A Thousand Days to Raise an Army, A Moment to Use It

"That's true..." said Vivian Xiao.

"But..." Sophie Shang mused. "I suspect it has something to do with the men who are infatuated with Grace."

"Men who are infatuated with her? Who?"

"Plenty!" Sophie replied. "For example, Emperor Henry of the Vermilion Kingdom, and Henry Tuoba—their relationship is anything but ordinary."

"Ha! Having my brother isn't enough for her, and she's still like this?"

Sophie chuckled, "Since ancient times, heroes have always fallen for beauties."

Vivian Xiao frowned.

...

After Vivian Xiao left, Sophie's gaze turned cold as frost, then in a flash, she disappeared into Drake Abyss.

She appeared deep inside a cave in Eastwood Forest.

Inside, a woman sat meditating, her whole body enveloped in a purple glow.

Sophie curled her lips into a cold smile. "You really are suited for practicing dark magic."

The woman opened her eyes, saw Sophie, and hurried over to pay her respects. "Greetings, High Goddess."

"Rona Zhu, how's your Mirror Shift Technique coming along?" Sophie asked.

"I've perfected it," Rona Zhu replied.

Sophie raised an eyebrow. "Really? Then show me—transform into Grace."

Rona Zhu cast her spell and, sure enough, turned into Grace. The resemblance was uncanny—she looked exactly like her, easily able to pass for the real thing.

"Hmm... Not bad," Sophie nodded. "You train soldiers for a thousand days, but use them in a single moment. Looks like your time has come."

"If there's anything you need me to do, High Goddess, just say the word," Rona Zhu said, lowering her head.

Sophie said, "Haven't you always known what I want to do?"

"Or is it to break up Grace and Evan Xiao?"

"That's right."

"But... I'm afraid Grace will never trust me again," Rona Zhu said. "No matter what I say, she won't believe me."

"You don't need to meet her, and you don't need to say anything."

"Then what am I supposed to do?"

"Let me ask you, besides Evan Xiao, which man in this world is most important to Grace?"

Rona Zhu answered without hesitation, "Emperor Henry of the Vermilion Kingdom, Henry Tuoba."

"Excellent!" Sophie said. "The New Year is almost here, and he, along with other vassal kings, will come to the Eastern Luo Empire for the imperial gathering. That's when you'll make your move."

"What do you want me to do, High Goddess?"

"Simple—just kill him." Sophie smiled as she patted Rona Zhu's shoulder. "You're more than capable now."

...

Drake Abyss.

The Celestial Empress summoned Evan Xiao and said, "Yaner, I have something to ask you."

"Please speak, Mother," Evan Xiao replied.

"What's the story with that girl from the White family in the Eastern Luo Empire? I heard she's been afflicted by Sevenfold Phantom Spider venom, and not a single Spiritual Alchemist dares treat her."

Evan Xiao said, "She brought it upon herself."

"Then why are you so angry with her?"

Evan Xiao said nothing.

"Who is Grace?" The Celestial Empress scrutinized him.

Evan Xiao asked, "Did the Eastern Luo Empress come by?"

That's right! Empress Wendy came by," the Celestial Empress said helplessly. "Mother couldn't refuse, so I've already sent someone to treat Bianca Whiteshire.

Evan Xiao's expression remained unchanged.

He wasn't surprised at all—his mother was always kind-hearted.

You still haven't told me, who is Grace? Is she the girl you like?" the Celestial Empress asked. "If you like her, just bring her home! Do you think your mother would bully her?

Let's talk about it later," Evan Xiao said. "After New Year, I plan to leave Drake Abyss for a while.

Later? So you really do have a girl you like?" The Celestial Empress's eyes lit up.

No," Evan Xiao replied.

You child... You're always like this! Are you trying to drive me crazy?" the Celestial Empress said, exasperated.