The Mirror of Startling Beauty: Her courtiers are everywhere

On the Nine Continents, the Nine Emperors held their grand alliance.

The event was held in Baiyujing, Beichen Empire, in the central Purple Extreme Heaven Continent.

All nations came to pay tribute, and all countries bore witness to this.

Today, all nine gates of Baiyujing are open.

Nine imperial roads meander from different directions to the Huangji Altar, like nine giant dragons prostrating themselves in pilgrimage, with frost-white light flowing in the morning mist.

The imperial carriages of the nine kingdoms arrived one after another.

"The Nine Extremes Alliance, a once-in-a-century event, has been witnessed by us."

In the crowd, an old man stroked his beard and sighed, his eyes following the magnificent carriage with awe.

"Look, the ceremonial guard of the Moon-Weaving Sea Kingdom—"

The other person pointed into the distance, a look of amazement in their eyes.

The crystal carriage shimmered with countless lights under the sunlight, and the azure canopy rose and fell like waves, as if it were a vast ocean.

The honor guard, dressed in silver-white and ice-blue armor, marched in perfect unison, exuding an air of solemnity.

"The ancient kingdom of Liange has always been mysterious. Legend has it that they are located in the sea of ​​sand and are difficult to find. But this time they have actually appeared."

Someone lowered their voice, their tone filled with disbelief.

"I've heard that an empress herself will be present, a once-in-a-millennium event."

Following the sound, everyone looked and saw the imperial carriage of the ancient Lotus Song Kingdom, like a blooming red lotus, slowly approaching.

Maids in light gauze dresses surrounded her, each holding a lotus bud with rouge on it.

Behind the gauze curtain, a slender figure could be vaguely seen, sitting gracefully, surrounded by a faint aura of ethereal beauty.

"Look at the imperial chariot of the otherworldly divine kingdom—"

Suddenly someone exclaimed.

Everyone's eyes turned to the other side.

A royal carriage, supported by golden lotuses, slowly approached, its petals unfolding layer by layer, each petal shimmering with a faint golden light.

The young holy monk sat upright on it, his eyes and brows as compassionate as a Buddha's, and his body was surrounded by a faint sandalwood fragrance.

The fragrance was not strong, just a faint scent, yet it calmed the mind and spirit of those who smelled it.

"That place is a Buddhist kingdom, and the holy monk is the supreme being."

"It is said that there is a holy son in the Moon Brahma Holy Dynasty who comes from the Buddhist Kingdom in the upper realm."

Someone leaned closer and whispered, their voice extremely low, carrying a hint of mystery.

"The holy child sent by Buddha's light, whose origins are a mystery, holds a position in the divine kingdom of the other shore that is almost on par with that of the holy monk."

"The imperial carriage of the Thousand Machine Mystic Kingdom is truly imposing!"

Another gasp of surprise arose.

The imperial chariot was entirely forged using mechanical engineering, its gears clanging as they turned, moving slowly like a colossal steel beast.

The Heavenly Craft City patterns on the carriage were lifelike, with every detail meticulously crafted, as if the entire Holy City of Weapon Forging had been moved onto the carriage.

"Their Heavenly Crafting City is home to the world's most outstanding weapon-refining masters!"

Someone counted on their fingers, their voice full of boasting.

"Which nine nations are participating in this Nine Extremes Alliance?"

"We, Beichen, are the First Empire, and naturally, we are among them, as well as the hosts."

Some citizens of Beichen stood proudly with their chests puffed out, their words brimming with pride.

"Next up are the Canglan Empire, the Liange Ancient Kingdom, the Other Shore Divine Kingdom, and the Yunchuan Empire."

"There are also the Dream Flower Empire, the Thousand Machine Mystery Kingdom, the Star Ze Empire, and the Weaving Moon Sea Kingdom."

Someone in the crowd sighed softly, a sigh that carried a hint of melancholy and a touch of clarity.

"The nine continents are vast, separated by mountains, seas, and waterways, and countless small countries are not even qualified to step onto this chessboard. Only the most powerful empires on each continent can make their moves here."

As soon as the words were spoken, everyone looked toward the majestic Huangji Hall at Shanheque.

Nine kingdoms gathered, and imperial stars converged.

A single word can determine the fate of the world; a single stroke can define the universe.

"Your Majesty, proceed according to plan. This time, we will surely lure Sang Tingke into our trap."

The strategist Yan Ci, dressed in a black-patterned white robe, rushed back to Baiyujing day and night after finishing his affairs in the northern frontier, without even having time to say goodbye to Feng Yi.

At this moment, he stood beside Emperor Shengchen, his expression as deep and unfathomable, with a sharp glint in his eyes.

Tang Xiye responded faintly.

Today he wore a white imperial robe with gold patterns, which was quite different from the black robe he usually wore.

That white was no ordinary white; it was the color of the first snow, the color of moonlight, and the purity he guarded for her.

Yan Ci knew that His Majesty was dressing Princess Jing in plain clothes.

If the occasion weren't so formal today, there probably wouldn't even be any gold patterns on that white robe.

Following the emperor's carriage was the accompanying team of imperial physicians.

Liu Fengchun, dressed in a green robe, followed behind Liu Yuanzheng with an almost lifeless expression, his handsome face utterly dejected.

"What kind of luck is this?"

He gazed at the majestic mountain and river palace in front of him, and then saw the figure that made his scalp tingle not far away—the Prince of Beichen was there.

"If I had known, I would have stayed in the northern frontier..."

What kind of good place could this be?

He thought of his younger sister, Liu Ruxu, who at least was still alive.

Being punished according to military regulations is better than losing your life.

General Feng survived, and my sister's life was finally saved.

When she gets back, she will definitely go to the ancestral hall to kneel as punishment and recite the Liu family's ancestral precepts.

Do you know what it means to not see what you shouldn't see and not say what you shouldn't say?

He breathed a sigh of relief.

Then it was brought up again.

There was only one thought in my mind.

"Please, please, please don't let anything go wrong on this occasion."

"Nine emperors. If anything happens to any of them, we imperial physicians will be in deep trouble."

He silently lowered his eyes, wishing he could shrink himself into the crowd, into the dust, into a corner where no one could see him.

Yan Ci raised his eyes and glanced at Liu Fengchun. His gaze was indifferent, yet it sent a chill down Yan Ci's spine.

"Fengchun, come with me. Today, His Majesty's health is entrusted to your care."

I feel more at ease using my own military doctor, especially since there are so many people in the Liu family.

Only a military doctor with a family to support knows how to act appropriately.

Liu Fengchun smiled and obediently replied, "Yes."

The string in my heart snapped.

The weight of my heart was lifted so fast it seemed to shatter through the eighteenth level of hell, without even a sound.

"I am truly grateful for your kindness, strategist."

Thanks.

"I truly thank the Yan family ancestors for eighteen generations!"

Inside the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the nine imperial thrones are located in nine pavilions, arranged like stars surrounding the heavens.

Before the table were displayed imperial seals from various countries.

Chenyao Ziwei Jade, Bibo Canghai Jade, Beichuan Bingpo Jade.

Red Lotus Fire Pattern Jade, Moonlit Cold Water Jade, Dreamy Rainbow Jade.

Tianxuan black star jade, Xingyuan chensha jade, Xilei blue jade.

In an instant, nine beams of light shot into the sky.

They converge and form a ring deep in the clouds.

The halo slowly rotated, enveloping the entire Imperial Palace.

The Nine-Pole Crown of Light is complete.

"Nine emperors ascended to the throne, Heaven and Earth bear witness—"

A clear, melodious voice resounded through the heavens.

He Lichen, the master of the Sacred Mountain Palace, sat in the seat of the chief administrator above, not among the emperor's seats.

He wore a moon-white robe, resembling a plum blossom in the snow, exuding an aloof and elegant air.

Her wide sleeves flowed like clouds, and her whole body was enveloped in the radiant crown of the nine heavens, giving her an otherworldly and ethereal quality, like a banished immortal descended from the heavens.

"The Nine Extremes Alliance, commences—"

Nine emperors gathered at the pinnacle of power.

The curtains of the nine pavilions fluttered gently, obscuring the face of the emperor on his throne.

The gauze curtains rippled like water, shrouding the monarchs who could turn their hands to make clouds or rain in a hazy mist.

Only those imperial seals stood out clearly and conspicuously, indicating who was seated at the table.

Beichen is the first empire in the Nine Provinces, the host country, and occupies the central position.

The remaining eight countries were positioned on either side.

The Nine Realms Alliance convened, and nations vied for power.

Clauses concerning the distribution of interests require the personal signature and seal of the monarchs of each country.

Today's game will determine the course of history for a century.

He Lichen lowered his eyes, his gaze sweeping over the nine imperial seals and the nine hanging gauze curtains.

His gaze was indifferent, as if he were conducting a routine inspection, but when it swept over the seats of the Weaving Moon Sea Kingdom, it lingered for a moment longer without leaving a trace.

That moment was so brief, so brief that no one knew it.

But in that instant, there was the gentleness of an entire sea.

Behind the curtain, Tang Xixue sat upright in an ice-blue imperial robe, as if formed from frost and snow, or a pearl lost in the deep sea.

The blue was extremely pale, as pale as the sea mist at dawn, yet extremely clear, as clear as moonlight falling on the water.

She sat there, enveloped in a soft glow. Despite it being her first time appearing in such a setting, she showed no sign of unease, only an innate composure.

Beside him, Xingyu Haihuang accompanied him.

She was not yet familiar with the political affairs of the Zhiyue Sea Kingdom, so today's decision-making and discussions were handled by her older brother.

Through the gauze curtain, Tang Xixue gazed at the Northern Star Emperor's throne in the center.

The white robe with gold patterns gave Tangxi Night an air of frost and snow, making her appear even more noble and refined.

Yet, between his brows and eyes lay an extreme sense of oppression, as if gathering countless storms, ready to destroy the world at any moment.

She gazed at that figure, her eyes sparkling like a galaxy.

"Little Pearl, is that your imperial brother? I only caught a glimpse of him from afar during the sacrificial ceremony."

Xingyu lowered his voice and leaned close to her ear.

"Um."

Tang Xixue nodded and replied softly.

"Isn't it beautiful?"

Xingyu examined it closely for a moment.

The figure sat upright in the center of the imperial throne, his face as if sculpted by an axe and a sword, with sword-like eyebrows reaching his temples and a high, straight nose like a precipitous peak, exuding the unique majesty of an emperor.

He was just sitting quietly, yet it seemed as if all the light in the entire Imperial Palace was focused on him.

Xingyu gave it a perfect score.

"His beauty is unparalleled, and his dignified bearing is innate."

He paused, then suddenly leaned closer and chuckled softly:

"This is really great! Little Pearl, win him over and take him home to marry him."

Tang Xixue nearly choked on her tea while holding the teacup.

She coughed lightly, hurriedly steadying the teacup in her hand. The tea swayed gently in the cup, almost spilling out.

"Ahem... I'd like to..."

Her voice lowered even further, carrying a hint of helpless laughter and an undisguised longing.

"He won't let me bring it..."

She glanced at that figure again through the gauze curtain.

That golden kite is noble and unparalleled in the world.

Who wouldn't want to have it all to themselves?

Many people want to pick it, but the only one that can actually be picked... is probably the one in your dream.

Xingyu looked at her like this, and a smile appeared in his eyes.

He lowered his voice and leaned close to her ear.

"Little Pearl wants him? Brother will tie him up and take him back for you."

His voice was light and airy, yet every word was clear.

"Tie him up with dragon tendons, stuff him into the dragon carriage, and take him back to the Sea Kingdom. If he refuses, I'll have the Moon Guards take turns guarding him and see how many times he can escape."

The tone was casual, as if he weren't talking about kidnapping an emperor of an empire, but rather picking a flower in the back garden—something that was perfectly easy.

Tang Xixue turned her head and glared at the older brother in front of her.

Those peach blossom eyes were filled with disbelief.

"Little star, so this is what you're like, little star?"

She was right, he really wasn't a good person!

Coincidentally, she likes bad things.

This plan—sounds really good!

She opened her mouth, but couldn't utter a word.

But involuntarily, images of her imperial brother, who belonged only to her, surfaced in her mind.

As she thought about it, the corners of her lips quietly curved upwards.

"I...I need to calm down...I can't get too excited..."

She held her forehead, trying to calm herself down.

"That's my elder brother, the Emperor..."

She murmured softly, as if talking to herself.

We mustn't act impulsively and actually kidnap our elder brother.

This is absolutely insane.

But once that thought pops into your head, you can't suppress it no matter what.

The gaze from behind the curtain was perhaps a little too intense.

Emperor Tang Xi sat upright in the center of the imperial throne, surrounded by the unique majesty of an emperor.

But in the next instant, his cold gaze swept across the hanging gauze curtain like a blade tempered with ice.

Not angry.

Yet, in that single glance, there was frost and snow, and also stars; there was the sharpness of an emperor, and also his unique, captivating, aloofness.

Tang Xixue felt her heart skip a beat.

That gaze was too much.

That's so cool!

It was clearly a warning, an expression of the emperor's displeasure, but in her eyes, it was like a flame that ignited the restless thoughts in her heart.

"Father is right, forced love is never sweet, but it does quench thirst."