"There's one more thing…"
Seeing Xu Jiawei slump into his seat, the Prime Minister timidly voiced, "Your Majesty, a few days ago, Shrek Academy announced a new decree throughout Shrek City's jurisdiction: all children under ten years must go to a newly designated location to awaken their martial spirit, and…"
"It's free!!"
"They're uprooting the foundations of Star Luo's future! Shrek Academy… its wolfish ambitions are plain as day!"
"And more! Shrek doesn't just want to reap the benefits of war while we bleed, they're even digging up our roots!"
...
The ministers erupted in fury.
Only Xu Jiawei sat in mute silence.
Shrek Academy was finally dropping the pretense of neutrality. How ironic their "neutrality" truly was.
He suddenly glanced at his beautiful, golden-age sister at his side, eyes flickering.
A political marriage—would it work? Could it save the Star Luo Empire?
"Jiujui, take your brother to Shrek Academy." Xu Jiawei gazed at the girl, hope in his eyes. "If you can meet Su Wen, all the better…"
"Brother?" Xu Jiujui, sharp as ever, instantly understood. A flush crept across her pale cheeks—she wanted to protest, but the weight on her shoulders was immense.
She nodded solemnly.
"I understand."
"I'm useless, and can only wrong you…" Xu Jiawei sighed wistfully.
"I actually…" Xu Jiujui coughed awkwardly. It wouldn't really be a grievance, since she wished to see Su Wen as well.
For years, she'd wanted a true hero for a husband, and none was more suitable than Su Wen.
The man of her dreams.
Her only worry was whether he'd even spare her a glance.
Perhaps their meeting on the tournament stage years ago was already forgotten—after all, he was so far above her now. She was at best an aristocratic admirer among many other girls.
I hope he hasn't forgotten me…
As she secretly hoped, her anticipation grew.
"Really now?"
Jin Ling'er poked Gu Yuena in the cheek, wrapping an arm around her slender waist and sniffing gently at her white neck, laughing. "So you and he, already…?"
All previous friction was long forgotten.
Jin Ling'er was back to her mischievous self, all witchy playfulness.
"That's right." Gu Yuena replied, arms folded and face calm despite the teasing. "We fell in love freely. And for the record, I was the one to make the first move—don't get ideas."
"Uh…" Jin Ling'er's mouth twitched.
Could this get any wilder?
Besides, you're basically me, aren't you? Weren't we both split off from the Dragon God?
"You want to try, too? It's quite something." Gu Yuena shot her a sideways glance.
"Hey, hey, hey!" Jin Ling'er's eyes bulged. She quickly clapped a hand over Gu Yuena's mouth. "Don't say such things!"
Just then, Su Wen opened the golden wooden house's door. Seeing the two girls giggling together, he smiled. "What are you two up to?"
"Jin Ling'er is volunteering to try your bed—wants to experience what I described as a mind-blowing night." Gu Yuena calmly pried Jin Ling'er's hand away, unfazed.
"…"
Su Wen froze.
Jin Ling'er's pale face flushed scarlet, imaginary steam rising as she ducked her head.
"Who's the real troublemaker here…" Su Wen sighed, eyeing the triumphant Gu Yuena.
Even the "Evil" Golden Dragon King was utterly outmatched.
She'd been bested.
"I didn't—I'm not—it's all her!" Jin Ling'er protested pitifully.
"Mhm, I believe you," Gu Yuena replied, smiling.
"I'm serious…" Jin Ling'er was going mad.
"I absolutely believe you," Gu Yuena giggled.
"I…"
Jin Ling'er's will to live vanished.
"Getting back to business—with your current strength, seeking revenge on Tang San… is still exceedingly difficult! Recuperation may take centuries yet," Gu Yuena said, chin propped thoughtfully, watching her depressed companion.
"I know, but what choice do I have?" Jin Ling'er said with helplessness. "Most of my power was spent escaping. I guess unless he dies of old age, I have no shot."
"There is another way." Gu Yuena snapped her fingers.
"What?!" Jin Ling'er eyed her with suspicion.
"Join us!"
Gu Yuena said lightly, "Do you know why I became the Dragon God?"
"Why?!" Jin Ling'er's eyes widened. This was her biggest curiosity, but she hadn't dared ask directly.
"Because I formed a contract with him!" Gu Yuena said earnestly.
"Contract? Becoming his pet?!" Jin Ling'er recoiled at the thought.
The mighty Golden Dragon King—a human's pet? The very notion of her body and soul being bound and controlled—heaven forbid he had any twisted hobbies—no way!
Like her "sister" had already fallen.
She'd rather jump off a cliff—be killed—even be… anything but that!
"But you can evolve! Forming a contract with him upgrades your bloodline. Look—" Gu Yuena gestured around.
"That used to be just a Blue Silver Emperor, now it's a Golden Ancient Tree. That was a Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear, now a Golden Behemoth. And me… you've seen it."
Before she finished speaking—
"Gulp~" Jin Ling'er's mouth began to water with drool.
Her eyes turned into hearts as she stared at Su Wen. "Master, is it too late to sign up?!!"
Su Wen: "…"
Switching sides that quickly? Not thinking it through?
"Hmhm~" Gu Yuena gave Su Wen a meaningful look—victory achieved with ease.