A Royal Summons and a Sudden Shift

Realizing she had, in fact, been pouting like a child, Bai Qiao’s cheeks flushed a deep crimson. To Bai Chen, however, this sight held a distinct charm. He never imagined this usually strong-willed and somewhat haughty lass could be so endearing, so shy—and all because of him, no less. Considering his own temperament, he mused, ‘She must find this quite difficult.’ Yet, Bai Chen felt no sympathy whatsoever. Instead, he leaned closer to Bai Qiao’s ear and teased,

“This king was unaware that Qiao possessed such alluring charm…”

Hearing Bai Chen’s words, Bai Qiao’s face turned a mottled red and white. Her already mortified expression now felt utterly beyond embarrassment. Immediately, she tugged on Bai Chen’s arm. After all, she was here as King Bai’s Consort. Using a corner of Bai Chen’s somewhat voluminous robe, she shielded her burning face and pulled him further inside.

Watching Bai Qiao’s profound embarrassment, Bai Chen almost chuckled. However, maintaining a hint of his usual arrogance, he addressed King Qing, who stood across from them, dumbfounded by their ‘flirtatious squabble’:

“Since that is the case, King Qing, we shall take our leave first…”

“Mm…”

Taking a deep breath, King Qing regained his usual composure, responding with a faint hum. Yet, the hand hidden deep within his sleeve was already clenched tightly, his long fingers turning white at the knuckles from the excessive force. ‘Still, let them enjoy their happiness for a few more days…’ A knowing, subtle smile curved King Qing’s lips.

****

“Hey!”

Bai Qiao tugged on Bai Chen’s sleeve, calling out softly. She had been kneeling at the foot of the steps for half an hour now, and her legs, unaccustomed to such a posture, had long since gone numb. Yet, after all this time, she still hadn’t caught a glimpse of this so-called Emperor…

Never having endured such indignity, Bai Qiao was about to rise in a fit of pique. ‘What is this nonsense?! Don’t they know all beings are equal?’

Unexpectedly, just as she prepared to stand, Bai Chen seized her, firmly pressing her back down. She was about to reprimand him when she was startled by his stern gaze, forcing her to shrink her neck and remain obediently kneeling.

“Tap, tap…”

Heels clicked across the opulent, iridescent golden glass. This was what puzzled Bai Qiao most: despite technology and materials rivaling, if not surpassing, the modern era, why were people’s ideologies so backward? ‘Ugh, it’s unbearable…’

When everyone finally rose, Bai Qiao at last had the chance to look upon this so-called Emperor. Yet, even from a distance, the blurred outline of his form made her tremble. An imperial pressure emanated from his entire being, instilling an involuntary urge to prostrate oneself. Even though Bai Chen’s aura was already formidable, the Emperor’s presence was utterly distinct from his. ‘This… this is a true Emperor indeed…’

“Hm?”

Noticing her sleeve being fiercely tugged, Bai Qiao turned her head in confusion to glance over… She looked at Bai Chen, who was now practically seething with anger. Suddenly, the nascent sense of reverence she’d just felt vanished completely. Her face flushed faintly, then she quickly suppressed it, turning her head away.

“My Kings, I presume you are all aware of the matter at hand. I won’t belabor it. This is merely a whim of mine; it has been quite some time since I last saw you all, or witnessed your prowess. There’s no need to be overly serious.”

“…”

Bai Chen quickly pulled Bai Qiao away. ‘What a joke, merely a whim? The Emperor is hardly an incompetent man. Even if he were, he wouldn’t go to such lengths. A whim? To issue an urgent summons for all kings to gather here? For a martial competition? Bai Chen didn’t believe the Emperor would do such a thing, especially without informing everyone of the true purpose. ‘Indeed, it’s better to proceed with caution…’

****

“Hey!”

The moment they entered the room, Bai Qiao angrily shook off Bai Chen’s hand.

“What are you doing?! That was utterly inexplicable…”

Bai Chen looked at Bai Qiao with a helpless expression. He truly wondered what world she lived in, to be so oblivious to such matters. She seemed entirely unaware of the dangers they navigated, utterly blind to others’ schemes. While she possessed knowledge of many strategies and had a good grasp of situations, acting like this here would surely lead to trouble…

‘Forget it,’ Bai Chen decided, not wanting to speak. He simply leaned in, capturing Bai Qiao’s lips, slowly caressing them. Bai Qiao hadn’t expected Bai Chen to make another move. Immediately, her heart clenched with frustration, and she bit back fiercely.

“Ugh!”

Bai Chen’s body jolted, and he quickly stumbled back a few steps, wiping away the blood that welled from his lips. A dark frown instantly marred his face.

“You, you, you… you actually…! Qiao? Qiao! What’s wrong with you?”

Just as he looked up, intending to scold her, Bai Chen suddenly saw Bai Qiao slump against the corner, slowly sliding down the wall to the floor. She clutched her chest tightly, beads of cold sweat trickling incessantly down her face. Her lips had already turned ashen, and the corner of her mouth, where she bit down fiercely, was now stained with blood.

Bai Chen rushed forward, supporting Bai Qiao’s body, which trembled like a fallen leaf.

“Ugh…”

‘What is this feeling? My chest hurts so much, it’s so hot… so uncomfortable…’ Her mind was a blank. ‘What… what exactly is happening…?’

“Uh…”

!!! Bai Qiao instantly froze, stopping all movement. That familiar voice, it was unmistakably…! Bai Qiao quickly scanned her own body. Her clothes felt tightly bound, yet her chest area had become remarkably flat. This… After a moment of bewilderment, her emotions surged with pure delight.

‘Huh? Ah!’ His chin was still lifted as before. Bai Chen’s expression… was complicated as he stared at the face that was identical to his own.

“Hey! Let go! And… get me some clothes!”

‘He changed back into a man, yet he still dares to flirt with me? Hmph! While I don’t know why I transformed back, or if I’ll change again, seeing Bai Chen’s utterly dumbfounded expression right now is truly amusing…’