Chapter Ten: I Feel Very Weak

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The curtains hung down to the floor, enclosing the bed in a dim, intimate space where a man and a woman sat facing each other, the atmosphere heavy with unspoken tension.

In the soft glow of the lamp, Xu Qingzhao, freshly bathed, exhaled a delicate fragrance like orchids. Her skin was as smooth as refined jade, and her graceful figure shimmered faintly through the sheer robe, exuding an enchanting allure that captivated the soul.

Facing such breathtaking beauty in this intimate setting, under normal circumstances, Ren Ye might have already felt his mind overwhelmed, compelled to reveal his true skills. Yet, when he looked up into Xu Qingzhao’s cool, clear eyes and saw the playful smile curling on her red lips, the stirrings within him vanished instantly.

“Heh, my beloved, what do you mean by that? Wha… what kind of person blessed by Heaven’s pardon?” Though nervous inside, Ren Ye’s gaze lifted with a hint of confusion.

He had no idea how this woman knew that he was the one fated by Heaven’s pardon, nor how she sensed that the Sword of State had recognized him once again as its master.

But one thing was clear in his mind: he must not panic—not under any circumstances. Perhaps she was merely trying to deceive him.

His voice was steady, his eyes clear. Even Morgan Freeman in his presence would seem to be acting.

Xu Qingzhao observed Ren Ye’s expression and softly asked again, “In the hall, when Ji Shanliu forced you so cruelly, I gave you the means to counterattack. Why didn’t you kill him? A mere regional prince, not even having that much courage?”

She seemed to look down on him somewhat, dear readers.

Ren Ye smiled gently at her. “My experience tells me that killing recklessly comes at a cost. Besides, sometimes not killing is a form of deterrence. Death reveals everything at once.”

Her surprise flashed briefly, but she quickly returned to the matter at hand. “I need the help of the one blessed by Heaven’s pardon.”

“My beloved, where is this person? I shall help you find them!” Ren Ye’s eyes shone with affection, like a devoted admirer.

“Heh.” Xu Qingzhao was too lazy to waste words. “If you really are the one blessed by Heaven’s pardon, you’ll know with one test.”

How to test?

Could she truly determine whether I am that person?

An overwhelming nervousness surged within Ren Ye, like a condemned man about to face a lie detector.

“The energy of Heaven’s pardon, balance yin and yang, form the array!” Xu Qingzhao closed her eyes slowly, her jade hands weaving intricate signs, murmuring an incantation.

Suddenly, a radiant light burst forth from the bed. Complex array patterns appeared beneath them, and a visible barrier of light rose around the confined space, completely sealing it off from the outside world.

“My beloved, what are you doing?” Ren Ye reacted swiftly, rising to his feet and lunging forward, ready to demonstrate his skills and subdue her.

“Boom!”

Just as he stood, it felt as if lightning struck his mind, instantly blanking it, while an indescribable wave of pleasure coursed through his body…

His consciousness faded as his thoughts became ethereal and pure. He felt as if his soul had left his body, drifting through a world of black and white.

Behind Xu Qingzhao, sitting cross-legged with her eyes closed, a phantasmal figure appeared—both real and illusory.

Upon closer inspection, the apparition was a perfect likeness of her, but clad in a black Taoist robe, crowned with a lotus, exuding an icy, aloof aura. Her face was serene, neither sorrowful nor joyful, like a deity gazing upon the mortal realm.

In contrast, her true form sat barefoot on the bed, cheeks flushed pink, skin glistening with the sheen of perspiration.

Nearby, Ren Ye quieted, his expression devoid of pain, only the bliss of overwhelming pleasure.

Moments later, faint threads of light radiated from his body, drifting slowly toward the phantom behind Xu Qingzhao…

A drop of sweat fell and shattered on the bed.

As the subtle glow was drawn away and consumed, Ren Ye’s cheeks paled, heat rose through him, sweat poured, yet his expression remained one of exquisite pleasure.

…

About an hour later, a weak voice came from behind the curtain-covered bed: “Be… beloved, what exactly did you do to me?”

“Nothing much. You won’t die.”

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“If I won’t die, then how about once more?” Ren Ye, still basking in the afterglow, almost instinctively asked.

“One more time and you will die,” Xu Qingzhao replied impatiently, like a scornful woman who just ran out of spare tires.

“I’m not afraid!” Ren Ye answered stubbornly.

“Get lost!”

“Bang!”

A muffled sound followed as Ren Ye, disheveled, stumbled and crawled out, steadying himself against the wall.

Suddenly, a cold, familiar voice echoed in his ears:

[Warning: You do not know what happened, but you feel utterly drained and weak.]

Is that so? Tell me about it.

Did you think I couldn’t feel how weak I am?

Leaning against the table, hunched like a shrimp, Ren Ye wiped sweat from his face.

Recalling the moments just passed, he still lingered in the blissful aftertaste, reluctant to let go.

A mortal life is short, less than a century, spent striving for survival and bending for mere sustenance. This inevitably narrows our perspective, limiting us to the here and now, to decay and death.

So when Ren Ye’s soul left his body and wandered the chaotic world of black and white, nourished by dual energies, he felt his spirit tremble. His mind emptied, free of distractions and desires, able to see everything from a new angle…

This was pure spiritual delight, a high-level pleasure utterly distinct from the crude physical cravings.

Of course, Ren Ye wanted more, but… his strength didn’t allow it.

He didn’t foolishly think he had truly touched Xu Qingzhao. At most, they had a soul resonance, no physical breakthrough, not even a single touch.

But now, Ren Ye finally understood why Xu Qingzhao had defended him in the hall. She was clearly coveting the body of the one blessed by Heaven’s pardon.

Simply put, she was absorbing the energy of Heaven’s pardon from him, though Ren Ye himself could not sense this force. Yet, the Sword of State’s recognition confirmed its existence.

All the bathing, changing clothes, and invitations to bed were merely for convenience.

“Whew!”

After a long moment, Ren Ye still felt weak. He exhaled deeply, sitting down wearing only his undergarments.

Soon, the curtains slowly parted. Xu Qingzhao appeared in a very modest white Taoist robe, her hair neatly tied up, sitting cross-legged on the bed. With a gentle wave, Ren Ye’s clothes flew onto the table. “Put these on.”

He picked up a teacup and took a sip, casually glancing at her. “I prefer honesty.”

“…!”

The cold princess said no more.

“You don’t want to say anything to me?” After waiting long enough, Ren Ye grumbled inwardly, “Your behavior is called freeloading where I come from—very unethical.”

Xu Qingzhao looked at him and said softly, “Every day after the hour of the Dog, you come here for an hour. In return, as long as you don’t seek death, and your people don’t seek death, I will help you properly.”

Coming every day? Who could stand that? Ren Ye was a little scared, but more excited.

“I am not interested in court affairs or power struggles,” Xu Qingzhao added quietly. “You need not fear me. Your life does not interest me either.”

Judging by what had just happened, she definitely intended to use him daily. This was her reassurance.

But cautious by nature, Ren Ye would not be blinded by beauty. He remained alert but unable to resist her “assault,” for her divine powers were too formidable.

Now, he could only try to gain what advantage he could. He looked up and asked, “How will you help? Can you help me kill the Chief Historian?”

“No. I refuse to get involved in court intrigues.”

Just empty promises then?

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Ren Ye pressed on: “Beloved, can you give me some life-saving skills, divine weapons, or secret manuals—something that can be learned instantly?”

Xu Qingzhao shook her head gently. “There are no secrets you can learn instantly. The things I use, you cannot.”

Hearing this, Ren Ye stood, pacing around the inner chamber before smiling wryly. “Well then, say this: utter a phrase now that relates to my life or death. If I’m satisfied, this deal is done.”

Xu Qingzhao was greatly surprised. “You really aren’t the Zhu Zigu you used to be.”

“Same difference.” Ren Ye stared into her eyes but revealed no emotion.

“Who you are doesn’t matter to me, and I am not like you,” Xu Qingzhao shook her head lightly. “Enough. I ask you: do you know why the emperor hasn’t killed you?”

Ren Ye smirked, mockingly. “He’s afraid of being known as the one who killed his brother and his nephews?”

“He killed your father king, and there is an unresolvable hatred between you. No matter how reckless or incompetent you are, the possibility of rebellion remains. After all, your father was benevolent and a top general, able to rally many. To the emperor, any threat must be crushed early. What does a bad reputation matter? Historians are after all officials of Great Qian, and they too must bow in the hall and shout long live.” Xu Qingzhao’s voice was crisp and lively. “Even if he gains a bad name, what does that matter for the stability of the realm?”

“So, you mean the emperor spares me because he will need me in the future? Or… he shares your goal, related to the Heaven’s pardon?” Ren Ye asked.

“Clever enough,” Xu Qingzhao’s bright eyes met his as she sat cross-legged. “Are you satisfied with my answer?”

“Satisfied.” Ren Ye’s suspicions were confirmed; he did not push further. “I agree to let you use me for an hour each day.”

Upon hearing this, Xu Qingzhao raised her arm, and a purple glow appeared. On the tea table lay a crystal-clear Taoist talisman tied with a red string, exquisitely crafted.

“What is this?” Ren Ye asked, curious.

“A Calm Heart Talisman. After your hour here each day, the Heaven’s pardon energy will diminish, and the pure yang energy weakens, making it easy to be tainted. This talisman refreshes the mind, drives away evil, and dispels all ghostly entities,” Xu Qingzhao explained.

Holding the talisman, Ren Ye had the odd feeling a flirtatious woman was giving him a vitality-boosting pill.

“Well then, I won’t say thanks. Beloved, you can pick whatever color underwear you like…” Ren Ye smoothly pocketed the talisman and clasped his fists in return.

Xu Qingzhao pointed toward the door.

…

After leaving, Ren Ye, along with Erleng and Lian’er, returned to his own chamber.

His conversation with Xu Qingzhao had been full of probing and suspicion, but he had held back from pressing too far.

His first impression: Xu Qingzhao seemed only interested in Ren Ye as the Heaven’s pardon bearer and indifferent to everything else. She neither acted like a player nor like a native of the Star Gate.

Very strange!

Was she disguised?

Ren Ye thought not. His past as a border anti-fraud officer gave him keen instincts. Even the best deceiver would be caught by veteran detectives at first glance.

In any case, Xu Qingzhao’s presence didn’t feel overly threatening. Yet that did not mean absolute safety; caution was still necessary.

Moments later, the three returned to the Prince of Huai’s residence. Ren Ye walked ahead alone, glancing back to order, “Erleng, don’t forget my reward.”

“Yes, Your Highness. Am I to keep you company at night?” Erleng’s voice was muffled and rough.

“You… forget it…” Ren Ye turned to Lian’er, about to make a shameless joke but suddenly froze.

Just now, his right hand had habitually touched the door frame of the chamber and found that the three strands of hair he tied before had been cut!

The Prince of Huai’s mansion had been simmering with undercurrents for years, a time of turmoil. Who dared to enter the prince’s chamber at will?!

A chill ran down Ren Ye’s spine. He looked at Erleng and whispered, pointing at the door, “Someone has been inside—and may still be here!”