Zhu Zhuqing looked at the young man before her, confusion flickering in her cool eyes.
"Hello. My name is Xu Tian," he replied gently. "A disciple from a collateral branch of the Zhu Family. I've been cultivating outside for some time—this is my first return."
He approached calmly, wearing a polite smile and carrying himself with refined manners like a noble gentleman. As the distance between them closed, a faint, warm fragrance drifted from her body.
"Oh."
Zhu Zhuqing glanced at him indifferently and nodded. To her, Xu Tian was merely an ordinary clan disciple, unworthy of special attention.
Still, she extended her hand politely.
"Good luck," Xu Tian said, lightly holding her hand. "The family assembly is in a few days. I look forward to seeing your performance."
"You as well. Good luck."
Her beautiful eyes lingered on him slightly longer this time.
For some reason, she sensed something unusual in the way he looked at her.
Didn't he know her identity?
She was already engaged. Countless disciples avoided even thinking about her, yet this young man met her gaze so openly.
An unfamiliar feeling stirred faintly within her heart.
Zhu Zhuqing was only slightly curious.
Within the Zhu Family and even throughout Star Luo City, countless people admired her. Yet once they learned of her identity, they immediately kept their distance, not even daring to speak with her. They feared being misunderstood by Davis and his followers and bringing unnecessary trouble upon themselves.
The same situation existed within the Zhu Family. Very few people dared approach her closely. It was precisely because Xu Tian had taken the initiative to speak with her that she felt a faint sense of curiosity.
Zhu Zhuqing walked toward a quiet corner of the square and sat down. Her slender legs bent gently, causing her leather pants to tighten further around her smooth curves. Her beautiful eyes gazed into the distance, a trace of melancholy lingering on her delicate face.
All around the square, Zhu Family disciples sparred with one another.
Only through combat could Soul Masters truly grow stronger. Yet Zhu Zhuqing remained alone even during cultivation. No one dared challenge her, fearing they might offend the Crown Prince or the Eldest Miss.
The Zhu and Dai families followed an ancient rule: when the younger generation married, they would compete for the imperial throne. The most outstanding couple would inherit the crown, while the losing pair would be executed.
Everyone believed Davis and Zhu Zhuyun were destined to become the future emperor and empress of the Star Luo Empire. As their rivals, Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing were naturally isolated and unwelcome.
Xu Tian watched the girl before him and felt an inexplicable ache in his chest.
He remembered that in the original story, Zhu Zhuqing had always appeared cold and silent. Perhaps such a personality had been forged by this very environment.
It was not that she didn't wish to laugh freely like Xiao Wu or Ning Rongrong. Rather, within the Zhu Family, no one dared speak to her at all.
"May I sit here?" Xu Tian asked as he approached.
"Sure." Zhu Zhuqing was slightly startled to see him again. She nodded faintly before falling silent once more.
Xu Tian said nothing further and quietly sat beside her. A gentle breeze carried her faint, unique fragrance toward him.
He couldn't help glancing at the stunning girl beside him. Even at her young age, Zhu Zhuqing already possessed a figure comparable to that of a fully matured woman.
"Aren't you afraid of me?" Zhu Zhuqing asked curiously. "How dare you stand so close to me?"
Xu Tian clearly knew her identity, yet he still approached her openly. Wasn't he afraid of provoking her sister—or attracting the hostility of Davis's followers?
"Afraid?" Xu Tian smiled lightly. "Miss Zhu is so beautiful. Countless people would wish to stand beside you. What is there to fear?"
Zhu Zhuqing's cheeks flushed slightly.
"You know that's not what I meant," she said softly. "If my sister or the First Prince sees you getting close to me, you'll be implicated. Others may even try to harm you."
Despite her calm tone, a faint warmth rose within her heart. Like any girl, she appreciated sincere praise. Yet because of her status, no one had ever dared compliment her openly. Most only stared with hidden desire, which disgusted her.
"I'm not afraid," Xu Tian replied, shaking his head. "No matter how powerful the First Prince is, it doesn't concern me."
Once his strength was revealed, Davis might even attempt to recruit him. If he became close to Zhu Zhuqing, it would damage Dai Mubai's reputation instead—something Davis would likely welcome.
After all, Davis sought the throne, and Dai Mubai was his greatest rival. In that sense, they currently shared a common enemy.
For now, maintaining peaceful relations with Davis would be beneficial.
Of course, the future was uncertain. Zhu Zhuyun herself was also exceptionally beautiful, possessing a more mature and alluring figure than Zhu Zhuqing.
Moreover, Xu Tian understood something others did not: Zhu Zhuyun's cold treatment toward her sister was not born from cruelty. She was attempting to protect Zhu Zhuqing by forcing her to withdraw from the imperial struggle and leave the Star Luo Empire alive.
"What are you thinking about?" Zhu Zhuqing asked suspiciously. "Are you scared now?"
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