Chinese animation: Starting with Bad Guys

Before the words were finished, a loud splashing sound came from inside the gauze curtain!

A stunningly beautiful figure, perfectly proportioned and completely naked, emerged from the water, carrying steaming steam and water droplets, and swept towards the outside of the gauze curtain like a lotus emerging from the water!

The speed was so fast, it only took a split second!

However, just as the figure was about to touch the gauze curtain...

A black robe embroidered with gold, symbolizing supreme power, seemed to have been anticipated and, as if it had a life of its own, flew in with precision and gentleness, perfectly covering the flawless body!

Time seemed to flow backward.

In the midst of the chaos and war of those days, a little girl, dressed in rags and shivering, was wrapped tightly in an old robe that still retained the warmth of her body.

Today, amidst the warm mist of the hot springs, the peerless, aloof, and elegant leader of the Heavenly Sect is draped in a royal robe symbolizing a powerful imperial artifact.

Their actions were identical, showing no less intent to protect.

Xiaomeng stood barefoot on the slippery stone ground by the pool. Her royal robe was loose, which made her figure look even more slender.

She looked down at the dark royal robe she was wearing, which still carried Qin Chuan's scent and warmth, feeling that familiar sense of security enveloping her tightly.

An overwhelming sense of happiness, like warm spring water, instantly flooded her heart, almost making her want to sigh out loud.

However, what followed was an indescribable sense of loss.

He was still the same; his first thought was still to protect her, just like he had protected that helpless little girl from back then.

The royal robe she wore conveyed a brotherly concern, but it did not represent the other kind of affection she longed for deep in her heart.

She lowered her eyes slightly, her long eyelashes casting a faint shadow on her fair face, forcibly suppressing the turbulent complex emotions in her heart.

When he looked up again, he had regained the aloofness and composure of the Heavenly Sect Leader.

"Brother's eyesight is still as good as ever." Xiaomeng's voice was calm and even. She adjusted her royal robe and instructed the female disciple standing at a distance, "Bring it here."

The female disciple respectfully presented the antique wooden box that she had obtained from Mu Xuzi.

Xiaomeng took it and handed it to Qin Chuan, her tone turning solemn:

"The Human Sect's Xiaoyaozi has secretly allied with the leader of the Mohist School to plot against Qin. This item is a treasure that Xiaoyaozi cherishes. It was stolen by Elder Muxuzi of the Human Sect to present to my brother, but I intercepted it en route."

She briefly explained how Mu Xuzi was attacked and how she intervened.

Qin Chuan's gaze didn't even linger for a moment on the wooden box that had caused infighting within the Human Sect and that Xiao Meng had specially given it as a "meeting gift," as if it were just an ordinary object.

His face showed little surprise, but his eyes were slightly cold, like a deep, icy pool.

"A clown, nothing but a rat in the gutter."

His voice was calm, yet it contained an air of absolute confidence:

"These years of being busy with expansion have given these people an opportunity to take advantage of us. Now that the grasslands are pacified, we can finally free up our resources to wipe out these noisy rats in one fell swoop."

Xiaomeng stepped forward, her clear, cold eyes looking directly at Qin Chuan: "Tianzong is willing to assist the Empire in suppressing the rebels."

She paused, then added:

"Xiaoyaozi has colluded with the Mohists and acted against the natural order, violating the fundamental principles of Taoism: 'following the natural way and governing by non-action.' The unification of the empire, the cessation of war, the promotion of agriculture and sericulture, and the benefit of all people are the general trend. Those who go against the will of Heaven will be dealt with by the Heavenly Sect."

Her reasons were high-sounding and in line with the Heavenly Sect's detached yet compliant stance.

Qin Chuan looked at her, a knowing smile in his eyes: "Oh? Sect Leader Tianzong, you must be putting personal matters before your official duties."

“Helping the Empire is helping my brother. But my brother is mistaken. This is not about putting personal interests before public ones. Under the Empire’s rule, the people’s livelihood is indeed more stable and prosperous than during the Warring States period. This is an indisputable fact.”

Xiaomeng met his gaze without flinching.

"The Mohists and the Humanist School are going against the tide, attempting to restore the old system and instigate war. They are not acting for the common people, but for their own selfish interests or vain ideals. The Heavenly School is in accordance with Heaven and the people, helping the empire to quell the rebellion and maintain this hard-won stability. How can there be any talk of 'abolishing the public sphere'?"

She has clear logic and a distinct stance, perfectly blending personal emotions with the sect's position.

Qin Chuan listened quietly, looking at the aloof and stunningly beautiful woman before him, whose sharp words had already taken charge of the vast Heavenly Sect. His eyes filled with even deeper emotion, which finally culminated in a soft whisper of satisfaction and admiration:

"The little girl... has really grown up."

Xiaomeng followed Qin Chuan back to the mansion.

Qin Chuan personally arranged a quiet and elegant courtyard for her, instructing the maids to take good care of her, before hurriedly entering the palace to discuss with Ying Zheng how to lay a net to eradicate the anti-Qin forces such as the Mohists and the Humanist School.

Xiaomeng was the only one left in the courtyard.

She changed out of Qin Chuan's royal robes and put on the Tianzong's signature moon-white Taoist robes, making her appear even more aloof and cold.

She stood in the courtyard, feeling the strong aura of Qin Chuan that was different from that of the Tianzong Mountain Gate, and... those scrutinizing gazes cast upon her, some openly and some covertly.

She knew that a test was coming.

Chi Lian, Yan Fei, Duanmu Rong, Xue Nu, and Yan Ling Ji—these women who had long been by Qin Chuan's side and had close relationships with him—must be somewhere at this moment, "welcoming" this new "sister" with a special identity and formidable strength in their own way.

Xiaomeng slightly raised her chin, like a swordsman about to enter the battlefield, her clear and cold eyes showing an unwavering composure.

She was prepared to face any form of testing, harassment, or even hostility.

She had already spent ten years honing her skills to stand by that person's side, unafraid of any storms.

However, the anticipated tense standoff did not materialize.

The first to appear was Yan Lingji, dressed in red and exuding charm.

She swayed gracefully as she approached, carrying a cup of fragrant tea in her hand, a mischievous smile on her face that almost seemed to say, "I'm watching a good show." She placed the teacup on the stone table in the courtyard.

"The esteemed Sect Leader of the Heavenly Sect is honored by your presence; it is an honor to grace my humble abode. You must be weary from your journey. Would you please have a cup of tea to soothe your throat?"

Although his tone carried his usual lazy and teasing tone, his eyes were clear and showed no malice.

Next was Duanmu Rong.

Her expression was calm, as if she were treating an ordinary patient who needed treatment. She nodded slightly and said, "Master Xiaomeng, if you need any medicine or feel unwell, please feel free to contact me at any time."

Her kindness was direct and pragmatic.

Yan Fei's figure appeared silently like moonlight. She looked Xiao Meng over and smiled mysteriously, "With the arrival of the Heavenly Star, the fortune here is even more prosperous. It seems that things will get even more lively in the future."

Her attitude was more like stating a predetermined future.

The Snow Woman was even more aloof, merely nodding from afar as a greeting, her eyes holding a hint of inquiry but no rejection.

There were no questions, no difficulties, and certainly no jealousy or rivalry as one might expect.

The women's attitudes were surprisingly consistent: calm, accepting, and even carrying a tacit understanding and good-natured teasing.

Xiaomeng was stunned.

She had imagined countless ways to start, but she never expected it to be this calm acceptance, almost like "welcome home."

She had prepared herself with all her sharpness and reasoning, but at this moment it felt like she had punched cotton.

Seeing Yan Lingji's mischievous smile, Duanmu Rong's peaceful kindness, and Yan Fei's meaningful gaze, Xiaomeng's cold and beautiful face showed a trace of bewilderment for the first time.

This... is not what she imagined.

They... seemed to have known all along? They had... tacitly approved of it?

A warm feeling, indescribable yet mixed with confusion and a touch of inexplicable shyness, quietly welled up in Xiaomeng's heart.

Her meticulously prepared "battle" seemed to have ended in a completely unexpected way before it even began.

Chapter 68 Qin Dynasty Version of Infernal Affairs

The Zhangtai Palace was brightly lit by candlelight.

After listening to Qin Chuan's report on the collusion between the Mohists and the Human Sect against Qin, Ying Zheng only frowned slightly before relaxing his brow, as if brushing away a speck of dust from a table.

"A few rats, hiding their heads and tails, disturb the peace and quiet."

Ying Zheng's voice carried a hint of barely perceptible weariness, but more so a disdainful indifference that looked down upon ants:

"Now that Brother Chuan is aware of this, go ahead and do it. Sweep away the source with lightning speed, make sure to eradicate it completely, and prevent it from ever resurfacing."

He gently pushed a tiger tally, symbolizing the deployment of troops, toward Qin Chuan, saying, "The manpower and resources needed are all at your disposal."

Qin Chuan put away the tiger tally, pondered for a moment, and said, "For this matter, I still need to borrow someone from Brother Zheng."

"Oh? Who is worthy of your personal attention?"

Ying Zheng was somewhat surprised.

"Sword Saint, Gai Nie."

Qin Chuan calmly stated the name.

A hint of inquiry flashed in Ying Zheng's eyes, but he did not ask any further questions.

As the empire's chief swordsmanship instructor and a guard of the palace, Gai Nie holds a special position.

But his trust in Qin Chuan was absolute.

“Xuan Gai Nie”.

A moment later, Gai Nie, dressed in simple cloth, stood tall and straight like a sword as he entered the hall.

He looked straight ahead and bowed to Ying Zheng and Qin Chuan: "Your Majesty, Your Majesty."

“Gai Nie,” Ying Zheng’s voice carried an unquestionable authority, “From this day forward, you are temporarily relieved of your palace duties, and all your actions will be at the command of your brother Chuan.”

Gai Nie felt a slight tremor in his heart, but his face remained calm as he cupped his hands and replied, "Yes."

He looked at Qin Chuan, this unfathomable ruler, wondering what astonishing move he might make this time.

Upon leaving the palace, Qin Chuan said little, only gesturing for Gai Nie to follow.

The carriage drove out of Xianyang City and headed towards the outskirts.

The further Gai Nie walked, the heavier his unease became.

When the carriage finally stopped outside a simple farmhouse, Gai Nie's expression changed instantly!

This is the home of Jing Tianming's adoptive parents!

Gai Nie's hand unconsciously pressed on the hilt of the Yuanhong sword at his waist, his knuckles turning slightly white from the force.

Could it be... that His Majesty knows about Tianming's background? He brought me here because...?

Countless terrifying thoughts flooded his mind in an instant, and cold sweat almost soaked his back.

If we advance, we risk jeopardizing the day's dawn; if we retreat, we are disobeying orders!