Chapter 168: Worried Son

The Starsky Kingdom was draped in shadows of despair as the growing power of the demon sects cast a pall over the once vibrant land. Whispers of terror threaded through the streets as villages were razed and innocents slaughtered, the dark tide seemingly unstoppable. Even the presence of Empress Xinmei, a symbol of supreme power and authority, had done little to stem the tide of chaos that now gripped the kingdom.

Within the ornate halls of the royal palace, the atmosphere was equally charged with urgency and foreboding. Yiman moved like a storm through the corridors, his expression a mask of fierce determination and anger.

Bursting into the room without a knock, his eyes were immediately drawn to the vision of allure that was his mother. She stood there, clad in nothing but a silken bathrobe, the damp fabric clinging to her curves and accentuating her slender waist. Her wet skin, glistening with droplets, enhanced the porcelain smoothness that he had always admired.

The bathrobe, left partially open, revealed a hint of her well-endowed bosom, the fullness of which was emphasized by the delicate fabric. Her raven-black hair, usually pinned up in an elegant coiffure, now hung loosely around her shoulders, the tendrils framing her ethereal face and contrasting with her silver eyes that shimmered like the moonlight itself.

The blush on her high cheekbones added a touch of innocence to her otherwise sultry appearance, and her plump, rose-hued lips seemed even more inviting than he remembered.

The sight of his mother, with her exquisite features and undeniable beauty, left Yiman momentarily breathless. She exuded an air of sensuality and elegance, a combination that only served to heighten her allure.

Xinmei, composed as always, slipped into her black silk gown with graceful movements, her demeanor shifting to one of solemnity. "Yes," she affirmed, stepping forward with a seriousness that matched the gravity of their situation, "It is something I must do to save your kingdom."

"I know you already failed your negotiations with Vuhan. Otherwise, would I even think of doing this?" Xinmei retorted, her eyes sharp, reflecting a lifetime of navigating the treacherous waters of politics. "You have the right to be concerned since you are my son, but I am still your mother and an empress. Are you underestimating your own mother? I will be greatly disappointed if you think so little of me when I am doing this for you and your kingdom."

Yiman bowed his head, the weight of his mother's words pressing down on him like a physical force. His heart was torn between his duty to protect his kingdom and his instinct to protect his mother.

"Then let me at least accompany you," he pleaded, his voice laden with desperation.

"Your kingdom needs you here. Don't dump it all on your wife. Who knows what she might do behind your back," Xinmei countered, her tone softening as she gently cupped Yiman's face. "But you have nothing to worry about, son. I won't be alone. Bai Ling will be accompanying me."

"B-Bai Ling? Why him?" The mention of Bai Ling sparked a surge of irritation in Yiman. He couldn't fathom why his mother placed such trust in that man.

"He is strong, trustworthy, and has a sweet tongue. He might come to be very useful for these negotiations. It's time now. I have to go," Xinmei declared, her decision final as she walked past her son.

Yiman stood rooted to the spot, his heart hammering in his chest. As his mother's figure receded, a resolute light ignited in his eyes. Despite her instructions, he couldn't just stand by. He decided then, with a surge of resolve, to secretly follow her. Whatever dangers lay ahead, he would face them by her side, unseen and protective.