Limitless Ascension: Strength Amid Adversity – Chapter 282

“Taking the scriptures?”

Dongfang Mengyao looked puzzled, feeling her mother had hidden intentions, as if something was off, sensing the weirdness in the air.

Among them, only Hong Qianye caught the underlying tone, being a long-time friend who understood her character—knowing that beneath the seemingly dignified exterior lay a fiery and wild heart…

As the saying goes, since ancient times, emperors love beautiful women; and Dongfang Jing, being a woman, naturally loves handsome men.

In her harem, there was no shortage of eager male favorites, all waiting with bated breath!

This was enough proof of Dongfang Jing’s desire for top-notch male beauty!

This also explained why, upon meeting Ye Junlin, Dongfang Jing’s heart started to flutter.

Red Qianye, being well-versed in the ways, saw through it but kept silent.

At this moment, he appeared a bit unusual, his gaze flitting between Dongfang Jing, Dongfang Mengyao, and Ye Junlin.

The atmosphere suddenly grew delicate.

Ye Junlin furrowed his brow—what was this inexplicable feeling of restlessness?

The strangest part was, when he looked at the smiling Dongfang Jing and their eyes met, for some unknown reason, a sharp pain shot through his kidneys, as if his body instinctively sent out a warning signal…

Ye Junlin’s eyelid twitched.

What’s going on?

Could it be this woman wants to take my kidneys?!

In truth, beings with cultivation levels at the Immortal King Realm are more sensitive to external feedback and possess a keen sense for avoiding risks. As an Immortal King, Ye Junlin felt his kidneys begin to ache ever so slightly upon seeing the smiling Dongfang Jing.

This was proof that it was the Immortal King’s perception at work, even affecting normal bodily reactions!

“Everyone, please move inside the palace. Let me treat you to the hospitality of the Heavenly Daughter Country, a small token of my intentions,” Dongfang Jing spoke softly.

As she said this, her gaze remained fixed on Ye Junlin, a gentle smile gracing her lips.

This was a case of drunkenness not being the aim!

Dongfang Mengyao tilted her little head, blinking her eyes.

Her mother seemed even more gentle than she remembered. Was it because they were hosting noble guests?

Ye Junlin contemplated for a moment. “Thank you, Dongfang Daoist, for your hospitality.”

Though he felt something was off, he was always one to enjoy free food and drink, especially when faced with the grand invitation of the Heavenly Daughter Country’s ruler. There was no reason to refuse it outright.

One could say, since he was already here…

“Senior Ye, you’re being too polite. Guests are guests, especially someone like you,” Dongfang Jing said with a meaningful tone, her eyes sparkling.

“Uh,”

Ye Junlin quickly looked away, avoiding eye contact, feeling a bit better in his kidney area.

Strange—did little Hong’s friend cultivate some kind of bizarre kidney technique?

Why did his kidneys start to ache the moment their eyes met?

What a strange world, full of wonders!

Soon after.

Under Dongfang Jing’s guidance, Ye Junlin and the others entered the imperial palace.

The palace of the Heavenly Daughter Country was unimaginably grand, far more impressive than the few Undying empires in the Eastern Domain; if one had to compare, it was the difference between a lavish mansion and a thatched hut.

As far as the eye could see, the palace was resplendent, every brick capable of being crafted into a fine magical treasure. Its expanse was vast, and the red walls stretched like a giant dragon, showcasing an unmatched magnificence!

At the top of the palace brewed immense national fortune, holding the supreme authority of the rulers!

It was precisely for this reason that Dongfang Jing was confident in using this advantage to suppress the top-tier Celestial Immortal Pingxi Wang, yet if that person chose to self-destruct, even if she could somehow survive, the entire imperial capital would likely be in peril.

Thus, unless absolutely necessary, she didn’t want to tear the mask off, for escalating to that level would be a tremendous loss for the Heavenly Daughter Country. Besides, Pingxi Wang had served the country for many years, guarding against the Sea Clan’s invasions, and was still needed in the current court.

Not long after, at Dongfang Jing’s command, a grand palace banquet began.

Outside, the officials—entirely women—sat at the tables. Ye Junlin understood that part, but what really threw him off was the team of male dancers entering to perform!

This group of handsome, well-toned male dancers wore unique, revealing outfits that accentuated their chiseled muscles, dancing suggestively while the surrounding female officials beamed with delight.

“What the heck is this dance?!” Li Wujie, the rugged old man, couldn’t hold back upon seeing this scene, his face contorted in pain as it was truly eye-wrenching.

“Shut up, you need to respect local customs!” Hong Qianye glanced over dismissively.

“Fine, I’ll just keep my eyes closed!” Li Wujie huffed, shutting his eyes, refusing to witness this cognitive dissonance.

Ye Junlin rubbed his forehead, feeling quite uncomfortable.

If it were beautiful women instead, it might be more enjoyable, but alas, this was the Heavenly Daughter Country, totally out of his comfort zone!

Dongfang Jing’s eyes flickered, as if she sensed something was off, and a hint of shame washed over her.

She quickly ordered the royal male dancers to be dismissed.

“Senior Ye, that was thoughtless of me. Please allow me to perform as an apology!”

Saying so, under the astonished gazes of everyone, Dongfang Jing gracefully stood, strolling to the center of the Great Hall.

“This…”

The ministers turned pale, hastily lowering their heads, not daring to look directly at the woman in the resplendent phoenix gown.

In their impression, the ruler was a figure of aloofness and authority, carrying an unspoken pressure. Yet now, it was as if she had turned into a completely different person, even willing to personally dance for outsiders!

Even if the ruler herself had the courage to dance, the ministerial officials didn’t dare look, instinctively lowering their heads to avoid crossing any lines of hierarchy, fearful of repercussions in the days to come.

Whoosh!

Li Wujie popped his eyes open, wide-eyed and alert.

“Oh, look who opened their eyes. Didn’t you say ‘out of sight, out of mind’?” Hong Qianye teased.

“What nonsense are you spouting?”

Li Wujie respectfully replied, “To appreciate the dancer’s moves properly is a mark of respect for each performer!”

As the melodious music began, Dongfang Jing began to dance elegantly, her curvaceous figure radiating charm. With every smile and gesture, her eyes seemed to speak, almost glued to Ye Junlin, as if to capture his very soul.

Who would’ve thought that the ruler of the Heavenly Daughter Country could dance with such charisma? Coupled with her noble status, it created a striking contrast!

Dongfang Jing seemed transformed into a young maiden, exuding charm and frequently sending coy glances towards Ye Junlin, reminiscent of a peahen displaying for a mate, her forehead practically begging for two words…

“Hiss~”

Upon witnessing this, Ye Junlin couldn’t help but suck in a sharp breath, the discomfort in his kidneys escalating.

Could it be that the other party had some special physique that affected others’ kidneys?

Holding onto this suspicion, Ye Junlin secretly transmitted to Hong Qianye, “Little Hong, how’s your kidney doing?”

Hong Qianye: “?”

Why on earth was he asking such a strange question?

I always hold myself to high standards!

“Master, my kidneys are just fine.”

“Then does this friend of yours practice some kind of kidney-stealing technique? Capable of affecting shins from afar?”

“…”

Hong Qianye didn’t know how to respond to Ye Junlin’s odd question.

After finishing her dance, Dongfang Jing elegantly bowed and softly asked, “Senior Ye, were you satisfied?”

Ye Junlin wiped the sweat off his forehead, “Very satisfied, just a bit hard on the kidneys.”

“Senior Ye, you’re quite humorous…” A blush crept onto Dongfang Jing’s cheeks, mistaking Ye Junlin’s remark as flirtation, secretly delighted.

Watching her mother’s oddly abnormal behavior, Dongfang Mengyao sat in a daze, her mind swirling with a few questions.

Who am I?

Where am I?

What am I doing?

In the next moment, Dongfang Mengyao suddenly jolted awake, an incredible thought surging within her:

“Could it be that mother you also…?”