The sun climbed toward noon, its warm light pouring through the crystal roof and bathing the rumpled bed in golden radiance. The tiny glass beads on the canopy shimmered like scattered stars.
The air still carried last night's lingering scent—a blend of sandalwood, floral sweetness, and something unmistakably intimate.
Qian Renxue stirred awake, feeling as if her body had been dismantled and hastily reassembled.
She shifted slightly, gasping at the ache—then realized she was still firmly imprisoned in Dai Chengfeng's embrace.
His muscular arm lay across her waist—not crushing, but undeniably possessive.
Turning her head, she found his sleeping face inches away.
Morning light softened his sharp features; the usual arrogance tempered by slumber, leaving an uncharacteristic calm in his brow and eyes.
Yet the faint smirk playing on his lips—seen clearly by Qian Renxue—spoke of satisfied triumph and playful mischief.
Remembering his insatiable "revenge" from last night until dawn's first light, her cheeks flushed anew—shame and sweetness tangling in her chest.
On impulse, she bit his defined shoulder—not hard, but enough to leave a clear, pink mark.
"Hiss…"
Dai Chengfeng winced. His lashes fluttered open, revealing eyes already sharp with awareness. He'd been feigning sleep.
Seeing her flustered expression, he chuckled—a low, morning-rough sound.
"What? Angel Princess not satisfied with last night's 'revenge'? Want another bite?"
Caught, Qian Renxue's blush deepened. She buried her face in his chest, muffled:
"You're… too much…"
Dai Chengfeng laughed heartily.
Not offended, he tightened his arm, nuzzling her golden hair. Teasing warmth laced his voice.
"Too much? Clearly my revenge needs more effort."
"You…"
Qian Renxue fumed—but froze mid-protest. Her voice dropped, laced with sudden worry.
"Dai Chengfeng… after all this… could I… be pregnant?"
Though vague, Dai Chengfeng understood instantly.
His eyes crinkled with amusement. He kissed her forehead, tone light yet hopeful.
"Pregnant? That'd be wonderful."
"Wonderful?!"
She jerked upright, glaring—eyes wide with panic. "Have you forgotten?"
"I still need to return to Tian Dou! As Xue Qinghe… If I'm truly… how can I maintain this identity?"
Her expression turned grave, tangled with years of sacrifice. This mission had consumed her life—she couldn't let it collapse now.
Dai Chengfeng's playful mask fell. His gaze sharpened, earnest.
He traced her furrowed brow, voice low.
"Xue'er… do you truly believe continuing this charade in Tian Dou still matters?"
Qian Renxue stiffened. "Of course it does! It's the Spirit Hall's grand strategy—Grandfather's wish…"
"That was then."
Dai Chengfeng cut in, decisive. "Times have changed."
"With your talent and the Angel God's inheritance, pursuing godhood is far more meaningful—and faster—than scheming in Tian Dou's court."
He propped himself up, eyes blazing with strategic clarity.
"Even if you seize Tian Dou's throne, it's merely mortal power. But as a god? Every rule, every throne on this continent becomes dust beneath your feet."
"With divine power, Tian Dou's fate hinges on your whim. Trading godhood for an earthly crown? That's a losing bargain."
Qian Renxue's breath caught. His words struck bone-deep—laying bare truths she'd avoided.
She'd considered this before, but years of obsession and sunk costs made letting go impossible.
"I've invested so much time…" she whispered.
"Which is precisely why you must cut losses now and pursue what truly matters."
He gripped her hand, firm. "Your stage is the boundless Divine Realm—not Tian Dou's petty court."
"Why waste energy playing a role you'll discard? Focus on inheriting the Angel God's throne. Once you ascend, who dares defy the Spirit Hall?"
He paused, voice softening with persuasion.
"Trust me—abandoning this mission for godhood benefits you and the Spirit Hall most."
"As for Tian Dou…"
"If it behaves, spare it. If not? Obliterate it with a thought."
Silence fell. Qian Renxue's eyes flickered—torn between duty and revelation.
Dai Chengfeng's words unlocked a door she'd kept sealed: a path beyond subterfuge.
He was right.
Infiltrating Tian Dou aimed to control the empire cheaply—but with divine power, such schemes were laughably redundant.
Power was the world's ultimate law.
"I… need time to think."
Her voice was hoarse, resolve no longer absolute.
After all, he offered a straighter, brighter path to heaven.
Seeing her hesitate, Dai Chengfeng knew he'd won. He smiled gently:
"Take your time. Whatever you choose, I'll support you."
He kissed her lips lightly, then rose—pulling on a robe with swift grace.
"I'll order food. After last night and this morning, you must be starving."
Watching his retreating back, Qian Renxue sat frozen—heart heavy with conflicting tides.
------------------------------------------------------
Join my Patreon to read a completed exclusive novel (Over 250 Chapters) + get up to 30 Chapters ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)