Chapter Forty-Eight: Hearts United, Seeds of Fate Sown

The night was as dark as ink, the moonlight like flowing water, casting a silver veil over the palace of Lingxiao City, draping this ancient city in an aura of mystery.

Within the palace’s inner courtyard, there was a serene solemnity, broken only by the occasional rustling of leaves stirred by the night breeze.

In the chamber shared by Jiang Cheng and Su Ruoxi, soft light illuminated their entwined figures, filling the room with warmth and affection.

“Since I have already agreed, how could I, Su Ruoxi, go back on my word? All the preparations I made before were for this moment. What exactly am I afraid of?” she murmured to herself, her voice carrying a trace of resolve mixed with self-reproach. A determined glint flickered across her brows.

At this moment, her heart brimmed with both anticipation and unease for the future, as if she were making her final preparations for the unknown that awaited her.

Her thoughts flickered like a fleeting glance through memories—she recalled her past life’s experiences, the disciple who once was close to her, whose breathtaking beauty concealed a treacherous heart bent on betrayal.

The so-called perfect man, beneath whose exquisite facade lurked a sordid and vile soul. Had she not been burdened by this emotional knot, she might have long since ascended to the realm of the Great Emperor, without needing to be sabotaged midway and brought to such a lowly state. A surge of sorrow and indignation welled up within her.

By comparison, Jiang Cheng bore some resemblance to her former self, though she was not as ruthless as he.

Slowly, she closed her eyes, her long lashes fluttering gently. In that moment, she ceased struggling and relaxed instead, silently repeating to herself:

“Since I, Su Ruoxi, have chosen you as my man, I will trust you utterly. I only hope you will not betray my love.” Her tone held a mixture of hope and apprehension, as if seeking a promise, a safeguard.

The precious moment of the spring night was worth a thousand gold coins. They seemed to exist in a world belonging only to the two of them, the outside clamor and turmoil completely shut away.

Moonlight filtered through the lattice window, spilling across the bed and enveloping them in a dreamy halo, rendering their silhouettes even more tender and enchanting.

Their graceful reflections intertwined like fish swimming in a pond outside the gate, delicate and lingering. Under the moon’s embrace, their forms moved like clouds shifting in the night, restless and ever-changing.

A faint floral fragrance permeated the air—the scent lingering on Su Ruoxi after her bath, mingling with the unique draconic aura radiating from Jiang Cheng, blending into a singular, intoxicating essence.

Outside the courtyard, a maid stood bathed in moonlight, gazing up at the mysterious divine glow atop the inner chamber’s roof, her eyes filled with wonder and reverence.

That divine radiance resembled a sacred halo, enveloping the entire courtyard and casting the surrounding scenery in a hazy, mystical light.

Within the undulations of the divine glow seemed to reside a potent force, which stirred the maid’s soul in an unprecedented way, awakening in her a deep sense of awe and yearning.

---

“What a powerful spiritual fluctuation—is that the divine light?” she whispered, her voice trembling with excitement.

Bathed in this divine radiance, the maid felt her own spiritual realm shifting, as if on the verge of a breakthrough. A joyous and expectant expression blossomed on her face.

Within a secluded chamber of the palace’s side wing, Linglong, the sacred maiden of the Exquisite Sanctuary, sat cross-legged on a couch, eyes closed as she attuned herself to the mysterious spiritual energy.

A crease of concentration and contemplation marked her brow, as if she was diligently seeking the origin and significance of this energy.

As the spiritual fluctuations intensified, her own aura stirred and grew vibrant, resonating with the mysterious power and granting her a rare opportunity for advancement. Excitement and hope surged within her heart.

“Big Sister and His Majesty… could something have happened to them?” she whispered anxiously, her voice tinged with worry and unease, as if concerned for their safety.

The holy light surged like a tide, bathing Lingxiao City in a sacred brilliance.

People throughout the city were stirred by the sudden influx of spiritual energy; even the subterranean spiritual veins trembled slightly, as if responding to the surge of natural energy in the realm.

All cultivators below the Celestial Realm felt a powerful force surge within them, as though their cultivation levels were being greatly elevated in that instant.

“Oh heavens, what is happening? I... I have broken through! It’s Father’s aura,” a young girl’s delicate face showed a mixture of confusion and delight, her eyes sparkling with surprise and wonder.

She sensed a familiar breath hidden within the spiritual energy, her cheeks flushing faintly; the presence of that familiar aura quickened her heartbeat. Impelled by an invisible force, she hurried toward the palace’s inner courtyard, her steps light and urgent, desperate to uncover the truth.

All members of the Jiang family, including the two elders, were bathed in the holy light and spiritual energy, experiencing a surge in their cultivation.

Throughout the city, from adults to children, all seemed to reap benefits to varying degrees. The entire Lingxiao City appeared steeped in an atmosphere of peace and mystery, with expressions of joy and gratitude on the faces of its people.

Before long, the chatter of maids outside the inner courtyard rose, their voices laced with excitement and curiosity as they speculated on the sudden phenomenon, eager to uncover the cause.

“Hey, hey, everyone, calm down. If you want to see His Majesty, come back tomorrow. Today, His Majesty is rarely reunited with the Queen Mother; it’s best not to disturb them,” a palace maid spoke firmly.

As a servant under the Queen Mother, she guarded the palace on His Majesty’s behalf. Though her strength did not reach the Celestial Realm, she was still a formidable expert not to be underestimated.

---

Her sharp mind allowed her to keenly perceive subtle changes and hidden opportunities.

She understood well that such a great upheaval was likely related to the Queen Mother, which explained her alertness.

“Father? I want to see Father...” the young girl looked around anxiously, her eyes full of longing and restlessness, as if only seeing her father could soothe her doubts and fears.

“Little Ya, step back for now. I think I roughly understand what’s happening,” the sacred maiden Linglong said softly, a gentle smile touching her lips, her tone both reassuring and confident, as if she had uncovered secrets beyond others’ reach.

She lightly patted Little Ya’s shoulder and led her away, her eyes flashing with complex emotions—both blessings for Jiang Cheng and Su Ruoxi, and contemplations filled with hope for the future.

“Madam, tonight’s moonlight is so gentle; it perfectly matches your grace. Rest early,” Jiang Cheng whispered, his voice tender and doting, his gaze brimming with love and admiration for Su Ruoxi.

He gently pulled her close, wrapping her in his arms as if he wished to merge her into his very being.

“Mm, my husband, from now on, there will be no secrets between us,” Su Ruoxi nestled against Jiang Cheng’s chest, her voice soft yet resolute, her eyes glowing with happiness and contentment.

She knew that at this moment, an unprecedented trust and understanding had been forged between them, their souls intertwined without any barrier.

By the window, the moonlight stirred their passion. Holding each other tightly, they gazed at the silvery glow, as if the entire world had paused, leaving only their existence.

Yet, just as they closed the window, the moonlight suddenly shifted to a faint crimson hue, as if foretelling an impending storm, casting a mysterious unease over the tranquil night.