Soul Emperor Awakening

Sure enough, Lu Hua’s expression changed the moment Zi Yi did this. He only then noticed Lin Xuan standing to the side. At first, he had assumed Lin Xuan was just a common guard, but it appeared that wasn’t so.

Judging from his clothes, Lin Xuan looked very ordinary. He had never been particular about his attire; his clothes were frequently damaged, so he simply bought and wore a few sets of plain linen robes. As a result, he looked like just another face in the crowd.

He was handsome, at best, but it was clearly impossible for him to have any kind of status.

"And who might this be?" Lu Hua walked over and inquired with cupped hands, a flicker of jealousy in his eyes. He looked as if he wanted to run Lin Xuan through.

"Lin Yunlong," Lin Xuan stated calmly.

"So, you’re Lin Yunlong!" Lu Hua was taken aback for a moment before his expression turned grim. With a cold look, he said, "You’re young, and your talent is decent enough, but you lack prudence. Let me offer you a piece of advice: you need to be very clear about who you can touch and who you can’t!"

Lu Hua launched into a tirade without any preamble. His words were quite direct, a clear warning for Lin Xuan not to get involved with Zi Yi, as someone of his station could never hope to be worthy of her.

With that said, he shot Lin Xuan a venomous glare. Without waiting for a rebuttal, he turned, let out a cold snort, and departed. There was no point in staying any longer—unless he could slap Lin Xuan out of the picture, but Zi Yi would never allow that. Besides, it would be a great offense to the lady herself.

He could only choose ’out of sight, out of mind’ and hurry into the venue, not wanting to lay eyes on them again.

After Lu Hua had gone, Lin Xuan said with a wry smile, "Miss Zi Yi, it seems this reward won’t be easily earned. Once we go inside, won’t I just end up antagonizing more people?"

He didn’t mind antagonizing the Eldest Prince’s followers, but too many would be troublesome. The saying ’a beauty is a calamity’ was certainly true. However, he knew what Lu Hua truly coveted wasn’t Zi Yi’s looks. Once one’s Cultivation and position reached a certain level, appearance became secondary. What really mattered was status and background!

Zi Yi’s backing was formidable. If a man could be with her, the outcome was obvious—his future would be limitless.

"No, I just particularly dislike those two brothers. Their relentless pursuit is disgusting," Zi Yi explained briefly. At the same time, she released her hand from his arm and smiled. "But I really have put you in a difficult position. From now on, Lu Hua will surely have you in his sights. You’ll need to be careful."

"’He has me in his sights? We’ll see if he has the stomach for it!’ A cold glint flashed in Lin Xuan’s eyes. ’His brother already died by my hand. Let’s just see if Lu Hua knows what’s good for him.’"

They entered the venue together. As soon as they were inside, they saw many important figures, including several familiar faces. Naturally, people from families like the Fang Family and the Liu Family were present, and they all came forward to offer their greetings.

However, they all looked surprised when they saw Lin Xuan accompanying Zi Yi. For years, at countless evening events, Zi Yi had never brought a male companion with her. If she was accompanied by a man, he was merely a guard. This was the absolute first time they had ever seen her with a man her own age!

They simply exchanged greetings without much conversation. With Zi Yi by his side, it wasn’t the time or place for a long chat.

Lin Feng was also nearby. He gave a nod from a distance but said nothing further.

After they took their assigned seats and most of the guests had arrived, a eunuch on the stage shouted, "We respectfully welcome the Great Emperor!" The announcement was followed by the clang of a gong, and the moment finally arrived to see the Great Emperor in person.

Lin Xuan had long heard the legends of the Great Emperor, but he had never seen the man himself.

A moment later, an elderly man emerged slowly from behind a curtain. The instant he appeared, a powerful aura descended upon the hall. Without any deliberate release of power, an air of majesty radiated from him, swiftly filling the entire space.

What little chatter had remained in the hall died down instantly. No one dared to utter a single word.

The old man’s figure came into full view. His face was a web of wrinkles, a clear sign that his time was short. Yet, the power in his stride was undiminished; he still carried himself like a Great Emperor. Every step he took felt like it landed on their hearts. Those with average Cultivation found it hard to breathe. Even those with higher Cultivation could feel the weight of his powerful footsteps, as if each one was a declaration: ’This Emperor is not yet old!’

Xu Qianlong. That was the Great Emperor’s name, but no one dared to speak it. They all addressed him simply as Great Emperor. As everyone could see, Xu Qianlong was approaching the end of his life; otherwise, the Princes would not be engaged in such open infighting. With his Core Formation Stage Cultivation, Xu Qianlong had sat on the throne for far too long. It was time to abdicate.

Xu Qianlong’s life was the stuff of legends. He had fought his way up from being a commoner to eventually claim the throne. His Cultivation was exceptionally high, having reached the Core Formation Stage. Without such power, it would have been impossible for him to secure his position as Great Emperor.

Most importantly, he was a master of diplomacy, maintaining good relations with both Qingcheng Mansion and the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion. Since Qingcheng Mansion did not involve itself in internal politics, he didn’t have to worry about any threat from that quarter.

’So this is the Core Formation Stage Cultivation!’

Lin Xuan trembled inwardly. Xu Qianlong was old and his Cultivation had declined significantly, but he could still sense the terrifying power emanating from him. Lin Xuan had a feeling that if the Great Emperor so much as waved a hand in their direction, most of the people present would perish. He, of course, would be no exception; the Emperor could kill him instantly and with utter ease.

To get his revenge, he now realized, he would need to reach the Core Formation Stage—the same level of Cultivation as Xu Qianlong. The difficulty of such a feat was immense. But if he could truly reach that stage, he, like the Great Emperor, would stand at the apex of the world!

The very thought sent a thrill of excitement through him...

Following the Emperor, the other Princes emerged. The first was the most powerful of them, the Eldest Prince, Xu Yunxuan. He walked out with a placid, emotionless face, appearing utterly cold and detached. He had a powerful, burly build and carried the aura of a king. Moreover, his Cultivation was as high as the Spirit Pill Stage Level.

After emerging, Xu Yunxuan took a seat nearby. He possessed no trace of warmth or affability. The look in his eyes was one of pure dominance, as if he were looking down upon all of creation.

The Second Prince, Xu Yunfei, came out next. He had a timid demeanor and a low Cultivation, only at the Essence Pill Stage. His build was frail and slight, and he had the look of a pampered pretty boy. His gait was unsteady, as if he’d spent too much time in brothels. After sitting down, he seemed too timid to meet anyone’s gaze.

The last to appear was the Third Prince, Xu Yunlong. He walked out with a broad smile on his face. He too had a powerful build, and his Cultivation had also reached the Spirit Pill Stage Level. His constant smile gave him a very approachable air.

If the Eldest Prince looked like a born ruler, the Third Prince seemed more like a kindly senior or a gentle Elder. He appeared to lack any ambition for power, as if he only wished to live a quiet life.

Of course, either of them was a far better prospect than the Second Prince.

All three Princes had emerged. They were all well into their forties or fifties, but for a Cultivator, this was the prime of life!

’The dragon has nine sons, and each is different... I’m finally seeing it for myself.’ This was the first time Lin Xuan had seen the three Princes in person.

Clearly, each Prince had his own unique qualities, and their different personalities attracted different factions—with the obvious exception of the Second Prince.

Visit and read more novel to help us update chapter quickly. Thank you so much!