Madam Yaochi's eyes, upon hearing the words of Old Man Chixia, were filled with radiance, her gaze betraying an undeniable brilliance. A gentle smile graced her lips as she spoke softly, "What is it?"
"Liu Zun is injured, and I need to help him repair his meridians. We can host the banquet later."
Yaochi raised her eyebrows and looked. She indeed saw the exceptionally handsome man, a hint of hidden darkness between his brows. She had been too happy earlier and had overlooked it. She nodded, "Alright, I'll lend you a hand."
After speaking, Yaochi descended from her high seat. Her movements were elegant, the rings and pendants on her person jingling with every step, adding infinite charm.
Qingyao had not expected Madam Yaochi to agree to help so easily. Coupled with Old Man Chixia's internal energy, helping Liu Zun recover his internal power was a trivial matter.
The heavy stone that had been pressing on her heart for days was lifted. She quickly stood up and spoke respectfully, "Thank you, Madam, for your assistance."
"Mm."
Madam Yaochi nodded and was already walking out of the main hall, Old Man Chixia following her.
Everyone knew that if it weren't for the Madam's affection for Old Man Chixia, she likely wouldn't have acted so readily. All of this was merely giving face to Old Man Chixia.
In the special secret chamber of Yunjian Valley, Madam Yaochi led the group to the stone chamber's exterior, signaling everyone to guard outside. Only Liu Zun would accompany them inside.
Qingyao and the others nodded and stood guard outside the stone chamber.
The previously arrogant Miss Lian, upon learning of Qingyao's background, suddenly changed her aloof and arrogant demeanor. With a smiling face, she reached out and took Qingyao's hand.
"Sister, so you are the Empress of Xian Yue. I've always heard of legendary figures like you and longed to meet you. I never expected to meet you now."
Qingyao raised her eyes and said nothing more. She didn't hit a smiling face. This Miss Lian was like two different people before and after, her change too rapid for Qingyao to adapt to.
Little Yu'er beside her snorted, glaring at Miss Lian. Wasn't she looking down on them earlier? Now she was acting so affectionate. What a detestable woman.
"Hypocritical."
Miss Lian acted as if she hadn't heard, continuing to hold Qingyao affectionately and chattering incessantly.
"Sister, don't worry. My master and Old Man Chixia have extremely high levels of internal energy cultivation, unparalleled in the world. Therefore, they can definitely help His Majesty recover his internal power."
Qingyao was truly starting to feel overwhelmed by this woman's enthusiasm. So, she was a garrulous woman. Was her previous elegance all an act?
"Mm, thank you for your concern, Miss Lian."
"Sister, my name is Ruan Xiaolian. You can just call me Xiaolian."
It turned out that this Miss Lian's real name was Ruan Xiaolian. She possessed exceptionally high martial arts talent and was therefore deeply favored by Madam Yaochi. Furthermore, she was proud and usually not talkative.
However, upon meeting someone she admired, it was natural for her to be a bit more excited.
Although she was in Yunjian Valley, she had long heard of this remarkable woman in the world who had become a Grand Marshal of a hundred thousand troops. Such a person was like a deity in her eyes. To have her right in front of her now, how could she not be overjoyed?
Qingyao nodded, a faint smile touching her lips, "Sister Xiaolian, you are too kind."
Seeing that Qingyao wasn't particularly cheerful, Xiaolian understood that her thoughts were focused on the Emperor in the secret chamber. Thus, she didn't wish to say more and quieted down, standing with the rest of them outside the stone chamber.
Mochou and Bingxiao found Xiaolian's behavior rather dismissive. Her previous arrogant actions were deeply ingrained in their minds, and they had no good feelings for this girl.
Inside the stone chamber, three people sat on the floor. Liu Zun sat in the middle, Madam Yaochi behind him, and Old Man Chixia opposite him.
Extending their palms to meet his, Madam Yaochi condensed her internal energy. White mist-like true qi rose from her palms and instantly pressed onto his upper back.
One in front and one behind, simultaneously exerting force, the three figures slowly began to rotate. White smoke curled upwards from their heads, growing increasingly dense.
Liu Zun felt a sense of comfort throughout his body, with no more blockages. His true qi even felt more powerful than before, flowing at an extreme speed, circulating repeatedly until his meridians were active and functioning freely.
Old Man Chixia and Madam Yaochi withdrew their hands. They opened their eyes and looked at him, speaking in unison.
"Circulate your internal energy and see if there are any remaining issues?"
As Liu Zun circulated his energy, his true qi was smooth and he wielded it with ease, showing no signs of reversal. A smile immediately appeared on his handsome face, and he spoke respectfully, "Thank you, Madam, for your intervention. Thank you, Master."
"Very well, get up."
Seeing that Liu Zun was out of danger, Old Man Chixia became overjoyed. He leaped up and laughed cheerfully, "You rascal, this misfortune has turned into a blessing! Your internal energy is now a level higher than before."
He said this because he and Madam Yaochi had simultaneously infused a little internal energy into him. Now, his internal energy was almost comparable to theirs. It was extremely difficult for anyone in the world to surpass his internal energy cultivation.
"Thank you, Master, and esteemed elder."
As Liu Zun finished speaking, he reached out to help Madam Yaochi up. The Madam looked at him, smiling with satisfaction, and thought of her beloved disciple, Xiaolian.
Xiaolian had always been proud and rarely had anyone she admired. But today, her gaze seemed to be intentionally falling on Liu Zun a few times. However, Liu Zun seemed to have someone he fancied. This was truly a case of the falling flower having intent, but the flowing water being heartless.
"Mm, let's go out."
Madam Yaochi led the way out of the stone chamber. As the stone door opened, the people waiting outside simultaneously snapped back to attention. They looked at the three emerging figures, with the tall, handsome Emperor at the rear, exuding an overwhelming aura.
That natural kingly demeanor radiated from him. Qingyao and the others glanced at him, their hearts finally at ease. He was finally alright.
"It's good that you're alright."
Liu Zun walked to Qingyao's side, his eyes filled with a gentle glow. He gazed at her deeply. Without her, perhaps he wouldn't have survived this ordeal. He thought of her as truly his destined benefactor, not just a benefactor, but his lover, his closest kin who would never leave his side.
"Let's go."
Liu Zun extended his large hand and took Qingyao's, following closely behind his master.
Prince Nan'an, Liu Zhao, seeing his imperial brother recovered, felt immensely happy. His mind had become much clearer during this time. Perhaps he had once liked the Empress, but from now on, she would forever be buried in his heart.
He only wished for them to love each other for a lifetime.
"Imperial Brother."
Liu Zhao caught up. Liu Zun stopped, released Qingyao, turned around, and embraced Liu Zhao, "Thank you, Imperial Brother."
"Mm, we are family."
Liu Zhao spoke softly. He was no longer as indifferent as he was before. The trials of time had taught him forbearance, understanding, and to view the world with love.
"Father Emperor, and me."
"Mm, let's go," Liu Zun laughed heartily, leading the group forward.
Mochou, Bingxiao, and the others looked at everything before them and all breathed a sigh of relief. It was wonderful that the Emperor had finally recovered. All that remained was to return to the capital and deal with Shangguan Hao. From then on, there would be no more storms.