Yu Xiaogang did not bend over.
"You think you can suppress everyone forever just because you have Million-Year Soul Ring?"
"Tang San's talent is no less than yours."
He will stand before you one day.
Qian Chen turned around.
"Then let him come."
"I can kill Tang Hao, and I can kill him too."
The color drained from Yu Xiaogang's face quickly.
His gaze passed over Qian Chen and landed on Qian Renxue on the long steps.
The next moment.
Two Yellow Soul Ring rose from beneath his feet.
"Luo Sanpao!"
A pale purple Soul Beast appeared in the hall.
The Imperial Guards guards standing by the door immediately drew their swords.
Yu Xiaogang had already rushed forward.
His sleeve slid open, revealing a piece of black metal attached to his wrist.
Qian Chen stopped in his tracks.
He could see that thing very clearly.
Sleeve Arrow.
Yu Xiaogang raised his wrist and aimed it at the head of the table.
"Get out of the way!"
The mechanism springs open.
Three streaks of dark light pierced through the distance between the two, heading straight for Qian Renxue.
He did not attack Qian Chen.
He chose the younger sister behind Qian Chen.
Before the golden wings could unfold, the three short arrows stopped in mid-air.
Nine-Color light covered the arrow.
The arrowhead was still a zhang (approximately 3.3 meters) from the long steps.
Qian Chen turned around.
Yu Xiaogang urged Luo Sanpao to rush towards the palace gate, while he himself retreated.
He only took two steps back before he could no longer move his feet.
The pale purple Soul Beast, along with the creature, was frozen in place.
Qian Renxue stood up from the main seat.
"Yu Xiaogang."
"You came demanding an explanation, yet you attacked someone with a hidden arrow in the palace?"
Sweat beaded on Yu Xiaogang's forehead.
"I just want to leave!"
Qian Chen walked over to the three short arrows.
He extended two fingers and pinched one of them.
The arrowhead had a bluish-black tinge.
I already let you go.
Yu Xiaogang looked towards the palace gate.
That door remained open.
No one blocked his escape route.
Qian Chen released his grip.
All three short arrows simultaneously turned into fragments.
You're not unable to leave.
"You want to hurt her one last time before you leave."
Yu Xiaogang opened his mouth.
The Nine-Colored Soul Power fell along his wrist, and the mechanism of the Sleeve Arrow arrow shattered on the spot.
His right arm hung limply, and he could no longer lift it.
"Qian Chen, you can't kill me!"
"I haven't hurt her yet!"
A golden spear materialized in Qian Chen's palm.
The gun tip was pointing downwards towards the ground.
He did not release his Soul Ring.
There's no need to deal with Yu Xiaogang.
"Because you don't have the ability."
Yu Xiaogang stared at the long spear.
"Bibi Dong won't let you do that!"
Qian Chen walked up to him.
She's not here.
Even if she were alive, you would still die.
Luo Sanpao broke free of his restraints and stepped in front of Yu Xiaogang.
The Dragon God Spear was raised slightly.
The pale purple figure vanished instantly.
Blood trickled from the corner of Yu Xiaogang's mouth, and he landed heavily on his knees.
He looked up.
"I've known her for many years. If you kill me, she will definitely—"
The tip of the gun was pressed against his chest.
Qian Chen looked at him.
You've known her for many years.
"Yet you used the token she gave you to kill her daughter."
Yu Xiaogang's remaining words remained unspoken.
The spear moved forward.
Golden light pierced through the gray robe.
His body froze on the spot, and his hand, which had been reaching for the gun, slowly fell to his sides.
Qian Chen withdrew the Dragon God Spear.
The spatial constraints dissipated.
Yu Xiaogang collapsed in front of the long steps and never moved again.
The Elder Token was moved by his sleeve, flipped halfway around, and stopped outside the bloodstains.
Qian Chen sheathed his spear.
"Return the token to the Spirit Hall."
Tell Bibi Dong that Yu Xiaogang attacked and killed Qian Renxue with Hidden Weapon.
"I killed him."
The attendant carefully put away the token, bowed, and withdrew from the front hall.
Qian Chen stood beside the long steps, the Nine-Color light in his palm gradually dissipating.
A hand landed on his sleeve.
Snow Empress came to his side and fastened the silver button again.
"Leave this to the Imperial Guards."
Qian Chen turned her head and saw that she was holding her cloak in her hand.
"Snow Sister, have you been waiting for me all this time?"
I said I'd wait for you to come back.
She handed him the cloak, without glancing at the bloodstains in the hall.
Qian Chen took the cloak and followed her out of the palace gate.
Side hall.
The white porcelain cup in front of the window was still steaming.
Qian Chen sat down at the table, and Snow Empress pushed the teacup closer, then took out a clean brocade handkerchief.
"Put your hand out."
There was no blood on it.
"Then wipe it clean too."
He opened his palm.
Snow Empress lowered her head and wiped her fingertips, not even letting the dust between her fingers slip through her fingers.
Her long, silvery-white hair cascaded down her shoulders and touched the edge of the table.
Qian Chen raised his hand to cover her.
She looked up at him.
"What's wrong?"
Your hair is about to get wet with tea.
Snow Empress glanced at the rim of the cup and gathered her long hair behind her shoulder.
No shooting practice today.
"Why?"
"You haven't sat still for even half an hour since this morning."
Qian Chen looked out the window.
The stone benches in the courtyard had been warmed by the sun.
"Shall we go sit outside for a while?"
"Have some tea first."
He picked up his teacup.
She then put away the handkerchief and sat down beside her.
Afternoon.
Two rattan chairs were placed under the Moon Orchid Tree.
Qian Chen moved a small table over and placed the teapot between the two of them.
Today, Snow Empress wore a plain white long dress with light silver snow patterns embroidered on the cuffs.
When she sat down, a corner of her skirt was caught on the edge of the wicker chair.
Qian Chen bent down and pulled out the fabric.
"Don't move, you're stuck."
She stopped what she was doing and waited for him to straighten the hem of her skirt.
A withered leaf lay beside the toe of the shoe.
The hem of her skirt was lifted slightly, revealing her fair ankles and a section of her slender calves.
She smoothed out her dress and covered herself up again.
Qian Chen placed the cushion behind her.
"It's comfortable sitting like this."
Snow Empress leaned back in her chair and pressed her fingertips against the cushion.
"These things can be done by the servants."
"I'm right here."
He sat down in another rattan chair and handed over the teacup.
She took the tea but didn't drink it immediately.
"You've finally taken a break today."
"Didn't Snow Sister tell me to rest?"
I'm afraid you'll agree verbally, but then go back to practicing shooting.
Qian Chen spread out his hands.
"The gun has been put away."
Snow Empress watched his actions, a smile appearing in her eyes.
A gust of autumn wind rustled through the leaves.
The pages of the book on the table were blown open, and Qian Chen reached out to press them down, then picked up a pebble and placed it on the corner of the page.
What are you looking at?
"The Heaven Dou Mountain and River Gazetteer"
She handed him the book.
"It contains information about several roads in the North. When we return to the Far North, we may not have to take the same route again."
Qian Chen lowered his head and turned two pages.
A clean white petal was tucked between the edges of the book's pages.
He didn't touch the petals, but simply unfolded the map.
This road passes by the lake.
You want to go?
"You can stop for a day."
Snow Empress looked at the spot he was pointing to and nodded gently.
"Then let's stop for one day."
He put the book back next to her.
Let's not rush today.
"I'm not going anywhere today."
Night falls.
When Qian Chen finished his meditation, palace lanterns were already lit outside the window.
The Snow Empress sat under the lamp, his silver-white cloak draped over his hands.
A small tear was found at the hem of her clothes from being worn down by the stone steps.
She threaded the needle and carefully sewed up the loose parts, stitch by stitch.
Qian Chen walked over and sat down beside her.
"Just change it."
"It's just a loose thread, why do you need to replace it?"
She carefully finished the last stitch, then picked up the scissors and cut the thread.
The repaired area is smooth and even.
Qian Chen took the cloak and gently stroked the hem with her fingertips.
I'll be more careful next time.
Clothes can be mended if they're torn.
Snow Empress put the needle and thread into the box.
"Just take care of yourself."
He didn't look at the cloak again, but neatly folded it on the back of the chair.
"Snow Sister should rest too."
She looked up at the water clock.
"It is indeed getting late."
The inner chambers had already been furnished with bedding.
Qian Chen walked to the edge of the bed, lifted the outer corner of the quilt, but did not lie down immediately.
Snow Empress hung her outer garment on the hanger and looked back at him.
Is there anything else?
"Spend some time with me tonight."
She came over and sat down on the edge of the bed.
I'm right here.
Qian Chen lay down and straightened the soft pillow next to her.
She pulled the blanket up for him, her fingertips gently pressing down the rolled-up edge of the blanket.
"Put your hand in."
"I'm not afraid of the cold."
"Sleep well."
He withdrew his hand as instructed.
Snow Empress then turned off the outside light and lay down beside her, fully clothed.
There was a distance between them.
The curtains weren't fully closed, and moonlight fell on her long, silvery-white hair.
Qian Chen turned his head away.
"Snow Sister."
"Um?"
"Today is good."
She tucked the blanket around his shoulders.
"Then come back early tomorrow too."
"Good."
Qian Chen closed his eyes and stopped activating his Soul Power.
Snow Empress waited until his breathing gradually stabilized before reaching out to turn off the last lamp by the bedside.
Goodnight, Chen'er.
early morning.
The branches of the Moon Orchid outside the window gently tapped against the windowpane.
When Qian Chen opened her eyes, the soft pillow beside her was empty.
A neatly folded robe lay beside the bed.
The cloak that was repaired yesterday was placed on top, with the silver buttons facing outwards, within easy reach.
He put on his coat, got up, and looked out the window.
Snow Empress sat there, flipping through the book of Records of Mountains and Rivers.
Sunlight fell on her long, silvery-white hair.
A plain white dress lay beside the chair, the snow-like patterns on the cuffs clearly visible.
"Snow Sister."
She looked up and clipped the pages back together.
"Woke up?"
Why didn't you call me?
There's nothing urgent today.
Qian Chen walked to the window and noticed that the tea in front of her was no longer steaming.
He picked up the teacup and refilled it with warm water.
Snow Empress watched his actions but did not stop him.
Take care of yourself first.
"I'm already dressed."
Her gaze fell on his collar.
One button is wrong.
Qian Chen bowed his head.
The top silver clasp indeed fastened into the buttonhole below.
Just as he was about to untie it, Snow Empress put down the book and stood in front of him.
She unfastened the silver clasps one by one, then fastened them again.
"You were just saying you were all dressed up."
"I was only looking at you."
What are you looking at me for?
I thought you were sewing clothes for me again.
Snow Empress smoothed down his collar.
"Clothes don't have to be torn every day."
Qian Chen looked at the sewing box on the table.
A plain white hair ribbon lay beside the box.
The hairband had frayed at the edge, but it has been neatly tucked in.
He picked up the hairband.
"Did you fix this too?"
"It's been used for many years, it's a pity to throw it away."
"I'll tie it for you."
Snow Empress looked at him for a moment, then sat back down in her chair.
"Don't let it become an unsolvable knot."
"Not this time."
Qian Chen picked up the wooden comb and first gathered the long hair behind her shoulders.
He slowed his movements as the comb reached the ends of his hair.
A small strand of hair was wrapped around the silver ornament on the collar.
He held the strand of long hair in his hand and gently brushed aside the silver ornament.
Snow Empress looked at him through his reflection in the window.
You never used to have this kind of patience.
"You used to tidy up for me."
"It's the same now."
Qian Chen put down the wooden comb and wrapped the hairband around her gathered long hair.
"I can help you now too."
She didn't reply.
After he finished tying his hair, Snow Empress raised her hand and touched the hair knot.
The fit is just right.
Her hair hung neatly down her back, without covering her collar.
"This time was good."
Qian Chen handed her the bronze mirror.
"You haven't seen it yet."
"I know."
She took the mirror, glanced at it only once, and then put it back on the table.
Qian Chen gazed at her.
Snow Empress turned her face away.
"Is there anything else that hasn't been tidied up?"
"No."
"Let's go eat then."
She stood up and casually picked up the cloak from the back of the chair.
Qian Chen accepted it first.
"I'll do it myself today."
He draped the cloak over his shoulders, fastened the silver buttons, and then bent down to check it again.
A smile appeared in Snow Empress's eyes.
"This time I didn't button it wrong."
Side hall.
Breakfast was placed on a small table by the window.
Qian Chen did not sit in her original seat, but instead pulled out a chair for Snow Empress first.
She looked at the chair, then at him.
Why are you rushing to do everything today?
You gave me a day off yesterday.
"So what?"
"It's your turn today."
Snow Empress sat down and pushed an empty bowl in front of him.
"Then you should serve yourself your porridge first."
Qian Chen did not argue.
He ladled out two bowls of porridge and placed one of them beside her.
There was a plate of freshly made chestnut cake on the table.
He remembered that Snow Empress had tasted a piece yesterday, so he moved the plate closer to her.
She picked up a piece but didn't eat it immediately.
"You remember?"
"You glanced at it an extra time yesterday."
Snow Empress lowered her eyes to look at the pastry.
"I just think the chestnuts inside are ground very finely."
"Then let's try another piece."
She took a sip, then placed the plate back between the two of them.
You eat too.
A gust of wind blew in through the window.
Qian Chen got up and closed half of the window. When she returned, there was a piece of chestnut cake next to her bowl.
Snow Empress had already picked up the spoon.
He didn't point it out, but simply sat down and finished the pastries.
After the meal.
The two walked slowly along the path in the courtyard.
Qian Chen did not carry a gun, nor did he activate his Soul Power.
Snow Empress was still holding that illustrated book in her hand.
Walking under the Moon Orchid Tree, she turned to the spot where she had tucked the book away yesterday.
The lake you mentioned is here.
Qian Chen bent down to look.
An old road leading to the North was drawn on the page.
A small town is marked on the shore of the lake.
"You can stay overnight in town."
"Didn't you say it would only be a one-day stop?"
"We'll visit the lake during the day, stay overnight, and then leave the next day."
Snow Empress stared at the spot where his fingertip had been.
"The arrangements are quite thorough."
What do you think?
"Can."
She closed the book, but didn't immediately continue reading.
Qian Chen followed her gaze.
A thin rope was tied to a branch of Moon Orchid beside the path.
The rope was stretched too tight and had cut into the tree bark.
He went over, untied the knot, and straightened the crooked wooden sign.
Snow Empress stood under the tree waiting for him.
Sunlight filtered through the leaves, illuminating the old ribbon in her hair.
When Qian Chen returned, she reached out and removed a fallen leaf from his shoulder.
"You don't need to stay with me all day."
I have no other plans.
"Cultivation?"
"Practice again this afternoon."
Snow Empress handed the book to him.
"Then hold it for me."
Qian Chen took the book and walked side by side with her into the depths of the courtyard.
As he passed the rattan chair, he first brushed off the fallen leaves and then rearranged the cushions.
Snow Empress sat down and watched him finish his work.
"Chen'er."
"Um?"
"You sit down too."
Qian Chen sat down beside them and placed the map between them.
She reached out and turned the page.
He picked up a small pebble from the table and used it to weigh down a corner that had been blown away by the wind.
The white petal tucked inside the book remained intact.
Snow Empress pointed to the path by the lake.
"Once we get there, we'll go this way."
Qian Chen nodded.
"Okay, I'll go with you."