Chapter 46: Threats!

Jiang HuanYu's expression flickered with slight embarrassment as he laughed, swiftly recovering. "Xinrou, my dear, you're speaking nonsense. Your grace, your gentleness, everything about you is lovable. The Heavenly Wisdom Physique is merely icing on the cake."

He spoke smoothly, pulling both women into his arms, seating them on his lap.

"Haha, Your Majesty's sweet words are music to my ears," Qian Xinrou giggled, her playful demeanor shining through.

"Flatterer," Xiao Qingli muttered coldly, shooting him a sideways glance.

Jiang HuanYu smiled, knowing both women understood their respective roles and how to balance each other. Their intelligence made him feel at ease.

After a moment, Jiang HuanYu turned serious. "Alright, let's talk business. My beloved, how can Xinrou awaken her Heavenly Wisdom Physique?"

Both women sobered. Qian Xinrou listened intently, awakening the physique wasn't just important for her but also vital to the Jiang Dynasty's future strength.

"It requires three items," Xiao Qingli explained. "True Dragon Essence Blood, the Hundred-Luo Dao Fruit, and Celestial Void Spirit Liquid. These three must be refined into a Heavenly Wisdom Pill. Once consumed, the physique will awaken."

Her tone turned grave. "However, these items are unlikely to be found in the Northern Region. You'll have to search in the Sea Region."

Jiang HuanYu frowned slightly. The names of these items alone hinted at their rarity.

The Hundred-Luo Dao Fruit and Celestial Void Spirit Liquid were rare and precious treasures of the heavens and earth, capable of unlocking hidden potential and unblocking meridians. Either one would tempt even a Saint.

But the True Dragon Essence Blood was even rarer. True Dragons, legendary creatures, were born at least at the Heavenly Realm, and their blood was priceless.

Jiang HuanYu's expression steadied. "No problem. The Sea Region will be on my agenda sooner or later. Xinrou, give me some time, and I'll get what's needed to awaken your Heavenly Wisdom Physique."

He planted a kiss on her forehead, eliciting a grateful and bashful smile.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," she whispered.

Xiao Qingli stood, her demeanor as cool as ever. "I'll be in seclusion for the next few days to break through. Don't disturb me."

Jiang HuanYu smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, beloved. I'll ensure you're not disturbed."

She gave a small nod but noticed the flicker of desire in his eyes as he looked at Qian Xinrou. She didn't comment, leaving the room quietly.

As the door closed, Qian Xinrou tilted her head, her voice soft and teasing. "Your Majesty, did I see a hint of reluctance in Sister Qingli's gaze?"

Jiang HuanYu chuckled. "Oh, let her wait a bit longer. These days, I'll focus on taming you completely."

He leaned in, closing the distance.

"Your Majesty, it's only been a few days since last time," Qian Xinrou protested, her hands pressing lightly against his chest. "Didn't I already surrender then? I'm thoroughly yours."

Jiang HuanYu smirked. "That was then. This time, I won't give you a chance to plead for mercy."

Before she could respond, he silenced her with a kiss, lifting her effortlessly and carrying her to the bed.

(Scene omitted…)

Meanwhile…

While Jiang HuanYu and Qian Xinrou explored their "discussions," Tie Poyun and Jiang King were hard at work expanding the empire's influence.

With the empire's newfound resources, its growing prestige from destroying Blood Shadow Tower, and Jiang HuanYu's commanding reputation, Tie Poyun had successfully recruited over 500,000 soldiers within days. The goal of one million was within reach.

Simultaneously, Jiang King led campaigns to subjugate neighboring factions.

In just a few days, they had:

Conquered ten first-tier forces, with seven submitting and three annihilated.

Secured the allegiance of two top-tier factions comparable to Blood shadow Tower.

Their leaders were placed under temporary control via special elixirs, ensuring loyalty until they could prove their trustworthiness.

With these swift expansions, the Jiang Dynasty's territory now covered one-fifth of the Northern Domain, a range greater than even the Ten Thousand Beasts Forest and the Harmony Sect.

However, this rapid rise did not go unnoticed.

The major hegemonic powers Tempest Sect, Ten Thousand Beasts Forest, and Harmony Sect began to see the Jiang Dynasty as a looming threat.

Although they refrained from immediate action, envoys had already been dispatched to the empire for various purposes.

Disguised with a veil, Harmony Sect's saintess, Han Wanxiang, walked alongside two elder protectors.

Their destination was clear: the imperial palace.

One of the elders spoke cautiously. "Saintess, the Northern Region is in turmoil, and it's all because of the Jiang Dynasty."

"Indeed," the other added. "The stories we've heard along the way about Jiang HuanYu's ambition are startling. For the empire to expand so quickly… it's almost unbelievable."

Han Wanxiang's eyes gleamed behind the veil, her lips curving into a faint smile. "Such ambition… I'm eager to meet him myself."