Chapter 178: Leaving the Empire!



"Haa..."

Zhang Ming let out a soft sigh, feeling the lingering warmth of the bed beneath her bare skin. As the cool morning breeze brushed her back, she shifted slowly, her lithe body slipping off the bed.

Raising her arms, she gathered her hair into a loose ponytail, her delicate fingers twisting the strands with practiced ease.

"Little Yuan..." Her voice was soft, almost teasing as she glanced over her shoulder at Zhang Yuan, who was lazily sprawled across the bed, his eyes half-lidded as he gazed at her.

Rubbing her stiff ass she mumbled "I'm going to prepare something to eat."

Zhang Yuan gave a lazy nod, his eyes tracing her ass cheeks.

Zhang Ming smiled softly, warmth spreading through her chest at his casual acceptance, and she turned, padding quietly to the door.

As she reached for the handle and pulled the door open...

Huh?

However, her eyes shrank in shock looking at the blonde-haired woman standing on the doorstep with a smile on her face.

"Hello there.. Aunty Ming."

"N-Ning Xia?"

*thud* Startled, she hurriedly closed the door shut and hastily turned to Zhang Yuan who was lying on the bed.

"Y-Yuan..."

Zhang Yuan let out a faint chuckle and Zhang Ming asked "You told me... t-that you have stopped the time."

With a nod, Zhang Yuan spoke "Yeah, the time is stopped in this world.. but Xia came from the palace and entered the time-stopped world."

Hearing this, Zhang Ming stammered "B-But you could have still stopped her."

Zhang Yuan nodded his head "Yeah... but I didn't"

The words hung in the air, and Zhang Ming felt her cheeks flush, heat rising to her face.

Before she could respond, the door creaked open again, the sound sending a jolt through her body.

*creek* Opening the door, Ning Xia stepped inside keeping a smile on her face "Husband..."

Zhang Ming's body stiffened under the touch, her muscles tense as she tried to suppress the sudden wave of nervousness that washed over her.

"Don't worry, Aunty Ming," Ning Xia whispered softly, her breath warm against Zhang Ming's ear. "I won't judge you..."

With a hesitant nod, Zhang Ming raised her hand covering her nipples and crotch "O-Okay..."

She hurriedly dashed out of the room, "I shall go and prepare something for him to eat."

Ning Xia crawled onto the bed and moved to Zhang Yuan, tenderly hugging him in her arms "Husband..."

"Xia..."

With a smile he pinched his nose "I came here to see you but what I saw. was.. you were being naughty."

Zhang Yuan only chuckled, pulling her closer as their bodies melted into each other's warmth. His hand moved to the small of her back, drawing her even nearer until there was no space left between them.

Ning Xia sighed softly, shaking her head as she rested it against his chest. "What am I going to do with you..." she whispered, her words more affectionate than scolding.

"Alright, alright," Long Yue said, shaking her head. "I promised you food, and I won't break that promise."

The group moved through the streets, tasting various dishes as they went.

Ming Yuelin tried a spiced tofu dish that left her eyes watering from the heat, while Chen Zin sipped a fragrant tea brewed with rare herbs.

As they were walking through the streets, Jin Wei who was walking beside him asked "Senior Yuan... what are you going to do after leaving the Empire?"

With a shrug, Zhang Yuan spoke "Where else? Back to the mountains of Pearl city.. I have accepted Yue as my disciple, so I have to train her."

"What about you?"

Hearing the question, Jin Wei stayed silent for a second "We actually came here for Phoenix Sovereign Inheritance.. but I guess, we will now return to our Haoshaku Empire."

"I see..."

Ming Yuelin's eyes sparkled as she marveled at a display of shimmering hairpins. "These are so beautiful!" she exclaimed, running her fingers lightly over a set of gold-encrusted pins.

Xue Hua didn't seem fascinated by them and Zhang Yuan softly patted her head "Hua... don't you want to buy something?"

Xue Hua shook her head "No, Master... what am I going to do by looking beautiful... I don't have anyone I need to attract with my appearance."

With a shake of his head, Zhang Yuan gently grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the shop "Come here.. I will buy you something."

He took a hairpin which perfectly matched her silver hair and helped her wear it on her head.

Being embarrassed to wear such cosmetics, Xue Hua's face turned a bit red "M-Master.. i don't need them."

However, Zhang Yuan didn't heed her and placed the hairpin "Now you look good."

Ming Yuelin also nodded her head "Yes, Junior Sister.. it looks really good."

With that, Ming Yuelin hugged his arm "Then pick one for me too, master..."

Seeing them Long Yue took a deep breath 'They are my senior sisters and master, so I have to get along with them.'

She took a step forward and spoke "Master.. please help me select a hairpin."

Jin Wei also joined in "Senior Yuan, me too.."

Not wanting to be left out, Chen Zin also joined "Me too then..."

Zhang Yuan smiled dryly seeing their enthusiasm "Everyone.. calm down."

...

In the center of a vast, dark chamber, the room is dimly lit by flickering red lights that cast long, eerie shadows across the stone walls.

The ground is cracked and uneven, with jagged stones.

At the heart of this demonic room, a massive throne dominates the space.

The throne itself is carved from blackened stone, its sharp edges and grotesque designs hinting at the dark power of its occupant.

A man is sitting on the throne with a pair of demonic horns on his head, his red eyes glinting in the room as he looked at the man bowing in front of him.

"Has the Half Demon's bloodline been awakened?"

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I hope you guys liked this chapter!