Wang Chen looked at the very enthusiastic and proactive Xu Tianzhen, and thought to himself,
"Is this the princess's own idea? Or is it Emperor Xu Jing's plan?
If it's the latter, then Xu Jing has truly gone all out—he's even willing to use his only daughter to win me over."
Wang Chen was very clear that, with the strength and talent he had revealed, he would inevitably attract the Emperor's highest attention.
The Emperor would certainly try every possible way to pull such a peerless genius into his grasp.
If he couldn't win him over, he would definitely grow wary of him. After all, no matter how monstrous a genius was—if he couldn't be guaranteed to be loyal, he was nothing but a potential threat.
That was precisely why, during his royal audience, Wang Chen had hidden his mature mindset, disguising himself as a pure, single-minded young man devoted only to cultivation—someone easy to recruit.
Now, from the looks of things, Wang Chen believed he had successfully passed this test.
Otherwise, Xu Jing wouldn't have allowed Princess Xu Tianzhen to approach him.
What he needed to do now was to follow Xu Jing's intentions—interact more with the princess and take good care of her.
At that moment, Wang Chen couldn't help but feel relieved.
Now that he had cleared the audience with the Emperor, his path ahead would be smooth.
Even if the Holy Spirit Cult was strong, to deal with him now, they would have to get through Mingdu's impenetrable defenses first.
A few more years of development, and the Holy Spirit Cult would no longer be worth fearing. By then, the tables would turn—who would be hunting whom might be another matter entirely.
As Wang Chen's thoughts spun rapidly, Xu Tianzhen held his arm with a bright and innocent smile, excitedly leading him for a stroll through the Imperial Garden.
Originally, when Xu Tianzhen had learned from her mother that her father had arranged a marriage meeting for her, she was quite resistant.
After all, she was still so young—she had never even been in love yet. It was all too sudden.
Most importantly, she hadn't even met the person yet, didn't know what kind of man he was.
If he turned out to be an ugly monster, she definitely couldn't accept it. Naturally, Xu Tianzhen had been unwilling.
But after seeing Wang Chen, Xu Tianzhen's attitude did a complete 180—from unwilling to very willing.
Wang Chen was handsome, powerful, talented, and intelligent—he was practically perfect.
The fiancé her father had arranged for her—Xu Tianzhen's heart only had two words for him: So fragrant~ (So worth it!)
Although her name was Tianzhen ("Innocence"), she wasn't stupid. She knew very well that, as a princess, her marriage would never be up to her—it would always involve political considerations.
And in a political marriage, to meet someone as outstanding and good-looking as Wang Chen—it was sheer luck from heaven! Naturally, Xu Tianzhen felt delighted.
The Imperial Garden was filled with exotic flowers and rare plants, rockeries and flowing water, creating a scene of tranquil beauty. The air carried a light floral fragrance—it was as if they had stepped into a fairyland.
As they walked, Xu Tianzhen cheerfully pointed at the flowers, plants, and trees around them, enthusiastically introducing them to Wang Chen:
"This is Star Luolan, brought in by Father from the Douluo Three Kingdoms. They say it can only be found in the largest valleys of the Star Luo Empire.
"And that ancient tree over there can calm the mind and gather the world's spiritual energy. It was transplanted from the core of the Evil Soul Forest—it's over a thousand years old!"
Listening to her introductions, Wang Chen couldn't help but marvel inwardly.
As expected of the royal family—their foundation is truly deep.
He nodded slightly and smiled.
"Princess Tianzhen is truly knowledgeable. I've never even heard of most of these flowers and plants."
Xu Tianzhen tilted her chin proudly and laughed.
"Of course! I grew up playing in this garden. I know every single plant here like the back of my hand!"
Looking at her proud expression, Wang Chen found her quite cute.
Although she was a princess of noble birth, her personality was bright and carefree, without the slightest trace of royal arrogance.
As they walked, Xu Tianzhen suddenly stopped, turned around, and blinked her big eyes at Wang Chen.
"Wang Chen, Father said you have deep insight into cultivation. Can you teach me?"
Wang Chen smiled and nodded.
"Of course. The princess's Martial Soul—the Sun—is an extremely powerful one.
But I don't know what your current level of cultivation is, so I can't say what to teach yet."
Xu Tianzhen laughed. "That's simple! Let's go to the training grounds and have a little spar—that'll tell you right away."
Before Wang Chen could respond, Xu Tianzhen had already grabbed his hand and dragged him toward the royal training grounds.
Not far away, Emperor Xu Jing, watching the scene, said to the attendant beside him—who was wearing the uniform of a royal worshiper—
"That girl Tianzhen has been spoiled by me. Go follow them, make sure she doesn't annoy Wang Chen into leaving."
The attendant smiled.
"Princess Tianzhen is lively and cute. Though she's a bit willful, she's still very sensible."
Xu Jing nodded. "Observe carefully—see if Wang Chen has any affection for her."
The attendant bowed slightly—he understood that was the real task.
——
A moment later, in the training grounds inside the palace, Wang Chen and Xu Tianzhen stood at the edge of the arena.
Wang Chen said, "Princess Tianzhen, please go ahead and attack."
To him, this was just a friendly instructional bout.
Xu Tianzhen nodded earnestly.
She knew that, with her strength, there was no way she could hurt Wang Chen, so she decided to go all out—at least to show him the extent of her abilities.
Immediately, her Martial Soul possessed her.
Two yellow and two purple soul rings rose from beneath her feet—the optimal configuration for her level.
A scorching red light burst from her body. In both her palms, orange-red flames bloomed dazzlingly.
As the possession completed, the terrifying heat radiated outward, distorting the air itself.
Such a high temperature would make even a Soul King-level expert cautious.
Of course, to Wang Chen, this level of heat was child's play.
The Sun Martial Soul was powerful, yes—but to affect him, Xu Tianzhen would at least need to reach the Soul Sage level.
Xu Tianzhen's third soul ring lit up, and an intense orange-red beam shot out.
Third Soul Skill — Solar Divine Light!
Facing the attack, Wang Chen's expression didn't change; he didn't even release his Martial Soul.
Fusing his soul power and spiritual power, he casually reached out toward the orange-red beam.
After feeling the essence of the Sun Martial Soul for a moment, he clenched his hand—and the attack shattered, dispersing into harmless flames.
Though Wang Chen made it look easy, the Solar Divine Light's power was nothing to scoff at—it was easily on par with a full-power strike from an average Soul King.
Seeing that her third skill was useless, Xu Tianzhen's first soul ring lit up.
An orange-red ring appeared beneath her feet.
The next instant, her figure vanished, reappearing right beside Wang Chen.
First Soul Skill — Solar Mirage!
As soon as she appeared beside him, her fourth soul ring lit up—
Fourth Soul Skill — Solar Explosion!
A wave of scorching energy burst from her body, the shockwave engulfing Wang Chen completely.
However, all the heat and force were stopped effortlessly by a thin, white energy shield around Wang Chen.
Not even his clothes were damaged.
Looking at Xu Tianzhen in front of him, Wang Chen raised a finger and flicked her forehead lightly.
He was so fast that she could only watch helplessly as his finger reached her forehead—then, pa!
"Ah! That hurts!" Xu Tianzhen cried, clutching her forehead.
Pouting, she said, "I give up, I give up! The gap's too big—it's not even fun!"
Wang Chen smiled. "Princess Tianzhen, you're very strong. But while the Sun Martial Soul has great destructive power, it also requires careful control.
"The key to its strength lies in temperature. To make your skills stronger, you must learn to control the condensation and release of your soul power precisely.
"I can teach you a little trick I came up with—it'll help you condense and release your soul power faster and more effectively."
This little trick was something Wang Chen had recorded from a genius Soul King during the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Dueling Tournament three years ago.
It was especially useful for assault-type Soul Masters with destructive Martial Souls—it helped focus their attacks for greater impact and explosiveness.
For Wang Chen, though, with his tool-spirit Martial Soul, the method was useless.
And since his spiritual power far surpassed his soul power, his control was already perfect.
Hearing this, Xu Tianzhen's eyes lit up, and she nodded eagerly.
"Teach me, teach me!"
Wang Chen didn't waste words—he explained the principle in detail. The method wasn't difficult, but it was cleverly designed.
Xu Tianzhen listened with sparkling eyes, clapping her hands.
"Wang Chen, you're amazing! I've never heard of this before! You're way better than the teachers my father hired!"
Wang Chen smiled faintly. "You flatter me, Princess."
Xu Tianzhen shook her head seriously.
"No, you really are amazing! I've decided—starting today, you're my teacher! You'll be responsible for my cultivation!"
Wang Chen froze, then said awkwardly,
"Princess Tianzhen, we're about the same age. Isn't that a bit inappropriate?"
Xu Tianzhen pouted. "What's inappropriate about it? You're strong enough to beat even a Titled Douluo! Besides, Father already said you should look after me. Hehe—Teacher Xiao Chen, please take care of me!"
Seeing her stubbornness, Wang Chen could only sigh helplessly and agree to avoid arguing further.
Xu Tianzhen beamed with joy, pulling Wang Chen to continue practicing the techniques he'd taught her. The atmosphere between them became warm and cheerful.
The attendant watching from afar saw that the two were getting along well and didn't interfere.
Time flew by quickly, and soon the sun was setting.
Practicing Wang Chen's method had drained much of Xu Tianzhen's soul power and spiritual energy—she was clearly tired.
Seeing this, Wang Chen said,
"Princess Tianzhen, it's getting late. Cultivation should be gradual—let's rest for now."
Stretching lazily, Xu Tianzhen replied,
"Okay, Teacher Xiao Chen~"
Just then, Emperor Xu Jing and a middle-aged noblewoman approached.
Xu Tianzhen immediately greeted them.
"Father, Mother." She hurried to her mother's side.
Xu Jing smiled at Wang Chen.
"Wang Chen, what do you think of my daughter?"
By now, Wang Chen had already realized the Emperor's intention—to make him his son-in-law.
However, to maintain his disguise, he pretended not to notice and said naturally,
"Princess Tianzhen is exceptionally talented and learns quickly."
Xu Jing raised an eyebrow. He wasn't interested in how fast she learned, but considering Wang Chen's single-minded devotion to cultivation, it was natural for him to be slow with social subtleties.
Still, as Emperor, he couldn't speak too bluntly. So he glanced at the noblewoman beside him, signaling her to continue.
Xu Tianzhen's mother looked at Wang Chen with a warm smile.
She had no sons, only her daughter Tianzhen, and thus had no worries about any royal succession disputes.
She genuinely hoped her daughter could marry this peerless genius.
After all, Wang Chen was still so young yet already so powerful. Given time, he would surely become the next Kong Deming.
If her daughter married him, she would live a life of peace and happiness.
That was her deepest wish as a mother.
The noble consort smiled gently and said,
"Wang Chen, Tianzhen has been spoiled since childhood. She can be a little willful, but she has a kind heart.
"She rarely grows close to anyone, but it seems she likes you quite a bit. What do you think of her?"
Hearing her mother's words, Xu Tianzhen protested shyly,
"Mother, what are you saying~"
However, even as she spoke, her eyes were fixed intently on Wang Chen.
Though the Emperor didn't say a word, his mere presence was immense pressure on Wang Chen.
At this point, refusal was impossible.
Rejecting now would offend not just the Emperor, but the Empress and the Princess all at once.
Given his immense talent and strength, if he offended the Emperor, he might be seen as a potential threat to the Xu family's rule.
And what might follow then—was best not imagined.
This wasn't about love or preference—it was about survival.
Wang Chen didn't dislike Xu Tianzhen, but he certainly didn't have any real feelings for her either.
After all, they had just met—it was a political arrangement, nothing more.
Still, political marriages were mutually beneficial.
If Wang Chen became the Emperor's son-in-law, he would gain imperial support, walk freely within the Sun Moon Empire, and enjoy a smooth career.
For the Emperor, he would gain a trustworthy top-tier powerhouse as a future son-in-law—someone who could succeed Elder Kong in protecting the Empire.
Accepting meant great benefits. Refusing could mean great trouble.
No need to think too hard—it was obvious what to choose. Of course, he would accept. Wang Chen wasn't stupid.
Still, he remained cautious. Even though he had decided to accept, he maintained his outward persona.
Scratching his head awkwardly, Wang Chen looked at Xu Tianzhen and said honestly,
"Princess Tianzhen is lively and adorable, cheerful and bright. She's pleasant to be around."
The noble consort, seeing that Wang Chen didn't reject her daughter, felt her heart warm with satisfaction.
A mother-in-law's gaze at her future son-in-law—she found him more pleasing the longer she looked.
Smiling, she patted her daughter's head.
"Wang Chen, you and Tianzhen are about the same age. You should spend more time together."
Xu Jing thought to himself,
"Let them grow closer for a while longer—once their bond deepens, I can issue the imperial decree for their marriage."
Then Xu Jing said aloud,
"Wang Chen, for slaying the invading Titled Douluo-level Evil Soul Master and defending Mingdu, you have rendered great service to the Empire.
"This is a fifty-thousand-year-old Sea-Breaking Demon Jiao torso soul bone. I personally grant it to you.
"Tomorrow, at court, I shall confer upon you the title of Duke and permit your entry into the Royal Worship Hall."
As he spoke, Xu Jing retrieved a jade box from his storage-type soul tool and tossed it to Wang Chen.
Wang Chen caught it, bowed respectfully, and said,
"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your generous reward."
At the same time, deep within his soul, the Black Book's restoration speed suddenly increased…
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