Entering the Imperial Palace, the Great Powers Gather

Sunlight fell across the smoothly rolling carriage, bringing out its splendor and elegance. A soft glow slipped through the window and warmed its occupants.

Reclining on a sofa covered in soft fur, Tang Shan watched the scenery pass outside.

"Tang Shan, Sect Master Ning may try to win you over today. If he offers you anything, accept it all. There's no need to refuse."

Xue Qinghe wore her trademark gentle smile. She spoke casually as she leafed through the documents in her hands.

Tang Shan sat up, curious.

"Your Highness, aren't you afraid Sect Master Ning will win me over? All the investment you've made in me would go to waste."

"No. I trust your character, I trust what I've given you, and I trust Sect Master Ning's judgment. I've invested so much in you that if he manages to win you over, he'll have to pay an even higher price. That would mean I misjudged you and made a poor investment. And if Sect Master Ning wholeheartedly trusted someone who could be won over for the right price, what would all his years as a sect master have been worth?"

"Your Highness sees things clearly."

"It's not that. With your talent, other powers were bound to try to recruit you sooner or later."

Xue Qinghe set down the documents. Her voice was calm, without a trace of worry.

Grandpa Golden Crocodile had told her the Soul Bone's true origin yesterday. She refused to believe the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect could produce an External Soul Bone, much less one from a Soul Beast comparable to an ancient exotic species like Tai Tan. That simply wasn't realistic.

"Don't worry. I haven't repaid Your Highness's generous investment yet. Once I do, though, I might switch to someone else."

Xue Qinghe was