"Ling Ya?" Xu Jiujiu paused, her delicate brows drawing together. "He suddenly vanished some time ago, and now he has returned out of the blue, asking for an audience so urgently. Imperial Brother, what do you think?"
The smile on Xu Jiawei's face faded a little. He tapped his fingers lightly against the desk and said thoughtfully, "Although this Ice Sky Douluo has been staying at your Princess's Mansion, he has never formally accepted a position as an honored retainer of our Star Luo Empire. His movements are unpredictable. I have always harbored some doubts about him. Still-" He paused. "He is a Titled Douluo, after all. We must not slight him. Show him in. Let us hear what news he has brought."
"Yes, Your Majesty." The attendant accepted the order and hurried out.
Before long, Ling Ya strode into the Imperial Study, travel-worn and grave-faced. As before, he merely cupped his hands slightly toward Xu Jiawei and Xu Jiujiu by way of greeting, displaying the unmistakable pride of a Titled Douluo.
"Your Eminence Ice Sky, it has been some time. Have you been well?" Xu Jiawei put his formal smile back on and raised a hand, gesturing for him to dispense with the courtesy. "What brings you to seek an audience with me so urgently?"
Ling Ya straightened, his gaze sweeping over Xu Jiawei and Xu Jiujiu. His voice was solemn as he went straight to the point. "Your Majesty, Your Highness. I have not been idling away my time during my travels since leaving the Star Luo Empire. Recently, within the Heaven Dou Empire, I happened upon a secret and subsequently became embroiled in an earth-shattering upheaval. I have come expressly to report it!"
His words immediately seized Xu Jiawei's and Xu Jiujiu's full attention. Ling Ya paused