Is she trying to chase me away?
Is it because of Qing Xuan? Or something else?
"Fellow Daoist Gu, there is no need to be so polite."
Empress Ling Shuang seemed not to understand the subtext in Gu Han's words, the corners of her lips curling slightly.
"This Empress is not tired. Moreover..."
Her gaze swept over the Cultivators in the distance who had not yet dispersed, her voice clearly carrying across:
"Today's battle, while not fully satisfying, allowed this Empress to witness the scenery of the Southern Region and the grace of the Yaochi Empress."
"This Empress has decided to stay in the Southern Region for a period of time, to 'communicate' more with Fellow Daoist Gu."
Stay in the Southern Region for a period of time?!
Gu Han's eyelids twitched.
Is this Empress serious?
Is she going to ignore so many matters in the Northern Region?
Also, "communicate more"... no matter how she heard it, it felt wrong!
Li Hanyi and Yun Yun had arrived nearby by this time, just in time to hear Empress Ling Shuang's last sentence.
Both were slightly stunned, then looked at Gu Han with questioning eyes.
Gu Han shook her head slightly at them, signaling them to remain calm.
She looked at Empress Ling Shuang, her tone still calm, but carrying a hint of unquestionable authority:
"Fellow Daoist Ling Shuang is joking. You are the Empress of the Northern Region, responsible for billions of living beings; how can you leave for so long?"
"My Jade Pool Immortal Palace is located in a remote area; I fear I would be a poor host to you."
"It does not matter."
Empress Ling Shuang waved her sleeve, her posture casual yet carrying a decisiveness that brooked no argument.
"The Northern Region has its own system. If this Empress leaves for a few days, no chaos will arise."
"As for the Jade Pool Immortal Palace..."
Her gaze swept over the fairyland below, shrouded in Spiritual Qi mist, a flash of appreciation in her eyes:
"This Empress finds this place to be very good."
"The Spiritual Qi is abundant, the scenery is elegant, perfectly suited for quietly discussing the Dao."
Gu Han: "..."
She could now be certain that this Empress Ling Shuang was absolutely doing this on purpose!
And looking at this posture, she had made up her mind to stay at the Jade Pool Immortal Palace?
Gu Han just felt a headache coming on.
Refuse?
After all, the other party was a ruler of a region. To turn her away directly would be against etiquette, and she also feared causing further trouble.
Agree?
Thinking of that Heart-Link Jade Slip from Qing Xuan, and then thinking of Empress Ling Shuang's current attitude...
Gu Han suddenly had a premonition that her Jade Pool Immortal Palace was probably going to become lively.
"Since Fellow Daoist insists on staying,"
Gu Han took a deep breath, suppressing the chaotic thoughts in her heart, and regained her calm demeanor.
"My Jade Pool Immortal Palace has its own way of hosting guests. Yun Yun."
"Palace Master."
Yun Yun stepped forward.
"Arrange accommodation for Fellow Daoist Ling Shuang and her entourage. All provisions should be of the highest standard."
"Yes."
Yun Yun accepted the order, though she was puzzled, her expression did not change.
Empress Ling Shuang nodded slightly, a trace of satisfaction flashing in her eyes as she looked at Yun Yun.
"Thank you for your trouble."
"You are too kind, Senior."
Yun Yun was neither humble nor pushy, raising her hand to lead the way.
"Please follow me."
Empress Ling Shuang gave Gu Han one last meaningful look, then took the two Female Generals and followed Yun Yun, transforming into several streams of light that disappeared into the Nine Heavens.
In the starry sky, only Gu Han and Li Hanyi, who was standing to the side, were left.
"Palace Master, this Empress Ling Shuang, she..."
Li Hanyi's cold, clear eyes carried a hint of inquiry.
Gu Han looked in the direction they had disappeared, gently rubbing her brow.
"Those who come are guests; just treat them well."
She paused and added:
"However... tell the Disciples to try not to go near where they are staying for the time being."
"Yes."
Li Hanyi acknowledged.
Gu Han glanced at the Profound Heart Bracelet on her wrist again, her heart feeling even more complicated.
"Let's go, back to the palace."
Gu Han stopped thinking about it, turned around, and took a step towards the Immortal Palace, her figure already disappearing into the starry sky.
Li Hanyi followed closely behind.
Only this starry sky, which had returned to silence, was left, along with the Cultivators in the distance who had still not dispersed and were whispering about what they had seen and heard today.
Jade Pool Immortal Palace, East Courtyard.
This courtyard was located in the northeast corner of the Immortal Palace, backed by the Snow Moon Peak, which was covered in snow all year round, with a quiet and elegant environment.
The pavilions and towers in the courtyard were all built of white jade and cold ice stone, carved with exquisite patterns, flowing with a faint halo under the moonlight.
Empress Ling Shuang stood by the window, looking at the night view of the Jade Pool Immortal Palace outside, her eyes deep and inscrutable.
"Your Majesty,"
Lan Ling appeared quietly behind her, reporting in a low voice:
"The Northern Region has sent a message in reply. The Elders state that they will follow Your Majesty's decree and handle the trivial matters well."
"It is just that... the Grand Elder still asked one question: when will Your Majesty return?"
"Tell them, this Empress has no set date for return."
Empress Ling Shuang did not turn her head, her voice cold and clear.
"Yes."
Lan Ling hesitated for a moment before asking:
"Your Majesty, are we really going to stay in the Southern Region for a long time? That Yaochi Empress, she..."
"She is very interesting."
Empress Ling Shuang interrupted her, turning around, a trace of playfulness flashing in her eyes.
"More interesting than this Empress expected."
"Not only is her strength unfathomable, but even that woman Qing Xuan looks at her differently, and even..."
Her gaze swept over her own bare wrist, and she seemed to see that pale green bracelet on Gu Han's wrist again.
"This Empress also wants to see what exactly makes her different."
Lan Ling half-understood, but having followed the Empress for many years, she knew that once the Empress became interested in something or someone, she would never give up easily.
It was just that the target this time seemed a bit special.
"Then Your Majesty, what shall we do next..."
"No rush."
Empress Ling Shuang walked to the table, her fingertips condensing a wisp of cold Qi, tracing casually on the smooth tabletop.
"Since we have come, we are guests... the guest follows the host."
"First, let's see how many secrets this Jade Pool Immortal Palace is hiding... and also see how that Yaochi Empress..."
Her fingertips paused, drawing an exquisite ice lotus.
"Will deal with this 'uninvited guest'."
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