Lu Xiao is always so gentle and restrained, and doesn’t say sweet words very often.

He ruffled her hair, responding with a bit of helplessness and indulgence, "I love you too, Tangtang."

Only then was Shen Tang satisfied, and she gave him a peck on the cheek.

"Hehe~ let me reward you with another kiss."

Lu Xiao laughed softly, his chest slightly vibrating, his gaze filled with an unyielding affection for her. At the same time, the fragrance coming from her made his Adam’s apple move slightly, barely suppressing certain thoughts.

Shen Tang was unusually excited tonight. She looked out at the dark sky outside the window, where a bright moon hung on the treetop.

The palace was built on a floating cloud island, where the moon appeared larger and fuller. A sea of bright stars spread across the deep blue firmament, occasionally punctuated by clusters of meteors, stunningly beautiful.

Shen Tang yawned softly, "I have a feeling this competition won’t be too peaceful, there might be some unforeseen changes."

She suddenly thought of something, "By the way, how’s the Eldest Prince doing?"

"I haven’t followed closely, but I heard he’s quite well-behaved. Ever since Queen Bi Yu was executed, he’s been confined to the palace. Those who used to support him have lost heart, and he probably won’t be able to stir up any trouble."

Shen Tang lowered her eyes in thought, sighing a bit, "The Eldest Prince is pitiful and hateful, falling from heaven to hell must be hard on him... but his calmness feels a bit off."

But then again, he’s crippled now, he probably can’t do much even if he wants to!

Lu Xiao ruffled her hair, "Be good, don’t think too much, sleep."

His voice seemed hoarser, as if suppressing something.

Shen Tang’s heart stirred slightly as she looked up at him.

The man’s expression remained gentle and steady, but in the warm light of the lamp, his eyes were getting darker, bloodshot, with slightly heavy breaths, and his neck and ears were flushed red.

Shen Tang suddenly remembered her heat period hadn’t completely passed, her body emitting a strong scent. Being so close to him, she didn’t know what a temptation and punishment it must be.

If it were Xiao Jin and Xue Yinzhou, she wouldn’t have had the chance to talk so much.

Shen Tang found his serious yet restrained demeanor irresistibly adorable, and she secretly chuckled twice, pretending not to notice.

Her delicate hand slipped into his collar, blinking innocently, "Ah Xiao, why is your face so red? Not feeling well?"

"..."

With her fingertips through the thin fabric, she could feel the firm and muscular physique, downwards to toned abs, distinct beneath her palm, brimming with a sense of strength and a hint of danger.

Lu Xiao let out a muffled groan, heaven knows how sensitive and fragile his self-control was at this time.

Being able to lie in the same bed with her, obedient and straightforward, is already something a normal male can’t achieve.

Yet she was deliberately teasing him like this.

Really, a... naughty cat.

"Tangtang," Lu Xiao grabbed her mischievous hand, took a deep breath, looked down at her dangerously, his voice hoarse, "my patience has limits."

He wasn’t a saint.

After all, he was just an ordinary male.

The skin beneath his palm was taut, burning hot.

Lu Xiao’s usually steady breathing was also disrupted, accompanied by desperate gasps.

Seeing how hard he was enduring, Shen Tang leaned in, softly saying, "Let me help you."

A flicker of surprise passed through Lu Xiao’s eyes, then quickly, he understood her meaning.

He did not stop her.

His large hand covered hers, his gaze somewhat unfocused.

After who knows how long, he gently furrowed his brows, burying his face in her neck, and said helplessly in a low voice, "In the drawer..."

Shen Tang quickly went to get it.

Moments later, he let out a muffled groan, and the wave subsided into calm.

Lu Xiao felt much better.

He leaned down to kiss her, holding her hand gently, massaging it.

Shen Tang was also a bit flushed and her heart was racing. Slowly, she felt drowsiness creeping in and gradually fell asleep in his arms.

The day of the test arrived in no time.

Whether as a Monarch of a neighboring nation or as Lu Xiao’s partner, Shen Tang naturally sat in the best seat.

The Empire’s high officials, media, and many neighboring envoys had all arrived.

The Sky King led the Prince, Princess, and several participants with outstanding talents to the stage, saying many words as part of the opening ceremony.

Sitting in the first row, Shen Tang saw many people.

To her surprise, even Eldest Prince Tian Lin had shown up.

He sat in a wheelchair, his spirits seemingly fine, but things were no longer as they used to be, and the domineering arrogance of the past was long gone.

Shen Tang also noticed a man with long dark green hair in the opposite main seat. His face was pale, seemingly unwell, but he radiated a noble and powerful aura, and the surrounding envoys treated him with great respect.

If her guess was correct, this should be the King of Abyss Night, one of the Three Kings, belonging to the Ghost Flame Phoenix race, and formerly part of the Yunding Empire Royal Family.

This king appeared younger than expected, likely around twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old.

He seemed to sense the gaze upon him and, amid his conversation, paused and turned his head to look over.

Their eyes met briefly in the air.

The King of Abyss Night looked at Shen Tang with slight surprise, raising his brows lightly, showing a significant glance, with a slightly flirtatious smile on his lips.

Shen Tang hurriedly and awkwardly looked away, pretending not to have seen anything.

Oh dear, secretly peeking and still getting caught, how embarrassing.

On another main seat was a middle-aged female with long silver-gray hair.

Her appearance was exquisite and coldly charming, with an exceptional aura, especially her silver eyes, seeming to contain a sharp blade, evoking a sense of noble inviolation.

This should be the Rift Sky King of legend.

Behind the Rift Sky King was a young man with short silver-gray hair, seemingly just reaching adulthood.

He resembled the Rift Sky King in looks, equally young and handsome, with silver-orange eyes, but his gaze was gentler and more naïve, continually glancing in a particular direction.

Following his gaze, Shen Tang discovered he was looking at the Sky King—specifically, the Sky King’s rear, where Tian Xi stood, with a gaze containing a sort of subtle and melancholic affection.

She immediately understood that this must be the Second Prince, Xing Ye.

After saying a few words to his mother, the Second Prince Xing Ye left under the displeased gaze of the Rift Sky King.

Shen Tang’s gossip instincts were instantly ignited, and she quietly scattered a thread of spiritual power, attaching it to him, secretly following along.