After returning home, Shen Tang estimated that the Rebound Talisman should have run its course, and asked the system, "Did that annoying thing die?"
The system replied, [No.]
Shen Tangâs face darkened, "Wasnât her soul supposed to be destroyed? How is she still alive?"
This time, even the system, rarely cold and stern, said solemnly, [Host, I have good news and bad news for you. The good news is that Shen Qingli did lose one life because of you, but the bad news is, through this soul rebound, Iâve detected new information: Shen Qingli has a Nine Lives Cat Life Chart!]
Shen Tang flipped off the bed and paced back and forth anxiously, "What? Are you saying that damn heroine has nine lives?"
[Not exactly, she can store up to nine lives.] The system explained, [For every S-level male Shen Qingli successfully makes fall deeply in love with her, she gains a life. She managed to capture the hearts of two S-level males, Zaxxis and Yun Han, thus, including her original life, she has three lives. Now that youâve taken one, she has two left.]
Shen Tang was so furious she wanted to pinch the bridge of her nose. This damn heroine was like an unkillable cockroach!
Which means, even if sentenced to death, Shen Qingli truly wouldnât die. She could seize the chance to escape on the way to the crematorium or when thrown into the wilderness!
But fortunately, Shen Tang learned of Shen Qingliâs secret this time. Next time she catches her, she must be killed several times, leaving no chance for her to escape!
Time swiftly passed, and after intense preparations, tomorrow was the coronation ceremony for the new King, to be held in the grand hall of the Imperial City.
The empire, morose after the war, was reignited with passion by this ceremony. The people waited with eager anticipation, and Kongdu City was already enveloped in joyful celebration, with lights and decor everywhere, red carpets rolled out, and the melodies of festive music and praises echoing in every corner of the streets.
The night before the ceremony was destined to be a sleepless one.
The most expecting and nervous of all were the protagonists.
The monarchâs coronation attire was crafted by the empireâs most authoritative design team, with several versions designed before finalizing a majestic purple-gold robe that exuded a kingly temperament.
These days, Xue Yinzhou often ran back and forth to oversee the making of the coronation robe, ensuring its completion before the coronation ceremony.
It is said that the embroidery on the robe was stitched by Xue Yinzhou himself, painstakingly crafted over several days and nights. Snake Clan Beastmen are adept at making clothes for their partners, though the original owner never cared for it. Shen Tang never thought to have Xue Yinzhou play the embroidery man either, as that would be a waste of talent, leaving his skill unused until now.
Thankfully, it was finally put to good use this day.
At the first sight of the finished robe, Shen Tang was deeply enchanted!
The main fabric of the robe was a soft deep purple satin adorned with light gold thread embroidery, incorporating the empireâs territories and beast totems into its intricate pattern design. The dress was studded with pearls, diamonds, and amethysts, the collar and cuffs edged with a delicate gold trim, a simple gold waistband cinching the waist perfectly. The crafting was exquisite, awe-inspiring, stately, elegant, and beautifully majestic, beyond words!
Shen Tang gently touched the luxurious garment on the tray, thrilled beyond measure, almost unable to bear wearing it.
Seeing the light in her eyes, Xue Yinzhou smiled, "How is the dress? Do you like it?"
"Itâs incredible! I love it! Thank you, Yinzhou!" Shen Tang excitedly hugged him, planting a big kiss.
Not anticipating such a bold and enthusiastic female, Xue Yinzhouâs jade-white handsome face tinted with a hint of embarrassment, he gently embraced her waist, uncommonly tender, "As long as you like it. The dress is tailored to your body measurements, it should fit well. But itâs best if you try it on first."
The picky Mermaid Prince Jia Lan, also showed rarity approval, harsh words giving way to praise, "This robe is indeed excellent, among those Iâve seen, it could take the crown."
That counts as an extremely high compliment!
Lu Xiao nodded, "Mm, this gown suits the Female Master very well."
Shen Li also stepped forward to touch the garment, soft in texture and excellently embroidered, smiled, "With Xiao Tangâer wearing this dress, you are sure to stun the audience. I can imagine tomorrowâs coronation ceremony will certainly be marked in history, a significant entry of grand color and stroke."
Xiao Jin urged, "Tangtang, quickly try it on!"
The beast husbands all watched her intently.
Each one of them could hardly wait.
Shen Tang chuckled softly, "Look at how anxious you all are, and Iâm not even rushing. Yet, youâre all impatient. Alright then, Iâll put it on for you to see!"
She took the heavy garment from Xue Yinzhou, not avoiding it, changing into the intricate coronation dress in front of the beast husbands.
Just putting on this dress took over half an hour.
Xue Yinzhou and Lu Xiao crouched down to carefully arrange the lining and hem for her.
Shen Tang lifted the skirt, adjusting her steps.
The tailored fabric outlined her graceful and slender figure, the long train trailing to the ground. As she moved, it emitted a gentle purple-gold sheen, the skirt design skillfully crafted, seen from above resembling a blooming flower, elegantly magnificent, noble and dazzling!
The beast husbands were all left in a daze.
Shen Tang typically loved wearing simple casual clothes, which were indeed nice but not as visually striking as now!
The beast husbands had imagined how beautiful sheâd look in this gown, yet reality was even more stunning than they had thought!
As Xiao Jin and the others recovered from their amazement, their expressions varied, slightly reluctant to let her be in the spotlight.
Damn, once out there, sheâll dumbfound those naive young boys in the Imperial City!
At the thought of her appearing in the gown tomorrow, attracting the admiration of many aristocratic males and unwanted attention, they felt a mix of anger and anxiety! If theyâd known, they wouldâve chosen the most simple and rustic version!
"Whatâs with your looks? Donât you like it?" Shen Tang raised an eyebrow, lips curving into a teasing smile.
This smile almost captivated Xiao Jinâs very soul!
He snapped back, face dark with annoyance, glaring fiercely at Xue Yinzhou, "Donât like it, you tasteless snake! I say the simple white one at the start was better, more chic and grand!"
Xue Yinzhou gave him a sidelong chilly glance, his voice dangerous, "This is Tangtangâs most important coronation ceremony likely to be recorded in history. Wearing clothes as shabby and funereal as white would be a joke for future generations."
Though not fond of overly lavish decorations either, Xue Yinzhouâs eye for aesthetics was spot on, this gown matched the monarchâs aura best.
After the war, the empire had low morale, in need of spiritual support.
Tomorrowâs coronation was not only crucial for Shen Tang but also held significant meaning for the entire empire, greatly boosting public morale.
"Alright, you two stop arguing. Xiao Tang looks great in this, thereâs no time to change it." Shen Li guided Shen Tang to sit at the dressing table, her slender as jade fingers brushing the stray hair from her forehead behind her ear, smiling warmly and enchantingly, "Less than three hours till we leave. Let me do your makeup, to replenish your look."
Having stayed up all night, Shen Tangâs face was somewhat fatigued; she had to attend the ceremony in top condition, allowing no mistakes.
Xiao Jin lounged at the tableâs edge, propping his chin with one hand, watching Shen Li dab cosmetics on Shen Tangâs face.
Watching made him confused, yawning repeatedly, the large leopard tail swishing idly back and forth behind him, "Whatâs this youâre doing? Why are you making Tangtangâs face so white, it looks like a ghost!"
"Tsk, the eyebrows are drawn so high, theyâre ready to fly, I could swing on them."
"You used white powder earlier, now why use black powder? Makes no sense."