Among the crowd, Prince Xue Qinghe stood quietly.
She watched her "father" humbly lead the horse for the boy, and watched the boy accept it calmly.
What a young hero!
What a champion, Hou Tangqing!
What a fine demeanor and spirit!
Xue Qinghe's gaze fell on Tang Qing's young yet composed face, and a strange light flashed deep in his eyes.
She could sense that the boy named Tang Qing possessed a power that made her heart tremble.
That is the true power of the strong.
She, Qian Renxue, is the daughter of the Pope of the Spirit Hall and the owner of the divine-level spirit, the Six-Winged Angel.
Now at eighteen, his soul power is already unmatched among his peers.
But she knew very well that her strength was nothing compared to that of a true Title Douluo.
In particular, the other party was a Title Douluo who was two years younger than her, a sixteen-year-old!
An emotion quietly began to grow in Qian Renxue's heart.
It wasn't fear, nor was it murderous intent.
It is a longing.
A strong desire to completely conquer such a brilliant and talented man and make him submit to her feet.
"Tang Qing..."
Qian Renxue silently recited the name in her heart.
"You've successfully piqued my interest."
...
Xue Qinghe's gaze lingered for a moment on the slightly hunched back of Emperor Xue Ye before turning to the composed young man on horseback.
She took a step forward, her voice gentle and warm, carrying just the right amount of concern.
"Father, your health is of utmost importance. I will take care of the rest of the journey."
Emperor Xueye turned and glanced at her, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes.
He was indeed quite tired; he had forced himself to walk this distance, and his breathing was already somewhat uneven.
Handing the reins to the Crown Prince not only demonstrates the royal family's respect for the Marquis of Champion, but also highlights the father's kindness and the son's filial piety, achieving two goals at once.
"well."
Emperor Xueye released his grip and handed the reins, which symbolized supreme glory, to Xue Qinghe.
Xue Qinghe took the reins, his movements elegant and natural.
She looked up and met Tang Qing's deep eyes, a gentle smile playing on her lips.
"My lord, please."
Tang Qing's gaze swept across her face, but he didn't say anything, only nodded slightly.
The group continued their journey deeper into the imperial city.
Xue Qinghe led the horse alongside Tang Qing, her pace slow and her voice soft.
"Your Excellency has had a long and arduous journey. The Emperor has prepared a welcome banquet at Chengtian Hall for you and all the soldiers."
Upon hearing this, Tang Qing's lips curled slightly, a smile that was neither a smile nor a frown.
"oh?"
"Could this be a trap?"
His voice wasn't loud, but it was enough for Xue Qinghe beside him to hear clearly.
Xue Qinghe paused slightly, then let out a soft laugh, like a spring breeze caressing willows, captivating the heart.
"Your Excellency is joking."
"You are the pillar that holds up the sky and the golden beam that spans the sea in our Heavenly Battle. My father and I are too busy showing you our respect."
...
Inside Chengtian Hall, the lights were on full display.
The enormous hall, large enough to hold a thousand people, was already packed to capacity.
Fine wines and delicacies were served in a flowing stream, their aromas filling the air.
Emperor Xueye sat high on his dragon throne, a warm smile on his face.
He raised his hand, gesturing to the crowd.
"Generals, please don't stand on ceremony, please take your seats."
However, none of the dozens of battle-hardened generals behind Tang Qing, whose murderous aura soared to the heavens, made a move.
They seemed not to hear the emperor's words, standing ramrod straight with their eyes fixed on Tang Qing at the front.
The entire hall fell into an eerie silence.
The smile on Emperor Xueye's face froze for a moment, and a shadow of gloom flashed in the depths of his eyes, but he quickly suppressed it perfectly.
He continued to smile, seemingly unconcerned about the slight embarrassment.
Tang Qing seemed oblivious to the undercurrents swirling within him.
He turned around and casually waved to the generals behind him.
"Please sit down."
The moment the words fell.
"Yes, my lord!"
Dozens of generals responded in unison, their voices shaking the roof tiles, before they each found their places and sat down with imposing airs.
His commanding demeanor sent a chill down the spines of all the civil and military officials present.
This Xuanjia Army only knows of the Champion Marquis, but not the Heavenly Fighting Emperor!
Standing to the side, Xue Qinghe took in everything, her beautiful phoenix eyes sparkling with wonder.
What a fine Tang Qing.
Such strong control.
Only a man like this is worthy of Qian Renxue's attention.
"Let the feast begin!"
With Emperor Xueye's command, the atmosphere in the hall finally became lively.
Cups were clinked and toasts were exchanged.
The soldiers, all men who had risked their lives on the line, relaxed and ate meat and drank wine heartily, their shouts and laughter filling the air.
Tang Qing's seat was arranged in the first seat on the right, closest to the dragon throne, and Xue Qinghe sat next to him.
"My lord, I'd like to offer you a toast."
Xue Qinghe raised his wine glass with an elegant posture.
Tang Qing also picked up his wine glass, lightly clinked it with hers, and drank it all in one gulp.
After several rounds of drinks, Emperor Xueye gently clapped his hands.
As the sounds of string and wind instruments filled the air, a group of beautiful women dressed in thin gauze fluttered in from outside the palace like butterflies.
Leading the group was Xue Ke, the most beloved little princess of the Heavenly Dou Empire.
Xue Ke had dressed up carefully today, and her pretty face was lightly made up, making her look even more radiant and charming.
Her figure was slender and graceful. As she danced, her skirt fluttered, revealing her long, straight, jade-like legs, which were faintly visible under the thin gauze, captivating the heart.
She led a group of dancers in a graceful dance in the center of the hall.
But her gaze remained firmly fixed on the young man sitting in the head seat from beginning to end.
Xueke understood perfectly why her father had asked her to perform the dance today.
She was more than willing to marry this young hero.
No, it's not just her.
Now, which woman in the entire Heaven Dou Empire wouldn't want to marry this young, promising, and powerful Marquis Champion?
The atmosphere became even more lively with the arrival of the dancers.
The seasoned soldiers stared wide-eyed, suppressing growls in their throats, eager to pounce on the enemy.
Their eyes burned with desire as they looked at the dancers and the maids serving them.
Only Tang Qing.
He just sat there quietly, drinking his wine by himself.
His gaze didn't linger on Xue Ke's beautiful face for even a second longer.
It seemed that the stunning beauty and graceful dance before him were less appealing than the little bit of wine in his glass.
This composure and calmness gave him a unique charm.
Xue Qinghe looked at him, her eyes shining even brighter.
She picked up the wine pot and refilled the empty cup in front of Tang Qing with amber-colored wine.
"It seems that the Marquis is not interested in beautiful women?"
Tang Qing did not answer, but simply picked up his wine glass and drank it all in one gulp.
He really wasn't interested in ordinary women.
At least, what he sees right now is not enough to sway him.
(End of chapter)