"Hmph, I'll tell you now—I am the future empress of the Xing Luo Empire. Don't do anything unwise. Or else I'll have the soldiers feed your dismantled corpse to the hounds!!"
Zhu Zhuyun threatened coldly as her Hell Spirit Cat martial soul manifested, five soul rings gleaming ominously around her.
Judging from the soul power radiating off her, Tang Yin estimated she was at least level fifty-six. But her rising hostility only made him smirk. His figure vanished into a blur, silent as a ghost. The next instant, he was before her, his grip tightening around her slender waist.
Tang yin chuckled. "If I'm not mistaken, your empire's crown prince is head over heels for his own brother. So tell me—if I kidnap you, do you think he'd actually care? I'd wager he'd be delighted."
'Has the rumor really spread so fast?! What am I supposed to do now?' Zhuyun body trembled with fear, for she dreaded the fate that awaited her if she were married to Dai Weisi—a man who had completely lost all interest in women.
Her face drained of color. "Those are nothing but malicious rumors spread by the Tian Dou Empire!" Zhu Zhuyun snapped back, though her voice wavered. The storm beneath her icy front betrayed her denial.
Tang Yin leaned closer, his smile deepening. "Rumors? Hardly. I also witnessed their little display of brotherly 'love' at the Tournament, three years ago. To be honest—it was very nauseating. Even I regretted being there."
"You… bastard!" she hissed, thrashing in his grip. "Aren't you afraid of death? I'll make you regret this!" Her sharp claws slashed furiously, shredding through his robes and riddling his cloak with long tears. Despite her every strike, he remained unharmed, her attacks absorbed effortlessly by his passive energy absorption.
Tang Yin sighed as threads dangled loosely from his ruined clothes. With a flick, he cast his tattered cloak aside, his figure finally revealed under the faint moonlight.
His long, shimmering blue hair flowed like silk in the night breeze, framing a face so striking it looked as if carved from jade. His build was lean yet powerful, each line of muscle catching the moonlight—an effortless allure that was dangerously hard to resist.
For the first time, Zhu Zhuyun's breath hitched against her will. This rogue… how can he be so handsome? She shook her head, forcing the thought away as panic flickered in her eyes. No—focus, Zhuyun! He's trying to kidnap you!
Just as Zhuyun opened her mouth to shout, Tang Yin pressed his hand firmly over her lips, leaning in dangerously close. Her gaze locked onto his, panic warring with something she refused to name as her breathing quickened.
In her martial soul state, Zhuyun's heightened senses betrayed her—his scent flooded her, masculine and intoxicating, overwhelming her focus with every breath. She inhaled hungrily, each inhale drawing her deeper into the very presence she knew she should resist..
Meow~
Seeing her so intoxicated, Tang Yin raised an eyebrow. Zhuqing had never reacted like this around him. Well… his natural scent as the Blue Silver Emperor was inherently alluring—and, apparently, dangerously intoxicating to some.
"What's happening to me?! What did you do to me?!" Zhu Zhuyun demanded stubbornly, still sniffing him uncontrollably like a little kitty.
Seeing her like this, Tang Yin finally released her, and she bolted toward the door—only to freeze as she heard him speak.
"Well, I'm Tang Yin," he said, his gaze lingering on her with a mischievous glint. "We've met before… albeit as opponents in the continental tournament, though you lost—to my Zhuqing."
Tang Yin smirked and took a slow step toward her. "Did you really forget? Honestly, girls have a hard time forgetting me… I doubt you're any different," he said arrogantly.
Zhuyun's eyes widened, finally recognizing him, noting how much he had changed. "It's you!! Wait… you're my sister's boyfriend?! If you're here, then Zhuqing must be too."
Tang Yin nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips as he caught a brief flicker of nervousness on her face before Zhuyun's voice cut through, firm but tinged with worry: "You certainly have some guts, even daring to enter the Palace. If the royal guards catch you, they'll execute you immediately! If you don't want to die, take your girlfriend and run as far away as you can."
Though Zhuyun sounded cold, Tang Yin sensed the panic beneath her composure. With a gentle, reassuring smile, he stepped closer and lightly hugged her, causing her to stiffen slightly at his unpredictable nature.
"You may act like you don't care about your sister, even throw shade at yourself claiming to be heartless, but I can see through your act. You're truly selfless." His admiration genuine.
Zhuyun froze, her eyes widening as Tang yin exposed the truth she had kept hidden from everyone. Hesitantly, she pulled back slightly and asked, "Does Zhuqing know as well?"
"Yes," he said smoothly, crafting a plausible explanation. "I grew suspicious when Zhuqin mentioned how she survived the relentless pursuit of soul ancestors and soul elders."
His gaze lingered on her face, studying the subtle flicker of emotions she tried to hide. "You know she was only a soul grandmaster—how could anyone possibly escape from such a lineup? Then, when I sensed your relived emotions when Zhuqing defeated you in the tournament, I was sure of my suspecion."
"So… she knows," Zhuyun murmured, relief and warmth softening her tone. She no longer had to put on a cold front in front of her sweet sister, and it felt as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders.
Meanwhile—
Tang Yin indulged himself as his hands began wandering over her body, a temptation he couldn't resist. No matter how hard he tried to control them, they refused to obey. What else could he do but enjoy it?
Huh? Zhuyun felt his hand and was hit with a mix of pleasure and anger all at once.
Her attention snapped back, and she swatted him lightly on the shoulder. "And what are you doing, openly cheating on my sister? What did she even see in you? Hmph."
"Who even said I can't flirt with you?" Tang Yin teased, grinning. "I'm pretty sure my Zhuqing wouldn't mind. But if you don't believe me… why don't you ask her yourself?"
"Where is she? Is she in the palace as well?" Zhuyun asked, her protective instincts flaring.
"Nope. Zhuqing's staying in a nearby lodging. Come on, I'll take you with me. Staying here will only waste your potential—come with me, and I'll make sure you'll be with her every day," Tang Yin said, gently taking her hand. Zhuyun didn't resist, tempted by his words.
"But if I escape, my father and mother will suffer. If only Zhuqing escaped, I could take her place as empress. Even if I have to endure it all, at least my parents and sister would be safe," Zhuyun murmured, her words trembling with worry and resignation to her fate.
She couldn't bring herself to be selfish when her family's future was at stake. The thought of freedom tempted her, but the heavy weight of responsibility chained her heart tighter than any palace walls ever could.
Tang Yin smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry. The Emperor won't dare touch your parents, and he'll even tear up the engagement agreements with Weisi and Mubai—for both you and your sister. Do you believe me?" he asked eagerly awaiting her answer.
Zhuyun stared at him, torn. It sounded like a ridiculous fantasy, yet deep down she desperately wanted to believe every word.
Seeing her hesitation, Tang Yin leaned in with a playful nudge. "Come on, believe in me. If you can't, then at least believe in your sister's vision. I've got a bit of a reputation, you know—I'm called a miracle maker. So? Do you believe in me?" He asked again.
She folded her arms, trying to hide her smile. "Nope. But I'll believe you won't make my sister sad. Otherwise, you'll have to face my wrath." Her claws glinted threateningly as she raised her hand.
"Ooo—so scary," Tang Yin said, pretending to cower in fear. His terrible acting was so over-the-top that Zhuyun couldn't help but laugh, the tension in her chest loosening just a little.
Afterward, Tang Yin once again released the Cosmic Shroud, and before Zhuyun's eyes he simply vanished—only for her to realize she was fading too, her hand still firmly clasped in his.
He led her forward, and together they walked straight toward the front gate. Not a single soldier so much as glanced their way; to them, they simply didn't exist.
Zhu Zhuyun's heart pounded with amazement. Tang Yin hadn't been boasting—he truly was a miracle maker. Her curiosity and expectations grew as he led her toward the lodging where Zhuqing and his companions stayed.