Chapter 757 - 221: Schemes Behind Schemes, Plots Amidst Undercurrents (Extended - )

Chapter 757: Chapter 221: Schemes Behind Schemes, Plots Amidst Undercurrents (Extended Chapter)

Not only is he steady, but he is also adept at manipulating a woman’s thoughts.

Many experienced women are often drawn to his appearance, his aura, and then become immersed in the sense of security he constructs, unable to extricate themselves.

Shi Shabai did not rudely barge into An Divine Hall; instead, he politely said outside, "Requesting audience with the Empress Dowager."

A voice from inside the hall replied, "Come in."

With a stride, Shi Shabai entered and raised his eyes, seeing the most powerful woman on this land, situated at the center of the vortex, a woman who had not collapsed but had become increasingly radiant and captivating.

There was a flash of admiration in his eyes, along with a subtle desire.

His peripheral gaze swept over the whiteness at the slit of her skirt, but his vision did not linger; instead, he spoke in a deep voice, "Empress Dowager, there has been an expansion of Lianyi House; currently, the Imperial City Guard is investigating the cause."

The Imperial City Guard was initially formed from a faction split from the Dark Guard, and Yu Chang is its mastermind.

Xie Wei said, "I am aware."

Shi Shabai then lowered his voice, "But Empress Dowager, you must not know that just last night, a Fourth Grade Meat Field appeared in Little Star Valley, which can nurture more powerful figures for you.

This information was discovered by one of our Mountain Hall Elders, who happened to be nearby. The entire area has now been sealed off by our Mountain Hall, and no one is aware.

I have always been mindful of the Empress Dowager’s efforts, so I have come to inform you in hopes of alleviating your troubles."

Xie Wei did not reply but instead slightly crossed her long legs, causing the dark gold skirt to ripple, her pale white legs parting and then closing seamlessly, the curve extending from her waist to the peak, and then to her proudly raised jade neck and slightly moist red lips.

Soon after, the Empress Dowager adjusted her skirt and said with dignified composure, "Thank you, Mr. Shi."

Shi Shabai had encountered many beauties, but none could compare to the Empress Dowager before him, especially since... the supreme influence behind the curtain had also assigned him a task.

As long as he completed this task, it would be a great merit.

The task was: to make the Empress Dowager his woman, even if she cannot obey him completely; just listening to a few words would suffice.

If he could complete this task, the existence behind the supreme influence would show the path for the subsequent Third Grade.

When "prospects" and "desire" intertwined, even the Hall Master of Mountain Hall could not remain indifferent.

Shi Shabai revealed a charming smile and said, "The Empress Dowager governs alone, worried for the realm; I often feel compassion and hope that this additional strength can assist her."

Xie Wei’s dignified expression softened slightly, as if the thawing of ice and snow: "Mr. Shi is considerate of my thoughts; the Empress Dowager is very pleased."

Suddenly, Shi Shabai said, "I observe that the Empress Dowager is often overworked, and the Shadow Blood within her seems to not flow smoothly, whereas our Mountain Hall happens to possess a Secret Skill that aids in circulation...

Previously, only our hall’s Direct Disciples could obtain this Secret Skill to aid their cultivation.

Now, as I stand beside the Empress Dowager, I shall not conceal it.

Please allow me to approach.

With this Secret Skill, the Empress Dowager will be able to advance to Fifth Grade more swiftly."

In Shi Shabai’s view, he is Fourth Grade, while the Empress Dowager is merely Sixth Grade.

Offering this Secret Skill, how could the Empress Dowager refuse?

Indeed, he saw the Empress Dowager’s dignified appearance completely dissolve, revealing a radiant joy, but shortly thereafter... it restrained once more.

Shi Shabai stood elegantly in place, without a trace of impatience.

He spoke with concern in his voice, softly saying, "I am already the Empress Dowager’s man; naturally, I must ease her mind."

Xie Wei showed a hint of struggle on her face, seeming to agree but held back by something.

Finally, her delicate face fully restored its dignified look, and her voice became calm: "Thank you, Mr. Shi, for your kind intentions."

"Does the Empress Dowager not trust me?"

Shi Shabai asked.

Xie Wei shook her head and said, "After all, I am a widow and have sworn to the late emperor. How could I let another man come near?"

Shi Shabai smiled lightly.

He possesses patience.

He has already seen the Empress Dowager’s hesitation.

Where there is hesitation, there is interest.

Where there is interest, there is a gap.

Sooner or later, he would break through this gap.

However, he would not be rude, nor could he be rude, so he praised, "The Empress Dowager’s thoughts are highly admirable to me. In that case, I shall return today, write the Secret Skill into a scroll, and send it via a female disciple another day."

Xie Wei stood, gracefully saluting, and said, "I am only Sixth Grade, yet I am so valued by the Hall Master, many thanks to you..."

Her bright eyes flowed with emotion but held onto dignity.

Shi Shabai smiled, did not approach, but respectfully saluted from a distance, leaving a good impression on the woman before him.

Afterward, he turned and left.

But as he departed, he saw a comely featured, sturdy figure, appearing only to be a common martial artist, an eunuch hurriedly walking toward An Divine Hall along the pebble path of the harem.

Shi Shabai frowned slightly, he did not look, but his sense followed the handsome eunuch into An Divine Hall.

However, the suspicion he held did not manifest as the handsome eunuch merely delivered some documents and did nothing outlandish.

Soon, the handsome eunuch left again.

Shi Shabai called to him and asked, "What is your name?"

The handsome eunuch hurriedly saluted, saying, "Humble servant Chang Xin... Greetings, Master."

Shi Shabai said nothing further, but earnestly advised, "The Empress Dowager is laborious; you servants must be diligent and not slack in your duties."

The handsome eunuch named Chang Xin immediately agreed.

Only then did Shi Shabai leave the Imperial Palace.

...

...

A few days later.