Chapter 288: Winning Over the Empire's Princess Xu Jiujiu

Qian Ran leaned down, wrapping Xu Jiujiu in his arms as he captured her delicate lips in a passionate kiss.

It was unclear how much time had passed. Xu Jiujiu, despite her exhausted body, struggled to sit up from the couch. She climbed onto Qian Ran's lap and began gently massaging his shoulders.

Qian Ran, feeling indulgent, reached out a hand, stroking her until Xu Jiujiu relaxed like a contented kitten, her eyes narrowing in pleasure. Only then did he give a playful pat to her flushed backside, which still bore the marks of their earlier passion.

Seeing Xu Jiujiu in this state, Qian Ran felt another surge of desire.

But Xu Jiujiu's body had already reached its limit for the day. He would have to save further exploration of her mysteries for another time.

"Does it feel good?" Qian Ran lay sprawled on the couch, lazily enjoying Xu Jiujiu's ministrations. He smirked mischievously as he spoke.

No wonder she was raised as a royal princess—polished and well-mannered. Even after their intimacy, her first thought was to attend to him. None of Qian Ran's other women showed such thoughtfulness.

Of course, they were exhausted too, and Qian Ran never forced them.

"It does," Xu Jiujiu replied softly, her face still tinged with pink.

Hearing her response, Qian Ran's fingers slid over her smooth, delicate skin.

"Ah, it hurts…" Xu Jiujiu finally noticed the soreness coursing through her body.

"Next time, take better care of yourself first," Qian Ran said, his tone carrying a hint of reproach. As he spoke, he began channeling energy to help her recover. He was always careful to ensure his women were well cared for; breaking them would mean no more enjoyment later.

"Understood." The fatigue melted away as Qian Ran worked. Xu Jiujiu felt her spirits lift, his caring words warming her heart. At that moment, she felt that even a lifetime spent serving him would be worth it.

The palace had always been a cold and emotionless place. Even genuine affection felt false in such an environment.

But with Qian Ran, she could feel his sincerity.

Even if he was a flirt, he was at least a real person—not a hypocrite cloaked in righteousness.

"Go take a bath," Qian Ran said, stretching lazily.

"Alright." Xu Jiujiu climbed off him, draping a thin silk robe over her body as she headed to the bathroom to prepare the hot water. Qian Ran's gaze lingered on the sight of her peach-shaped curves swaying beneath the sheer fabric.

Ah, mature women truly were the best.

A mature woman like Xu Jiujiu could satisfy eight-tenths of his desires. Qian Ran, however, hadn't yet reached the state of being completely satiated—at best, he was only three- or five-tenths fulfilled.

After sharing a blissful bath, Qian Ran felt it was time to leave.

His reasoning was simple: Qian Renxue and the Ice Empress had likely already retrieved the items he wanted. Naturally, he was eager to inspect them.

Yet, he found it hard to part with Xu Jiujiu, who had just become his.

Xu Jiujiu's genuine devotion made it difficult for Qian Ran to treat her poorly.

"If you have business to attend to, you can go ahead," Xu Jiujiu said with a smile, as though she had read his thoughts. She playfully pushed against his chest. The soul beast embryo was now in Qian Ran's possession, so it was only natural for him to be curious about it. Anyone else in his position would have hurried off by now.

Qian Ran's hesitation had already surprised her.

Although the soul beast embryo was valuable, Qian Ran didn't seem particularly anxious about it. He acted as if it were just another trivial matter.

What Xu Jiujiu didn't know was that Qian Ran was already fully aware of what the embryo contained. The creature within the Divine Sealing Platform held no secrets for him.

His only real curiosity lay with the Snow Empress.

Ordinary soul rings or bones—even those of a hundred-thousand-year level—didn't particularly interest Qian Ran. Especially when it came to hundred-thousand-year-old soul bones, he found them unremarkable.

With his abilities, he could form special bonds with soul beasts and obtain their rings and bones effortlessly. Anything below 200,000 years simply didn't catch his attention.

"But I can't bear to leave you," Qian Ran said. The beauty in his arms was as soft as jade, and her attentiveness made him reluctant to part.

Xu Jiujiu always seemed to find ways to serve him without needing to be asked.

Such thoughtful devotion made Qian Ran feel almost intoxicated.

"Pfft. It's not like we can't see each other again, silly. You're not leaving Xingluo City anytime soon, and even if you do, I can always come with you." Xu Jiujiu giggled, her heart brimming with sweetness.

"Besides, I can visit you at your hotel anytime. The Xinghuang Hotel is part of the royal family's business, and I often help manage it."

"True," Qian Ran chuckled, playfully tapping her delicate nose.

"If you miss me, just come find me at the hotel."

As he spoke, Qian Ran suddenly realized how awkward that could be. If Xu Jiujiu showed up at an inconvenient time, it might create trouble. Fortunately, he was rarely in his own room; his sisters' rooms were far more inviting.

Leaving the Starlight Auction House, Qian Ran opened his system interface to review his latest rewards.

"Ding! Congratulations, Host, for winning over Princess Xu Jiujiu of the Xingluo Empire. You have received five Yin-Yang Revival Pills."

"Yin-Yang Revival Pills: Supreme healing medicine. As long as the body remains intact and the soul persists, even someone on the brink of death can be restored to full health, including injuries to their martial soul."

"What a treasure," Qian Ran muttered, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

The Snow Empress, trapped in the Divine Sealing Platform for so long, had suffered a significant loss of power. Moreover, if she chose to follow the Ice Empress's example and cultivate a human form, she would have to abandon her beastly body and rebuild her strength. This process would undoubtedly leave her in a weakened state.

According to the pill's description, it could greatly aid the Snow Empress's recovery. Additionally, it could repair damaged martial souls, making it invaluable even in auctions, where it could fetch an astronomical price.

When Qian Ran arrived at the room he had arranged to meet Qian Renxue and the Ice Empress, both women had already been waiting for some time.

As Qian Ran entered, both women wrinkled their noses slightly. It was clear they had caught a whiff of the perfume lingering on him.

Neither said a word. They were already used to it.

After all, they had just shared an exhilarating battle with Qian Ran themselves.

Over time, Qian Ran's private life had become something they no longer questioned. As long as it didn't interfere with their bond with him, they couldn't be bothered to care.

Given Qian Ran's insatiable appetite for beauty and his natural ability to attract admirers, trying to control him would be a futile effort.

"Where's the Snow Empress?" Qian Ran asked.

"Still in the Divine Sealing Platform," Qian Renxue replied, gesturing toward a white tray on the table.

On the tray sat an ornate wooden box inlaid with over a hundred gemstones of various colors—a ninth-level soul tool, the Divine Sealing Platform.

This was Qian Ran's first time seeing a ninth-level soul tool in person.

(End of Chapter)