Han Qi accepted the order, “Yes!”
Meanwhile, at the Moon Embracing Palace.
After settling the kitten and preparing to sleep, Gu Xi suddenly sneezed.
She rubbed the tip of her nose, “Who’s cursing me?”
As she spoke, her gaze drifted meaningfully toward the Celestial Beast in the Void Space.
The Celestial Beast shuddered: Why are you looking at me? Don’t blame me—I definitely didn’t curse you.
Gu Xi: Hmph.
The Celestial Beast waved its little paws: No, really, I didn’t say anything bad about you. Maybe it was the ghost of that person you just killed, cursing you.
As if remembering something, it scratched its little head: Speaking of ghosts, there are quite a few in the Chu Imperial Palace. Why haven’t I seen you commanding those little spirits?
The Netherworld is made up of the Ghost Realm and the Demon Realm. As the Underworld King, the entire underworld is under your command—even the King of Hell listens to you, let alone little spirits. But why do I feel like the ghosts in the Chu Imperial Palace can’t sense your presence?
Also, I noticed that when you killed that assassin today, you didn’t use much Magical Power—you kept using a dagger.
The Little Beast went on and on, while Gu Xi’s gaze upon its head grew increasingly dark and profound.
Finally realizing something, the Celestial Beast widened its eyes: You… you haven’t lost your Magical Power, have you?
The two locked eyes.
Sensing Gu Xi’s gaze, the Celestial Beast gulped.
Um… Your Majesty, actually, I don’t know anything…
Gu Xi smiled gently and used her Spiritual Sense to softly stroke the fur on the Celestial Beast’s head.
The Celestial Beast trembled, its fur standing on end.
Gu Xi’s voice was tender and soothing: It’s fine. We’re bound by a Blood Pact—we’re family. It doesn’t matter if you know, right?
At the mention of “Blood Pact,” the Celestial Beast gulped again: Right, right, family. We’re family.
Since we’re family, Great Demon… I mean, Your Majesty, could you let go of my neck now?
Only then did Gu Xi release her grip: Oh, sorry, my hand slipped. I was just stroking your head—how did it suddenly end up on your neck?
The Celestial Beast: … Yeah, right. As if I’d believe that.
Gu Xi coughed, lowered her eyelashes, and spoke seriously.
Actually, it’s nothing major. My Magical Power is gradually recovering. It probably won’t be long before I’m back to how I used to be.
But, speaking of which, killing someone with a dagger is really tiring.
Next time, you do it.
The Celestial Beast: …
The Little Beast forced a smile: Maybe… just maybe… I’m not really brave enough…
Gu Xi’s tone was firm: Absolutely not possible. Who are you? You’re the Heavenly Dao’s only disciple, the only Divine Beast in this world, knowledgeable in all things from heaven to earth. You can do anything.
The Celestial Beast: …
Thanks for the compliment. Really.
Early the next morning, news of the assassin’s escape and death spread throughout the palace and beyond. Emperor Chu sent people to investigate, but the Golden Scale Guard found no clues.
After the assassin incident died down, a few more days passed.
Gu Xi’s complexion, visible to everyone in the palace day by day, truly grew better and better.
Emperor Chu was delighted and sent many rewards to the Moon Embracing Palace.
Soon after, news spread throughout the rear palace that Princess Yun Xi wished to join the other princes and princesses in attending the Imperial Study to receive lessons from the Grand Tutor.
Although Emperor Chu was somewhat concerned about Gu Xi’s health, considering that Gu Xi’s condition was indeed improving day by day, and coupled with the fact that he couldn’t persuade Gu Xi otherwise, he ultimately agreed.
In the Void Space.
The Celestial Beast lay sprawled on the desk, drawing: “Everything was fine, why do you suddenly want to go to the academy?”
Gu Xi picked up the drawing with his Spiritual Sense, studying it for a long time without figuring out what it was supposed to be.
“Naturally, because Jun Qi is there.”
“Jun Qi’s injuries from the beating have mostly healed, and he returned to the academy two days ago. During the day, I can’t even catch a glimpse of him.”
“Moreover, I think your idea does make some sense. Forcing Jun Qi to the Netherworld later might not be ideal, mainly because I’m afraid he might become desperate—crying, making a scene, or even threatening suicide.”
“So I’ve decided…”
Gu Xi pondered seriously for a moment, then spoke two sentences, enunciating each word clearly.
“Starting today, I’m going to pursue him until he falls hopelessly in love with me.”
“That way, when the time comes to take him back, it’ll be more convenient.”
After all that circling, it still came back to the word “take.”
The Celestial Beast: “…”
The Little Beast’s eyes were filled with doubt: “By the way, do you even know how to pursue someone? I suspect you don’t even…”
Gu Xi’s gaze fell on the Celestial Beast’s neck, and the Little Beast swallowed the last word, “know,” not daring to utter it aloud.
Gu Xi smiled, extending a fingertip to trace the edge of the drawing in his hand. His dark eyes were unfathomable, and the deepening smile at the corner of his lips carried an ambiguous meaning: “Pursuing someone, naturally, requires bloodshed.”
Blood? Whose blood?
The Celestial Beast gaped: “Are you sure this is pursuing someone and not murdering them?”