Compared to the frantic Xu Qianqing, Luo Xiu seemed as calm as ever.

He'd only just arrived at the Chu Family yesterday, and today people from the Imperial Palace had already come looking for him. It was clear his whereabouts were no secret to the truly powerful.

With that thought, Luo Xiu gently shook his head and said, "There's no need, Qian Qing. We have to face what we must."

Hearing this, Xu Qianqing grew even more anxious. "Luo Xiu, can't you just listen to me this once? I'll take you out through the back door right now!"

Luo Xiu single-handedly massacred the Ye Family with his sword, killing so many people. How grave a crime was that? If he were taken away now, he would surely never return!

Luo Xiu placed a hand on her shoulder and said earnestly, "First, they already know I'm at the Chu Family. If you help me escape now, the Chu Family will be guilty of harboring a criminal, which will only bring you unnecessary trouble."

"Besides, even if I escaped the Chu Family, I couldn't escape the Capital City, much less the Empress's grasp."

"It's better to face this head-on than to attempt a pointless escape."

Tears welled in Xu Qianqing's eyes. "But..."

"It's alright, Qian Qing. I know you're worried about me, but I really can't run anymore. Please, lead the way."

"..."

Not long after, Luo Xiu followed Xu Qianqing to a spacious hall. As soon as they entered, they saw an old woman and a young girl of about seven or eight sitting there.

And there was Chu Aoran, the man ranked fifth on the Heavenly List, personally pouring tea for the pair and even respectfully addressing the old woman as "Sister."

When Luo Xiu entered, both the old woman and the little girl turned their gaze to him. After studying him for a moment, the old woman was inwardly surprised.

This young man's aura seems so ordinary, no different from a common person. How could he possibly have the strength to destroy the Ye Family all by himself? Could he be using some Secret Technique to conceal his presence? But what kind of Secret Technique could be so profound that even I can't see through it?

Chu Aoran quickly walked over and led Luo Xiu into a side room off the main hall.

"Luo Xiu, it was I who notified the Imperial Palace," he admitted.

Luo Xiu frowned. "Because the Chu Family is loyal to the Empress?"

Chu Aoran nodded lightly. "However, you don't need to worry. As long as you cooperate, you'll be fine."

"Also, I should tell you, the two in the hall are martial sisters known as the 'Ageless Beauties,' who are jointly ranked fourth on the Heavenly List."

Luo Xiu wasn't surprised. He knew of many Cultivation Techniques that could allow a cultivator to reverse the aging process.

Chu Aoran continued, "They are the Empress's personal guards. Even I have to be extremely polite to them, so you'd best watch what you say and curb that temper of yours."

Luo Xiu couldn't help but smile wryly. In my current state, it's not like I have any temper left to lose.

With a solemn expression, Chu Aoran advised, "Remember, this is a serious matter. Your only chance of survival is to cooperate obediently."

"Understood."

Luo Xiu then walked out of the side room and into the main hall, offering the Ageless Beauties a fist-in-palm salute. "Junior Luo Xiu pays his respects to the two Seniors."

The old woman's gaze locked onto him as she cut straight to the point. "Where did you go after the night of the Ye Family incident?"

Luo Xiu answered honestly, "I fell into the hands of the Holy Boi Religion."

"And how did you escape?"

"I have my own methods."

The old woman's gaze grew sharper as she subtly released her spiritual pressure. In a heavy voice, she said, "Then you should know what it is I truly wish to know."

Feeling the deliberate spiritual pressure, Luo Xiu was inwardly contemptuous. "What you wish to know is simply intelligence on the Holy Boi Religion."

"Speak."

"But I need a guarantee," Luo Xiu said. "I annihilated the Ye Family, and now I'm trapped in the Capital City. I have to look out for myself."

The old woman replied slowly, "I could simply capture you and interrogate you at my leisure."

Luo Xiu countered, "By the time you finish your leisurely interrogation, they might have already evacuated the Capital City. Also, there's no need for you to direct your spiritual pressure at me. It has no effect."

"Hah. Arrogant."

The old woman suddenly laughed, stood up, and thrust a palm through the air.

BANG!

An invisible Palm Force slammed into Luo Xiu, sending him flying backward to crash heavily on the ground. He struggled to his feet, spitting out a mouthful of blood.

"Senior, what is the meaning of this?"

The old woman narrowed her eyes, surprised. She had only meant to test him, never expecting him to be completely defenseless and so easily injured.

Is this the same Martial Champion who annihilated the entire Ye Family by himself? How can he be this weak?

Thankfully, it had only been a probing attack; otherwise, she might have severely wounded him.

"Senior... a powerful palm technique," Luo Xiu praised, wiping the blood from his lips.

The old woman stood with her hands clasped behind her back. "Your constitution is quite tough as well."

"Luo Xiu, the Empress wants to see you. Come with me to the Imperial Palace."

Luo Xiu shrugged. "I suppose I can't refuse."

With that, Luo Xiu followed the Ageless Beauties out of the Chu Family estate and into a van.

「Imperial Palace.」

Luo Xiu walked alone into the magnificent main hall, but it was completely empty.

"Your Majesty!" he called out tentatively. "Your Majesty, are you here?"

After a long moment of silence, he gave up, casually found a chair, poured himself a cup of tea, and began nibbling on the unfamiliar pastries from a plate on the table.

"As expected of the Empress, even her everyday snacks are so exquisite," Luo Xiu praised, his cheeks bulging as he ate.

Just then, the sharp click of high heels echoed from the front of the hall. Luo Xiu looked up to see a graceful figure emerge from a side hall and quickly stood, clasping his fist in his palm. "I am Luo Xiu. I am honored to meet you, Your Majesty!"

"I am just a Palace Maid in Her Majesty's service."

Luo Xiu: "..."

The Palace Maid was vexed when she saw Luo Xiu's irreverent demeanor and the way he was sneaking snacks. This man has no manners!

"Her Majesty summons you."

"Alright, thank you."

The Palace Maid let out a cold huff and warned, "You'd better be serious when you see Her Majesty. Otherwise, you won't even know how you died!"

"Got it. Thanks for the warning."

A short while later, Luo Xiu entered a side hall and found himself in an immense chamber. A bath, as large as a swimming pool, steamed gently, surrounded by fluttering gauze curtains that made the room feel like the Immortal Realm's Turquoise Pool.

Through the translucent curtains, Luo Xiu's eyes fell on a stretch of flawless, jade-white back turned toward him, and he froze. The skin was smooth as alabaster, dotted with crystalline water droplets, with a few strands of wet hair clinging to it.

So Her Majesty the Empress is taking a bath!

He snapped back to his senses, quickly lowering his head and halting in his tracks.

From the bath, the Empress lifted a slender arm. Her ruby lips parted, releasing a sweet, enchanting voice. "Would Luo Wukui care to come over and help me scrub my back?"

"Er... I am but a coarse commoner. How could I dare touch Your Majesty's priceless body?" Luo Xiu lowered his head even further.

The Empress herself... If I really went to scrub her back, wouldn't I be courting death?

"Are you that afraid of me?"

Luo Xiu scratched his head, smiling. "Well... we're all born of a mother, all flesh and blood. There's nothing to be afraid of. Besides, if Your Majesty truly wanted me dead, being afraid would be useless, and I doubt I would have made it this far to see you. So... may I ask why Your Majesty has summoned me?"

The Empress chuckled softly. "You are quite clever."

Luo Xiu smiled humbly. "Your Majesty flatters me."

The Empress spoke slowly, "The matter of the Ye Family caused a great stir. Many people died. How do you think I should deal with you?"

Luo Xiu replied, "My one life in exchange for the entire Ye Family. I'd say it's a fair trade."

"You want to die that badly?"

"If Your Majesty wants me dead, I have no choice but to die."

"Actually, there is another way for you to live."

"What way is that?"

"Assume a new identity. And... you must work for me."

Luo Xiu gave a bitter smile. "My apologies, Your Majesty, but I'm used to my freedom, so... However, I can promise to do one thing for you, as long as it's within my power."

"Are you negotiating with me?" The Empress's tone turned cold as she slowly rose from the water.

Luo Xiu instinctively glanced over and froze. The Empress, her back to him, stood up completely naked, revealing her stunning figure! He subconsciously swallowed, marveling at the sight. That body is simply perfection.

"Since Your Majesty summoned me here," he said, "that must mean I at least have the right to negotiate. If Your Majesty doesn't wish to talk, or feels I am unworthy, you can simply kill me now."

The Empress shook her head and suddenly let out a delicate laugh.

"Little Mule, it's been so many years. To think you haven't changed one bit."

"..."

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