Chapter 102: The Lingering Power of Ji Tianxin
Leaving one’s seat in itself is no great matter, yet if Miss Shangguan insists on making an issue of it, the consequences could range from trivial to severe.
On the lesser side, a child leaving her seat is indeed quite normal.
On the graver side, it could be seen as a blatant act of defiance against imperial authority—especially considering the presence of esteemed guests this time.
How His Majesty the Emperor chooses to handle this remains to be seen.
Duan Yu’s expression darkened; what was Shangguan Yun’er trying to achieve?
Those from the Wind-Riding Academy exchanged glances, preparing themselves for a spectacle.
Had it been anyone else, they might have lost interest, but this particular young girl was someone they found intriguing—and she had some connection to them.
“Ji Aiqing, where is your daughter?” At this moment, Duan Qing could only ask in this manner.
Duan Jihuaili stood and replied in a deep voice, “Tianxin just said she was feeling unwell, so she went downstairs with her maid to relieve herself.”
Shangguan Yun’er smiled faintly. “That’s quite a long time. She’s the only one absent from the entire hall.”
It was as if Shangguan Yun’er was deliberately provoking the Emperor to punish Ji Tianxin.
Duan Qing was now somewhat irritated by Shangguan Yun’er. What was this girl up to, causing trouble out of nowhere?
He neither wished to punish a child nor offend the Ji family.
Yet this future daughter-in-law had forced him into such an awkward position. How could she be so oblivious to the atmosphere?
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Upon hearing Shangguan Yun’er’s words, Duan Qing’s expression grew even graver.
“The one absent is not only Miss Ji San, but also myself. Miss Shangguan, do you also wish for His Majesty to punish me?”
Suddenly, a melodious youthful voice rang through the hall, soft and clear like icy spring water—refreshing yet chilling to the bone.
At the sound, all eyes turned toward the newcomer.
A figure clad in dark robes slowly entered from outside.
Even just by the posture, one sensed an aura as refined and pure as black jade.
Yet the youth wore a silver mask, which only deepened the mystery surrounding him.
When everyone saw the little girl cradled in his arms, they all froze for a moment.
Isn’t that… Miss Ji San?!
Ji Tianxin, originally lazily resting on Sikou Yan’s shoulder, slowly glanced around upon entering.
“Ah Yan?” Upon seeing him, Duan Qing’s expression softened, even showing a hint of delight.
When they entered, Yan Xu and Ye Ling almost instinctively rose to their feet, their breaths growing heavier.
Their hands trembled uncontrollably.
Fear.
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It was a fear so profound it cast a shadow over their souls.
They thought this fear came from the man himself, but in truth, it was the child.
They refused to admit it, even believing it impossible before this moment.
But the reality was undeniable!
Teacher Qi frowned. “What’s wrong with you two?”
Ye Ling’s face was a mixture of embarrassment and sorrow. “Afraid…”
Yan Xu wore a similar expression.
Both had experienced the overwhelming pressure and intimidation from Ji Tianxin. That force had shaken their very souls—beyond their control, becoming instinctual.
Even the venerable elders Li and Du were astonished. They had never encountered a power that left such a lingering, echoing presence.
It must be known that Yan Xu and Ye Ling had both reached the stage of Perfect Marrow Refinement!
Yet this residual aura had instilled in them an instinctive terror.
What kind of being could provoke such primal fear? Only one far beyond their place in the food chain—an apex predator, a true natural enemy towering above them.