Under the night sky, the lights of Heaven Dou City shone brilliantly.
A certain duke's manor was buzzing with activity.
A massive, ornate crystal chandelier cast golden light, reflecting the opulence of the occasion.
A long table, dozens of meters in length, was adorned with silver utensils and crystal goblets.
Luxurious decorations and an array of exquisite delicacies dazzled the eyes.
As wine glasses clinked and changed hands, the guests savored fine food and drink from all across the continent, filling the banquet hall with cheerful laughter.
Xue Qinghe, dressed in elegant formal attire with a crown upon his head and a glass of red wine in hand, exuded nobility and confidence.
The moment he appeared, he became the center of attention.
Nobles gathered around, offering warm greetings.
Xue Beng raised his wine glass in greeting to Xue Qinghe, then turned to flirt with the female companions of nearby dukes and lords.
Xue Qinghe returned a gentle smile, but with inner contempt.
That younger brother of his—so young, yet so brazen with his ambitions—a natural-born hedonist, no real threat at all.
Xue Beng flirted with the beauties around him, a flicker of gloom flashing in his eyes.
Prince Xue Xing, with a large build and steady gait, approached Xue Qinghe.
"Uncle."
"Hm. Call me properly when in public."
Xue Qinghe nodded, "Thank you for the reminder, Prince Xue Xing."
Prince Xue Xing gave a satisfied nod, pleased by his display of propriety.
At this stage, before Xue Qinghe began eliminating rivals, Prince Xue Xing didn't mind being close to him.
Putting on his usual professional smile, Xue Qinghe completed the formalities.
It was just a birthday banquet for a duke's daughter—no need to delve into serious matters.
Seated with poise, Xue Qinghe observed the nobles flattering and forming alliances with interest.
Swirling his wine glass, he smirked wickedly.
As expected, a room full of hollow fools. The position of crown prince, even the throne, was within easy reach.
The Heaven Dou Empire would flourish under his hand!
"Your Highness, a Shadow Guard has urgent news."
A guard approached and whispered in Xue Qinghe's ear.
"Let's go."
This kind of scene had happened countless times and didn't attract attention in the hall.
Xue Qinghe was somewhat resigned—over the years, whenever the Shadow Guards reported news, it was mostly about noble infighting and alliances.
Still, these messages were important. Before securing the throne, rallying supporters was essential.
Three guards led Xue Qinghe to a quiet room within the manor.
"Well? What is it this time?"
Xue Qinghe crossed his legs and yawned.
"Your Highness, we respectfully ask you to die."
"…What?"
For a moment, Xue Qinghe thought he'd misheard, and he rose in fury.
"What did you say?!"
"We respectfully ask you to die!"
"Impudent! Seize him—"
The three guards responded in unison: "Yes!"
Heads rolled. Blood splattered.
Xue Qinghe never imagined that the three most trusted guards who had accompanied him for years would be his executioners.
The scene was swiftly cleaned up.
A "new Xue Qinghe" stepped out from the shadows—identical in appearance, but with eyes far colder.
"Let's go."
The banquet carried on. Qian Renxue quickly stepped into the role.
But this time, she felt a trace of regret.
Now that she was living Xue Qinghe's life firsthand and interacting with all these unfamiliar nobles, she truly felt how dull this existence was.
A strange feeling rose within her—wasting hours each day like this was unbearably boring.
She still had Lin Feng. No—she had to find a successor as soon as possible.
Have Grandpa pick someone suitable for this responsibility and slowly train them.
Once that person could fully replace her, she could step back.
At that point, the mission wouldn't be considered a failure, and she wouldn't have to lose face in front of that woman.
Wait!
Qian Renxue frowned. Why did she care so much about the opinion of that woman who forced her to call her "sister"?
She had Lin Feng now. She had Ling Yuan-jie.
Why should she spend years hiding here just for that woman's approval?
As the Holy Maiden of Spirit Hall, it didn't matter whether she personally completed the mission—as long as it succeeded under her leadership, that was enough to command respect.
Her eyes lit up. Lin Feng was right—there was no need for her to carry this burden alone.
She would tell Grandpa immediately to send in a candidate.
After all, the plan had been in motion for years—if no successors had been trained, that would be the real problem.
Crown Prince's Residence
Same atmosphere. Same staff.
But now, every maid and guard carried a visible excitement.
After years of waiting, their real master had finally returned.
"Greetings, Your Highness!"
"Hm. This prince is in a good mood today. All of you will be handsomely rewarded. Now go, and see Steward She later."
"Thank you, Your Highness!"
Joy was written all over the faces of the "undercover agents" as they exited, eager to find out what rewards awaited them for their long years of service.
Qian Renxue entered the study, her expression solemn, and activated a hidden mechanism on the bookshelf.
Click—
With a barely audible sound, a secret door opened behind the bookshelf.
She stepped in and locked it behind her.
Walking through the dim passage, she felt an odd emotion stir.
For some reason, the thought that this secret chamber led to a room shared with Lin Feng and Ling Yuan—their bedroom—filled her with a strange feeling.
"Keeping beauties hidden in a golden house?"
The words slipped from her lips.
Her heart raced, her cheeks flushed red, but she continued forward.
After dozens of steps, the passage opened up.
Illuminated by soul-powered lights, the space felt no different from the outside world—more comfortable, even, due to the careful decoration.
"You're back?"
Lin Feng was enjoying a massage from Ling Yuan while reading a scroll. He waved to Qian Renxue:
"So, how was it? Boring, just like I said?"
Qian Renxue pouted and kicked off her shoes, stretching her legs onto Lin Feng's lap.
"It really was boring, Xiao Feng. I kind of regret it now."
Lin Feng paused while massaging her silky white-stockinged legs.
"Oh? What are you thinking—returning to Spirit City now?"
"No. That'd be too abrupt. I've already told Grandpa Chrysanthemum to inform Grandpa. He'll send a new candidate.
We'll train them ourselves. Once they can replace me, I'll finally be free."
Lin Feng nodded. It wasn't too late for Qian Renxue to realize this.
Her time in Heaven Dou had probably also dulled her obsession with Bibi Dong—a good thing, in his view.
Qian Renxue rested on the bed, eyes closed, while Lin Feng continued massaging her legs—long, smooth, and strong.
Her calves were toned and sleek; her thighs slightly plump, curving gracefully.
Massaging them was a pleasure in itself.
Ling Yuan noticed the light in Lin Feng's eyes and chuckled softly, applying a little more pressure to his shoulders.
T/N: For up to fourteen chapters ahead on this fic and twenty on my other, become a P@tron at [email protected]/LordHipposApostle