Chapter 109: Tang Yuehua—Fully Ripe
Two days later, in the most prosperous district at the center of Heaven Dou City, stood an elegant five-story building.
The architectural style appeared traditional, yet exuded luxury. Inside, even the simplest cup was worth more than a commoner could earn in a lifetime. The sign above bore just two characters: Yuexuan.
Yuexuan only welcomed refined guests. Normally, anyone with clean and elegant attire could enter. But today was different—it was the graduation ceremony, and only those with invitations could attend. The invited guests were parents, elders of students, and elite figures within the city—at the very least, nobility of earl status.
Qian Xunji naturally didn't have an invitation. But with a smile, he whispered something to a staff member, who then rushed back inside nervously.
As he stepped into Yuexuan, a delicate fragrance greeted him.
The first thing he saw was a finely carved boxwood screen emitting a faint woody scent.
On either side of it stood two tall, rare orchids. Being within their presence felt like all worldly distractions melted away.
The grand graduation stage had long been set up. Over half the seats were already filled. Qian Xunji casually took an empty seat near the back.
Backstage, one hundred Yuexuan students were preparing for their performances. Their faces were visibly tense.
This ceremony meant everything to these noble children.
Yuexuan accepted only one hundred students annually. Across the empire, nobles fought fiercely to win one of these coveted spots.
Graduating from Yuexuan was like being gold-plated. A diploma from here marked you as a true noble.
True nobles didn't care about your parents' status—there were too many illegitimate children and flings. What mattered was: do you have a Yuexuan certificate?
Tang Yuehua stood watching her students with a proud smile. She had spent a whole year grooming them into proper nobility.
Just then, the staff member returned and whispered to her that the Pope had arrived. She froze—then beamed and quickly left the backstage area.
Scanning the crowd anxiously, she finally spotted Qian Xunji in the shadows, watching her with interest. She rushed over joyfully.
Some noble students were puzzled. Lady Tang Yuehua, the elegant head of Yuexuan—rumored to have unclear ties with Emperor Xue Ye—was now completely out of character. Who was this man?
Even soul masters in the audience who tried probing him with their spiritual senses found a mysterious veil blocking their vision. All they could tell was—he was male.
Trying to stay composed, Tang Yuehua asked, "Your Holiness… what brings you here?"
Qian Xunji set down his cup. "To draft a new agreement. Don't forget—your Seventh Elder gave his Yuexuan profits to Spirit Hall to save his life."
Her expression dimmed. She had hoped he'd come for her.
Qian Xunji chuckled. "Just teasing. I finally had some free time and came in response to the letters you sent."
He'd grown fond of the carrot-and-stick approach ever since officially taking on the duties of Pope.
Her heart soared. All those letters, all those gifts over the past three years—it was worth it.
"I've heard Yuexuan's graduation ceremony is a rare and refined event. I thought I'd see the results of your hard work."
She blushed slightly. "You won't be disappointed. And please… just call me Yuehua."
The ceremony began. Students carrying zithers, drums, and various instruments took to the stage. The highlight was a noble girl holding a golden harp—only Yuexuan's top graduate earned that honor.
After the ceremony and diploma presentation, they moved to the fifth floor—Tang Yuehua's private sanctuary.
It was more elegant than the floors below, furnished entirely in fragrant sandalwood. The scent gave the entire level a serene, tranquil atmosphere.
"Your Holiness… when do you plan to return to Spirit Hall?"
"Tomorrow morning," he sighed. "There's too much work. I can't stay away long."
Her gaze fell. Three years of waiting for just one day together. Her eyes shimmered—clearly, she had made a decision.
"In that case… would Your Holiness listen to a song from Yuehua?"
"Of course."
She had two maids bring out her harp—not the portable one she played earlier, but a full-sized string instrument.
"Please enjoy this tea. It's my rarest Da Hong Pao—so precious I hardly drink it even once a year."
Then she began to play. Her delicate fingers plucked the strings, producing a melody that soothed the soul. She subtly activated her domain—music that washed away worries and calmed the heart.
Qian Xunji sipped the tea, a knowing yet amused look in his eye.
When the performance ended, he lay atop the table, breathing evenly in apparent sleep.
Tang Yuehua's heart pounded. She gestured for the maids to carry him to rest, then retreated to bathe.
She had waited three years. Tonight—she would wait no longer.
Three years ago, he had spared her seventh uncle for her sake. That moment, Tang Yuehua had fallen for him. She wasn't a soul master, and no matter how fine her cosmetics, she didn't know how long she'd stay youthful.
After bathing, she donned a split cheongsam and entered the room. With every step, two-thirds of her smooth, shapely legs were revealed.
"Your Holiness… Your Holiness…"
She approached him and whispered. His sleeping face made her heart race.
When he didn't respond, she steeled herself, reaching out to undo his robe.
But before she could, a strong hand grabbed hers.
"What do you think you're doing?"
Qian Xunji opened his eyes, smirking.
Panicked, she stammered, "Y-Your Holiness… You weren't asleep?"
"You mean that drug you put in the tea? Yuehua, you really don't understand soul masters. That dosage wouldn't even faze me."
His expression turned serious. "Now tell me—why did you do it?"
Unable to pull away, she broke down, throwing herself into his arms. "Your Holiness… I love you! I want to be with you!"
He'd already figured that out. The fact she hadn't called assassins or guards made her intent obvious. Drugging a Title Douluo? Her lovestruck brain must've short-circuited.
"Yuehua, I'm the Pope of Spirit Hall. You're the Clear Sky Sect leader's sister."
"I don't care! My brother already approved!"
She shouted. Forget the Pope—she had even proposed to her cousin Tang Hao before. He rejected her.
"I broke your Seventh Elder's arm."
"I don't care! If it weren't for you, I'd still be humiliated by him and the others. From the moment you stood up for me three years ago—I've loved you!"
Tears filled her eyes. When her own brothers didn't stand up for her, Qian Xunji did. He became her only emotional pillar.
"You won't regret this?"
"Never."
Soon, two garments hit the floor. Her body was fully revealed.
Though in her forties, her figure hadn't sagged. Her skin was still supple. Though not as enhanced by soul power as Ah Yin, she still exuded both maidenly freshness and mature allure.
The only flaw? Unlike Ah Yin's god-beast transformation, Tang Yuehua's… foliage was dense enough to get lost in.
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