Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife-Chapter 2050 - 530: An Yiqing and Xuan Mo Face Off (Second Update)
In the room, a flickering yellow candlelight danced endlessly in the breeze. On the wall, a slender silhouette was stretched long and swayed intermittently under the candlelight, giving a unique charm against the backdrop of the bamboo house.
A small crack was opened in the bamboo window, with purple flowers outside exuding a refreshing fragrance, accompanied by the chirping of cicadas on a warm day, making everything seem peaceful and serene.
At this moment, a huge shadow swiftly moved overhead in the clear night sky, bringing layers upon layers of clouds. In the darkness, the dense clouds looked ominous, as if a pressing black cloud was hanging overhead, creating an overwhelming sense of suffocation.
Soon after, the colossal shadow abruptly spun in the sky and disappeared above the clouds.
Inside the room, An Yiqing, absorbed in her book, seemed unaware of the strange occurrence outside, fully immersed in the content.
Suddenly, the bamboo door emitted a creaking sound, accompanied by a cool breeze from outside.
Her elegant, fair fingers gently turned a page, An Yiqing’s eyes still slightly downcast, and her lips parted slightly, "Have the people been brought here?"
A gust of wind swept by, and a purple figure gracefully landed on the bamboo chair. With distinct, prominent joints, a large hand picked up the teacup and drained the cup filled with tea in one gulp.
"Luckily, the mission is accomplished, all thirteen are here."
Bang! With both hands, she closed the book, and An Yiqing looked up at Long Zixuan, who was weathered and worn, with a faint smile in her eyes. She scrutinized him in his purple shirt and black pants and teased, "It seems you not only completed your task but also found time to show off a bit."
Long Zixuan almost spat out the water he just drank, coughing a few times as he sheepishly touched his nose.
"That old black long robe of Grandpa’s is too retro, wearing it makes me feel like I’m transported back in time. A shirt is more comfortable, cough, and it looks youthful."
Throwing Long Zixuan a sidelong glance, An Yiqing chose not to expose his little tricks. She stood up and walked slowly towards the door.
"It’s been a while since I last saw them; I truly miss them."
An Yiqing and Long Zixuan walked out of the room to an unused warehouse at the back of the Clan Leader’s Residence. An Yiqing extended her fair right hand, gently pushing open the warehouse door. The door creaked, and the people inside all looked over.
A graceful white figure stepped into the warehouse, and the crowd inside immediately changed their demeanor, rising from their chairs.
"Miss!" Thirteen voices, deep and brimming with excitement.
An Yiqing looked at the Thirteen Blood Generals in front of her with gratification and said, "It’s been a month apart, I’ve indeed missed you."
Indeed, these thirteen individuals were An Yiqing’s iron-blooded warriors. To preempt any unforeseen changes tomorrow, An Yiqing had Long Zixuan fetch the Thirteen Blood Generals overnight. They were no longer the naive young men they were a year ago; now, any one of them could stand alone in a fight. Even against the legendary Mysterious Dragon Clan, they might not be unable to hold their ground.
"Miss, everything is fine in Xuandu City, Grandpa asked me to tell you not to worry too much about home. However, make sure to return quickly after handling matters; Grandma keeps nagging, saying she’s made your favorite dishes," Zhang Yufeng said with her usual composed demeanor; her neat short hair and tall frame, making it hard for anyone to take their eyes off her. When she met An Yiqing’s gaze, a trace of gentleness and joy always surfaced in her once indifferent eyes, recalling the moment she first awoke to see An Yiqing.
Mentioning her family, a hint of reminiscence flickered in An Yiqing’s eyes. But it was only for a moment, burying the longing deep within her heart. She looked at the dignified Thirteen Blood Generals, lips slightly parting, deliberately lowering her voice.
"This mission is highly challenging. Zixuan has probably briefed you on the details during the journey; tomorrow is his day for the Dragon Pool baptism. The Dragon Clan is on edge, the Evil Dragon is lurking in the shadows, and Sky Punishment Pavilion’s intentions are unclear. In short, this mission is tough and dangerous; everyone must be fully alert."
The Dragon Pool baptism involves enduring eighty-one days of hardship. Yet, the time inside the Dragon Pool differs from the outside world; externally, one day equals a hundred days in the pool. This aspect is quite similar to Ancient Space. The Dragon Clan elders gauge the passage of days within the Dragon Pool by the water level’s decrease; each scale drop signifies a day. Once the baptized individual emerges five days later, the water level returns to normal, awaiting the arrival of the next Clan Leader.
It’s fortunate the time ratio is one to a hundred. Otherwise, if An Yiqing truly waited eighty-one days, Gu Yelin might have directly brought people to capture her back.
The next day dawned bright and sunny, seemingly destined to be a great day.
Accompanied by the Dragon Clan and Sky Punishment Pavilion seniors, the Old Clan Chief led Long Zixuan to the Dragon Pool.
An Yiqing followed with Yin Xilin, trailed by the Thirteen Blood Generals who had discreetly concealed themselves at various points, ready for any sudden events.
"Zixuan, the water of the Dragon Pool is unlike any other; once inside, you’ll experience immense pain. You must endure. After the baptism, your body will instinctively revert to its true form, allowing you to emerge," the Old Clan Chief reminded earnestly.
Long Zixuan nodded and glanced towards An Yiqing’s position. An Yiqing gently nodded, silently mouthing, "Good luck."
His lips curled slightly, Long Zixuan looked at Yin Xilin beside An Yiqing. The young girl, innocent-faced, waved her delicate little fist to cheer him on.
With a gentle but deep expression flashing across his eyes, Long Zixuan sighed and turned, walking into the Dragon Pool.
As his right leg entered the Dragon Pool, a piercing pain surged from the soles of his feet, rapidly spreading throughout his body. Clenching his teeth, he stepped in with his left leg.
Under everyone’s watchful eyes, he endured the intense pain, stepping into the center of the Dragon Pool, closed his breath, and submerged his entire body beneath the water’s surface.
The water’s ripples moved for a while before gradually calming down. Everyone could only see the purple clothing of Long Zixuan creating a purple light under water, without any further movement.
"The Young Master possesses exceptional talent, predicting he’d be out at least by half a day is a safe estimate. Everyone should disperse; the elders can remain here," Xuan Mo led the way, striding confidently to sit on the chair by the Dragon Pool. He leaned back, draining his tea in one gulp, then turned to glance at An Yiqing standing in the distance, a deep smile flashing in his eyes.
"Miss An, as the Young Master’s chosen Elder Keqing, there may be lapses during the Dragon Clan’s busy times. Please pardon us. Please have a seat." Xuan Mo smiled apologetically but didn’t rise from his seat.
His words drew everyone’s attention to An Yiqing. The Dragon Clan was unfamiliar with this young woman who had broken Long Zixuan’s restriction.
Unperturbed by the curious or hostile gazes, An Yiqing took Yin Xilin’s little hand and calmly sat on the chair beside Xuan Mo.
"Pavilion Master Xuanmo is too kind, being Elder Keqing is merely a symbolic title, incomparable to the Pavilion Master’s widespread renown of Sky Punishment Pavilion. As Zixuan assumes the role of Clan Leader, there will be many occasions we’ll seek Pavilion Master Xuanmo’s guidance," smiled An Yiqing.
Xuan Mo’s gaze remained unchanged, he looked at An Yiqing for a moment and laughed heartily.
"Naturally! The Dragon Clan and Sky Punishment Pavilion are indeed one family, naturally, we should mutually assist one another!"
An Yiqing didn’t mind Xuan Mo’s emphasis on "mutually assisting," she cast him a brief smile before turning her gaze to the Dragon Pool, falling into silence.
Xuan Mo slowly put away his smile, closed his eyes to rest, and remained silent.
Other Dragon Clan elders and Sky Punishment Pavilion seniors, witnessing this situation, felt a bit perplexed. They couldn’t fathom why Xuan Mo treated this young human woman with such courtesy. Was it simply because she lifted Long Zixuan’s restriction?
Time ticked away; each time the Dragon Pool’s water level lowered a scale, someone promptly reported loudly. The sun rose from the east and slowly moved overhead. Accompanied by the blazing sun and its scorching heat cast upon the earth, half the day passed just like that.
