"Have you thought it over? Once you step into the military camp, the days ahead won't be as leisurely and carefree!" Mo Chen said, slowly deactivating his Golden Crow spirit possession.
His dazzling, golden hair returned to its usual short black spikes as if by magic, and the mysterious, glowing Golden Crow mark on his forehead gradually dimmed until it vanished completely.
Standing nearby, Danyu gave a slight nod, indicating that he was mentally prepared.
"Aside from not finding the Withered Flower, the trip went quite well," Mo Chen remarked, rubbing his throbbing head with a satisfied smile.
With that, the three of them left Divine Eagle Valley.
As they neared the borders of the Heaven Dou Empire, Danyu turned toward the direction of the military camp, carrying the young eagle.
Inside the carriage, only Mo Chen and Qian Renxue remained.
Qian Renxue sat silently, her fair, jade-like hands clutching the hem of her clothes so tightly that her knuckles turned white. Her expression betrayed the tension and unease growing within her.
Noticing her distress, Mo Chen remained silent for a moment before taking a deep breath, softening his tone. "You don't need to be so nervous. Regardless of whether you come from Spirit Hall or the Heaven Dou Empire, to me, you are just my friend, Xiaoxue. So, please, relax." As if reading the deep-seated anxieties in her heart, Mo Chen offered these words to comfort her troubled spirit.
"Don't you blame me for lying to you?" Qian Renxue bit her lip, her beautiful eyes filled with trepidation as she asked in a trembling voice.
Mo Chen tilted his head, his deep, bright eyes turning toward her with a hint of confusion. "Why would I blame you? Everyone has secrets. That’s normal."
Qian Renxue let out a soft sigh, as if a great weight had been lifted from her heart. She looked straight into his eyes and said solemnly, "It’s not the same. I am of Spirit Hall, and the next in line to lead it. You are a general of the Heaven Dou Empire; our factions are naturally enemies. Don't you want to take this chance to eliminate me?"
As soon as she finished speaking, she watched him intently, not wanting to miss the slightest change in his expression, hoping to peer into the hidden depths of his mind.
Yet, no matter how closely she observed, Mo Chen’s gaze remained as still and tranquil as a deep, stagnant pool, revealing nothing.
Mo Chen leaned casually against the carriage window, one hand propping up his cheek, the other resting on the frame. He glanced at the scenery flying past and spoke slowly: "To me, there is no such person as 'Qian Renxue, the Young Mistress of Spirit Hall.' In my eyes, I only know a 'Xiaoxue' who urgently needs to obtain her seventh Soul Ring."
He paused, then added, "As for you and that prince, I couldn't care less. I am but a soldier who knows only how to march, fight, and charge into battle. As for who ultimately rules this world or who will be the future king of Heaven Dou, these are not things I concern myself with." With that, he turned his gaze back to the window.
Qian Renxue pursed her lips, unable to find a single flaw in his words.
After looking around, Mo Chen found a secluded, quiet corner and changed out of his overcoat. Once settled, he carried the neatly folded coat in both hands and walked toward Qian Renxue.
A faint smile played on his lips as he said, "Thank you for the coat. If it weren't for it, I might have been too embarrassed to show my face." His tone was light and humorous, as if telling a trivial joke.
However, Qian Renxue did not smile back. Her beautiful face remained etched with worry, as if something heavy were still weighing on her mind. Even so, she reached out to take the coat and quickly stowed it away in her Spirit Tool.
Seeing her remain so troubled and pensive, Mo Chen hesitated before finally gathering the courage to reach out and gently pat her head. This was the first time in his life he had ever touched someone’s head like that, and the gesture felt stiff and awkward.
"Cough... well... don't look so gloomy. We don't even know yet if the Armor-Splitting Rhinoceros’s Soul Ring will be suitable for you." Mo Chen tried to sound casual and natural, but the words came out clumsy.
Just then, the silent Qian Renxue felt a gentle touch on the top of her head—a sensation like the warmest spring sunshine, making her want to lean into it and linger. She couldn't help but tilt her head, rubbing affectionately against his palm.
The small gesture made Mo Chen blush furiously. Aside from Ning Rongrong, he had never shown such intimacy to any other girl. His heart began to race, and his breathing quickened.
Just as Qian Renxue parted her lips to speak, a sharp, piercing cry erupted from the side, instantly drawing both of their attention.
"Mo Chen! Where on earth have you been!" Following the angry outburst, Ning Rongrong strode over, hands on her hips, looking furious. Her exquisite face was flushed with rage, her pink lips pouted in dissatisfaction, looking for all the world like an irritated kitten. Even in her anger, she was strikingly beautiful.
But Mo Chen did not look at her.
"I waited at your gate for fifteen days, and that butler wouldn't let me in! You have to fire him when we get back, or I’ll never speak to you again! But where have you been for these fifteen days?" Ning Rongrong questioned loudly, her brow furrowed in resentment.
Faced with her barrage of questions, Mo Chen remained unresponsive. He didn't even spare her a glance, only slowly withdrawing his hand from atop Qian Renxue’s head. His cold indifference only fueled Ning Rongrong’s fury.
Seeing Mo Chen ignoring her completely, she spun around, directing a sharp, piercing gaze at Qian Renxue. As she sized up the woman, Ning Rongrong’s expression turned sour. She had always been complimented for her beauty, but standing face-to-face with Qian Renxue, she suddenly felt a sense of inadequacy.
Qian Renxue stood with grace and elegance, like a lotus blooming on a mountain peak—cold, enchanting, and breathtaking. Her skin was like grease, her face like a peach blossom, and her eyes were as deep as an abyss. Furthermore, the noble aura that radiated from her every movement was something Ning Rongrong could never hope to match.
For the first time, Ning Rongrong felt an overwhelming sense of defeat. A massive psychological blow struck her fragile defenses; her mind went blank, and she felt as if she were crumbling.
And at that moment, the way Mo Chen looked at Qian Renxue was as gentle as water—a look that could melt anyone. Once upon a time, that gaze of deep affection and indulgence had belonged only to her! Now that it had been transferred to another woman, Ning Rongrong could not accept it.
"Who are you? What is your goal in getting close to Mo Chen? I am the young mistress of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan! Do you really think you're worthy of competing with me for him?" Ning Rongrong demanded, her voice trembling with rage.
Faced with the accusation, Mo Chen’s brows tightened in clear disgust. He could not understand how the once gentle, sensible Ning Rongrong had become so unreasonable.
Before Qian Renxue could explain, Mo Chen reached out, grabbed her hand, and turned to walk away without a second thought. The sudden action made Qian Renxue blush, her heart fluttering like a trapped bird. Yet, for some reason, she did not pull away, allowing him to lead her away like a docile cat.
Watching Mo Chen walk away without looking back, not even sparing her a word, Ning Rongrong felt as if her heart were being torn into pieces. Finally, she could no longer hold back her tears; they came pouring down like a broken dam.
"Isn't it just that I broke off our engagement? Is it wrong for me to pursue my own true happiness?" Ning Rongrong’s body shook like a flower swaying in the wind. Her face was distorted with fury, her skin flushed deep red, veins bulging on her forehead. Her brilliant blue eyes were now bloodshot, a sight both heartbreaking and distressing.
Yet, Mo Chen remained heartlessly indifferent. He didn't even slow his pace, striding toward the manor while pulling Qian Renxue along.
Watching the two figures disappear into the distance, Ning Rongrong’s expression grew even darker and more terrifying, like the suffocating sky before a storm. "Mo Chen, don't forget! If not for the full support of our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, do you really think you could sit so securely in your position as General?" she screamed at their retreating backs, her voice breaking.
But no matter how she screamed, the only response was the empty street and the cold wind.
When their figures vanished completely, Ning Rongrong’s strength seemed to evaporate. She collapsed onto the cold, hard ground. She pulled her knees to her chest, buried her face in her arms, and began to sob uncontrollably. The crystal-clear tears rolled down her cheeks, soaking her gorgeous gown and the earth beneath her. She cried as if her heart were being ripped apart, as if the entire world had abandoned her.
She had only wanted to chase after her own true love and happiness—why had it come to this? She never truly wanted to lose Mo Chen.
Memories flooded back: Mo Chen’s meticulous care, his indulgent smile when she acted spoiled, the warmth of the times they had spent together. Each memory was like a sharp dagger piercing her broken heart.
"Right! I still have Father!" A glimmer of hope flickered in her tear-filled eyes. She stopped crying, stood up, wiped the dust from her clothes with trembling hands, and ran toward home.
Meanwhile, on the bustling streets of Heaven Dou City, Mo Chen was still holding Qian Renxue’s delicate hand. She did not resist, simply following his pace, enjoying the fleeting, warm moment. They walked in silence, a tacit understanding passing between them.
Eventually, they arrived at the General’s Manor. Passing through the gardens and corridors, they reached the solemn, silent meeting hall.
Mo Chen finally let go of her hand. With an apologetic expression, he scratched his head. "Um... sorry about that. I just... lost my head for a moment." He bowed his head like a child who had done something wrong.
Qian Renxue looked up at the shy, awkward young man. Seeing his handsome face flushed with guilt and his honest, uneasy eyes, a warmth spread through her heart. She couldn't help but let out a soft, silvery laugh, breaking the silence of the hall.