Chapter 382

Chapter 382: The Elusive Heart of a Woman

Ming stepped out of the bedchamber of the Dragon Empress of the North Sea, holding in his hand the jade pendant given to him by the Dragon Empress.

Ming’s heart was heavy with mixed feelings. He couldn’t fathom what this Dragon Empress was truly thinking.

Indeed, the heart of a woman is truly hard to guess.

And the heart of a woman who has held high position and lived for over ten thousand years is even harder to decipher.

The maidservant Little Blue led Ming step by step towards the exit.

Ming looked at the back of the maidservant, wanting to ask something but not knowing how to start.

“Miss, you may leave here. I know the way from here on,” Ming stopped as they reached the outer perimeter of the Dragon Palace, bowing respectfully to Little Blue.

Little Blue smiled at Ming, “His Majesty instructed me to tell Master Xu that if you find the courtyard outside the Dragon Palace uncomfortable, you can move inside. What does Master Xu think about it?”

Ming was startled in his heart but kept a calm expression, “Thank you for His Majesty’s kindness, but I am quite comfortable in that courtyard and would rather not move.”

What kind of joke is this?

If I moved inside,

It wouldn’t be long before news of my whereabouts spreads.

By then, everyone will start questioning my relationship with the Dragon Empress.

Even Emperor Wu might doubt my connection with the Dragon Empress unless I provide a reasonable explanation. But still, what is she thinking?

“Miss Little Blue, there is something I wish to inquire about. Can you enlighten me?” Ming took a step forward, pulling out a half-xiānpǐn quality Crystal Bright Light Cup from his storage bag.

This Crystal Bright Light Cup was obtained by Ming during his “robbery and murder” in the Rootless Mystic Realm. It was one of the few first-grade Dharma Instruments Ming possessed.

Using such a high-grade tool for bribery made Ming feel reluctant.

But he had no choice; after all, she was a great cultivator at the Jade Pudding Realm, someone who could serve as an elder in most sects. Anything lower in grade might not catch her attention.

In fact, Ming felt even this first-grade Dharma Instrument might not impress her.

But there was nothing else he could offer. A higher-grade item like half-xiānpǐn would be ideal if he had one.

Seeing Master Xu attempting to bribe her, Little Blue didn’t refuse but very “reasonably” accepted it, slipping it into her storage bag without leaving any trace, clearly showing her practiced skill in accepting bribes.

“Master, please speak freely.” Little Blue smiled.

Seeing her acceptance, Ming felt hopeful: “I want to ask Miss Little Blue, why did His Majesty just now want me to serve as an Attendant? Could you reveal some reasons?”

Little Blue smiled, “Regarding His Majesty’s invitation for Master Xu to take the position of Attendant, I do know a bit. Actually, His Majesty really has no ulterior motive, it’s genuinely because Master Xu possesses profound knowledge.”

Ming didn’t believe it, “Is that all?”

Little Blue’s lips curled up as she stepped closer to Ming, “Well, it’s not entirely that. There is another reason—His Majesty wants to establish more connections with Master Xu.”

“Huh? With me?” Ming was even more confused.

“Yes.”

Little Blue’s eyes darted around, fearing someone nearby might overhear.

“Our North Sea Dragon Palace has an Astral Observation Platform, similar to the Celestial Monitoring Bureau of the human dynasty. Just yesterday, after Master Xu left, people from the Astral Observation Platform came to see His Majesty, saying that a young man pursuing both spiritual cultivation and martial arts is crucial for the North Sea Dragon Palace. I’m sure Master Xu understands.

Nowadays, it’s a great era where geniuses abound, and a great era means there will be a great calamity.

This calamity might occur a thousand years later, or a hundred years later, or even just a few decades away.

Naturally, our North Sea Dragon Palace needs to make more friends to face this calamity.

No one can avoid the calamity; we can only confront it.

Although we don’t know why the Astral Observation Platform calculated Master Xu’s involvement, perhaps it’s destiny. After all, the predictions of the Astral Observation Platform are always very accurate.”

“…” Ming fell silent, pondering the authenticity of Little Blue’s words.

Moreover, Ming thought their Astral Observation Platform wasn’t very precise. If it were truly accurate, it would have already predicted the reincarnation of His Majesty’s old lover long ago.

Seeing Ming remain silent, Little Blue continued, “His Majesty also doesn’t understand why Master Xu is so important to us in the North Sea, so His Majesty wants to observe Master Xu closely, to see if there’s anything extraordinary about you.

The position of ‘Attendant’ is close to His Majesty but is essentially a Xiánzhí, not a key post.

If Master Xu takes up the position of Attendant, the officials of the North Sea won’t say anything, and it will also show our regard for the Wu Kingdom.

The Wu Kingdom reached the level of the top ten human dynasties in just three hundred years. Compared to other dynasties, though the Wu Kingdom is young, it has boundless potential, much like Master Xu.

So His Majesty is using this opportunity to express goodwill towards the Wu Kingdom.

I know what Master Xu is worried about regarding gender differences. You can rest assured; no one will dare to gossip. Moreover, if anyone benefits, it will be Master Xu.”

Ming: “…”

After Little Blue’s explanation, Ming felt there was some logic to it, everything seemed to make sense.

“Ten years is too long.” Ming shook his head, “Besides, after participating in the Four Seas Grand Ceremony, I need to visit many places.”

Little Blue laughed, “Ten years indeed isn’t short, but for cultivators, ten years is just the blink of an eye. Moreover, Master Xu seems rigid-minded. Who says you can’t return to the Imperial Palace to resume your post after finishing your tasks?”

Ming: “…”

“My words can only go this far. Master Xu should consider carefully. If Master Xu doesn’t agree, the North Sea Dragon Palace naturally cannot force it.”

Little Blue bowed.

“I shall take my leave first.”