The youthful maiden parted her lips slightly. "Don't be afraid, I'm here to protect you. Come back with me, so there can be an explanation."
Ming Zhi Tian was puzzled. "Go back? Who sent you?"
The maiden shot him a look of disdain. "You don't trust me? The Empress sent me to escort you. It seems I don't need to help. Are you coming or not? If you're a man, stop dawdling. If I wanted to kill you, you wouldn't have a say."
This was the honest truth. Although Ming Zhi Tian felt a bit embarrassed, he had no choice but to follow her.
The Heavenly Water Pavilion—
This was where the Star Empress often went to relax and recuperate. Here, she would reminisce about the past and savor life.
Ming Zhi Tian was brought in. The Star Empress looked at the maiden. "Xia Wei, what happened?"
Xia Wei said, "He was nearly killed. I was late, but someone saved him."
Ming Zhi Tian looked bewildered. "Star Empress, this is..."
Xia Wei said, "My name is Xia Wei, the Empress's lifelong secret guard. The Empress was worried about you, so she sent me from her side to protect your safety."
"I see." Ming Zhi Tian looked at the Star Empress, tears of gratitude welling up. "I'm sorry to have troubled you."
The Star Empress waved her hand. "It's good that you're alright. Who saved you? I recall you don't have friends around here."
Ming Zhi Tian mused, "I don't know. He only said four words..."
"Cultivation King."
The Star Empress's emotions stirred. "It's the Cultivation Divine Emperor Gu Luochi! He's out of seclusion!"
Ming Zhi Tian was also surprised. "Really?"
The Star Empress nodded. "Most likely. Was he holding a golden complete book, dressed in white?"
Ming Zhi Tian's eyes widened. "Yes."
The Star Empress said, "Then it's him. Zhi Tian, you're blessed. You've already witnessed the divine brilliance of the 'Book of Swords Record'."
Ming Zhi Tian became increasingly excited as he listened. "Then where can I find him?"
The Star Empress shook her head. "I didn't know he was out of seclusion either. He's probably gone traveling somewhere. But as I said, in the near future, the Cultivation Divine Emperor will fulfill his grandfather Gu's arranged marriage and take Gu Shi Shi, the daughter of Gu Zhen Yang, as a concubine. I will notify you to attend together, and you will see the divine brilliance of the 'Book of Swords Record' again. I will naturally introduce you to the Divine Emperor."
"Okay, thank you, Star Empress." Ming Zhi Tian couldn't help but ask, "So, who is the Cultivation Divine Emperor's wife?"
The Star Empress said, "Bai Liu Li, that goddess-like woman."
Ming Zhi Tian said, "Doesn't his wife object?"
The Star Empress glared at him. "Are you talking nonsense? How many wives do you have? You're allowed three wives and four concubines, and you won't let him marry a wife?"
Ming Zhi Tian was flustered and quickly explained, "No, I haven't married them yet."
The Star Empress looked at him skeptically. "By the way, weren't you going to bring your several confidantes back to the Divine Sect? Go ahead, Xia Wei, watch him."
Xia Wei nodded, then hesitated. "I'm worried about you, Empress."
The Star Empress waved her hand. "Go, it's an order."
Xia Wei quickly bowed. "Your subordinate obeys."
Ming Zhi Tian glanced at the Star Empress, then was taken by Xia Wei as they vanished from their spot.
In the blink of an eye, they were five hundred li away from the Divine Emperor's Sacred Land Sect.
The divine abilities of this Divine Luo Realm had once again broadened Ming Zhi Tian's understanding. They were powerful.
On the way, Ming Zhi Tian couldn't help but ask, "Sister Xia Wei, have you always been serving Star Empress in her daily life?"
Xia Wei glared at him. "Yes. You! Please address her as Empress, or I won't let you off."
Ming Zhi Tian looked at her. "I called her that just now in front of Star Empress. What's wrong? It's not allowed in front of you?"
Xia Wei was somewhat annoyed. "Yes, you're not allowed to call her that in front of me."
Ming Zhi Tian nodded and shrugged. "Alright, if I'm not allowed, I won't. Then why didn't I see you around during those days?"