Only Zhu Huan remained in the hall.
"Pacifying Sea King, Martial Temple Envoy, Lin Qing..." he muttered, his voice icy.
"You think killing a few assassins means you can gain a foothold in Divine Capital? You think the Martial Temple's protection means you can rest easy?"
"How naïve. You have no idea just how deep the waters of Divine Capital run."
"Someone."
Zhu Huan raised his voice.
A steward-like man hurried over from beneath the corridor.
He bowed. "What are your orders, Third Prince?"
"Go. Deliver an invitation to Prince Ming's residence."
"Tell them that I wish to throw a welcome banquet for my cousin and ask him to come to my residence for a talk as soon as he returns to the capital."
The steward quickly acknowledged the order, then asked, "Aside from the heir apparent, should we invite anyone else?"
Zhu Huan thought for a moment, a meaningful smile curling over his lips. "Invite Capital's Four Young Masters—Wu Gui, Cao Chengjiao, Jiang Tongzhou, and Zhou Xiangui. Invite all those young scions from the great clans in the capital as well. Anyone with even a little standing should be invited."
"And..."
Zhu Huan's voice paused slightly.
"Send an invitation to Lin Qing, the Pacifying Sea King, as well."
"Say that I have long admired his great reputation and wish to invite him to the banquet for a conversation."
The steward was briefly stunned, but swiftly lowered his head.
He did not dare ask more. After responding, he hurriedly withdrew.
Watching the steward's departing back, Zhu Huan's smile slowly faded.
"Lin Qing, Lin Qing, enjoy yourself for a few more days."
"Once Zhu Li returns to the capital, once that banquet begins, you'll learn that Divine Capital is not a place where you can run wild."
"Whether this scheme succeeds