Please choose your faction, Heaven Dou? (Seeking collection, seeking follow-up reads!)

As soon as they entered the banquet hall, aromas wafted over. Roast suckling pig, stewed bear paw, crystal shrimp dumplings – all sorts of fine wines and delicacies filled the long tables. Beside them stood beautiful maids, holding wine pots, ready to refill glasses at any moment.

Quite a few people were already in the hall, gathered in small groups chatting, creating a lively atmosphere.

"Education Committee Member Zhi Lin, you've arrived!" As their group entered the hall, a middle-aged man in brocade robes greeted them with a smile. After a few words with Zhi Lin, he turned to Chen Chu beside him and praised, "You must be young friend Chen Chu? I've heard much about you. His Majesty is eager to meet you. I am Li Qian, Minister of Rites."

Zhi Lin smiled and cupped his hands in greeting, "Minister Li, you are too kind. This is Chen Chu. I'll be counting on your future guidance."

Chen Chu followed suit, cupping his hands, "Minister Li."

Li Qian, his Soul Power wasn't high, only at the Soul Ancestor level. To be a Minister in the royal court, he likely relied on his intellect and literary talent.

After a brief exchange, Li Qian led Zhi Lin off to greet other officials. Chen Chu found a corner seat, picked up a glass of juice, and took a few sips.

Not long after, celebrities from all walks of life began arriving at the palace. Ning Fengzhi's arrival caused a stir, and many, holding their wine glasses, put on airs of nobility to offer flattery.

"Chen Chu, come with me. His Majesty and the Crown Prince wish to meet you beforehand."

Zhi Lin walked up to him and said. Chen Chu put down his juice glass and followed Zhi Lin towards a side hall.

As they passed the center of the banquet hall, he happened to glimpse Ning Fengzhi surrounded by a group of people. Ning Fengzhi was fanning himself with a folding fan, a perfectly calibrated smile on his face, chatting animatedly with the nobles.

Beside him, a young girl pouted, clearly uninterested in such social niceties. This must be that little demon from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Ning Rongrong.

The side hall was smaller than the banquet hall but even more exquisite and grand. Landscapes and calligraphy hung on the walls, and celadon teacups adorned the tables.

The Heaven Dou Emperor, Xue Ye, sat in the main seat, with a young man in a Crown Prince's robe beside him. He bore some resemblance to Xue Ye, likely the Crown Prince, Xue Qinghe. Prince Xue Xing stood to the side and nodded slightly at Zhi Lin upon seeing him.

"Your Majesty, Your Highness the Crown Prince, Your Highness the Prince, I have brought Chen Chu," Zhi Lin said, bowing respectfully.

Chen Chu also bowed, "Chen Chu pays his respects to Your Majesty, Your Highness the Crown Prince, and Your Highness the Prince!"

Xue Ye looked up at Chen Chu. Not only had he broken through to become a Soul Emperor at such a young age, but he was also handsome and refined. He was quite pleased with him. "Rise, rise, please be seated. I've heard much about you from Zhi Lin and Meng Shenji, speaking of your Soul Emperor cultivation at such a young age and your humble and courteous demeanor. Seeing you today, you are indeed handsome and exceptionally talented!"

"Your Majesty flatters me. I am merely fortunate, and my cultivation progressed a bit faster," Chen Chu replied, sitting down. A maid immediately poured him a cup of tea. The fragrant steam rose, indicating it was good tea, much more refreshing than the juice in the banquet hall.

Crown Prince Xue Qinghe looked at Chen Chu, his tone gentle, "Brother Chen, you look unfamiliar. I haven't seen you in Heaven Dou City before, nor have I heard much about you. Have you just returned from elsewhere?"

Hearing Xue Qinghe's question, Chen Chu finally shifted his gaze to the refined young man before him. This fellow was that mentally deranged Qian Renxue. Her disguise was truly remarkable; not a single flaw could be detected.

"Reporting to Your Highness the Crown Prince, I am from Fasnuo Province and studied at the Exotic Beast Academy. This is my first time in the capital!"

Xue Qinghe, hearing that Chen Chu was from Fasnuo Province and had studied at the Exotic Beast Academy, showed a hint of understanding in his eyes. "So you are a talented individual from Fasnuo. Although the Exotic Beast Academy isn't very famous, it has produced many diligent Soul Masters. For Brother Chen to have achieved Soul Emperor there speaks volumes of your top-tier talent and effort."

Prince Xue Xing chimed in from the side, his tone carrying a hint of unusual interest, "Fasnuo is quite far from Heaven Dou City. Young Brother Chen, are you planning to stay in the capital permanently this time, or do you have other plans?"

As his words fell, the gazes of everyone in the room involuntarily turned to Chen Chu. Although Chen Chu was now a teacher at Heaven Dou Royal Academy, he wasn't yet part of their royal family. They didn't want such a genius, who was almost certain to become a Titled Douluo, to slip away and be poached by others.

Chen Chu picked up his teacup and took a sip, smiling, "For now, I plan to stay. The capital has abundant Soul Master resources, and I wish to gain more experience here. If a suitable opportunity arises to contribute to the Heaven Dou Royal family, it would be my honor."

These words neither closed off his options nor offended anyone. He had considered this last night. Since he had chosen to enter the game, he might as well join the Heaven Dou Royal family. Anyway, Xue Ye didn't have many years left, and Qian Renxue valued talent, so she would likely try to recruit him. Having a status would make it easier for him to plan certain things. He could give it a try.

Indeed, Emperor Xue Ye's smile deepened upon hearing this. "Good! It's good to have such intentions. The empire is in great need of young Soul Master talents. If you are willing, I can grant you an Earl's title, and then, a reward – a Ten Thousand Year Soul Bone, how about it!"

This offer was not insignificant. A Ten Thousand Year Soul Bone – Chen Chu hadn't expected Xue Ye to be so bold. Furthermore, an Earl's title, without real power or duties, but with official recognition, was a decent start for Chen Chu, who had just arrived in the capital.

However, Chen Chu didn't agree immediately. He pondered for a moment, "Your Majesty's kindness is deeply appreciated. However, as I am new here and unfamiliar with many things, I fear I might cause Your Majesty trouble."

Upon hearing this, Xue Ye's lips curved upwards again. He felt this young man was prudent and not rash.

Xue Ye waved his hand with a smile, speaking rather imperiously, "What are you afraid of trouble for? Who would dare oppose my word? With Zhi Lin and the others here, ask them anything you don't understand. Even if you cause trouble, it's fine. Do you think I would let a young man like you bear the burden alone?"

Zhi Lin immediately chimed in, "Your Majesty is right. Little Chu, you can rest assured. With us old fellows around, I can explain the rules of the capital and the affairs of the royal family to you in detail. No one would dare provoke you."

Xue Qinghe also added his support, though his tone was more amicable, "Brother Chen, there's no need to decline. This is His Majesty's regard for you. Refusing further would be impolite."

"If Brother Chen doesn't mind, you can visit the Eastern Palace when you have free time. I will back you up if anything comes up."

These words clearly indicated an attempt to recruit him. The Eastern Palace was the Crown Prince's territory, and inviting Chen Chu over was, in essence, trying to pull him to his side.

Chen Chu understood perfectly but feigned being overwhelmed by the favor. "Thank you, Your Highness the Crown Prince, for your kindness. If I have time, I will certainly impose upon you."

Prince Xue Xing glanced at Xue Qinghe without speaking, but the meaning in his eyes was somewhat complex. He had always been at odds with the Crown Prince, and seeing him try to recruit Chen Chu now, he couldn't help but feel a bit resentful, but he didn't expose him on the spot.

The atmosphere in the side hall remained cordial. Xue Ye asked some more about Chen Chu's past. Chen Chu recounted minor details, omitting anything that might arouse suspicion.