Recently, due to a strategic redeployment in the military, Gu Qing had paused his duties and returned to his suburban villa to rest.
Inside his consciousness, the little orb spun excitedly, its voice high-pitched as always: “Master really is a master! Working so hard—most male insects, even with military posts, treat them like idle positions. If they don’t want to show up, they just skip duty, and the military turns a blind eye!”
Gu Qing replied calmly, “I merely did what was my duty.”
The villa was surrounded by lush greenery, the sounds of insects and birds blending in a serene harmony, far removed from the clamor of the world—perfect for cultivation. He sat cross-legged, the spiritual energy within him circulating slowly yet steadily, a faint halo of light shimmering around his body. Deep within his consciousness, the little silver orb drifted lazily, yawning and circling Gu Qing’s awareness.
“Fortunately, it was that energy stone sent by that brat Vili that allowed you to restore your cultivation bit by bit!” the orb said with relief. Then, worry crept into its tone: “It looks like the stone is running low… should I go find a new supply? You can’t be without strength!”
Gu Qing chuckled, opening his eyes to speak—just as a clear, melodious chime rang from outside the villa.
The little orb trembled anxiously. “Who could that be? Knocking at this hour… it can’t be some strange insect, right?”
Gu Qing rose slowly, straightened his robe, expression composed: “Not a stranger. The aura… seems familiar.”
Opening the front door, three tall, poised noble male insects stood there. He recognized them immediately—Arthur Rhine, Ivan Loya, and Leo Sieg, the same trio who had stirred trouble in the military alongside the vice president of the Male Protection Council.
Their clothing was lavish, smiles hiding subtle malice.
“Gu Qing,” Arthur said, smiling politely but with underlying pressure, “we heard you keep no female attendants. That seems rather… austere.”
He continued smoothly: “We’ve come to invite you to tonight’s noble banquet at the Starshine Hall.”
Ivan added, eyes glinting with inquiry, “It’s the empire’s top gathering—luxurious attire, fine wines, rare insects… surely it would pique your interest.”
Leo’s smile was coldly amused: “This is not merely a banquet, but a gateway to the center of the world.”
Gu Qing understood their intentions—an attempt to lure him in, but also an opportunity to observe the noble factions. He feigned slight surprise, as though caught off guard, then lowered his lashes: “I… haven’t been to such events before…”
Clasping his fingertips, his gaze hesitant, as if unaccustomed to high society, he added softly: “…but… thank you for your invitation. I… will come see it.”
Arthur’s smile deepened, nodding gently: “We look forward to your presence.”
The three nobles turned, their vehicles fading into the forest.
Inside his consciousness, the little orb fumed, trembling: “Tch! Those three thieves come to your home pretending to be friends—they have ulterior motives! Wait until you expose them; let’s see them still smiling!”
Gu Qing closed the door slowly, expression now icy, voice low and sharp: “They smile so brightly.”
A beat, his eyes darkened, frost cutting through his calm like a blade: “Then let’s see what performance they intend to put on.”
He clenched his fingers decisively: “And I’ll make Milton pay for that day.”
As their hovering vehicle left the villa, a brief silence filled the cabin. Leo snorted first:
“Remember the temporary hearing at the military? Gu Qing spoke for Milton in front of all insects, turning us into a laughingstock.” His eyes were cold, voice laced with contempt. “Even the Male Protection Council vice president was dragged down… I remember that clearly.”
“He really knows how to put on a show,” Ivan said lazily, smirking. “Posing as pure, untainted, uninterested in females… who believes that? Maybe Milton’s toy, manipulated tightly, or brainwashed by those damn military females.”
Arthur stroked his emblem, voice calm but chillingly certain: “Once he reaches Starshine Hall, sees the real banquet, sees how male insects truly live—he’ll understand where he should stand.”
Leo licked his lips, playful yet cruel: “I hear some military females fancy him… if he switches sides and joins us, we can have any of those females we want, guided by him.”
Ivan raised a brow: “Including that wretched Milton?”
“Of course,” Leo sneered, ice in his tone. “If that wretched female falls into my hands, she’ll beg for mercy, broken… she’ll tremble even to see us.”
Arthur’s gaze darkened, voice low: “It’s time for us to turn the tables.”
The banquet was held at Starshine Hall, the empire’s most luxurious venue.
At dusk, the grand doors opened. Gu Qing entered.
Before him stretched a crystal walkway, flanked by misty incense lanterns, layers of aromatic smoke drifting through the air. Noble attire, gemstones, rare foods, and exotic wines spread before him, a display of concentrated resources and indulgence.
Yet beneath the splendor lay an undercurrent of hidden darkness.
Gu Qing’s gaze passed over ragged female insects—some forced to dance on stage, some trapped in transparent cases like exhibits for insect spectators. More knelt beneath male insects’ feet, blending into the carpet, trampled and toyed with.
Inside his consciousness, the little orb fumed: “These insects… too much! Qingqing, don’t emulate them! Never, ever, ever!”
Gu Qing’s expression remained calm; his steps didn’t falter.
In a dimly lit private room, thick carpets swallowed sound. Three male insects sat at a table, ragged female slaves at their feet, expressionless.
After brief formalities, the guides led Gu Qing to his seat.
Besides the Rhine, Loya, and Service families, three more noble males were present—Leo Sieg, Arlen Ninto, and Moss Chare—secondary nobles but formidable powers in the empire.
Gu Qing bowed slightly: “Thank you all for your gracious invitation.”
“So… still so reserved?” Arlen said, appraising him. “With a face like yours at the center stage, all females here would lose their minds.”
Ivan sipped lazily: “Gu Qing seems not to understand how to enjoy life yet.”
Leo’s tone was near-tender: “If you wish, tonight you may choose a female insect to accompany you, truly experiencing a noble’s life.”
Gu Qing lowered his lashes, uneasy: “I… usually don’t interact with insects… feels… strange… just having them sit with me is enough.”
The male insects exchanged glances, amusement and curiosity glinting in their eyes. His naïve demeanor was a perfectly cultivated prey—soft, harmless, like the finest bait.
“Such innocence,” Arthur said half-smiling, “but we dislike insects who don’t conform.”
“Especially, the military rules mean nothing here,” Moss added coldly, raising his glass. “We are not military females. We deal in customs, not discipline.”
Leo tapped the table lightly: “Your relationship with Milton is… good?”
Gu Qing paused, stirred by the sudden question. Voice nearly inaudible: “…He saved me.”
“Then you’d better be careful,” Arlen said with a sly smile. “That female has a bad temper. In the wrong setting… she’d only submit.”
The little orb exploded in rage: “They—they—they dare say Milton would submit?! I’ll bite them a hundred times!”
Gu Qing’s lips curved faintly, voice gentle: “…Then I must learn to protect myself.”
He lifted a glass of exotic wine, offering it politely to the insects—a soft, unobtrusive gesture, the image of an innocent stepping into the whirlpool of power.
Yet as he sipped, a fleeting cold glint passed through his eyes.
The performance had only just begun.
After a few rounds of wine, the atmosphere eased. Amid swirling smoke, a female slave brought an incense-laced wine pot. Gu Qing rose, serving wine to six male insects with poised grace, every movement measured—neither subservient nor arrogant—drawing subtle admiration.
“Seems military training was effective,” Ivan said, leaning back, smirk faint. “Milton’s temper may be bad, but his choice of companions is… commendable.”
Gu Qing paused, then looked up, eyes clear: “…He never treated me as a toy.”
Silence fell.
Arthur chuckled lightly: “Speaking for him?”
“Not at all,” Gu Qing lowered his gaze, voice gentle. “Just wish to clarify… forgive me if I err.”
Arlen narrowed his eyes: “Know this isn’t the military, nor a place your general shields you. If you truly wish to integrate, show some sincerity.”
He snapped his fingers.
Two nearly nude female slaves were brought forward, one taller, one shorter, faces delicate but expressionless.
“Choose one. Tonight, she is yours,” Arlen said warmly, as if bestowing a favor. “If you refuse… we may suspect your loyalty lies with Milton.”
The little orb erupted inside his consciousness: “This is the first trial? Forcing Qingqing to pick a female slave? Disgusting!”
Gu Qing’s gaze softened, observing the silver chains on their ankles. After a moment, he smiled faintly: “May I have them change their clothing? It’s too cold tonight; their bodies are delicate. If they fall ill, wouldn’t that spoil your pleasure?”
The room fell silent.
Leo narrowed his eyes, intrigued: “…Are you sure?”
Gu Qing’s tone remained calm, as if stating the ordinary: “If they don’t mind, they may sit with me, drink, and talk. That’s all.”
His obedience and gentleness subtly dismantled the nobles’ rules without a word. A soft approach, even harder to counter than outright refusal.
Arthur’s low laugh: “You… are like a rose with thorns.”
The others regarded him differently, yet no one pressed further. Everyone understood—this would not be the last test.