Her eyes grew colder, teeth gritting in anger.
“Fine, fine! Stop for now, we’ll talk properly.”
Hearing Feng Xi’s plea, Tianmu halted his actions. The thunder ceased abruptly, and her mental space quickly returned to calm, as if nothing had happened.
Feng Xi exhaled in relief, slowly walking toward Tianmu with a conciliatory smile.
“Father Tianmu, look at you, so detailed and imposing—why not show your true form?” she asked, trying to shift the topic.
Tianmu remained quietly suspended in midair, his pose exuding endless mystery and authority.
“My true form is not something you may casually behold.”
Feng Xi twitched at the corner of her mouth—Tianmu really was narcissistic.
“Ah, yes, yes, Father Tianmu, your magnificence is far beyond what a mere nobody like me could glimpse. You are magnanimous, so there’s no need to stoop to the level of the lowly.”
The shadow of Tianmu flickered slightly, seemingly affected by her flattery. He recalled how Feng Xi often shouted and acted without respect, treating his existence as the embodiment of the Dao with utter disregard, and a trace of helplessness stirred within him.
“Enough of the nonsense. If you do not present me with a satisfactory plan and attitude now, you know the consequences.”
Tianmu’s impatient voice echoed through the void, carrying an invisible pressure that made the surrounding air feel heavy.
Feng Xi gritted her teeth. She did not want to involve herself with the matter of the Child of Destiny, but given the current situation, she had to come up with a reason to appease Tianmu and prevent Qin Yan from noticing her inner turmoil.
An idea sparked, and she complained lightly:
“Don’t rush! I actually came up with a plan a while ago, based on the book I was reading. I was just learning its methods, but you interrupted with your scolding about vulgarity.”
“The… vulgar book you mentioned?” Tianmu was stunned.
Feng Xi rolled her eyes.
“What do you mean ‘vulgar’? Correct your wording, and listen to me first before you argue.”
Tianmu was silenced. “Very well, speak then.”
Feng Xi cleared her throat and explained the contents of the novel she had read.
“This book tells the story of an overbearing empress and her male consort. The empress is powerful and influential, yet devoted to her male lead. I can emulate her, treating the three men who may be the Child of Destiny with care, drawing their attention.”
Tianmu frowned.
“What kind of strange tactics are these? You said the book is women-centered—how can that apply to men?”
Feng Xi was unbothered.
“The more unique the method, the more it captures their attention. And I think this plan is feasible! What’s wrong with women-centered methods? Do you look down on women?”
Tianmu’s lips twitched. He found some logic in her words and decided not to push further, giving only a symbolic reminder:
“I do not look down on you! If you think this method works, then try it. But remember, do not attempt any tricks—I can see everything outside through your mental space.”
Outside her consciousness—
Feng Xi’s body on the chair stopped trembling and entered a meditative state. Qin Yan’s expression was frantic as she held Feng Xi’s shoulders, shouting repeatedly:
“Miss! Miss! What’s wrong? Don’t scare me! You were fine just a moment ago…”
At that moment, an elderly servant slowly stepped into the courtyard.
“Is the young mistress present? The matriarch requests your presence.”
Qin Yan suppressed her panic, wiped her tears, and respectfully asked:
“Granny Zhao, why does the matriarch wish to see the young mistress? May I ask the reason?”
Granny Zhao barely glanced at Feng Xi, who remained motionless, and walked past Qin Yan.
“Hmph, this concerns the masters. You, as a servant, should not speak.”
Qin Yan hurriedly stepped forward, positioning herself in front of Feng Xi to block her view.
“Don’t worry, I understand. Granny Zhao, please return for now. The young mistress will change and come shortly.”
Granny Zhao scrutinized Qin Yan, frowning.
“Your master isn’t speaking, yet you act on her behalf? Step aside, Qin Yan. Does the young mistress have some secret she hides?”
She grabbed Qin Yan’s arm with a force partially enhanced by spiritual energy.
Qin Yan, being merely a first-level mortal body, could hardly withstand such pressure. Beads of sweat formed on her forehead, her face turned pale, yet thinking of Feng Xi’s state, she gritted her teeth and endured the pain.
“Granny Zhao, this is unnecessary. The young mistress is only resting and does not wish to speak. I have conveyed her message. Isn’t your behavior excessively rude?”
Granny Zhao grew more suspicious, fearing Feng Xi had truly encountered some issue. She increased her force, intending to pull Qin Yan using her spiritual energy.
At that moment, a cold, fair hand forcefully yanked Granny Zhao’s hand away from Qin Yan.
“Is that so? How dare you, Granny Zhao, bully my people while thinking you hold the matriarch’s authority? You’ve grown too bold.”
Feng Xi had just returned from Tianmu’s mental space and immediately saw someone abusing Qin Yan. Recognizing the figure, her mind recalled a stern warning.
【From now on, you are no longer a Feng family member. I am no longer connected to you!】
Recalling all the past warmth replaced by “no connection,” Feng Xi rose swiftly, prying Granny Zhao’s hand off Qin Yan without hesitation and issuing a warning.
“Miss!” Qin Yan’s eyes filled with concern and grievance.
Feng Xi shielded her, her gaze sharp:
“Don’t worry, Qin Yan. From now on, let’s see who dares to bully you. I’ll skin them alive if they do!”
With a snap, accompanied by a scream, Granny Zhao’s hand was broken and dangled helplessly from her sleeve.
“Ah~” Granny Zhao paled, clutching her shoulder.
Feng Xi casually retrieved a cloth from her storage space to wipe her hand, then disdainfully tossed it aside and said coldly:
“Go back and report to that old crone. I will be seeing her myself soon.”