"Although you've agreed, I still need to warn you," she said, staring into Murong Chen's eyes. "I detest betrayal above all else. If one day you choose to betray me, I will hunt you down and take your head, no matter where you flee."
Murong Chen looked into Bai Ran's eyes.
There was no emotion in her gaze, only a terrifying coldness, like a bottomless, bone-chilling lake.
He didn't dare to doubt Bai Ran's words and quickly nodded.
"Very good."
Bai Yang, who had been sent far away, sat in dejection, unable to hear anything. He could only watch as the Crown Prince's expression shifted from shock to fear. His curiosity was about to explode.
"Next, the first thing you need to correct is your image," Bai Ran said, pointing at Murong Chen.
"Image?" Was he not good-looking?
Bai Ran shook her head and said, "I'm not referring to your appearance, but the aura that emanates from your very core."
She spoke as she walked, "A key reason why emperors are revered by countless people is their presence, a demeanor that commands the world. Even if your strength is meager, a single look or gesture can quell restless hearts."
"But you lack that oppressive aura," Bai Ran said, bending down to look at Murong Chen.
"Despite having gone through trauma, you still cannot stand tall."
"Furthermore, your strength, only Qi Condensation Stage Three, is truly pathetic."
Murong Chen pouted. Qi Condensation Stage Three at fifteen years old, while not a genius, was certainly not a waste.
Bai Ran knew exactly what Murong Chen was thinking. She immediately unleashed her spiritual energy, her killing intent surging, and her oppressive aura intensified tenfold.
I'm going to die!
Murong Chen's mind screamed danger, but under her gaze, he couldn't move an inch!
In just an instant, Murong Chen felt the shadow of death.
She was too powerful...
Bai Yang, who was far away, suddenly stood up. Even from such a distance, he felt the astonishing power and the outpouring of killing intent.
"Your Highness!" he shouted, rushing towards Bai Ran regardless of the consequences.
"Bai Yang, stop!" Murong Chen bit his lower lip fiercely and said.
He had been too naive. He used to think his strength was decent, that he was among the best of the younger generation. But this woman, even younger than him, had delivered a crushing blow, breaking him and then enlightening him.
"I was too naive, I was wrong," Murong Chen lowered his head, utterly ashamed.
In an instant, Bai Ran retracted her spiritual energy, returning to her previously non-threatening demeanor.
"You will cultivate with me during this period."
She would make him shine at his mother's birthday banquet and astonish everyone!
For the next three months, seven individuals cultivated day and night, consuming the pills refined by Bai Ran. When night fell, Bai Ran would use her free time to guide Murong Chen in the arts of emperorship and conduct.
Three months later, Qing Feng, with his iron-like willpower, successfully advanced to Foundation Establishment Stage Five. Qing Yue advanced to Foundation Establishment Stage Four, and the other two reached Foundation Establishment Stage Three. Bai Yang, who was already at Qi Condensation Stage Eight, had now impressively reached Foundation Establishment Stage Seven.
The biggest transformation was in Murong Chen. During these three months, Bai Yang witnessed firsthand the Crown Prince's growth. Bai Ran had healed Murong Chen's legs, allowing him to walk again.
His disposition had long shed its naivety. Every glance, every word, now carried an imposing aura, his demeanor steady and appropriate, transforming him into an outstanding emperor.
Murong Chen, however, found it inwardly agonizing. He was relentlessly berated by Bai Ran day and night, suffering immense mental torment. It was a true ordeal!
But...
Murong Chen turned to look at Bai Ran, his eyes filled with reverence and affection.
She was truly exceptional... kuAiδugg
No matter how hard he tried, he could only look up to her, unworthy of standing beside her.
During these days, Bai Ran cultivated during the day and refined pills at night. Not only did her strength break through to Golden Core Stage One, but she also became a sixth-rank alchemist.
The Vermilion Bird had also successfully hatched. A little bird hopped around in the space, its entire body fiery red. The long feathers on its tail blazed with an intense flame, warm and passionate, yet it did not burn Bai Ran, resembling a mermaid's skirt, elegant and magnificent.
The space became lively, with constant chirping that often compelled Bai Ran to disconnect her spiritual senses.
However, she also had a bothersome issue: Long Jinhan, who clung to her like sticky candy, impossible to shake off.
Whenever Bai Ran was exhausted, that guy would tear through space and appear beside her, startling her.
It was one thing for him to appear, but he did nothing but transfer spiritual energy to her before sitting by and watching her with a smile.
Over time, Bai Ran grew accustomed to this scoundrel's sudden appearances.
She had no idea how he managed it, but only she could see him.
This fellow hadn't given up on making her his subordinate, had he? She had rejected him so clearly, it shouldn't be the case.
Bai Ran couldn't fathom what he was after.
"Master! Hurry and come in to see! The Shitian Realm has grown!" Shitian's excited voice echoed.
Bai Ran's divine sense moved, and she entered the Shitian Realm.
Part of the mist had dissipated, and the Shitian Realm had doubled in size! Even the spiritual energy had become considerably more abundant!
"Master, look over there," Shitian pointed into the distance.
Bai Ran looked up and saw a peculiar tomb with a nameless stele erected upon it.
A tomb? Why would there be a tomb in the Shitian Realm?
The three little ones followed Bai Ran and carefully examined the tomb before them.
Suddenly...
"What are you looking at! Haven't you ever seen a tomb before!" a pleasant male voice cursed.
Is he alive?
Fentian, startled, ducked behind Bai Ran, trembling violently. Little Zhu, with a wary posture, spread its wings to block the front, its body enveloped in blazing flames.
Bai Ran stared at the tomb with amusement, "You're dead, yet you're still so restless?"
"Who's dead? Little brat, I'm telling you, I won't die even if you do!" The male voice was clearly irritated.
He's actually short-tempered? She found this person quite interesting.
"Master, he was injured and entered a long time ago, then couldn't get out. He thought he was going to die inside, so he dug a grave for himself and buried himself," Shitian said, tilting his small head.
The Shitian Realm had grown, and his memories had been updated accordingly.
So this fellow was actually an idiot?
Bai Ran's mouth twitched. She didn't know what to say.
She squatted down and began to dig.
"Hey! Stop digging! I haven't had enough lying down yet!"
Ignoring the man's voice, Bai Ran continued digging, even more vigorously. Soon, a coffin was exposed.
With a heave, Bai Ran opened the coffin, revealing a bewitching man clad in a garish purple outfit.
A pair of snow-white ears on his head twitched, and nine fluffy tails swayed behind him.
The man was tall and slender, with perfectly sculpted features. His skin was fair and flawless, and his three thousand strands of hair cascaded down his back. His alluring peach-blossom eyes were captivating.
He was simply a demonic being.