Nuit éternelle

Chapitre 36

"Qin Han has been poisoned for over half a year now. It's said that this Green Gu poison is the most vicious in the world, flaring up once a month throughout the twelve months of the year, causing excruciating torment until death. The poisoned person's body weakens day by day, frequently vomiting black blood. When the poison flares up, the pain is unbearable, lasting twelve hours a month. By the twelfth month, the person is tortured to the point of death, and the Gu worms will bite through the poisoned person's heart meridian, turning their bones into blood. This poison is extremely vicious and cruel; it's unbelievable that anyone still uses it. Unless one hates someone intensely, they would never use Gu worms." Xi Suifeng spoke somewhat slowly, clearly unimpressed by the method of using this poison. Although he was also ruthless, in his view, killing someone was best done with a single blow; torturing them slowly in this way was truly cruel.

"Is that so..." Having already known that the Green Gu poison was no good, Feng Xinglie still couldn't help but frown upon hearing how vicious it was. That man, although he had taken a different path from her and might never cross paths again, it would be fine if he died, but she couldn't bear to see him suffer such torment before his death.

"If we can't find an antidote when spring returns next year, I'm afraid..."

Winter hasn't officially started yet, so there's still some time, but his monthly pain...

Xi Suifeng composed himself slightly, then added, "Furthermore, Xing Lie, things have been quite turbulent in the martial arts world recently, with some other forces also involved."

"Oh?" Feng Xinglie raised an eyebrow, climbing onto Ling Yuxiang's lap and sitting up straighter, a sharp edge flashing in his gaze. "Has something changed at the Dark Moon Sect?"

"Xing Lie is still as clever as ever," Xi Suifeng said, but his face remained grim. "The Dark Moon Sect was originally an extremely secretive intelligence organization, and no one should have been able to infiltrate it easily. However, recently, the Dark Moon Sect's intelligence network has been gradually attacked by a business force. No, perhaps it should be said that it was unintentionally squeezed out. That force rose in the Yan Kingdom and gradually spread to other countries at a very fast speed. However, it did not develop by its own strength, but relied on the power of merchants from all over the world to organize a fairly large merchant alliance. The person who planned it did not directly control them, but extracted profits from them. Their name is—the Merchant Alliance."

An alliance? Feng Xinglie was stunned, almost exclaiming in surprise. How could this be? Would the ancients even have such an alliance? Profit sharing? This is clearly a management method! The person behind this business alliance is definitely suspicious!

Ling Yuxiang's worried voice sounded behind her, having never seen Feng Xinglie's expression change so much before: "Lie, is it very troublesome?"

Feng Xinglie shook her head; her surprise did not stem from this trouble.

"The Dark Moon Sect didn't originally make money through commercial means. Although we might lose some revenue, let's avoid a direct conflict with that Merchant Alliance for now. Have Youming and the others investigate the background of that Merchant Alliance leader. If they can't find out, don't alert her. Find a way to contact that Merchant Alliance leader. I want to see if she's qualified to take over our entire Dark Moon Sect's intelligence network!" His index finger twitched slightly and rhythmically, his narrowed eyes flashing with a sharp light. What could he say? Such modern management methods and intellect, coupled with such grand scale and audacity…

Xi Suifeng, who had no interest in business, was only there to relay the message. He nodded and said, "Also, Tianyi Pavilion has been making great moves in the martial arts world recently. Youlan has learned that the Pavilion Master of Tianyi Pavilion seems to have mysteriously disappeared. Tianyi Pavilion is searching for him with all its might. Tianyi Pavilion's mortal enemy is Tianji Tower. At this time, Miss Lianji has already announced her identity as the Pavilion Master of Tianji Tower. The members of Tianyi Pavilion may suspect Miss Lianji and come after her. I'm afraid of making a mistake. Youlan told Xinglie that you should be extra careful."

"What did you say?" This time, Feng Xinglie and Ling Yuxiang stood up in surprise, exchanged a glance, and saw a look of worry in each other's eyes.

Liu Wuge has disappeared! How is that possible!

Although he was injured when he left alone that day, he was still a first-rate expert. Even Feng Xinglie admired Liu Wuge's adaptability. In addition, he was also extremely intelligent. It was impossible for him to disappear without a trace without a sound or any clue! If that were the case, his opponent was probably no ordinary person!

Upon seeing the two of them so distraught, Xi Suifeng and Huai instantly realized that there was more to the story, and frowned slightly.

"Xinglie, do you know the Pavilion Master of Tianyi Pavilion?"

“You could say there are some grudges between us.” Feng Xinglie pondered, glancing at Ling Yuxiang, whose expression was equally somber, and then they both suddenly shuddered.

"Damn it! Speak of the devil and he appears!" Feng Xinglie cursed, secretly blaming these bastards for disturbing her and Ling Yuxiang's precious nighttime intimacy. Two figures, one in red and one in black, flew out like lightning. Xi Suifeng followed closely behind, rushing to inform the Flame Riders. The direction in which the two disappeared was quite obvious.

Lian Ji and Qin Yue are currently residing in this palace!

Homeland of Qin, Chapter Sixty-Six: Love at its Peak

Although the magnificent and massive Qin Palace was recently attacked by Feng Xinglie, it was ultimately just a show of force. Most of the gunpowder ambushes were located in sparsely populated areas rather than major buildings. Although the situation looked terrible, a closer inspection would reveal that only the palace walls were destroyed, and not many large buildings were actually damaged.

Therefore, after Qin Han dismissed the army, the negotiations and signing of the agreement the next day were still scheduled to take place in the Western Qin Imperial Palace. Although everyone was sweating profusely and found it unbelievable by Feng Xinglie's cunning and treacherous rhetoric about brotherhood and friendship, no one raised any objections.

Firstly, she possesses a powerful weapon she calls "divine descent technique"—gunpowder—making her unpredictable and impossible to fathom. Han City is currently entirely under her control, leaving no choice but to listen. Secondly, what she says makes perfect sense; all the conditions are merely to maintain the balance of power among the three kingdoms. Currently, the two major powers are evenly matched, and neither would benefit from a direct confrontation. Each should focus on clearing their surrounding areas and unifying their respective vassal states—a considerable goal in itself.

A century-long agreement may seem like a long time, but in the grand scheme of history, it is but a drop in the ocean.

As for gunpowder, Feng Xinglie certainly wouldn't be foolish enough to tell others its secrets. When teaching the members of Anheng how to use it, she jokingly asked Ling Yuxiang, "Why aren't you interested in its formula at all?"

Ling Yuxiang's eyes were full of tenderness. Although he was shocked by the powerful force of the gunpowder, his clear eyes were filled with the greatest satisfaction. He smiled so much that his narrow, winged eyes curved into crescents: "I have you, isn't that enough?" Heaven had already been his best treasure. What greedy thoughts did he need? Besides, although this thing was incredibly powerful, he knew that once it was actually used on the battlefield, it would probably completely disrupt the pace of this world and plunge the world into disaster.

Is Ling Yuxiang, this God of War, really that bad? He has his own strategies and abilities, so why is he always envious of what others have? How do you know that their methods are necessarily better than his? It all depends on the method used by the individual.

Hearing such heartfelt words, Feng Xinglie felt as if he had eaten the sweetest candy in the world. He jumped happily onto his chest, quickly pulled him down, and rewarded him with a kiss in front of all the Dark Pavilion members, making all his subordinates stare wide-eyed.

Ling Yuxiang touched the spot where he had been kissed in a daze, and smiled wryly as he looked at her unusually mischievous expression.

It's impossible for anyone to be without greed, but Ling Yuxiang's rationality far outweighs his greed, which is precisely why Feng Xinglie was able to get together with him so easily.

It was late at night, and the shock, tension, and chaos of last night's state banquet still seemed to be right before their eyes. Dozens of black figures had already broken the tranquility of the bright moonlight. Gusts of cold wind, carrying internal force that stung people's faces, flew into a huge palace garden. Upon entering the garden, these dozens of people paused slightly, only to find that what they saw before them was a blurry scene.

The house was eerily twisted, the road ahead was a chaotic mess, and everything was so disorienting that one could no longer discern directions in an instant.

The leader of the men in black was instantly horrified: "A maze formation!"

They arrived in such a hurry that they had no time for any arrangements or plans. They had never witnessed Lian Ji's true abilities. Although there were rumors of the palace coup, most things were not publicly announced. Naturally, they underestimated Lian Ji, a woman who was not yet twenty years old. Now that she had entered the formation, they knew they had been tricked. The position of the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion Master was not something she had acquired by chance!

A clear, slightly cold, and indifferent female voice quickly rang out: "Who dares to trespass into my maze formation? Do you think I, the master of this place, am some kind of golden pheasant to be slaughtered at will?"

A faint, beautiful shadow entered the formation, towering beyond imagination, as if a single sway of that shadow would pulverize one to pieces. Even though those within the formation were ruthless assassins, and knew that all the strange sights before them were illusions created by the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion, cold sweat still seeped from their skin.

"Lian Ji!" Feng Xinglie and his companion arrived shortly after, stepping on the bamboo stakes set up by Lian Ji and leaping into the wall at her signal.

From the outside, the people inside the formation looked ridiculous. The fear and terror on their faces were something that would be appreciated by some perverts, but unfortunately, Feng Xinglie and Ling Yuxiang didn't like that kind of thing.

The handsome man who walked out beside Lian Ji was Qin Yue. At this moment, he stood obediently to her side like a submissive wife, seemingly having done something to displease his wife again. In fact, Lian Ji was usually as gentle as water, but now Qin Yue couldn't bear to see her unhappy in any way. He would be extremely caring at the slightest sign of her displeasure, which made Feng Xinglie sigh that the changes in people could sometimes be truly unfathomable.

"Who are they?" Ling Yuxiang and Feng Xinglie were so anxious that they must know these people. Lian Ji glanced over and casually broke the illusion. However, the trees in the courtyard still tightly trapped these people in the formation. The black-clad people also knew how powerful the formation of Tianji Tower was, so none of them tried to escape.

In terms of killing ability, Tianyi Pavilion is definitely the best in the world. However, if you fall into the formation set up by Tianji Tower, no matter how powerful you are, you will not be able to get out. Fortunately, setting up a formation requires a lot of time and energy, so most formations are exquisite and occupy a small area. Otherwise, they would be a terrible obstacle when applied to the battlefield.

Feng Xinglie had already changed back into black men's clothing. Upon seeing the group of people in the formation, a cold smile appeared on his handsome face: "The people of Tianyi Pavilion are in quite a mood, actually mobilizing so many people at once. It seems that you are all determined to find out the whereabouts of the Pavilion Master."

"Oh, no! We never expected that the renowned dancer entrusted to Yihong Pavilion by the Pavilion Master would be the famous General Lie Junfeng, and we never expected that the next head of Tianji Tower, whom our Tianyi Pavilion has been searching for for so many years, would be none other than the most beautiful woman in Qin, Miss Lian Ji." The leader in black narrowed his eagle eyes. Judging from his deep voice, he was around forty years old. The fact that he could remain calm even in danger showed that the assassins of Tianyi Pavilion were indeed worthy of their reputation.

The recent banquet in Western Qin has triggered a series of changes, involving figures who have risen and fallen in this chaotic world. Anyone with even a little influence has spies investigating. The most famous are Feng Xinglie's identity and her relationship with Ling Yuxiang. This news has spread like wildfire, becoming the talk of the town. As for the unification of Great Qin and the signing of the agreement by the three parties, those who are concerned are not just ordinary people.

Ignoring the sarcasm in his words, Feng Xinglie glanced coldly at the group of people in the formation. Her icy aura created a sense of oppression, forcing them to look at her with surprise. She said calmly, "Pavilion Master Liu Wuge can be considered my friend. I am also concerned about his disappearance. Tell me about the approximate circumstances before and after his disappearance. I believe you yourselves should know more about it than I do."

"Why! You..." One of them was about to speak in anger when two strong gusts of wind suddenly rushed from the front and struck him in the face. He coughed up blood and retreated. It wasn't a fatal injury, but he definitely lost a few teeth.

"Sorry, I don't like being insulted!"

Feng Xinglie's beautiful eyes swept over her with sarcasm, her arrogant attitude exuding haughtiness. The red-clad man beside her looked relaxed, yet he also exuded a sense of oppression: "I also hate it when people swear at my fierce words."

Their eyes met, they exchanged glances, a surge of emotion welled up in their hearts, and they simultaneously exchanged knowing smiles.

The men in black, who had been glaring angrily at each other, were suddenly shocked by the sudden turn of events. This skill of striking from a distance relied entirely on internal strength, and the two men could unleash such power with just a few simple movements! The injured man wasn't among their top experts, but he wasn't the weakest either. It seemed that the two men's martial arts were probably no less than the sect leader's! Originally, these people from Jiangguyue had some knowledge of those who didn't participate in the martial arts world, but after witnessing this, they immediately felt a sense of awe.

"Thank you both for showing mercy!" The black-clad leader had a sharp eye and his flattery was not very well done. He pondered for a moment and said, "We are not very clear about the matter of Pavilion Master. He has always been a loner and acts strangely. Each of the eight branches of our Tianyi Xuan operates independently. The Pavilion Master usually does not interfere so much. It is not a big deal. The Pavilion Master does not show his face. We only recently discovered that the Pavilion Master was missing."

"Oh? Since he doesn't contact you and does his own thing, how do you know he's missing?" The sharp smile was like a razor-sharp knife. Wherever Feng Xinglie's bright gaze fell, even the leader in black couldn't help but shiver.

Do they all think she and Lian Ji are hothouse flowers? Trying to fool them? Even three million years from now, that might not be possible. Feng Xinglie, always averse to trouble, frowned impatiently, thinking to himself, if these people keep making excuses, he should just grab one of them and slowly torture them. If he didn't use some methods, they really wouldn't know why the flowers are so red!

The leader in black felt goosebumps rising on his skin. At this moment, he finally believed Feng Xinglie's wisdom and insight, and could only lower his voice and say, "The Pavilion Master has placed a life-controlling poison on the high-ranking members of the Eight Divisions of my Tianyi Pavilion. It took effect after a month. Originally, the Pavilion Master's antidote was always delivered on time, but this time we did not receive it. We knew something had changed, and after investigating, we were shocked to find that the Pavilion Master had suddenly disappeared after arriving at Yihong Pavilion. We originally thought it was your doing, but later we heard that Miss Lianji was the owner of Tianji Tower, so we suspected her and gathered our men to come and investigate."

Feng Xinglie was stunned. Gu poison? In an instant, she thought of the green Gu poison that Qin Han had been poisoned with. There might not be many people in the world who could sneak into the palace and put a Gu poison on Qin Han without anyone noticing. Although Liu Wuge was one of them, he had no reason to do such a thing. But his sudden disappearance at this critical moment made her feel that there was some connection between them.

"Then how do you know he's not dead?" Ling Yuxiang had always enjoyed mental torture and oppression. His narrow, piercing eyes flashed with a sharp light, making those who looked at him break out in a cold sweat. The poor members of the Tianyi Pavilion were always very self-righteous, but today they were tortured by these two men with their eyes. They would probably be traumatized in the future.

“Our lives depend on him. If he dies, the Gu worms in our bodies will break free and bite through our heart meridians within an hour.” The leader in black smiled bitterly. Their leader was no benevolent person. If he didn’t use this method, how could he dare to let the members of the Heavenly Garment Pavilion operate on their own?

Upon hearing about Liu Wuge's ruthless side, Feng Xinglie's first reaction wasn't that his methods were cruel, but rather a slight ache in his chest, a silent sigh that he had no one he could trust.

That man was like a lone wolf, barely surviving in the freezing cold. To have lived this long was to say he had crawled out of hell. What value did his despicable humanity have? He probably never received any care whatsoever. The reason these people came to care about his life or death was only because their lives were in his hands. If it weren't for that, these people probably wished Liu Wuge would die sooner.

In the depths of my memory, for a fleeting moment, that past image seemed to overlap with mine, bringing with it a wave of powerless and helpless pain.

Seeing that Feng Xinglie's expression was not good, Ling Yuxiang's actions were always faster than his words. He firmly wrapped his arms around her waist, making her lean against him, and in a silent and primal way, he let her feel his warmth.

Even now, he still can't heal the deepest wounds in her heart. Just how much has she been through? What kind of past has she had? Every time, unintentionally, she reveals a heartbreaking weariness, an expression that seems completely out of place for a young woman. She is strong and very rational in everything she does, but who knows if that isn't a way of protecting her fragile heart? Everyone experiences pain, and what's more, although she is extremely rational, her heart has always been incredibly sensitive and emotional.

Everyone says you're heartless towards Qin Han, but I know you're not entirely without feelings. Of course you'll feel bad for him. Although Liu Wuge is my enemy, you won't abandon him if he gives you his heart. Feng Xinglie, do you know that every time I see you like this, my heart aches because of you? I only regret that I can't hold you in my heart and prevent you from suffering any more harm.

But I know I can't. Excessive protection would only be like Qin Han's imprisonment, a burden to you. I don't want you to be bound. After experiencing so much, your heart can still be so unyielding and free, still shining with sincere brilliance. You don't need me to do anything for you. All I can do is love you, and love you wholeheartedly.

Feeling the familiar warmth surrounding her waist and body, Feng Xinglie suddenly straightened up, filled with gratitude. Unconsciously, he had become her support, her pillar of strength. It seemed that whenever she felt sad, upset, or in pain, this person would unhesitatingly give her warmth, embrace her, support her unconditionally, and give her strength.

How wonderful and beautiful this feeling was! There was only deep, undisguised love between them. A bridge had been built between them without them even realizing it, and he would appear whenever she needed him.

It seems that she only shows vulnerability in front of Ling Yuxiang, and Ling Yuxiang only tolerates Feng Xinglie.

Feng Xinglie smiled contentedly. Looking at the black-clad men still trapped in the formation, she pondered, "Alright then. I'm also looking for your sect leader. Tianji Tower has nothing to do with this. I also know a little about the abilities of the eight members of Tianyi Pavilion. Your Xuanfa Department should be able to verify this. I came here only hoping for a sliver of hope, so I'll let you go for now. However, I must give you a warning: I may not take Tianyi Pavilion seriously. If there's a next time, I can't guarantee that Tianyi Pavilion won't disappear from the martial world forever."

A chilling, eagle-like gaze swept over the group of men in black. The leader of the black-clad men was utterly shocked. She actually knew the internal affairs of the eight divisions of the Heavenly Garment Pavilion! Originally, they only thought Feng Xinglie was the head of a force, but now it seemed she must also have enough power in the martial world. The Great Qin Wind King's words were not untrue; if she said she had the ability to destroy the Heavenly Garment Pavilion, it was probably not false! This person was far too unfathomable!

Lian Ji glanced at Feng Xinglie in surprise, but did not lose her composure. She had always known that Feng Xinglie was not a peaceful person. She had hidden her influence in the martial arts world, so what was so unreasonable about that?

"Thank you for your kind words, Commander Feng." The leader in black said with a wry smile. The clues had gone cold, and if they were to obtain the antidote in three months at most, they would all be living a life worse than death.

"If I hear any news about Liu Wuge, I will tell him not to forget the lives of his men." This lukewarm remark served as a dismissal. Lian Ji responded by immediately activating the illusion array. The men in black glanced around with lingering fear, but were very grateful to Feng Xinglie. The leader of the men in black thanked him and then led his men away from the palace.

After the figures of these people disappeared, Ling Yuxiang and his companion had just returned to their residence when they received a bamboo tube urgently delivered by Ye Piao.

Upon seeing the unique mark on the corner of the bamboo tube, Ling Yuxiang's handsome brows furrowed slightly. He unfolded the letter, and his deep gaze suddenly turned somber as he glanced at its contents. A rare look of worry appeared on his usually arrogant and dashing face.

"Although the Fengcheng incident was handled very well, the political landscape in the court has suddenly changed. My brother alone does not have enough military officials to support him, so he urgently summoned me back to the country."

"You're leaving?" Feng Xinglie stood up instantly and exclaimed in surprise, but froze the next moment.

She could only manage a bitter smile. Those in high positions, capable of manipulating events, also bore their responsibilities. They couldn't be as capricious as ordinary people. When did she come to take his presence for granted? Now that he was bound to leave sooner or later, and she had anticipated it, why was she so lost, anxious, and melancholy?

Seeing her expression, Ling Yuxiang, who usually liked to act like a rogue, felt no joy. His narrow eyes stared at her intently, and suddenly he pulled her into his arms. He closed his eyes in pain and helplessness, burying his face in her hair. He could only hold her helplessly like this, unable to give her even a promise.

Fate is so unfair! Their time together is far too short; every time they finally get a chance to catch their breath, they're separated. Can't God just let them be together properly? Does He really have to make them live in constant fear and separation?

"Lie, I don't want to leave, I don't want to!"

"Mmm!" With her eyes closed, enjoying the peace and feeling his intense love, Feng Xinglie gently squinted, having already calmed down from the shock of the news.

"We don't need many explanations between us, but there's something I've always wanted to say to you. Do you want to hear it?" With expectant eyes and rapid breathing, Ling Yuxiang gripped her shoulders with both hands, feeling extremely nervous. He was afraid she would utter even half a word of no. He felt that even when facing the biggest battle, his heart was pounding wildly.

"Hmm... well..." Feng Xinglie smugly kept him in suspense, her eyebrows and eyes seemingly innocent as she hesitated, which made Ling Yuxiang swallow his saliva and rub her face.

"You little devil! Even if you say no now, I'm going to tell you anyway!"

His warm, large hand ran through a few strands of her hair, gently supporting the back of her head. His hot breath brushed against her ear, and he gently nibbled on her rounded earlobe, causing the person in his arms to tremble involuntarily.

Hearing that slightly husky, magnetic voice softly utter the words that made the three hearts race, Feng Xinglie's eyes narrowed and curved into a smile. She felt a little intoxicated. She didn't know what love tasted like. Perhaps she had felt something similar before, but never as intensely as this moment. She finally understood why women felt so fulfilled by those three words, as if they were no longer alone!

When love is at its peak, it can truly make people fall deeply into it and become unable to extricate themselves. No matter how rational and calm you are, you will not be able to escape this tempting clutches.

A raging fire burned between their lips and teeth, their breaths mingling, and all they wanted was to sink into this state, to kiss each other until they could no longer remember who they were...

“Things have been really turbulent lately, both in the martial arts world and in the imperial court. The overall situation of the Three Kingdoms has just been settled, and so many things have suddenly emerged. Lie, I’m worried about you.” As things stand, Feng Xinglie cannot return to Ling Kingdom with him. Ling Yuxiang is also unwilling to drag Feng Xinglie into the struggles of Ling Kingdom’s court. Once is enough. If it happens a few more times, it’s hard to guarantee that he won’t be able to handle it.

Feng Xinglie, whose lips were slightly swollen from being kissed, was now like a lazy cat, retracting her sharp claws and leaning lazily against Ling Yuxiang's chest. In fact, she was also aware of something in her heart.

All of this seemed unrelated, yet to her it seemed to be connected in some way, as if a dark hand was slowly connecting everything from behind them. This elusive feeling could easily instill fear.

"I will take good care of myself. Have you forgotten who I am?" Reassured by someone, Feng Xinglie quickly revealed his narcissistic and arrogant nature again.

"Take care of yourself until you're riddled with holes and then fall off a cliff?" Ling Yuxiang asked her with a furious skepticism. Ever since he heard about her 'heroic feat' on Zijin Mountain, he had felt a chill run down his spine and his heart ached more than once. If she did it again that day, it would probably be him, not Qin Han, who would be coughing up blood.

"It won't happen again. Now that I have you, it definitely won't." She unusually didn't argue, squinting as she snuggled against him. He would never distrust her; even if there wasn't a perfect ending, what reason did she have to go crazy?

"Wait for me in Fengcheng. When I return, I will give you the whole world." Ling Yuxiang seemed to have made up his mind, his eyes lowered and his voice firm.

Homeland of Qin, Chapter Sixty-Seven: A Crisis Looms

The following morning, the grand tripartite agreement was signed. The agreement stipulated that within a hundred years, the three countries would not wage war against Fengcheng or the other two countries, and would maintain "good" diplomatic relations. If any country violated this agreement, Fengcheng could join forces with the other two countries to send troops to the third country, thereby putting pressure on the three countries to stabilize the situation. Upon hearing this ingenious plan, people throughout the court and the country applauded it.

The people's voices firmly sided with the two war gods who came up with such a plan, thus halting the civil war in Qin and averting a catastrophe. Coupled with their prestige in their early years and Feng Xinglie's various incredible and amazing identities, the legendary stories they wove together spread throughout the streets and alleys, and the voices of support were so loud that they left Feng Xinglie and Ling Yuxiang somewhat dumbfounded.

Each put away a simple agreement. In the distance, Xiang Ju, standing beside Qin Han, stepped forward, her gaze complex as she looked at the dashing Feng Xinglie in his black men's suit. Aside from that day at the state banquet, she had always worn this familiar attire. Now, with the signing of the contract, Feng City, represented by Feng Xinglie, had been officially recognized as an independent and powerful force. Located between three kingdoms, Feng City, along with the former Lie City, was practically a separate nation. Feng Xinglie's status was no longer that of a subject of a single kingdom.