Subei's smile bloomed like spring flowers, enchanting everyone around. The royal messenger's eyes glazed over, captivated by this child. If he hadn't known that Subei was favored by His Royal Highness and backed by the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect, he might have been tempted to abduct him.
"Foolish boy, do you really think I fear His Royal Highness will harm you? It's far too late for someone like you to be beloved—no one would dare touch you."
Liu Erlong said wistfully, "But the last time I was in Notting City, I held you close in my heart. I worried that before I could return to Huxin Island, someone unknown might take you away in the short time we were apart."
"Before I return, I must protect you at all costs!"
His possessiveness had never been this fierce—not even when he was with Yu Xiaogang.
He wasn't a stingy man, but with Subei, he couldn't be generous.
And his worries were justified.
With so many admiring eyes around, it was easy to see how alluring his godson was.
He truly hated leaving him alone for even half a minute.
"Hey… Godmother, I can't always rely on you. Sooner or later, I want to be independent. Let me go fly on my own, or else people will say you're smothering me."
Northern Jiangsu understood the deadly maternal instinct that struck women around thirty—making them fiercely protective.
Perhaps only when children reached fourteen or fifteen, blossomed into adults, and felt attraction, would the dynamics between male and female change.
"Momboy?"
Liu Erlong was puzzled by the term.
Subei sighed, "If I go to the imperial seal ceremony with you now, I'll become the center of attention. Think about it—all those nobles in the court…"
Reminded by Subei, Liu Erlong rubbed his forehead and said, "Xiaobei is right. At a royal ceremony, the Pope of Wuhun Hall would be present. If she fancies Xiao Bei too, I've made my decision. If you can't stop it, let Xiaobei visit Xue Qinghe."
Subei was already a figure capable of overturning the world with her presence—sure to be sought after by soul masters and civilians alike.
But with greatness came pressure and danger.
"Alright, it's settled. I'll go to see His Royal Highness. You behave at the Imperial Seal Hall and come find me afterward."
For a moment, Subei appeared mature, solemnly ordering Liu Erlong.
He could only affirm repeatedly, "You must protect yourself!"
"I know, I know!"
—
They walked through a magnificent corridor adorned with silver lights and golden dragon-patterned carpets.
Giant pillars carved with dragon heads rose tall, while palace guards patrolled steadily. His Royal Highness's ceremonies were impeccable and grand.
A mighty spirit master of the sensitive attack system arranged the scene, lifting golden curtains from the palace's apex as swift attendants flitted along the walls.
A strong Han warrior embraced a dragon-head pedestal, placing it at the Ninth Five-Year Supreme Array Ceremony. Sweat glistened in the morning sun.
Graceful court ladies held silver cups releasing wisps of fragrant heat—delicate soul beast delicacies within.
Silver-sleeved dancers lined the palace, wearing silk skirts that fluttered luxuriously.
No wonder the Wuhun Palace had captured the public's heart while causing turmoil within Tiandou Royal.
Such decadent indulgence without regard for the people—no words could describe it.
"Little Lord, this way please!"
Guided along a path hundreds of meters long, they attracted many glances within the palace.
Fortunately, they arrived without disturbance.
"Little Lord, you must go alone from here. His Royal Highness wishes to see you personally and forbids anyone else accompanying you to avoid punishment."
"To prevent disturbing the two princes."
A slight smile played at the corner of the guide's mouth.