Women with true integrity in this world are like plum blossoms blooming in the snow, like bamboo joints hardened by frost. Even across a thousand years, they are rare treasures hidden in the vast sea of time.
Yun Liyue had already been satisfied with Xu Qingxue.
Now, seeing her clear eyes like autumn water, her outstanding beauty, and the defined joints of her wrist with blood and qi flowing smoothly, she was clearly a rare piece of raw jade in martial cultivation. This made Yun Liyue feel that this girl was different from ordinary noble daughters.
It was only a pity that this child came from a humble family.
Her fingertips gently brushed over the green porcelain teacup on the desk, the glaze smooth and warm like fat, but her mind was already weighing things.
'My son Yang Cheng is the Crown Prince. In the future, the six palaces of the Eastern Palace will not lack consorts. Letting this Qingxue become a side consort is already a heavenly favor for her. For the royal family, it would also be a way of cherishing talent.'
[The host moves swiftly. Already bringing his chosen girl to meet Yun Liyue.]
[As expected of a bachelor of 510 years. Once enlightened, his momentum is unstoppable.]
[Mission reward has been issued. Please collect it yourself.]
"…"
Reading the subtitles from the system, Yang Cheng felt his temples throbbing. He had never wanted to curse at the system this badly.
"You are called Qingxue? A fine name. In front of me, there's no need for excessive formality."
Yun Liyue personally helped Xu Qingxue up and let her sit beside her.
Xu Qingxue was still somewhat reserved.
"Good child, did Su Lingchen's Nine-Nine Thunder Origin Finger leave any hidden danger in your body?"
Yun Liyue took one of her hands, placing it between her own.
Xu Qingxue's cheeks turned pink, like peach blossoms touched by morning dew in March. She softly said, "Replying to Your Majesty, His Highness has already helped Qingxue completely dissolve the Nine-Nine Thunder Origin Finger. There are no hidden dangers left. In fact, Qingxue even gained from this misfortune."
"That is good."
Yun Liyue smiled.
Then, holding Xu Qingxue's hand, she began chatting warmly, learning about her background in great detail.
Xu Qingxue answered everything respectfully, hiding nothing.
But Yang Cheng felt that her respect toward Yun Liyue wasn't just that of a commoner facing the Empress. It faintly carried the feeling of a daughter-in-law meeting her mother-in-law.
Yang Cheng thought the world had gone mad.
An hour later, Xu Qingxue finally rose to take her leave.
Once she was gone, Yun Liyue turned her gaze to Yang Cheng. Her meaningful look made his heart jump.
He quickly said, "Mother, what is that look? I'm still so young, I don't even understand matters between men and women. How could I possibly harbor improper thoughts toward Xu Qingxue?"
Yun Liyue covered her lips with a laugh. "Then this mother is curious. Lin Shu, Shen Muxue, Tangtang, and now this Xu Qingxue—why are they all such beauties?"
Yang Cheng couldn't possibly explain that he knew these people's future achievements, so he was left speechless.
"Cheng'er, you were precocious from childhood. Add in your strong cultivation, your qi and blood are far more vigorous than ordinary people. Whatever thoughts you may have, this mother can understand."
Yun Liyue's smile faded, her tone turning solemn. "But remember, before you come of age, you may think, but you must never act. Acting too early will harm your body and hinder your martial cultivation. You must not sacrifice the greater path for a small gain."
Then, without giving Yang Cheng the chance to argue, she turned and left.
"Your Majesty," Hu Po, who was waiting outside, had a face full of suppressed laughter.
Inside the room, Yang Cheng felt like he had mud fall into his pants—whether it was filth or not, it was still treated as filth.
"Forget it, forget it."
He gave up resisting, comforting himself silently with the thought that 'the innocent remain innocent.'
Then he whispered in his heart, "Collect reward."
A talisman appeared in his hand.
"Divine Wish Talisman."
Yang Cheng's eyes lit up.
The value of this talisman was beyond words. But thinking about it, with the system in his possession, he didn't really need it.
After a moment's thought, he decided to gift this talisman to his mother. He had Lin Shu deliver it.
Not long after, Yun Liyue's expression showed surprise. "A gift from Cheng'er?"
She did not take it lightly.
Every item Yang Cheng had given her before had been extraordinary.
Her gaze fell on the jade talisman in her hand.
"This is…?"
Her face suddenly changed as she sensed the unusual aura within.
"Your Majesty, this seems to be the legendary Divine Wish Talisman," Hu Po said in shock.
Yun Liyue's face grew solemn. Stroking the talisman, she whispered, "This matter must not be leaked."
Clearly, she also recognized the talisman.
"Yes."
Hu Po's expression grew solemn.
Then Yun Liyue stood up.
The value of this thing far surpassed the Marrow-Washing Divine Jade, Xiantian Spirit Liquid, and Immortal Peaches from before.
Her first thought was to return it to Yang Cheng.
But then, something struck her, and she stopped in her tracks.
Hu Po, perceptive as always, said, "Your Majesty, this servant will take my leave."
Yun Liyue gazed at the Divine Wish Talisman in her hand, poured her spiritual will into it, and softly spoke, "Heaven above, Yun Liyue has but one wish in this life—that my son Yang Cheng may live with joy, without sorrow, safe and healthy."
"If one day my son Yang Cheng faces calamity, Yun Liyue is willing to take his place."
Rip!
The next moment, the Divine Wish Talisman ignited on its own, burning to ash in an instant and vanishing into wisps of smoke.
On Yun Liyue's graceful and dignified face, a faint smile appeared.
Every time she did something more for Yang Cheng, she felt a genuine happiness deep in her heart.
Three days later.
Yun Liyue returned to Fengtian City with her retinue.
As the Empress, she could not remain outside for long.
Yang Cheng, however, stayed at Zhen'nan Pass to continue cultivating.
After first slaying Su Lingchen, then killing a god, the gains he reaped were immense. He needed to properly comprehend them.
"These past few days, my cultivation seems unusually smooth," Yang Cheng thought to himself.
He didn't think too much of it, only attributing it to his deep foundation and natural progress.
Meanwhile.
In the Azure Jade Realm.
A vast floating island hung in the sky.
The island hovered above the sea of clouds, its pavilions and towers built entirely from azure jade, shimmering brilliantly under the sunlight.
This was the sacred ground of Qingming Sect, one of the greatest sects of the Azure Jade Realm.
In the past few days, one after another, important figures had returned to Qingming Sect from all directions.
Normally, these great figures oversaw the sect's various enterprises scattered across the realm.
"Look, that's Wang Qing, one of the Eight Vajras of Qingming Sect. He was born with immense strength, and after stepping into the God Realm, his power became terrifying."
"And over there, another Vajra. In these few days, six of the Eight Vajras have already returned. What on earth is happening?"
"There are rumors… that Qingming Sect's youngest elder, Su Lingchen, and the lowest-ranked among the Eight Vajras, the Thunder Vajra, both died in a mayfly world."
Many martial artists near Qingming Sect were whispering among themselves.
"What nonsense is that? Most mayfly worlds don't even have a peak Martial Sovereign, so how could they possibly kill Su Lingchen—let alone the Thunder Vajra?"
The others all shook their heads, finding it hard to believe.
"I only heard it as a rumor," the one who had spoken earlier said.
"Then it's definitely fake."
Even so, the mood remained heavy.
Whatever the truth, Qingming Sect hadn't seen such upheaval in many years. Something major had clearly happened.
Inside Qingming Sect.
In a grand hall, many high-ranking members of the sect had gathered.
Thud. Thud. Thud.
Heavy footsteps echoed as Wang Qing walked in from outside.
The silver-haired man leading the meeting frowned. "Wang Qing, so many people have been waiting on you alone. When will you ever change that slow temperament of yours?"