No one, not even reporting to Emperor Yu, could stop him from entering Zhan Tian.
"You... really give me a hard time!"
Zhan Tian sighed deeply.
From Liu Shengâs expression, he knew that he would certainly go to the Stone Cave.
Report to Emperor Yu?
He definitely wouldnât do such a thing, after all, the two were as close as brothers.
If he did that, Liu Sheng would beat him for sure.
But if he leaves the Imperial City...what about the Ritual Department?
Itâs fine if itâs a short time, but if it drags on, it would be impossible to hide.
"Donât worry!"
Liu Sheng slowly stood up, "I will report to Your Majesty and say that I will be in seclusion for a while, and leave the Ritual Department to Kang Bai. You just need to watch over things, and nothing major will happen."
"Besides, the Stone Cave isnât very far from the Imperial City. If I hurry, it will only take two or three days."
"Sigh!"
Zhan Tian sighed again, knowing that saying more was useless.
"Donât worry, if anything happens, Iâve got your back."
Their bond was like one person, built over many years of friendship.
"Thank you."
Liu Sheng expressed his gratitude because he was essentially deceiving his sovereign, and if Emperor Yu were to blame them, both would suffer.
But this was the only way!
All was for him, and his gaze shifted to Chen Xuan, "Prepare well, wait for my notice!"
"Thank you, Chief Eunuch!"
Chen Xuan bowed to Liu Sheng, feeling deeply grateful to the elder.
"Alright, no need for thanks among men, I trust you can guess what Iâm thinking. Just donât let me down."
Then he left the hall gracefully.
Chen Xuan had a complicated expression; he indeed knew Liu Shengâs intentions.
But....
"Sigh!"
He sighed inwardly, he truly didnât want that position.
But how to repay such a massive favor...?
"Heâs adhered to rules all his life, but since meeting you, heâs become almost like me."
Zhan Tianâs voice echoed in the hall.
"How could I be so deserving!"
Chen Xuan said softly.
"I wouldnât know, but... Iâm planning to let Xiaoqi achieve a Realm Breakthrough."
"When?"
"Tomorrow! After all, for Xiaoqi, itâs as easy as drinking water!"
"Mm!"
...
"Wow, the Imperial City is so lively!"
Xiaoqi was very excited, darting around the street. Even though Chen Xuan had taken him around last time before leaving, it was too brief and hurried. Honestly, going with Chen Xuan wasnât as fun.
It was much happier with the mothers.
Especially tonight, Luan Ying had taken him to play many games and bought lots of snacks, the smile never left his face the entire night.
"This is delicious, try a bite!"
Luan Ying placed a piece of red pastry by Xiaoqiâs mouth.
"Delicious! Sweet but not greasy!"
Xiaoqi shook his head and commented, suddenly, a cheer erupted from ahead.
"Third Lady, letâs go see whatâs fun over there!"
He said this and pulled Luan Yingâs hand, running towards the sound.
"Luan Ying is just like a leader of the children."
Ning Xin looked at this scene and couldnât help but smile.
"Exactly, Xiaoqi is closer to Sister Luan than to me, his real mother!"
"Oh, jealous now?"
Chen Xuan laughed, pinching her cheek. Somehow, he developed a habit of pinching the girlsâ cheeks, finding them so smooth and pleasant to the touch.
"What nonsense!"
Ning Xin eyed Chen Xuan, "All of us treat Xiaoqi as our own, how could MengâEr not be happy?"
"Right?"
She then looked at Lan MengâEr.
"Exactly, Sister XinâEr understands me best."
She hugged Ning Xinâs arm, acting spoiled.
The sisters all saw Xiaoqi as their own; she couldnât be happier.
Unlike those families, full of schemes, she was very content.
"I was just saying."
Chen Xuan looked towards Xiaoqi and the others, finding them out of sight, "Letâs go, we should take a look too!"
...
"Letâs go to this one!"
The group looked up at the towering restaurant beside them.
After walking for so long, they only had some street snacks, mostly simple ones, and as Martial Artists, those were insufficient.
"So grand!"
Xiaoqi looked up at the opulent seven or eight-story restaurant, especially with rows of crystal stones outside, shining with a golden brilliance, making the entire restaurant seem made of gold.
"Itâs grand indeed, but... itâs also tacky!"
At a glance, anything gold was made of pure gold. How much did the owner love gold!
"Come on! Rarely do we get out, letâs eat to our heartsâ content tonight!"
Chen Xuan waved his hand, leading the group inside.
It was peak evening time, and upon a serverâs recommendation, they booked a private room on the top floor.
However, it was truly expensive, just the private roomâs fee was one thousand taels, and it was in gold!
"Go arrange it, just bring the best!"
"Sure thing, sir, please wait a moment, Iâll arrange it for you right away!"
The server couldnât close his mouth from smiling.
With such generosity, a big tip was anticipated.
"Dad, come look, itâs so beautiful!"
By the window, Xiaoqi pointed outside.
Chen Xuan walked over, equally stunned by the sight.
The night sky was like a canvas, draping over the entire Imperial City, especially since it might be an overcast night, the extreme darkness felt almost tangible.
It was oppressively dark.
But looking down.
The view was full of lights.
Vendor shouts, peopleâs laughter, and cheers from all corners.
All sounds entering the ears!
Perfectly illustrating what earthly joys are.
Instantly, the heavy heart was relieved.
"Itâs different!"