"I came to Star Luo City to propose, but I didn't say I was proposing to the royal family, did I?"

Tang Wei smiled faintly, though his eyes betrayed a mocking glint. "It has been a long time since the Seven Kill Sect closed its doors. Have you become disconnected from the soul master world?"

Dai Li, sitting to the side, saw that a conflict seemed to be brewing between the two parties. He said nothing, sipping his tea in silence while casting a glance at Chen Fan.

Eighteen years old, a level forty-nine Soul Ancestor.

Such talent, looking across the entire soul master world, was truly the mark of a prodigy capable of shaking the foundations of the world.

But.

The Star Luo Empire revered martial prowess.

Whether within the imperial family or among the common folk, practical combat ability was valued above all else.

A soul master's level could be bolstered by resources, but true combat strength had to be forged in the crucible of life-and-death battles.

The Seven Kill Sect had been in seclusion for years, and this Chen Fan had grown up within the sect since childhood. How much real combat experience could he possibly have?

Dai Li shook his head inwardly.

Over the years, he had seen far too many so-called "geniuses."

Some sects, in order to save face, would spare no expense in using pills and rare treasures to forcibly push their disciples to high levels.

Such geniuses might have impressive soul power levels, but they had essentially overdrawn all their potential. Not only was their combat ability worrying, but they would also be unable to progress any further in the future.

To put it bluntly, they were just window dressing—nice to look at, but useless in practice.

If they were truly sent to the battlefield, they would be nothing more than high-level cannon fodder.

In his view, Chen Fan was likely one of these.

"You can try."

Chen Fan did not speak, but Chen Xin spoke in a deep voice from the side. A sword-like glint appeared in his eyes, and he stared at Tang Wei as if eager to test his mettle.

Since breaking through to become a Titled Douluo, Chen Xin had yet to fight another of his rank, let alone one wielding the Clear Sky Hammer, known as the world's number one tool soul.

"Hmm?"

At his words, Tang Wei's expression shifted slightly.

Compared to the obscure Chen Fan, Chen Xin's reputation was quite resounding; he had even heard rumors of Chen Xin's exploits during his training years when he was young.

Now that the Seven Kill Sect had emerged, Chen Xin's identity could no longer be hidden—he was the son of Chen Jianjun, a level ninety-seven Titled Douluo, and had undoubtedly received his father's personal instruction.

His strength could absolutely not be measured by soul power level alone.

Although Tang Wei's soul power had reached level ninety-four, as the saying went, a person's reputation was like the shadow of a tree.

He had heard of Chen Xin's fame in his youth and had even been soundly defeated by it. Now, even though forty or fifty years had passed, he truly did not have the certainty of victory.

Moreover.

If the two were to fight here, not only would the outcome be unpredictable, but it would also completely tear off the mask of civility.

By then, it would not only push the Seven Kill Sect toward Spirit Hall but also make the Star Luo imperial family a laughingstock.

The losses would outweigh the gains.

But... to back down like this, wouldn't it be a bit of a loss of face?

With this thought, Tang Wei said, "This is a banquet for the Star Luo imperial family."

"Another day, you may send a challenge letter to my Clear Sky Sect, and I will certainly accept."

As Tang Wei spoke, he picked up his teacup and took a sip, but his expression froze upon hearing Chen Xin's next words: "Very well. Another day, I shall bring my father along to visit the Clear Sky Sect."

Tang Wei, "..."

No, I was just posturing. Why are you taking this seriously?

Dai Li, the Star Luo Emperor, watched the situation with some disappointment.

He had hoped the two sides would clash so he could choose the best to recruit.

Unexpectedly...

Both sides were so restrained!

When he saw that both parties had sent young men, he thought they would be easy to manipulate, but he never expected this... With this thought, Dai Li glanced at the composed Chen Fan, and his estimation of him dropped even further.

In his view, a true powerhouse should possess sharpness and bloodlust.

To remain indifferent when provoked to one's face meant either a deep, calculating nature or a genuine lack of strength.

Judging by Chen Fan's performance, the latter seemed more likely.

"Everyone, since everyone has arrived, let us begin the banquet."

Dai Li set down his teacup, clapped his hands, and announced loudly, "Someone, bring out the food!"

As soon as he finished speaking, palace maids filed in, carrying all sorts of delicacies and fine wines. Soon, the main table and the others were filled to the brim.

The Star Luo Empire's banquet lacked the refinement of Spirit City but possessed more boldness.

Large slabs of roasted meat and big bowls of fine wine filled the air with a rich aroma of food and spirits.

"Distinguished guests, please!"

Dai Li raised his wine cup and was the first to drain it.

The others followed suit, raising their cups and downing them in one go.

Three rounds of wine had passed, and the dishes had been sampled.

The atmosphere in the grand hall gradually grew lively. The ministers gathered in small groups, whispering to one another and discussing state affairs and various rumors from across the continent.

Just then, a slender figure walked gracefully into the hall from outside.

It was a young woman of eighteen or nineteen, dressed in a pale gold gown. She was beautiful and dignified, with a regal air about her brows that bore a striking resemblance to Dai Li.

She was none other than the eldest princess of the Star Luo Empire, Dai Yue.

"Your daughter pays her respects to Father Emperor and Mother Empress."

Dai Yue walked before Dai Li and Empress Zhu, bowing elegantly, her voice clear and melodious.

"Yue'er is here. Rise quickly."

Empress Zhu smiled and reached out to pull Dai Yue to her side, her eyes filled with maternal affection. "Come, greet our honored guests from the Seven Kill Sect and the Clear Sky Sect."

Dai Yue turned, her gaze sweeping over Chen Fan and Tang Xiao, and she gave a slight bow. "Dai Yue greets the two honored guests."

Chen Fan nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

Tang Xiao stood up, cupped his hands, and smiled. "Princess is too kind. I am Tang Xiao. I have long admired your reputation, and seeing you today, it is truly well-deserved."

Seeing Tang Xiao's handsome appearance, a smile bloomed on Dai Yue's face. "It is Dai Yue's honor to be admired by the Young Master."

Tang Xiao had not expected Dai Yue to reply to him, especially with such a radiant smile, and he found himself momentarily stunned.

Is this the Sect Master of the Seven Kill Sect? He doesn't look like much...

He doesn't even look as good as Tang Xiao?

Noticing Tang Xiao's reaction, a blush flitted across Dai Yue's face. She quickly looked away toward Chen Fan, and the flush on her face gradually faded.

Eighteen years old, a level forty-nine Soul Ancestor... His talent is quite good, but if I recall what Father said, the Seven Kill Sect hasn't appeared in over forty years, right?

That means this new Sect Master has been cultivating inside the Seven Kill Sect the whole time, without any real combat experience?

So... this Chen Fan is likely just a showpiece propped up by the sect's resources, isn't he?

At this thought, Dai Yue's estimation of Chen Fan dropped a few notches.

She admitted that she was somewhat swayed by appearances, but she valued practical strength far more.

The Star Luo Empire's reverence for martial prowess was not just talk; it was the ethos of the entire empire.

Looking at it this way, this Chen Fan is not as handsome as Tang Xiao, and his muscles don't look solid either...

Just as Dai Yue took her seat.

Suddenly, a minister who seemed slightly tipsy let out a hiccup and spoke drunkenly, "Hey, speaking of which, there's a rumor going around Star Luo City..."

As he shouted this, everyone's gaze immediately focused on him. A colleague beside him kicked him under the table, signaling him to keep quiet.

However.

The minister seemed too drunk to notice. Seeing people looking at him, he spoke even more enthusiastically, "They say this time, the new Sect Master of the Seven Kill Sect has come to Star Luo City to marry our Imperial Princess. I heard the elders of their sect mentioned it a while back..."

Once these words were out.

The murmurs in the hall instantly quieted down.

Many ministers turned their eyes toward Chen Fan, their gazes filled with gossip.

Dai Li's expression remained unchanged, but he did not interject.

Empress Zhu took the opportunity to speak, smiling, "I have heard of this as well, Minister Zhao."

She paused, looked at Chen Fan, and said in a gentle tone, "However, rumors are nine parts hearsay and one part truth; they shouldn't be taken seriously..."

"I did indeed come to Star Luo City to propose marriage."

Chen Fan smiled nonchalantly, looking at Empress Zhu with a meaningful gaze. The latter was visibly startled.

The scene suddenly hit a snag, falling into an eerie, deathly silence. Everyone looked at Chen Fan in astonishment.

This...

Regardless of whether it was true, was this really the right time to say it?

Dai Yue narrowed her eyes and let out a cold snort, her face practically written with disdain.

She did not want to marry such a showpiece!

As for the Star Luo Emperor, Dai Li, he did not speak, merely maintaining a faint smile as he sipped his tea, unperturbed.

The scene seemed somewhat awkward.

The previously drunken minister gulped down a mouthful of his drink and muttered, "Is this water... why do I feel dizzier the more I drink?"

He shook his head and waved his hand. "Eh, rumors are rumors after all..."

"But, if it could really happen, it would be considered a beautiful story."

"A marriage alliance between the Seven Kill Sect and the Imperial Family would be a union of the strong!"

Whether he was truly drunk or not, the minister completely failed to hear Chen Fan's words.

Previously.

Chen Fan's remarks had left Empress Zhu, standing to the side, feeling somewhat awkward and unsure of how to respond.

After all, it was impossible to simply refuse at this moment and slap the Seven Kill Sect in the face.

Now, seeing the drunken minister speak up, she hurriedly took the opportunity to step down, "That is indeed true."

Immediately, she looked toward Dai Li, "Your Majesty, what do you think?"

Dai Li set down his teacup and said indifferently, "Empress, I don't have any particular thoughts on the matter; it is up to you."

"When a daughter comes of age to marry, it is the mother's opinion that matters."

Empress Zhu understood his meaning and nodded, "This Palace believes that since the child is grown, she should have the freedom to choose her own partner."

"However, as her parents, the Emperor and I do have conditions."

"First, the betrothal gift cannot be lacking. There must be at least three ten-thousand-year soul bones!"

"Second, after Yue'er marries, her husband will be considered a Prince Consort of the Star Luo Empire. According to the regulations of the Star Luo Empire, the Empire will establish a separate Princess Mansion in Star Luo City, and the Prince Consort must reside there with the Princess."

"Third..."

She paused, "If one wishes to marry the eldest princess of the Star Luo royal family, the suitor must naturally possess strength that matches her status."

"He must win the championship in the 'Youth Soul Master Tournament' three months from now!"

The Youth Soul Master Tournament was initiated by the Star Luo Empire's royal family, open to soul masters under the age of sixteen who had graduated from intermediate soul master academies.

In the Star Luo Empire, where martial prowess was supreme, the simplest way to make a name for oneself was to participate in the Youth Soul Master Tournament.

"Of course, if he is merely a show-off, she would only suffer after marrying him. Even if these conditions are met, this Palace will not marry off my daughter."

"It will still require comprehensive consideration from His Majesty and this Palace!"

Although Empress Zhu did not name anyone specifically in her speech.

However.

Everyone could hear between the lines that she was setting a threshold for the Seven Kill Sect.

Heh, this show-off is hitting a wall now, isn't he?

Tang Xiao, standing to the side, let his sneer deepen. He raised his wine cup and took a leisurely sip, completely ignoring Chen Fan.

To him, this Youth Soul Master Tournament was child's play; winning the championship would be effortless.

As for Chen Fan?

A level forty-nine Soul Ancestor propped up by resources, did he even deserve to compete with him?

Couldn't he see that the Star Luo royal family was displeased with his attitude and had started turning up the pressure on him?

"The threshold for the eldest princess is indeed quite high."

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Chen Fan actually nodded, agreeing with Empress Zhu's statement.

This caught both Dai Li and Empress Zhu off guard; the couple looked at each other, somewhat bewildered.

No!

This new Sect Master... could he actually accept this?

This?

"However..."

At this point, Chen Fan paused, casting a playful glance at Tang Xiao, "I said that I came to Star Luo City to propose marriage."

"But I never said that I was proposing to the royal family, did I?"

As these words fell, the entire Taihe Hall was instantly shaken!