Soul Land V: Rebirth of Tang San

From Tang San's perspective, the only part of her skin that he could see was her ears, which had already turned thoroughly red by now.

"Don't worry, my treasure, for you, I will definitely succeed. Nothing can stop my success. Believe in your man. I can never again bear the pain of losing you. For you, no challenge is a problem."

Tang San's voice was decisive, filled with firm determination.

The person in his arms relaxed gradually to his voice.

Tang San held her tightly, and as they nestled together, after a moment, her breathing became even, her whole being seemingly merged into his body.

Jiali City. City Lord Manor.

The atmosphere at the City Lord Manor today was noticeably tense. The strong ones of the Peacock Demon Clan had arrived early.

Half a year had passed since the change of the throne. Over this half-year, Jiali City hadn't changed much; the only difference might be the decrease in humans.

Pretty Girl's governance largely followed the policies set by the Peacock Demon King before, without much change. Moreover, it was often the princess who presided over the city's affairs.

The robust support of the Spirit Rhinoceros Deer Beast and Golden Deer Demon bloodlines allowed Jiali City's commerce to continue thriving, with trade caravans spreading across the continent.

Especially in the recent half-year, Jiali City had acquired some specialties from the Endless Blue Ocean.

These specialties were naturally obtained after communication with the Sea Clan, who in turn acquired some of the resources they needed from Jiali City, a mutually beneficial arrangement.

Backed by the Endless Blue Ocean and having formed friendships with the Sea Clan, commercial powers like the Spirit Rhinoceros Deer Beast King and the Golden Deer Demon King could see the booming future of Jiali City. Without a doubt, Jiali City would become increasingly prosperous, no longer a peripheral main city ranking last in the Tianyu Empire.

A human settlement, built not far from Jiali City, reached a certain scale before stagnation set in; there was no excessive development. Pretty Girl, who bore human bloodline, did not enact many decrees related to humans, which eased the concerns of the nobles from the Monster Race.

In the past half-year, Pretty Girl's rule had been by-the-book, without any mistakes. The nobles watched and gradually reassured themselves. At least, she was not a reckless City Lord. Moreover, their greatest expectation lay in the talent displayed by Pretty Girl!

Emperor's Posture, a trait that had not been seen in the Peacock Demon Clan for many years. As a double champion of the Ancestral Court Elite Competition, Pretty Girl, in the aspect of Emperor's Posture, was bound to surpass her entire generation on the continent. If she could become an Emperor in the future and protect Jiali City, then Jiali City would truly welcome a grand opportunity for development.

However, the greatest test for the new City Lord was about to arrive. The high ranks of Jiali City were already aware of the Ancestral Court's order for Pretty Girl to report for duty ahead of schedule. They were helpless in this matter. But could she pass the review?

Nobody was certain. The Ancestral Court was so complex, and the Jiali City nobles, secluded in their corner, were nothing to speak of. The well-informed nobles had learned news that was not so favorable for Pretty Girl. Enjoy new adventures at empire

The Peacock Demon Clan had no Emperor, and Pretty Girl even had human bloodline—these were both substantial criticisms against her. Hadn't the Crystal Phoenix Demon Emperor coveted this city in the past?

Now, as the greatest trial was approaching, could Pretty Girl's slender shoulders bear such a test?

The many Demon Kings and Great Demon Kings of the Peacock Demon Clan had already gathered in the City Lord Manor, along with the patriarchs from various major clans. They had come to see Pretty Girl off.

The princess was dressed in finery today, her eyes always bearing a complex look.

Having lived together for half a year, although her interactions with Pretty Girl weren't too frequent, she truly began to understand this girl.

What touched her heart, in fact, was the same thing the Peacock Demon King had mentioned, that in Pretty Girl, flowed their bloodline as well.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

The princess and the Peacock Demon King had only sons, no daughters. It was only on the day she learned of the Peacock Demon King's death that she truly understood how much her husband loved her. He kept his promise; everything he did was for the prosperity and development of the Peacock Demon Clan.

Even in his final moments, he planned for the future of the Peacock Demon Clan.

After the Peacock Demon King passed away, the princess's emotions also collapsed. It took her a relentless period to barely stabilize her emotions.

She still vividly remembered the words Pretty Girl told her at her most painful moment.

Just one sentence awakened her from the depths of despair.

...

"Father sacrificed everything to protect the Peacock Demon Clan. You must pull yourself together, mother."

...

A single call of "mother" roused the princess from her deep sorrow. Although Pretty Girl wasn't born from her, she truly carried her royal bloodline, the most noble bloodline of the entire Peacock Demon Clan!

It was Su Qin who had advised Pretty Girl to address the princess in such a manner. Though Pretty Girl herself didn't quite understand why, she followed her mother's advice. From that day on, she realized the princess, who had always been adversarial towards her, had begun to support her. This Great Elder of the Peacock Demon Clan was truly on her side now.

In the past six months, the princess had governed longer than Pretty Girl had—after all, she spent most of her time in cultivation.

The princess could clearly sense Pretty Girl's progress. The pace of her cultivation progress could only be described as once in a lifetime. Even though the princess herself was a genius, and a king-class powerhouse to boot, she had never witnessed such a rate of improvement within the Peacock Demon Clan. More importantly, Pretty Girl's understanding of the spatial attribute. She even felt somewhat inferior to this Great Elder. The princess firmly believed that, given enough time, Pretty Girl was destined to achieve the status of Emperor, bringing glory back to the Peacock Demon Clan.

Thus, over these six months, their relationship had been fairly harmonious.

But now, the pressure from the Ancestral Court loomed over them; the time to report duty was imminent. Whether she could successfully complete the reporting, pass the trials of the Ancestral Court, and gain its recognition to become the true Jiali City Lord would determine Pretty Girl's future. As the City Lord, she must attend, but what would the Ancestral Court's decision be?

If she was not allowed to inherit the position of the City Lord, with her talents, what would the Ancestral Court do to her? These questions remained unanswered.

And today was the day Pretty Girl was to depart.

The senior officials of Jiali City stood solemnly on either side, with the princess in full regalia sitting beside the main seat.

"Please, City Lord," the princess called out in a grave tone.

All the high officials of Jiali City bowed slightly towards the direction of the City Lord's throne in respect.

Silver light flickered subtly, and Pretty Girl's figure appeared on the throne as if she had stepped out of thin air, silent and unassuming. She first nodded towards the princess and then addressed the high officials of Jiali City.

"Please, rise."

"Long may the City Lord live in safety!"

Pretty Girl's gaze swept over the senior officials of Jiali City. She didn't have much attachment to these nobles, but they were undoubtedly the pillars of Jiali City.

"Today, I shall leave for the Ancestral Court to report duty. During my absence, all affairs of Jiali City will be in the hands of the Great Elder. I hope you will continue to dedicate yourselves to the development of Jiali City, and obey the Great Elder's governance."

"Understood—"

Pretty Girl turned to the Great Elder princess, bowing slightly, "I leave it in your hands."

The princess looked at her with a complex emotion in her eyes, whispering, "That is my duty. I'll maintain our holdings well for you; come back soon."

"Understood." Pretty Girl stood up, "We depart!"