In the Star Luo Empire, in a mansion within the Imperial Palace, Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun were waiting for news.
The powerful individuals they had dispatched several days ago had not sent any updates.
"Reporting, Your Highness, something terrible has happened! The White Tiger Guard and Elder Zhu Chang of the Nether Duke Mansion have all been annihilated."
Just then, an old man delivered a shocking message, leaving Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun dumbfounded.
"What? Completely wiped out?"
"Two Spirit Emperors and four Spirit Kings, just like that? How did they die?" Dai Weisi's head buzzed upon hearing this news; it was like a bolt from the blue.
"Ah! This…" Zhu Zhuyun was even more terrified, her face paling as she collapsed onto a stool.
"Crown Prince, from the scene, there were no signs of a struggle.
They were all instantly killed, without any power to resist, and their bodies appeared to have been directly pierced by something, leaving a large hole.
No weapons or anything similar were left behind, which is different from the cause of death of the previous few individuals."
"Your Highness, this old man suspects a Titled Douluo may have made a move."
This old man was Dai Weisi's subordinate, also a Spirit Emperor.
After his White Tiger Guard went missing, Dai Weisi had sent him to investigate.
"Slap…"
"Zhu Zhuyun, who exactly did you provoke? Just for one Zhu Zhuqing, we lost so many powerful individuals—two Spirit Emperors and seven Spirit Kings.
Those were all my trusted confidants."
Dai Weisi slapped Zhu Zhuyun across the face, sending her sprawling to the ground.
For this woman, he had sacrificed half of his White Tiger Guard.
"Weisi, wasn't I just trying to maintain the Royal Family's prestige?
Who knew that young man would be so terrifying?"
Zhu Zhuyun covered her face, feeling incredibly wronged, and at the same time, a deep sense of fear.
If that young man were to retaliate against her in the future for targeting him like this, she would definitely not escape.
"In the future, cause me less trouble.
Be careful, or one day you might lose your life." Dai Weisi also felt afraid.
Which faction did the other party belong to?
How could they be so terrifying?
Everyone in the World knew that the Dai Family and the Zhu Family had been intermarrying for generations.
If that Little girl from the Zhu Family truly ended up with that young man, it would be a slap in the face to the Star Luo Empire Royal Family, making them a laughingstock to the World.
The sudden deaths of two Spirit Emperors and seven Spirit Kings were such a major event that it also alarmed the Star Luo Emperor Dai Tianfeng and Empress Zhu.
"Your Highness, Crown Prince Consort, His Majesty summons you."
At this moment, a eunuch delivered a message, summoning Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun to the Imperial Palace.
In a grand hall within the Imperial Palace, Dai Tianfeng, Empress Zhu, Zhu Family Head Zhu Tianlie, and other high-ranking officials from both families were present.
Everyone's gaze turned towards Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun, as this matter was caused by them.
"Speak!
What exactly happened?
Who killed so many of our powerful individuals?" Dai Tianfeng stared at Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun, asking coldly.
"Imperial Father, according to Zhu Zhuyun, the other party is just a very handsome young man, but he possesses the strength to instantly kill a Spirit King.
Your son had also dispatched the White Tiger Guard earlier to clarify this matter, but it resulted in their complete annihilation."
Facing the Iron-Blooded Emperor Dai Tianfeng, Dai Weisi dared not conceal anything.
"Marshal Zhu, how did that Little girl Zhuqing come to know such a terrifying person?"
Dai Tianfeng addressed Zhu Family Head Zhu Tianlie, as this matter was also caused by that Little girl.
"Your Majesty, I don't know either!
That Little girl Zhuqing has been at home these past few years and doesn't know anyone at all!"
Zhu Tianlie was also utterly bewildered, wondering who his youngest daughter had encountered!
"An unknown young man and that girl Zhuqing are together.
This is openly challenging the authority of our Star Luo Empire."
Dai Tianfeng, as the Star Luo Emperor, watched his youngest son's fiancée run off with an unknown young man.
What kind of situation was this?
If this spread, it would become a joke to the World, and where would he put his old face?
"Imperial Father, please calm your anger.
Your son believes this matter should be suppressed."
"According to Zhu Zhuyun, when that young man killed those few guards, she didn't even see how he attacked, yet all five guards died, and that young man was completely unharmed.
Such strength is simply inconceivable.
Afterward, the people we dispatched were completely wiped out, and according to the on-site investigation, they were also instantly killed, without any power to resist."
"Your son suspects that there must be a Titled Douluo-level expert behind that young man, and a very powerful one at that.
We should not provoke the other party for now."
Dai Weisi, as the first heir to the Crown Prince, had a clear head.
His own people were almost completely wiped out by the other party; looking for trouble again would be akin to having a death wish.
Sacrificing all his people for a Little girl from the Zhu Family—only a fool would engage in such a loss-making business.
"Marshal Zhu, you truly raised a good daughter." Dai Tianfeng glanced at Zhu Tianlie.
"Your Majesty, rest assured, I will handle this matter."
Zhu Tianlie superficially agreed, but in his heart, he thought that if that girl Zhuqing had indeed met a peerless genius, it would actually be a good thing.
This way, she wouldn't have to fight her sister in the future.
"Let this matter rest for now.
Before we figure out who the other party is, do not casually mobilize the Royal Family's forces."
Dai Tianfeng and the various high-ranking officials exchanged opinions and finally reached a consensus to temporarily set aside this matter.
Although this incident left the Star Luo Empire Royal Family feeling very aggrieved, facing such unknown fear, the Royal Family's high-ranking officials were at a loss for a time and could only concede.
In a small courtyard in the Nether Duke Mansion, a beautiful woman, upon learning of the Zhu Zhuqing incident, wondered if that Little girl had perhaps met that young man.
If that were true, then it would be wonderful; the Little girl had finally escaped the cage of fate.
…
The Zhu Zhuqing incident was too bizarre, causing the Star Luo Royal Family to suffer a silent loss and concede.
If Ye Liangchen knew the Star Luo Empire's reaction, he would definitely give himself a Best Director award.
One morning, Ye Liangchen and Zhu Zhuqing arrived in Nuoding City.
The two walked through the streets, admiring the customs and traditions of this city.
"Xiao Maomi! Have you ever been to Nuoding City?"
"No, this is my first time in the Heaven Dou Empire, Chen Ge.
What about you?"
"Me neither.
I was still young a few years ago and always lived at Tianshui Academy.
Aunt Lan and the others wouldn't let me out."
"Your Aunt Lan and the others were also protecting you!"
"Let's go! We should find a hotel to stay in first, and then have a good meal."
"Okay, Chen Ge."
The two walked and chatted softly.
Upon arriving in Nuoding City, they naturally had to stay in the most luxurious hotel.
So, Ye Liangchen asked a passerby and learned that the most luxurious hotel in Nuoding City was also the Rose Hotel.
My goodness! The Rose Hotel even existed in a city like Nuoding City, which wasn't very large.
The two took several turns and arrived at a Rose Hotel near the main street.
Ye Liangchen chose this hotel because a road next to it led to Saint Spirit Village, which would make it convenient to observe the situation.
"Boss, two of your most luxurious rooms, please.
We'll be staying for ten days."
Upon arriving at the counter in the Rose Hotel lobby, Ye Liangchen, using his alias Lan Chen, grandly booked two of the most luxurious superior rooms, as he wasn't short on money anyway.
"I'm sorry, esteemed guest, there is only one most luxurious room available."
The lobby manager, a man in his 30s, seeing the stunning woman beside Ye Liangchen, immediately understood and stated that there was only one room, a knowing smile on his face.
"Boss, you're acting suspicious!"
Ye Liangchen, of course, knew the Rose Hotel's tricks; these lobby managers, in addition to their regular duties, also moonlighted as matchmakers.
"Handsome sir, please rest assured, the room is spacious, with two bedrooms and a living room.
It will definitely satisfy both you and this lady." The lobby manager also boasted to Ye Liangchen about the various benefits of the Rose Hotel.
"I'm not short on money.
Give me two rooms." Ye Liangchen directly pulled out two bags of gold coins.
"Chen Ge, we can just stay in one room.
We can save some money too."
"Boss, just one room."
Upon hearing there were two rooms, Zhu Zhuqing interrupted Ye Liangchen, directly telling the lobby manager to book one room, and she picked up the other bag of gold coins and put it into Ye Liangchen's hand.
"Alright, madam, this is the room card for the most luxurious room on the top floor.
I hope you and this handsome gentleman have a pleasant stay."
The lobby manager handed the room card to Zhu Zhuqing with a grin.
For young couples, the Rose Hotel's service philosophy had always been to bring together as many as possible.
"Thank you, Boss."
Zhu Zhuqing took the room card and didn't think much of it.
Before, when she and Ye Liangchen were in the Border Mountains forest, they sometimes even shared a tent.
Their current relationship was like good friends and best friends, ready to develop further at any time.
"Chen Ge, let's go." Zhu Zhuqing looked at the still-dazed Ye Liangchen, her mood very pleasant, and she pulled his hand, walking directly to the top floor.
"Xiao Maomi! Is this really okay?"
Ye Liangchen felt that this Xiao Maomi was acting stranger and stranger.
If this continued, he felt like he would be manipulated by this girl at any moment.
Are all the women in this World so bold?
"Chen Ge, don't worry about these things.
In this unfamiliar city, I don't dare to stay alone."
Zhu Zhuqing deliberately made an excuse, wanting to get closer to Ye Liangchen.
This man was too outstanding; if she didn't take the initiative now, she might not have a chance in the future.
They had been together for nearly ten days, and Zhu Zhuqing understood Ye Liangchen very well.
He was handsome, kind-hearted, gentle and considerate, sunny and cheerful, and most importantly, he greatly respected women, which was truly an anomaly in this male-dominated World.
Zhu Zhuqing had never seen a gentleman like Ye Liangchen before; even when they shared a room, nothing would happen.
Now, she had no defenses against him whatsoever.
Zhu Zhuqing felt that based on Ye Liangchen's help to her, and his incredibly high appearance and strength, even if she offered herself to him, she would still be making a huge profit.
Sometimes, she felt she wasn't worthy of him.
When Zhu Zhuqing was six, she had seen the three protectors by Ye Liangchen's side, all of whom were peerless beauties.
The other party would definitely have arranged his life's major events, and it was likely the childhood sweetheart type.
Now, Zhu Zhuqing didn't care about those things anymore; she just knew she had to enter Ye Liangchen's World, and nothing else mattered.
"Xiao Maomi! I feel like you're acting strange."
Being led by the hand by Zhu Zhuqing all the way, Ye Liangchen was quite speechless.
Although their relationship was very good, there was no need for this, right?
"Chen Ge, I told you before, wherever you go, I'll go.
I hope you don't dislike me.
Let's go eat first."
"Alright! You call the shots."
Watching this Xiao Maomi become more and more clingy, Ye Liangchen could only let her be.
Who could refuse a gentle and quiet Xiao Maomi?
Walking into the most luxurious suite on the top floor, they tidied up their respective rooms, then went down to the hotel's restaurant and ordered the most luxurious private room, enjoying a wonderful meal.
"For so many days, we've been cooking for ourselves.
Now we can finally enjoy having food served to us.
Xiao Maomi, eat more."
"Chen Ge, you eat too."
A warm lunch, feeling like a couple's meal, made them both very happy.
After lunch, back in the room, Ye Liangchen took a comfortable hot bath, ready for a good sleep.
"Knock knock…"
"Chen Ge, open the door."
Just then, a knock sounded, followed by Xiao Maomi's voice.
After opening the door, he saw Zhu Zhuqing standing at the doorway, her face slightly flushed, then she excitedly threw herself into Ye Liangchen's arms and kissed him on the cheek.
"Chen Ge, my spirit power has broken through to Level 30!"
At this moment, Zhu Zhuqing felt that happiness came too suddenly.
When she first met this man, she was only at Level 28 spirit power.
With his help, in just ten short days, she had already broken through to Level 30.
"Chen Ge, thank you."
Zhu Zhuqing was extremely excited, tears of happiness streaming down her fair, rosy cheeks.
At this moment, she truly resembled a Xiao Maomi, quietly nestled in Ye Liangchen's embrace, holding him tightly, afraid he would run away.
"Xiao Maomi, you're taking advantage of me again."
Ye Liangchen was speechless now, feeling that this girl was getting more and more mischievous.
Was this still that aloof Xiao Maomi?
"Ah! Chen Ge, don't say it, you're so naughty!"
Zhu Zhuqing immediately understood what he meant, and her pretty face instantly turned as red as a ripe apple.
"Xiao Maomi! You're this happy just for Level 30.
When you reach Level 40 or 50, won't you be flying?"
"Don't rush to obtain a spirit ring now.
Continue to refine your body.
In about another 10 days, I'll take you to obtain your third spirit ring."
"Hurry and leave!
I need to rest."
Ye Liangchen looked at the girl's excited expression, shook his head helplessly, and quickly pushed her gently away.
If this continued, something might happen.
This Xiao Maomi was too clingy.
I wonder if everyone else can handle it?
I certainly can't.
"Chen Ge, I'll listen to all your arrangements."
"You get some good rest.
I'll come call you for dinner later tonight."
Zhu Zhuqing was now completely obedient to Ye Liangchen; whatever he arranged, she would do.
"Xiao Maomi, remember to balance work and rest.
Don't overexert yourself."
Ye Liangchen ignored this clingy Xiao Maomi, lay directly on the bed, and began to rest.
Xiao Maomi's current state probably meant she had already fallen for him.
In fact, Ye Liangchen also understood that when this girl was at her most desperate point in life, she met him, a cheat, like encountering a guiding light.
She could only tightly grasp this sole opportunity.
"I know, Chen Ge."
Looking at Ye Liangchen's completely unrefined sleeping posture, which seemed very cute, Zhu Zhuqing couldn't help but chuckle softly.
Then she walked out of Ye Liangchen's room, gently closed the door, and went to the sofa in the living room, sitting cross-legged to cultivate.
Zhu Zhuqing had already made up her mind.
After breaking off the Royal Family engagement, she would diligently pursue this man.
Encountering such a good man, if she didn't seize the opportunity, wouldn't she be a fool?