My Enemy Became My Cultivation Companion

"A golden Heart Lake?" Chen Yi was stunned, having never seen such a Heart Lake before.

Master Ling Hui’s voice timely echoed, warning, "Be careful, it burns, benefactor."

"Burns?"

Chen Yi was puzzled; Heart Lake was a manifestation of consciousness, how could it be divided into hot and cold?

Somewhat incredulous, within this Heart Lake, he gathered a wisp of perception, cautiously reaching out to probe the crimson golden pool.

At the instant that wisp of perception touched the water’s surface,

"Hiss!"

An indescribable burning sensation surged back along his perception, Chen Yi felt as if he’d been singed by flames, hastily withdrawing the perception, momentarily stunned.

This situation was unheard of, unseen.

This crimson golden water... didn’t resemble Heart Lake’s water, more like molten gold.

Just as Chen Yi was filled with doubt, a faint sound came from afar, landing in his ears.

It was... a slight snoring sound...

Like a massive creature breathing deeply and serenely in sleep.

Following the source of the sound, Chen Yi looked towards the broiling gold that was hotter than magma in the center of the lake.

Right within the sweltering, viscous golden depths, lay a titanic figure, quietly curled up there, with breathing causing the surrounding golden water to gently ripple.

The exotic beast resembled an Auspicious Lion, with a single horn, covered in fine, gold-shimmering scales, tail lazily coiled by its side, eyes shut tight, expression peaceful, in deep slumber,

It was...

Pixiu!

..........

Inside the study.

After Zhu E’s departure, the vivid fragrance seemed to linger, Qin Qingluo sat back in the large chair, eyes falling on the mountain of documents before her, vermillion pen in hand, but unable to put it down.

She tried to refocus her mind on governmental affairs, yet an inexplicable agitation in her chest burned like a wildfire, growing stronger, disturbing her peace.

Zhu E’s earlier insinuations echoed within.

"Through adversity, there may be unity, but fortunes... cannot be shared, can they..."

"You might stop me, but can you stop him?"

"Or... does the prince not want to stop us?"

Each word and sentence hit precisely at her most sensitive nerve.

How could Qin Qingluo not understand the deeper meaning? As the Saintess of the Divine Sect, serving the Ming Venerable was a duty enshrined within the doctrine, considered a supreme honor.

She had restrained herself, simply because her title as the ruler of Southern Border was not relinquished, mindful of their years together and her own dignity.

Aunt Zhu, in the end, was considerate of her feelings.

Qin Qingluo closed her eyes, massaging her increasingly aching brows, snake-like pupils subtly rolling beneath her eyelids, a flash of exhaustion passing through.

But she knew all too well, this "consideration" was merely temporary.

Like a seepage trickling unnoticed from the levee, if left unchecked, it would someday gather into a flood sweeping everything away. Zhu E’s visit today, though seemed a casual jab cloaked in concern, was in essence a discreet probing.

She hoped for her ruler, the prince, to capitulate, to consent, and to break the invisible barrier.

But...

Qin Qingluo suddenly opened her eyes, a gleam flickering within the snake-like pupils.

That Chen Yi, capricious and overreaching, if he truly pairs with Zhu E... would there be peace within the inner court of the Prince Mansion in the future? Where would her majesty as Qin Qingluo then stand?

Moreover... at the thought of Chen Yi potentially being with Zhu E... a nameless fire surged within her, accompanied by a possessiveness she herself was reluctant to delve into.

"Phew..."

She exhaled deeply, placing the vermillion pen she had clutched for ages heavily on the pen stand, producing a crisp clatter, her tall figure leaning back into the seat, eyes raised to gaze at the ornate carvings adorning the study’s ceiling, expression complex and inscrutable.

Aunt Zhu’s patience wouldn’t last forever, and Chen Yi, that bitch, certainly wasn’t someone who would behave.

How much longer could she, this prince, hold them at bay?