Little Dumpling arrived at Skyvault Palace Sect and finally relaxed. With William Wang Jinling here, the invisible mountain weighing on him disappeared...
Finally, I don't have to worry about being dragged back by Dad to do hard labor." If not for the injury to his leg, which wouldn't heal quickly, Little Dumpling would have wanted to gallop on horseback to show just how happy he was.
You... take it easy, don't reopen your wound." William Wang Jinling was half doting, half helpless.
William Wang Jinling has endless patience and love for his adoptive son; whatever Little Dumpling does, he will always protect him.
Adoptive father, don't worry, I know what I'm doing." Little Dumpling comforted him indifferently: "My mother said that a man with a scar is a symbol of bravery."
Really? Are you sure your mother said that?" William Wang Jinling clearly didn't believe it. Serena Feng is a doctor; how could she like people getting hurt?
I swear my mother said it, though I can't remember her exact words, but that's basically what she meant." That's the charm of language—he learned it from his adoptive father.
Little Dumpling winked at William Wang Jinling, feigning innocence. William could only smile and pinch his cheek, then asked seriously: "The tail following you has gone back. Your father and mother will soon know your whereabouts. What are you planning now?"
Adoptive father, where are you going? I'll go with you." Little Dumpling firmly believed that clinging to his adoptive father's thigh was the right move now. Apart from William Wang Jinling, there was probably no one else who could escape his father's pursuit.
Wherever I go, you can't follow. Silly child, didn't I tell you not to put all your eggs in one basket? As long as one of us can't be found, you won't have to ascend the throne yet.
No, adoptive father, I don't want to be separated from you." Little Dumpling clung tightly to William Wang Jinling, refusing to leave his side.
Are you kidding? If I get separated from my adoptive father, I'll be the first one caught and sent back. Without him as my shield, I'll be in real trouble.
It's not that you don't want to, it's that you don't dare, right?" William Wang Jinling saw through Little Dumpling's thoughts. He was different from others; while some might consider this behavior unfilial, he believed that as an emperor, this was exactly the right mindset.
Protecting yourself is the smartest strategy.
...
The shadow guards who had been tailing Little Dumpling could only watch as he entered Skyvault Palace Sect; they had no way to follow him inside.
Skyvault Palace Sect is built against the mountain, with only one road in and out. Without the sect's permission, anyone trying to enter must pay a heavy price—let alone sneak in unnoticed.
Once Skyvault Palace Sect shuts its gates, it becomes a world unto itself; no spies can get in or out...
That's exactly why William Wang Jinling chose Skyvault Palace Sect—it's the perfect place to hide away from trouble.
Unable to get in, the shadow guards split into two groups: one stayed at the foot of the mountain to keep watch in case Little Dumpling tried to leave, while the other returned to the palace to report and await instructions.
Skyvault Palace Sect is not a place they dare to trespass.
Hiding out in Skyvault Palace Sect? Little Dumpling really knows how to pick his spots. Serena Feng quietly praised her son in her heart.
This child is just too clever.
It really is a good place. Is he not afraid I'll just order Sean Xuan to hand him over? Ninth Royal Uncle couldn't believe that if he asked Sean Xuan for the child, Sean would dare refuse.
You won't." Serena Feng said firmly.
If Ninth Royal Uncle asks, and Sean Xuan refuses, then she'll be caught in the middle. Ninth Royal Uncle wouldn't put her in that position, so he won't even ask in the first place.
That's the tacit understanding between husband and wife, and Ninth Royal Uncle's unique way of loving her.
This man loves her, in his own way.
Maybe it's clumsy, but she likes it.
Ninth Royal Uncle was gloomy, boldly speculating: "I'm starting to suspect William Wang Jinling is also in Skyvault Palace Sect." Every disciple William trained knows Skyvault is a good place, so of course William would know too.
That's entirely possible.' Serena Feng thought of the special letter William Wang Jinling had written, and understood his intentions.
William Wang Jinling had never contacted her privately before—this was the first time, and he did it specifically to tell her his whereabouts.
William Wang Jinling surely knew that anything she learned, Ninth Royal Uncle would know too. Writing her that letter—it's hard to believe he didn't mean to mislead Ninth Royal Uncle. Serena Feng couldn't believe otherwise.
Definitely.' The more Ninth Royal Uncle thought about it, the more certain he became. If William Wang Jinling wasn't hiding in Skyvault Palace Sect, there was no way his people would fail to find a trace of him.
If the Grand Heir is in Skyvault Palace Sect too, then I'm relieved.' If Little Dumpling found William Wang Jinling, with his cleverness, he'd definitely stick close to William.
With William looking after him, she didn't need to worry about Little Dumpling getting into trouble.
That's very good.' Ninth Royal Uncle's words carried deep meaning. When Serena Feng thought of his plans for the martial world, she immediately understood.
Is the father unable to subdue Skyvault Palace Sect, so he's letting his son try?
In fact, compared to Ninth Royal Uncle, Little Dumpling has a much better chance of winning over Skyvault Palace Sect—at least Sean Xuan wouldn't oppose him.
Serena Feng's estimate was too conservative—it wasn't just a better chance, it was practically a sure thing. In fact, before Little Dumpling even spoke, Sean Xuan proactively told him: "Here in Skyvault Palace Sect, as long as I don't agree, no one can come in. Little Dumpling, you can rest easy here. With Uncle Sean here, no one can take you away. Your four maidservants are settled at the foot of the mountain, and someone will protect them. You don't need to worry."
Uncle Sean, I knew you wouldn't kick me out. You're just as righteous as my mother said.' Little Dumpling kept flattering Sean Xuan, making him so happy he couldn't stop smiling.
Looks like he won't need to intervene—Little Dumpling will be able to win over Skyvault Palace Sect on his own. William Wang Jinling thought so.
William Wang Jinling was exactly right. After hearing Little Dumpling praise him, Sean Xuan took the initiative: "Little Dumpling, do you know where you fall short compared to your father?"
Where do I fall short? Besides the age gap, what else?
You lack your own forces.' Thinking of Ninth Royal Uncle's control over the martial world, Sean Xuan couldn't help but break into a cold sweat.
In the past, the Phoenixfield Clan could rival the imperial family, but now Serena Feng has made it clear she won't interfere in outside affairs and only guards the Phoenixfield Clan's limited military power.
Now, the entire martial world—both the orthodox and the underworld—is under the emperor's control. Only Skyvault Palace Sect remains, and the emperor, out of old friendship, hasn't sent anyone to disturb him, letting him live freely for a few years.
But that freedom won't last forever. The emperor won't tolerate him staying aloof and maintaining his special status indefinitely.
Sooner or later, Skyvault Palace Sect will have to be handed over—the only question is to whom. As for him...
He really doesn't want to hand it over to Ninth Royal Uncle. He'd rather let Little Dumpling take over Skyvault Palace Sect than let Ninth Royal Uncle intervene...