206 - We Agreed On Experiencing Life, So Why Did You Immortals Become Real?

Chapter 206: I Will Accompany You Qin Nation's Imperial Palace. As instructed by her sister, who mentioned that this Qin nation's sovereign might possess some peculiar traits, Little Qing had been closely observing this ruler for several days, carefully scrutinizing her every move and expression. Indeed, just as her sister had said, the ruler of Qin was, in fact, a woman. It was impossible not to acknowledge that this emperor of Qin possessed an extraordinary beauty. In Little Qing's eyes, her sister was the most beautiful woman in the world. Yet, upon meeting the Qin emperor today, she was surprised to find that this ruler rivaled her sister's beauty. Unlike her sister's gentle and elegant demeanor, however, this empress exuded an aura of feminine heroism. Beyond her striking appearance, Qin Siyiao, the ruler of Qin, demonstrated remarkable political acumen, decisively and swiftly managing affairs. Despite her young age, she commanded considerable respect in the court, causing many senior officials to be apprehensive in her presence. This was understandable, given her frequent forays into battle, significantly expanding Qin's territory. Qin's current strength was entirely due to her rule. Prestige built upon accomplishments was the most solid of all. Yet, her sister mentioned that the Qin king had embarked on the path of cultivation, reaching a fairly notable level. However, from Little Qing's observations over the past several days, this empress of the Qin nation seemed only to be at the seventh stage of Qi Refinement, akin to most worldly rulers, with no potential to establish a foundational stage^1. Regarding her sister's suspicion that the Qin ruler's objective might be Zhou Nation, it appeared to be baseless. Currently, tensions between Qin and Yan Nation were evident, with Qin focused on addressing Yan Nation. Discussions at the morning court focused on how, after annexing Yan Nation, they planned to rest and recuperate before further expansion east and west. Little Qing speculated that perhaps due to Zhou Nation's alliance with the Ten Thousand Swords Sect, Qin did not dare make any aggressive movements yet. In the past few days, she hadn’t heard Qin Siyiao mention the name "Xiao Mo," dispelling any notion of targeting Brother Xiao. "Perhaps my sister is overthinking things." After days of surveillance, Little Qing concluded this. She felt there was no longer any need to continue monitoring the Qin leader and decided to report back to her sister. However, as a final measure, Little Qing intended to test the Qin ruler once more before leaving. One morning, after concluding the morning court, Qin Siyiao returned to her personal quarters, sitting in the courtyard and painting. The scroll depicted an ink-painted landscape. From her storage bag, Little Qing retrieved a miniature flying sword as small as an embroidery needle. "Go!" With a gentle flick of her finger, the miniature flying sword shot toward Qin Siyiao's head. Although the Qin nation's palace had protective formations ensuring the sovereign's safety, with Little Qing's celestial level strength and the half-immortal grade flying sword, assassinating such a ruler would be a trivial feat, unlikely to trigger the palace's defensive formations. The miniature flying sword drew closer and closer to Qin Siyiao. Yet, just as the sword was about to pierce Qin Siyiao's head, it abruptly halted in mid-air, advancing no further. Qin Siyiao continued painting serenely, as if oblivious to the situation. Satisfied, Little Qing withdrew the flying sword. Her deliberate release of spiritual aura and hints of killing intent were meant to test if her target, had she been at the foundational level, would sense both her presence and the sword. The obliviousness of her target suggested otherwise. Turning away, Little Qing departed the Qin palace. However, shortly after Little Qing left, Qin Siyiao turned her head, gazing into the distance—the direction of Little Qing's departure. A slight smirk played on the corners of the Qin ruler's lips before her attention returned to the painting, as if nothing had happened, continuing to outline her artwork with unwavering focus. Upon finishing the landscape painting, she dedicated careful strokes to depict a man beside a small stream within the scene. It took a full hour before the painting was complete. "Your Majesty." As Qin Siyiao set down her brush, an attendant approached, bowing respectfully. "Hm." Qin Siyiao nodded, "What is it?" "The chancellor has submitted several memorials again," the attendant reported. "What matters do they concern?" Intently examining her painting, Qin Siyiao grew increasingly satisfied with her work. In her position as a close attendant, Hua Xiong, unless dealing with confidential matters, had the authority to review and understand memorials before presenting them to her majesty. "They pertain to Your Majesty's consort selection," Hua Xiong reported truthfully. "The chancellors are urging Your Majesty to select a consort soon. The palace requires a mistress, and Qin nation cannot be without heirs. Would Your Majesty like to review these?" "Hahaha," Qin Siyiao chuckled lightly. "No need. Don't trouble me with such matters in the future." "Understood, Your Majesty," Hua Xiong nodded. "By the way, Hua Xiong, come over and take a look. How is my painting?" Qin Siyiao called to her attendant. "If I may, Your Majesty." Hua Xiong stepped forward to view the artwork. "Your Majesty's skills in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting are truly admirable. Especially your ink painting technique, which, in my humble opinion, only the headmaster of the Bailu Academy could rival," Hua Xiong remarked sincerely, her words genuine, not mere flattery. "Hahaha, do you like it? He taught me," Qin Siyiao smiled. "He" Hua Xiong mused once more about "him." Knowing her majesty's skills and capabilities in cultivation, Hua Xiong couldn't help but wonder about this oft-mentioned "him." Looking again at the painting, Hua Xiong noticed a man in a green robe standing by the stream, viewed from behind, with hands behind his back. "Is the man portrayed in this painting the 'he' Your Majesty often speaks of?" Regrettably, the man's face was not visible. "Hua Xiong," Qin Siyiao addressed her. "Your Majesty," Hua Xiong acknowledged. "What is the news about Zhou Nation?" Qin Siyiao inquired. Hua Xiong's eyes flickered with concern as she scanned the surroundings. "Rest easy, that woman is gone. Speak freely," Qin Siyiao reassured her, shaking her head. When Little Qing had first entered the palace, Qin Siyiao had communicated silently with Hua Xiong, instructing her not to mention Zhou Nation or her cultivation endeavors. "Your Majesty, Zhou Nation is celebrating a joyous occasion," Hua Xiong reported. "I hear that the ruler of Zhou Nation is set to marry Lady Yan from the Yan family. The entire court is engrossed in the preparations." "Oh? A wedding," Qin Siyiao mused, gazing at the figure in the painting, "That indeed calls for celebration. Given past interactions between the late emperor and Zhou, it stands to reason I should extend my congratulations." "Your Majesty, what do you propose?" "Inform Minister Yang of the Rites to prepare a diplomatic mission to present congratulatory gifts to Zhou Nation." Reaching out, Qin Siyiao gently caressed the figure of the man in the painting. "Moreover, I shall accompany them." --- ^1 In cultivation terms, moving from Qi Refinement to the Foundation Establishment stage signifies a major leap in a cultivator's abilities and is often seen as the first true threshold in a practitioner's journey, increasing their longevity and strength.