By the time dawn broke, Qin Ming had returned to his room.
He practiced the technique for a while and completely consolidated his fifth level of body tempering!
Qin Ming checked the Heaven-Locking Gourd—current Luck Points: 43.
Enough for one draw.
[40 Luck Points consumed. Draw successful: Bone-Strengthening Pill obtained]
[Bone-Strengthening Pill – Tier Two Pill. Strengthens tendons and bones, replenishes spiritual energy, enhances physical strength and resilience.]
Sounds great.
As long as a pill can enhance his physique or bones, Qin Ming welcomed it without hesitation.
He immediately tossed the pill into his mouth.
The pill melted upon entry, a cool sensation spreading throughout his body.
He could almost feel his muscles and bones being refined, emitting faint creaks and cracks.
His entire body felt clear and invigorated.
The energy he had exhausted in Lingyin's room last night was now completely replenished!
It felt amazing!
Just then—
Outside the Princess's Taiyin Palace, the sound of armored footsteps echoed.
Qin Ming had just jumped off his bed.
Lingyin came rushing in, flustered.
"Qin Ming! Eunuch Wang Jin from the Fire Command Hall is here. The Emperor has summoned you."
Qin Ming dressed swiftly and exited his room.
In the courtyard stood Eunuch Wang Jin, slightly hunched, a smile on his face.
"Captain Qin, we meet again."
"Good morning, Eunuch Wang."
"By the Emperor's decree, Captain Qin is summoned to the Fire Command Hall."
"Eunuch Wang, isn't today a rest day? Why is His Majesty summoning me?"
"This old servant doesn't know. Once Captain Qin arrives, His Majesty will explain."
Qin Ming had no choice—this was the boss of the Grand Yan Empire.
He had to go.
He glanced up at the Princess's main chamber—doors and windows still shut.
She must've slept late last night and wasn't awake yet.
Qin Ming cupped his fists respectfully.
"Then I'll trouble Eunuch Wang to lead the way."
…
Just as they neared the Fire Command Hall,
Eunuch Wang Jin suddenly lowered his voice.
"Captain Qin, yesterday Eunuch Zhou Chang came with an imperial edict. Said he was taking you to Tianyi Academy. But… he never returned."
Qin Ming's heart skipped a beat.
Is that why the crazy Empress summoned me?
How was he supposed to explain this?
"Eunuch Wang, I'm not sure what you mean.
Yesterday, Eunuch Zhou led me halfway and pointed the direction. Then he left on his own."
Wang Jin smiled and lightly pointed toward the hall with his horsetail whisk.
"I was just mentioning it in passing. Don't take it to heart, Captain Qin. The Emperor is waiting inside. Go on."
Qin Ming was now a bit uneasy.
After all, he knew exactly how Zhou Chang had died.
It was easy to deceive someone like Wang Jin.
But the Empress? She was another story.
Her twisted, ruthless gaze and overpowering aura made it nearly impossible to lie in her presence.
As he walked toward the hall, Qin Ming tried to calm himself.
Stay cool. Stay calm!
The more nervous you get, the faster you die.
He immediately thought of two key points:
First, Zhou Chang was at the ninth stage of Body Tempering. Qin Ming had hidden his own strength to appear at the third stage.
Even if the Empress realized he was actually at the fifth stage—
There's no way he could've killed someone at the ninth!
Second, Qin Ming possessed a talent for concealing his bloodline. So he wasn't afraid.
With that in mind, he raised his head and strode confidently into the inner hall.
…
After Qin Ming was taken away by Wang Jin, Lingyin began pacing in the courtyard.
She swept some of the remaining snow but couldn't shake the unease in her heart.
It's supposed to be a rest day. Why would the Emperor summon Qin Ming?
After all, everyone in the palace knew there was bad blood between Her Majesty and the Princess.
For Qin Ming's safety, Lingyin decided to go all in.
She threw the broom in her hand to the ground, turned, lifted her skirt, and ran toward the Princess's Eleventh Tower.
"Bang bang bang…"
No response from inside.
"Bang bang bang…"
The Princess's cold and clearly annoyed voice finally came through:
"What is it?"
"Your Highness, Lingyin has something urgent to report!"
"Speak!"
"Just now, Eunuch Wang Jin from the Fire Command Hall came and took Qin Ming away."
"What?!"
Not even a full breath passed—
Bang!
The door swung open with a crash.
The speed of it startled Lingyin.
The Princess stood there, wearing only a sheer purple nightgown, her graceful figure and fair chest partially exposed.
"What did you say? Han Yue Li took Little Qin away?"
"Yes, Your Highness. Lingyin isn't sure what it's about, so I came to report it immediately."
The Princess's expression turned icy.
She extended her hand—
Whoosh!
The purple-black robe lying on the bed instantly wrapped around her body.
Grabbing the Moonshadow Sword, she soared into the sky.
Lingyin finally felt a bit more at ease.
As long as the Princess is going, Qin Ming should be fine.
…
Inside the inner hall of the Fire Command Hall.
The Empress was draped in a flowing red robe, hugging her graceful figure.
On her jade-white feet were tall, black leather boots.
Standing at her side was her personal bodyguard, Shangguan Qing'er.
"Qing'er, what's your take on Zhou Chang's sudden disappearance?"
"Your Majesty suspects that little Qin?"
"Zhou Chang was supposed to escort him to Tianyi Academy. He was likely the last person to see him. Of course I suspect him."
"But Your Majesty, that boy's cultivation is only at the third stage of Body Tempering. He shouldn't be capable of taking on Zhou Chang."
"I'm only suspicious—it doesn't mean he definitely did something.
Still, he managed to interrogate and expose that corrupt Daoist. That shows he's got some skills.
And someone that capable… how can I allow him to stay at my sister's side?"
"Is Your Majesty planning to kill him?"
"I can't. Just look at Han Yuexi—if I kill that little Qin, she'll fight me to the death."
"But I've thought of a way…
A way to make him walk into hell on his own, barely surviving—and my sister won't be able to say a word!"
Just then—
A palace maid knelt outside the inner hall door.
"Your Majesty, Captain Qin has arrived."
"Send him in."
This was Qin Ming's first time entering the inner hall of the Empress's Fire Command Palace.
The moment he stepped in, a wave of heat surged over him, making his whole body feel flushed and sweaty.
Beads of sweat formed on his forehead.
The entire room was scorching hot.
All around, fire crystals had been placed, constantly charging the space with fiery energy.
At the highest seat, Empress Han Yueli sat on a dragon-shaped throne—breathtakingly beautiful, her body surrounded by a faint blue flame.
Several golden phoenixes circled around her, flying gracefully in the air.
Qin Ming stepped forward and bowed.
"Your Majesty."
[Warning: Danger Level increased by 100x! Luck Point gain increased by 100x during danger period!]
Qin Ming was speechless.
Seriously? I just walked in, and she's already thinking about killing me? What's her problem?
"Xiao Qinzi, was it you who killed Eunuch Zhou Chang?"
Qin Ming's heart nearly jumped out of his chest!
He quickly forced himself to look confused and innocent.
"Your Majesty, wh-what are you saying?"
"Yesterday, Zhou Chang escorted you to Tianyi Academy but never returned.
We searched the entire palace, and he's completely vanished."
"Your Majesty, when Eunuch Zhou and I reached the 'Serene Path Garden', we parted ways.
He pointed me in the direction and said he had other matters to attend to. I truly know nothing beyond that."
Whoosh!
An intense pressure suddenly filled the entire room, suffocating Qin Ming until he could barely breathe.
[Warning: Danger Level increased by 150x! Luck Point gain increased by 150x during danger period!]
The Empress's expression turned cold and commanding—an aura of dominance radiating from her.
"Xiao Qinzi, tell the truth."
"Your Majesty, I am telling the truth! Besides, my cultivation is shallow, and Eunuch Zhou was at the ninth stage of Body Tempering.
Whoever is spreading rumors before Your Majesty is slandering me—I've been wronged!"
[Warning: Danger Level increased by 200x! Luck Point gain increased by 200x during danger period!]