Ling Changkong fell silent.
Inside the main hall, only the faint sound of oil bubbles popping in the bronze lamps could be heard.
Ling Zhantian suppressed his surging emotions, leaned back on the dragon throne, and regained the calm that was typical of an emperor.
"Moreover, that person from Blood Baleful Intent Tower has already broken through."
Ling Changkong raised his head, his gaze sharpening.
"Did he really break through?"
"That's right."
Ling Zhantian's voice deepened.
"Otherwise, why would the Blood Baleful Intent Tower go to such lengths to secretly arrange for the Seven Sects Grand Competition to be held in the Imperial City?"
Ling Changkong frowned and remained silent.
Ling Zhantian continued, "Due to the hidden dangers of the secret technique, I have been unable to break through to the Dao Mysterious Realm. Now, for me, the most important thing is time."
"I cannot stand by and watch as the Blood Baleful Intent Tower uses this boy to gradually force the Seven Sects to completely break with my Great Qian Imperial Family."
"At least, now is not the time."
His fingers tapped slowly on the armrest of the dragon throne.
One after another.
A chilling rhythm echoed through the hall.
" Chu Yunfei possesses the key to the inheritance of the Heaven-Slaying Sword Emperor, Luo Wuxu's sword is also in his possession. He harbors other secrets, and neither the various sects nor the Blood Baleful Intent Tower will let him go."
"Keeping him in the palace will not only affect what I'm about to do, but it will also attract the attention of the Blood Baleful Intent Tower and all the other sects, disrupting my plans ahead of time."
Ling Changkong gave a bitter smile, "Even so, you shouldn't have revoked his status as the imperial son-in-law and forced him to leave the palace at this time."
"Pushing him to the brink will only put him on the opposite side of the royal family."
Ling Zhantian snorted coldly.
"Whether he's on the opposing side or not is irrelevant, as long as he leaves the capital."
"We'll talk about the future when it comes."
Ling Changkong's eyes flickered.
This statement sounds calm.
But the hidden meaning in it sent a chill down his spine.
Ling Changkong remained silent for a long time before slowly speaking, "The spies planted in the Heavenly Sword Sect have sent back news that Situ Shuang'er..."
Before he could finish speaking, Ling Zhantian raised his hand to interrupt him.
"Elder, you should know that even if Situ Shuang'er awakens her physique, with those two old geezers from the Heavenly Sword Sect protecting her, I can't touch her now."
Ling Zhantian's eyes became as deep and unfathomable as the sea.
"Besides, with only six months left until the Holy Academy's reappearance, I have no other choice."
"Everything I have done is for the resurgence of the royal family."
He spoke the last sentence with extra emphasis.
It was as if she was explaining to Ling Changkong, or as if she was convincing herself.
Ling Changkong stood still for a long time.
His back was still straight, but in those aged eyes that had witnessed a century of trials and tribulations, a certain light was slowly dimming.
Finally, he let out a long sigh.
That sigh seemed to drain the last bit of energy from him, making him look much older in an instant.
"That's enough."
"I don't have many years left to live, so do as you please."
After saying that, Ling Changkong turned and left.
He feared that if he stayed any longer, he might not be able to resist his soft heart.
How is the Crimson Flame Lion?
Ling Zhantian's voice came from behind.
Ling Changkong paused in his steps.
He didn't turn around, but said wearily:
"Still the same as always."
"Since that battle twenty years ago, its injuries have never healed. Unless it can obtain that seventh-grade pill from the Jade Firmament Sect, it will be difficult for it to recover."
Ling Zhantian's gaze darkened slightly.
"I will find a way."
Ling Changkong nodded, said nothing more, and his figure quickly disappeared through the side door of the main hall.
The hall fell silent once more.
Ling Zhantian sat alone for a moment, then took out a communication jade talisman and infused it with spiritual power.
A moment later, the palace doors opened.
A figure strode into the hall.
It was Zhou Xuancheng, the first royal retainer to arrive at the scene on the night the Blood Baleful Intent Tower stormed the palace.
He possessed the Divine Sea Realm Eighth Level, and immediately bowed in respect upon entering the hall.
What are your orders, Your Majesty?
Ling Zhantian looked at him, his voice devoid of emotion.
What has the Third Prince been up to lately?
Zhou Xuancheng replied in a low voice, "Your Majesty, the Third Prince is doing well. He has had no contact with the Blood Baleful Intent Tower in the past two days."
He paused, then added, "However, the First Prince has been in close contact with the Heavenly Sword Sect these past two days. The Second Prince has also met with people from the Puppet Sect."
Ling Zhantian stopped tapping on the armrest.
The temperature inside the hall seemed to drop a few degrees.
Zhou Xuancheng lowered his head, not daring to look any longer.
"Um."
Ling Zhantian's voice was very calm.
"Ignore them, keep watching."
"Also, have Shen Qianyue keep a close eye on the princess."
He looked up, his gaze turning cold.
"Without my permission, she is not to leave the palace even a step."
Zhou Xuancheng's heart tightened, and he immediately replied:
"Yes."
He didn't ask any further questions, bowed, and left the main hall.
The palace doors closed again.
Ling Zhantian closed his eyes and gently tapped his fingers on the armrest again.
Half a year.
The Holy Academy's envoy will appear in six months.
Before that, he had to deal with all the variables that might get out of control.
When Chu Yunfei walked out of the imperial palace, Ling Xueyao was already waiting outside the hall.
She quickly stepped forward, carefully examined Chu Yunfei's face, and only breathed a sigh of relief after confirming that he was unharmed.
" Chu Yunfei, has Father made things difficult for you?"
Ling Xueyao lowered her voice, her tone full of worry.
"What did he talk to you about while he sent me away?"
A smile appeared on Chu Yunfei's face.
"His Majesty spoke with me about our marriage. He feels that I have already taken advantage of the princess, and if we delay any longer, it will damage the royal family's reputation. Therefore, he is preparing to grant the marriage as soon as possible."
Ling Xueyao was taken aback.
The next moment, a blush quickly crept onto her cheeks.
"Who's going to marry you?"
She glared at Chu Yunfei, but her tone clearly lacked confidence.
"I haven't agreed yet, so stop being so presumptuous."
Chu Yunfei took a step closer and looked down at her face behind the veil.
"Is Your Highness planning to renege on your debt?"
"Who was it that called me 'husband' repeatedly in my ear last night, and begged me to hold back my words?"
Ling Xueyao's body stiffened.
Those absurd and shameful scenes from last night flooded my mind without warning.
She bit her lower lip, her ears turning bright red.
"That's... that's what you forced me to say! It doesn't count!"
Chu Yunfei smiled and didn't tease her any further.
The two walked forward along the long palace path.
At first, Ling Xueyao was still immersed in embarrassment and anger. But after walking a distance, the blush on her face slowly faded, replaced by a thoughtful expression.
She turned her head to look at Chu Yunfei.
This guy is still smiling, but the smile is much fainter than usual.
Especially when he mentioned the arranged marriage earlier, his tone was far too casual.
It's like they're deliberately trying to hide something.
My father has just woken up, and the Seven Sects Grand Competition is just around the corner.
No matter how you look at it, it's impossible for the Emperor to rush into arranging their marriage at this time.
Ling Xueyao's pace gradually slowed down.
Chu Yunfei.
Her voice became serious, and the shyness from before was gone.
Chu Yunfei turned his head.
"Um?"
"What exactly did Father Emperor say to you?"
"Didn't I already say we were talking about marriage?--"
You lied to me.
Ling Xueyao interrupted him directly.
Her phoenix eyes were fixed on Chu Yunfei, and the keenness and insight of a princess of the Great Qian Dynasty were fully revealed at this moment.
The wind on the palace road seemed to pause for a moment.
Chu Yunfei looked at Ling Xueyao in front of him.
This woman's intuition was sharper than he had imagined.
Seeing that he didn't speak, Ling Xueyao's unease grew stronger.
She reached out and grabbed Chu Yunfei's sleeve, forcing him to stop.
Don't try to fob me off with those words.
"What exactly did Father Emperor say to you just now? Tell me, okay?"
Imperial guards patrolled the area, but no one dared to get too close.
Chu Yunfei glanced around.
This is not the place to talk.
But Ling Xueyao's hand, gripping his sleeve, never let go; her fingertips were even trembling slightly.
Chu Yunfei remained silent for a moment, then reached out and gently tidied her long hair, which had been ruffled by the night wind.
Your Highness.
"If one day, I leave."
Will you be sad?