In this Desolate Ancient Forbidden Land, a deathly still wind swirls crimson dust.
Ji Ziyue sat alone on a rock, idly swinging her little feet, her jade-like feet white and spotless.
"Why haven't they come out yet? It's been days!!"
Tap tap tap...
Just then, the sound of footsteps approached.
Ji Ziyue looked curiously in the direction of the sound, and saw Lin Hao leisurely strolling out from the depths of that terrifying Desolate Ancient Forbidden Land.
A faint smile played at the corners of his lips.
"Great-grandfather, you've finally come out!"
Ji Ziyue, who had been waiting in the same spot, suddenly brightened up. Like a nimble purple butterfly, she gracefully stepped forward, her large eyes blinking as she looked Lin Hao up and down. Then, she asked curiously:
"Grandpa, why are you so happy? Is there anything fun inside?"
Upon hearing this, Lin Hao raised his hand and gently ruffled Ji Ziyue's soft hair. "Children shouldn't ask about adult matters."
"I'm not a child!"
Ji Ziyue immediately pouted and stomped her foot in dissatisfaction.
Even so, she couldn't help but steal a glance into the depths of the Desolate Ancient Forbidden Land. The crimson rocks were faintly visible in the thin mist, and the terrifying roar still seemed to echo in her ears.
She simply couldn't imagine what was hidden inside that could make her great-grandfather so happy just from going in there.
Curiosity scurried through her mind like a kitten's paws, but Ji Ziyue also knew that although her great-grandfather doted on her, there were some things he simply wouldn't say, and asking would be pointless.
She could only give a muffled "humph," turn her back, and pretend to be angry.
Lin Hao watched the girl's sulking back, his smile deepening, but he offered no explanation.
There are some things that Ji Ziyue shouldn't know right now.
Seeing that Lin Hao really wasn't going to comfort her or tell her what had happened, Ji Ziyue's expression instantly changed. As if nothing had just occurred, she naturally took Lin Hao's arm, tilted her pretty face up, and asked:
"Grandpa, where are we going next?"
Lin Hao withdrew his gaze from the distance and landed on the girl's bright face, saying casually:
"Let's go back."
"No way!" Ji Ziyue immediately pouted, shaking his arm and drawing out her words, "Grandpa, I finally get to go out once in a while, I want to go for a walk~"
Lin Hao glanced at her, deliberately putting on a stern face, but there was little severity in his eyes:
I don't have time to go shopping with you.
Ji Ziyue's eyes darted around, knowing full well that her great-grandfather was the type who responded better to gentle persuasion than force, especially towards her.
She immediately let go, turned to face Lin Hao, tilted her head back, blinked her eyes like autumn water, and gently tugged at Lin Hao's sleeve, her voice soft and sweet, full of coquettish charm.
"Great-grandfather~~~"
"Let's go take a look! I heard the Southern Region is quite lively, with new ruins! Let's go check it out, okay?"
Lin Hao remained unmoved by Ji Ziyue's coquettish behavior, simply observing her calmly.
Seeing this, Ji Ziyue suddenly tiptoed and, with lightning speed, kissed Lin Hao on the cheek, making a soft "pop" sound.
She immediately took a half step back after the kiss, her face slightly flushed, but she flashed a triumphant, radiant smile, her voice clear and sweet:
"Great-grandfather is the best! Come on, come on~!"
Lin Hao seemed to be stunned for a moment, then raised his hand and touched the spot where he had been kissed with a helpless expression. Looking at the smiling girl in front of him, he couldn't maintain his serious expression and it turned into a hint of indulgent laughter.
He shook his head, finally relenting, his tone full of helplessness:
"You... go on your way."
"Yay! I knew Great-Grandpa was the best!"
Ji Ziyue cheered and grabbed Lin Hao's arm again, her face beaming with a triumphant smile.
White Emperor City, the Upper Heavenly Palace.
Deep within the magnificent palace, amidst the rising clouds and mist, a spacious bath made of warm jade steams with wisps of white vapor.
The pool water is not ordinary water, but rather dew collected before dawn, refined with dozens of gentle spiritual herbs. The mist carries a refreshing, faint medicinal fragrance and spiritual energy.
In the pool, Jiang Wanwan leaned lazily against the edge, her smooth, jade-like shoulders protruding above the water's surface, glistening with water droplets.
She had her eyes closed, as if taking a nap.
Behind her, on her left and right, two stunningly beautiful girls, who looked seven or eight parts alike, were gently massaging her shoulders and neck.
The two moved with practiced skill and applied just the right amount of force, their fingertips swirling with subtle, gentle Spiritual Power, precisely soothing every inch of the skin.
It was Zhu Zhuqing and Zhu Zhuyun.
It's been a month.
Only a few days had passed outside, but within the Upper Heavenly Palace, the flow of time had been subtly adjusted, and they had already undergone a month of "special training" there.
From initial nervousness and shyness to current compliance, proficiency, and even... a faint sense of anticipation.
This month's experience made them fully understand the rules of Heavenly Court and what they should do.
You did a great job.
Jiang Wanwan suddenly spoke, her voice languid and husky after her bath, yet still melodious.
Zhu Zhuqing and Zhu Zhuyun paused for a moment, then became even gentler.
"I've taught you almost everything I needed to this past month."
Jiang Wanwan slowly opened her eyes, her beautiful eyes appearing hazy and deep in the misty steam. "You've all graduated."
Zhu Zhuqing's heart stirred, and her fingertips tightened slightly.
Zhu Zhuyun held her breath.
"Next," Jiang Wanwan stood up from the pool, water droplets sliding down her Perfect World curves.
With a casual wave of her hand, a light gauze robe flew out automatically and wrapped around her body.
"I can take you to White Jade Capital now."
White Jade Capital!
They had frequently heard this word from the Jiang sisters during this month, each time accompanied by a tone of utmost reverence and longing.
But neither of them ever received a specific description of what kind of place it was.
Jiang Xiaoxiao appeared by the pool at some point, holding two neatly folded, brand-new dresses.
The dress is simple yet exquisite in style, made of a material that is neither silk nor linen, with a faint moonlight-like luster and subtle flowing runes.
"Please change into these." Jiang Xiaoxiao handed over the dress, smiling slightly. "This is the ' Flowing Cloud Garment,' woven from Heavenly Silkworm Cloud Silk. It contains basic formations for purification, dust repellency, and lightness of movement. It's quite fitting for the place you're about to go."
Zhu Zhuqing and Zhu Zhuyun respectfully accepted it; it was cool and smooth to the touch, as if they were holding a ray of moonlight.
"When His Majesty returns," Jiang Wanwan said, fastening her sash and turning to look at the two men, a meaningful look in her eyes, "Then you will have the qualifications and the opportunity... to serve His Majesty."
Serve His Majesty!
Despite being mentally prepared, the two sisters' hearts still skipped a beat when they heard those words in person.
It wasn't fear, but a complex flutter of excitement—tension, trepidation, yet mixed with a hint of something indescribable... glory?
To be able to "serve" such a being seems...
It was not a humiliation, but rather an opportunity that was hard to come by.
"Thank you both for your guidance." Zhu Zhuqing was the first to curtsy, her voice clear and respectful.
Zhu Zhuyun immediately echoed, " Zhu Yun will remember this."
The Jiang sisters exchanged a glance and smiled slightly. "Just don't forget us in the future. Come with us."