This once spirited old man, who led the empire to the pinnacle of soul guidance, now had a pale face and his breath was as weak as a candle flickering in the wind.
His chest was covered with complex soul-guided healing patches, into which a subtle flow of blue energy was constantly being injected, but it could not dispel the deep weariness and an indescribable sense of frustration between his brows.
Huo Yuhao's earth-shattering attack not only severely injured his body, but also seemed to shatter his lifelong belief in the ultimate soul guidance.
Ju Zi, dressed in an elegant moon-white palace gown and without any makeup, sat quietly by the bed.
She held Kong Deming's withered hand, looking at this mentor and pillar of the empire with a complex expression.
Worry, heaviness, and immense pressure about the future acted like invisible shackles, leaving even her stunningly beautiful face etched with an inescapable weariness.
The vast empire is beset by internal and external troubles, with the formidable enemy Huo Yuhao hanging like a sword of Damocles, while their greatest reliance, Elder Kong, is...
The burden on her shoulders was heavier than Qian Jun.
Just then, an extremely subtle yet sharp gust of wind, carrying the aura of tearing through space, unexpectedly pierced through layers of soul-guided defenses and rose up out of thin air in the quiet room.
The curtains moved automatically even without wind, and the indicator light on the medical device flashed once.
Ju Zi, like a startled female leopard, suddenly turned her head.
The emperor's mind instantly tensed her nerves, her Soul Power flowing unconsciously, her eyes piercingly like knives towards the source of the strong wind—the tightly closed, heavy door forged from a level nine alloy.
The door was not opened.
A figure appeared silently in the center of the room, like Gui Mei, with dappled sunlight falling right at his feet.
Dressed in black, with black hair, and a figure as upright as a javelin, it was indeed Toji.
He stood there quietly, his gaze first sweeping over the dying Kong Deming on the bed, a hint of understanding flashing in his eyes. Then, his deep, cold gaze fell on Ju Zi, who had suddenly turned around, her pupils dilating in shock.
Their eyes met.
Time seemed to freeze at that moment.
Ju Zi's bright eyes, burdened with the weight of the empire and filled with worry and weariness, seemed to be struck by a stone thrown into an icy lake the moment she saw the newcomer's face. All the Ice Seal, all the heaviness, all the forced strength...
They all shattered and melted in an instant.
Shock, disbelief, followed by a flood of relief and ecstasy.
Unexpectedly, glistening tears filled her eyes and rolled down her smooth cheeks like pearls from a broken string.
She didn't scream or shout; she just stared intently at Toji, as if trying to etch his image into the depths of her soul.
Her tense shoulders relaxed instantly, as if a huge burden had been lifted. A sense of relief and grievance, as if she had finally waited for him, was clearly written on her tear-filled face.
All the unease, all the problems, all the immense pressure...
The moment this man appeared, it seemed as if a glimmer of hope appeared, and the problem would be solved.
"You..." Ju Zi's voice was thick with nasal tone and a slight, almost imperceptible tremor. She managed to utter only one word before she could no longer continue.
She suddenly stood up, not even bothering to wipe the tears from her face, and staggered around the hospital bed, walking quickly towards Toji.
Toji looked at Ju Zi, who was in tears, had lost her former composure and calculation, and was now only as vulnerable and dependent as a little woman. Her brows twitched almost imperceptibly.
He opened his mouth, seemingly wanting to ask about Kong Deming's situation or some so-called emergency.
However, the Ju Zi didn't give him a chance to speak at all.
Like a fledgling swallow returning to its nest, she brought a fragrant breeze and crashed hard into Toji's arms.
She wrapped her arms tightly around his strong waist, buried her face deep in his firm chest, and greedily inhaled the scent of blood, dust, and a unique masculine aroma emanating from him, as if this were the most reassuring harbor in the world.
Toji's body stiffened slightly, then relaxed.
He could clearly feel the warmth and softness of the delicate body in his arms, and the subtle trembling caused by excitement and crying.
The familiar, unique scent of Ju Zi, a blend of sweet fruit and premium incense, was like the finest aphrodisiac, instantly enveloping his nose and penetrating his lungs, bringing a strange thrill. He subconsciously raised his arm and wrapped it around Ju Zi's slender yet surprisingly strong and resilient waist.
" Toji...?"
Ju Zi muffled voice came from his chest, filled with heavy sobs and boundless grievance.
"Yes, I'm here." Toji's voice was low, carrying a gentleness he himself was unaware of.
He was about to bend down and ask her about the urgent matter mentioned in the letter when the Ju Zi in his arms suddenly moved.
She suddenly raised her head, her tear-blurred eyes burning with an almost frenzied light.
Under Toji's slightly surprised gaze, Ju Zi suddenly exerted force with her legs and jumped with all her might.
Snap!
Her long, slender, and powerful legs, like the most flexible vines, instantly Entanglement tightly around Toji's strong waist.
Her hands, like nimble snakes, swiftly climbed up and tightly embraced Toji's neck.
Her entire delicate body clung to Shen'er like Toji!
This sudden action stunned Toji. However, what caught him off guard was yet to come.
Without the slightest hesitation, Ju Zi raised her stunningly beautiful face, which was both tear-streaked and breathtakingly alluring yet resolute, and aimed at Toji parted lips. With a forceful, cathartic release, she pressed her red lips against his.
"Huh?!"
The soft, moist touch, tinged with the salty bitterness of tears and the unique sweetness of Ju Zi, instantly overwhelmed Toji.
That scorching kiss, filled with an overwhelming sense of possessiveness, was like the most intense electric current, instantly piercing through his nerves.
After a brief moment of surprise, Toji's dormant wildness and desire for conquest deep within his blood were completely ignited.
His eyes darkened, a fleeting crimson light flashing within them.
The arms wrapped around Ju Zi's waist tightened suddenly, almost as if he wanted to meld her into his body.
With his other hand, he gripped the back of her head tightly, turning the tables and opening his mouth to respond with even more domineering and intense aggression.
After a long while, the two parted ways.
Ju Zi was breathing heavily, her chest heaving. Her beautiful face was flushed with an alluring blush, her eyes were glazed, and her lips were slightly swollen from the intense kiss, glistening with moisture, adding to her breathtakingly seductive charm.
She remained clinging to Toji, her legs tightly wrapped around his waist, her arms around his neck, her forehead pressed against his, her hot breath on his face.
Toji his breathing was a little heavy. He looked at Ju Zi, who was so close to him, her eyes filled with seductive allure. His gaze was as deep as the sea, and his voice was hoarse with a hint of desire.
"It seems the urgent matter you mentioned in your letter isn't so pressing? Or perhaps...?"
He paused deliberately, his gaze sweeping over Ju Zi's swollen lips and heaving chest.
"... This is what you call an emergency?"