Chapter 13 Meeting the Saint
Chen Qing noticed a swing not far away.
"Let's go, let's check it out."
He naturally took Xia Qingyue's hand, walked to the swing, and then let her sit down.
"Hold on tight, be careful not to fall off." Chen Qing walked around to the back of the seat, held it with both hands, and gently pushed forward.
As the swing swayed forward and then back, the System panel appeared before Chen Qing's eyes as expected, and a notification sound rang in his mind: [Successful Wife Pampering! Congratulations to the Host for receiving a random reward: 50 First-Grade Qi Refining Pills!]
Although it was only First-Grade Qi Refining Pills, at least the quantity was sufficient.
While checking the reward, Chen Qing's hands didn't stop, and he pushed the swing forward again.
[Successful Wife Pampering! Congratulations to the Host for receiving a random reward: 50 First-Grade Bone Refining Pills!]
'Hmm?!'
Chen Qing originally thought that this reward wouldn't be so easy to get, and there should be a cooldown period; after getting it once, he would have to wait a while before triggering the next one. Who would have thought that the System had no limit!
Since the System was so generous, why should Chen Qing be modest?
Keep pushing!
[Successful Wife Pampering! Congratulations to the Host for receiving a random reward: 5 Escape Talismans!]
[Successful Wife Pampering! Congratulations to the Host for receiving a random reward: 10,000 Mid-Grade Spirit Stones!]
[Successful Wife Pampering! Congratulations to the Host for receiving a random reward: 50 First-Grade Qi Refining Pills!]
...
After that, Chen Qing thoroughly enjoyed himself, grinding for a full hour.
During this time, Xia Qingyue advised Chen Qing several times that she had played enough and was afraid he would get tired.
However, Chen Qing told Xia Qingyue not to worry, as he seemed to have inexhaustible strength within him.
In reality, this small expenditure was nothing to him, who now possessed a Golden Core Realm cultivation.
If it weren't for Xia Qingyue showing signs of getting dizzy and about to throw up from the swinging, Chen Qing would never have stopped after just an hour; he could have swung for a whole day!
Meanwhile, on the other side, Martial Emperor Xia Cheng had already learned from the guard who was pressured into kneeling by Chen Qing in the pavilion that Chen Qing had not only stepped into the Cultivation Dao long ago but had also broken through to the Golden Core Realm.
"Golden Core Realm! That kid actually entered the Golden Core Realm!" Martial Emperor Xia Cheng was greatly astonished upon learning this.
One Chen Xiong was already enough to give him a headache, and now there was another Cultivation Genius. Xia Cheng felt that his imperial throne was becoming increasingly difficult to secure.
"State Preceptor Xiao He, what do you think about this child?" Xia Cheng turned to State Preceptor Xiao He beside him and asked.
"An eighteen-year-old Golden Core Realm Cultivator, even if Prime Minister Chen must have invested a large amount of Cultivation resources into him, this child's talent is quite rare even across the entire Great Wu Dynasty! If left unchecked, he will surely become a great menace!" Xiao He offered his opinion.
"However, with Chen Xiong's current influence in court, coupled with the one hundred thousand iron cavalry encamped outside the city, trying to move against him is difficult, as difficult as ascending to the heavens!"
Not only that, Xia Cheng had a premonition that after learning Chen Qing was a Cultivation Genius, and especially after he married his most beloved Princess Xia Qingyue, more and more people would side with Prime Minister Chen Xiong.
Xia Cheng considered himself very skilled in the art of emperorship, but he never expected to be completely defeated by Chen Qing and Chen Xiong, this father-son pair, this time.
"Therefore, Your Majesty, in my opinion, regarding the Chen family father and son, we can only be stable, not aggressive. Once we break ties, there will be harm and no benefit," Xiao He advised.
Xia Cheng sighed and waved his hand, "I understand, you may leave."
At this opportune moment, the news of Chen Qing possessing the Golden Core Realm also reached Chen Xiong's ears.
"My son is a Golden Core Realm Cultivator? Golden Core Realm! An eighteen-year-old Golden Core Realm? What a Prodigy!" After muttering a few words, Chen Xiong suddenly burst into laughter.
This was definitely the happiest thing for him recently, apart from Chen Qing's grand wedding.
To celebrate, he waved his hand grandly, spending a fortune and rewarding everyone in the Chen Residence, embodying the spirit of being rich and willful.
His gaze returned to Chen Qing.
Having explored enough, Chen Qing, at Xia Qingyue's suggestion, decided to go to the Royal Study to meet his imperial father-in-law.
Although he had met him a few times in the past, they hadn't spoken much.
Chen Qing had another purpose in visiting Xia Cheng this time: to let Xia Cheng know that he shouldn't overthink things, that the Chen family had no intention of rebelling, and that the imperial throne would continue to be held by the Xia family.
Not only that, he would also have Chen Xiong help him secure the throne.
In a flash, they arrived at the Royal Study.
Upon learning from the eunuch that Chen Qing actually wanted to see him, Xia Cheng was very puzzled, unsure of his intentions.
However, he still had the eunuch go and invite Chen Qing and Xia Qingyue into the Royal Study.
"Xia Qinyue greets Imperial Father," Xia Qingyue bowed.
Seeing this, Chen Qing, even if he didn't give Xia Cheng Face, had to give Xia Qingyue Face, so he cupped his hands and said, "Chen Qing greets Father-in-law."
"No need for formalities, no need for formalities. Come, please be seated," Xia Cheng said, feigning calmness.
Subsequently, the eunuchs brought two stools, and Chen Qing and Xia Qingyue sat opposite the table.
"May I ask, what brings my virtuous son-in-law to see me?" Xia Cheng asked directly.
"Your humble son-in-law is here today to clarify the Chen family's stance to Your Majesty." Xia Cheng asked directly, and Chen Qing didn't beat around the bush either.
"Oh! The Chen family's stance?" Xia Cheng immediately became interested.
"That's right, the Chen family will not rebel, nor will it be an enemy of the Xia Dynasty. Please rest assured, Your Majesty," Chen Qing stated unequivocally.
"How can I believe you?" In other words, Xia Cheng was asking how Chen Qing had the authority to decide such a matter.
Although the entire Great Wu Dynasty knew that Chen Xiong, as a father, doted on his son Chen Qing, Xia Cheng truly didn't believe that Chen Xiong would listen to Chen Qing's opinion on such a major issue.
"It's simple. With Your Majesty's intelligence network, you must already know about my Cultivation talent. If he insists on rebelling and commits treasonous acts, I will do my utmost to stop him and stand with Xia Qinyue, protecting her absolutely."
These words were less for Xia Cheng's ears and more specifically for Xia Qingyue, who was beside him.
The effect was remarkable!
Xia Qingyue never imagined that Chen Qing would actually go against his own father for her sake.
Immediately, she recalled the words Chen Qing had said to her that day about love at first sight.
'He's serious!'
Xia Qingyue's heart was touched.
"Good, I believe you!" Xia Cheng chose to believe Chen Qing.
On one hand, it was because there was no better option; on the other hand, he was moved by Chen Qing's earnest expression and believed he wasn't lying.
After that, after a few pleasantries, Chen Qing left the time for Xia Cheng and Xia Qingyue, the father and daughter.
Chen Qing then got up and left the Royal Study.
He hadn't paid attention to checking the Wife Pampering rewards earlier, focusing entirely on acting.
Now, having just walked out of the Royal Study's main door, Chen Qing ignored the eunuch's questions, waved his hand to summon the System panel, and without a word, directly checked the reward notifications.
[Successful Wife Pampering! Congratulations to the Host for receiving a random reward: 100 Shadow Puppets!]
One hundred Shadow Puppets!
'Doesn't that mean I'll have a hundred Soul Emergence Realm thugs! And they'll be over a hundred Soul Emergence Realm thugs absolutely loyal to me!'
Chen Qing's Face showed excitement.
This time, he hit the jackpot!
***
Chapter 14 Assassination
At least in the current Great Wu Dynasty, the existence of Soul Emergence Realm Cultivators is absolutely not to be underestimated, let alone a massive number of over a hundred.
The more than one hundred Shadow Puppets in Chen Qing's hands are already completely sufficient for him to establish a major force.
In less than two days since binding the System, he has already spawned over a hundred Soul Emergence Realm Puppet enforcers. What about the time after that?
Chen Qing couldn't help but boldly speculate: as Xia Qingyue's icy heart gradually melts for him and occupies an increasing proportion, is it possible to spawn Quasi-Emperor or even Great Emperor Realm Puppets?
Anticipation! Utter anticipation!
If he can really spawn a massive advantage where Quasi-Emperors are as common as dogs and Great Emperors are everywhere, what is there to fear from the protagonist?
Afterward, Chen Qing collected his thoughts, intending to find a random place to pass the time, waiting for Xia Qingyue and Xia Cheng, the father and daughter, to finish their private conversation and emerge from the Royal Study.
Meanwhile, inside the Royal Study, due to guilt, Xia Cheng found it impossible to be as relaxed as usual when alone with Xia Qingyue.
After a long while, he finally managed to squeeze out a sentence, asking, "Xia Qinyue, how does he treat you? Has he not bullied you?"
Xia Qingyue shook her head, "My husband treats me very well; he accommodates me in every way and protects me."
'Husband...'
Xia Cheng was first stunned, then reacted, "That's good, that's good."
He then changed the subject, saying, "I didn't expect this Young Master to have been hiding his true abilities all along, deceiving me and everyone else."
"At such a young age, he is already a Golden Core Realm Cultivator. His future prospects are limitless. After today, I'm afraid those Sects will be scrambling to invite him to join."
Thinking of this, Xia Cheng suddenly felt fortunate to have taken such a son-in-law.
Otherwise, if he were to truly grow and stand on the opposing side, he would be far more terrifying than a powerful minister like Chen Xiong!
"Father Emperor, please rest assured. Your daughter trusts him. Since he said he would not be an enemy of Great Wu, he will surely do it." Xia Qingyue's words implied that her perception of Chen Qing had completely changed, and she held a significant amount of trust in him.
No matter what the world thought, in Xia Qingyue's eyes, Chen Qing was no longer the profligate Young Master who only indulged in debauchery and hedonism.
"Mm, I, your father, am also willing to believe him." Xia Cheng always felt that a certain distance had grown between himself and Xia Qingyue, making it impossible for them to be as intimately close as before.
Trying to put himself in Xia Qingyue's shoes, Xia Cheng was not incapable of understanding her emotions.
As a father, Xia Cheng could only do his utmost to try and compensate Xia Qingyue.
He not only bestowed upon Xia Qingyue and Chen Qing a grand residence named Qingyun, of a princely standard, complete with dozens of servants, but also enough gold, silver, and jewels for them to live lavishly their entire lives, all as a dowry.
Xia Qingyue accepted everything without refusal.
She clearly understood that these things were not only given to her but also to Chen Qing.
Hesitating to speak, Xia Qingyue had initially thought she would have endless things to say to Xia Cheng, just like before.
The facts proved her wrong; she and Xia Cheng both felt that an invisible, intangible barrier had emerged between them.
She realized that, deep down, she still harbored some resentment towards her father, Xia Cheng, for why he had so decisively chosen to sacrifice her to preserve the Family and the Dynasty.
She realized that she also yearned for Xia Cheng to stand outside his role as a monarch and, from a father's perspective, be selfish for her, his daughter, just once.
Subsequently, realizing there was nothing more to say, Xia Qingyue chose to take her leave, citing Chen Qing waiting for her outside.
Watching Xia Qingyue's retreating back, Xia Cheng raised his hand and said, "Xia Qinyue, take care of yourself. If you need anything or feel wronged, you can always return. Father will certainly uphold justice for you!"
"Thank you, Father Emperor."
After speaking, Xia Qingyue left the Royal Study, and the eunuch softly closed the door.
Xia Qingyue looked at the old eunuch guarding the door and asked, "Eunuch Li, have you seen where my husband went?"
"Replying to Princess, this old servant saw the Imperial Son-in-Law walk that way." Eunuch Li raised a hand and pointed.
Xia Qingyue acknowledged him and walked away in the direction Eunuch Li pointed...
After walking for not long, as Xia Qingyue peered out, she saw Chen Qing at the end of the corridor.
Xia Qingyue recognized him by his silhouette at a glance.
Just as Xia Qingyue was about to call out to Chen Qing, before the words could leave her mouth, Chen Qing's cold voice was the first to transmit, "You've been following for so long, are you still not planning to show yourself?"
Xia Qingyue was slightly startled.
Clap, clap, clap!
Before she could react, a round of applause immediately followed, "Young Master has good eyesight, truly worthy of the title Prodigy."
...Seeing someone walk out from behind a pillar, Xia Qingyue swallowed the words she was about to say.
Based solely on his profile, Xia Qingyue had no impression of him, yet she could feel a very powerful Cultivator aura emanating from him.
"To kill me?" Chen Qing asked directly.
"Smart." The man smiled sinisterly, "If Young Master gives up resisting and obediently accepts death, I can make your departure easier, with less suffering."
"This is the Imperial Palace. If you kill someone in the Imperial Palace, where do you place the Martial Emperor's dignity?" Chen Qing asked again.
"Such matters don't trouble Young Master's mind." The man took out a sharp Magic Treasure.
Chen Qing's words did remind him that this was the Imperial Palace, and he had to act quickly.
"Golden Core Peak? No wonder you dare to attack me." According to Chen Qing's judgment, this person's background should be the same as the group of masked assassins who tried to ambush him on the street earlier.
'Golden Core Realm Peak?!'
Hearing these five words, Xia Qingyue felt a strong sense of danger.
Although she had not stepped onto the Cultivation Dao, she knew that even a small Realm difference, without Magic Treasures or Cultivation Technique assistance, was an unbridgeable chasm for Cultivators.
Let alone a difference of several small Realms.
Golden Core Realm and Golden Core Realm Peak, who was stronger and who was weaker, was clear at a glance.
Realizing the danger, Xia Qingyue decided to turn back and inform her Father Emperor, asking him to dispatch powerful Cultivators from the royal Family to support Chen Qing!
It was completely subconscious; she didn't even consider whether Chen Qing dying at the man's hands now would be beneficial or harmful to her.
But then, a sentence from Chen Qing made Xia Qingyue stop in her tracks.
"Golden Core Realm Peak is very strong, but to kill me, you are not qualified enough."
If these words had come from someone else's mouth, Xia Qingyue would definitely suspect that the other party was putting on an act.
But coming from Chen Qing's mouth, Xia Qingyue surprisingly harbored no doubt at all in the first instance.
She was curious, what kind of methods would Chen Qing use?
"Not qualified enough?" Chen Qing's single sentence made the man laugh, unable to maintain his aloof demeanor.
He convinced himself in his heart not to care about the dying barks of a person about to die!
Facing the man who approached with a sword, radiating intense killing intent, Chen Qing calmly opened his System panel and selected Shadow Puppet.
***
Chapter 15: Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder?
Chen Qing was just fretting over not having a chance to test the combat prowess of his Shadow Puppet when the man proactively delivered himself to his doorstep.
Not wanting to bully him, he simply selected one Shadow Puppet and released it.
If the man knew Chen Qing was using Soul Emergence Realm strength to fight him, a Golden Core Realm Cultivator, across two major Realms, and called it 'not bullying him,' his complaints would probably be endless.
After confirming the activation of the Shadow Puppet and the completion of the master-servant contract, Chen Qing no longer needed to go through the System to summon the Shadow Puppet; it had integrated into his shadow and could be released from the darkness at any time.
Chen Qing had a thought.
The next moment, the man stopped in his tracks, keenly noticing that the shadow behind Chen Qing rippled like a stone dropped into water.
He frowned slightly, having never encountered such a situation.
Immediately after, he was even more astonished to witness a figure emerge from Chen Qing's shadow.
Looking closely, one would discover that the fellow was not human at all, but a monster clad in form-fitting armor, black from head to toe, and devoid of any life force.
"Move," Chen Qing casually ordered the Shadow Puppet, a command of killing intent.
The Shadow Puppet did not speak, responding with action, swiftly sweeping past Chen Qing and instantly closing the distance with the man.
The man's eyes widened, still intending to raise his sword to block the Shadow Puppet's attack, when a vast, ocean-like pressure descended from above him.
The man instantly felt his body and limbs become heavy as mountains, unable to control or move them even slightly.
"Soul Emergence Realm!" He squeezed out these three words, his dying declaration, with difficulty, as the Shadow Puppet's arm surged like ink, transforming into a blade, and with a single strike, it slit his throat, sending his head flying into the sky.
Soul Emergence Realm?!
The man's dying words, every single one, clearly and completely reached Xia Qingyue's ears in the distance.
She saw that the monster Chen Qing summoned was very strong, but she hadn't expected its strength to be so great that it could instantly kill a Peak Golden Core Realm Cultivator.
Even less did she expect the monster to possess the cultivation of the Soul Emergence Realm.
'A Soul Emergence Realm Cultivator, actually willing to be at his beck and call…'
After witnessing this firsthand, Xia Qingyue suddenly realized that she only knew Chen Qing was hiding his strength, but she didn't know that he was hiding even more deeply than she had imagined.
What she had seen and heard before was merely the tip of the iceberg!
Thinking of this, Xia Qingyue smiled faintly.
She laughed at how the world only knew Chen Xiong wielded power over the court and was a treacherous official, but they didn't know that the true terror of the Chen family was actually Chen Qing, a dandy (playboy) whom they completely disregarded and sneered at, believing he relied solely on his father!
Looking back at Chen Qing, after killing the man, eliminating this threat, and confirming there were no other assassins around, Chen Qing had the Shadow Puppet return to his shadow, continuing to lie dormant, ready to be dispatched at any moment.
As for Xia Qingyue?
Chen Qing could even detect a Peak Golden Core Realm Cultivator trailing him, let alone Xia Qingyue, an ordinary person who hadn't even awakened to the Dao of Cultivation yet?
Chen Qing had long since detected her presence and didn't mind showing Xia Qingyue his powerful side.
He knew that since ancient times, beauties admired heroes.
Regardless of the era, the strong always gained more favor from beauties compared to others.
As their eyes met, Xia Qingyue knew that Chen Qing had noticed her.
No longer hiding, she walked out from behind the wall.
To be honest, her heart was extremely uneasy right now; she was somewhat worried whether Chen Qing would kill her for discovering his secret?
It was only at this moment that Xia Qingyue truly believed Chen Qing had no intention of rebelling and swallowing the Great Wu Dynasty, because his vision and ambition were not limited to a small Great Wu.
Chen Qing saw through Xia Qingyue's thoughts and clarified, "Wife, rest assured, for us as husband and wife, this is no secret. Your husband will not kill to silence you because of this."
"Besides, I wouldn't bear to."
Chen Qing's words, coupled with his deep gaze, made Xia Qingyue's delicate cheeks flush slightly.
Unfortunately, in the System's view, this did not count as doting on his wife, so there was no reward.
"What was that thing that hid in your shadow just now?" Xia Qingyue asked curiously on the way to the palace.
Like the deceased assassin, she didn't think the Shadow Puppet was human.
"A Magic Treasure. You can understand it as a type of Puppet that only obeys my commands, and its strength is comparable to a Soul Emergence Realm Cultivator," Chen Qing explained without concealment.
His purpose, of course, was to make Xia Qingyue feel that he wasn't treating her as an outsider.
"Magic Treasure? Puppet? Comparable to a Soul Emergence Realm Cultivator!" Although she had long known the Cultivation world was incredibly profound, it was only today that Xia Qingyue truly caught her first glimpse of its wonders.
"Then how many more Magic Treasures like that do you have?" Xia Qingyue asked again.
She wanted to thoroughly understand her husband's true strength.
Of course, she was also prepared for Chen Qing to refuse to answer.
"Many," Chen Qing did not give a specific number.
This was to avoid Xia Qingyue feeling that he had deceived her at this moment if he later acquired more Shadow Puppets.
His focus was on attention to detail.
'Many!'
Xia Qingyue did not continue to press the question; from Chen Qing's confident 'many,' she had already deciphered a lot of information.
She began to believe that if Chen Xiong truly intended to raise an army to rebel and overthrow the Great Wu Dynasty's rule, Chen Qing genuinely had the strength to stop him and prevent a major war from breaking out.
Thinking of this, Xia Qingyue couldn't help but look forward to a future day when the world would all know Chen Qing's true nature.
"Do I need to tell Father Emperor about the assassination so they can investigate the culprit?" Xia Qingyue changed the subject.
"No need. This matter has probably already reached Father-in-law's ears through the spies," Chen Qing waved his hand, reaching out to help Xia Qingyue into the carriage, "Be careful."
[Doting on wife successful! Congratulations to the host for receiving a random reward: Charm +20!]
Since Chen Qing said so, Xia Qingyue no longer insisted.
Seated firmly, when she looked at Chen Qing, who was lifting the curtain and stepping into the carriage, Xia Qingyue's willow-like brows furrowed slightly.
Somehow, she suddenly felt that Chen Qing looked… much more dashing and handsome than before.
Looks were determined by heaven, and Xia Qingyue didn't believe a person's appearance could suddenly become more handsome.
Yet, she truly felt that Chen Qing, whether in appearance or temperament, had improved significantly.
At this moment, an ancient saying couldn't help but surface in Xia Qingyue's mind: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!
'Impossible! Absolutely impossible! It definitely can't be like this…'
Xia Qingyue shook her head like a rattle-drum, hastily denying the thought in her heart.
She didn't believe she would fall for Chen Qing or develop feelings for him.
After all, the time she had truly spent with him, all added up, was less than two days.
Xia Qingyue was unwilling to believe that her ten-year-long feelings for Ye Feng could be so easily replaced.
Impossible! Absolutely impossible!
Before convincing others, Xia Qingyue first convinced herself.
"Wife, why is your face so red? Are you sick?" Chen Qing reached out, brushed aside Xia Qingyue's hair, leaned his face close, and pressed his forehead against hers.
The entire action was fluid and natural, showing no hint of contrivance.
***
Chapter 16 The Second Prince
Looking at Chen Qing's face, so close at hand, and feeling the proximity, so close that she could even hear their breaths alternating, Xia Qingyue's already flushed face grew even redder.
She raised her hands, pressed them against Chen Qing's chest, and gently pushed him away.
Then, she turned her head away, not daring to meet Chen Qing's eyes, and said nervously, "I'm fine, it's just that seeing blood earlier made me a little unsettled."
['Wife petting successful! Congratulations to the host for receiving a random reward: Grade 3 Refinement Pill + 20!']
After getting what he wanted, Chen Qing replied, "It was my husband's oversight; I will definitely not do anything to startle my wife like this again."
"Mm." Xia Qingyue softly agreed. Chen Qing's meticulous care and tenderness were like a quagmire, slowly pulling her into an abyss, deeply ensnared.
Afterward, the carriage slowly rolled, heading towards the Chen family mansion...
By the time the carriage arrived at the gates of the Chen family mansion, it was already noon.
Feeling the jolt, Xia Qingyue slowly opened her eyes, only to realize that she had fallen asleep at some point.
As soon as she opened her eyes, Chen Qing's handsome face came into view.
Words like 'chiseled face' and'sword-like brows and starry eyes' unconsciously surfaced in Xia Qingyue's mind after seeing that face.
She quickly averted her gaze, afraid of again having the misconception of 'love is blind.'
But the next moment, what made Xia Qingyue blush even more was her sudden realization that she was currently being held in Chen Qing's arms.
There were also many glances from the Chen family's servants around them.
"You, you put me down, I can walk by myself." Xia Qingyue buried her head in Chen Qing's embrace, speaking in a voice as soft as a mosquito's hum.
"It's fine, it's only a few steps. I, your husband, still have that much strength." Chen Qing told Xia Qingyue not to worry.
Seeing that she couldn't persuade Chen Qing, Xia Qingyue stopped speaking and let him hold her.
Gossip?
Xia Qingyue hadn't forgotten the fact that she had already married Chen Qing. What was there to gossip about a husband holding his wife?
After witnessing Chen Qing's powerful side, Xia Qingyue no longer held much hope for her fate with Ye Feng.
Even if Ye Feng appeared before her now, for the sake of the Xia Clan and the peace and stability of the entire Great Wu Dynasty, Xia Qingyue would absolutely not agree to leave with him and betray Chen Qing.
It was just that she couldn't yet let go of the feelings in her heart...
To put it more bluntly, her body already belonged to Chen Qing, but her heart still belonged to Ye Feng.
Yet, what even she herself hadn't noticed was that Ye Feng's importance in her heart was slowly shifting.
Afterward, Chen Qing carried Xia Qingyue all the way to the bedroom, carefully placing her on the bed as if she were a delicate piece of porcelain, and covered her with the quilt.
Chen Qing knew that imperial nobles had a habit of taking afternoon naps, so he didn't disturb Xia Qingyue much and exited the room.
Xia Qingyue clutched the quilt with both hands, her eyes unfocused.
In her mind, the scene of Chen Qing's forehead pressed against hers in the sedan earlier, or the moment he held her in his arms just now, involuntarily surfaced.
The more she thought, the hotter her cheeks became, and her heartbeat pounded like a drum in her ears.
"No! What on earth am I thinking about!"
Shaking her head vigorously, Xia Qingyue forced herself to close her eyes and clear her mind, wanting to fall asleep to prevent any more chaotic thoughts from arising.
Xia Qingyue had no idea that even if she truly entered dreamland, some things were still inescapable.
Perfectly illustrating the saying, 'what one thinks of by day, one dreams of by night.'
Meanwhile, outside the door, Chen Qing was summoning the System panel to check the rewards for petting his wife that he had gained from the previous series of operations.
['Wife petting successful! Congratulations to the host for gaining a Cultivation Experience Pack + 1!']
'Cultivation Experience Pack?'
With only these five short words, Chen Qing found it difficult to know how much cultivation the Cultivation Experience Pack would increase after use.
"Who cares, I'll use it first and see how much it increases!"
With this thought, Chen Qing mentally controlled the System, selected the Cultivation Experience Pack, and used it.
['Using Cultivation Experience Pack...']
['Usage successful! Host's current Cultivation Realm has broken through to Nascent Soul Realm Layer 2!']
"Before it was Golden Core Realm Layer 2, now it's Nascent Soul Realm Layer 2, which means an entire major Realm has been raised." Chen Qing's face showed wild joy.
Cultivation Realm and Comprehension Ability were, without a doubt, the rewards he most urgently needed at the moment.
Closing the System panel and leaving the courtyard, Chen Qing felt refreshed and invigorated.
However, as soon as he stepped out of the courtyard gate, he noticed the butler waiting outside.
"What is it?" Chen Qing asked.
"Young Master, the Master has asked to see you." The butler reported truthfully.
"Lead the way."
"Yes."
Afterward, Chen Qing followed the butler to his father Chen Xiong's study, while the butler stood guard outside the door.
"Father, you were looking for me?" Chen Qing asked.
"Regarding the two groups of people who tried to assassinate you earlier, I have already found out who was behind them." Chen Xiong said, continuing to wield his brush.
"Who?" Chen Qing asked directly.
"The Second Prince." Chen Xiong looked up at Chen Qing, revealing the correct answer.
"The Second Prince? Could it be that he wants to contend for the position of Crown Prince in this way?"
Upon hearing this, Chen Xiong was overjoyed, "As expected of my son, Chen Xiong, you have a mind and saw through the crux of the problem at a glance."
"That's right, he wants to establish merits and achievements in this way, using you, using the bad reputation of my entire Chen family, as a stepping stone for his future ascension."
"The Second Prince has been a disciple of the Heaven Feather Sect since childhood. The Cultivator who tried to assassinate you in the palace came from the inner Sect of the Heaven Feather Sect."
Hearing Chen Xiong's words, Chen Qing again saw through the key point, "The Heaven Feather Sect wants to support the Second Prince's succession."
"Smart!" Chen Xiong truly admired his precious son more and more the more he looked at him.
Talent, unrivaled talent!
Mind, unrivaled mind!
How could he not achieve great dominance in the future?
"This will definitely not be their last action. In the future, assassinations targeting us, father and son, will only increase." Chen Xiong's words were indirectly asking Chen Qing if he wanted to take the initiative.
After learning that his son had been hiding his brilliance and pretending to be a profligate, he realized that he could no longer be as autocratic as before and had to seriously consider his opinions.
"The Second Prince? The Heaven Feather Sect?" Chen Qing chuckled, "They're nothing but a bunch of pathetic nobodies, not worth mentioning."
Even if Chen Qing was not yet a match for an entire Sect, with his Undying and Imperishable Body, the other party wouldn't be able to kill him. Chen Qing could wear them down and kill them.
Hearing Chen Qing say this, Chen Xiong not only didn't think he was arrogant or conceited, but instead firmly believed that his son must have his own confidence to speak like that.
However, Chen Xiong didn't ask too many questions. Some things were simply understood.
"Father, let's not talk about the Second Prince and the Heaven Feather Sect for now. There's something I want to discuss with you."
Chen Qing's expression was serious, as he decided to get a big haul from the System.