This Time I Must Achieve a Happy Ending with the Empress - Episode 4

“You said that little fox is looking for the Ancestor? What is she here for!”

Upon hearing the guard’s report, the two members of the Twelve Asura—Ming Jing and Ming Yao, who were on duty at the Hall of Affairs—suddenly halted their game of Star Chess.

“Anything involving that fox is bound to be trouble!” Ming Jing said with clear displeasure.

That the Night Orchid Empress favored the little princess of the Nine-Tailed Heavenly Foxes of Qingqiu was common knowledge among the Twelve Asura.

That little fox had often shown disrespect to their Ancestor, even daring to openly insult her. Yet the Ancestor doted on her, letting all such slights pass without consequence. She had even issued an order: no matter how disrespectful the little fox might be, the Asura Clan was forbidden from causing her any trouble or harming so much as a single hair on her head.

Had it been anyone else who dared show such insolence toward the Night Orchid Empress, they would have faced the annihilation of their entire clan.

Yet this little fox, blessed with the Ancestor’s boundless favor, remained utterly ungrateful. The Twelve Asura had served the Night Orchid Empress for tens of thousands of years and had never received such treatment.

Of course, even if the Night Orchid Empress had offered them such privileges, they would never have dared to accept.

In the Boundless Realm, hierarchy was strictly observed. The Ancestor was not only a Spirit Emperor in cultivation but also the rightful heir of the Asura royal lineage, possessing the strongest and purest bloodline of their race. She was the revered Ancestor they willingly served, a figure as divine as a god in their hearts.

Yet she had been insulted by a mere Level 8 weakling. As her subordinates, they couldn’t help but feel indignant on her behalf.

In the Boundless Realm, even those of different races were expected to show respect to higher-ranking Spirit Masters—let alone a peak-level Spirit Emperor! This brat named Zhao Li was far too ill-mannered.

Their Ancestor was peerless in beauty and grace, with countless admirers among the Asura and other races, including many formidable Spirit Masters. Yet for some unfathomable reason, she had set her heart on that little fox from the minor Qingqiu clan—and a Level 8 weakling at that!

But since the Night Orchid Empress was determined in her choice, the Twelve Asura, despite their resentment, dared not defy her will.

Seeing the grim expressions on the two elders’ faces, the guard trembled but mustered the courage to report, “Esteemed Elders, the fox maiden claims she has come to express gratitude for the Ancestor’s life-saving grace.”

“Hmph! So, she does remember that her supreme Heavenly Spirit Root was restored by our Ancestor. At least she has some conscience,” Ming Yao snorted.

“Conscience?” Ming Jing rolled his eyes. “If she had any conscience, would she treat our Ancestor like this time and again?”

The Ancestor had treated her so well, practically worshipping her like a deity. If she had even a shred of gratitude, she would never have acted so disgracefully.

Seeing his elder brother genuinely angered—a rare occurrence—Ming Yao chose not to press further.

The brothers Ming Jing and Ming Yao, both fifty thousand years in age and cultivation, were among the Twelve Asura. They were typically composed and dignified, but whenever that damned fox was involved, the two became as hot-tempered and impulsive as reckless youths.

Ming Jing, in particular, had the fiercer temper.

“Tell her to get lost!” Ming Jing roared. “The Asura Clan does not welcome her!”

Just as the guard was about to withdraw, a voice as clear and melodious as jade chimes rang out: “What is the matter?”

A graceful woman approached, her presence serene and commanding.

Ming Jing and Ming Yao immediately rose and bowed in reverence. “This humble servant greets the Ancestor.”

“Ancestor, your presence honors the Hall of Affairs. Do you have any instructions for us?” Ming Jing asked respectfully after paying his respects.

Normally, Yelan would immerse herself in cultivation within the Asura Hall, rarely venturing beyond its confines. Even when she had orders to give, she would simply send a voice transmission, summoning the Twelve Asura Lords to the hall to receive her instructions.

Today, however, was unusual.

Yelan remained silent, her bright eyes fixed in the direction of the barrier.

A familiar surge of spiritual energy rippled through the air. Judging by its aura, it carried the unique bloodline resonance of the Asura royal family.

But the previous Asura King—Yelan’s long-deceased father—had only one daughter: her.

Though the royal spiritual energy was faint, almost imperceptible, its very presence was bizarre.

It was precisely because she had sensed this aura that Yelan had left the Asura Hall. Passing by the Steward Hall, she noticed the barrier guards stationed there and decided to inquire.

Ming Jing and Ming Yao exchanged glances before answering truthfully.

“Ancestor, the little fox from Qingqiu is outside the barrier, requesting an audience with you.”

Yelan stiffened.

Zhao Li?

She actually came to seek her out?

When Yelan had reconstructed Zhao Li’s spiritual root, she had used the supreme heavenly treasures passed down through generations of the Asura royal family. Thus, she had no fear of failure. After saving her, Yelan had quietly left Qingqiu and returned to the Asura Hall before Zhao Li even woke.

She knew that once Zhao Li regained consciousness, she wouldn’t want to see her.

Nor would she want to owe her a life-saving debt.

Zhao Wu had been searching everywhere for heavenly treasures to save his daughter, and little Zhao Li, being pure-hearted by nature, would never have connected it to her.

Aside from this incident, Yelan couldn’t think of anything else she might have done to anger her recently. Knowing that Zhao Li disliked her presence, Yelan had always kept her distance.

So Yelan truly couldn’t fathom why little Zhao Li would come looking for her.

With a mix of unease and complicated emotions, Yelan asked softly, “Did she say anything?”

The guard bowed respectfully. “Yes!” He stole a glance at the two elders before stammering, “The fox princess said… there’s a message she hopes the two elders will relay to Your Majesty.”

He had already mentioned Zhao Li’s request for an audience, and the two elders had grown visibly agitated. The last part—the words most likely to provoke their fury—he hadn’t dared to repeat.

Yelan understood the guard’s hesitation. Whatever Zhao Li wanted conveyed was probably not something pleasant. A faint smile flickered in her heart as she spoke gently, “I pardon you. Speak freely.”

The guard glanced at the elders again before mumbling, “The princess’s exact words were: ‘Your Majesty, your little cutie is here—open the door!’”

The original phrasing had lacked any honorifics, and Zhao Li had even addressed Yelan by name. But how could the guard dare to relay it verbatim?

Yelan’s pupils contracted. In the next instant, she had vanished.

Ming Jing and Ming Yao sighed in unison before following to guard her outside the barrier.

While waiting for the Asura clan’s lengthy chain of communication, Zhao Li didn’t idle. Sitting atop the clouds, she leaned back against the reclining Jade Qilin behind her, sorting through the remaining gift list.

Though she wouldn’t be visiting the Dragon Clan, she still needed to make rounds to the other clans. Strengthening Qingqiu’s alliances couldn’t hurt.

Xiang Liu watched the little princess’s leisurely demeanor and couldn’t help but sigh, pausing in her document handling. “…Princess, you had the guards relay such disrespectful words. They won’t charge you with a crime of disrespect, will they…?”

This is the sorrow of a small clan. If it were the Dragon Clan coming to provoke today, no matter how furious the Asura Clan might be, they wouldn’t punish the Dragon Clan members. At most, they’d go to the Dragon Emperor to demand an explanation.

After all, they weren’t a subordinate clan. They couldn’t overstep their authority and punish outsiders on behalf of another clan’s leader.

But for a small clan? Forget it. They could kill you without consequence.

“Don’t worry,” Zhao Li interrupted him. “Yelan isn’t that petty.” She’d probably love it if I talked to her like this.

No sooner had the words left her mouth than the barrier trembled and distorted. A stunning figure emerged urgently from the void.

Yelan.

The moment they saw her, both Zhao Li and Xiang Liu froze, their breaths catching in their throats.

How could such a beautiful woman exist in this world?

Fox Clan women were renowned throughout the Wuji Realm for their enchanting allure—hence the term “fox spirit” in the mortal world. Though Zhao Li was mocked by countless clans for her naive personality and pitifully weak cultivation, no one ever dared to criticize her appearance.

Yet even Zhao Li, radiant and ethereal as a fairy, paled in comparison to Yelan—like a candle’s flame trying to compete with the sun.

Yelan’s beauty was beyond words.

Apart from her soul artifact and the imperial ring symbolizing the Asura royal family, she wore no other jewelry. No rouge touched her cheeks.

Because no matter how exquisite or luxurious the adornments, they could never enhance her brilliance. No matter how refined the cosmetics, they could never add a single trace to her beauty.

Her fiery red dress fluttered in the wind, accentuating her snow-white skin and graceful figure. Her ink-black hair cascaded like silk down to her waist, while her dazzling crimson lotus eyes sparkled with intelligence, gazing tenderly at the stunned Zhao Li.

Zhao Li snapped out of her daze.

Though she had seen Yelan countless times in her past life, she had never once truly looked at her.

Qing Tong was a delicate, unassuming flower, but Yelan was a beauty that even the most splendid blossoms couldn’t rival.

Though the Fox Clan couldn’t compare to the Asura Clan in sheer splendor, when it came to the overall beauty of their people, they ranked among the top in the Wuji Realm. And the Qingqiu Fox Clan had this annoying habit—because they were so good-looking themselves, they tended to judge others by appearances.

Ugly? Rejected.

Beautiful? Worshiped.

Yelan was this stunning, yet in my past life, instead of worshiping her, I rejected her???

My brain must have been crushed by a door.

Seeing Zhao Li remain silent for so long, Yelan assumed she was angry again, her emotions growing complicated.

She wanted to see Zhao Li, but she didn’t want to upset her.

But this time, Zhao Li had come to her doorstep on her own—wasn’t it reasonable for her to come out and check?

Summoning her courage, she asked, “You just passing by?”

Zhao Li nearly burst out laughing, warmth and guilt swelling in her heart.

The mighty Spirit Emperor, one of the three great rulers of the Wuji Realm, the sovereign of the Asura Clan—how deeply she must dote on me to speak so cautiously.

Remembering the records in Elder Ming Yao’s journal from ten thousand years later, detailing all the kindness Yelan had shown her, Zhao Li felt tears welling up.

Steadying herself, she fought back the tears, stood up, and slowly shook her head at Yelan.

Yelan’s heart clenched. Little Zhao Li wouldn’t even speak—just how much did she resent her?

“Then… you…”

“I’m sorry!” Zhao Li interrupted her, then bowed deeply. “I used to be a complete idiot, but I’m not anymore!”

Yelan: ???

“I’ve come on behalf of our Qingqiu Fox Clan to propose an alliance with the Asura Clan.”

“An alliance?” The two brothers of the Ming family, who had followed Yelan out, echoed in a mocking tone.

Zhao Li could understand their skepticism. What status did Qingqiu hold in the Wuji Realm? Even applying to become a vassal clan of the Asuras would require serious consideration—let alone an alliance. They weren’t even qualified.

“Yes!” Zhao Li remained bent at a ninety-degree angle, her words sincere. “I hope Little Lan-Lan will agree.”

Ming Jing & Ming Yao: …

Little Lan-Lan?

Are you here to establish peaceful relations or to insult our Ancestor?

The Ancestor is tens of thousands of years older than you, you fifteen-year-old brat! Who do you think you’re being so disrespectful with?!

Ming Yao restrained his furious elder brother and, suppressing his own anger, forced a polite tone. “Since you’re here seeking an alliance, where’s your sincerity?”

Zhao Li straightened up and declared word by word, “I am the sincerity.”

Ming Yao: “…Huh?”

Zhao Li raised her voice. “I’m saying that from now on, I belong to Empress Yelan—to warm her bed, serve as a concubine, be her slave or maid, break armor or pierce flesh, all as she wishes! I am the sincerity!”

Because the Qingqiu Clan truly had nothing else the Asura Clan would covet.

The Asuras already possessed every heavenly treasure, divine beast, and spiritual artifact imaginable. Even if Qingqiu emptied its entire treasury, they wouldn’t spare it a glance.

Though it might sound arrogant and narcissistic, Zhao Li herself was exactly what Yelan needed most.

Aside from herself, the only other thing she had was that Hun Tian Ling loincloth.

From what Zhao Li knew of Yelan, the Empress adored anything that belonged to her.

But Zhao Li couldn’t stoop so low as to offer her own diaper as a face towel for Yelan, could she?

Even if it had been soaked in floral perfume, the thought still felt questionable.