The remnants of the Martial Soul Hall are wiped out, and the Shadow Knights protect the peace.

On the wasteland at the border of the Star Luo Empire, the setting sun was as red as blood, staining the entire Gobi Desert. The ruins of the Spirit Hall were situated deep within the wasteland, with the remains of walls still bearing traces of the great war from years ago. Most of the black roof had collapsed, revealing the decaying beams and pillars inside, while the air was filled with a faint scent of blood and dust.

Dressed in ink-colored tight-fitting clothes, Zhu Zhuqing moved like a ghost through the corridor pillars of the ruined hall. Her dagger sliced through the air with a sharp whistle, precisely piercing the throat of a Spirit Hall remnant. Her movements were clean and efficient, without the slightest hesitation. Her ink-black hair was blown by the wind, with a few strands sticking to her cheeks, adding a touch of sharpness to her cold features.

"The Shadow Movement Technique truly lives up to its reputation." Su Chen leaned against a broken wall of the ruined hall, his black and gold robes fluttering in the wind. He toyed with a God-Defying Crystal Core in his hand, his gaze falling on Zhu Zhuqing with eyes full of admiration. "I am very relieved to leave these remnants to you."

Zhu Zhuqing paused upon hearing this and turned to look at Su Chen, a flash of pride crossing her cold eyes. She raised a hand to wipe the light sweat from her cheek as the blood on her dagger slid down the blade, dripping onto the ground and blooming into a dark red stain. "These few remnants aren't even enough for me to warm up," she said, her voice carrying a hint of coldness yet also a touch of playfulness. "However, dealing with these trivial matters is so boring."

Su Chen walked over with a smile, reached out to wrap his arm around her waist, and pulled her into his embrace. His fingertips lightly brushed across her back, feeling her slender yet resilient figure beneath the tight clothing. "Boring? Then let's play something interesting." His voice was low, carrying a hint of teasing. "For example, let's see who finishes clearing these remnants first?"

Zhu Zhuqing's cheeks flushed slightly. She raised her hand to push Su Chen away, only to be held even tighter. She could only glare at him reproachfully. "Brother Su Chen, stop it. There are still remnants to clear." Despite her words, her body leaned honestly into his chest, enjoying his warmth.

Just then, rapid footsteps came from deep within the ruined hall. Three Spirit Hall remnants rushed out with longswords in hand, led by a powerhouse at the Spirit Douluo level, a ferocious smile on his face. "So what if you are the God-Defying Great Emperor? Today, I shall avenge the Spirit Hall!"

A cold light flashed in Zhu Zhuqing's eyes as her figure instantly transformed into a faint shadow, her dagger pointing straight at the leader's heart. The leader hadn't expected her to be so fast and hurriedly swung his sword to block, but Zhu Zhuqing's dagger slashed his wrist, causing the sword to fly out of his hand. Taking the opportunity, Zhu Zhuqing stepped forward and pressed her dagger against his throat, her voice icy. "A mere remnant of the Spirit Hall dares to act insolently before me?"

The leader's face turned pale, yet he remained stubborn. "You sealed the God Realm Passage and destroyed the Spirit Hall. Sooner or later, you will face retribution!"

Su Chen stepped forward, his God-Defying Power gently condensing into a ring of black-gold light patterns in his palm. He looked at the leader, his voice somewhat indifferent. "Retribution? My retribution is to protect my people and the Douluo Continent. You remnants are nothing more than dust on my path forward."

As his voice fell, the God-Defying Power shook slightly, and the leader's body instantly turned into fly ash, dissipating into the air. The remaining two remnants were so terrified they collapsed to the ground, begging for mercy repeatedly. "God-Defying Great Emperor, spare us! We won't dare do it again!"

Zhu Zhuqing's dagger pressed against one of their throats, her voice cold. "Spare you? When the Spirit Hall slaughtered Spirit Beasts and harmed civilians, did you ever spare anyone?" With that, she gave the dagger a light thrust, piercing his throat. Seeing this, the other remnant turned to flee, but was trapped by Su Chen's God-Defying Power, unable to move. Su Chen raised his hand and gave a light squeeze with his God-Defying Power, and the man's body turned into fly ash.

After clearing all the remnants, Zhu Zhuqing leaned against Su Chen's shoulder and sighed tiredly. "Finally finished. These remnants are such a hassle." Su Chen raised his hand and gently stroked her hair, his voice tender. "It's been hard on my Shadow Knight." His fingertips brushed across her neck, feeling the warmth of her skin. "Since you're bored, we won't deal with government affairs anymore. I'll accompany you to do something interesting."

Zhu Zhuqing's cheeks flushed as she looked up at Su Chen, her eyes full of confusion. "Do what?"

Su Chen smiled and pointed toward the distant wasteland. "Watch the sunset."

The two walked to the top of the wasteland. The setting sun was about to sink below the horizon, staining the entire sky like a magnificent painting. Su Chen sat on a huge rock, and Zhu Zhuqing leaned into his embrace, her ink-colored skirt spread across the stone surface, catching a bit of dust from the Gobi. "This is so nice," Zhu Zhuqing's voice was soft, carrying a hint of satisfaction. "No government affairs, no remnants, just the two of us."

Su Chen lowered his head and kissed her forehead, his voice gentle. "I'll accompany you to watch the sunset every day from now on, alright?"

Zhu Zhuqing nodded and buried her head in his chest, feeling his heartbeat. Her voice carried a hint of playfulness. "Brother Su Chen, you must keep your word."

On the distant wasteland, soldiers from the Shadow Camp were clearing the battlefield. Their movements were uniform, and they quickly finished cleaning up the traces of the ruined hall. Su Chen looked at the soldiers in the distance, his eyes full of gratification. "With you managing the Shadow Camp, I am very relieved."

Zhu Zhuqing's cheeks flushed, and she reached out to pinch Su Chen's waist, saying coquettishly, "You only know how to praise me." Despite her words, her heart was filled with joy. She knew that Su Chen trusted and relied on her, and that was enough.

The setting sun gradually sank below the horizon, and the color of the sky changed from crimson to deep blue. Stars dotted the sky like diamonds embedded in black velvet. Su Chen held Zhu Zhuqing as they sat on the huge rock, looking at the distant starry sky, his heart full of peace. He knew that with Zhu Zhuqing around, the security of the Nishen Imperial Palace would always be the most solid; with her by his side, there would always be a cold yet gentle figure accompanying and protecting him.