The old man's gaze settled on Fang Han, appraising him. After a moment, he spoke.
"I am Shen Qianqiu, an Attendant in His Highness the First Prince's service."
"The First Prince has heard of your extraordinary talent, young friend Fang, and thinks highly of you. He sent me to invite you to serve as an Attendant in his residence."
The First Prince?
Fang Han's heart jolted.
The First Prince, Chu Yuanji, was the emperor's eldest son and one of the three princes most likely to contend for the position of heir. The other two were the Second Prince and the Third Prince.
He had heard that the three princes were like fire and water over the succession, locked in endless struggles both open and hidden.
He had no desire to get tangled in a contest where one misstep could leave him smashed to pieces. Besides, he owed the Third Prince a favor. It would hardly do to enter the First Prince's service as an Attendant.
He chose his words carefully.
"I'm deeply grateful for His Highness the First Prince's regard. But I wish only to focus on my cultivation and have no intention of involving myself in other matters. I hope you'll convey my apologies to His Highness."
Shen Qianqiu's eyes turned cold. His gaze was no longer gentle; it carried a chill that ran down Fang Han's spine.
His instincts screamed of danger. Every hair on Fang Han's body stood on end, and cold sweat streamed down his skin.
He was wondering whether he could escape if he ran, and how he might survive, when Shen Qianqiu spoke.
"If that is your decision, I won't force you. However..."
Shen Qianqiu's voice was colder than before.
"The First Prince asked me to tell you this: the Skyfire Sect and Iron