He did say back then that he wanted to be his empress.
But back then...
"But," Qin Junche released his hand and slowly walked forward.
He sheathed his lightsaber and turned to look at Gu Tang: "The harem is enough with me as both empress and marshal."
He paused, then added, "Also, I've already kicked out of the capital planet those who coveted His Majesty the Emperor."
Qin Junche chuckled softly, his eyes shining as brightly as when they first met: "His Majesty the Emperor cannot be jealous, but the Empress certainly can, and when she is jealous..."
His gaze fell on Gu Tang's lips, his eyes darkening: "Extremely terrifying!"
*
That was the most turbulent and legendary year for the Galactic Empire.
It is said that an enemy attacked from the northern star region. His Majesty the Emperor personally led the troops and annihilated the enemy's main fleet and fighter jets, thus preserving peace on the northern border.
No matter how many years have passed, people still talk about what happened that year with great interest.
That same year, His Majesty the Emperor of the Galactic Empire finally married. It is said that the Empress was another father of Crown Prince Gu Yan, and also a marshal in the military, whose combat prowess was outstanding, no less than that of their Emperor.
Thanks to the overwhelming military might of His Majesty the Emperor and His Majesty the Empress, who are also the Imperial Marshals, no enemy has invaded our borders for a century.
After that, people lived in peace and prosperity, and the Galactic Empire entered its golden age.
***
Gu Tang opened his eyes somewhat dazedly, looking at the ethereal green mountains before him.
He stared blankly ahead for a moment, then his beautiful eyes gradually cleared, and countless images flooded his mind—or rather, countless memories surged into his head.
Gu Tang sat there in a daze. Even with his cultivation level, it was difficult for him to accept so many complex memories flooding into his mind at the same time.
He sat quietly like this for almost an hour. With each breath, surging spiritual energy flowed into his mouth and nose, awakening the equally profound spiritual energy within his body.
The spiritual energy within his body resonated with the surrounding spiritual energy, like the tides, lifting the blue robe he wore.
Gu Tang's flowing robe was actually made of ordinary linen. A narrow, blue belt casually tied his black hair, which was then tied into a simple bun on top of his head and secured with a hairpin made of black jade.
He raised his hand, and with a slight thought, a long sword suddenly appeared in his hand.
The long sword was sharp, reflecting Gu Tang's cold and aloof features.
"You're awake?" A deep, pleasant male voice came from behind him.
"Hmm," Gu Tang replied casually.
He seemed completely unsurprised that other people would appear atop this misty, cloud-shrouded mountain peak.
After all, that person was his Daoist partner.
They were meant to live together, practice together, and share the same cave.
A man in a blue robe sat down beside him, bending one long leg.
He also had black hair, but it was tied back casually. A few strands of hair slipped unruly from his forehead, partially obscuring his deep-set eyes.
The person who arrived was none other than Qin Junche.
"Is it an illusion? Or is it real?" Gu Tang asked slowly.
"It is both illusion and reality." Qin Junche seemed to know what he meant by this nonsensical question, and said lazily, "If you think it's real, then it is real. If you think it's just a dream, then it's just a dream."
His voice was slightly hoarse. He placed his hands behind his back, squinted slightly, and continued, "But Gu Tang, since we were able to return here unharmed, it means we have already overcome our inner demons and perfected the Great Dao."
"Really?" Gu Tang asked casually.
"Hmm," Qin Junche responded softly.
Neither of them spoke again, and they just watched the distant, misty clouds and the sunset leaving a trail of afterglow on the horizon.
Gu Tang's longsword rested across his lap, the sunset casting a bloody afterimage on it.
Qin Junche reached out, his fingertips brushing against the cool blade, finally landing on the blunt part of the sword. He gently pressed his fingers down, pinching the blade and lifting the longsword.
That was Gu Tang's natal sword, which he was never allowed to touch before.
But at this moment, he seemed oblivious, letting Qin Junche take away his natal sword.
Qin Junche gripped the sword tip, instead pointing the hilt forward.
He braced himself with his left hand behind him, his eyes fixed on the hilt of his natal sword.
As the last rays of the setting sun disappeared completely, darkness fell, and the overlapping mountain shadows resembled an ink painting, revealing a stunning silhouette on the earth.
"Gu Tang," Qin Junche called out softly to his Daoist partner, "I will always be by your side."
He took a deep breath: "You never need to sacrifice yourself."
"I...don't...need!" Qin Junche said through gritted teeth, each word distinct: "I don't need you to silently sacrifice for me, for Gu Yan. I..."
He released his grip, and Gu Tang's natal sword fell to the ground. With a light leap, it returned to Gu Tang's side, hovering within reach of his knees, and remained motionless.
Qin Junche raised his hand, and a wider and longer greatsword appeared in his palm.
He stood up, looked at the distant mountains, and said loudly, "We are the most perfectly matched couple in this world, the most divinely ordained couple in the cultivation world."
He turned to look at Gu Tang: "I can stand shoulder to shoulder with you. Fight side by side, cultivate side by side."
As Qin Junche spoke, he loosened his grip, and his natal sword fell to the ground.
The wide and long sword floated and swayed slowly until it reached Gu Tang's natal sword.
The two swords are placed side by side, with their hilts very close together.
At once……
Gu Tang quietly looked at the two swords side by side and blinked gently.
It's like... in their last memories, those years when they fought side by side in the Galactic Empire.
Qin Junche never betrayed him. He was willing to give up the throne, his life, the empire, and his reputation... He loved him with unwavering devotion until death.
"Hmm." Gu Tang replied casually and stood up as well.
The two natal swords leaped up, one on the left and one on the right, protecting the two.
“Gu Yan…” Gu Tang paused, “was suppressed by me in Wanfeng Valley.”
Qin Junche, who was standing next to him, suddenly trembled slightly.
"Although the place is full of birdsong and fragrant flowers, and rich in spiritual energy, it is still not as good as being with us."
Gu Tang stepped forward: "Gu Yan is extremely intelligent and has exceptionally high talent. His cultivation level is advancing by leaps and bounds. If he works hard, he can transcend tribulation and ascend to immortality with us."
Qin Junche turned his head and looked at Gu Tang in disbelief.
"Let's go." Gu Tangchao walked forward.
"Okay...okay." Qin Junche stood there for a moment, then quickly followed.
The mountain wind lifted their long robes, and the moon slowly peeked out, its light enveloping the two of them.
Under the moonlight, they walked side by side, as if they would never be separated again.