A vicious female is trapped in a beastly hell.

Chapter 371 Past Events Like Smoke (Bonus Chapter for Donations)

Shen Tang thought to herself: That's right, the last time we met, he was just an egg. The next time we met, his son was already married!
The King of the Azure Sky looked at Lu Xiao before him, his gaze drifting into the distance as if lost in memories. "To be honest, I can't remember your father's old face anymore. But seeing you, those old memories suddenly come back to life."

She walked to the table, poured herself a glass of wine, and shook her head with a smile. "I remember the first time I met your father, he was being chased and fell off a cliff, covered in blood. I found him while leading a patrol and thought he was just some unfortunate civilian in distress."

"I didn't expect that after taking him home and washing him, he would turn out to be such a handsome and innocent young man. He blushes after just a few teasing words. He's so funny."

She took a sip of her drink, a nostalgic look on her face. "Back then I was young and had never seen anyone like him before. I was inexplicably attracted to him, and that's how you came to be."

At this point, King Cangqiong suddenly slammed his fist on the table in a huff, “I originally wanted to keep him by my side, but this stubborn guy insisted on going back to serve his country! When I investigated, I found out that he was the only son left in the Lu family, and the clan had even arranged a marriage for him. I was so angry that I kicked him out.”

But then her expression softened, and she looked rather helpless. “But on the day he left, he hugged my leg and cried his eyes out.” The King of the Sky spread his hands helplessly. “When I saw him crying so miserably, my heart softened and I handed you over to him.”

She carefully examined Lu Xiao and nodded in satisfaction. "Your temperament is somewhat like his, but your appearance is more like mine. Look at these eyes and this nose, you're definitely my biological son!"

The Azure Sky King patted his shoulder and nodded in satisfaction. "You're handsome and have a good physique. You've broken through to the ninth level at such a young age. Your father has raised you well. Although your mother has three other children besides you, I think you're even more outstanding than them!"

Lu Xiao humbly replied, "Thank you for the praise, Mother. My younger brothers have grown up by your side and served you since childhood, which is something I cannot match."

"Tsk, you're such a young man, how come you're so old-fashioned!"

The Azure Sky King chuckled and shook his head. He actually liked his honest and serious appearance, and it was so much fun to tease him. "No matter what, you have the blood of my Golden Feather Roc clan in your veins. I wanted to take you in and raise you a long time ago, but your father refused to let you go, afraid that I would take you away."

“That old guy dared to come looking for me a few months ago, but I couldn’t even be bothered to see him. I had someone kick him out!”

Lu Xiao coughed lightly, quickly interrupting her rambling, "Mother, we've come here this time with a very important matter to ask of you."

"I knew it. You came here with such a large group of people; you definitely didn't come alone to see me." King Cangqiong wasn't surprised and said frankly, "Speak, what brings you here that you need my help with, Mother?"

Lu Xiao glanced at Shen Tang, then turned to look at the King of the Azure Sky and said in a low voice, "Let my mistress, the King of the Night Glow Empire, discuss this matter with my mother personally."

The King of the Azure Sky's gaze finally fell on Shen Tang, his smile fading slightly, his expression nonchalant. "Oh, then please, this foreign monarch, tell us in detail."

Shen Tang's heart sank slightly; this King of the Azure Sky clearly didn't take her seriously.

That makes sense. Although she is the ruler of the Night Glow Empire, the Night Glow Empire and the Cloud Peak Empire are like cat and mouse.

Moreover, the Nightfall Empire is currently embroiled in war and struggling to survive, making it even less of a threat to the Cloudtop Empire.

She's only able to stand in the palace today because of Lu Xiao.

Otherwise, she wouldn't even be able to enter the palace gates, and would most likely be taken hostage and arrested.

The Azure Sky King's attitude was clear: she shouldn't try to get close to him using familial ties. Shen Tang bowed respectfully, "I have long admired the Azure Sky King's reputation and am honored to pay you a visit today. To be honest, the Night Glow Empire is currently beset by internal and external troubles, and we hope to borrow an army to help us overcome our difficulties. We will be very grateful afterward."

King Cangqiong chuckled, "Sending troops to help is not difficult, but we'll waive the reward."

She suddenly turned to Lu Xiao, her tone loving yet domineering, "If you stay, I will immediately send troops!"

“Absolutely not!” Shen Tang blurted out.

"Insolence!" King Cangqiong's expression changed drastically, and the aura of a tenth-tier orc instantly erupted. "This is my territory, and it is not your place to interfere!"

Lu Xiao immediately shielded Shen Tang behind him, his handsome face darkening as he coldly said, "Mother, this is my mistress, please do not make things difficult for her!"

The Azure Sky King's expression darkened further, not expecting her son to oppose her for the sake of outsiders. She coldly snorted and withdrew her oppressive aura. "When asking for help, one should have the proper attitude. You are struggling to survive yourselves; what decent bargaining chips do you have to offer? I just want my son to spend more time with his mother—is that so unreasonable?"

Lu Xiao: "If I say I won't stay, will Mother treat me the same way?"

"You!" King Cangqiong glared angrily. "We finally meet, do you have to provoke me like your father did back then?"

Shen Tang snapped out of her shock, took Lu Xiao's hand, and stepped forward. "I understand your desire to reunite with your child, but Lu Xiao is also my partner. Forcing him to stay will only separate us. If you truly love him, you should respect his choice."

"Heh, you've got a sharp tongue." King Cangqiong finally gave Shen Tang a proper look. "Alright, let's not talk about personal matters, let's just talk about state affairs."

She sat down in a chair with an air of superiority. "If you want us to send troops, what bargaining chips do you have? I've heard your inhibitors and food supplies are quite good, but I'm afraid you don't have much to offer right now."

Shen Tang remained composed and respectful, saying, "We are indeed unable to provide sufficient supplies immediately, but we will certainly deliver on our promise later. With the strength of the Cloud Peak Empire, a little waiting time shouldn't be a problem. If your country needs our assistance in the future, we will definitely do our utmost to help."

"That sounds nice," King Cangqiong sneered. "What good would it do us to form an alliance with you? The promises you can make are nothing compared to what we have to give. A smart person doesn't do anything that doesn't benefit them; I don't need to explain that to you."

Her sharp gaze met Shen Tang's directly. "I like to associate with capable people. Since we can't reach an agreement on national affairs, let me see if you're qualified to ask me to make an exception and help you."

Seeing Shen Tang's puzzled expression, the Azure Sky King continued, "There is a Thundercloud Jellyfish outside the city that has already repelled two of my armies. If you can kill it alone, I will agree to send troops to support you. What do you think of this proposal?"

Shen Tang paused slightly, recalling the thundercloud jellyfish they encountered when they entered the country. It was incredibly powerful, and if judged by the level of the polluted species she had encountered, only the terrifying experimental subject she had met in the polluted area could compare to it.

This contaminated species has most likely reached the terrifying level of the tenth rank!

The Azure Sky King's "well-intentioned suggestion" was a blatant show of force!

Thank you to "馨蝶筱梦" for becoming Shushu's "True Love!", and for the bonus chapter!
good night~