Chapter 376 - 374: Trouble with the Ancient Array
Qin Yu didn’t intend to go inside.
But the Empress Dowager went in first, so he had no choice but to...
reluctantly follow in.
The hall was unusually bright, the floor was paved with sparkling crystals, bustling with people, yet it didn’t feel crowded, rather quite spacious.
While observing, Qin Yu quickly sensed a gaze falling upon him.
Looking sideways, his sight traced up along the stairs and froze at a corner on the second floor. There, a flamboyant figure stood, like a rose blooming in fire, particularly eye-catching.
She possessed an exquisitely beautiful oval face, her lips curled into a smile that could sway any heart, gazing at Qin Yu.
It was none other than Bai Yaoyin, a combination of innate allure and pure elegance.
In an instant, everyone’s gazes in the hall focused on her, yet knowing well the weight of the Carefree Pavilion’s Chief Steward, no one dared to step beyond their bounds or spoke out of turn.
Some thoughtful individuals began to speculate in secret.
The Chief Steward of the Carefree Pavilion was rarely seen; someone who can make her come out to welcome must be few in number throughout the entire Imperial Capital.
Today’s visit must be from a noble guest, to be worthy of such honor.
"Chief Bai, long time no see."
Faced with the gracefully approaching Bai Yaoyin, Qin Yu slightly restrained the heat in his gaze.
After all, his beloved wives were still watching.
"To have such esteemed guests arrive is truly an honor. May I have the pleasure of guiding you through our hospitality?"
Bai Yaoyin’s tone was gentle, fully aware of the identities of Qin Yu and Little Ling’Er; she offered a slight bow, appropriately setting aside elaborate courtly manners to demonstrate tact.
"I wouldn’t dare trouble Chief Bai."
Qin Yu politely refused; alas, he dared not flirt so blatantly.
If only he had come alone...
Cough!
"If that’s the case, let them assist me, and please don’t decline."
Bai Yaoyin was adept at dealing with people, didn’t dwell overly on the matter, and ordered a few clever maidservants to explain the layout of the Carefree Pavilion to Qin Yu and his wives.
To this, Qin Yu did not refuse.
It was like having a guide with the maidservants leading the way, allowing Lin Shuishui and the others to enjoy their visit more deeply.
"By the way, should you come alone next time, don’t forget to fulfill the promise."
Before leaving, Bai Yaoyin cast Qin Yu a captivating glance filled with endless hints: "The third floor of this pavilion will surely let you forget worldly worries and experience ultimate relaxation."
Qin Yu awkwardly covered Little Ling’Er’s ears, as if afraid she would hear.
Wasn’t that the source of the Spirit Beast crowing sound?!
This Chief Bai...
Is truly sharp in discerning character!
For the entire afternoon, the group stayed within the Carefree Pavilion, only touring two floors despite having guides.
Only when night fell did they leave, still longing for more.
Lifebound Space.
Qin Yu left Lin Shuishui and the others’ room, only to see the Sect Leader sitting in a hanging chair.
Not reading a book, seemingly preoccupied.
Qin Yu approached, "Master, what are you thinking about?"
As he spoke, he wasn’t very upright.
Primarily because the Sect Leader was exceedingly alluring, even a Saint Monk would falter, let alone Qin Yu.
"Stop!..."
Su Xihe’s tone held some resistance, yet she softly fell into the arms of the rebellious disciple.
"Stop what?"
Qin Yu leaned to her ear, the ticklish feeling making Su Xihe give him a complaining glance.
She could definitely feel the pampering from this rebellious disciple.
Although a Sect Leader, now in front of her disciple, she seemed like a little woman.
Of course, Su Xihe thoroughly enjoyed this feeling.
Moments later, the courtyard was filled with the Sect Leader’s cries.
Until nearly exhausted.
"I... I might need to retreat for a while."
Su Xihe snuggled in her disciple’s embrace, her voice sounding a bit hoarse, her forehead still glistening with fragrant sweat.
"Attempting a breakthrough to the Lotus Platform Realm?"
Qin Yu wasn’t exactly surprised.
The Sect Leader was already at the Golden Core Peak, and now possessing a Dao Bone, it’s a natural progression to break through to the Lotus Platform.
"Yes."
Su Xihe gently admitted, her eyes closed, cheek resting on Qin Yu’s chest, appearing... somewhat reluctant.
Despite normally being a bit proud, actually, if Qin Yu didn’t seek her out sometime, she’d accomplish nothing all day and wouldn’t even be in the mood for cultivation.
"Take these Spirit Stones, just in case."
Qin Yu handed her a Storage Ring.
Su Xihe glanced at it and promptly refused, "This is from the Empress..."
"No matter, it’s just some Spirit Stones, I can earn them back."
Qin Yu seemed quite confident.
Su Xihe didn’t decline any further, simply leaned against his chest, slowly closed her eyes, her breathing gradually calming.
But, her lips slightly curved upwards.
...
Three consecutive days.
Qin Yu went daily to the Jade Flower Palace to request permission for a journey from the Empress Dowager.
Though the Empress Dowager needed to uphold royal etiquette, considering Qin Yu’s sincere intentions to support his Dao Companion, she reluctantly agreed.
Meanwhile, the Empress Dowager thought, with the Empress absent, it’s her responsibility to watch over Qin Yu, to prevent him being whisked away by spies from other Immortal Countries.
Indeed!
The Empress Dowager always felt this way.
She truly was a selfless person.
That tyrant had no clue how much she silently contributed!
Unfortunately.
This pleasant time did not last long.
On the third day’s deep night, a plaintive sigh echoed within the Jade Flower Palace.
The Empress has returned!
"Qin Yu, come swiftly to the Imperial Study."
In his Lifebound Space, having just calmed the beautiful master, Qin Yu felt the Sound Transmission Stone gently tremble; upon receiving a transmission from the Empress, his heart skipped a beat.
Uh-oh!
Is the Empress aware of the escapades out of the palace with the Empress Dowager?!
What needs facing has to be faced.
Soon, Qin Yu donned his robes, tidied up, and rushed to the Imperial Study.
"Greetings, Your Majesty."
Qin Yu bowed, albeit a greeting, it was merely a half-bow.
"No need for courtesy."
The Empress raised her eyes slowly, glanced at Qin Yu, then gently rolled the Scroll open on the desk into her sleeve.
"An Ancient Array has encountered some issues, accompany me on this outing."
The Empress stood up, her typically majestic visage showing an uncharacteristic hint of worry.
"Ancient Array?"
Qin Yu felt a slight shock, quickly followed by covert relief.
It seems, as long as the Princess is unharmed, the Empress would not restrict the Empress Dowager’s freedom.
Moreover, the Princess can’t be confined in the Imperial Palace perpetually, right?
With a swift turn of thoughts, his expression grew solemn.
The Ancient Array’s issue might mean devastation for an entire region’s life forms.
Additionally, from the Empress’s low and somber tone, it’s likely that the matter is far from simple.