56: Is Fengming City considered part of the dowry?

The atmosphere of the banquet became even more lively as Han Qing accepted the thank-you gifts.

Feng Qingwu sat upright beside Han Qing, feeling the masculine aura of the young Alliance Leader close at hand. Her heart fluttered with a mix of nervousness and excitement, the blush on her cheeks never fading.

Opportunities were fleeting; she had to strike while the iron was hot.

She needed to further close the distance between herself and this Senior.

After toasting Han Qing with another cup of wine, Feng Qingwu set down her conch-shell cup and leaned slightly toward him.

"Alliance Leader, this Junior takes the liberty of guessing: does Senior's group intend to leave the Tianhuang Domain and head southeast toward the Zhilan Domain?"

Han Qing's hand holding the wine cup paused slightly. He looked up at her, his gaze lingering for a moment on the curves that seemed even fuller due to her proximity. He did not deny it: "Oh? How did City Lord Feng deduce that?"

Feng Qingwu felt a surge of joy. "In response to the Alliance Leader, Fengming City is located near the midpoint of the sea route between the Tianhuang Domain and the Zhilan Domain."

"Continuing southeast from here, the most prosperous and closest major domain is the Zhilan Domain."

"Additionally, having heard Deacon Ying mention the scenery of the Zhilan Domain just now, I made a bold guess."

She intentionally mentioned Ying Rushi, carrying a faint hint of comparison.

Her explanation was reasonable and airtight.

Han Qing nodded; there was indeed no need to hide his destination from Feng Qingwu.

Seeing that Han Qing was not displeased, Feng Qingwu felt greatly reassured.

"Alliance Leader, to be honest, my Feng Family ancestors had some dealings with certain forces in the Zhilan Domain. I have also accompanied my Elders to the Zhilan Domain several times since childhood, so I know a thing or two about its customs, the distribution of forces, and the environment of the surrounding desolate domains."

"If the Alliance Leader does not find this Junior dull-witted, Qingwu is willing to lead the way! I will follow your every command, hoping to do my small part before the Alliance Leader and repay a fraction of your life-saving grace!"

This proposal was the result of her careful consideration, as it was the best way to demonstrate her value and naturally stay by Han Qing's side.

Hearing this, Han Qing actually gave it some serious thought.

Although they had the nine heavens myriad domains map as a reference, it only recorded general directions. Regarding specific sailing details, the intricate power dynamics within the Zhilan Domain, and local customs, it was far less thorough than a local's knowledge.

Having a guide familiar with the situation would indeed save a lot of trouble and avoid unnecessary conflicts.

Looking at Feng Qingwu, she was clearly sincere in wanting to serve him to repay his life-saving favor and, incidentally, to get to know him better.

"You are thoughtful."

Han Qing pondered for a moment before slowly nodding. "The journey to the Zhilan Domain is long. If someone familiar like City Lord Feng leads the way, it will indeed be much more convenient."

"That's wonderful!"

Feng Qingwu's excitement was palpable.

She quickly stood up and gave Han Qing a deep bow. Her full chest became even more prominent due to the bowing motion, her breathtaking curves nearly bursting from the constraints of her crimson dress, almost brushing against Han Qing's hand.

"To be able to serve the Alliance Leader is a blessing from several lifetimes for Qingwu! Whatever the Alliance Leader commands, Qingwu will do her utmost, even at the cost of her life!"

Han Qing found it quite a sight for sore eyes.

He had to admit, Feng Qingwu's figure was truly the best of the best!

She possessed a wild Charm Power, a style completely different from Xu Feiyan's gentle allure or even Ying Rushi's mature elegance; it had its own unique flavor.

Feng Qingwu secretly observed Han Qing's expression and keenly caught the brief moment his gaze lingered.

This made her feel secretly delighted. It seemed this young Alliance Leader was not as detached from worldly desires as he appeared on the surface.

She still had a chance!

As long as she could stay by the Alliance Leader's side, with her looks, figure, and familiarity with this desolate domain, she would surely find an opportunity to make him truly value her and the Feng Family!

This scene naturally fell into the eyes of Xu Feiyan, who was constantly paying attention to Han Qing.

Seeing Feng Qingwu's blatant attempts to curry favor, along with her explosive figure that far surpassed her own and a charm even more aggressive than her mother's.

Xu Feiyan couldn't help but feel a faint surge of sourness and a sense of crisis.

But she quickly suppressed this emotion.

She stole a glance at her mother beside her. Ying Rushi was holding a wine cup, sipping lightly, with a polite smile on her face.

Her mother was the one who could truly keep her composure.

Xu Feiyan knew very well that with her Master's status and potential, it was impossible for her to be the only woman by his side in the future.

Women like Feng Qingwu, who proactively sought to join him and even used their own advantages to attract him, would likely only increase in number.

She was merely the first maid to follow her Master; in terms of status, she could not compare to these leaders of local forces.

What she could do was find her place, continue to serve her Master with all her heart, work hard to improve herself, and strive to always hold a special position in his heart.

Having thought this through, Xu Feiyan's state of mind actually calmed down.

After Feng Qingwu sat down again, Ying Rushi raised her wine cup and gestured to her from across the low table. Her smile was gentle, but her gaze was meaningful: "City Lord Feng is young, promising, and so enthusiastic; it is truly a blessing for our Immortal Alliance. In the future, we must get closer to each other."

Feng Qingwu quickly raised her cup in response, her smile equally brilliant.

However, beneath those smiles, undercurrents were already swirling.

For the rest of the banquet, the atmosphere became more harmonious, yet more subtle.

Feng Qingwu frequently toasted Han Qing, her words constantly bringing up topics he might be interested in, quietly showcasing her knowledge and thoughtfulness.

During the latter half of the banquet, Feng Qingwu also arranged some exotic song and dance performances.

A group of Feng Family girls dressed in light clothing, their skin also wheat-colored, danced to primitive and rhythmic drumbeats. Their movements were bold and passionate, carrying an uplifting vitality.

But Han Qing lacked interest.

He didn't have much of a mood for these mundane songs and dances. After exchanging a few more casual words with Feng Qingwu and Ying Rushi, he left the banquet early on the pretext of needing quiet cultivation.

Xu Feiyan naturally followed Han Qing closely as he departed.

Clearing her Master's blockages and dispelling his internal heat was part of her duty... The next morning.

A refreshed Han Qing walked out of the courtyard.

Ying Rushi and the others were already standing there waiting, their expressions respectful.

Ying Rushi stood at the very front, wearing a proper green dress that outlined her mature and graceful curves, her demeanor composed.

Beside them, Feng Qingwu, dressed in a brand-new martial artist's outfit that made her look even more heroic and spirited, also stood there elegantly.

The tight-fitting outfit fully outlined her explosive figure, losing some of last night's charm and adding a bit of a warrior's efficiency and heroism, giving her a different kind of flair.

"Alliance Leader."

Ying Rushi took a step forward: "After last night's banquet, City Lord Feng formally expressed to me her desire to lead the entire Feng Family to merge into our Four Seas Immortal Alliance."

Han Qing turned his gaze toward Feng Qingwu, not showing much surprise.

This was already within his expectations.

Since he was already so strong, it would be strange if they didn't come to cling to him.

Suppressing the nervousness in her heart, Feng Qingwu took two steps forward, knelt on one knee again, and lowered her head.

"Reporting to the Alliance Leader! Feng Qingwu has discussed with the clan Elders throughout the night and deeply feels the Alliance Leader's vast heavenly might and the Immortal Alliance's unfathomable strength!"

"To be favored by the Alliance Leader and saved by your hand is already a great fortune for my Feng Family!"

"My Feng Family has been trapped on this island for many years, our strength is meager, and we have suffered repeated disasters. Without the protection of a powerhouse, we would be destroyed in an instant!"

"Today, fortunately meeting the Alliance Leader is like seeing a lighthouse in the darkness or finding the way back when lost!"

"I, Feng Qingwu, swear in the name of the City Lord of Fengming City and the Head of the Luo Family, to lead all three thousand members of the Feng Family to merge into the Four Seas Immortal Alliance starting today!"

"We will follow the Alliance Leader's lead, remain loyal for generations, and have no second thoughts! I beg the Alliance Leader to take us in! The Feng Family is willing to guard this desolate domain for the Immortal Alliance and serve you with all our might!"

Han Qing calmly looked at Feng Qingwu kneeling before him.

Subduing the Feng Family was one of his underlying goals when he decided to help yesterday.

Now that the other party had taken the initiative to join, it saved him some effort.

"Have you thought it through? Joining the Immortal Alliance means you must follow the Alliance's rules and obey commands; it will no longer be decided solely by your Feng Family."

"Qingwu understands! Everyone in the Feng Family is already prepared! We are willing to obey the Immortal Alliance's orders, even unto death!"

"Very well. Since that is the case, I grant it."

Han Qing raised his hand slightly as if to help her up. "Rise. From now on, your Feng Family is a force under my Four Seas Immortal Alliance, and Fengming City is also an outer domain outpost for the Alliance."

"You should perform your duties faithfully and manage it well; do not betray my promise today."

"Yes! We respectfully obey the Alliance Leader's decree!!"

Feng Qingwu felt the heavy stone on her heart finally drop, feeling a lot more secure.

She stood up, her gaze toward Han Qing filled with gratitude, mixed with a faint, imperceptible joy of having her wish fulfilled.

At the very least, the Family would no longer fear the intrusion of forces like the one yesterday.

"Since the matter here is settled, it is time for us to continue our journey."

Han Qing looked at Ying Rushi and the others. "Pass down the order, prepare to depart."

"Yes, Alliance Leader!"

Everyone responded in unison.

"City Lord Feng, since you are willing to be our guide, come along with us on the road."

"Yes! Alliance Leader!"

Feng Qingwu immediately replied. Being able to travel with the Alliance Leader was exactly the opportunity she had been hoping for!

She puffed out her chest and stood behind Han Qing.

Soon, the massive cloud boat slowly rose into the air again.

Han Qing led everyone onto the cloud boat.

Feng Qingwu stood on the wide deck, the strong wind blowing her long hair and sleeves, making her figure look even more vigorous and upright.

She looked at the shrinking Fengming City below, then at the extraordinary Han Qing beside her, and then glanced at Ying Rushi, who stood on Han Qing's other side with a calm yet remarkable demeanor, feeling another wave of emotion.

Finally, she had leaned against a truly towering tree that could shelter her from the wind and rain!

The future of her and the Feng Family was finally guaranteed!

And perhaps she could also find something more alluring than Family safety on this path.

A fire called ambition burned in her eyes.

Ying Rushi stood behind Han Qing to his side, gazing calmly at the distant sea of clouds, a faint smile on her lips.

Does Fengming City want to serve as a dowry?

That little girl really dares to dream!