"That's enough, Chen Fei."

Ceasing him from speaking another word of complaint, Chen Long spoke out with a still tone that demanded respect.

Daring not to disobey his father's words, Chen Fei hastily shut his mouth and Chen Long thereby continued,

"This act of Chen Fu was not outside my expectations, in fact, I would've been stumped if he hadn't done such a thing. First lesson, know your enemies like you know yourself and you will never be put on the spot.

"Saying that, though, you're both most likely confused as to why I hadn't prevented him from exposing this vital secret beforehand and thereby avoiding this situation?

"Naturally, because I had a greater idea in mind."

Pausing for a second, his eyes flash with intrigue as he asks,

"Do any of you have ideas what my scheme could be?

"Keep in mind, you must know all your enemies like yourself to be ever-victorious."

After posing that question, he remained silent, patiently awaiting an answer.

My palms started sweating, and with the pressure of this unexpected question, I furiously started scrambling my brain for an answer until I eventually reached some idea.

Looking to my side and sneaking a glance at Chen Fei, it seemed he was even worse off than me as he was scratching his head lost in thought. Understanding that he wouldn't conclude anytime soon, I spoke up first saying,

"Could it be that you wanted to push Chen Fu into a precarious situation by creating a situation where he voluntarily betrayed the clan at the cost of putting the secret realm and yourself at risk?

"Alongside using this as an opportunity to further probe the thoughts of the Emperor and maybe even try to incite him into a rash move?"

Chen Long's expression remained still and unchanging after my words causing me to be a bit uneasy thinking that I might have said something quite stupid. Instead of confirming anything, he simply turned to face Chen Fei and questioned,

"What do you think, Son?

"Do you agree with Bu Cai's opinion, or are there any holes in his conclusion?"

Not expecting to be asked a sudden question at all, Chen Fei was visibly panicked, however, after a small gulp he gathered himself and resolutely said,

"Though I agree with most of it, there is still one logical pothole I can't get over.

"Let alone the value of a secret realm, just the disadvantages of gaining the Emperor's ire far surpass the political advantages gained from getting a hold on Chen Fu. The reward in itself does not outweigh the loss, so I still question why we are risking everything on it."

After hearing his words, Chen Long's impassive expression cracked and with a slight smile he said to us,

"Very good both of you.

"Bu Cai, you were only half-right.

"Baiting out Chen Fu at the price of the secret realm was one goal, however, the Emperor is sharp and far too jaded to be swayed by emotions. Never assume your opponent would be swayed by something mundane like feelings, in fact, cultivators generally become averse to emotions and some even go to the lengths of taking pills or practising techniques to sedate or kill their seven emotions and six desires.

"As for you, Son. You've done well in spotting a losing endeavour, however, your thoughts are too surface-level. You must always expect the worst."

And what could this worst-case scenario be?

It took me mere seconds to reach a daunting conclusion.

The Emperor already knows.

"Reaping the benefits of my prudence, I came to know that Wu Kang was merely waiting for the inevitable betrayal of Chen Fu not just to gain the inheritance realm, but also to incite internal conflict—two birds with one stone.

"At that point, I already knew that brother I'd fought alongside for centuries had finally pointed his sword towards me."

Chen Fei and I couldn't help but get a cold shiver run down our backs from how deep the trenches of these schemes were.

If the centuries-old clan leaders are this crafty and malicious, then what sort of monsters in human skin were the ones thriving above?

As I inwardly deliberated whilst waiting for Chen Long to continue, Chen Fei piped up and spat out with worry,

"Wait, but if you are already aware of the fact that the Emperor is hostile, t-then isn't my sister in danger?!

"W-We need to hurry up and rescue her-"

Cutting off the stuttering Chen Fei, Chen Long says with a composed tone,

"As I said, the situation is within control. The moment I realised Wu Kang was conscious of the inheritance realm's existence, I spread the word of it to the other major factions to ensure it wouldn't be able to fall into his hands and he also isn't so rash as to cause any harm to Chen Ru for now as the engagement is needed as a basis to show sincerity to Chen Fu and his faction.

"Plus, in a few moments, we are going to take action to ensure my daughter's safety, as well as smoothen out this situation accordingly."

As he rounded off that final sentence, his eyes locked onto me making me rather nervous.

Why is he looking at me?

What sort of action would I be able to take to help here?!

After a few seconds, he flashed from my sight and before I knew it the collar of my robe had been grabbed and an ominous set of words entered my ears,

"I'm sorry Bu Cai, but I know you are smart enough to realise that what I am about to do is for the good of us all."

Like that, my scenery changed, as if, I had skipped forward in a movie.

From a luxurious living room... to the Imperial Palace's throne room.

A thick aura of wealth and authority emanated throughout the palace room, giving me a feeling of oppression off the bat.

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

There were sturdy jade pillars that connected the floor to the roof scattered around the huge domain, and a majestic gold-rimmed bloody crimson rug coated the floor below our feet and slithered up a small staircase inclining to the illustrious, Star-Emblazed Throne- The mighty Semi-Martial God, or Deity Grade, Spiritual Armament.

Upon entering my body scrunched into a prostrating posture as an almighty pressure ordained me to move to its will!

Upon using my spiritual sense I came to the shock that rather than the Emperor, slumped arrogantly down on the fancy seat with an amused expression, who I suspected would try to squish me due to my status as the opposition, it was Chen Long, who while similarly was locked into a curt bow, had inflicted this on me.

Before I could think any longer, my thoughts were cut off by a deep, hoarse voice that twinged with both solemnity and playfulness,

"Well if it isn't my competent and ever-faithful general, Brother Long!

"Old friend, though you know I don't mind, it is rather rude showing up so suddenly without even a forewarning!

"I haven't had the chance to have someone prepare our favourite Wisdom Willow Tea.

"Grand Strategist Fu! Hurry to get the tea sorted out!"

Stationed behind the grand chair, a middle-aged man with an amiable yet eerie smile moved promptly with a crafty gleam flashing in his hollow verdant eyes after dutifully responding,

"As your Majesty wishes!"

Before this 'Strategist Fu', flashes away his eyes scan me with a chillingly curious glare bringing about a discordant sense of dread as my heart skips a beat.

All that was going through my head was,

Why have I appeared in a final boss-looking ass room?!

I swear I haven't even flirted with death recently!!

Ah, fuck!

Was that a parodic sentence coming out of me?!

I'm basically internally screaming with anxiety, yet somehow I can be introspective of myself in this kind of situation?!

Just then a reply came from Chen Long in a hoarser-than-usual voice emanating the pinnacle of solemnity,

"Apologies, Your Majesty, for this subject's impudence. However, the situation I am embroiled in requires utmost urgency, in this regard, and I cannot help but be anxious about the severities!

"Please grant permission for this subject to express how concerned I am about Your Majesty's grace and disdain for those who profane the name of our ancestors and those we do not!"

He spoke In the most reverent yet dignified manner of speech as if he was an authority in a religious scene expressing piety towards the messenger of god!

I was pretty gobsmacked by this move. I thought we were starting with a light argument here!

However, the first words spoken by Chen Long sounded to be the personified dictionary definition of the word, Humble, otherwise known in the good ol' urban version as, Glazing.

In fairness, the words contained prudence, showing a live example of delving into the bounds of caution, in the fact that, they cannot be rebuked in sincerity- Perfect, overwhelming, aristocracy!

Also, the words that followed up this sugar-laced speech by Chen Long were contrasting fundamentally in that they remained sweet externally but were vividly venomous when seen through- Simply put, Double-Edged.

"Your Majesty, you must already know since I sent Cousin Fu to tell you, that the Inheritance Realm is a valuable encounter for humanity's sovereignty over the Lower Cangtian Realm!

"The Inheritance Realm's creator is, none other than, Divine Marshal Sha's, the heroic conqueror who helped establish Humanity's indomitable reign!

"It would only be right for a former Emperor's blood brother, Your Majesty's Exalted Ancestor's brother, to find a fated inheritor!

"This is a proposal to grant anyone under the bone age of twenty the glory of participating in this blessed opportunity as long as they have the will to!

"This is to ensure respect for a Royal Founder's commitment!"

The air stilled in an instant.

I felt it in me at once, a resplendent sense of dread drowned me almost the same as moments previous. Though I said almost, the primal fear instilled in the depths of my soul threatened to drive me delirious if they were even a whiff stronger.

That's when I came to understand the concept behind, intent, at a soaring rate!

I also realised in mere seconds of acclimating due to understanding at a heightened rate, I realised that although Chen Long physically restrained me, he just used it as a means to guard me against the ocean of intent in the room and limited how much it can influence and affect me allowing me to remain safe no matter what.

It was even more impressive that the intent category the ocean morphed into was...

...Killing Intent.

The immense and thick malice brought by it was trying to grudge into my soul through the protection- A testament to its disgusting prospects.

However, while all this was going on in the unseen battle plane, the Emperor still had the same playful half-serious expression etched on his face as if he were wearing a mask, and said with nonchalant amusement drenching his tone,

"Hahaha, you truly do only speak sense in this world of hypocrisy!

"If I can't afford to bestow honour upon my Ancestor's, better yet Grandfather's, own general the utmost respect for his contributions, what sort of beast in disguise would I be? Hahaha!"

A roar of laughter resounded throughout the hall.

With a wide, toothy grin, the Emperor looked at Chen Long with narrowed eyes filled, to the brim, with joyful irony that seemed close to overflowing.

After a few moments of silence, Chen Long, spoke once again expressing a point that even 'I' couldn't help but be shocked at!

"With this mention of respect towards keeping humanity within cultivators and reinforcing it as a morale value like envisioned, I believe there is something I'd like to bring attention to on the side for this young genius that has inaugurated as part of my clan, Chen Cai! Pay respects!"

All pressure seemed to be elevated and though it was piercingly painful to stand up after complete restraint of all functions for such an extended period, I still forced myself up with a straight face and proclaimed,

"Junior Chen Cai pays respects to the Almighty Emperor!"

With a cup of my fists and a past ninety-degree bow, I decided to do as Chen Long led me in the art of glazi- *Cough* *Cough* externalizing humility!

A stifling silence began again making it rather awkward cause I just introduced myself and paid respects and was left hanging!

A swift "Continue" followed and then Chen Long stepped up with a slight cough and continued parading,

"I believe a man should have the right to fight for the woman he wants!

"Isn't it codex for us human cultivators to strive for competition to become better and stronger for the greater good of the human cultivation circle, and to delve deeper into the Grand Dao's endless profundities?"

"So to this young man who gained the approval of my daughter through his internal qualifications, I say we let this engagement loosen the terms for its final holder.

"I plead you allow for competition, Your Majesty, and my greatest brother!

"After all, surely your very own niece's and son's joys shouldn't be broken?"

F-Fuck, have I just been used to take the fall for this engagement mishap?

What the fuck?

Yeah sure, he did say the truth when saying that we are taking the target off Chen Ru!

Just that we aren't extracting it but shifting targets!!!

But... I have to trust Chen Long, I have no other choice but to. Also, I understand now why he apologised and I am sure I'll be rewarded for this contribution.

But still. Hah. Being a mere puppet on strings to these 'Human' Cultivators and controlled with no choice like a bug being played with.

Aha! It is not the physical obstacles that separate us from treating animals, or insects, as monsters or pets but the underlying fact that they are lesser, weaker things that we can toy with as we like without refusals.

Power distribution is the essence of a society and a being!

It is the direct answer to any authority, whether to make it, uphold it, or even rebel it!

If before it was all small euphemisms, the atmosphere at this moment was at a record-breaking low!

The irrebuttable tension and the immense complexity of expressions, containing valleys of edges, were fully present!

However, it seemed everything hadn't abandoned me yet as just at that moment a honeyed voice rang outside the door and in walked the crafty Grand Strategist Fu who seemed like an irredeemable traitorous whelp who really couldn't read the room yet was strong to the weak but weak to the strong.

Bootlicker in short, just like the original me over here!

And if anyone could spot an obvious bootlicker, it's a fated ex-bootlicker!

A team, no, a squadron of gorgeous maids began preparations to serve to perfect expectations!

After walking into this deafening silence, the Bootlicker Fu, who has hints of resemblances to Chen Long in regards to his features, says with a confident and disgustingly respectful tone,

"Dear 'Emperor of Divine Might' and esteemed 'Exalted Ruler of All', as requested, I have arranged everything Your Majesty asked!

"Please tell me if you need anything else to increase your comfort, Esteemed Emperor!"

Though the situation is bladder-breakingly tense, my ears can't help but hit a twitch from hearing such a nonsensical cringe two-liner!

Fuck, Long Tian, you little prick with insufferable luck!

It is because of you, that, I'm experiencing this live dramatised Xianxia Movie caught in Eye-K!

You could have just died for me in that ambush and I wouldn't now desperately wish to pay everything to go back to a time when I didn't hear that!

...but is it bad that I wouldn't mind popcorn right now?

Ahhhhh, all this must have turned me mad!

Such a horrid situation has arrived yet I feel thrilled?!

Wasn't this all about preservation, Bu Cai?

...