"..."
Tang Qing could sense that he was only one step away from that new realm.
He stood up, his joints cracking and popping, and a feeling of comfort emanating from his limbs made him feel good.
"Squeak—"
The door to the quiet room was gently pushed open.
A slender and beautiful figure gracefully entered.
The visitor was none other than Zhu Zhuqing.
Today she changed into a form-fitting black silk dress, which perfectly accentuated her already stunning figure.
The high slit in her skirt allowed glimpses of her long, slender, snow-white legs as she walked, sparking the imagination.
She was holding a white jade tray with a steaming bowl of soup on it.
"Your Majesty, you have finished your cultivation."
Zhu Zhuqing's voice was clear and melodious, carrying just the right amount of respect and gentleness.
She placed the soup bowl on the table and served Tang Qing a bowl; the rich, fragrant aroma instantly filled the air.
"This is made from thousand-year-old snow lotus and several auxiliary medicines, which can nourish the soul power."
Tang Qing walked to the table, sat down, picked up a spoon, and slowly took a sip.
The broth is warm and melts in your mouth, transforming into a warm current that flows throughout your body, dispelling the last trace of fatigue after your cultivation.
Seeing this, Zhu Zhuqing naturally went around behind Tang Qing, placed her slender hands on his shoulders, and began to massage them gently.
Her finger technique was very skillful, with just the right amount of force, and she could always accurately find the most sore and swollen acupoints.
Tang Qing closed her eyes, enjoying this rare moment of comfort.
With a soft, fragrant body in my arms, a beautiful woman adds fragrance with her delicate hands.
This is the life that those in positions of power should have.
Just then, a guard's voice came from outside the door.
"Your Majesty, His Highness the Crown Prince requests an audience."
Tang Qing didn't even lift his eyelids, and said indifferently.
"Let him in."
A moment later, Xue Qinghe, dressed in the Crown Prince's everyday clothes, walked in with a gentle smile on his face.
He first glanced at Zhu Zhuqing, who was massaging Tang Qing, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes, before bowing respectfully.
"Qinghe greets the Blue Silver King."
Tang Qing opened her eyes, signaled Zhu Zhuqing to stop, and then looked at Xue Qinghe.
"It's so late, what urgent matter does Your Highness have to discuss?"
Xue Qinghe straightened up, her smile unchanged.
"Tomorrow is the opening day of the Blue Silver Holy Court Academy. This is a grand event in the Northern Territory. On behalf of the Heaven Dou Royal Family, Qinghe would like to extend his congratulations to His Majesty in advance."
"That's thoughtful of you."
Tang Qing gave a nonchalant reply.
Xue Qinghe didn't mind and continued, "My father attaches great importance to the affairs of the academy and has specially ordered me to fully cooperate with the king. If there is any need, the royal family will definitely provide full support."
"..."
Tang Qing said, "Tell Emperor Xueye to mind his own business and not worry about my affairs."
These words were anything but polite.
Xue Qinghe's smile froze for a moment, but he quickly recovered.
"Your Majesty is right. Qinghe will relay this truthfully."
As the two were talking, a clear and lively voice suddenly came from outside the door. The person was not seen, but the voice was heard first.
"Master! Master, I'm here!"
Before she could finish speaking, Ning Rongrong came skipping and hopping in like a cheerful little butterfly.
She wore a pink princess dress, the hem swaying gracefully with her movements, revealing a pair of equally straight and slender legs with dazzlingly fair skin.
As soon as she entered, she rushed excitedly to Tang Qing, her big eyes sparkling with admiration and anticipation.
"Master, school starts tomorrow! I'm sure I'll be one of the best students, so please take me as your apprentice!"
Tang Qing frowned as he looked at her overly familiar manner.
"I'm not your master, don't call me that."
Ning Rongrong's smile froze instantly, and she pouted with a hint of grievance.
"How...how could you do this? Are you trying to back out?"
"You clearly said that as long as we can get one of the top places in the first academy competition, we can become your personal disciple! This is the benefit you promised!"
Tang Qing picked up the soup bowl, took another sip, and then slowly spoke.
"I did say that."
"But I don't think you have a good chance."
This bucket of cold water chilled Ning Rongrong to the bone.
She puffed out her chest defiantly, like an angry kitten.
"Why? I'm a genius too! My martial soul is the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda!"
Tang Qing put down the soup bowl, turned her gaze to Zhu Zhuqing who was standing quietly to the side, and a playful smile appeared on her lips.
"So, how do you think you compare to her?"
Ning Rongrong was instantly speechless.
She subconsciously looked at Zhu Zhuqing. The woman was just standing there quietly, but she had an aura that made her feel ashamed of herself.
In terms of figure, although she was not bad, she still looked a bit immature compared to Zhu Zhuqing's devilish curves.
In terms of strength, Zhu Zhuqing's soul power level has long surpassed hers.
More importantly, Zhu Zhuqing was the first woman in this man's life.
A strong sense of jealousy rose from the bottom of Ning Rongrong's heart.
She bit her lip and retorted unwillingly, "That...that's different! Sister Zhuqing is where she is today thanks to your help, Master!"
"If I could become your apprentice and receive your personal guidance, I'm sure I could surpass her!"
Upon hearing this, Zhu Zhuqing, who was standing to the side, glanced at Ning Rongrong with a hint of displeasure in her eyes.
This little brat really doesn't know her place.
It seems I must whisper sweet nothings in the king's ear tonight, letting her know who is the most trusted person by his side.
Thinking of this, Zhu Zhuqing's figure seemed to soften even more, and her eyes became even more moist as she looked at Tang Qing.
Tang Qing ignored the undercurrents between the two women and turned his gaze back to Xue Qinghe.
"Your Highness, is there anything else?"
Xue Qinghe had been observing silently from the sidelines, and only when Tang Qing called on him did he come to his senses.
Looking at Tang Qing, he felt that the Blue Silver King's aura was more restrained and unfathomable tonight than before.
The feeling was like facing a volcano about to erupt, calm on the surface but containing the power to destroy everything within.
He asked tentatively.
"Qinghe senses that His Majesty's aura... seems to have improved considerably. Could it be... that His Majesty has reached level ninety-eight?"
Upon hearing this, the air in the room seemed to freeze instantly.
Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong were both stunned and turned to look at Tang Qing.
Level 98!
What does that mean?
Even across the entire Douluo Continent, they are as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns!
Tang Qing shook his head.
Not yet.
Just as Xue Qinghe was about to breathe a sigh of relief upon hearing this answer, Tang Qing added another sentence.
"However, it will be soon."
Xue Qinghe's heart sank suddenly.
Soon?
This man's rate of growth has completely exceeded the bounds of common sense!
You can read 40+ advanced chapters right now on PA TREON.
Don't wait for daily updates
Support and unlock: [ patreon.com/FicHub ]
(End of chapter)