Chapter Twenty-Two: Perversion

“Zhou Tian, don’t take it too hard. We were simply being cautious; the abilities you displayed made us wary. If you’re still upset, then I apologize.” Emperor Qin stepped forward and spoke solemnly to Zhou Tian.

“All right, all right. You people in high positions naturally think more and worry more. I understand.” Zhou Tian waved his hand, indicating he bore no grudge. Looking at Emperor Qin’s attitude, he thought, as ordinary folk, we only want an explanation.

He then asked, “Is Tian Ling okay?”

When Zhou Tian had first teleported, Tian Ling had lost consciousness and slumped in her chair—it was obvious Emperor Qin was responsible.

“Don’t worry. I merely let her sleep for a while; she’s not hurt at all,” Emperor Qin replied with a smile. Seeing Zhou Tian unconcerned, he was clearly pleased as well.

“Kid, aren’t you going to explain the divine abilities you possess?” Zhou Yi stepped forward and asked.

“I already told you—if you don’t believe me, that’s your problem.” Zhou Tian shot Zhou Yi a glance.

“Mind controlling the body? Some special training method? Who are you trying to fool?” Seeing Zhou Tian’s expression, Zhou Yi grew more annoyed.

“Enough. If Zhou Tian doesn’t want to talk, let him be. Just remember, Zhou family will always be your support—don’t shoulder everything alone.” Emperor Qin interrupted Zhou Yi before he could continue. Now that they’d confirmed Zhou Tian was still himself, he was willing to be lenient towards his own.

“Your father was worried about your upcoming trials, so he asked me to find ways to help you strengthen yourself. But it seems that’s unnecessary now.” Emperor Qin continued.

Zhou Tian glanced at Zhou Yi beside him, feeling a warmth within, and couldn’t help but utter, “Oh…”

Zhou Yi remained silent.

Seeing Zhou Yi’s frustrated face, Emperor Qin laughed, “All right, despite the twists and turns, today’s events have ended well enough. Soon, people from Da Luo Academy will come to discuss matters with me, so I won’t keep you here for dinner. The imperial edict is ready—news of the marriage will be proclaimed to the world shortly!”

“Brother, we’ll take our leave then,” Zhou Yi nodded to Emperor Qin.

Zhou Tian looked at Tian Ling, who was lying slumped in her chair, and a bold idea arose in his mind.

“All right, step aside—I’ll wake Ling’er. It’s time to go,” Zhou Yi said gruffly to Zhou Tian.

“Wait… you must be tired as well, don’t waste your energy.” Zhou Tian quickly stopped Zhou Yi, whose hands were already brimming with energy, showing concern.

“Hmph, boy, don’t think I don’t see through you. You just want to carry her in your arms, don’t you?” Zhou Yi sneered, seeing right through him. He’d played such tricks himself in his youth.

“Heh heh…”

“But why should I listen to you?” Zhou Tian’s smile froze, facing Zhou Yi’s cold look, he protested, “Haven’t you traumatized me enough today? Can’t you make it up to me?”

“Oh…” Zhou Yi was unmoved. A gentle breeze stirred and a wave of azure energy gathered in his hand, soothing to behold.

“Father… dear father… could you show some sympathy for your son?” Zhou Tian looked at Zhou Yi with big, pleading eyes.

“Hmph…” Zhou Yi watched Zhou Tian’s antics and couldn’t help but feel amused, though his face remained stern. In the end, he withdrew his powers.

“Thank you, Father!” Zhou Tian thanked him, then sidled up to Tian Ling with a sly grin. He adjusted his trousers, then slipped one arm under her neck, the other beneath her knees, and lifted her in a classic princess carry.

Tian Ling was light; even as a mortal, Zhou Tian felt no strain holding her. Her body was soft as if boneless, a faint maidenly fragrance wafted into his nose. Her head lay against his chest, eyes closed, long lashes curved elegantly, a few locks of hair scattered across her smooth forehead, adding a touch of allure.

Cradling Tian Ling, Zhou Tian looked content as he addressed Emperor Qin, “Uncle, we’ll be leaving now.”

Emperor Qin nodded with a smile.

Zhou Yi and Zhou Tian left the Hall of Nourished Mind together.

Watching their departing figures, Emperor Qin’s gaze grew deep and thoughtful. After a long silence, he spoke, “Return half the seized goods to Hao Tian Sect, and restore half their lands as well. Tell them, these are Tian Ling’s betrothal gifts!”

Since Zhou Tian favored Tian Ling, as her uncle, he didn’t mind adding a personal touch.

“Yes!” came a voice from the void, receiving the imperial edict.

By now, Zhou Yi and Zhou Tian had boarded the carriage. Even after sitting, Zhou Tian refused to let go of Tian Ling, holding her in his arms.

Watching Zhou Tian carefully arranging Tian Ling’s hair, Zhou Yi said, “Your soul lamp was used for verification today. In future, it’ll be hard to detect your soul fluctuations—be careful.”

Zhou Tian paused, unable to track his soul’s fluctuations? Perfect—he’d no longer need to explain why his soul lamp went out every day. Still, he kept a calm face and replied, “Understood. If I wish to leave, no one can stop me.”

Zhou Yi reflected on the day’s events and found it true, so he said no more, closing his eyes, not wanting to witness further antics.

Zhou Tian looked at the sleeping Tian Ling in his arms; her fair, delicate face was like sculpted jade. The more he gazed, the harder it was to resist—he stretched out a wicked finger and gently pinched her cheek.

Soft as water—so comfortable!

Zhou Tian sighed inwardly in satisfaction.

“Mm!” Tian Ling whimpered softly in his embrace. Zhou Tian immediately sat upright, waited a while, then, seeing no further movement, looked down and pinched her again, indulging his perverse urge—unaware that Tian Ling’s ears had turned a rosy red.

All these actions were observed clearly through Zhou Yi’s spiritual sense. He couldn’t help but marvel at the beauty of youth. His own son used to frequent the pleasure houses of the capital; who’d have thought he’d be tamed by such an innocent girl?

Tian Ling herself was amusing—Zhou Tian had no spiritual sense, but Zhou Yi could see everything. Tian Ling’s trembling eyelashes were proof that the girl had already awakened.