Shen Tang remembered what the High Priest had said in the Spiritual Illusion Realm.
The Earth Core is very important to this continent, which is why Shen Li went to such lengths to obtain it.
However, the Earth Core is equally important to the Night Glow Empire, and to her as well. Shen Tang wanted to regain it.
"Do you know where Shen Li has hidden the Earth Core?"
Qiu Yang shook his head and said, "Master, I am the most trusted subordinate of His Majesty, but I don’t want to deceive you in this matter. I truly don’t know. After His Majesty obtained the Earth Core, he hid it, and no one else in the world knows where it is."
"..." Damn it, she should have gone through other doors to look for clues.
"Forget it, you stay and take care of His Majesty Jiuli. Come back after he has successfully left seclusion."
"Yes, thank you, Master!" Qiu Yang was immensely grateful.
As he saw Shen Tang preparing to leave, Qiu Yang suddenly had a thought and quickly tried to persuade her, "Thank you for coming all the way to help. The journey must have been tiring. Why not stay a couple more days to rest? Besides, you helped the Empire greatly, and we hadn’t had the chance to show our hospitality yet. I will surely arrange for a feast with the Empire’s highest honor to entertain you!"
This old fox was being quite attentive today. Truly, whoever eats someone’s food can’t speak ill of them, and whoever takes someone’s things can’t get angry at them.
Shen Tang smiled and said, "We’ve known each other for so long, Elder Qiu, you might as well speak directly rather than going around in circles."
Qiu Yang said embarrassedly, "Cough, I am worried about His Majesty Jiuli’s unstable condition. What if something happens again as soon as you leave? I want to ask you to stay a few more days and observe the situation."
Shen Tang thought it reasonable. Over at the Empire, Lu Xiao and others were watching, so there was no hurry for those few days.
Moreover, thinking of those few males back home waiting with open mouths... Shen Tang felt a slight ache in her waist, too frightening!
If she goes back now, the next few weeks would be endless fights at home.
Better to find a place to avoid the chaotic scene!
Meanwhile, after Xiao Jin returned to the Imperial City, he received a message from Shen Tang.
Shen Tang explained everything that happened with Shen Li and mentioned that she would stay a few more days in the Yiyuan Empire to check the aftermath and asked them not to worry.
Xiao Jin and Jia Lan were quite upset about it, why of all times did Tangtang get seduced by that vixen!
And an unnamed wild vixen at that!
How could they show their faces as recognized husbands!
Indeed, wildflowers are more fragrant than garden flowers!
Xue Yinzhou and Lu Xiao had experienced this before, so they weren’t as anxious, but were still displeased.
The Beastmen at home hadn’t even had time to be gloomy for two days before urgent news came from Greenfield City.
—Something is wrong, there are disturbances at the border, and a lot of beastmen have gone missing recently. Please ask the Imperial City to dispatch troops to investigate!
Could it be that another Mutant Species has emerged?
Xiao Jin and Xue Yinzhou went ahead to scout the situation.
...
Returning to the Yiyuan Empire.
The females’ light laughter echoed in the courtyard, sounding beautiful and pleasant.
Fu Ying, holding her face in admiration, seemed hesitant to speak, "Master, are you really the ruler of the Night Glow Empire?"
"Pft—cough cough!" Shen Tang choked, "Who told you that?"
"Ah! Sorry, Master." Fu Ying hurriedly took out a towel to wipe for her, "I let it slip, but actually this isn’t a secret anymore; many people know in private... But don’t worry, Master, we won’t do anything to you! Lord Qiu Yang has also sent troops to guard this courtyard!"
Shen Tang came too hurriedly this time and forgot to conceal her identity. By the time she put on a mask upon entering the Imperial Palace, it was already too late; some had guessed her true identity and knew of her deeds, but no one dared to speak openly. Only Fu Ying, bold enough, directly asked.
Shen Tang felt a bit of a headache, but at this point, there was nothing more to be said.
With her Ninth Rank strength, even if someone had malicious intentions, they likely would have no chance.
"Sorry, Master, I didn’t mean to, but there’s something I’m really curious about: Is your original form really a black and white cat?" Fu Ying’s eyes sparkled, just like a star-struck, gossip-loving young girl.
"Hmm? You even know about that?"
"I heard it from others too." Due to Fu Ying being a female, the palace’s beastmen were fond of and took care of her. She often moved among the various palace servants and attendants, hearing many gossip tidbits.
"Master, do you know how this news got out?" Fu Ying said mysteriously, "I heard from the guards by the hall of His Majesty that for a while His Majesty carried a jade pendant — it was a black and white cat pendant! And it looked a lot like your beast form!"
Shen Tang’s wine cup clattered onto the table.
Fu Ying didn’t notice her reaction, and continued talking to herself, "This isn’t just something I know; lots of people in the palace know. Some have even seen it personally; His Majesty several times took out the jade pendant to drink alone, as if reminiscing about someone."
"The person His Majesty misses is you, right?"

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