Though the Shengwu Imperial Preceptor’s strength as a Faithweaver wasn’t top-tier, her mastery of diplomacy and strategy was exceptional. It was she who once journeyed alone to the heart of the continent to negotiate with the Qi Saint. Though the terms remained unknown, she returned unharmed—and the Qi Saint’s forces began withdrawing. Thus, the long war finally ended…
At the mention of the Imperial Sage, Nie Wangqing’s eyes instantly brightened, genuine admiration glowing within—revering that visionary woman from the depths of his heart.
“The Empress Sovereign commands the military; the Imperial Sage guides civil affairs. Thanks to her presence, the Shengwu Empire truly began to flourish… rising to become the continent’s fifth empire!”
“But the Empress Sovereign’s icy composure—standing tall against the world, unmoved before ten thousand troops—is a spirit worthy of every Faithweaver’s reverence!”
Seeing Nie Wangqing praise the Imperial Sage, Hua Zhaoxue, unwilling to be outdone, quickly turned to Tian You to extol the Empress Sovereign. Her eagerness mirrored a child proudly boasting about family.
Nie Wangqing let out a soft sigh at her animated expression.
*Silly child…*
If only the Empress Sovereign hadn’t made that mistake… or tempered her pride a little for the Shengwu people… how could we have ended up like this?
You may admire her… but not blindly.
Still—she, a woman, dared challenge the world’s highest authorities. Such figures are rare in history; a woman like her, even rarer. Flawed though she was, she truly deserved every Faithweaver’s respect.
Recalling the Empress Sovereign, Nie Wangqing’s thoughts drifted to her post-founding policies.
*Me—a grown man—was swayed by that atmosphere even before the nation was official… I can’t bear to imagine what Phoenixdance City has become now…*
…
Hua Zhaoxue, realizing her impulsive outburst, stilled as silence settled. In the quiet, her delicate heart ached anew with war’s scars. Her radiant face dimmed; she sank back slowly, lonely. Glittering tears traced gentle paths from the corners of her eyes.
Beside her, Tian You watched: her slender frame curled slightly, pearly teeth grazing her tender lip, tears falling steadily, delicate brows furrowed with quiet sorrow.
“Sister Zhaoxue…” A soft pang of pity stirred in Tian You’s chest. Just as he leaned in to comfort her—a faint, ethereal voice echoed in his mind:
*Silly…*
Before he could react, his left hand moved on its own, gently encircling her slender shoulder.
“Uh…”
Hua Zhaoxue froze, wide-eyed, staring at his arm.
Then—understanding dawned. A flush bloomed across her cheeks. Her heart hammered; her breath hitched. Without thinking, she leaned closer… until warmth met warmth. Crimson-faced, she rested her head softly against his shoulder.
…
The shift stunned not only Tian You. Even Nie Wangqing, adding firewood nearby, froze—eyes wide as saucers, as if witnessing the impossible.
*My face burns…*
Moments ago, I thought his gaze was too pure…
*Well. Sting or no sting—I’ve still got “decency.”*
“Ahem! Uh… I just remembered—firewood’s low! I’ll go gather more!”
He bolted into the forest depths before the words fully landed.
Hua Zhaoxue flushed deeper at his retreat, yet the youth’s faint, elegant scent soothed her. Torn between shyness and longing, she trembled—but did not pull away.
*Maybe… it’s just tonight’s sorrow.*
Leaning against him, she recalled that waning moon… the elements themselves seeming to adore the youth’s radiant grace. Her heart stilled. Peacefully, she drifted to sleep.
Tian You watched the stunning woman on his shoulder—flushed cheeks, a faint smile lingering.
A gentle curve touched his lips.
His memory of the moment remained hazy…
Yet one detail shone clear: those strands of white-gold hair—shimmering like Silver Bloom.
“I’m not the silly one… You are…”
A soft haze lingered in his mind, yet the words rose from instinct alone.
The wind stirred the lush leaves overhead—
Rustle… rustle…
As if in reply—
