Ji Yue's Residence.
The White-Robed Consort, Su Xiao, sat at a stone table, his expression grim.
Before him, a servant stood trembling, his head bowed.
The servant had naturally noticed that his master's mood had been utterly foul lately.
"What are people outside saying now?" Su Xiao asked.
"M-my lord." The servant swallowed and said cautiously, "Everyone outside is saying that Lord Lu Zhen's talent is unparalleled through the ages. With two Great Dao embryos fused together, he's already invincible in the Fourth Realm."
"They also say that Her Highness has an eye for pearls, having discovered such a prodigy. Her prestige in the Royal Court has now completely eclipsed that of the other princes, and her chances of ascending the throne... have increased greatly."
Ascending the throne?
Yes, if Ji Yue ascended the throne, he would become the sovereign's consort.
But why did he feel not the slightest joy?
"What else?" Su Xiao stared coldly at the servant.
"Th-there's also..." The servant shuddered, his eyes darting away. He stammered for a long while but did not dare continue.
"Speak!" Su Xiao barked. "Why are you hemming and hawing? Tell me every word!"
The servant's voice shook with fright. "Please calm your anger, my lord. It's all nonsense spread by loose tongues outside. You mustn't take it seriously."
"I told you to speak." Su Xiao's gaze was icy.
"Y-yes." The servant gritted his teeth and, bracing himself, imitated the tone of those gossiping outside as he spoke softly. "Some people say that although Lord Lu Zhen has entered Her Highness's service, he's still an outsider, and his ties to the royal clan aren't secure enough."
"For a peerless prodigy destined to enter the Fifth Realm, the Royal Court's ancestor will surely try every means possible to win him over. The