"Brother, don't do it! Xiaowu can't stand it—hahahaha!"
The laughter echoed through the magnificent palace chamber, bouncing between velvet curtains and crystal chandeliers.
On the enormous snow-white bed, Xiao Wu writhed with tears in her eyes, her delicate body twisting beautifully as she rolled from side to side. Her once-serious peach-blossom face was flushed crimson beneath sticky strands of black silk hair, fair skin glowing with sweat. She pushed weakly at Subei's arm, but her strength collapsed each time his relentless hands found her weakness.
"Xiaowu surrenders! No more, no more! I was wrong!" she cried desperately. "Brother, please—don't! What if Auntie Bi comes and sees…? Ahh! Don't scratch—don't—cluck, cluck—hahaha, it's itchy!"
Subei straddled her small frame like a merciless demon, long fingers tracing every sensitive spot: her waist, her belly, even her smooth soles.
"Don't wake me if you're not prepared for revenge," he said flatly, though the corner of his lips curled devilishly. "Who dared sneak her hands onto me while I was sleeping, hm?"
"Y-you looked too peaceful!" Xiao Wu gasped in broken laughter, trying to pry his wrists away. "I-I just wanted to cuddle! Don't tickle, brother—I-I'm dying!"
Mischief in the Bedding
Finally, with a desperate twist, Xiao Wu locked her slim arms tightly around Subei's body. Her cheeks pressed fiercely against his neck, trapping his hands in an embrace resembling a desperate hug. Her chest heaved as she sucked in air.
"Brother! Don't forget—Xiaowu's no normal girl. I'm a melee master!" she declared between panting, attempting a proud smirk even as sweat dripped down her temples.
Her soft breath fanned across Subei's ear, alluring warmth brushing his skin. Despite the strength of his dual Dragon King constitution keeping him calm, the closeness between male and female made his chest stir.
Subei sighed through his nose, forcing himself to keep steady. "Don't make so much noise. Release me, and maybe I'll spare you punishment till tonight."
"P-penalty tonight? No!!" Xiao Wu shrieked, still clinging tighter. Her pink toes curled, legs squirming.
"I'll switch to Nana instead then."
That struck its mark. Xiao Wu's crimson eyes widened, her lips puffing as she glared fiercely. "No! You… you have to keep me company! Brother can't abandon Xiaowu!"
"Even if I tickle you again?" Subei teased.
At his words, Xiao Wu froze, then—surprising even herself—loosened her hold, fell limp upon the bed, and spread her arms dramatically.
"Fine then. Just bully me, brother. Xiaowu can endure. Even if I cry, I'll be strong."
"…Oi. Now who's teaching who to be dramatic?"
Subei chuckled despite himself, seeing her little rabbit face so serious while speaking nonsense. He rubbed her damp hair gently with one hand before reaching for the nightstand. With slow patience, he dabbed a clean towel against her sweat-stained cheeks.
Xiao Wu's eyes softened instantly. Her voice turned syrupy sweet. "Brother is always this gentle after… after 'playing.' He cleans Xiaowu like a doll. No wonder Xiaowu… can't bear to ever leave Brother."
A blush crept across her cheeks, and before he realized it, she leaned up and pressed a light kiss onto his lips.
Subei blinked once, then sighed. "…Sticky brat."
Interrupted
The atmosphere was interrupted rudely by soft footfalls outside the chamber.
"My lord."
A voice called respectfully. Moments later, Gong Yi entered, cradling a file scroll. Her slim figure bowed as she remained respectfully several steps from the bed.
"I bring urgent report. At Dragon Pavilion, we discovered a candidate perfectly matching the recruitment conditions His Highness ordered previously. May I present her profile?"
Subei promptly detached himself from Xiao Wu's entwining limbs and sat upright, adjusting his robe. Xiao Wu however lay bare against a pillow sulking, her gaze openly resentful of "another woman's intrusion."
But in her heart she knew—Shenyan Hall grew stronger with each remarkable girl entering. The stronger it became, the more women shared her brother's gaze. And that truth made guilt coil in her.
Subei ignored the sulking girl and waved a hand lightly. "Who is this candidate?"
"Her name is Zhu Zhuqing. Martial spirit—Netherworld Civet. Age barely past ten. Soul power above rank twenty. Judges report her appearance… supreme."
Gong Yi's mouth curved faintly before reverting to calm. "She seeks entry to Tianjiao Class."
—
Subei's eyes narrowed minutely. Zhu Zhuqing.
The name stirred memory as if drawn from another world—one of Shrek's famed three goddesses. Even just the thought had weight.
He made a choice instantly. "Grant her entry immediately. Assign the highest tier guest quarters. Place two personal maids for her service, ensure her comfort, but also brief her fully on Hall etiquette. She is one to keep."
"But, my Lord…" Gong Yi hesitated. "By protocol, you were to evaluate candidates in person—"
"Not necessary. I trust her."
The sharpness of his calm tone cut discussion short. Gong Yi bowed low and nodded.
As was said within Shenyan Hall: when the lord spoke, even heaven silenced.
Zhu Zhuqing's First Step
Across the sprawling city of God's Face, at the gilded gates of the Dragon Pavilion, Zhang Yi was locked in fierce dispute with palace guards.
"I am Zhang Yi, famed Southern Chu prodigy, scholar and warrior! Do you dare bar me while allowing her entry?!"
His finger shook angrily toward Zhu Zhuqing, who stood quiet as a spring blossom at his side. Her gaze, however, was fixed forward—calm, unshakable, even as hunger gnawed faintly in her belly.
The waitress at the door looked at him as though at a buzzing insect. "Admission depends on criteria: strength, face, age. She passes. You do not."
Zhang Yi's fury spiked. He yanked his pouch of gold soul coins, shaking them flamboyantly. "How dare you! Money like this should buy a mansion! Why, I'll—"
Local onlookers burst into cackling laughter.
"Another idiot tries to bribe Longmen with shine!"
"Haven't they learned yet? Here, money means less than a smile from the hall lord."
Zhang Yi fumed until his face colored, but the guard's spear shifted with a warning twitch, and he reluctantly backed down.
Zhu Zhuqing inhaled softly, brushing past, silver eyes gleaming in resolve. This.. is my moment. I will pass this gate. I will change my fate.
Inside the Waiting Hall
On the third balcony of Dragon Pavilion, dozens of girls sat nervously in velvet chairs, awaiting news. Prideful daughters of generals, officials, wealthy clans—all summoned by banners of Tianjiao recruitment.
Whispers filled the chamber:
"She? She got chosen to enter the VIP room? Why, what has she got that we don't?"
"Her chest, maybe. Look at that figure. Hmph. Cow-like."
"I am daughter of Tiandou's Minister of Finance; yet they dares reject me? I'll drown them in gold coins and drag His Highness home!"
"Bah, my father commands a hundred thousand troops! I am a great soul master at rank twenty-one! If they deny me, then I'll have Father march legions on this Shenyan Hall; let us see how long their arrogance lasts!"
A sharp boom roared outside as energy flared. The mocking laughter of Shenyan Hall's palace maids thundered back:
"The land of God's Face is guarded by three thousand female Soul Emperors. Step forward, and face annihilation."
The air itself went cold.
The noble girls blanched pale. Even Zhu Zhuqing swallowed hard. To think that these palace women of Shenyan Hall—maids, no less—had advanced into Soul Emperors, their numbers more than entire empire armies of women combined…
What power… what protection.
No empire dared think Shenyan Hall a joke.
Zhu Zhuqing's Summoning
One palace attendant approached Zhu Zhuqing with a shallow bow. "Miss Zhu, please follow me. His Highness himself has approved your direct entry to Tianjiao Class."
Her heart pounded. Warm waves of excitement softened her limbs, but behind calm lips curved a quiet smile. So soon… already acknowledged?
She glanced once, briefly, toward the hall's grand murals—sunlit paintings of Subei feeding fish by the lakeside, Subei leading women across rising stairs, Subei sword raised against beasts.
For some reason, her chest ached, pulse rushing. Could such a boy truly exist…? So dazzling they call him god…?
Behind her, the rejected daughters scowled, others hissed venom. Yet one truth burned against them: she had been recognized. They had not.
The carriage of Shenyan Hall bore her alone, guarded from both sides as it rolled toward its inner sanctum.
Zhang Yi Left Behind
Meanwhile, Zhang Yi crouched miserably in some corner of the market square, desperately guarding a bowl of cold leftovers begged from the innkeeper. Each bite was stale, each mouthful humiliation.
Yet when he caught sight of Zhu Zhuqing atop a noble carriage, eyes straight ahead, expression bright with new hope… he forced himself to straighten.
"She will never forget me. Not my lady, who values righteousness so deep. Soon, she'll call me in. She'll make me a high official!"
He muttered encouragements, half delirious, clutching his pitiful meal like a victory.
Inside Shenyan Hall
Within richly decorated walls, Zhu Zhuqing was led personally into the great Yue Hall.
Gong Yi's slender hand outlined each region as they walked:
"To the east—the Mountain Mausoleum. There dwell beasts too powerful for man to stroll. Do not wander."
"To the north—quarters of visiting Wuhun masters. Pope Bibi Dong herself appears here often. Show utmost respect."
"To the west—banquet and leisure halls, most free to roam. To the south—the grand gates where all festivities begin."
Her calm voice edged with faint pride. "And as for our Lord, he enjoys the lakeside garden near the western pavilion. Remember this, should fate place you near him."
Finally she smiled faintly, turning back. "Do not fear. You are the first this year already personally approved by the hall lord himself. Here, loyalty guarantees safety. Betrayal does not exist."
Zhu Zhuqing stood in silence, head bowed slightly, yet her heart thundered louder than any storm.
In her mind, only one fierce voice repeated again and again:
From today… my fate begins anew.
--
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