"Thump!"
Water splashed everywhere.
The cool lake water instantly enveloped his entire body, dispelling the heat that had accumulated in his body for four years after consuming the immortal herb, making Tang Qing feel incredibly refreshed.
Zhu Zhuqing, clutching his robe, stood gracefully on the shore, her beautiful eyes fixed on the figure swimming in the water.
Under the sunlight, his skin shimmered with a healthy glow, his muscles were smooth and powerful, and every stroke of his arm was like a graceful dragon, full of beauty.
Zhu Zhuqing was completely mesmerized.
Before long, Tang Qing swam to the shore, shook the water droplets off his head, and smiled as he reached out his hand to her.
"Come down, let's go together."
"ah?"
Zhu Zhuqing was stunned for a moment, then her cheeks flushed red, and she quickly waved her hand.
"Your Highness, I...I can't swim."
"I'll teach you."
Tang Qing's tone was calm, yet it carried an irresistible power.
Zhu Zhuqing hesitated for a moment, but still obediently put down the robe in her hand, took off her shoes and socks, and carefully stretched out her snow-white jade feet to step into the water.
The lake water was slightly cool, which made her shiver.
The next moment, a strong arm wrapped around her slender waist and gently pulled her close.
"ah!"
Zhu Zhuqing exclaimed in surprise as she was enveloped in a broad, warm embrace.
She instinctively stretched out her arms and wrapped them tightly around Tang Qing's neck, clinging to him like an octopus, afraid that she would sink.
The girl's delicate body was soft and supple, pressed tightly against him. Through the thin clothes, Tang Qing could clearly feel the smoothness of her skin and her astonishing heartbeat.
"Don't be afraid, I'm here."
Tang Qing whispered in her ear, his warm breath brushing against her earlobe, making Zhu Zhuqing's body even hotter.
She buried her face in the crook of his shoulder, not daring to speak, and could only nod haphazardly.
For the next hour, Tang Qing acted like a patient teacher, instructing her on how to breathe underwater and how to move her limbs.
Zhu Zhuqing, too, gradually relaxed from her initial tension and fear.
With him by my side, even the most terrifying things seem less frightening.
The two frolicked in the water, and an ambiguous atmosphere quietly permeated the lake.
It wasn't until the sun was setting that Tang Qing led Zhu Zhuqing, who was soaking wet, ashore.
He casually lay down on a bamboo chair in the pavilion, closing his eyes to rest.
Zhu Zhuqing obediently fetched a clean towel and carefully wiped the water droplets off his body.
She knelt beside him, her soft, boneless hands beginning to massage and relax his muscles.
The warm fingertips, with just the right amount of force, roamed over his strong shoulders, arms, and thighs, bringing waves of comfortable tingling and numbness.
The girl's waist was very soft, almost too soft to be grasped, yet it contained amazing flexibility and explosive power.
She lowered her head, her expression focused, a few strands of her wet black hair clinging to her snow-white cheeks, adding to her charming and delicate beauty.
Tang Qing enjoyed this rare tranquility and comfort.
Just then, a clear, cold voice carrying a hint of complex emotion came from outside the pavilion.
"Blue Silver King is living a really good life, surrounded by beautiful women, carefree and relaxed."
The owner of the voice was none other than Crown Prince Xue Qinghe.
He wore a light gold prince's casual robe, his posture was upright, and his face was handsome, but there was a lingering weariness in his eyes.
Upon hearing the news that Tang Qing had returned to the manor, he immediately put aside all his official duties and rushed over without stopping.
Xue Qinghe's gaze swept over Zhu Zhuqing's exquisite and shapely body, a hint of coldness flashing deep in his eyes.
It's such an eyesore.
The thought of his nominal mother, Bibi Dong, being as indifferent to him as a stranger made him feel terrible.
He had to infiltrate the Heavenly Dou Empire alone, facing mountains of government affairs every day, and guarding against the schemes of all sides, living like an ascetic.
Then look at Tang Qing, it's like comparing heaven and earth.
Zhu Zhuqing felt a little uncomfortable under his gaze, and stopped what she was doing.
She was a little confused. Why did the Crown Prince look at her like... like he was jealous?
This feeling made her feel very awkward.
Tang Qing did not get up, but remained lying there lazily. She simply opened her eyes and glanced at him indifferently.
"Your Highness, it is an honor to have you here. I have failed to greet you properly."
Xue Qinghe walked into the pavilion, sat down by himself, and asked bluntly:
"Where have you been for the past four years?"
"Enhance our strength."
Tang Qing's answer was concise and to the point.
"Now, we have emerged from the pass."
Upon hearing this, Xue Qinghe's pupils suddenly contracted.
To enhance strength?
For this man to utter those four words, what terrifying breakthrough had he achieved in the past four years?
You should know that four years ago, his strength had already firmly established him at the top of the Title Douluo level!
How strong must he be now?
A storm raged in Xue Qinghe's heart.
She herself, with the full support of the Spirit Hall and the expenditure of countless resources, only recently managed to break through to the Soul Saint realm.
Even so, she felt that the gap between herself and Tang Qing had not narrowed, but rather widened.
It was so overwhelming that it filled her with a sense of despair.
But soon, this despair transformed into an even more fervent worship.
Only a man like this deserves to stand at the top of the continent, and only a man like this deserves to be a support for one's future.
Tang Qing seemed oblivious to the shock in her eyes and casually asked:
"During these four years of my absence, has anything noteworthy happened in Tiandou City?"
Before he went into seclusion, he ordered his subordinates not to disturb him no matter what happened.
Xue Qinghe composed himself and slowly said:
"Although you have not shown your face for four years, the reputation of the 'Blue Silver King' has become increasingly renowned throughout the continent."
"Both the Spirit Hall and the Star Luo Empire are extremely wary of you and dare not make the slightest move."
"Within the Heavenly Dou Empire, no one dares to mention your name. Your prestige has even begun to surpass that of the Emperor."
Tang Qing smiled noncommittally, not surprised at all.
Xue Qinghe paused for a moment, then changed the subject.
"Besides that, there's one more thing."
"Dai Mubai, the hostage of the Star Luo Empire, has escaped."
"oh?"
Tang Qing raised an eyebrow, showing some interest.
"It is said that someone wanted him to enter the palace to become a eunuch, so he was so frightened that he fled Tiandou City overnight and later joined Shrek Academy."
Xue Qinghe's tone was somewhat playful.
"Strangely, despite the magnitude of the incident, not a single member of the city guards or the royal family's retainers went to pursue the perpetrators."
Upon hearing this, Tang Qing's lips curled into a cold smile.
"Stop beating around the bush."
"Isn't what you're trying to say is that Emperor Xueye deliberately let him escape?"
Tang Qing didn't take Dai Mubai seriously at all.
He's just an ant that I can crush at any moment. Next time I see him, I'll just take care of him.
but...
The Great Emperor Xueye is getting a bit restless.
(End of chapter)