"I will strive to become stronger, and one day, I will stand by her side openly and honorably!"
The Empress was stunned.
She gazed at those passionate eyes, her expression filled with confusion.
Of high status, likes beautiful clothes, feels lonely and solitary, secretly aiding him in many ways... Isn’t that describing me?
She snapped back to reality, her oval face blushing, ears bright red and burning, hurriedly pinching the incense to cease it.
To disperse the scent quickly, she waved her sleeves, fanning the air.
Originally intending to use the Heart-Seeking Incense to make Chen Mo admit his sordid thoughts and nip his wayward ideas in the bud.
Unexpectedly, this little thief actually confessed to her?!
And in such an overly sentimental way!
"Resistant to sneers, disregarding life, yet wanting to be with me... It’s outright rebellious and utterly absurd!"
"I knew he harbored ill intentions!"
The Empress clenched her fingers tightly around her phoenix robe, feeling both ashamed and angry, mixed with an indescribable strange feeling within.
As the scent faded, Chen Mo’s emotions stabilized.
Remembering what he just said, his toes nearly curled up in embarrassment.
The Heart-Seeking Incense was truly peculiar, making one speak their heart while conscious... Fortunately, the Empress didn’t ask who that person was, else the consequences would be unimaginable!
In the tent, the atmosphere was deathly silent, you could hear a pin drop.
Both had their own hidden thoughts, neither initiating a conversation.
After a long time, the Empress slightly calmed down, forced composure, and said, "Considering your past contributions, I’ll pretend I didn’t hear what you just said... If you behave so rashly again, I won’t spare you lightly!"
Chen Mo dared not say much, bowing his head, "Thank you for your grace, Your Highness."
"... I hope you focus on your duties and don’t let a momentary distraction ruin your future!"
They exchanged a glance, awkwardly shifting their gaze away.
The atmosphere fell silent once more.
Chen Mo hesitated for a moment, then cautiously asked, "Did Your Highness summon me here just to ask about this?"
Originally intended to discuss the Martial Arts Examination, yet strayed so far off topic, even unexpectedly receiving a confession...
The Empress took a deep breath, temporarily setting aside distracting thoughts, and said, "You defeated the Tianshu Pavilion’s top rank, which makes me quite pleased. I want to ask if you are confident in winning the Martial Arts Champion title?"
Chen Mo said, "I will surely give it my all."
The Empress nodded, "Others shouldn’t pose much threat to you. The only one to watch out for is Shi Yun from Wuwan Temple. He possesses profound Buddhist teachings and unpredictable methods, especially skilled in attack strategies. You must be cautious..."
Chen Mo’s expression was somewhat peculiar.
The Empress specifically called him over, was it to give him special instructions?
It seems she indeed values this Martial Arts Examination highly...
"Since there are no restrictions on the ring, Your Highness might as well give me several high-tier Spirit Talismans. I could just blast that monk into pieces, right?" Chen Mo suggested.
The Empress couldn’t help but chuckle, glaring at him and teasing, "I think you’re the real scoundrel here!"
Then she felt her tone was too frivolous, collected her smile, and sternly said, "If you are going to win, do it openly and honorably! Using such underhanded means to claim the Martial Arts Champion title is meaningless!"
To overshadow other sects, you must overpower them with absolute strength! Not by piling up victories with Magical Treasures and Spirit Talismans!
Otherwise, it’s merely a façade of peace!
The Empress knew Chen Mo’s lazy personality and worried he might slack off. Thinking for a moment, she said, "If you can claim the Martial Arts Champion title, besides the fixed rewards, I will grant you an additional wish."
Chen Mo’s eyes lit up, "Any request?"
He planned to ask the Empress for another Flying Phoenix Order!
If he could obtain a first-class Flying Phoenix Order, he’d have three chances to escape death, and along with the one he already had, four chances. Wouldn’t he be free to target whomever?
Seeing his excited expression, the Empress thought he was scheming mischief, quickly saying, "Don’t ask for excessive demands!"
Chen Mo inquired, "In Your Highness’s view, what defines excessive?"
The Empress hesitated slightly, somewhat awkwardly saying, "In any case... don’t exceed last time’s limit!"
Hearing this, Chen Mo felt assured.
Last time he received a second-class Flying Phoenix Order, so this time it would likely be similar... Meaning twice the immunity?
Though still short of four times, it was acceptable.
Chen Mo smiled, "I understand, thank you for your grace, Your Highness."
"Don’t hurry to thank me. You’d better win first." The Empress lightly huffed.
For some reason, watching his radiant smile, her cheeks inexplicably warmed, her heart flustered fiercely...
In this little thief’s eyes, am I quite adorable?