As a member of the Zhu family and the Empress of the Star Luo Empire, Zhu Hongxiu herself wielded the soul fusion technique of the Netherworld White Tiger alongside Emperor Dai Tian. Thus, she was well aware…
To master a soul fusion technique, the foundation required both parties to be in perfect harmony.
Two men mastering a soul fusion technique might be close brothers; two women doing so could be considered good sisters.
But when a man and a woman mastered a soul fusion technique together…
Unless they had a blood relationship or were family, there would almost inevitably be some degree of ambiguity between them.
Otherwise, how could a pair of strangers possibly achieve such harmony?
Take Liu Erlong, Flender, and Yu Xiaogang, for example.
As the Empress of the Star Luo Empire, with access to its intelligence network, Zhu Hongxiu knew all about their "triangle" relationship.
Yet, it was precisely because of this that the three of them were able to create the triple soul fusion technique.
And now…
Her son, Dai Chengfeng, was ambitiously not only striving to master the empire's hereditary soul fusion technique of the Netherworld White Tiger with Zhu Zhuqing but also attempting to include Hu Liena, the future Holy Maiden of the Spirit Hall, in a three-person fusion.
For a moment, Zhu Hongxiu's lips curved into a faint smile, her eyes flashing with a hint of gossip-worthy curiosity. "The future Holy Maiden of the Spirit Hall, Hu Liena? She's quite a fine girl, isn't she~"
A hundred thoughts raced through her mind, yet it all happened in an instant.
Zhu Hongxiu quickly wiped away all expressions from her face, returning to her usual gentle demeanor.
Only this time, when her gaze fell on Hu Liena again, it carried a newfound warmth and intimacy.
"Miss Hu Liena," Zhu Hongxiu said with a smile, "it's better to arrive late than never. We're just about to have dinner. Surely you haven't eaten yet?"
"If you don't mind, why not stay and join us?"
"Senior Zhu, I really shouldn't…"
Hu Liena instinctively tried to decline politely.
After all, the Empress of the Star Luo Empire hadn't interacted much with her before, and this sudden warmth left her feeling somewhat flustered and uneasy.
"No need to be so polite."
However, Zhu Hongxiu interrupted her directly, even taking a step forward to gently hook her arm around Hu Liena's, treating her like a beloved younger relative.
"It's rare to meet like this. Just consider it Auntie treating you young talents to a meal. Besides, thank you for tolerating our Chengfeng's temperament."
Her movements were gentle yet firm, leaving no room for refusal as she half-guided, half-escorted Hu Liena into the room. She didn't forget to invite Zhu Zhuqing and Dai Chengfeng as well.
"Come along, Zhuqing, Chengfeng, stop standing there and come inside."
"Auntie, please don't misunderstand. Chengfeng is very kind, always helping me. It's just that I'm still…"
Hu Liena was still uncomfortable with Zhu Hongxiu's sudden warmth and tried to decline once more.
However, Zhu Hongxiu's expression instantly shifted, revealing a touch of melancholy and self-pity.
"What? Do you dislike Auntie that much, Miss Nana?"
"No, no, no… not at all!"
Seeing Zhu Hongxiu's expression, Hu Liena panicked and quickly waved her hands to explain. After all, though she wasn't familiar with Zhu Hongxiu, this woman was still Dai Chengfeng's mother.
How could she possibly dislike her?
"If you don't dislike Auntie, then do as Auntie says!"
In the end, under Zhu Hongxiu's expectant gaze, Hu Liena could only reluctantly agree. "Then… I'll impose on you, Auntie."
"Hmm~"
Watching Hu Liena concede, Zhu Hongxiu turned her head and gave Dai Chengfeng a slight smile.
"Mother…"
Seeing his mother flaunting her victory, Dai Chengfeng shook his head helplessly. "Compared to my mother, Hu Liena, this little fox, is still too inexperienced!"
---
Since Hu Liena had agreed, the four of them soon made their way into the room.
Unbeknownst to them, Zhu Hongxiu had fallen back until she was walking side by side with Dai Chengfeng. She lightly tugged on his sleeve.
Dai Chengfeng was momentarily surprised but quickly understood, stopping in his tracks.
Once Hu Liena and Zhu Zhuqing entered the room, Dai Chengfeng turned to his mother. "What is it, Mother?"
Zhu Hongxiu stood still, her gentle smile fading slightly as her gaze settled on Dai Chengfeng's face, filled with maternal concern and a hint of playful mischief.
"Chengfeng," Zhu Hongxiu held onto Dai Chengfeng's hand and slowly began, "I've watched Zhuqing grow up. Though her personality is a bit cold, I know she has excellent character."
"And whether it's talent, family background, or appearance, she's impeccable. She's also someone who can master the Netherworld White Tiger with you."
"As for Hu Liena…"
"This girl is truly remarkable—charming, intelligent, resilient at her core, and the resources of the Spirit Hall are nothing to scoff at…"
At this point, Zhu Hongxiu paused, her tone straightforward yet tinged with playful curiosity. "Come now, tell Mother… which one do you prefer more in your heart?"
"Which one?"
Caught off guard by his mother's direct question, even the usually composed Dai Chengfeng couldn't help but freeze for a moment.
A rare look of youthful awkwardness and helplessness flashed across his face.
For a moment, he instinctively glanced toward the dining room door, ensuring Zhu Zhuqing was out of earshot and that Hu Liena couldn't hear either, before sheepishly replying, "Mother, what are you talking about?"
"I'm practicing the soul fusion technique to improve my strength…"
Seeing her son's rare display of awkwardness, the amusement in Zhu Hongxiu's eyes deepened. Her expression clearly said, "I understand you, don't try to fool me."
"You! Still hiding the truth from your own mother?"
"I've been through it all, don't think I don't understand you."
Dai Chengfeng didn't know how to respond. If asked whether Hu Liena or Zhu Zhuqing would be the main wife, he could only say neither.
It had to be Qian Renxue—or Bibi Dong at the very least.
But he couldn't reveal either of those two, so he could only hedge. "Mother, I have my own plans…"
"Fine, fine," Zhu Hongxiu sighed, shaking her head at Dai Chengfeng's evasiveness. "If you don't want to talk, then I won't force you."
"But Chengfeng, Mother must remind you!"
At this point, Zhu Hongxiu's expression grew serious. "You must weigh carefully what Zhuqing means to you—and to the Star Luo Empire!"
"The Netherworld White Tiger is a symbol of power and a guarantee for your future control over the empire's foundation!"
"Zhuqing's feelings, the stance of the Netherworld Spirit Cat Clan—all of this must be considered. No matter what you plan to do… you absolutely cannot neglect Zhuqing!"
"You must understand!"
The awkwardness faded from Dai Chengfeng's face, his gaze regaining its usual composure and depth. He nodded seriously. "Rest assured, Mother. I understand."
"I understand the importance of the Netherworld White Tiger."
"That's good…"
Seeing this, Zhu Hongxiu resumed her gentle smile. "That's settled. Let's not keep Hu Liena and Zhuqing waiting."
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