Chapter 16: Suppressing the Rebellion

In the Zhu family of the Star Luo Empire, inside a young woman's bedroom, Zhu Zhuqing sat on her bed and pressed the button to extract memories.

Her body trembled slightly, and her eyebrows furrowed.

A wave of pain surged through her.

But it quickly dissipated, and new memories surfaced in her mind.

They were memories from about a year later when she traveled to the Heaven Dou Empire to find her fiancé.

While passing through a small village outside Barton City, she saw an injustice and stepped forward to protect the village. Unexpectedly, she learned that the hedonistic noble wasn't actually a real playboy—he was luring out the wolf bandits.

Just as she started worrying, the wolf bandits appeared, only to be easily dealt with by that man.

'That person… he seemed to be under twenty years old, yet he was already a Soul King!'

And his soul ring configuration was terrifying—his second ring was a thousand-year ring, and his fourth ring had even reached the ten-thousand-year level!

Zhu Zhuqing couldn't help but think, 'If I had his strength, defeating Zhu Zhuyun in the future wouldn't be a problem at all.'

After all, even if Zhu Zhuyun had six more years, she might not even reach the Soul King level!

'In my last simulation, I focused on cultivating. But as soon as I arrived at Shrek Academy in the Heaven Dou Empire, I saw Dai Mubai with those twin sisters… utterly disgusting. At the same time, though, I heard about the "Sage Master."'

'If I could become the Sage Master's disciple…'

'The Sage Master was only born with half a level of innate soul power! But I'm different—I have a full level 8!'

Determination flashed in Zhu Zhuqing's eyes. She was young, but her will was incredibly resolute.

Since she couldn't see a path to victory in the Zhu family, then she would seek it elsewhere!

…

Zhou Sheng'an looked at the descriptions in the simulation. He had eradicated the wolf bandits and made a name for himself in the imperial circles. He couldn't help but sigh, 'Gold will shine wherever it goes, after all.'

And in this simulation, he had already survived for nearly two years!

'As expected, playing it safe means living longer. By staying with Qian Renxue, I can still get all the resources I need without drawing the attention of major factions—especially that crazy woman from the Spirit Hall!'

Thinking about how he died so miserably in the last simulation, Zhou Sheng'an gritted his teeth.

'She sacrificed a living saint for the sake of a clown. I really don't understand what that lunatic Bibi Dong was thinking.'

[You have been promoted by Emperor Xue Ye to the position of Governor of the Lor Province!]

[Since the eradication of the wolf bandits, Qian Renxue has become even more obsessed with you. She left a decoy in Heaven Dou City while secretly meeting you in Barton City!]

[On December 17, 2025, Qian Renxue became pregnant.]

[On December 27, 2025, rumors began spreading in Heaven Dou City that Crown Prince Xue Qinghe had been replaced and was actually a woman, conspiring with Zhou Sheng'an.]

"!!!" Zhou Sheng'an almost spat out his water.

After coughing several times, he barely suppressed his urge to curse.

'Qian Renxue got pregnant?!'

Even though it was just a simulation, he had personally experienced every moment of their intimacy. He had always been careful about contraception, yet somehow, she still got pregnant!

And the problem was—Qian Renxue was still in hiding!

Once her belly started showing, how the hell were they supposed to explain it?

'And the fact that rumors have already started means someone has noticed the flaws in her disguise…' Zhou Sheng'an rubbed his temples, feeling a sense of impending doom.

…

In the Crown Prince's residence, Qian Renxue was utterly dumbfounded.

She had been deeply indulged in her moments with Zhou Sheng'an, so it wasn't surprising that she got pregnant—but still, this was way too sudden!

She was only in her early twenties, and now she was about to become a mother?

Qian Renxue fanned her face with her hand as if trying to cool the heat rising in her cheeks.

Her bright, watery eyes spun in circles.

'This is so embarrassing!'

'I have a child with Sheng'an!'

'If Grandpa and that woman find out, what will they think? They might even force me to get rid of this baby! No! I won't let anyone harm my child!'

Qian Renxue covered her flat abdomen, her expression firm.

Even if no one supported her, she would protect her happiness with Sheng'an.

She couldn't help but imagine—if the child inherited her martial soul talent and Sheng'an's intelligence, what a dazzling future they would have!

Raising their amazing son would be so much fun!

Qian Renxue's lips curled up as she daydreamed.

When the thought fully settled in, she couldn't help but hug a pillow, rolling around on the bed in joy!

Half a moment later, her hair was messy, her face flushed, but she finally sat up. While tidying her hair and collar, she turned her gaze back to the simulation screen.

[On January 17, 2026, the Star Luo Empire assembled its army and launched an invasion of the Balak Kingdom under the pretext of restoring the royal bloodline.]

[Zhou Sheng'an led the troops to confront them at Yanmen Pass!]

Seeing this, a serious expression appeared on Qian Renxue's face. She muttered, "The Edict of Grace is indeed effective, but it also causes backlash. The domestic nobles can be managed, but Star Luo won't just sit by and watch Heaven Dou become united."

"Sheng'an is an excellent administrator, but he hasn't shown much ability in leading troops. And…"

"How could the soldiers of the Balak Kingdom compare to Star Luo's elite troops? This is an unfair war. No, if there's no external intervention, Sheng'an will be in danger!"

Qian Renxue's expression darkened. After thinking for a moment, she focused her consciousness on the simulation.

…

The scene shifted.

Qian Renxue first instructed Snake Spear Douluo to send a message to Spirit City, requesting Soul Masters to protect Zhou Sheng'an. Then, she hurried back to Heaven Dou City, resuming her disguise as Xue Qinghe, and requested an audience with Emperor Xue Ye.

When they met, Emperor Xue Ye's expression was noticeably more indifferent, lacking his former warmth.

In her anxiety, Qian Renxue failed to notice this change—or the two powerful Soul Masters standing beside the emperor.

"Father, the Balak Kingdom is under attack! We must immediately send reinforcements! Otherwise, Zhou Sheng'an won't be able to hold out for long! If we delay…" Qian Renxue pleaded urgently.

Emperor Xue Ye remained composed, looking at her calmly as he replied, "Qinghe, this is not something you need to worry about. Stay in Heaven Dou City and focus on your studies. Matters of war and governance are for the ministers and generals to handle."

Qian Renxue froze in shock, staring at Emperor Xue Ye in disbelief.

An invasion, and he wasn't doing anything about it?

Had Emperor Xue Ye been replaced as well?

Or… was he deliberately letting Zhou Sheng'an die to appease the nobles?

Realizing this possibility, Qian Renxue's expression changed instantly.

"Father! You cannot abandon a loyal talent just because the hunt is over! Sheng'an's abilities are far more valuable than those nobles' empty loyalty!" she pleaded anxiously.

Emperor Xue Ye's expression remained calm.

She was only half right.

He did intend to let Zhou Sheng'an die—because the Edict of Grace was Qian Renxue's idea, and Zhou Sheng'an was her right-hand man. On top of that, he had offended too many nobles in the Balak Kingdom.

Using him to pacify the nobles and ease the hostility from the Star Luo Empire was the most convenient choice.