I am the one who saved your life.

Mo Feiyuan’s meridians did not show signs of deviation from his cultivation, so it must have been related to the technique he was practicing. His pulse was not chaotic, but far too powerful. Energy was gathering within him, as if his body was being reshaped.

“It’s just a minor issue. Once it passes, I’ll be fine.” He gazed at Yun Feiyue, but his furrowed brows betrayed how uncomfortable he felt.

Suddenly, the gentleness in his eyes vanished, replaced by a savage light. In a flash, he reached out and gripped Yun Feiyue’s throat.

A sharp pain shot through her neck, and Yun Feiyue let out a soft sound.

He forced himself to let go, visibly struggling with himself. The sight was enough to make one’s heart ache.

Yun Feiyue gently took his hand, looking into his eyes. “Is it very painful?”

As she spoke, she channeled her power of fire into him through her palm.

His icy hand, touched by her warmth, seemed to improve slightly.

Her power was the purest of flames, while Mo Feiyuan’s was of the coldest ice. When combined, perhaps his body would find some balance. Or so Yun Feiyue guessed.

“Ugh—” Suddenly, he spat out a mouthful of cold blood.

With a pained heart, Yun Feiyue embraced him, offering her warmth. “Does this help?”

He grunted softly, having entered a period of weakness. His head drooped lifelessly, his cold face pressed against hers.

She cupped his face and, suddenly, kissed him, letting her warm breath seep into his body.

The chill that had pervaded him seemed to recede, replaced by a gentle heat. He greedily drew in her warmth, wanting more and more.

His tongue pressed into her throat, nearly choking her before he suddenly regained his senses and eased up.

All night, Yun Feiyue transferred her fire into Mo Feiyuan, leaving her own temperature much diminished. Born with a body of fire, she was left extremely weak without its warmth.

In moments of weakness, memories often surface. Yun Feiyue seemed to see back to years before.

She saw that man, in similar distress, repeatedly seeking warmth.

Ah… it was coming back to her now.

Back then, she’d been poisoned, and in a daze, she’d met him.

That was how such things had come to pass.

Although she was the same person as she was then, she couldn’t tell which soul he had truly loved. She rubbed her own head, thinking she was being ridiculous.

Aren’t they the same person? Why overthink it…

After a long while, Yun Feiyue slowly opened her eyes and saw a pair of sharp, cold ones. He released her lips, then gently bit her ear.

He spoke softly…

“What did you remember?”

“Yes, a few things. I don’t recall the entire sequence of that event, but I can deduce most of it.”

Yun Feiyue surmised that she’d drunk the water Gongsun Ziyan had sent, been poisoned by Sevenfold Doom Flower, and so encountered Mo Feiyuan. But… when had she run into people from the Ghost Dao?

There were still unclear parts.

She was sure, though, that her death then had nothing to do with Mo Feiyuan.

He spoke into her ear, seeking warmth as he whispered, “That day, when I became conscious, you were already gone. Only your body still carried my scent.”

She now understood why Mo Feiyuan had been so shocked to see her with Little Mumu at first—it was the same scent.

She exhaled softly, “Mm. I understand.”

Suddenly, he bit her ear again, sucking harder this time, enough to make her wince.

“Are you a dog?!” she protested, struggling, but he pinned her down.

“Hey, I helped you! Don’t be so inhuman! Let me go!” Yun Feiyue truly had no intention of being intimate in the open square.

Never mind if people saw—even if only cats and dogs witnessed, it wouldn’t be proper.

But this man ignored her, sealing her lips so she couldn’t struggle.

Mm…

When had his temperature grown this warm? And when had he gotten so bold… Was this his beastly nature unleashed?

“Aw—” Yun Feiyue’s only means of fighting back was to claw at his back, leaving marks on his shoulder and neck.

Bathed in the morning light, the landscape was almost picturesque.

“Fortunately, I held my bottom line, or he would have gotten his way,” Yun Feiyue declared later, when caught by Yun Feng and the others.

Mo Feiyuan only smiled faintly, saying nothing.

Yun Feiyue grinned, “Wouldn’t you agree?”

Mo Feiyuan nodded.

Yun Feng shot Mo Feiyuan a displeased look. “Don’t let this happen again.”

Teasing his little sister could cost him dearly.

Mo Feiyuan didn’t protest, only nodded to show he understood.

Yun Feng’s mood eased a bit.

After all, considering Mo Feiyuan’s status, he couldn’t be treated like an ordinary man.

After a while, Yun Feng sighed. “Let’s go to the Divine Altar in the Phoenix Forest.”

The Divine Altar was where one received divine inspection. It was said to connect to the gods.

At that moment, Mo Twelve appeared from the shadows in a flash of red. He didn’t want to admit he’d watched another entertaining scene from the dark, just like years ago.

For once, he couldn’t summon a smile.

He had thought Yun Feiyue would develop a knot in her heart after learning how Mo Feiyuan had treated her in the past, but this woman was so unwavering. Perhaps it was just a difference of temperament…

No woman in this world would be so forgiving.

Of course, Mo Twelve couldn’t begin to fathom what went on in Yun Feiyue’s mind.

Since he couldn’t understand, he simply stopped trying.

Crossing his arms, he stood on a nearby pillar, then leapt down toward the Divine Altar.

“Mo Twelve is headed to the Altar!” You Tong shouted, then chased after him in agitation.

Yun Feiyue’s group followed suit.

By day, the Phoenix Forest regained its former beauty. Even the mushrooms were lovely, and the ferocious beasts had all turned into adorable little creatures.

They walked toward the forest, where a shaft of sunlight blurred the line between heaven and earth.

The sight was breathtaking.

The sun seemed to rise directly from the Divine Altar, where black chains bound a stone statue at the center.

The statue was remarkably lifelike, almost as if cast from a living person.

Yun Feiyue stared in awe, yet a sense of foreboding crept over her. She hugged Little Mumu closer.

Mo Twelve stood before the Altar, pointing at the statue. “This is God.”

Yun Feiyue was full of questions.

A chained statue?

“This is the statue of God,” Mo Twelve explained, then smiled. “But it’s said to be over a thousand years old. The Mo family has guarded it all this time.”

Yun Feiyue noticed that the Phoenix Forest’s Altar resembled a formation platform, though she couldn’t guess its true purpose.

“From here, one can sense the language of the gods. Perhaps those chosen will gain great power,” Mo Feiyuan said, waving his sleeve so that a jade appeared atop the Altar.

“Place your hand on the jade and pray sincerely.”

Yun Feiyue squinted and smiled, ready to give it a try.

But Mo Feiyuan grabbed her hand and shook his head, his expression warning her off.

“Only the top five of the Heaven Martial Ranking are qualified.”

Yun Feng and Jun Shaomo exchanged glances. Jun Shaomo nodded, a faint smile on her lips, though her injuries made it difficult. She was still beautiful…

It didn’t stop Yun Feiyue from painting a mental picture: under the red dawn, a shy young maiden and a handsome youth exchanging tender glances.

In the middle, Jun Qianyao stepped forward. She took Jun Shaomo’s hand and nodded, “Sister, let me try first. I have foresight…”

Jun Shaomo agreed, watching as Jun Qianyao ascended the Altar.

Those deep purple eyes closed, spiritual power gathering as her hand touched the white jade. Communicating with the gods was her specialty…

A pale green light emanated from her hand, mingling with the white glow from the jade. It seemed a connection was forming. Her spiritual power was vast, enveloping the entire Altar.

After a long while, she lowered her hand, surveyed the Altar, and frowned slightly. “Sister, the god is descending soon.”

To everyone on the Golden Lance Continent, gods were ethereal beings—many believed in their existence, but none had seen them.

Now, a god was about to descend?

Jun Shaomo’s emotions were unsettled. “So… this is the great prophecy you sensed?”

She pondered for a long time, then nodded. “Yes, I believe… that one is truly about to appear.”

It sounded like a good thing, yet the atmosphere was solemn.

It was Yun Feng’s turn. He placed his hand as Jun Qianyao had, and after a while, a tremendous force surged through his hand.

This force clashed with the jade. The impact could have destroyed the Altar, but a mysterious power drew it in, leaving the Altar unharmed.

All was quiet. Yun Feng descended. “No response.”

Then Jun Shaomo tried as well.

At that moment, two people approached. Yun Feiyue recognized one as Le Fei, who had opposed her before. The other youth was unfamiliar, but anyone who made it to the Heaven Martial Ranking was no ordinary person, so Yun Feiyue took them seriously.

Le Fei grinned wickedly at Yun Feiyue, “Well, Miss Yun, we meet again! Shall we spar next time?”

Yun Feiyue only smiled in reply.

Le Fei and the others tried the Altar. There was no reaction.

Of all of them, only Jun Shaomo showed a response.

“As expected, only Miss Qianyao of the Jun family can communicate with the gods,” Mo Feiyuan said calmly, unsurprised. He turned, “Since you are first in the ranking, before the god descends, you will receive his power at some point.”

The top of the ranking could always commune with the gods, and…

“To welcome the descent of the god.”

Although she didn’t know what this meant, Yun Feiyue felt it was anything but simple. To welcome a god’s descent could not be a trivial matter.

“So, how do we do that? Why don’t I try as well—maybe I’ll be chosen, too…” Yun Feiyue placed her hand on the white jade.

Instantly, a red light exploded forth, and a tremendous force tried to draw her in.

Damn! She yanked her hand away with all her might…

A voice slowly echoed in her ears: “At the appointed time of life and death, across the boundary of yin and yang, by my power, I shall grant you life.”

A stream of power poured into Yun Feiyue, clashing painfully with her own strength.

“Boom—” Suddenly, the white jade on the Altar shattered. Mo Feiyuan broke the connection at once. At the same time, a human face appeared among the clouds.

Vague, but clearly a visage.

The voice sang out like a heavenly chorus, a force that seemed able to shatter the world. The pressure was enough to annihilate all creation.

“Mo Feiyuan… such nerve!” The voice bore down on Mo Feiyuan’s body.

The power was formless, as if the very laws of heaven and earth were made for him. Was this a god?

For the first time, Yun Feiyue felt the awe of such a being.

But bullying Mo Feiyuan—had anyone asked her permission?

Without hesitation, Yun Feiyue struck at the sky, aiming for the being’s eye.

She didn’t expect to hit it, but she did… yet the target showed no reaction. Her flames vanished as if swallowed.

Mo Feiyuan, enduring the pain, pulled Yun Feiyue away, “Go, quickly!”

The group followed him, fleeing the Phoenix Forest.

Looking back, they saw the being still raging, struggling as if to break free and punish them.

“What just happened?” Yun Feiyue finally asked after a long silence, her hand bleeding profusely.

That wasn’t a god—it was a mad dog!

Mo Feiyuan hurriedly took a pill from his storage stone and placed it in her mouth, gathering energy to staunch her bleeding and heal her.

He coughed as he worked.

Yun Feiyue snorted, “Don’t just worry about me—look after yourself. What was that thing? Don’t tell me that was a god.”

No way she’d believe such a violent creature was divine.

Mo Feiyuan nodded slightly, “That was a malignant aspect of a god. Gods have many forms; that was just one of them.”

“Divine Hidden Lord, when will the god arrive?” Jun Qianyao rode her silver fox up to Mo Feiyuan, wide-eyed, studying him.

He was silent for a while before replying coldly, “The god is awakening. It won’t be long…”

His expression betrayed no joy, just a troubled look.

Yun Feiyue examined her wounded hand—it looked bad but was only superficial and would heal soon.

“Let’s leave—now!”

They left quickly.

Back at Feiyuan Pavilion, Yun Feiyue went straight to her room to cultivate in seclusion.

Little Mumu, of course, joined her.

Having encountered true masters, Yun Feiyue realized how weak she was, and resolved to improve.

She laid out the treasures she’d brought from Phoenix Forest, closed her eyes, and began to meditate.

She didn’t know how much time had passed when she opened her eyes again, but she’d made some progress.

She’d advanced from the middle stage to the high stage of the seventh martial realm, and had exhausted the treasures from the forest.

The higher one's cultivation, the harder progress became; advancing from the seventh to the eighth realm would require more effort.

During her seclusion, Little Mumu advanced from the early to the peak of the fifth martial realm. The child progressed quickly, and when silent, seemed almost ethereal.

“Gurgle—” After so long without food, her stomach rumbled.

Yun Feiyue rose, grabbed Little Mumu, and pushed open the door.

“Yue’er, you’re finally out! Waaa…” Yun Hai rushed over, emotional.

Yun Feiyue dodged nimbly; she didn’t believe Yun Hai missed her that much. Seeing his smiling face, she replied, “Yue’er, do you still think of me as your brother? Won’t even let me give you a hug!”

Yun Hai frowned in mock displeasure.

Yun Feiyue’s gaze drifted to where Mo Feiyuan stood, his eyes warm.

“We knew you’d come out today, so we’ve all prepared!” Jun Qianyao approached Little Mumu with a smile.

Little Mumu instantly threw himself at her, hugging her waist.

Knowing her son all too well, Yun Feiyue covered her forehead—this kid was taking the chance to cop a feel!

Ignoring him, she walked to Mo Feiyuan, who lifted his cup and offered her a toast. “To your successful return.”

Yun Feiyue smiled, “Why not make it a wedding toast?”

Mo Feiyuan was momentarily stunned, but before he could reply, Yun Feiyue downed the drink. “Kidding! But thank you this time.”

“Feiyue, you’re ignoring me again—so sad!” Ye Qi arrived with a cup.

After what happened at the Mo Pool, Yun Feiyue no longer disliked Ye Qi as much. After all, not everyone would stand up for you at a crucial moment.

She raised her cup and drank. Ye Qi, always a hearty drinker, watched her as he sipped.

“Already at the seventh realm’s peak—keep working, maybe you’ll catch up to me.” He grinned.

Yun Feiyue darkened—Ye Qi had already reached the early eighth realm! He was clearly here to gloat.

She was instantly annoyed.

“Forget it, I can’t be bothered. I’m in a good mood, and I’ll catch up soon enough!” Yun Feiyue said confidently.

Ye Qi smiled broadly, his handsome features radiating genuine joy. “Then I’ll wait for you.”

They ate and drank, celebrating Yun Feiyue’s return.

Suddenly, You Tong burst in, whispered something to Mo Feiyuan, and he quickly excused himself.

Yun Feiyue followed, but didn’t catch up. At the gate, she found a sea of roses—vivid, fragrant, and extravagant.

And in the middle, someone just as flamboyant.

Mo Twelve…

Holding a rose between his teeth, he swaggered up to Yun Feiyue and offered it to her. “Congratulations on finishing your seclusion!”

“Thank you—really,” Yun Feiyue accepted the rose and handed it off to a maid.

Mo Twelve ground his teeth. “Embarrassed to accept my gift? Never mind, I’ve already proposed to the Yun family. Soon, they’ll summon you home so we can be wed.”

Yun Feiyue frowned. “Have you forgotten my condition?” The bride price had to exceed the Yun family’s wealth!

Mo Twelve shook his head. “No, but after discussing with the old man, if you marry me, the Yun family’s dowry will be a fifth of their fortune, plus my own. Voilà!” He snapped his fingers. “That’s more than the Yun family.”

Yun Feiyue eyed him skeptically. Since when was he so rich?

Mo Twelve, seeing her disbelief, clapped his hands. “Bring out the deeds and silver notes!”

A pile of chests was brought forward, stacked before her.

Red roses, delicate fragrance, endless wealth…

If not for her resolve, she’d be tempted. Especially as Little Mumu emerged, saw the bounty, and compromised at once. “Mother, just marry him! Ice Mountain Dad hasn’t even paid, and who knows how long you’ll wait for him to get rich?”

“…”

Mo Twelve nodded. “So, how about it? Will you keep your word?”

She smiled, “I said—after I deal with Mo Feiyuan. For now… no.”

Mo Twelve narrowed his eyes, staring at her for a long time. “I see. No matter what I give or how much I love, you still won’t choose me? So I’ve lost this round? But when you need me, I’ll be there, no matter the cost.”

Yun Feiyue waved him aside. “Move it, little one!”

He shook his head, “Not a chance. He’s already left.”

Mo Feiyuan was gone, and Yun Feiyue returned to her room, appetite lost.

She couldn’t say if her mood was good or bad…

“Here, this is something Yu Que asked me to give you.” Mo Twelve handed her a box.

He hadn’t planned to, but seeing her unhappy, decided it might help. Truthfully, he wasn’t so enamored with Yun Feiyue—he just disliked her eyes being on Mo Feiyuan alone.

Was it jealousy?

He narrowed his beautiful eyes, full of temptation.

Yun Feiyue avoided his gaze, opened the box, and found a high-grade healing crystal. Quite valuable.

“Thank Yu Que for me.”

Yu Que… the name felt familiar, yet she couldn’t place it. Gentle, refined…

“No need. If he’s so nice, he must have his reasons. Don’t be fooled. If you have to choose someone besides me, Mo Feiyuan is better.”

He smiled and went inside to eat. When had Little Mumu and Mo Twelve gotten so chummy?

“Handsome brother, if you want to win my mother’s heart, you have to be good to me! Ice Mountain Brother says he’ll marry her, but he hasn’t made an offer yet. Until then, you have a chance. Even after, you might still have a shot!” Little Mumu advised, pocketing Mo Twelve’s silver notes.

Mo Twelve listened carefully and slipped him more notes. “Then what color undergarments does your mother like best?”

“Of course—” Before he could finish, Yun Feiyue clamped a hand over his mouth. Traitor! Was he really her son?

Mo Twelve laughed even harder. “I’ll find out sooner or later—why hide it?”

Yun Feiyue glared at Little Mumu, warning him.

He nodded earnestly, so she let him go.

He handed two notes back to Mo Twelve and sighed, “It’s not easy making money these days.”

Yun Feiyue was torn between irritation and amusement. She really couldn’t win with this little rascal.

“Yue’er, let’s set out for Chudu today. The King of Chu has sent several urgent letters.” Yun Hai handed her a stack of missives.

She nodded, agreeing that they couldn’t stay here much longer, especially without status or title.

Since Mo Feiyuan had said he would marry her, she would wait.

Yun Feiyue left a note and departed.

The family soon returned to Chudu.

On their first day, a procession of red flowers stretched for hundreds of miles—not for Yun Feiyue, but to honor Yun Feng, who had taken second in the Heaven Martial Ranking.

Yet, Yun Feiyue was puzzled that Ye Qi had come to Chudu as well, supposedly to celebrate the city’s talent.

“Aren’t you going to celebrate at the Jun family in the Southern Kingdom? Little Mumu’s been clamoring to go.”

She knew her son’s true goal was Jun Qianyao.

This Heaven Martial Ranking had been odd—perhaps not odd, but very odd. It seemed almost orchestrated, and they’d risen to their positions with little effort.

Returning to Chudu, Yun Feiyue’s mind flashed back to Beichen Yi’s false coronation—a four-legged snake, which Mo Feiyuan had insisted was a dragon.

Clearly, he had done so deliberately.

But why?

Unable to figure it out, Yun Feiyue let the thoughts go.

She saw Beichen Yi in a yellow dragon robe, drawn by auspicious beasts, descending before them.

He emerged from his chariot, a brilliant smile on his lips; even the darkness in his eyes seemed cleansed by sunlight, making him look much more attractive.

Yun Feiyue immediately recalled when, as a youth, he’d called her Sister Yue.

She must be possessed!

She rubbed her head, trying to wipe away the confusion.

“Sister Yue, welcome back,” he greeted her with a smile.

She nodded and performed a courtier’s bow. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Beichen Yi quickly responded, “Sister Yue, don’t call me that—just Beichen Yi. Also… the Empress Dowager has granted you a villa. I hope you’ll like it.”

The Empress Dowager? Wasn’t she dead? Yun Feiyue looked at him curiously.

She’d long suspected the Empress Dowager might have survived, but hearing it for real was still a shock.

“We’ll discuss that later. Sister Yue, let’s head to the banquet—so many have come to celebrate!”

And so, they entered the palace.

Because Yun Feng had taken second place, no one mentioned Yun Feiyue’s withdrawal from the rankings. Yun Feng was mobbed by well-wishers.

Yun Feiyue had little interest in the festivities, and since no one paid her much attention, she slipped away to the harem.

She wanted to see the Empress Dowager Nan Gong and Consort Yun.

She hadn’t seen Consort Yun in a while and wondered how her health was.

At Yunluan Palace, she found it more lavish than ever—a sign of the Yun family’s strength.

“Yue’er, you’re back,” Consort Yun greeted her, but with a worried frown.

News of Yun Feiyue’s association with the Ghost Dao had spread, though Beichen Yi had suppressed it in Chudu.

“Aunt, don’t be so serious!” Yun Feiyue stuck out her tongue.

Consort Yun sighed, “It’s not just me. Things have been strange lately. The Ghost Dao wants you dead, yet you can summon them? Beichen Yi and the Mo family have kept it quiet here, but if anyone with ill intent…”

She cast Yun Feiyue a look, then sighed. “Tell me what happened.”

Yun Feiyue had no choice but to recount the events.

Consort Yun’s expression grew grim. “It seems the Red Lotus token brings nothing but trouble. Unless at the brink of death, don’t use it—it will only invite disaster.”

Yun Feiyue agreed.

“Aunt, I heard the Empress Dowager isn’t dead? Will she harm our family?”

The Yun family had nearly destroyed the Nan Gong clan—the Empress Dowager would hardly welcome her.

Consort Yun was concerned. “It’s troublesome, but don’t worry—I’m here.”

She patted Yun Feiyue’s shoulder.

“The Nan Gong family was wiped out, but the Empress Dowager is Beichen Yi’s mother. She’s been confined to Fenghua Palace. She was mad for a time, but the imperial physicians cured her. She seems to have forgotten the past and treats our family well…”

Yun Feiyue sensed something was off. The Empress Dowager could not have forgotten—she must hate the Yun family deeply.

If she’d truly forgotten, it could only be an act.

“Aunt, be careful—it can’t be that simple.”

Consort Yun agreed, “Let’s visit her together. She said she missed you.”

Yun Feiyue didn’t mind and accompanied her aunt to Fenghua Palace.

Inside, lanterns glowed, and maids stood at the door with lanterns. Seeing them, they hurried forward, “Greetings, Consort Yun.”

Consort Yun dismissed them and entered.

The Empress Dowager was chatting with a few maids, looking at ease.

Seeing Consort Yun, she smiled. “So it’s you, sister. What brings you here? Ah… Yue’er is here, too! Come, sit.”

She was as elegant as ever, but the arrogance was gone, replaced by restraint.

The destruction of her family must have dealt a heavy blow.

Yun Feiyue felt no guilt—politics was always ruthless. She smiled and bowed. “Empress Dowager, I greet you. How is your health?”

The Empress Dowager beamed. “I’m well, no major issues. But you, Yue’er—why did you withdraw from the Heaven Martial Ranking? That’s odd.”

Yun Feiyue wasn’t surprised by the question and gave a simple answer. “I was unwell.”

The Empress Dowager comforted her, showing no signs of anger, only polite civility. Whether she was truly seeking survival or plotting, Yun Feiyue couldn’t tell.

If she was only seeking survival, that was fine, but if she was plotting, things could get ugly.

Yun Feiyue actually disliked getting her hands dirty—if the Empress Dowager did nothing outrageous, and as Beichen Yi’s mother, she had no wish to act against her.

But these matters weren’t hers alone to decide.

She trusted Yun Kuang would handle things.

The Yun family never sought the throne, so they had no designs on Beichen Yi.

“Rumor had it you’d died, Empress Dowager—I was angry when I heard it. Now, seeing you well, I’m relieved. Please enjoy your retirement and leave the burdens to the next generation.” With that, Yun Feiyue took her leave.

It was a warning.

The conversation left the air heavy.

Once outside, Yun Feiyue exhaled. “Aunt, the Empress Dowager is clever. If possible, let’s not act against her.”

Consort Yun agreed. “Yi’er may be her child, but he’s always been devoted to me, so let’s let him have his way. If the Empress Dowager keeps to herself, she can live in comfort.”

Yun Feiyue had no desire to meddle in the harem’s affairs. If not for her aunt, she’d never have gotten involved.

They chatted as Yun Feiyue escorted her aunt back, then prepared to leave.

She had only walked a short distance when something felt wrong.

Killing intent…

The surging murderous intent could not be concealed! From the shadows, a sword stabbed toward Yun Feiyue, followed by a flurry of attacks.

Her assailant was masked, but the familiar techniques betrayed their origin—the Gongsun family.

After several attacks, Yun Feiyue realized there were quite a few Gongsun traitors.

“This is the palace—do you have a death wish?”

“Yun Feiyue, today is your death day! I don’t care if I die, so long as you die!” came a woman’s voice.

Yun Feiyue smiled charmingly. “Empress Dowager Gongsun, no need to hide—I know it’s you. Killing me isn’t so easy.”

With that, flames erupted from her, and at this new, late seventh realm, her two-tailed phoenix now had three tails.

Three fiery tails flared, their power piercing the heavens and striking the attackers.

There were more than just the Empress Dowager, but it hardly mattered.

One move, and a group fell.

Almost no suspense.

Yun Feiyue strode over and kicked one aside.

But it didn’t land in the pond as intended—just smashed on the bank, blood spraying everywhere.

Yun Feiyue rubbed her forehead, helpless. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to miss.”

Mo Feiyuan’s kicks were so stylish—she couldn’t imitate him.

Oh well, she didn’t need to.

She turned to the Empress Dowager.

“Don’t do this again. You can’t win. As a woman of your age, the Yun family has let you live out of mercy—don’t be ungrateful.”

Yun Feiyue gave her a cold look.

The Empress Dowager snorted, rushing forward in a fury. “Yun Feiyue, you wretch! I’ll take you with me!”

Yun Feiyue hadn’t expected her to be so fierce—she was about to self-destruct. Before Yun Feiyue could react, someone yanked her aside.

A blade struck from behind.

“Crack—” The sound of a knife piercing flesh and blood.

But not Yun Feiyue—it was…

She turned to see who had shielded her—Ye Qi.

With a swipe, Ye Qi sent an attack into the shadows.

The wounded figure fled.

Yun Feiyue wasn’t interested in pursuit. She turned to Ye Qi, “How are you? Why did you shield me? And so clumsily—you deserve to be hurt.”

She scolded him while helping him into the palace.

“Xiaodouzi, fetch the imperial physician!”

Xiaodouzi panicked, but since it was a celebration, they couldn’t cause a stir and hurried off.

While waiting, Yun Feiyue gave Ye Qi a hemostatic pill.

“Hang in there!”

Ye Qi grunted, held his wound, and with a flourish, pulled the knife out himself.

“Phew—phew—phew—” Blood spurted from his chest.

Yun Feiyue quickly pressed her hand to stop it, but discovered… he had no chest…

Ahem, not now.

The point was the bleeding.

Blood continued to flow over her hand and clothes.

“What do I do?” She panicked.

Ye Qi gritted his teeth, pressing his own acupoints. “What are you flustered for? I’m not dead.”

She often said that to others, but hearing it from someone else didn’t feel so good.

“If you weren’t hurt for me, who would care? Lie down now…”

Seeing all the blood, Yun Feiyue fetched water and cleaned his hands, then grew curious about his unpainted face.

“What are you staring at—interested in me?” Ye Qi looked at her.

She closed her eyes. “Just cleaning you up!”

She scrubbed his face roughly.

“Ah—ah—gently!” Ye Qi howled.

“Stop shouting, or people will get the wrong idea! You didn't want me to look—serves you right!” She’d never tended anyone before.

“Enough, enough.” He gritted his teeth.

She stepped back. “Now you know pain? Don’t help me again, then.” She hated feeling indebted, especially to someone like Ye Qi, who’d helped her many times without being that close.

After a while, the physicians arrived.

They clustered around Ye Qi, treating him with their arts.

Soon after, Beichen Yi arrived.

“How are you, Sister Yue? Are you hurt? What happened?” He didn’t spare Ye Qi a glance, hurrying to Yun Feiyue.

“I’m fine. He’s the one who’s injured.” She pointed to the bed.

He seized her hands, checking for wounds before relaxing.

“Who dares hurt my Sister Yue? Find them—kill them!” he ordered furiously.

Yun Feiyue smiled. “My little Yi is as caring as ever—I’m moved!”

It was the first time she’d called him that since returning from the Battle Cloud Sect. He was unexpectedly touched and happy.

The gloom on his face vanished. “It feels like old times.”

But Yun Feiyue was uncomfortable. She couldn’t afford to let their relationship grow closer—grateful for his help, but unable to reciprocate his feelings.

“I always treated you as a brother. I hope it stays that way.” She cut off his hopes.

He pursed his lips, gaze falling on her sword, Buddha Butterfly, and his mood improved slightly.

“I never wanted to be your brother,” he stepped closer, his face just inches from hers. “I always wanted to be the one to spend my life with you. What can I do? I’m hopeless.”

His expression, the dark tone, the sudden clouded face—it threw her for a moment, but she quickly recovered.

She smiled. “You can always be at my side—as my brother. You know my circumstances—I have a son, Yun Qingmu.”

At that, Beichen Yi froze.

He’d heard, but hearing it from her was different—like his carefully built castle had been demolished in an instant.

Years of affection, now shadowed by gloom.

After a long while, he said, “I… I could be his father.”

“Don’t joke. Even if you’re willing, the world wouldn’t allow it. Remember, you’re the king.”

For her, he’d forsaken his own family, destroyed the maternal clan, crushed the Gongsun family. Though it was with the Yun family’s help, it hadn’t benefited him much.

All for a single smile.

It was hard not to feel a little bitter…

He pursed his lips, looked at her, and said, “Then I’ll be your good brother…”

Yun Feiyue nodded, turning her attention to Ye Qi.

Ye Qi’s temper was fierce—the physicians wanted to remove her clothes, but she wouldn’t allow it.

“Who dares touch me! I’ll kill you!”

“Your Highness, we must remove your clothing to treat you…” The physicians were at a loss.

“Out! All of you!” Ye Qi’s anger aggravated her wound.

Yun Feiyue hurried over. “It’s fine, I’ll do it. She’s just embarrassed…”

The physicians exchanged looks and agreed.

With the curtain drawn, Yun Feiyue held the medicine. “Will you undress yourself, or shall I help?”

Ye Qi grunted, “I’ll do it…”

“Oh, embarrassed now? Didn’t you say we’re all women and could even share a bed? Suddenly shy? Or… are you not a woman at all?”

Ye Qi’s face changed. “Mind your own business…”

Yun Feiyue didn’t bother arguing and stripped her, revealing her chest.

As expected—a man’s chest and collarbones. But that wasn’t the point. The point was, he was wearing a bra Yun Feiyue had made herself.

Because her own chest wasn’t large, she’d padded it with silicone, which had helped stop the knife.

It was a sight hard to look at.

Yun Feiyue was both amused and exasperated.

Ye Qi asked naturally, “What, never seen a small chest?”

“I have, but I’ve never seen a small chest with pectorals like a man’s,” she replied.

She opened the undergarment and applied the medicine.

It was an awkward feeling.

She didn’t even have the mood to care about Ye Qi’s gender, only about treating the wound.

When she was done, she wiped the sweat from her brow, realizing the scene was… quite striking.

With the makeup washed away, Ye Qi had an imposing air and masculine beauty. If not for the lack of an Adam’s apple, she could easily be mistaken for a handsome man.

Long hair falling over her chest, lips set in stubborn defiance—a true beauty either way.

“So, are you a man or a woman?” she couldn’t help asking.

Ye Qi coughed, “Too many questions. Male or female, you wouldn’t care. But if you marry me, I can be either.”

Still as fierce as ever, and a little angry at being exposed.

Yun Feiyue’s mischievous side stirred—tease him!

“So, you’re a legendary hermaphrodite? Sorry, not my type.”

Ye Qi’s face darkened. He cursed himself for ever saving Yun Feiyue. At first interested in Mo Feiyuan, he’d grown to like Yun Feiyue as well—not like other women of the continent. She had a special aura he couldn’t define but wanted to understand.

“Try me,” he said softly.

She didn’t want to, just smiled. “Maybe if I’m desperate one day. Are you feeling better now?”

He buttoned his shirt and got up. “Let’s head to the Yun family. I’ll sleep with you tonight.”

“I refuse,” she shot back.

“That’s how you treat your savior?” He turned to her.

Fine! She gave in. With this one, she’d never hear the end of it.

“I didn’t ask you to save me! I’d have only been hurt, not dead.”

“But I did save you—and got hurt.” He countered.

Enough! Yun Feiyue decided to say no more.

“You can stay where you did before. The Yun family doesn’t lack space.”

Ye Qi rose to leave with her, but his bloodstained clothes were uncomfortable.

“Xiaodouzi, fetch some clothes.”

Xiaodouzi was troubled. “Only palace maid or eunuch clothes are available. If you want better, you’ll need the emperor’s permission, but he’s busy with guests.”

“Just get Xiaodouzi’s clothes,” Yun Feiyue teased Ye Qi.

His face turned green.

“What, you won’t wear them? Then go out like this—it’s not my problem if you scare people.”

She said as she walked out.

“You treat your savior like this?” Ye Qi called after her.

That worked—she sent for a set of a young master’s clothes for him.

She was actually curious to see him in men’s attire.

“And stop calling yourself my savior. I didn’t ask you to save me! Last warning.”

Ye Qi changed on the spot…

Muscles, strong arms, and a tall, striking figure…

Yun Feiyue was now almost certain Ye Qi was a beautiful man.

Women just weren’t this fierce!

Dressed in new clothes, he turned to her. “What, interested after all? If you’re not afraid of Mo Feiyuan’s jealousy, we could try it.”