Only after the others had left did Hu Xiaotian return to Qiqi's side. Her lovely face was taut, her expression icy. Hu Xiaotian said, "Your Highness, I have something important to report."
Qiqi waved a hand, and all the Palace Attendants on either side withdrew. Hu Xiaotian listened carefully to his surroundings. Only when he was certain no one else remained in the Diligent Governance Hall did he say, "I'm sorry I made Your Highness worry!"
Qiqi slowly descended from the Throne and came before him. Staring into his eyes, she asked, "Where is Eunuch Quan?"
Hu Xiaotian sighed and slowly shook his head.
Although he said nothing, Qiqi had already guessed the outcome from his response. Her eyes instantly reddened. She instinctively straightened her back and pressed her lips together before asking, "Then why did you come back unharmed?"
Using Secret Voice Transmission, Hu Xiaotian said, "Ren Tianqing and Meizhuang followed us and launched a surprise attack. Eunuch Quan died at Ren Tianqing's hands."
Qiqi drew a deep breath to rein in her grief. Knowing how deeply she was hurting, Hu Xiaotian did not rush to continue, giving her time to compose herself.
Qiqi said, "I knew something had happened... I should never have agreed to your request..." Endless regret filled her heart. If she had not agreed to let Hu Xiaotian enter Dragon Spirit Wonderland, perhaps Quan Dean would not have died.
Seeing her like this, Hu Xiaotian felt boundless tenderness well up within him. He reached out to put an arm around her shoulders and comfort her, but Qiqi's piercing gaze stopped him. She said, stressing every word, "What exactly did you want to do there? What were you really after?"
Hu Xiaotian asked, "Have you already found those two Crystal Coffins?"
Qiqi froze at his words.