"I'm willing to watch your back."
In the dim, unlit bedroom, two figures leaned against each other. Ju Zi's eyes were half closed as she peacefully enjoyed this rare moment of quiet, a faint rosy flush veiling her snowy skin, as tender and dewy as a peeled lychee.
To avenge herself on the White Tiger Duke and comfort her parents' spirits in heaven, Ju Zi had lived with utmost caution in the Crown Prince's Residence. She possessed no peerless ultimate talent and needed outside help to fulfill her lifelong wish.
The Crown Prince was cruel and suspicious by nature. As Ju Zi gradually earned Xu Tianran's trust, she often felt an icy, appraising gaze behind her. Unable to speak of her suffering, she could only dutifully fulfill her responsibilities year after year, never daring to reveal a will of her own, playing the obedient, sensible doll.
The Heart Demon Elixir had pierced the defenses around her heart in an instant. If she did not find someone to confide in, the desires churning like overturned seas would drive her to collapse.
Fortunately, she had met Lin Qing, who was just as battered and broken. Shrek Academy and the Star Luo Empire had long maintained an offensive and defensive alliance. If the Sun Moon Empire attacked the Star Luo Empire, Shrek Academy would naturally not sit on the sidelines. That alliance gave Lin Qing and Ju Zi a foundation for cooperation.
Xu Tianran was certainly no worthy partner. Ju Zi knew that perfectly well.
Previously, she had had no choice. Only if the Crown Prince ascended the throne would she have a chance to command the military from the exalted position of Empress. Otherwise, how could a food-type soul master who would struggle even to become a Seven-Ring Soul Sage qualify to