"You're planning to go to the Extreme North?"
Riding the light rail, weaving through the streets and alleys of Mingdu.
Meng Hongchen looked worried.
"That place is desolate and savage, full of brutish soul beasts that drink blood and act crudely. What if you go and get..."
"Ahem ahem ahem." Xu Cheng covered the girl's lips.
"The Extreme North just seems mysterious because of its isolated location and the lack of human contact. But in truth, the depths of that region are far beyond what us humans can imagine."
At the same time—
Inside his spiritual sea.
The Skydream Iceworm laughed heartily, floating on a swim ring:"Ice Empress, that little girl called the Extreme North a wild land, and you a beast—hahaha!"
"Aren't you one too?"The Ice Empress replied flatly, her tone devoid of emotion.
"Tsk... you're right? I am a soul beast from the Extreme North."Skydream's mouth twitched, eyes wide.
Ice Empress: "..."
"I, Brother Skydream, am erudite and insightful! My experience is unmatched by generations of juniors, and she dares call me a beast?! Outrageous!"
"Must you really go?"Meng Hongchen bit her lip lightly, gazing longingly at Xu Cheng.
"Yes, I must."
Xu Cheng nodded slightly.
The Extreme North was a giant gold mine—if he didn't mine it, someone else eventually would. His previous collaboration with the Star Dou Forest had already pushed the Sun Moon Empire's technology to new heights. If they added the deep sea and Extreme North resources to the mix...
Even reaching outer space might become a reality.
"But before that, I need to advance to Soul Sage." Xu Cheng muttered.
Thanks to his link with the Silver Dragon King and their shared cultivation, his level was rising almost daily—he had gained four ranks in just over a month!
Such a terrifying pace—perhaps even faster than Tang San and the others during the Sea God Trial ten thousand years ago...
Wait a second, Sea God Trial?
Xu Cheng's eyes narrowed.
Since he had already decided to accept the inheritance of Destruction, why not begin the trial sooner?
He just didn't know what kind of test this so-called "God Realm's Honest Guy" would give him.
"Then tonight, you have to pay your 'public food'!"Meng Hongchen curled her lips into a smile, whispering into his ear. She paused and added mischievously,"Whoever surrenders first calls the other 'Daddy'~"
Xu Cheng raised an eyebrow."So weak yet still wants to play games? Wait—don't tell me you..."
"Ahem ahem ahem!"Meng Hongchen's beautiful eyes widened. She quickly covered his mouth with her small hand, glanced around to make sure no one heard, then finally relaxed—her fair face glowing pink.
"How could I! I just... heard from Sister Xiaotao that you liked this kind of thing..."
As she spoke, her face grew redder and redder.
"How did she know?!" Xu Cheng was shocked.
"Sister Xiaotao told me. Said you liked this tone..."Meng Hongchen's face was now steaming, like a boiling kettle—white vapor almost visibly rising.
A beauty biting her lips, looking as pitiful as a delicate flower.
"Ma Xiaotao!"Xu Cheng's mouth twitched.
That woman couldn't keep her mouth shut!
She probably told more than just Meng Hongchen...
"When I catch her, I'm definitely..." Xu Cheng gritted his teeth angrily.
"Don't go rewarding Sister Xiaotao. Just reward me, okay?"Meng Hongchen blinked her big eyes, full of anticipation.
Xu Cheng: "..."
What do you mean 'reward'?!
"I meant... punishment!" Xu Cheng coughed twice.
"Is there a difference?" Meng Hongchen blinked innocently.
Xu Cheng: "..."
Ma Xiaotao! Look what you've done!!!
Meanwhile—
On a rooftop not far away.
Xiao Hongchen held up binoculars. Reading their lips, his hand began to pale... then—BOOM!
The binoculars shattered from the grip.
Forged from the same alloy used for Grade Six soul tools, and it still twisted apart.
"Xu Cheng! You dog! Stealing my sister?! We are mortal enemies!"He roared in rage.
Elsewhere—
Inside a nearby hotel room.
"Let me see... when did that palace-dressed beauty with the veil appear at his side?!"Ma Xiaotao asked excitedly.
"When did he start fooling around again? Did no one notice?"
"No clue. But as an emperor, it's normal for him to have many consorts."Zhang Lexuan crossed her arms, curves rippling slightly, but her expression remained unmoved.
"So... are you girls really going through with it tonight?"Na Na asked, corner of her mouth twitching.
"Yeah... I mean..."
"What, embarrassed?"Ma Xiaotao grinned and turned toward her.
"Of course not!"
Na Na glanced at Juzi—who truly looked shy.
She was trembling from excitement.
"Exactly! Let him know that enjoying 'blessings of many women' isn't so easy!"Ma Xiaotao grinned.
"By the time he leaves Mingdu, his legs better be shaking—or better yet, he can't walk at all!"
"I... I don't mind..."Juzi bit her lip and turned her head, avoiding Na Na's gaze.
After all, last time with her...
"Hmph, he may have a body of flesh and blood—but even if he were made of steel, I'd wear him down!"Ma Xiaotao was raring to go.
Juzi blushed furiously at those feral words.
"Wait... you're not going to let Ah-Meng hog him all to herself, right?"Ma Xiaotao suddenly asked suspiciously.
"Cough cough cough!!"
Juzi was now completely overwhelmed.
Choking on her own breath.
This was beyond insane…
"Still not enough practice!" Ma Xiaotao sneered.
Elsewhere again—
"A mere mortal dares portray me?"
Leaving the theater, Bibi Dong was still resentful toward the actress who had played her. Even though she wore a veil, her anger was obvious.
"What, not pretty enough?" Xu Cheng asked, surprised.
"Hmph. An inferior imitation at best! That pathetic acting couldn't portray even a thousandth of my true presence!"Bibi Dong said angrily.
"If there's a next time, I'll act myself!" she snorted.
Xu Cheng: "..."
Fine by him, honestly.
Still, the cultural campaign had clearly worked—thanks to that actress, the image of the "Pope" had taken root. There had even been public worship incidents when she passed through busy areas.
Even if the real Bibi Dong showed up, no one would believe she was genuine.
But he didn't dampen her mood.
"Whatever makes you happy."
Xu Cheng shook his head—then suddenly felt a chill on the back of his neck.
He looked around suspiciously. Was there danger ahead?
Looking at the nearby hotel—part of the royal estate, all managed by his people—how could there be danger?
He chuckled.
He couldn't be scared by someone like Meng Hongchen, right?
What a joke!
Didn't she always end up crying and calling him daddy?
No matter what, even if he jumped off the roof...
Xu Cheng's smile slowly froze.
Because Room 302's door opened.
And he saw—far more than one person inside...
A slender hand pushed him gently on the back.
He stumbled into the room.
Meng Hongchen silently closed the door behind him.
Xu Cheng: "I'm screwed!!!"
(End of Chapter)