Chapter 760: Determined to Seek the Way

Unfortunately, in her current incorporeal state, it was difficult for her to take action, so she had to rely on Zu'an's help.

Zu'an couldn't figure out her true intentions and said, feeling a little uneasy, "But it's a bit awkward with you watching."

Mi Li scoffed, "Who cares to witness your sordid business?"

After she finished speaking, a red shadow flashed and swiftly disappeared.

Zu'an breathed a sigh of relief; Mi Li's presence was simply too overwhelming. Moreover, being intimate with one woman while another watched always felt like an awkward confrontation.

Just then, Yun Yuqing's soft, playful voice whispered in his ear, "Oh, you!"

Hearing her alluring voice, Zu'an couldn't help but gently wrap his arms around her waist; her skin was truly as smooth and lustrous as if washed in the silken warmth of the spring.

Yun Yuqing did not resist. She gently nestled into his embrace, and their two young bodies pressed close, quickly growing warm.

"A'Zu."

"Hm?"

Yun Yuqing said no more. Instead, she stood on her tiptoes and kissed Zu'an on the lips. Knowing that he had risked breaking with the entire world to save her, she was already filled with tenderness and affection.

Her soft, sweet lips were like a battle horn signaling an assault. How could Zu'an resist? Soon, water splashed everywhere in the pool.

The ripples in the hot spring grew more numerous and dense, just like Yun Yuqing's very soul at that moment...

After an unknown amount of time, Yun Yuqing, completely soft and pliant like a ball of cotton, nestled into Zu'an's embrace. Her snow-white skin was now tinged with a beautiful rosy hue, making her appear even more radiant and captivating.

Faintly visible through the steamy mist of the hot spring, she seemed like a celestial fairy from the Heavenly Palace.

"A'Zu," Yun Yuqing murmured, pressing her face tightly against his chest. Her moist, large eyes gazed at the man who had completely conquered her, both in mind and body.

Zu'an held her soft body, his large hand gently but firmly holding her. He felt completely refreshed and invigorated. Not only had the entire process just been an ultimate pleasure, but he also found that during their intense intimacy, his accumulated power had finally burst forth, completely breaking through a long-standing barrier.

Not only had his Primordial Chaos Scripture advanced a level, but his cultivation had also reached the eighth rank.

He had originally been stuck at the threshold of peak seventh rank. Being pierced by the siege crossbow bolt this time would have been a fatal injury for any other cultivator of his level, but he had only survived because of his body, which was tempered by the Primordial Chaos Scripture.

Such a severe injury was already enough for Zu'an to take that crucial final step.

However, for most cultivators, advancing from the seventh to the eighth rank is a huge hurdle. One must find their own 'Dao' before they can enter the eighth rank.

Because the Dao one seeks is not chosen at random; it must align with the world's fundamental essence and simultaneously resonate perfectly with one's own nature. If chosen poorly, it can easily affect one's future achievements. Thus, since ancient times, countless individuals have been troubled by this, with some early prodigies wasting their entire lives here, eventually surpassed by many whose previous talents were inferior to theirs.

Although Zu'an's cultivation of the Phoenix Nirvana Scripture made it less difficult for him to break through to the eighth rank compared to others, he still needed to find his Dao. However, it was comparatively much easier, saving him the long process of refining his true qi.

Although Zu'an had always harbored some vague ambitions in the past, they had never been very clear.

Until that very moment, while reveling in the ultimate, delicate tenderness of the noble and elegant princess consort, and recalling the sense of conquest he felt days ago in Kunning Palace, manipulating the empress with the power to decide her life or death, he suddenly had an epiphany. A true man born into this world should ride his horse with ambition, his spirit vast and powerful like a tiger. He would become the strongest man in the world!

He instinctively gazed towards the direction of the imperial palace. Although he had previously entertained thoughts of surpassing the Emperor, the Emperor's power and formidable presence still deeply influenced him, leaving a profound imprint even on his subconscious.

Thanks to Kasly's mental illusions, within them, he had finally bravely drawn his sword against the Emperor, and even defeated him head-on.

Although it was all an illusion, Zu'an had used it to completely shatter his inner demons.

With various factors combined, Zu'an finally broke through the major threshold of the eighth rank.

At the same time, in the imperial palace, the Emperor, who was in meditation, suddenly opened his eyes and thoughtfully gazed towards the horizon. He felt a flicker of doubt in his heart: why had he just experienced an inexplicable sense of trepidation?

He knew that ever since his cultivation had reached its peak, it had been a very long time since he'd felt such an unsettling sensation.

He frowned and called in Eunuch Wen, who was waiting outside. "Little Wenzi," he ordered, "go check if anything significant has happened recently in the east."

Eunuch Wen hesitated. "Your Majesty," he asked, "may I ask how wide of a scope you mean by 'east'?"

The 'east' was simply too vast a region, making it impossible to investigate without further specific instructions.

The Emperor gave him a cold look and slowly uttered two words: "Every single thing!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Eunuch Wen was greatly startled. It had been a long time since he had seen the Emperor so serious. Since that was the case, he naturally had to spare no resources in his investigation.

Zu'an, in the Prince of Wu's manor, had no idea that his recent breakthrough had affected the Emperor, and even indirectly influenced the fates of many in the eastern regions. But that was a story for another time.

"A'Zu, have you broken through?" Yun Yuqing was both surprised and delighted. As the two were intimately close, she could most clearly sense the profound transformation in him. Her gaze towards him grew even more admiring; women naturally admire strength.

"Mm," Zu'an hummed, embracing her with a smile. "Your contribution was indispensable in this."

"What contribution did I make?" Yun Yuqing's pretty face showed a hint of bewilderment.

Zu'an leaned close to her ear and whispered something, and Yun Yuqing's small face instantly flushed crimson. "You rascal!" she exclaimed.

Hearing her playful complaint, Zu'an felt a flame ignite in his lower abdomen once more. He immediately embraced her from behind, his hands under her armpits, lifting her small, soft body up and then setting it down again.

Yun Yuqing had never experienced such a game of kissing, hugging, and lifting high. Her heart felt like it would leap out of her chest, and her entire body felt utterly soft and melted.

Feeling her trembling all over, Zu'an didn't forget the important matter. "Why did Kasly say that before she left?" he asked. "That you'd be even less willing for them to be caught by the city guard?"

Previously, Zu'an had many reservations, worried that asking would cause their relationship to never return to how it was. But having just successfully dedicated himself to finding his Dao, he no longer hesitated as before. He now had enough confidence to control the situation with her.

Yun Yuqing's voice faintly carried a sob. "You just had to deliberately torment me at a time like this..." she complained. "I knew you wanted to ask for a long time. You really are a hateful rascal!"

Just as she was about to continue speaking, the panicked voices of maidservants suddenly came from outside. "Your Highness," they urged, "the Princess Consort is bathing and changing inside. Please wait a moment."

Zu'an's heart stirred. The Prince of Wu had actually sneaked into the capital!

It was known that the Princess Consort of Wu was officially in charge of delivering the auspicious omen this time. As a vassal prince, the Prince of Wu's status was sensitive, and he was normally not allowed to enter the capital. Yet he had secretly come. What was he planning?

Just then, the Prince of Wu's displeased voice was heard. "Hmph," he scoffed, "does this Prince need to wait to see his own Consort? Move aside."

Outside, the maidservants' voices could be heard, attempting to block the Prince of Wu by all means. As Yun Yuqing's personal attendants, and also of demon race origin, their loyalty to Yun Yuqing was unquestionable.

Yun Yuqing was a little flustered. "A'Zu," she urged, "quickly hide!"

Zu'an was somewhat displeased. "Why should I hide?" he asked.

"A'Zu," Yun Yuqing pleaded, "don't you want to know what's going on? If you listen to my conversation with him later, many things will become clear."

Seeing her on the verge of tears, Zu'an softened. He hummed in acknowledgement, then rose and went behind a nearby screen.

He activated the Bright Mirror, Non-Platform technique, causing his entire presence to completely vanish. Unless someone saw him face-to-face, he would be very difficult to discover.

Yun Yuqing touched her toes and leaped out of the water. She spun like a celestial maiden scattering flowers, and several runes shimmered around her body. Suddenly, a white dress appeared on her.

Zu'an's eyes lit up at the sight. Was this like a magical girl transformation?

This woman was truly a treasure, full of mystery and beauty.

Not long after she finished dressing, the door was forcefully pushed open from the outside.

"Prince of Wu, Princess Consort..." A group of maidservants rushed in, panicked, evidently feeling guilty for failing to stop him.

Yun Yuqing waved her hand. "You may withdraw for now," she said.

"Yes!" The maidservants bowed, hastily retreated, and even helped close the door behind them.

Zu'an secretly peered through the gap as a handsome man walked in. Who else could it be but the Prince of Wu?

Despite his displeasure, Zu'an had to admit that the Prince of Wu was indeed a handsome man. Back in Jibei Prefecture, when he and Yun Yuqing stood together, they were a perfect pair of 'golden boy and jade girl' in the eyes of countless people.

Today, the Prince of Wu was not wearing his usual princely robes, but a well-tailored green garment. He probably didn't want to be too conspicuous in the capital and attract attention. However, this garment suited him very well, making him appear exceptionally handsome.

Just as the Prince of Wu was about to speak, he suddenly noticed water splashed everywhere on the floor, and his gaze hardened instantly.