Heartdance City stood in the northern reaches of the Shengwu Empire. Though smaller than the central Shengwu metropolises, it still dwarfed the Huanan region by dozens of times. Within its walls, clans of all sizes had taken root. The Qi Cultivator Academy of Celestial Phoenixdance had also established a branch here. Those with Dance Weaver aptitude—or exceptionally gifted Qi Cultivators of other disciplines—could enter the main academy in Phoenixdance City after passing the Heartdance branch’s selection.
Countless young women flocked here from every direction, hoping to enroll and walk the path of power and influence.
That day, a luxurious four-horse carriage rested quietly on an open field several kilometers outside Heartdance City’s gates. Tian You and his companions had traveled stop-and-go for over ten days—savoring Hua Zhaoxue’s warmth, quietly observing shifts within their hearts—before finally reaching the city’s outskirts.
“Zhaoxue, Tian You… Heartdance City lies ahead.” Nie Wangqing finally spoke. He’d driven silently all this time, careful not to disturb their tender moments. Ever since Tian You effortlessly saved them from death… Hua Zhaoxue’s affection had grown increasingly intimate. And Tian You, as if holding some unspoken thought, never pulled away. Over these ten days, their bond had deepened into something tender—leaving Nie Wangqing feeling like an outsider.
“Tian You… judging from your recent behavior, you don’t wish to spread word of your unique elemental affinity. How about… entering the city posing as Zhaoxue’s Deputy Envoy? Like me?” Nie Wangqing asked tentatively, wary the title might offend.
“Deputy Envoy? What’s that?” Tian You asked.
“Uh…” Nie Wangqing met Tian You’s clear gaze and explained plainly. “A Deputy Envoy is like Li Rui or Zheng Biao—born with no innate Qi Energy. Qi Cultivators later bestow it upon them. We call such people Deputy Envoys…”
“Tian You, you needn’t lower yourself to that. I can… I can enter as your… your maid…” Hua Zhaoxue stammered shyly, fearing to upset him.
Tian You saw their reactions and assumed Deputy Envoy meant low status. Yet he recalled Li Rui and Bai Ziting—Li Rui never acted like a servant toward her.
“No need, Sister Zhaoxue. I’ll enter as your Deputy Envoy. Since regaining consciousness, I’ve relied on your and Brother Nie’s kindness. Calling myself your Deputy Envoy isn’t an overstatement.”
“Well…” Hua Zhaoxue exchanged a glance with Nie Wangqing. “Alright… But Tian You, if you ever feel uneasy about the title later… promise you’ll tell me?”
“???”
Seeing Tian You’s puzzled look, Hua Zhaoxue silently adjusted his mask. Days of closeness had grown between them—yet sometimes, she’d still lose herself, captivated by his striking features. She knew his strength, but concealment spared trouble.
Nie Wangqing urged the carriage onward.
As they neared, Heartdance City’s massive walls loomed—a thick, oppressive aura pressing down. Beneath the towering gate, crowds surged. Before it, men of all ages hauled stone sacks. The elderly, hair frosted with age, lifted heavy loads with trembling, calloused hands. The young—dusty faces still holding traces of childhood—were clearly boys of thirteen or fourteen.
A flicker of surprise crossed Tian You’s violet eyes. Before he could look closer, the carriage rolled inside.
Streets stretched endlessly, lined with shops and buildings. Crowds surged; noise rolled like waves—a vibrant, roaring prosperity. Nearly every woman on the street radiated Qi Energy, strong or faint.
“…Wow. Compared to Heartdance City, Huanan and Mancheng are practically villages,” Tian You murmured.
But Hua Zhaoxue, seated beside him, didn’t echo his awe. Her small hand, slightly tense, gripped his. Her beautiful eyes shimmered with unsettled emotion.
“Hmm…” Sensing her unease, Tian You turned to ask—then froze. A detail caught his eye.
He’d only skimmed the city’s grandeur before. Now, observing deliberately—
The street buzzed with life. Some women wore revealing outfits: long, toned legs; sun-kissed skin hinting at agility; auras sharp and assertive. Others dressed modestly—elegant gowns concealing graceful forms, bodies humming with elemental fluctuations.
But the crucial detail: every woman, bold or reserved, was trailed by fawning men.
The boldly dressed walked ahead with arrogant pride, utterly devoid of traditional grace—surrounded by obsequious followers. They moved like noblewomen flaunting privilege.
The modestly dressed fared slightly better—usually accompanied by two men of varied looks. Yet upon closer glance, each man wore a slender steel collar around his neck. Marked. Owned.
“…What… is this…?”
