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Yes... alliances are inherently fragile, and the methods she used could only maintain a minimum standard, preventing the other party from breaking the agreement.
However... not breaking the contract does not guarantee that the other party will not secretly slack off or outwardly comply but inwardly defy it.
Judging from this incident, it's clear that these two people really do have their own ulterior motives...
'It seems... I shouldn't have trusted them in the first place.'
Thinking of this, Princess Huiming's eyes turned cold.
After a few seconds of silence, Princess Huiming composed herself, then slowly raised her head and re-examined Qiu Tu before her.
During this time, she had actually been paying attention to Qiu Tu.
Thanks to the powerful intelligence network of the "Destruction Royal Court" that she had painstakingly built over the past century, she knew everything Qiu Tu did.
She knew that Qiu Tu had returned to the Temple of Order and was focusing on his breakthrough there, and she also knew that Qiu Tu had gone to Aria a couple of days ago.
When the White Frost God King died, Qiu Tu was still in his tent as a cat, not daring to make any rash moves, and had no way to obtain any valuable clues.
Therefore... it is clear that Qiu Tu obtained clues or guidance from two major forces in these two places, thus discovering the problems of Feng Lei and Wu Ai.
After all, the methods used to conceal the lightning and mist were unique, and only the "Chaos Witch" and "Order Heavenly Evolution" could possibly have guessed some of it.
Regardless of the circumstances, Qiu Tu's ability to gain their trust, or his skill in gathering information, reasoning, and summarizing, all demonstrate his capabilities.
Thinking this, Princess Huiming's gaze towards Qiu Tu deepened.
She realized she might have underestimated Qiu Tu.
Qiu Tu's potential may not be weaker than that of the woman named Zhao Ji.
If only I could bring them both under my wing...
Thinking this, Princess Huiming's heart stirred slightly as she recalled Qiu Tu's purpose in coming to see her today...
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Chapter 938 Old Bai: I've been hiding some secrets (Seeking monthly votes)
Princess Huiming's expression remained unchanged, but her mind was racing.
In fact, during the time Qiu Tu returned to the "Temple of Order", she had been secretly investigating Qiu Tu.
Of course, because of Qiu Tu's caution, there wasn't much information about him, but one thing caught her attention—when Qiu Tu first arrived in the "Eternal Continent," he had stayed in the "Chaotic Western Capital" for a period of time, and it seemed that he had some contact with the God King Shepherd Heart.
More importantly, there has always been a secret rumor within the "Temple of Order": Qiu Tu is a mole within the Chaos faction.
This rumor is clearly not unfounded, because in the investigation by Princess Huiming, Qiu Tu's several important achievements within the "Temple of Order" were all related to the "Chaos Faction".
For example, perfectly resolving the great battle between "order" and "chaos," or exchanging hostages, etc.
What's even more interesting is that... in all the events in which Qiu Tu made meritorious contributions, the person who had direct contact with Qiu Tu was... the God King of Shepherd Hearts.
Furthermore, considering his actions of taking great risks to persuade me to release the Shepherd God King...
In the depths of Princess Huiming's icy phoenix eyes, it seemed as if countless stars were being born and dying...
'Their relationship is probably far from ordinary...'
With this in mind, Princess Huiming made a decision.
She looked up at Qiu Tu; his face, as beautiful as a creation of a god, remained cold, but his gaze had softened considerably. She said slowly, "You guessed right."
"The 'Mysterious Faction' and the 'Royal Court of Destruction' do indeed have a secret alliance."
Upon hearing this, Qiu Tu's heart stirred, and then he was slightly surprised.
Based on his understanding of Princess Huiming, she was a typical born noblewoman and political machine.
Such people have a typical habit: they often leave much to be understood rather than spoken.
Because often, once words are spoken, they cannot be taken back.
This is also why the words of those in power are considered law.
Therefore, when pondering the relationship between the "Destroyed Royal Court" and the "Mysterious Faction," Qiu Tu never imagined that Princess Huiming would admit it.
He felt that it was already good enough that the other party acquiesced.
The result, however, was somewhat unexpected.
Just then, as Qiu Tu was thinking this, Princess Huiming changed the subject, her voice turning cold as she spoke.
"However... precisely because our alliance is a private one, even if the mysterious faction has its own agenda, we cannot restrain or reprimand it."
"More importantly, the three major alliances are now a fait accompli, and any move they make will have far-reaching consequences. Before the situation becomes clear, neither side will easily break the agreement or disrupt the balance."
"After all... once things fall apart, the 'Mysterious Faction' can align themselves with the other two alliances, but we, the 'Destruction Court,' cannot be accepted by the other two alliances."
Princess Huiming paused, then concluded expressionlessly, "Therefore... this matter can only be guarded against, not investigated."
Her voice was devoid of any emotion, as if she were stating something completely unrelated to herself.
Upon hearing Princess Huiming's words, Qiu Tu nodded slightly.
Princess Huiming's analysis is more in line with Qiu Tu's impression of her: an absolute political machine.
Moreover, Princess Huiming's words do indeed make sense. While scheming against allies is despicable, when there is an external enemy, the greater good must take precedence.
As for the matter of betrayal, we'll settle accounts after we've dealt with the external enemies.
The only problem is... if we have to wait until the external enemies are dealt with before we settle scores, then when will Walter White be released?
Just as Qiu Tu was thinking this, Princess Huiming spoke again.
She looked at Qiu Tu calmly, "However, although we can't completely break ties with the 'Mysterious Faction' right now, it doesn't mean I can't do anything."
For the first time, a hint of appreciation appeared in her phoenix eyes that once surveyed all living beings. "And... it was indeed you who pointed out this flaw to me."
"So... if you want to take Shepherd God King away, then... you can do so anytime."
Upon hearing Princess Huiming's words, Qiu Tu blinked, a hint of disbelief flashing in his eyes.
Before meeting Princess Huiming today, Qiu Tu had actually considered countless possibilities:
For example, upon hearing his words, Princess Huiming would fly into a rage and kick him out; or she might use a scheme to lure the God King of Shepherd Hearts into a trap; or... she might demand exorbitant prices, setting conditions that he couldn't refuse but were incredibly harsh.
But what he never expected was that Princess Huiming would agree so easily.
To be honest, Qiu Tu was quite surprised.
Although he knew that Princess Huiming was doing this to win him over.
But...you have to understand, even when it comes to bribery, many people can't be this open and honest, this magnanimous.
After all, Qiu Tu's rescue of Lao Bai was clearly an act of kindness by someone else.
With Princess Huiming's insight and the cunning she used to scheme against herself, it was impossible for her not to see through Qiu Tu's true purpose in this deception, let alone not to guess who was standing behind Qiu Tu.
But she just agreed. There were no questions, no difficulties, not even any bargaining.
This magnanimity and breadth of mind truly exceeded Qiu Tu's expectations.
Thinking this, Qiu Tu couldn't help but have a slight doubt: Could it be that Princess Huiming was just saying it to test his reaction?
At that moment, Princess Huiming made her move.
With a gentle tap of her slender, jade-like finger, golden divine power converged, and countless intricate runes sprang to life, intertwining and swirling, ultimately coalescing into a decree radiating supreme majesty.
The imperial edict shimmered with golden light, like a small sun, quietly suspended in the air.
Then, with a wave of her hand, the imperial edict transformed into a streak of light and landed steadily in Qiu Tu's hand. The edict felt warm to the touch, yet it carried an undeniable weight.
"With this edict, you may go to the imperial prison to retrieve the person at any time."
Princess Huiming's voice remained cold and indifferent, as if she were merely instructing someone on a trivial matter.
After saying that, she waved her hand dismissively and said, "Alright, if there's nothing else, you can go now."
Qiu Tu held the heavy imperial edict in his hand, then took a deep look at the figure who had already lowered his head to review the documents again.
After a moment, he gave a slight bow, then turned and quickly left the main hall.
Stepping out of the palace, the cold night wind brushed against his face, and Qiu Tu finally smiled again.
Although today's process was a bit bumpy and didn't quite turn out as I had imagined, the result was good nonetheless.
Thinking this through, Qiu Tu, knowing that things might change if he delayed, did not dare to linger and immediately followed the instructions on the edict, heading towards the "Town Prison" of the "Shadow Division" prison city.
Located at the deepest part of the prison city, "Prison Town" is entirely constructed of "Forbidden God Stones" and countless destructive magic arrays. It is heavily guarded and is the core building of "Shadow Division" and the prison city.
It is said that even a team of guardian god-kings would find it difficult to break in, except for high-level god-kings.
However... after Qiu Tu revealed the imperial edict, all the magic arrays automatically went silent.
Those powerful, fierce-looking god-king guards instantly transformed their menacing expressions into respect upon seeing the edict.
They didn't even dare to look at Qiu Tu for long before bowing and quickly opening the heavy prison doors.
With no obstacles along the way, Qiu Tu quickly arrived at the deepest part of the town prison.
The light here was even dimmer, and the air was filled with a nauseating stench of decay and despair.
In a dark cell built from a single piece of "Forbidden God Stone," he finally met the God King Shepherd.
Old Bai sat cross-legged, wearing prison clothes. The chain of destruction that pierced through his collarbone shimmered with a dark red light, constantly eroding his divine power, but he seemed oblivious. He simply closed his eyes quietly, resting and recuperating, as calm as a stagnant pool.
Seemingly sensing Qiu Tu's presence, he slowly opened his eyes, his deep gaze piercing through the darkness of the cell and landing on Qiu Tu.
He stared at Qiu Tu quietly for two seconds, and then a slight smile slowly crept onto his lips.
Then he said with a half-smile, "The hardest thing to bear is the kindness of a beautiful woman."
His voice wasn't loud, but it reached Qiu Tu's ears clearly.
Qiu Tu snapped out of his daze, glared at Lao Bai with annoyance, and said in a low voice, "What do you know!"
After saying that, he glanced at the tall god-king guard beside him.
The guard quickly stepped forward, took out a clip, and placed it on the cell door.
With the divine power activated, a golden light flashed, and the prison door slowly opened.
Qiu Tu stepped inside, while Lao Bai supported himself with his hands on the ground and slowly stood up.
With his movements, the destructive chains piercing his collarbone rattled.
At this moment, the god-king guard who brought Qiu Tu in respectfully bowed to Qiu Tu and said, "My lord. No one else can remove this chain of divine restraint. Only His Highness or His Highness's decree can remove it."
Upon hearing the words of the God King guards, Qiu Tu was taken aback, realizing that this must be the reason why the Prison could imprison so many God Kings, and even guard them.
Thinking this, he picked up the imperial edict and gently swung it at the black chains on Lao Bai's body.
next second.
With a soft "hum," the seemingly indestructible chains melted instantly, like ice and snow meeting the blazing sun, turning into specks of black light that dissipated into the air.
The Guardian God King's recovery ability was already top-notch. After the seal of the High-Level God King was lifted, Lao Bai moved his shoulders, and his bones immediately crackled. His aura also began to rise steadily, and he quickly recovered to the state of a Second-Level God King.
After recovering briefly, he looked up at Qiu Tu, his gaze as gentle as it had been in the New Territories. "Let's go."
Qiu Tu nodded, about to agree, but then seemed to remember something and asked, "By the way, do you have any important items confiscated by the 'Royal Court' that you need to retrieve?"
Hearing Qiu Tu's words, Lao Bai shook his head. Then he said calmly, "No."
Qiu Tu nodded upon hearing this, then turned and walked out with Lao Bai without saying anything more.
Soon, the two left the prison city under the watchful eyes of Ghost Face God King and Cloud Cat God King. Then, Qiu Tu, along with Lao Bai, left the "Destruction Court" without stopping.
Seeing Qiu Tu's anxious expression, as if he feared things might get complicated, Lao Bai smiled and said gently, "Don't worry, His Majesty Huiming's words are law, and he never goes back on his word."
"So, we don't need to be in such a hurry."
As Qiu Tu flew ahead, he glanced back at Lao Bai, who was wearing a tattered white prison uniform, and laughed in anger.
"You know so much about Huiming, how did you still get captured by her?"
Old Bai wasn't annoyed by Qiu Tu's sarcasm. Or rather... it seemed that from the moment Qiu Tu met Old Bai, regardless of Old Bai's identity, he always maintained this gentle and kind demeanor.
He smiled at Qiu Tu and then explained casually, "I must have been set up by someone back then."
"My emotions dictated my actions."
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