The situation in the Star Luo Empire changed in the blink of an eye.
No one had expected that the once fierce battle for the position of Crown Prince would end in such a hasty manner.
In the past, the princes' struggles would last for several years.
Or even more than a decade.
But this time, in just one day, the winner was decided.
Everyone was dumbfounded; the gamble had ended before they even had a chance to place their bets.
For a time, major forces, like cats smelling fish, flocked to the Third Prince's residence.
However, the person responsible for receiving these people was Zhu Zhuqing.
Even though she had left Star Luo City for many years and was unfamiliar with many forces, the aristocratic education she received since childhood made her very adept at handling these matters.
And Lu Feng himself obviously had more important things to deal with.
First Prince's Residence.
Lu Feng looked up at the glittering plaque, a faint smile curling the corner of his mouth.
Sunlight shone on the plaque, reflecting dazzling light. However, compared to the past, the Prince's residence at this time seemed to lack a bit of majesty.
Outside the door, an old steward had a fawning face, squeezing out a chrysanthemum-like smile on his wrinkled face, but his eyes held a trace of imperceptible complexity.
"Third Prince, you're here." The old steward bowed, his tone carrying a bit of ingratiation.
His voice trembled slightly, as if he were trying hard to suppress his inner unease.
First Prince Davis had been stripped of his main family status and exiled to the Southern Wasteland battlefield. Theoretically, all his property in Star Luo City now belonged to the Third Prince.
This residence was naturally no exception.
Some unnecessary servants had already been dismissed, leaving only a few for cleaning.
"Is Sister-in-law home?" Lu Feng's tone was flat, his gaze profound.
A strange look flashed in the old steward's eyes, and he immediately smiled. "Answering the Third Prince, the Eldest Miss is inside. Should this old slave go announce you?"
Lu Feng smiled. "No need, I'll go see her myself."
According to custom, as auxiliary Zhu family members, the losers would also be sent to the battlefield.
Unless they had irreconcilable conflicts with the reigning emperor, those who could use the Netherworld White Tiger fusion skill generally survived in the end.
Although losing their main family status, they could still obtain a Count title based on military merit.
However, Lu Feng had requested the Emperor to keep Zhu Zhuyun in Star Luo City.
The Star Luo Emperor agreed almost without hesitation.
He was all too familiar with this Third Prince's lecherous nature—after all, he had done the same thing back in the day.
Walking into the residence, Lu Feng looked around.
The residence was spacious and unique, magnificent and brilliant, everywhere showing Davis's luxurious taste. In the courtyard, rockeries and flowing water, flowers and trees were scattered. A gentle breeze blew, bringing a faint floral fragrance.
However, behind this prosperity, there was a sense of desertion and loneliness.
In the huge residence, not many people were seen. Presumably, Davis had dismissed most of the servants before leaving.
As the saying goes: when the tree falls, the monkeys scatter.
Those willing to stay by Davis's side had basically gone with him to the Southern Wasteland. There, they naturally wouldn't lack opportunities for promotion.
Guided by the old steward, Lu Feng bypassed several corridors and finally stopped in front of a pavilion.
The pavilion was surrounded by green bamboo, the bamboo leaves swaying gently in the wind, making a rustling sound.
"Third Prince, this old slave takes his leave." The old steward retreated respectfully, his back looking somewhat hunched.
Lu Feng looked up. The plaque on the pavilion read "Phoenix Alighting," the calligraphy vigorous and powerful, revealing an arrogant air.
"Tsk, good name. Davis has good taste." Lu Feng chuckled lightly and pushed the door open.
Inside the room, Zhu Zhuyun trembled slightly upon hearing the door open.
She sat on the soft couch by the window, holding a book in her hand, but couldn't read a single word. Ever since she learned she was to remain in Star Luo City, she had guessed her fate.
Women of the Zhu family had never been able to control their own destiny.
Only by displaying talent or effort far surpassing ordinary people could a loser perhaps escape the predetermined outcome. However, her strength was average, lacking both talent and sufficient effort.
Sunlight shone through the window on her fair face. Zhu Zhuyun looked up at "Dai Mubai" at the door, an indescribable bitterness surging in her heart.
She didn't even have the courage to resist.
Lu Feng walked into the room, his gaze falling on Zhu Zhuyun.
Shoulder-length short hair, exquisite features, a black palace dress outlining her graceful figure. Sunlight sprinkled on her face as if plating her with a layer of soft light.
However, compared to their first meeting, the heroic spirit and confidence on her body had vanished, replaced by a pitiful weakness.
"Bang."
The door closed, and Zhu Zhuyun's body trembled unconsciously.
She looked up and saw "Dai Mubai" looking at her with interest, his gaze containing a bit of mockery and probing.
Zhu Zhuyun took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down.
"Sister-in-law, haven't seen you for a few days. How have you been?" Lu Feng smiled.
"Hmph." Zhu Zhuyun snorted lightly. "Dai Mubai, you don't need to be hypocritical. Just say what you have to say."
Seeing this, Lu Feng smiled.
Zhu Zhuyun's personality was somewhat similar to Zhu Zhuqing's.
However, when a person is weak, even if she gets angry, others will only find it interesting.
Lu Feng rubbed his nose and smiled faintly. "Sister-in-law, why be so angry? As the saying goes, winners become kings and losers become bandits. When I left Star Luo City back then, my situation wasn't much different from yours now."
Hearing this, Zhu Zhuyun took a deep breath. "I admit Davis and I misjudged you back then."
She spoke coldly, "I truly didn't expect your talent to be so amazing, breaking through to Soul King at only seventeen."
Changing the subject, her tone carried a trace of sarcasm. "However, you actually left a hundred-thousand-year soul bone unabsorbed and presented it to the Imperial Family instead. I really don't know if you are smart or stupid."
Although her combination with Davis was slightly inferior in individual strength, on the battlefield, the advantage of individual strength was often infinitely weakened.
Command ability, on-the-spot decision-making, resource coordination... these were the core qualities of an excellent general.
She had enough confidence in her husband.
If the two teams started a second contest, Zhu Zhuyun didn't believe that Dai Mubai, who indulged in women all day, could beat Davis in these aspects.
However, what no one expected was that Dai Mubai actually had a hundred-thousand-year soul bone, such a big killer move, in his hand.
That was a treasure ranked tied for first in the Soul Master's dream ranking.
Even more unexpectedly, he didn't absorb the soul bone but kept it.
One side was the throne, the other was the soul bone. If it were Zhu Zhuyun herself, she would definitely choose the latter without hesitation.
Looking at Zhu Zhuyun's slightly stubborn expression, the corner of Lu Feng's mouth turned up slightly, a trace of playfulness flashing in his eyes.
"Sister-in-law, a soul bone is just a dead object; people are alive."
"Besides, when the old man passes away, won't the soul bone fall into my hands anyway?" Lu Feng's tone was relaxed, as if discussing a trivial matter, but his gaze never left Zhu Zhuyun's face.
Zhu Zhuyun snorted coldly, a bit of disdain in her eyes. "Absorbing a hundred-thousand-year soul bone, His Majesty the Emperor might have a chance to break through to Titled Douluo. Inherit the soul bone? Keep dreaming your spring and autumn dreams."
Lu Feng smiled and didn't continue arguing.
He stared at Zhu Zhuyun with burning eyes, his tone suddenly becoming serious. "Sister-in-law, I came to find you today for serious business."
Zhu Zhuyun's heart sank, her chest heaving slightly, her fingers unconsciously tightening around the book in her hand. "What... what do you want?"
A cunning smile curled the corner of Lu Feng's mouth. He walked a few steps closer slowly, looking down at her. "Sister-in-law, although Davis has lost his qualification, the old man keeps suppressing me, delaying the establishment of the Crown Prince position."
He paused, his voice lowering a few degrees, carrying a hint of probing. "Say, is the old man still partial to Big Brother in his heart, waiting for him to return from the Southern Border?"
Zhu Zhuyun's heart trembled violently, a terrible thought flashing through her mind: Did our plan get exposed?
Since Dai Mubai left Star Luo City, Davis had quickly won over many forces.
Years of accumulated connections and resources had long made him deeply rooted in Star Luo City. Some forces had even completely become his private property, impossible to defect to Dai Mubai.
Although Davis had left Star Luo now, these forces were still chess pieces in his hands. As long as Dai Mubai didn't ascend the throne, he had a chance to make a comeback.
Zhu Zhuyun lowered her head, trying to keep her voice calm. "Mubai, you're overthinking it. In Star Luo history, the position of Crown Prince has never been changed casually."
"Is that so?" Lu Feng chuckled lightly, a bit of sarcasm in his voice.
"Since I am already the future Crown Prince, why are there some people I actually can't command?"
His tone suddenly became sharp, his gaze like a knife. "The Third Consecrated Priest, Fourth Consecrated Priest, and Seventh Consecrated Priest. Of the eight Imperial Consecrated Priests, three were actually bought by you."
"Sister-in-law, the power you and Big Brother have accumulated over these years is really not small."
"Say, if the old man knew about this, and then I fanned the flames a bit..." The corner of Lu Feng's mouth grinned unconsciously, revealing a brilliant smile.
"Sister-in-law, do you think Big Brother will encounter any accidents in the Southern Wasteland?" Lu Feng smiled.
Zhu Zhuyun's face instantly turned pale, as if hit in the chest by a heavy hammer, breathing becoming difficult. Her fingers trembled slightly, and the book slipped from her hand, making a slight sound.
It's over, she thought inwardly.
She never expected that Dai Mubai would find out their biggest reliance in just a few days.
Those three Consecrated Priests... they had spent a huge price to win them over back then, and their interests had long been tightly bound.
If Davis ascended the throne smoothly, these would naturally not be problems.
But now, the exposure of these secrets was tantamount to drawing fire to burn oneself.
However, Zhu Zhuyun quickly calmed down.
As the Eldest Miss of the Zhu family, having struggled in officialdom for many years, she knew that since Dai Mubai came to talk to her about this, there was still room for maneuver.
"Mubai, what is your condition?" Zhu Zhuyun spoke coldly, her voice carrying a trace of helplessness.
"As long as you are willing to spare your Big Brother's life, any condition can be discussed."
Her voice was low, carrying a trace of pleading. "He is your big brother after all; the blood of the White Tiger clan flows in his veins. You will be the Emperor in the future; you have to consider the inheritance of the Dai family."
Lu Feng smiled calmly and sat next to Zhu Zhuyun.
Zhu Zhuyun's body stiffened slightly, a wave of shame and indignation rising in her heart.
She knew Dai Mubai's nature well. When he was in Star Luo City, he never lacked women by his side, even changing a batch every three months.
Calling it: "Not letting women wear down the heart of cultivation."
"Huu~" Zhu Zhuyun exhaled deeply, the flush on her face gradually fading.
She wasn't some little girl who didn't understand the ways of the world. Isn't it just that thing? Just treat it as being bitten by a mosquito.
Looking at Zhu Zhuyun's flickering eyes, Lu Feng couldn't help but feel a little amused.
He naturally guessed Zhu Zhuyun's thoughts. He was an 'old driver' in his past life; what car hadn't he driven?
Talking about driving skills, Zhu Zhuyun was at best a little girl in front of him.
However, Lu Feng had no thoughts about her. He had promised Zhu Zhuqing that regardless of whether Davis lived or died, he would not make things difficult for her eldest sister.
"Ahem." Lu Feng coughed lightly and smiled. "Sister-in-law, how do you contact the three Consecrated Priests?"
Zhu Zhuyun looked up, a trace of doubt flashing in her eyes. "Why do you ask this?"
She didn't hide it and told him the contact methods with the three Consecrated Priests one by one.
"When Davis left, he told me to temporarily cut off contact with the three Consecrated Priests."
Zhu Zhuyun's voice carried a trace of pleading. "Mubai, your Big Brother absolutely has no intention of resisting you. He just wants to fight for some resources for his unborn child."
Saying this, she gently touched her belly, a trace of pity flashing in her eyes.
A trace of understanding flashed in Lu Feng's eyes. "Sister-in-law, if I want the three Consecrated Priests to leave Star Luo City temporarily, do you have any way?"
At this moment, Lu Feng finally revealed his true purpose.
Ever since the disturbance in the court, a pile of forces had surrounded Lu Feng. Everyone naturally wanted to hug the thigh of the future Crown Prince as soon as possible.
Among them was the Eighth Imperial Consecrated Priest—Huang Yuan.
But when Lu Feng wanted to use Huang Yuan to contact other Consecrated Priests, he hit a wall. So he followed the vine to find the melon and investigated the improper relationship between the Third, Fourth, and Seventh Consecrated Priests and Davis.
Huang Yuan had already been sent to Longxing City by Lu Feng. The order given to him was to stay there for at least a month.
Of course, the external explanation was naturally: "His Majesty the Emperor is in poor health, and the Eighth Consecrated Priest personally went to Longxing City to purchase a medicinal ingredient."
Zhu Zhuyun frowned, her fingers unconsciously rubbing the corner of the table. "Consecrated Priests are the core power of the Imperial Family. Moving three away at once... I'm afraid it's unlikely."
Lu Feng chuckled lightly, his gaze carrying a bit of deep meaning. "The old man is getting old, and some things are beyond his ability. But he cares about his face, so only I, this Prince, can come forward."
Saying this, he took out a piece of golden gelatinous substance from his Soul Tool and placed it on the table.
The gelatinous substance glowed faintly in the sunlight, as if containing some mysterious power.
Zhu Zhuyun picked up the gelatinous substance and squeezed it, feeling it soft and elastic, carrying a trace of warmth.
"What is this?" she asked doubtfully, frowning slightly.
Lu Feng smiled. "Good stuff. A great tonic that can make a man return to eighteen and make a woman glow with a second spring."
Hearing this, Zhu Zhuyun instantly understood.
She recalled chatting with her sisters in the past about the joys of the bedroom.
She remembered; this item should be called Whale Glue.
A great tonic, nourishing for both men and women.
"Hunting this Whale Glue is not easy. It requires going deep into the ocean. It's best if it's from a whale-type soul beast over ten thousand years old; the effect is best." Lu Feng said seriously.
His gaze held a bit of deep meaning. "Sister-in-law, I can't command the three Consecrated Priests. I'll trouble you with this matter."
Zhu Zhuyun looked Lu Feng up and down, a thought suddenly flashing in her mind.
She recalled seeing Zhu Zhuqing a few times after she arrived in Star Luo City. With Zhu Zhuyun's experienced eyes, Zhu Zhuqing was definitely still a flower bud.
With Dai Mubai's nature, he could actually resist touching Zhuqing?
Zhu Zhuyun couldn't help suspecting that Dai Mubai's so-called seeking medicine for the Emperor was probably for himself, right?
"Mubai, I know a healing system Soul Master with brilliant medical skills. Do you want me to introduce him to you?"