Zhou Ziheng stood in the hall, a warm smile at the corners of his lips as he chatted calmly with several people beside him.
Though he appeared composed and at ease, his gaze occasionally drifted toward the imperial throne.
Lin Mo followed his line of sight.
Zhao Heng was speaking quietly with Prince Su, a genial smile on his face.
At a table near Zhao Heng sat several men dressed in the everyday attire of imperial princes.
The leader was in his early twenties, with upright features and brows that somewhat resembled Zhao Heng's. He was none other than Crown Prince Zhao Zhao.
He wore an apricot-yellow robe embroidered with pythons, a Jade Belt around his waist. His bearing was steady as he spoke in a low voice with the Second Prince, Zhao Xu, beside him.
Zhao Xu was two years younger than the Crown Prince. He was more handsome, with a faintly carefree, roguish smile on his lips.
He idly toyed with a wine cup in his hand, yet his gaze drifted toward Lin Mo from time to time.
"Big Brother," Zhao Xu said in a lowered voice, "this Count Who Pacifies the South is quite an interesting fellow. Look at those golden eyes of his—they're like a cat's."
Zhao Zhao lifted his teacup and took a sip before replying evenly, "He's a Tier 3 player. A few unusual traits are perfectly normal."
"Tier 3..." Zhao Xu clicked his tongue twice. "He's probably the only one among all the Destined Players on Blue Star, isn't he? No wonder Father was willing to spend so much on him."
Zhao Zhao did not respond. He merely glanced at Zhao Xu.
His gaze was calm, yet it carried a faint warning.
Zhao Xu shrugged and said nothing more.
At another table, the