Chapter 178: Leaving the Empire!
"Haa..."
Zhang Ming let out a soft sigh, feeling the lingering warmth of the bed beneath her bare skin. As the cool morning breeze brushed her back, she shifted slowly, her lithe body slipping off the bed.
Raising her arms, she gathered her hair into a loose ponytail, her delicate fingers twisting the strands with practiced ease.
"Little Yuan…" Her voice was soft, almost teasing as she glanced over her shoulder at Zhang Yuan, who was lazily sprawled across the bed, his eyes half-lidded as he gazed at her.
Rubbing her stiff ass she mumbled "I'm going to prepare something to eat."
Zhang Yuan gave a lazy nod, his eyes tracing her ass cheeks.
Zhang Ming smiled softly, warmth spreading through her chest at his casual acceptance, and she turned, padding quietly to the door.
As she reached for the handle and pulled the door open...
Huh?
However, her eyes shrank in shock looking at the blonde-haired woman standing on the doorstep with a smile on her face.
"Hello there.. Aunty Ming."
"N-Ning Xia?"
*thud* Startled, she hurriedly closed the door shut and hastily turned to Zhang Yuan who was lying on the bed.
"Y-Yuan..."
Zhang Yuan let out a faint chuckle and Zhang Ming asked "You told me... t-that you have stopped the time."
With a nod, Zhang Yuan spoke "Yeah, the time is stopped in this world.. but Xia came from the palace and entered the time-stopped world."
Hearing this, Zhang Ming stammered "B-But you could have still stopped her."
Zhang Yuan nodded his head "Yeah... but I didn't"
The words hung in the air, and Zhang Ming felt her cheeks flush, heat rising to her face.
Before she could respond, the door creaked open again, the sound sending a jolt through her body.
*creek* Opening the door, Ning Xia stepped inside keeping a smile on her face "Husband..."
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Zhang Ming's body stiffened under the touch, her muscles tense as she tried to suppress the sudden wave of nervousness that washed over her.
"Don't worry, Aunty Ming," Ning Xia whispered softly, her breath warm against Zhang Ming's ear. "I won't judge you…"
With a hesitant nod, Zhang Ming raised her hand covering her nipples and crotch "O-Okay..."
She hurriedly dashed out of the room, "I shall go and prepare something for him to eat."
Ning Xia crawled onto the bed and moved to Zhang Yuan, tenderly hugging him in her arms "Husband..."
"Xia..."
With a smile he pinched his nose "I came here to see you but what I saw. was.. you were being naughty."
Zhang Yuan only chuckled, pulling her closer as their bodies melted into each other's warmth. His hand moved to the small of her back, drawing her even nearer until there was no space left between them.
Ning Xia sighed softly, shaking her head as she rested it against his chest. "What am I going to do with you…" she whispered, her words more affectionate than scolding.
At this time, the time flow of the world also returned to normal and Zhang Fumin who was sleeping on the couch, stretched her arms above her head.
"Ahhh.. I slept while playing?"
Mumbling under her breath she glanced around and saw that the living room was empty.
She slowly stood up and stretched her waist as she made her way towards Zhang Yuan's room "Yuan..."
Seeing that the door was half open, she immediately stepped in but was startled to see Zhang Yuan and Ning Xia snuggling on the bed naked while kissing each other, their hands wandering over each other's bodies.
"Husband..."
Zhang Fumin's heart clenched painfully in her chest as she watched them, her hands balling into fists at her sides. She felt the sting of tears behind her eyes, but she forced them back, unwilling to let them fall.
Zhang Yuan hugged her and glanced at Zhang Fumin who was standing on the door step "Big Sister..."
Ning Xia also hurriedly took the quilt to cover their bodies "Sister Fumin..."
Seeing them, Zhang Fumin forced a smile and closed the door "Sorry for interrupting.."
Once outside, her body trembled, and her nails dug into her palms as she clenched her fists tighter. 'This is why I am leaving for closed cultivation....'
'If I am with him.. I have to see him being lovey dovey with his women.'
...
The morning sun rose high in the sky, casting a warm, golden glow over the bustling Royal Capital of the Northern Bei Kingdom.
A large, ornate carriage clattered down the cobblestone streets, carrying Zhang Yuan...Ming Yuelin, Chen Zin, Xue Hua, Jin Wei, and Long Yue.. through the center of the city.
"Long Yue, you promised we'd try the Northern Bei Kingdom's famous street food first," Jin Wei insisted, her voice playful but firm.
"Yes, yes," Long Yue replied with a soft smile, her soft features glowing as she pulled back some strands of her long blonde hair.
"Even I haven't tried.. I just heard it from the King. But first, we need to step out and get our bearings. There's so much to see in the capital. The food can wait a little, don't you think?"
Zhang Yuan couldn't help but smile as the carriage slowed to a stop near the central market district.
The capital's famed city square stretched out before them, vibrant and filled with energy. Vendors called out their wares, musicians played lively tunes, and citizens from all walks of life wandered through the streets.
As the group stepped out of the carriage, the rich aroma of freshly cooked food filled the air, immediately catching their attention.
Colorful stalls lined the streets, offering a variety of dishes, from steaming dumplings to skewered meats, sweet buns, and spiced rice cakes.
Ming Yuelin was the first to dart towards a stall, her eyes wide with curiosity. "Master, Look at these dumplings!" she exclaimed, pointing to a vendor expertly folding the dough around savory fillings.
She reached for a small plate, her mouth watering as she took a bite. "Oh, this is incredible.. ummm"
Zhang Yuan chuckled looking at her and patted her head as he glanced at the vendor "How much... for 10 dumplings."
Long Yue stepped forward and spoke "Master.. I shall pay for you." she insisted and paid for Ming Yuelin's food.
"Ok, ok.. to the next stall.. let's go."
"Hahaha.."
Towering stone buildings with intricate carvings rose above them, displaying the architectural prowess of the Northern Bei Kingdom.
Banners fluttered in the wind, marking the many districts of the capital—the artisan quarter, the merchant streets, and the noble estates.
After a while, Jin Wei's stomach grumbled audibly, causing the others to laugh.
"Alright, alright," Long Yue said, shaking her head. "I promised you food, and I won't break that promise."
The group moved through the streets, tasting various dishes as they went.
Ming Yuelin tried a spiced tofu dish that left her eyes watering from the heat, while Chen Zin sipped a fragrant tea brewed with rare herbs.
As they were walking through the streets, Jin Wei who was walking beside him asked "Senior Yuan... what are you going to do after leaving the Empire?"
With a shrug, Zhang Yuan spoke "Where else? Back to the mountains of Pearl city.. I have accepted Yue as my disciple, so I have to train her."
"What about you?"
Hearing the question, Jin Wei stayed silent for a second "We actually came here for Phoenix Sovereign Inheritance.. but I guess, we will now return to our Haoshaku Empire."
"I see..."
Ming Yuelin's eyes sparkled as she marveled at a display of shimmering hairpins. "These are so beautiful!" she exclaimed, running her fingers lightly over a set of gold-encrusted pins.
Xue Hua didn't seem fascinated by them and Zhang Yuan softly patted her head "Hua... don't you want to buy something?"
Xue Hua shook her head "No, Master... what am I going to do by looking beautiful... I don't have anyone I need to attract with my appearance."
With a shake of his head, Zhang Yuan gently grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the shop "Come here.. I will buy you something."
He took a hairpin which perfectly matched her silver hair and helped her wear it on her head.
Being embarrassed to wear such cosmetics, Xue Hua's face turned a bit red "M-Master.. i don't need them."
However, Zhang Yuan didn't heed her and placed the hairpin "Now you look good."
Ming Yuelin also nodded her head "Yes, Junior Sister.. it looks really good."
With that, Ming Yuelin hugged his arm "Then pick one for me too, master..."
Seeing them Long Yue took a deep breath 'They are my senior sisters and master, so I have to get along with them.'
She took a step forward and spoke "Master.. please help me select a hairpin."
Jin Wei also joined in "Senior Yuan, me too.."
Not wanting to be left out, Chen Zin also joined "Me too then..."
Zhang Yuan smiled dryly seeing their enthusiasm "Everyone.. calm down."
...
In the center of a vast, dark chamber, the room is dimly lit by flickering red lights that cast long, eerie shadows across the stone walls.
The ground is cracked and uneven, with jagged stones.
At the heart of this demonic room, a massive throne dominates the space.
The throne itself is carved from blackened stone, its sharp edges and grotesque designs hinting at the dark power of its occupant.
A man is sitting on the throne with a pair of demonic horns on his head, his red eyes glinting in the room as he looked at the man bowing in front of him.
"Has the Half Demon's bloodline been awakened?"
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