King Shenwu looked at Ming Zhitian and Fei Jiang. Ming Zhitian and Fei Jiang put away their magical artifacts and knelt down immediately. "Thank you, King Shenwu, for your rescue!"
King Shenwu remained indifferent. "I helped you not because of you, but to defend my majesty."
He added with disdain, "Are you still going to kneel?"
Ming Zhitian said righteously, "A gentleman's word is his bond. Of course, I will kneel."
King Shenwu flicked his sleeve and left. "Do as you please."
Consort Hui merely glanced at them briefly before turning her head and leaving without looking back.
Three days of rain were followed by four days of snow...
Thick layers of snow covered Ming Zhitian and Fei Jiang, turning them into ice sculptures.
To show their sincerity, neither of them used their magical or martial spiritual power to melt the snow. Instead, they endured it with their physical bodies.
On the pavilion...
King Shenwu watched the interesting scene with great interest. "Three consecutive days of rain and four days of snow will affect the souls of those who are destined to reach the Divine King realm. These two lads..."
Consort Hui smiled charmingly. "Does the King care? Regret it?"
King Shenwu sneered. "Nonsense."
Consort Hui said, "Shall I have them brought back?"
King Shenwu waved his hand slightly. "No. This is a trial for them. If they were to return now, all efforts would be in vain. Only by surviving in adversity can they awaken their inner potential and reach a higher level. You two must hold on."
Consort Hui covered her mouth and chuckled. "The King's intentions are truly profound."
...kuAiδugg
After three days of rain and four days of snow, Fei Jiang intended to use his magic to melt the ice and snow covering his body. However, seeing that Ming Zhitian did not, he reluctantly endured it as well.
Suddenly, an oiled paper umbrella adorned with camellias appeared, shielding them. It was Consort Hui!
Ming Zhitian felt a warmth. He spoke, his icy lips cracking. "What is the meaning of this, Madam?"
Consort Hui offered the umbrella. "I couldn't bear to watch. Don't freeze yourself. Here."
Ming Zhitian's intention was not for the umbrella. He had been observing Consort Hui, trying to discern any clue from her, even the slightest hint.
She looked identical to the Star Empress, but her speech, behavior, and personality were entirely different. He did not accept the umbrella and asked, "Did King Shenwu send you?"
Consort Hui looked puzzled. "Why do you ask? No."
Ming Zhitian suddenly attacked her! His fist broke through the ice and snow, blasting outwards!
Consort Hui was startled and retreated quickly, condensing a ball of wind and snow magic to hurl at Ming Zhitian! It collided with his attack!
"As I suspected." This confirmed Ming Zhitian's thoughts.
Consort Hui, however, felt Ming Zhitian's actions were extremely rude. "What do you mean?"
Ming Zhitian did not answer. He retorted, "Are you a mechanical puppet?"
Fei Jiang also looked at her with confusion. Consort Hui nodded. "Yes."
Ming Zhitian said, "My apologies. Thank you for your kindness. You may leave."
Consort Hui felt she had been overly sentimental and her actions were pointless. It seemed her good intentions were not appreciated. She placed the umbrella down and stepped lightly on the snow, departing.
Seeing Ming Zhitian lower his head in silence, Fei Jiang asked, "Marshal Ming, what is wrong? Is there something unique about Consort Hui?"
Ming Zhitian told him about the Star Empress and how Consort Hui looked exactly like her. Fei Jiang exclaimed, "Does someone truly look exactly alike in this world?"
Ming Zhitian shook his head. "That is why I concluded she is a replicated mechanical puppet, and she admitted it herself just now. However... I wonder why King Shenwu would do such a thing. Could he also harbor feelings for the Star Empress?"