Chapter 757: Determined to Seek the Way

Unfortunately, in her current soul state, it was difficult for her to act, so she had to rely on Zu An.

Zu An couldn't quite figure out her true intentions, so he said with a touch of guilt, "But it feels a bit awkward with you watching."

Mi Li spat, "Who cares to watch your messy affairs?"

After saying that, a red shadow flashed, and she vanished swiftly.

Zu An breathed a sigh of relief. Mi Li's oppressive presence was simply too strong for him, and being intimate with one woman in front of another always felt like a potential romantic battlefield.

Just then, Yun Ruyan's sweet, petulant voice sounded in his ear: "Oh, you!"

Hearing her charming voice, Zu An couldn't help but gently wrap his arm around her waist; her skin, slick from the spring water, felt incredibly smooth.

Yun Ruyan did not resist. She leaned gently into his embrace, and their two young bodies, pressed together, quickly grew warm.

"Ah Zu~"

"Hmm?"

Yun Ruyan said no more. Instead, she rose on her tiptoes and kissed Zu An's lips. Knowing that he had been willing to break with the entire world to save her, she was already overflowing with tenderness and affection.

Her soft, sweet lips were like a bugle call to attack. How could Zu An resist? Soon, water was splashing everywhere in the pool.

The ripples in the hot spring grew more and more numerous and dense, as if mirroring Yun Ruyan's soul at that moment...

It was unknown how much time had passed. Yun Ruyan had turned into a soft, cotton-like mass, nestled weakly in Zu An's embrace. Her snow-white skin was now tinged with a beautiful rosy blush, making her appear even more radiant and alluring.

Appearing faintly through the misty steam of the hot spring, she was like a celestial fairy from the Heavenly Palace.

"Ah Zu~" Yun Ruyan pressed her cheek tightly against his chest. At the same time, her moist, large eyes gazed up at the man who had completely conquered her, both in mind and body.

Zu An held her soft body, his large hand holding her firmly. He felt refreshed and invigorated. The entire process had not only brought him extreme pleasure, but he also discovered that during the intense "battle," his accumulated efforts had finally paid off, completely breaking through that bottleneck.

Not only had his Hongmeng Primordial Scripture broken through a level, but his cultivation had also advanced to the eighth level.

He had originally been stuck at the threshold of the peak of the seventh rank. Being pierced by a siege crossbow bolt, which would have been a fatal injury for other cultivators of the same level, he had only survived thanks to his body, which had been tempered by the Hongmeng Primordial Scripture.

Such a severe injury was already enough for Zu An to take that crucial final step.

However, for most cultivators, advancing from the seventh to the eighth rank is a huge hurdle. They must find their own 'Dao' before they can enter the eighth rank.

Because the 'Dao' they seek is not chosen arbitrarily; it must align with the fundamental essence of the world and also be most compatible with their own nature. If chosen poorly, it can easily affect future achievements. Thus, throughout history, countless individuals have been troubled by this for a long time. Some early geniuses even wasted their entire lives here, surpassed by many who were initially less talented than them.

Although Zu An's cultivation of the Phoenix Nirvana Scripture made it less difficult for him to break through to the eighth rank compared to others, he still needed to find his 'Dao'. It was just considerably easier for him, as it bypassed the long process of refining true qi.

Previously, Zu An had vague ambitions, but they were never very clear.

Until that very moment, while enjoying the ultimate, nuanced tenderness of the noble and elegant princess and recalling the sense of conquest he felt days ago in Kunning Palace, where he controlled the Empress, having her live or die at his command, he suddenly understood. A true man, born into this world, should gallop across the land with a whip, his ambition vast as he devours thousands of miles like a tiger. He wanted to become the strongest man in the world!

He subconsciously looked towards the Imperial Palace. Although he had previously thought about surpassing the Emperor, the Emperor's power and terror still deeply influenced him, leaving a profound mark even on his subconscious.

Thanks to Judith's mental illusion, within it, he had finally bravely drawn his sword against the Emperor and even defeated him in a direct confrontation.

Although all of that was false, Zu An had used it to completely break free from his inner demons.

With various factors combined, Zu An finally broke through the major barrier of the eighth rank.

At the same time, in the Imperial Palace, the meditating Emperor suddenly opened his eyes. He thoughtfully looked towards the horizon, a doubt arising in his mind: why had he just felt an unprovoked sense of trepidation?

It had been so long since he felt such a detestable sensation, ever since his cultivation reached mastery.

He frowned and called the eunuch Wen, who was waiting outside, in. "Little Wen," he commanded, "go investigate if anything significant has happened in the east recently."

Eunuch Wen hesitated, "I wonder how far a radius Your Majesty refers to?"

The scope of "the east" was simply too vast; there was no way to even begin investigating.

The Emperor gave him a cold glance and slowly uttered two words: "Everything!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Eunuch Wen was greatly startled. It had been a long time since he had seen the Emperor so serious. Since that was the case, they would naturally have to investigate, sparing no resources.

Zu An, in the Prince of Wu's residence, did not know that his recent enlightenment had affected the Emperor and even indirectly influenced the fates of many people in the east. But that's a story for another time.

"Ah Zu, have you broken through?" Yun Ruyan was both surprised and delighted. Being intimately close, she most clearly felt the profound transformation in him. Her gaze towards him grew even more admiring; women naturally admire strong individuals.

"Mm," Zu An said, smiling as he embraced her, "Your contribution to this was indispensable."

"What contribution did I make?" Yun Ruyan's pretty face showed a hint of bewilderment.

Zu An leaned in and whispered something into her ear. Yun Ruyan's face instantly flushed bright red. "Oh, you!" she murmured.

Hearing her playful complaint, Zu An felt another surge of heat in his lower abdomen. He embraced her directly from behind, slipping his hands under her armpits, and lifted her small, soft body up and then lowered it again.

Yun Ruyan had never experienced such a "kiss, hug, and lift high" game before. Her heart was practically leaping out of her chest, and her entire body had completely melted into a soft, pliant state.

Feeling her trembling body, Zu An didn't forget the important matter. "Why did Judith say that before she left? That you'd be even less willing for them to be caught by the city guard?"

Before this, Zu An had many reservations, worrying that asking might lead to their relationship never returning to how it was. But after successfully resolving to find his 'Dao' just now, he no longer hesitated as he had before. He now had enough confidence to control the situation with her.

Yun Ruyan's voice subtly carried a hint of a whine. "You just had to torment me like this at such a moment..." she complained. "I knew you wanted to ask for a long time. You really are a naughty scoundrel~"

Just as she was about to continue speaking, the panicked voice of a maid suddenly came from outside: "Your Highness, the Princess is bathing and changing inside. Please wait a moment."

Zu An's heart stirred. The Prince of Wu had actually secretly entered the capital!

It should be known that the Princess of Wu was nominally responsible for presenting the auspicious omen this time. The Prince of Wu, as a vassal king, had a sensitive status and was not allowed to enter the capital under normal circumstances. What did he intend by secretly entering the capital?

At that moment, the Prince of Wu's displeased voice was heard: "Hmph, must this Prince wait to see his own Princess? Move aside."

From outside came the sounds of maids trying every possible way to block the Prince of Wu. As Yun Ruyan's personal maids and also being of demon origin, their loyalty to Yun Ruyan was beyond doubt.

Yun Ruyan was a little flustered. "Ah Zu, quickly hide."

Zu An was somewhat displeased. "Why should I hide?"

"Ah Zu~" Yun Ruyan pleaded, "Don't you want to know what's going on? Later, by listening to my conversation with him, many things will become clear."

Seeing her on the verge of tears, Zu An felt a pang of softness. He huffed, then got up and went behind a nearby screen.

He activated his Mirror Not A Stand technique, and his entire presence completely dissipated. Unless someone saw him face-to-face, it would be difficult to discover him.

Yun Ruyan lightly tapped her toes and leaped out of the water. She spun around like a celestial maiden scattering flowers, and as several runes flashed around her body, a white dress suddenly appeared on her.

Zu An's eyes lit up at the sight. Was this like a magical girl transformation?

This woman was truly a treasure; her entire being was full of mystery and beauty.

Not long after she had dressed, the door was pushed open from the outside.

"Your Highness Prince, Princess..." A group of maids rushed in, looking panicked, clearly feeling guilty for failing to complete their task.

Yun Ruyan waved her hand. "You may withdraw for now."

"Yes!" The maids bowed, hurriedly retreated, and even helped close the door.

Zu An secretly peeked through the gap. A handsome man walked in; who else could it be but the Prince of Wu?

Although he was annoyed, Zu An had to admit the Prince of Wu was indeed a handsome man. Back in Jibei Commandery, when he and Yun Ruyan stood together, they were a perfect match in the eyes of countless people.

The Prince of Wu was not wearing his usual royal robes today. Instead, he wore a well-fitted green garment, probably not wanting to draw too much attention in the capital by being ostentatious. However, this garment suited him very well, making him appear exceptionally handsome.

Just as the Prince of Wu was about to speak, he suddenly noticed water stains splattered everywhere on the floor. His gaze instantly sharpened.