NOVEL NEXT Chapter 72: Chapter 72: A Chance Encounter with Zhu Zhuqing, and the Gathering of Heroes at the Royal Authority Inn
The Heaven Dou Empire,
Within the resplendent imperial palace.
"Mr. Lu, everything you instructed has been carried out to completion. The individuals you requested are all waiting at the Royal Authority Inn for your next orders."
Disguised as Crown Prince Xue Qinghe, Qian Renxue respectfully reported, awaiting Lu Yunzhou's response.
Since their return from the Star Dou Forest, and upon realizing that the man before her had ascended to the status of a "god," Qian Renxue's respect and reverence for him had reached unparalleled heights.
At this moment, as she spoke, she instinctively bent slightly at the waist, not daring to meet Lu Yunzhou's gaze directly.
Hearing this, Lu Yunzhou nodded slightly, a satisfied and approving smile forming on his face. He responded, "Thank you for your efforts, Your Highness. Since everything is prepared, let us head there now."
"Understood!"
Upon receiving Lu Yunzhou's acknowledgment, "Xue Qinghe" answered with a simple "understood" and accompanied him onto an ornate and elegant carriage.
Their destination was straightforward: a meeting with the top-tier powers of the entire Heaven Dou Empire.
These powers consisted of prestigious academies, formidable sects, and influential families with long-standing legacies.
The establishment of Lu Yunzhou's new faction, one dedicated to benefiting the common people, was bound to impact certain vested interests. Naturally, those most affected would be the nobles, officials, and these elite forces.
To preempt any potential sabotage or clandestine opposition, Lu Yunzhou resolved to meet them directly. Furthermore, he intended to see if he could recruit some of these forces to his cause.
With the luxurious carriage escorted by the Heaven Dou Royal Knights, Lu Yunzhou and Qian Renxue proceeded smoothly toward the most extravagant inn in the city—the Royal Authority Inn.
The journey was uneventful, thanks to the knights' protection. However, upon reaching their destination, a young woman dressed in black stood boldly in their path, stopping them in their tracks.
"Who dares block the Crown Prince's way? Identify yourself! Do you realize the consequences of such insolence?"
One of the knights barked sternly, leveling a razor-sharp spear at the voluptuous and striking black-clad woman.
The woman, unfazed, responded promptly, "I am Zhu Zhuqing, a direct descendant of the Zhu Clan of Star Luo Empire. I seek an audience with His Highness, the Crown Prince."
Her reply startled the knight, and his initially fierce demeanor softened immediately.
The Zhu Clan was a prominent family in the Star Luo Empire, famed for its alliance through marriage with the imperial Dai Clan for over a millennium. In the Star Luo Empire, only the imperial family stood above them in terms of status.
Confronted by a scion of the Zhu Clan, the knight dared not act disrespectfully.
"Zhu Zhuqing?"
Inside the carriage, Lu Yunzhou murmured her name with mild surprise. He gestured for "Xue Qinghe" to investigate.
"What is your purpose here?"
Following Lu Yunzhou's instructions, "Xue Qinghe" lifted the curtain, stepped out of the carriage, and questioned Zhu Zhuqing.
Upon seeing the elegantly attired "Xue Qinghe," Zhu Zhuqing instinctively lowered her stance, speaking cautiously. "I humbly ask, Your Highness, is Mr. Lu present in your carriage? Zhu Zhuqing seeks his guidance."
"Xue Qinghe" remained silent, awaiting Lu Yunzhou's response. Moments later, the carriage curtain was lifted again, and Lu Yunzhou emerged.
"What business do you have with me?"
Lu Yunzhou's tone was calm, his expression serene, as he addressed Zhu Zhuqing. His presence exuded an aura of unparalleled confidence and composure.
Staring at the youthful figure before her, Zhu Zhuqing found it hard to believe. "You… are you truly Mr. Lu?" she questioned hesitantly.
Lu Yunzhou was known as the man who single-handedly defeated both Thunder Douluo Yu Yuanzhen and Sword Douluo Chen Xin in battle outside Heaven Dou City. He was also the one who set up the Four Symbols Spirit Gathering Array at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy. Many assumed such a formidable figure must be an elder of advanced years. Yet, before her stood someone who appeared no older than twenty.
With a slight nod, Lu Yunzhou confirmed, "It is I. Speak your mind—what brings you to me?"
Zhu Zhuqing hesitated briefly but then revealed her purpose: she sought to become his disciple and learn the art of cultivation.
Her motivation was clear. The Zhu Clan's harsh and unforgiving traditions of "survival of the fittest" left her with little choice. In the Star Luo Empire, the "Gu Ritual" system meant that only the strong survived, while the weak faced either death or fates worse than death.
Desperate to escape such a grim fate, Zhu Zhuqing had embarked on a journey from Shrek Academy to Heaven Dou City in search of Lu Yunzhou, hoping he could teach her the path of cultivation.
In response, Lu Yunzhou stated firmly, "If you wish to cultivate, go to Giant Sword Mountain six days from now. If you possess the requisite talent, fortune, and determination, you may succeed. However, I do not take disciples. Is that clear?"
Leaving these words behind, Lu Yunzhou entered the Royal Authority Inn with Qian Renxue.
Zhu Zhuqing, undeterred, watched them leave with a determined expression. Resolving to seize this chance, she vowed to make her way to Giant Sword Mountain.
Inside the inn, the most influential figures of the empire had already gathered, awaiting Lu Yunzhou's arrival.
Among them were Ning Fengzhi of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and its two guardian Douluos, the deans of the Five Elemental Academies, Hu Yanzhen of the Elephant Armored Sect, and Titan, patriarch of the Strength Clan and a divine craftsman.
Even the kings of Barak Kingdom, Silvis Kingdom, and the Alpine Kingdom had come to attend.
Today, the Royal Authority Inn truly lived up to its reputation—an assembly of heroes indeed!
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