Roar!
The two heard a soft, low roar as a ball of white fur shot toward Xichen, who caught it with ease.
"Hmm... a cub of an Iron Winged Panther," Xichen murmured, staring at the ball of white fur that was making adorable expressions to get his attention. "Was it attracted to my energy during the breakthrough..."
That was the only explanation he could come up with for why this Profound Beast had taken such a liking to him.
The little panther was small and beautiful, with snow-white fur as pure as snow, a pair of small, shimmering wings on its back, and soft blue eyes that held an innocence and tenderness rarely seen in creatures of this kind. It was clear that it wasn't wild but belonged to someone, as he could tell it had been cared for with gentle and special attention, making one's heart yearn to protect it.
As expected, they soon heard voices coming from the main gate of the courtyard, where someone seemed to be talking to the guards outside.
"Did you run away from your owner?" Xichen smiled, stroking the little panther's chin as he stood up. "I'll go return this little one."
The cub was at the Earth Profound Realm, clearly not something just anyone could obtain.
"..." Zhuqing nodded quietly, staring at his retreating back.
"Are you thinking of telling him about our origins? It won't be long before he breaks through to the Divine Origin Realm," Zhuyun said softly, appearing beside Zhuqing.
"Hmm... but not yet. There's no need for him to bear any responsibility right now," Zhuqing nodded lightly, her eyes serious as Xichen disappeared from her sight.
"Bear responsibility? You must be joking. That rascal isn't the type to be bound by any responsibility," Zhuyun smiled sarcastically, as it seemed her younger sister still didn't understand her son as well as she did.
"I know, but it seems the Master has become the new Realm King," Zhuqing said quietly, the image of a beautiful woman with blonde hair and red eyes appearing in her mind. "So I doubt she'll allow him to weasel out of the position of Holy Son. With his talent and possessing the inheritance of two Gods, he is more than suitable to lead the Soul Land Realm."
"I admit that woman is terrifying, but don't worry. Not even she can control that little rascal," Zhuyun shuddered at the mention of that woman but had great confidence in Xichen, so she wasn't too worried.
"I hope so, but what worries me is sensing the power of the Heavenly Slaughter Star God a few years ago without any trace of her since," Zhuqing said. Given her power, it was impossible for her not to sense Jasmine's presence. "And she seemed to be severely injured at that time, which means things in the Gods Realm are not at their best."
"You worry too much. Have you forgotten who we are? The Speed Goddess and the Dream Goddess," Zhuyun said seriously. They had inherited the legacy of the ancient Gods and stood at the pinnacle of the current universe. It wouldn't be difficult for them to protect Xichen if things went wrong.
"I suppose you're right," Zhuqing nodded after a brief silence. As Zhuyun said, it seemed her worry had been unnecessary or unfounded.
In front of the Moonlight Courtyard's gate, Xichen found several people talking to the guards. Their master appeared to be the young woman in the center.
The girl was beautiful, with light brown hair tinged with orange and a pair of emerald eyes. She wore pink clothing that wrapped around her body, slightly accentuating her mature curves.
"We will inform His Highness of your arrival and your request. Please wait here for a moment," the guard said politely, intending to go report the matter to Xichen while the other guard entertained the guests at the gate.
"No need to report. I already know," Xichen's voice rang in the guards' ears as he calmly approached the gate, gently playing with the panther cub in his hands, which was clearly very attached to him.
"Your Highness!!" Upon seeing Xichen's arrival, the guards knelt respectfully, causing the young woman and her servants to stare in astonishment.
"Rise," Xichen nodded to the guards, allowing them to stand. "Please forgive my guards' abruptness, but I hope you understand this is their job, and they were only performing their duty."
Xichen walked confidently toward the young woman, the panther cub wagging its little tail excitedly in his hands.
"Snowy!!" The girl exclaimed upon seeing the cub. Her expression quickly turned to surprise and astonishment upon seeing how comfortable the cub was in Xichen's hands, seemingly playing with him.
"So this cub belongs to this beautiful young lady," the corners of Xichen's mouth lifted in a light, handsome smile. "As expected. The owner of a beautiful cub is beautiful as well."
The girl smiled shyly and nodded, saying, "Yes, he's Snowy. This is the first time I've seen him so attached to someone else. He usually causes quite a commotion when anyone other than me tries to get close."
[Ding! The host has made the heart of the heroine, Dugu Xiaoye, pound strongly, and you have gained a good impression from her. The host has received 20 Fortune Value and 100 Destiny Points.]
'Oh? Interesting,' Xichen thought upon hearing the system notification in the back of his mind, his smile widening slightly. "Our meeting here is a matter of fate. What does the beautiful young lady think about allowing me to host her for a cup of tea and building a new friendship?"
The girl smiled gently, her emerald eyes twinkling with a faint glow. "That is a generous offer. Of course, I wouldn't refuse a chance to get to know you better. Especially since I'm curious why they address you as 'Your Highness.' Are you a prince from another empire who has fled to this empire?"
"That's a secret. I'll tell you in the future," Xichen smiled, placing his finger on his lips and winking at Xiaoye. Then he looked at the guards. "Please clear the way. I will accompany Snowy, and it will be my pleasure to have you enjoy the hospitality of the Moonlight Courtyard."
The guards stepped forward respectfully and began to clear the path as Xichen and the girl followed, the panther cub playing in his hands like a small, secure child.
Inside the courtyard, the light of crystal lanterns illuminated the place with a warm glow, and the fragrant aroma of tea filled the air, creating a calm and comfortable atmosphere suitable for the beginning of a new friendship.
...
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