She first chuckled softly, a laugh as gentle as a spring breeze, carrying a touch of warmth and comfort.

It drifted slowly in the air, as if trying to blow away all the tension and unease.

Then, she slightly parted her lips, her voice like a clear spring flowing in the mountains, clear and gentle, yet carrying an undeniable composure.

He slowly opened his mouth and said, "Holy Maiden, do not be alarmed. This idea was just a fleeting thought that crossed my mind."

If it doesn't suit your taste, you may let it go with the wind. Why would I, the king, be the one to break branches and destroy flowers? All matters should be governed by the Holy Maiden's will.

Xinghua felt as if she were a small boat in a stormy sea when she heard Qin Qianluo's words, which were spoken in a calm tone but contained profound meaning.

The body, which had been trembling uncontrollably due to extreme fear, seemed to be slightly suppressed by an invisible and powerful force at this moment.

Her heart was in turmoil, with various emotions colliding and intertwining like surging tides.

But reason tried its best to stand out amidst the chaos of thoughts, striving to regain some composure.

She understood that she was in a delicate and crucial situation and could not afford to lose her composure in the slightest. Every action and every word she uttered was related to the future of Miao territory.

So, beneath that thin veil that seemed to bear an immense weight, she gritted her teeth.

He used all his strength to move the corners of his lips, trying to create a proper and just-right smile.

However, the smile seemed forced due to the constant anxiety in his heart, like a flower struggling to bloom in the biting winter wind.

It exudes a sense of fragility, helplessness, and despair, as if it might be mercilessly blown away by the wind at any moment.

Then, she slightly lifted the hem of her skirt, which was embroidered with exquisite Miao totems, and every movement seemed to slow down countless times.

She moved with light, graceful steps, her posture elegant yet carrying a subtle stiffness born of inner tension.

She slowly rose, her figure still graceful and elegant, but the composure and confidence she once possessed had vanished completely.

At this moment, she looked solemn and dignified, her hands clasped in front of her as if holding the most precious treasure in the world. She slowly bent her knees and performed a standard and respectful salute.

She lowered her head slightly and spoke softly. Although she tried to keep her voice steady, it still trembled slightly like a candle flickering in the wind.

In this somewhat quiet space, a heartbreaking tremor ran through her voice: "I am deeply grateful for Your Highness's leniency."

However, such a major event involves a wide range of people, and as a saintess, I am merely a mortal in charge of the pure water, and it is truly difficult for me to bear such a heavy responsibility.

I hope Your Highness will understand my predicament and not take offense. I have already troubled you for so long today, and I will not linger any longer.

If fate allows in the future, I will certainly prepare a cup of tea and pay a visit to express my gratitude for Your Highness's gracious hospitality today.

As soon as Xinghua finished speaking, she felt as if she had fallen into an ice cellar. Every inch of her skin was enveloped in a chilling fear, and she didn't even dare to breathe.

It was as if the slightest misstep would shatter this oppressive silence and bring about unknown disaster.

Her head felt as if it were being pressed down by an invisible mountain, and she dared not lift it at all, as if she would be completely swallowed up by Qin Qianluo's powerful aura if she met her gaze.

Her eyes were lowered, and her thick, long eyelashes trembled violently like the wings of a startled butterfly, casting a shadow on her cheek.

The shadow seemed to be tainted by her inner fear, growing even more intense.

Her heart pounded violently in her chest like a drum, each beat filled with indescribable trepidation and unease, as if it were about to break free from the confines of her chest.

In this tense and almost suffocating atmosphere, she could only wait anxiously for Qin Qianluo's response.

Every second felt like an incredibly sharp knife, slicing through her heart and leaving invisible wounds.

This brief moment felt to her as if it had been cast by some evil spell, stretched out infinitely, as long as an agonizing journey spanning centuries.

With each passing moment, she felt as if she had gone through a cycle of life and death.

The feeling of waiting for the verdict brought her nerves to their limit, as if they would snap at any moment.

Her mind was in chaos, with all sorts of terrible thoughts surging like a tidal wave.

She didn't even dare to imagine what terrible things would happen if Qin Qianluo didn't agree to let her leave.

Qin Qianluo had a clear understanding of the situation and naturally had no intention of making things difficult for Xinghua.

After all, everyone knows that the Miao people have traveled thousands of miles to come here with a sincere heart to surrender and with a deep expectation for peace and development.

If any mishap occurs to the Miao people on her territory, even the slightest accident, she would find it difficult to explain herself to the world, no matter how many mouths she had.