?


    After a few days, could Qing truly stand by the side of the City Lord?


    Was he genuinely implying that he would keep her by his side?


    Qing was ovee with astonishment and tion.


    She had never dared to imagine that one day she would achieve such a result.


    Could her long-held dream finally be a reality?


    As she pondered these thoughts…


    Initially, she had been dispatched to the temple, with people urging her to focus on her practice and distance herself from the outside world.


    But…


    Before the City Lord''s departure, she received news that prompted her to venture into Snow Territory—a decision she had never anticipated making.


    And everything seemed to unfold seamlessly, as if meticulously orchestrated.


    Now, here she stood…


    And for the first time, the City Lordid eyes upon her. Instead of pushing her away or expressing surprise, he simply cautioned her not to be discovered, emphasizing that she would be solely responsible for any consequences.


    This indicated that the City Lord had foreseen her presence.


    Throughout her years of serving Elder Miss, Qing had absorbed many valuable lessons. She had been taught to observe and glean insights from the minutiae of life.


    Enthralled by her admiration, she had initially overlooked these details. However, upon careful reflection, she began to piece everything together.


    It became evident…


    The City Lord had intended to bring her along all along.


    And the City Lord had asked if she liked him, even making a promise of a future where she could openly be by his side.


    Could it be that the City Lord had feelings for her as well?


    Did he truly desire her presence by his side?


    Why?


    Had she caught the attention of the City Lord before?


    Qing couldn''t help but feel overwhelmed by confusion.


    Ouyang Mingjing didn''t appreciate Qing''s reaction. She had started to resemble Phoenix Girl in her behavior.


    He turned away from Qing, no longer meeting her gaze, and spoke quietly, "Return to where you belong and heed my orders. Never act recklessly like this again."


    With those words, he shifted his focus to a different direction and departed.


    Just as Ouyang Mingjing left, Longqing approached, addressing him as the City Lord. "City Lord, have you truly developed feelings for that maid? I assumed you simply wanted her to apany us. In that case, what about Elder Men…"


    Before Longqing could finish his sentence, Ouyang Mingjing shot him a piercing re. "Am I the City Lord, or are you? Are you also the Elder Men?"


    "No, my apologies," Longqing promptly replied, halting his words.


    Ouyang Mingjing cast a quick nce at him before continuing on his way.


    Observing the City Lord''s retreating figure, Longqing grew even more concerned.


    The City Lord had been in power since his youth, while Longqing and the other Elder Men were older than him. Throughout the years, it had been Longqing''s duty to offer reminders to the City Lord.


    The City Lord had always been steadfast and avoided making mistakes.


    However, this time…


    The City Lord was acting recklessly.


    Longqing trusted the City Lord, but the influence of the Acacia beans concerned him. He worried that the City Lord might lose control due to the effects of the beans and make a grave error, jeopardizing their ns—a mistake that would bring immense regret.


    Phoenix Girl had arrived in Snow Territory, and everything hinged on the remaining details. They couldn''t afford any missteps at this point.


    As for the King from the Saint Divine Land, his fate remained uncertain. He must be deeply entangled in their scheme.


    Soon, the City Lord would realize his dream.


    Longqing let out a sigh…


    His worries were genuine.


    —


    The following day…


    As the dawn broke, they made preparations to depart.