C8 Bet(1)

Following the messenger, Chu Feng stepped through the towering doorways until a grand palace suddenly loomed before him. Virtue Hall was the residence and administrative center of the Duke of Ralens, Chu Batian.

Gazing at the imposing structure, a flood of memories overwhelmed Chu Feng. Before he turned eight, when Su Yun was still favored, Chu Feng would often visit Virtue Hall in her company. But since that age, he had not set foot in the hall again, especially after Su Yun and the others had relocated to Nimbus Palace.

"Prince Chu Feng, please come in. The Duke awaits you," the messenger gestured with an inviting hand.

The messenger had seldom encountered Prince Chu Feng and had often heard rumors of the prince's frailty, likening him to nothing more than waste. However, seeing Chu Feng today, the messenger doubted the accuracy of such gossip.

Chu Feng nodded to the messenger and made his way into Virtue Hall with confident strides.

"Son Chu Feng pays his respects to his father," he announced upon entry.

Chu Feng's eyes met with those of a robust man seated on a golden throne, his features sharply defined as if chiseled by blade and axe, his gaze piercing like that of an eagle.

"Stand," commanded Chu Batian, observing Chu Feng kneeling before him, and nodded approvingly.

"Thank you, Father," Chu Feng responded, rising to his feet.

"I've heard that you've awakened the All-Seeing Eye this year?" Chu Batian inquired, his tone measured.

Chu Batian remembered Chu Feng as delicate, but the young man before him now appeared robust. The recent news of Chu Feng awakening the All-Seeing Eye seemed increasingly credible.

"Indeed, Royal Father, I have awakened the All-Seeing Eye," Chu Feng confirmed, meeting his father's gaze.

As Chu Feng regarded Chu Batian, perched upon the elevated dais, he couldn't shake off the feeling of estrangement. Were it not for his lineage, Chu Feng would struggle to accept that this man was his father.

"Ha! Excellent. To awaken the All-Seeing Eye is to be recognized as a warrior. By the way, how is your mother faring now?"

Chu Batian burst into laughter before posing his question deliberately.

Years ago, to protect the royal family's reputation from being tarnished by Chu Feng's unique constitution, Chu Batian had relocated Chu Feng and his mother to Nimbus Palace. Now, eight years had flown by, and he couldn't help but wonder about Su Yun's well-being.

"Father, Mother is doing well," Chu Feng replied.

As he spoke, Chu Feng glanced over at Chu Lang, who stood nearby. He wanted to convey that Su Yun's well-being was entirely due to Chu Lang's "care."

Chu Lang caught Chu Feng's look and let out a cold laugh.

But Chu Feng held back further comment. Chu Lang was now favored by the Duke of Ralens, and speaking out would only leave a poor impression.

"Yes, you've seen for yourself. Today, Chu Lang, Prime Minister Xiahou Yuan, and Xiahou Jiao are present. You must know what I'm about to discuss, right?" Duke of Ralens spoke with measured calmness.

"I'm aware," Chu Feng responded, his voice devoid of emotion.

Xiahou Yuan and the others furrowed their brows upon hearing Chu Feng's tone. They had expected him to firmly oppose the matter at hand, but his detached tone suggested otherwise.

"Prime Minister Xiahou Yuan, please, share the details," Chu Batian directed his gaze to the middle-aged man clad in a black official robe and wearing a prime minister's cap.

Xiahou Yuan, the Prime Minister of the Edora Kingdom, was rumored to have reached the second level of Dream-Seeking in his martial arts cultivation. The journey through the martial arts realms—from Initial Transcendent, through Mystic Ascension, Eternal Green, World-Illuminating, and up to Dream-Seeking, and even beyond to Shadow Lurking and Stardust Glimmer—was incredibly challenging. In his previous life, Chu Feng had achieved Stardust Glimmer at a remarkably young age, a feat that marked him as an extraordinary individual. However, the Chu Feng of today was significantly weaker, with a cultivation level at only Initial Transcendent.

"Your Highness, you might recall the jest I once made about marrying Jiaojiao to you, Prince Chu Feng. The time is nearly upon us, and unexpectedly, Jiaojiao has developed feelings for Prince Chu Lang. We shouldn't meddle in matters of the heart, so today, I just wanted to..."

"Do you wish to annul the agreement?"

Chu Feng turned and inquired.

"Indeed, that is the matter at hand, which is why I've come to seek Prince Chu Feng's opinion today," Xiahou Yuan stated deliberately.

"Yes, that's acceptable," Chu Feng responded, his expression unchanging.

Xiahou Yuan was momentarily taken aback by Chu Feng's tone and demeanor. He understood the significance of his family to Chu Feng and had expected a refusal. To his surprise, Chu Feng consented without hesitation.

Everything was proceeding without a hitch.

Xiahou Yuan was tempted to ask for confirmation but thought better of it, fearing Chu Feng might retract his consent.

"Do you truly consent to nullifying our initial agreement? Of course, if you're reluctant, I'm willing to reconsider," Chu Batian interjected, breaking his silence.

Upon hearing Chu Batian's remark, all eyes turned to him.

"The Duke is understandably concerned," Xiahou Yuan mused internally.

Chu Batian's sudden interjection wasn't out of favoritism towards Chu Feng; he had his own agenda. The Xiahou family was burgeoning with warriors, amassing increasing influence in the royal court. A marriage between Xiahou Jiao and Chu Lang would only amplify the Xiahou family's already formidable power.

Despite outwardly relying heavily on Xiahou Yuan, Chu Batian harbored deep reservations.

Xiahou Yuan's heart clenched at Chu Batian's words. He was no fool and grasped the implication behind them.

Xiahou Yuan was certain that if Chu Feng opposed the matter, Chu Batian would undoubtedly reject it as well.

"I agree," Chu Feng stated calmly.

Relief washed over Xiahou Yuan upon hearing Chu Feng's response.

Though unsure of Chu Feng's reasons, Xiahou Yuan was thoroughly pleased with the outcome.

"Well then, let's consider the matter settled," Chu Batian conceded after a pause, glancing at Chu Feng.

He couldn't coerce Xiahou Jiao and Chu Feng into a union; doing so would irreparably damage his rapport with Xiahou Yuan.

Chu Batian was well aware of Xiahou Yuan's perspective.

It seemed imperative to prevent Prince Chu Lang from gaining power in the future.

This was Chu Batian's innermost conviction.

"Father, now that the marriage between Chu Feng and Jiaojiao has been annulled, I humbly request that you grant me the honor of marrying Jiaojiao!"

Seizing the moment, Chu Lang was elated. He quickly knelt before Chu Batian and made his plea.

Chu Feng and Xiahou Jiao had just agreed to dissolve their betrothal, yet there had been no mention of his own marriage to Xiahou Jiao, leaving Chu Lang feeling unsettled.

"Please, Your Grace, grant this favor."

Simultaneously, Xiahou Jiao also knelt down and implored.

Adorned in a purple robe and a peony-patterned dress, her striking features were evident as Xiahou Jiao turned her pleading gaze toward Chu Lang.

Chu Lang reciprocated the look, their eyes meeting with what seemed to be a trace of tenderness.

Had Chu Batian not been present, Chu Feng would have been disgusted by the display. It was clear to any observer that their affection was feigned.

They were simply exploiting each other.

"Your Grace, please grant my request!"

With Chu Batian still silent, Xiahou Yuan also knelt and joined in the plea.