Her eyes were so bright and deep-set that gazing into them for too long could easily make one lose themselves.

“Hey, woman, what are you doing here?” Zhong Shenxiu asked coolly. He had known Kayni had risen since she first moved, but he had simply remained silent.

Pa Ji did not answer. More accurately, she didn't know how to answer. She certainly hadn't expected the little boy to still be awake. Her movements should have been light enough not to disturb him, yet here he was...

Being caught red-handed doing something as sneaky as this, especially as a Palace Mistress, was undeniably awkward. More importantly, she had climbed into the bedding of someone of the opposite sex. Even if he was just a boy, word getting out could tarnish her reputation.

“Um… you’re not asleep yet?” Pa Ji forced a smile onto her face, asking softly, her mind racing for a solution.

It is often said that concern breeds confusion. Pa Ji was normally a figure of sharp intelligence and martial prowess, but as the person in charge, her brain was currently refusing to obey her. Furthermore, Kayni’s earlier descriptions of Zhong Shenxiu left her even more flustered.

All Pa Ji hoped for now was that she wouldn't wake Robin. Little did she know that Robin was already awake, merely keeping her eyes closed. For beings like Zhong Shenxiu and Robin, vigilance toward their surroundings was paramount; not the slightest disturbance could escape their notice.

Zhong Shenxiu ignored Pa Ji’s question, his gaze still fixed on her like a burning torch.

“Kayni and I are taking turns sleeping tonight,” Pa Ji murmured, figuring it was a fait accompli now, so telling Zhong Shenxiu wouldn't hurt.

To Pa Ji’s utter surprise, Zhong Shenxiu uttered a sentence that left her thoroughly vexed: “No snoring tonight!”

With that final remark, he actually turned over and paid Pa Ji no further mind, drifting back to sleep.

Pa Ji stared at Zhong Shenxiu, baffled, thinking to herself, When did I ever snore?

She wanted to offer an explanation, but looking at Zhong Shenxiu, she held back. It was rare for him to settle down and sleep so easily. She shouldn't provoke him further.

After observing him for a long time and confirming that Zhong Shenxiu wasn't going to open his eyes again, a tantalizing smile touched Pa Ji’s lips. She couldn't quite articulate why she was smiling, only that the last few moments had felt strangely thrilling, and her heart was still beating a little fast.

Next came the most heart-pounding part. Pa Ji gently shifted her body toward Robin. The waves of natural fragrance emanating from Robin constantly stimulated her nerves, filling her with a mix of excitement and tension.

To ensure she didn't alert anyone, Pa Ji approached with exquisite caution, inch by painstaking inch, even holding her breath.

At this moment, Pa Ji felt like a thief sneaking in to steal a flower. The tense atmosphere made her blood boil.

She never imagined that a mother, trying to embrace her own daughter, could feel such a sensation! Surely, this bizarre situation could only happen between Pa Ji and Robin, this mother and daughter pair!

The target was drawing nearer. Finally, her fingertips brushed against Robin’s body. The feeling, akin to an electric shock, left Pa Ji captivated, yet she had to remain lucid! She paused slightly. Seeing no reaction from Robin, Pa Ji dared to move closer. At last, heaven rewarded her persistence; Pa Ji gently enveloped Robin’s soft body. In that instant, she truly wanted to thank Kayni.

But in the next moment, she wanted to strangle Kayni. Why? Because Robin suddenly flipped over, facing her directly, and her eyes were wide open!

Heavens, neither of them was asleep! Were they both nocturnal creatures?

Why hadn’t Kayni told her this crucial piece of information? Meanwhile, Kayni was currently enjoying herself sound asleep in Kayni’s own cot!

The very situation she most dreaded had arrived. What should she do? What could she possibly say?

Pa Ji was instantly thrown into disarray. Though Robin hadn't spoken a word, her expression clearly questioned Pa Ji’s presence!

“Robin, Mother misses you so much!” Since things had reached this pass, she might as well confess everything.

Robin offered no reply, or rather, didn't even blink.

“Robin, I know you’ve endured many hardships alone all these years. I promise that from now on, I will never let anyone bully you again. I will give you happiness.” Pa Ji spoke with deep emotion. Who in this world could possibly bully Robin now? Ah, it was hard enough to find someone who would try!

Robin remained silent, as still as if she had already merged into the quietude of the night.

“Robin, do you resent me?” Pa Ji’s emotions seemed to surge once more, and her eyes grew red again.

Pity the heart of a parent! For Pa Ji, the majestic Palace Mistress, to humble herself to this extent for Robin was already an act of profound greatness!

Perhaps moved by her distress, Robin finally spoke, but the words she uttered were hardly complimentary.

“Do not disturb the Master’s rest!” The voice was incredibly soft, like a willow catkin, making it hard to believe it came from Robin’s lips.

If one only heard that tone, it would conjure up endless daydreams—what a gentle woman this must be!

Pa Ji stood frozen, unsure whether to speak or remain silent, feeling the urge to throttle Kayni once more… If Kayni saw her expression now, who knew how much she would gloat!

Although Kayni had withheld information, causing her an initial setback, she had ultimately helped Pa Ji achieve her goal. After uttering those few words, Robin closed her eyes, completely unconcerned that Pa Ji was holding her!

This had to be considered tacit approval!

Once this realization dawned on her, all the frustration she had felt moments before transformed into pure sweetness. Pa Ji genuinely felt like showering Kayni with a thousand thanks! A woman’s feelings change quickly—it was indeed true!

Pa Ji lovingly embraced her long-lost daughter, an expression of utterly benevolent affection blooming on her face.

The next day.

Pa Ji was vibrant, her face alight with a brilliant smile. Anyone could tell her mood was excellent.

No wonder; she had slept soundly while holding Robin last night. It felt like the most peaceful sleep she’d had in ages, waking up feeling completely refreshed and wonderfully relaxed.

What she didn't realize was that all this was thanks to Zhong Shenxiu and Robin.

Both Zhong Shenxiu and Robin were cultivators of formidable power. When they rested, their bodies naturally exuded a subtle spiritual energy. This energy had nourishing and invigorating effects on ordinary people.

As there were no pressing duties, Pa Ji resumed her conversation with Kayni, as if years of loneliness and sorrow had vanished in that moment.

Zhong Shenxiu was not idle either. Upon hearing that the “Dongyue Palace” held a vast collection of ancient texts, he immediately immersed himself in study. As for Robin, she was once again led by Diya to meet her tutor, Bellidanti!

Bellidanti was not practicing magic today; instead, she sat in her room, lost in thought. She was still pondering yesterday’s events, finding them increasingly unbelievable the more she considered them!

“Teacher, are you there?” Diya’s voice drifted in from the courtyard.

Bellidanti quickly shook off her reverie and opened the door. When she saw Robin again, she paused. No, to be precise, she froze the moment she saw both Diya and Robin standing together!

For some reason today, Diya had chosen to wear the exact same outfit as Robin! Standing side by side, it would be impossible for an ordinary person to tell the two apart!

Bellidanti was certainly confused. After a long moment, she tentatively asked, “Diya? Little Princess?”

But Diya’s mischievous nature seemed to resurface. She deliberately mimicked Robin’s aloof demeanor, offering no reply, just staring straight at Bellidanti!

After a moment of hesitation, Bellidanti walked closer; she needed to confirm with her own eyes whether she was hallucinating!

After a careful inspection, both proved to be genuine—it was no illusion!

Heavens, what was happening?

Even after thinking about it all night, Bellidanti couldn't fathom how another identical little princess had suddenly appeared out of nowhere! Since Pa Ji hadn't officially announced Robin's identity to everyone, her shock was understandable!

Thankfully, Diya dropped the act and burst into bright, tinkling laughter.

“Teacher, did I scare you?” Diya’s tone was slightly knowing.

“Yes… a little!”

“Teacher, this is my sister, Robin. Mother said she is my sister who was lost for many years and has only just been found!” Diya explained.

The Palace Mistress had another daughter? Bellidanti looked thoughtful. She truly hadn’t known about this; perhaps very few people did!

“Teacher, I was just joking with you. You’re not angry with me, are you?” Diya asked, sounding slightly nervous when Bellidanti remained silent.

Bellidanti smiled, quickly assuring her she wasn't angry—she was merely surprised.

“Teacher, from today onward, please teach both of us! Sister Robin probably hasn’t studied much magic. Could you teach her extra lessons?” Diya acted very much like an older sister.

“Of course!” Bellidanti agreed readily, without demur, examining Robin closely.

She had entertained a rather absurd thought yesterday: that Robin was the one who had cast that spell on her. But seeing Robin now, she simply couldn't reconcile that mysterious figure with the girl before her!

“Teacher, shall we start now?” Diya looked eager.

Bellidanti smiled again, then led the two toward the training grounds.

About fifteen minutes later, the trio arrived at a very refined training area. This space was specifically prepared for Diya’s magic lessons, and entry was strictly forbidden to anyone other than Bellidanti.

“Robin, have you studied magic before?” Bellidanti asked before officially beginning the instruction, hoping to tailor her teaching approach.

Robin nodded, still remaining silent.

“Then what school of magic did you study?” Bellidanti inquired again.

“All of them!” Robin replied with a statement that made Bellidanti’s heart skip a beat. If you want to know what happens next, please log in to Tiaobi Bapah. More chapters, support the author, support genuine reading!

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