally Qing Ya look.
Shui Yue'er looked her over.
"Very beautiful."
I think so too.
Qian Renxue raised her hand to untie the beaded ornaments in her hair.
Her golden hair, which had been styled in a bun, gradually came loose.
Her hairstyle today is too complicated.
Even after removing the imperial crown, many tiny hairpins remained hidden among the long hair.
Qian Renxue sat in front of the bronze mirror.
She looked at Qian Chen.
"Brother, please help me."
Qian Chen came up behind her.
He removed the gold hairpins one by one and placed them on the dressing table.
Long hair gradually covered Qian Renxue's shoulders and back.
As the last hairpin left her hair, her long golden hair completely fell apart.
She raised her hand to brush a strand of hair away from her face.
"That feels much better."
Qian Chen picked up the wooden comb.
He started from the top of her head and slowly combed her long hair.
Qian Renxue looked at Qian Chen in the bronze mirror.
"Be gentle."
Did I hurt you?
"No."
She closed her eyes.
"I just wanted my brother to comb my hair a little longer."
Shui Yue'er was lying on the other side of the dressing table.
"Sister Qian Renxue, you've already asked Qian Chen for help so many times today."
"Today is my day of ascension to the throne."
Qian Renxue did not open her eyes.
My brother promised to stay with me.
"Tomorrow is not the day of his coronation."
Tomorrow I will be the Empress.
What about the day after tomorrow?
"The day after tomorrow too."
Shui Yue'er puffed out her cheeks.
"Then you have a reason every day."
Qian Renxue opened her eyes.
She looked at Shui Yue'er in the bronze mirror.
You can also have your brother comb your hair.
Shui Yue'er immediately sat up straight.
"Real?"
Qian Chen gathered Qian Renxue's long hair behind her shoulder.
"Alright."
Qian Renxue raised her hand and touched it.
"Her hair hasn't been braided yet."
"Let's eat first."
"All right."
She stood up.
After changing out of her imperial robes, Qian Renxue put on a white and gold long dress.
The dress accentuated her slender waist.
The skirt didn't drag on the ground; it only reached her ankles.
A pair of gold ankle boots peeked out from under the hem of her skirt.
She came to the table and sat down next to Qian Chen.
Shui Yue'er looked at her.
"Sister Qian Renxue looks even better after changing her clothes."
Qian Renxue looked down at the platinum dress she was wearing.
"This was chosen by my brother."
Ice Empress sat on the other side of Qian Chen.
You've said it three times today.
"Because I like it."
Qian Renxue picked up the wine pot.
She poured Qian Chen a glass of wine, and then poured one for herself.
"Elder brother."
"Um?"
"Drink with me."
Qian Chen raised his wine glass.
Qian Renxue's cup rim gently touched his cup rim.
"From this day forward, I will rule the Heaven Dou Empire under the name Qian Renxue."
I won't let my brother down.
Qian Chen drank the wine in his cup in one gulp.
"I trust you."
Qian Renxue also drank the wine in her cup.
As soon as the wine entered her mouth, a light blush quickly spread across her cheeks.
Shui Bing'er placed a bowl of soup in front of her.
Don't drink too much on an empty stomach.
"Thanks."
Qian Renxue picked up the spoon.
She took two sips and then pushed the soup bowl toward Qian Chen.
"Brother, have a taste."
Ice Empress looked at her.
There's still some on the table.
This bowl tastes better.
Qian Renxue scooped up a small spoonful and brought it to Qian Chen.
"Elder brother."
Qian Chen lowered his head and drank it.
Qian Renxue retrieved the spoon.
She put the spoon she had used back into the bowl.
Ice Empress put down their chopsticks.
"Qian Renxue".
"What's wrong?"
You can put the soup bowl down now.
"My brother only took one sip."
He has hands.
"I know."
Qian Renxue scooped up another spoonful of soup.
"But I want to take care of my brother."
Qian Chen grasped her wrist.
"I can do it myself."
Qian Renxue did not persist.
She placed the soup bowl in front of Qian Chen.
"Then brother, drink this bowl."
"Good."
Qian Chen took the soup bowl.
Qian Renxue leaned against his shoulder.
Her long golden hair cascaded down her back and draped over Qian Chen's arm.
The alcohol softened her gaze considerably.
"Elder brother."
"Um?"
"Don't go back to the Crown Prince's Residence tonight."
Ice Empress immediately looked at her.
"Why?"
This is now my bedroom.
Qian Renxue hugged Qian Chen's arm.
I want my brother to stay.
Snow Empress sat on the other side of the table.
"It doesn't matter where Chen'er lives."
Qian Renxue raised her face.
"Then Snow Empress and Ice Empress will stay as well."
"The palace is very large."
"Everyone has a room."
Ice Empress looked at Qian Chen.
Which room is Chen'er staying in?
Qian Renxue thought for a moment.
"She lives next to me."
"I want to live next to Chen'er too."
Ice Empress immediately spoke.
Snow Empress nodded gently.
"Me too."
Shui Yue'er raised her hand.
My sister and I live across from Qian Chen.
Huo Wu took a sip of tea.
"Have you finished dividing it up?"
Qian Renxue looked at her.
"There are many more rooms."
You can choose for yourself.
Huo Wu nodded.
"Then I'll live further away."
Shui Yue'er looked at her with a puzzled expression.
"Why?"
"It's quiet at night."
Huo Wu glanced at the people beside Qian Chen.
Shui Yue'er followed her gaze.
Qian Renxue leans against Qian Chen.
Ice Empress held onto Qian Chen's other arm.
Although Snow Empress was sitting opposite, her fingers were clasped together with Qian Chen's.
Shui Yue'er thought for a moment.
I want to live closer too.
The palace gradually became lively.
Qian Renxue finished her glass of wine and didn't continue.
She leaned on Qian Chen's shoulder and closed her eyes to rest.
Her long, golden hair cascaded over her platinum-gold dress.
A faint blush remained on her fair cheeks.
Qian Chen raised his hand and gathered her long, loose hair behind her back.
Qian Renxue grasped his fingers.
"Brother, don't go."
I didn't leave.
She opened her eyes.
"Then come with me for a walk outside."
"Good."
The two had just gotten up.
A loud bang suddenly came from outside the palace.
The entire palace trembled slightly.
The wine glasses on the table wobbled.
The intoxication in Qian Renxue's eyes quickly dissipated.
She looked up towards the outside of the hall.
"What happened?"
A general of the Imperial Guards strode into the hall.
He knelt on one knee.
"Your Majesty, someone has broken into the palace."
Qian Renxue straightened up.
How many people?
"There's only one person."
"The newcomer is wielding the Clear Sky Hammer."
The hall fell silent.
Qian Chen put down his wine cup.
Qian Renxue looked at him.
Tang Hao.
The Imperial Guards general lowered his head.
The visitor identified himself as Clear Sky Douluo.
He has already breached three palace gates.
Qian Renxue raised her hand.
Golden light from the Six-Winged Angel unfolded behind her.
"Have the Imperial Guards withdraw."
"He's not someone an ordinary soldier can stop."
"Yes, sir."
The Imperial Guards commanders immediately departed.
Qian Renxue walked up to Qian Chen.
She tied his cloak around his neck.
"Brother, he must have come for me."
"I know."
"The Spirit Hall has a grudge against him."
You are a descendant of the Qian Family families.
Qian Renxue raised her eyes.
He will never acknowledge me as the Heaven Dou Empress.
Qian Chen took her hand.
"Let's go out and take a look."
The front hall of the imperial palace.
Hundreds of Imperial Guards had retreated to the edge of the square.
All three palace gates were destroyed.
The massive stone pillar lay fallen to the ground, and rubble covered the long steps.
Tang Hao stood in the center of the square.
He was wearing a tattered black robe.
Her disheveled hair fell over her shoulders.
He held a Clear Sky Hammer in his hand.
Nine Soul Ring encircled the hammer.
Two yellow, two purple, four black, and one red.
The red light emanating from the Hundred Thousand Year Soul Ring covered the square.
Qian Renxue walked out of the front hall.
Golden wings unfurled behind her.
Qian Chen stayed by her side.
Snow Empress and Ice Empress walked behind.
Tang Hao looked up at the group of people on the long steps.
"Qian Renxue".
Tang Hao.
Qian Renxue stood on the long steps.
"What is the punishment for trespassing into the Heaven Dou Imperial Palace?"
Tang Hao gripped the Clear Sky Hammer tightly.
"You have been impersonating Xue Qinghe for many years."
"And now he has seized the throne of Heaven Dou."
"Do people from the Qian Family even deserve to sit there?"
Qian Renxue spread her wings.
Eight Soul Ring rose from beneath his feet.
Whether I am qualified or not is not for you to decide.
Tang Hao raised the Clear Sky Hammer.
"The Spirit Hall killed Ah Yin."
"This forced the Clear Sky Sect to close its mountain."
"Today, I will not allow the Qian Family to continue controlling the Heaven Dou Empire."
Qian Chen took a step forward.
He stood in front of Qian Renxue.
"You want to kill her?"
Tang Hao's gaze fell on Qian Chen.
"You deserve to die too."
Nine-Color light spread from beneath Qian Chen's feet.
The pebbles on the square slowly rose.
The Dragon God Spear appeared in his palm.
The golden spearhead pointed at Tang Hao.
You can give it a try.
Tang Hao's Seventh Soul Ring lit up beneath his feet.
"Clear Sky Avatar."
A colossal phantom of the Clear Sky Hammer appeared above the imperial palace.
The black hammer-shaped body blocked out the setting sun.
A heavy pressure fell on the entire square.
Cracks quickly appeared on the surface of the palace walls.
Qian Renxue was about to move forward.
Qian Chen raised his hand to stop her.
"Stand behind me."
"Brother, I can help you."
"Need not."
Qian Renxue looked at his profile.
She gathered her Six-Winged Angel and took a step back.
"I'm waiting for you."
Ice Empress and Snow Empress did not make a move.
The two stood on either side of Qian Renxue.
Tang Hao raised the Clear Sky Hammer.
"Divine Slaughter's Domain."
A white light spread out from beneath his feet.
A dense killing intent surged up the long staircase.
Qian Chen stood still.
The Nine-Color Dragon Mark gradually lit up along the Dragon God Spear.
When the Divine Slaughter's Domain arrived in front of him, it automatically parted to the sides.
Tang Hao watched this scene unfold.
"This domain is invalid for you?"
Your area of expertise is too weak.
Qian Chen raised the Dragon God Spear.
Space folds and overlaps in front of the gun's edge.
Tang Hao shattered the ground.
His body leaped into the air.
The enormous Clear Sky Hammer fell from above the palace.
"Chaotic Wind."
The first hammer blow fell.
Qian Chen thrust his spear forward.
The spearhead clashed with the hammerhead.
Golden and black Soul Power dispersed simultaneously.
The ground in the square collapsed.
Tang Hao used the force of the recoil to turn his body around.
The second hammer blow followed immediately.
Qian Chen gripped the gun and flicked it upwards.
The Clear Sky Hammer was blocked once again.
The third strike.
The fourth strike.
The fifth strike.
With each swing of Tang Hao's hammer, the power increased again.
The stone bricks in the square have all been broken.
The palace walls on both sides continued to collapse.
Qian Chen never retreated.
The Dragon God Spear struck the Clear Sky Hammer time and again.
When the eighteenth hammer blow landed, Tang Hao's robes on both arms were already torn.
Qian Chen raised his hand and fired a shot.
The spearhead was positioned at the center of the Clear Sky Hammer.
The Nine-Colored Soul Power passed directly through the hammer.
Tang Hao's body fell from mid-air.
His feet slammed into the ground.
Fresh blood spilled from his mouth.
Qian Chen stood in front of him.
The silver-white cloak still hung neatly behind her shoulders.
"That's all?"
Tang Hao raised his hand to wipe the blood from the corner of his mouth.
"The power within you does not belong to an ordinary Soul Master."
"It's none of your business."
Qian Chen gripped the Dragon God Spear and walked forward.
Tang Hao glanced at Qian Renxue on the long steps.
The first Soul Ring beneath his feet suddenly shattered.
Golden Soul Power surged from the Soul Ring.
Qian Renxue's expression changed.
"Brother, he's going to Ring Detonation."
Qian Chen did not stop.
The second Soul Ring beneath Tang Hao's feet shattered.
Then came the third one.
The fourth one.
The fifth one.
Five Soul Ring in succession transformed into immense Soul Power, all of which merged into the Clear Sky Hammer.
The black hammer body rapidly expanded.
The ground beneath Tang Hao's feet continued to sink.
"Qian Chen."
"Take my Great Sumeru Hammer!"
The Clear Sky Hammer swept out horizontally.
Qian Chen raised his left hand.
Nine-Color spatial barrier appeared before them.
The hammerhead slammed into the barrier.
The entire palace was shaken once again.
Several cracks appeared on the space barrier.
Tang Hao's sixth Soul Ring shattered.
An even greater power surged into the Clear Sky Hammer.
The barrier then collapsed.
Qian Chen took half a step back.
Qian Renxue immediately spread her wings.
"Elder brother."
"I'm fine."
Qian Chen regained his footing.