While Jiang Nannan and Zhang Lexuan were still undergoing their trial on June Island, Zhu Ziyang and Qian Lingyi had already set foot on April Island.
"So this is April Island? It doesn't look much different from February Island," Qian Lingyi said curiously as the two stepped off the pier and onto the island, her eyes roaming over the buildings.
"They're all islands of the Yue'nan Archipelago. How different could they be?" Zhu Ziyang chuckled. "Come on, let's go find Elder Song!"
The 'Empress Descends' plan had been underway for over a year. Though Zhang Lexuan herself had not taken part directly, its progress had been remarkably smooth. With Shrek Academy's aid, the Yin Clan's power grew rapidly. Within the first month, they crushed the rebellious vassal families on February, June, and July Islands, reasserting control over six of the archipelago's seven islands—only January Island remained beyond their grasp.
Afterward, Xu Jianwei reached out to nobles within the Sun Moon Empire who descended from the Moon Vein lineage. Ever since the Sun Vein seized exclusive control of the throne, Moon Vein nobles had suffered nearly a century of suppression. Upon learning that the princess of the last Moon Vein emperor still lived, they accepted the alliance without hesitation, lending their voices to a movement for the Moon Vein's revival.
Once this alliance was secured, Xu Jianwei personally approached Xu Qianxuan, commander of the Sun Moon Empire's Royal Soul Engineer Legion. A scion of the Moon Vein side branch, Xu Qianxuan was one of the imperial family's three Titled Douluo, a Rank 97 Assault-type Super Douluo with the title Full Moon. As the foremost figure of the Moon Vein within the empire, he served both as the Sun Vein's excuse to claim inclusiveness and as a shield protecting tens of thousands of Moon Vein descendants still living in the empire.
By seniority, Xu Jianwei should have called Xu Qianxuan "Uncle." If they could win his support, they could bring Zhang Lexuan's Moon Vein princess identity into the open much more easily.
And indeed, Xu Jianwei succeeded. Xu Qianxuan pledged loyalty, and through the emperor's second son, Xu Tianci, secured for Zhang Lexuan the formal title of Princess of the Moon Vein.
Thus, Zhang Lexuan became officially recognized as Princess Xu Tianxuan.
Everything had gone astonishingly smoothly. Why?
The answer was simple: interests. Public opinion within the empire had turned against the imperial family, scornful of their infighting and bloodshed. The reigning emperor, Xu Jiusong, sought to change this by presenting a Moon Vein princess to the world. Nothing could better prove their "unity." "See," he could say, "we even accept the Moon Vein. How could we be divided?"
But his move was self-deception. In only one hundred and fifty years since the Palace of Moon Devourers arose, the empire had already seen nine emperors across four generations—nearly all through bloody coups. The truth was obvious to all.
Even now, Xu Jiusong's own line was riddled with strife. His crown prince, Xu Tianran, though instrumental in Jiusong's rise to power, had lost his legs and manhood to assassins. Without heirs, he was doomed, and his brothers already eyed the throne. Chief among them was the second prince, Xu Tianci.
Astute in gathering allies, Xu Tianci welcomed Xu Qianxuan eagerly. It pleased the Moon Vein nobles, won him a powerful backer, and soothed his father's worries—benefits on all sides.
"Elder Song!" Zhu Ziyang greeted warmly upon meeting the venerable Shrek elder at the Marquis of Yue'nan's estate.
"Ziyang? Why are you here?" Elder Song was surprised. But when his gaze fell upon Zhu Ziyang, his expression turned to shock. "You… you've already reached the Contra level?"
"Yes," Zhu Ziyang replied with a smile. "I was fortunate enough to gain a few lucky opportunities. Elder Song, where are Nannan and Sister Lexuan?"
"They went to June Island, but they should return in a day or two," Elder Song answered. His sharp gaze turned to Qian Lingyi, who stood beside Zhu Ziyang. "And this young lady is…?"
"She's Qian Lingyi, a newly accepted disciple of the Inner Court," Zhu Ziyang introduced warmly. Then he turned to her and said, "Lingyi, this is Elder Song, one of the senior Elders of Tianyuan Pavilion, a Rank 97 Super Douluo, titled Divine Eagle."
"Good day, Elder Song!" Qian Lingyi greeted respectfully, her tone crisp and polite.
"Mm. A fine young girl. A Soul Emperor already, at your age? Very good," Elder Song nodded in approval. His impression was favorable—though he noticed how tightly she clutched at Zhu Ziyang's sleeve.
They exchanged news. From Elder Song, Zhu Ziyang learned that Elder Zhu was currently with Xu Jianwei on January Island, working to bring the Sun Moon Empire's Southern Navy under control.
As they spoke, Jiang Nannan and Zhang Lexuan returned to April Island and entered the Marquis estate.
The moment their eyes fell upon Zhu Ziyang, they froze—then cried out together, voices trembling with excitement:
"Brother (Ziyang)!"
At once, Jiang Nannan flushed red, tears brimming in her eyes. She sprinted forward and flung herself into his arms, clinging to him tightly.
"Nannan, it's been so long!" Zhu Ziyang held her close, joy lighting his face.
"Yes! It's been too long… Brother, I missed you so much!" Nannan's voice trembled with longing, her tone filled with dependence and affection.
"Ziyang, it's been a long time." Zhang Lexuan approached with a gentle smile, her beauty calm yet radiant.
"Sister Lexuan, long time no see." Still holding Nannan, Zhu Ziyang offered her a smile. "Elder Song told me your soul power has reached Rank 90. That's truly worth celebrating."
"All thanks to the Silver Moon Trial," Zhang Lexuan replied modestly.
"Brother, me too! I've reached Rank 70!" Jiang Nannan announced proudly, seeking his praise.
"Really?" Zhu Ziyang's face lit up with a smile. "As expected of my Nannan!"
With that, he lifted her up and spun her once in his arms. Laughing like silver bells, Nannan pressed her cheek to his chest, her joy infectious.
But not everyone shared in that joy.
Standing silently to the side, Qian Lingyi felt a knot tighten in her chest. From the instant Nannan had rushed into Zhu Ziyang's embrace, an unease had stirred within her. With each laugh and tender word, that unease grew sharper, until jealousy tinged her delicate features. Zhu Ziyang had never treated her with such intimacy.
If not for the mental preparations she had made, she might well have stormed out on the spot.
"Brother, did you come here just to see me and Sister Lexuan?" Jiang Nannan asked, her happiness settling into a radiant smile.
"That's right," Zhu Ziyang said with a nod. "I plan to head for Eastsea City in the Star Luo Empire. Passing through the Yue'nan Archipelago, I couldn't miss the chance to visit you. Since you've both reached breakthroughs, though, we'll need to change our plans a little. We should return to the Academy first."
"Eastsea City?" Jiang Nannan and Zhang Lexuan exchanged a glance. Then, lowering their voices, they asked together, "Brother… could it be you're preparing for the Death God's Seventh Trial?"
"Hm?" Zhu Ziyang blinked, nodding before his eyes widened in surprise. "Wait—you two… how did you know I was undergoing the Death God's Seventh Trial?"
At his astonished expression, Jiang Nannan and Zhang Lexuan exchanged knowing smiles.
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