Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, it was evening. Ming Zhitian walked on the high tower at the edge of Yunxu Miao, searching for the Divine Martial King and taking in the wondrous sights.
"Place it here, hmm..."
A familiar female voice sounded gracefully in Ming Zhitian's ears. Ming Zhitian's pupils dilated, and he immediately followed the sound.
What greeted his eyes was a garden. Servants placed the last camellia pot under the mistress's command, then departed.
Seeing the familiar back, yet dressed in different attire, Ming Zhitian felt a slight surprise.
The woman admired the pink camellias, finding them full of charm. "Such beautiful camellias."
Ming Zhitian thought, "Can camellias be as beautiful as you?"
"Who?" The woman turned and became slightly wary upon seeing a strange man.
Her knitted brows were so similar, confirming it was her. Ming Zhitian's heart surged with emotion, and he flashed forward to take her jade-like hand.
Having gone through so much life and death, he could no longer suppress his inner excitement. "Xingchen, I missed you so much."
The woman's pupils widened, and she tried to break free. "Let go of me!"
Ming Zhitian tightened his grip. "You don't recognize me?"
The woman's face flushed. "You're hurting me."
"Hui'er..."
The Divine Martial King appeared and saw the two struggling, instantly enraged. "Presumptuous!"
With a wave of his hand, the Divine Martial King separated them and then struck Ming Zhitian to the ground with a palm, causing him to spit blood and feel lingering fear.
The Divine Martial King had no intention of letting him go. "You dare lay hands on my woman? I think you're tired of living!"
Following this, another invisible palm attacked!
Ming Zhitian was struck by a palm from a Divine King realm expert. He felt a sudden cold and heat throughout his body, accompanied by a feeling of dismemberment. It was a struggle to get back on his feet, and he feared he wouldn't be able to dodge the next attack.
Suddenly, Fei Jiang blocked in front of Ming Zhitian and was sent flying by a palm!
Instantly severely injured and spitting a mouthful of blood, he didn't dare to be careless. He quickly got up and flashed in front of Ming Zhitian, continuing to shield him:
"Marshal Ming, cough... are you alright?"
The Divine Martial King looked at Fei Jiang and felt a touch of admiration. "Loyal in protecting your master, you are quite capable. Step aside, and I won't kill you."
Fei Jiang wiped the fresh bloodstain from the corner of his mouth. "If you want to touch Marshal Ming, you'll have to step over my dead body!"
As the Divine Martial King was about to act, Ming Zhitian quickly apologized, "My apologies! I mistook you for someone else!"
"Hmm?" The Divine Martial King stopped his actions.
Ming Zhitian tentatively asked, "May I ask... are you the Empress Xingchen?"
The woman, who was now leaning in the Divine Martial King's embrace, replied, "Of course not!"
Ming Zhitian cupped his hands in salute. "Divine Martial King, and this lady is..."
The Divine Martial King stated resolutely, "Hui'er is this King's secondary consort!"
Ming Zhitian asked, "What is Madam's name?"
The woman glanced at the Divine Martial King, and only after receiving his nod did she slowly speak, "Everyone calls me Noble Consort Hui."
Ming Zhitian cupped his hands in salute. "It is because Madam bears a striking resemblance to someone I know that I mistook you for her. I beg Madam's forgiveness, and Divine Martial King's forgiveness."
Noble Consort Hui said, "Ignorance is no offense. I was merely startled by you just now. It's nothing; it's good that it's cleared up."
The Divine Martial King's expression was imposing. "Hmph! If there is a next time, even if old man Xuancheng were here, this King would surely kill you!"
Ming Zhitian's heart skipped a beat, and he and Fei Jiang felt a lingering fear.
The Divine Martial King said, "Hui'er, today is truly disappointing! I will escort you back."
Noble Consort Hui nodded. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
"Wait a moment!" Ming Zhitian called out.
The Divine Martial King stopped. "Do you have something else?"
Ming Zhitian gave Fei Jiang a healing elixir and then nodded. "I earnestly request the Divine Martial King to permit the four of us to stay in Yunxu Miao for a few more days."
The Divine Martial King, annoyed by Ming Zhitian's unreserved gaze, said, "What right do you have to make requests of this King? Get out tomorrow!"