"Let them plot and scheme, I will cut them down with a single sword!"
Yu Tianmeng's words suddenly gave Zhou Chen a sense of exhilaration, like seeing the sun after the clouds had parted.
Yes, we have six Title Douluo on our side. Unless the Spirit Hall or the Clear Sky Sect mobilizes their entire forces, no one can compare to the power we possess!
Anyone who dares to plot against him has better pray that he doesn't find out, otherwise, those schemers will only face death!
"Hehe, after my advice, are you feeling much better?"
Yu Tianmeng chuckled softly, stretched out her arms, and gently wrapped them around Zhou Chen's neck, her movements tender, just like those of an intimate lover.
No, she was originally Zhou Chen's woman.
Zhou Chen smiled and nodded, putting one arm around Yu Tianmeng's slender waist, and said, "Perhaps we should go back. If we don't go back soon, the banquet will be over."
"Um."
Yu Tianmeng softly hummed in agreement, released Zhou Chen's neck with both hands, and took his arm. The two of them snuggled together and pushed open the golden relief door that separated the terrace from the palace.
Inside the palace, the atmosphere was joyful and lively. On the dance floor, hundreds of nobles, in pairs, danced the elegant court ballroom dance to graceful music.
The rest area outside the dance floor was also filled with laughter and joy.
Some mature and composed figures stood in a corner, conversing amongst themselves; while young nobles in splendid attire darted about like fish, wine glasses in hand.
Some people whispered about the inside story behind the banquet, which elicited gasps of surprise from the young ladies and noblewomen listening in.
Of course, these inside stories are mostly nonsense, fabricated by certain dissolute nobles who wanted to seduce noblewomen.
However, what Zhou Chen said caught his attention was the words of a middle-aged man surrounded by more than a dozen young ladies and noblewomen, dressed in courtly aristocratic attire.
"As you know, although I am merely an insignificant Court Baron, I frequently visit the palace and thus know some secrets. For instance, tonight, His Majesty Xue Ye will be present, and he will announce a momentous event—an event that will change the entire Heaven Dou Empire!"
"Oh, what important matter is it? Are we fortunate enough to know?" asked a radiant noblewoman.
The dozen or so noblewomen surrounding the young noblewoman were all watching the middle-aged man with great curiosity. This greatly satisfied his vanity.
"It's an arranged marriage!"
The middle-aged man, head slightly bowed, whispered, "His Majesty will marry one of the royal princesses to a mysterious man. Even I don't know the identity of this mysterious man, only that his power might help the Heaven Dou Imperial Family restore its former glory!"
"Oh my god!"
"A princess... could it be Xue Ye Princess Xue Ke?"
"Not necessarily. There are many princesses and noblewomen in the collateral branches of the royal family, so it could very well be them."
"I am actually interested in the identity of that mysterious person."
"I can't wait to see His Majesty..."
In the distance, Zhou Chen frowned slightly as he listened to the words of the middle-aged court nobleman.
A marriage alliance?
Mysterious man?
Change the course of the empire?
A strange feeling welled up in Zhou Chen's heart.
"What's wrong?"
Seeing that Zhou Chen's expression was a little strange, Yu Tianmeng asked in confusion.
"Nothing."
Zhou Chen shook his head, came back to his senses, and tightened his grip on Yu Tianmeng's arm.
Soon, the two walked up to Zhu Zhuqing, Dugu Yan and the other girls.
Upon seeing Zhou Chen and Yu Tianmeng return, they all stopped talking simultaneously.
"Was something wrong just now?"
Zhu Zhuqing asked with concern.
Xiao Chenyu's invisibility could not escape the notice of this titled Douluo.
The appearance of Xiao Chenyu, Zhou Chen's number one lackey, indicates that Zhou Chen is in trouble.
"It's alright, it's all been taken care of."
Zhou Chen smiled, feeling relieved. It seemed that Zhu Zhuqing's anger had subsided.
"Since you're alright, come dance with me."
Zhu Zhuqing said slowly.
Zhu Zhuqing, who had just been angered by Zhou Chen's womanizing ways, wanted to release her emotions through dance.
"Dance?"
Zhou Chen was taken aback. Was Zhu Zhuqing, this girl with explosive fighting skills, also interested in dancing?
"What kind of look is that?"
Seeing Zhou Chen's somewhat incredulous expression, Zhu Zhuqing said irritably, "How can you say I can't dance? I come from a ducal family, do you think I can't dance?"
"Ahem, no, I'm just a little surprised."
Zhou Chen cleared his throat to ease his embarrassment, then walked up to Zhu Zhuqing, extended a hand, and made a perfectly gentlemanly invitation. "Beautiful lady, would you like to dance with me?"
Upon hearing this, Zhu Zhuqing's face immediately flushed slightly, and she was overjoyed. She placed her hand in Zhou Chen's and nodded, forcing herself to remain calm, saying, "It's my honor!"
Zhou Chen smiled, took Zhu Zhuqing's smooth, slightly cool hand, and stepped into the dance floor.
Seeing this, Yu Tianmeng, Dugu Yan, and Ye Lingling exchanged glances and then all snorted.
They also wanted to dance, but Zhu Zhuqing beat them to it.
When Zhou Chen comes back after dancing this dance, we'll have him dance with everyone!
At this moment, on the dance floor, Zhou Chen held Zhu Zhuqing tightly around the waist, the two almost touching, which made the shyness on Zhu Zhuqing's face never disappear.
However, this did not affect the dance; the two followed the melodious rhythm and slowly turned their bodies.
Their movements were so natural and precise. Every raise of their hand, every glance, every turn was so elegant and graceful. Their figures were like those of a divine couple.
Coupled with their stunning good looks, they quickly attracted the attention of the surrounding nobles.
"When did you become such a good dancer?"
Zhu Zhuqing leaned against Zhou Chen, spinning with the dance moves, and asked in confusion.
I learned it when I was a child.
Zhou Chen gave a vague answer. He couldn't very well tell Zhu Zhuqing that the reason he learned court dance as a child was so that he could better live off a rich woman when he grew up.
Soon, the dance ended, and thunderous applause erupted from all around.
Of course, most of the people in the crowd praised Zhu Zhuqing, since the majority of those present were men.
After finishing the dance, Zhou Chen, holding Zhu Zhuqing's hand, returned to the group of women.
"I want to dance with you too!"
Dugu Yan stepped forward, grabbed Zhou Chen's arm, shook it vigorously, and openly acted coquettishly.
"What they have, I, Meng, must have too!" Yu Tianmeng retorted, not to be outdone.
Ye Lingling, on the other hand, was more reserved. She directly lifted her veil, came to Zhou Chen's side, and kissed his cheek.
"Well... dancing has to be done one at a time, don't rush, I'll go with you."
Zhou Chen wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, feeling immense pressure.
Having too many girlfriends is definitely a very tiring thing!
So, first Dugu Yan, then Yu Tianmeng, and finally Ye Ling Ling, Zhou Chen danced with each of them once, leaving him exhausted.
But he stood there. His entire demeanor was like that of a king dressed in the most magnificent gown; his natural composure made everyone admire this fool who dared to defy the Clendawl Family.
The nobles present were utterly astonished by what they saw.
If they were just guessing before, they are now completely certain that this mysterious purple-clad youth is dating Dugu Yan, the granddaughter of Poison Douluo, Yu Tianmeng, the legitimate daughter of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family, and Ye Lingling, the heir of the Nine Heart Begonia Family!
All the men present looked at Zhou Chen with expressions of admiration, envy, and jealousy.
Those who once admired and pursued Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling were filled with resentment and jealousy.
That kid ate all the meat in the pot, not even giving them a drop of soup!
Such boundless good fortune with women destined Zhou Chen to be the public enemy of all the men at tonight's banquet!