The Snow Night Emperor
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The atmosphere in the Moon Pavilion was tense. Lin Yongming had initially thought the situation would escalate, but his worries were quickly dispelled. From the entrance, a powerful aura approached. A soul master, sensing the commotion, rushed over upon seeing the fleeing guards.
"Miss, what happened?" the man asked, his gaze falling on the unconscious Borte lying on the ground. He turned to Tang Yuehua, his expression serious.
"Everything is fine now. My friends arrived just in time," Tang Yuehua replied calmly, explaining the situation with Borte.
"Thank you all. My name is Tang Yi. I had to step out for a moment, and I didn't expect something like this to happen in my absence. I'm truly sorry for the trouble," Tang Yi said, bowing slightly. Despite being only in his thirties, he was a genuine level 78 Soul Sage, more than capable of protecting Tang Yuehua within the Moon Pavilion.
"It's nothing. We came to visit your young lady and happened to run into this situation. Naturally, we couldn't stand by and do nothing. However, this man is the son of a marquis. Should we avoid any further complications?" Lin Yongming asked, his tone tinged with concern.
"Brother Lin, don't worry. Once the Snow Night Emperor arrives, the marquis won't dare to cause us any trouble," Tang Yuehua reassured him.
"That's right. He was the one who attacked first. Besides, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School holds some weight in the eyes of the Snow Night Emperor, and with the added influence of the Clear Sky School, I doubt the marquis would dare to make a move against us," Ning Fengzhi added confidently.
"Alright then, we'll wait here for them to arrive," Lin Yongming agreed, nodding.
"Snow Night Emperor... I'll finally meet him," Lin Yongming thought to himself, his heart calm.
Soon, other guards from the Moon Pavilion arrived. They carried Borte to a chair in the hall and summoned a healing soul master to tend to his injuries. Meanwhile, Lin Yongming and the others sat on the other side of the hall, waiting. About fifteen minutes later, Lin Yongming sensed a large group approaching.
A hundred Royal Knights stood in perfect formation at the entrance. Two figures entered—a middle-aged man dressed in golden robes and a woman in an elegant palace gown. Their presence exuded authority, the kind cultivated from years of being in positions of power.
"Greetings, Your Majesty, Your Highness," the guards bowed.
"So, this is the Snow Night Emperor," Lin Yongming thought to himself.
"Your Majesty," Tang Yuehua and Ning Fengzhi greeted with a slight bow.
Lin Yongming and Blue Silver Empress nodded politely in acknowledgment.
"Tang Yuehua, it seems your brothers left only a few days ago, and you've already encountered such trouble. Who injured this man?" the Snow Night Emperor asked, his voice calm but commanding.
"Your Majesty, it was my friend here. He acted in the heat of the moment and knocked him out with a single punch," Ning Fengzhi stepped forward, speaking on Lin Yongming's behalf.
"So, you must be the Lin Yongming from the Spirit Hall that my brother mentioned. I heard you possess a ten-thousand-year soul ring at the fourth rank," the Snow Night Emperor said, his eyes lingering on the black cloth covering Lin Yongming's eyes.
Lin Yongming wasn't surprised. He knew that the Snow Star Prince would have informed the emperor about him. Even if he hadn't, the emperor would have learned of his presence in the capital sooner or later.
"Your Majesty, I apologize for acting too harshly," Lin Yongming replied calmly.
"You're truly remarkable for someone so young. How about this? I have a few beloved nieces. With your talent, you'd be a perfect match for any of them," the Snow Night Emperor said, catching everyone off guard with his sudden offer.
"Uh..." Lin Yongming was momentarily stunned. He hadn't expected the emperor to try to recruit him so directly.
But this only confirmed Lin Yongming's suspicion that the emperor had already investigated his background.
"Your Majesty, I already have someone special in my life. I'm just a commoner and wouldn't dare to aspire to such a match," Lin Yongming said, taking Blue Silver Empress's hand in his own.
Blue Silver Empress blushed slightly, lowering her head in embarrassment.
"Enough of this nonsense. You can't just recruit someone like that. Young man, don't worry. As the mistress of the Moon Pavilion and Tang Yuehua's teacher, I will ensure justice is served. Even if she weren't my student, anyone who causes trouble here will face consequences," the empress said, her voice firm yet graceful.
"Who... who dares to attack me? Damn it!" Borte suddenly woke up, shouting in a daze.
"You're the son of Marquis Ander, aren't you? Do you know where you are?" the Snow Night Emperor asked sternly, his disappointment evident.
"Your Majesty! Your Highness!" Borte's face paled as he recognized the emperor and empress. "Your Majesty, I was momentarily blinded by greed. I forgot this was the Moon Pavilion."
"Death is too lenient for you, but you must still face punishment. You've violated the rules of the Moon Pavilion, and she is the young lady of the Clear Sky School," the Snow Night Emperor declared.
"Yes, yes! I deserve to be punished," Borte stammered, bowing repeatedly.
"Then you shall serve as a city guard for six months, with only three days of leave each month. I hope this will teach you to uphold your family's honor," the emperor pronounced.
Borte's face fell, but before he could protest, a stern voice interrupted.
"Thank you, Your Majesty, for sparing his life. Bow and show your gratitude!" A dignified middle-aged man entered through the doorway and saluted Emperor Xue Ye as he spoke.
"Father, but..." Borte hesitated.
"What? As a man, you dare not take responsibility for your actions? If you refuse, I'll break your legs right here!" Marquis Ander roared.
"Yes, Father," Borte replied, fear evident in his voice.
"Your Majesty, I apologize for my son's actions. I will personally ensure he reports to the city guard tomorrow morning," Marquis Ander said, bowing deeply.
"Marquis Ander, I trust you to handle this. Otherwise, I might be tempted to eliminate him to prevent future trouble," the Snow Night Emperor said coldly.
"Understood," Marquis Ander replied, dragging his son away.
After their departure, the emperor turned to Tang Yuehua. "Tang Yuehua, I assure you, no one will disturb you again. If they do, inform me immediately," he said, his tone protective.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Tang Yuehua replied with a nod.
With that, the Snow Night Emperor and his entourage left the Moon Pavilion, heading back to the palace.
"The Snow Night Emperor is a reasonable man, a true ruler," Ning Fengzhi remarked as they watched the emperor depart.
"He does seem fair," Blue Silver Empress agreed.
"I'm sorry for causing you all so much trouble," Tang Yuehua said apologetically.
"Don't mention it. We're friends, after all," Lin Yongming replied with a smile.
"This isn't the best place to chat. Follow me," Tang Yuehua said, leading them to the courtyard.
The courtyard was serene, with a large pond filled with lotus flowers and a pavilion built over the water. The scenery was picturesque.
"Blue Silver Sister, Brother Lin, what brings you here today?" Tang Yuehua asked as they sat in the pavilion.
"Hey, don't forget about me! We've met a few times, you know," Ning Fengzhi teased.
"Ah, yes, you're Ning Fengzhi, right?" Tang Yuehua said with a laugh.
"Ouch, that hurts," Ning Fengzhi joked, pretending to be wounded.
"Alright, enough teasing. Yuehua, your brothers asked us to check on you before they left. They were worried about you being alone in Heaven Dou City," Blue Silver Empress explained.
"That's right. We had some free time and thought we'd visit. It's our first time in Heaven Dou City, so we're treating it as a little trip," Lin Yongming added.
"As for Ning Fengzhi, he happened to visit us this morning and offered to bring us here since he's been to the Moon Pavilion before," Lin Yongming continued.
"I see. Thank you for coming to see me," Tang Yuehua said, her smile genuine. "But my brothers worry too much. I'll be fine here."
"That's good to hear. They just care about you," Lin Yongming said.
"When will you be leaving Heaven Dou City?" Tang Yuehua asked.
"It's hard to say. I'll be staying for a while to train at the Great Spirit Arena. I'll probably leave once I reach the Soul King rank," Lin Yongming explained.
"Brother Lin, you're only a level 44 Soul Ancestor. It'll take a while to reach Soul King, won't it?" Tang Yuehua asked.
"With Brother Lin's talent, I'd say he'll reach Soul King in about a year, especially with how diligently he trains," Ning Fengzhi chimed in.
"Don't overestimate me. I'll take it one step at a time," Lin Yongming said modestly.
"Blue Silver Sister, I've learned a new song. Would you like to hear it?" Tang Yuehua offered.
"Of course," the three replied.
Tang Yuehua retrieved a guqin from her spatial soul tool and began to play. The melody was soothing, carrying a calming effect that seemed to wash over everyone.
"How was it?" she asked after finishing.
"It was beautiful. Your music has a tranquilizing effect. I feel much calmer after listening," Ning Fengzhi praised.
"Brother Ning is right. Your music has a way of clearing the mind," Lin Yongming agreed.
"Yuehua, were you using your domain just now?" Blue Silver Empress asked.
"Domain? A natural domain ability?" Ning Fengzhi exclaimed, surprised.
"Yes, my domain is called Noble's Ring. It purifies the mind and brings tranquility. I only recently discovered that it can be channeled through my music," Tang Yuehua explained.
"That's incredible. While it may not seem powerful at first glance, it's an invaluable skill, especially for those who struggle with inner turmoil," Lin Yongming commented.
"I agree. Your music could help others enter a meditative state more easily," Blue Silver Empress added.
"You've both said it all. I'll just add that you're perfectly suited for the noble circles," Ning Fengzhi said with a smile.
"Thank you all for your encouragement. I feel like I've found my place here at the Moon Pavilion," Tang Yuehua said, her smile radiant.
"It's getting late. Since you're all visitors, let me treat you to dinner. I know a few excellent restaurants," Ning Fengzhi offered.
"Sounds good. But if the food isn't great, I won't hang out with you anymore," Lin Yongming joked.
"Don't worry. If it's not good, I'll be too embarrassed to face you," Ning Fengzhi replied confidently.
"Yuehua, can you leave the pavilion?" Blue Silver Empress asked.
"The afternoon is free for self-study, so I can go out," Tang Yuehua replied.
"Then let's go!" Ning Fengzhi said, standing up.
The group followed Ning Fengzhi to a high-end restaurant a few hundred meters from the Moon Pavilion. The restaurant was a local favorite, having been in business for over thirty years.
They entered around five and didn't leave until seven. After escorting Tang Yuehua back to the Moon Pavilion, they bid her farewell.
"Yuehua, get some rest. We'll visit again soon," Blue Silver Empress said.
"Thank you, Blue Silver Sister, Brother Lin. It's getting dark, so be careful on your way back," Tang Yuehua said, her voice tinged with reluctance.
"Don't worry. We'll be fine," Lin Yongming assured her.
The trio then hailed a carriage and headed back to the eastern district.
"Brother Lin, Blue Silver, this is where I get off," Ning Fengzhi said as they reached his stop.
"Take care," Lin Yongming replied.
By the time Lin Yongming and Blue Silver Empress returned to their hotel, it was nearly ten o'clock. Fortunately, they had made good time; otherwise, they might not have arrived until midnight.
"I'm so full. My stomach still feels heavy," Blue Silver Empress said, lying on the couch.
"Want me to massage your stomach?" Lin Yongming offered.
"Keep your hands to yourself. I'm going to take a bath," Blue Silver Empress said, swatting his hand away.
"Fine, fine," Lin Yongming muttered, pouting.
From that day on, their lives fell into a routine. They spent their days training at the hotel, occasionally exploring the city or shopping for clothes. At night, they ventured to the Great Spirit Arena for battles.
Half a year later...
"Eighth Soul Skill: Time Freeze, Shatter!" With a final blow, the spirit beast collapsed, and a pitch-black soul ring materialized above it.
"After six months, I've finally obtained my ninth soul ring. I am now a true Title Douluo," Du Gu Bo declared, his nine soul rings glowing brilliantly as he stood tall, a look of pride on his face.
"I wonder how Lin Yongming and Blue Silver Empress are faring in Heaven Dou City. They couldn't have been killed, could they? Perhaps it's time for me to check on them," he mused, his thoughts drifting to his friends.
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 191 on my patreon, go check it out and remember that if we reach the goal of 100 power stones I will publish the next chapter.