"Lin Feng?"

The familiar face in front of Eli Shan brought back memories of their intense battle during the inter-city school competition. This guy was the strongest person he had ever fought in terms of the same age. Even though Eli Shan had won the battle, he couldn't forget this person's face.

"Brother Lin Feng?" Eli Shan's voice cracked with surprise, his eyes widening as he took in the unexpected sight. "What are you doing in this place? And... what prince?"

A warm smile tugged at Lin Feng's lips as he effortlessly threw the man he was holding and approached Eli Shan. "So it's brother Eli Shan," Lin Feng's voice resonated with genuine respect, his fist cupping in a gesture of respect. "The one and only person I admire."

Eli Shan returned the smile. "Brother is being polite."

Lin Feng shook his head and noticed Eli Shan being encircled by the royal guards. Turning his attention to the battalion commander, Lin Feng inquired with furrowed brows, "What happened? Why are you surrounding my brother?"

The battalion commander explained everything from beginning to end.

Listening intently, Lin Feng's expression remained stoic, though a subtle furrow creased his brow. "Even though we haven't been long-time friends," his voice held a note of conviction, "I know brother Eli Shan is not someone who kills without reason." Turning to Eli Shan, his eyes bore into his, seeking the truth. "Can you tell me what truly happened, Brother Eli Shan?"

Eli Shan nodded and replied without any hesitation, "He dared to lay his eyes on my woman."

Hearing him, Lin Feng was taken aback, then... couldn't suppress a hearty laughter. "Hahaha, just as I thought, my brother truly is something!"

Listening to Lin Feng's words, the commander couldn't help but slap his head. "Prince, they are guilty of killing a person inside the city. It's not something to be proud of."

Lin Feng's eyes blazed with righteous fury as he fixed a piercing gaze on the commander. "Commander," his voice cut through the air like a whip, "tell me, what would you have done if that person had tried to harm your wife?"

The commander faltered for a moment. "I-I..." He hesitated briefly before gathering himself. "I suppose I would have made the same choice."

Lin Feng nodded solemnly. "You cannot truly call yourself a man if you cannot even protect your woman." Then he retrieved a token from his robes, its surface glowing with a pulsating aura that seemed to command the very air around them. As he presented it to the guards, a hushed reverence fell over them, each one dropping to their knees in deference to the authority it represented. "There's no need to take my brother for interrogation," Lin Feng declared firmly. "I will use a royal order."

This guy is really royalty? Eli Shan pondered silently.

The commander straightened, accepting the royal token with a nod of reverence before turning to Eli Shan with a warning. "We are leaving you this time, but don't make a scene next time."

Eli Shan's smile held a hint of defiance as he asserted his unwavering resolve. "If anyone tries to lay their eyes on my wife," he declared, his hands clenching into fists, "whether it be you guys or the whole central plain, I will not hesitate to make a scene."

The commander sighed, shaking his head. "You are a man," he remarked, his tone tinged with begrudging respect. "Now I know why the prince has taken a liking to you."

Eli Shan merely shrugged in response.

"Let's go!" With a curt command from the commander, the guards fell into formation and departed from the scene.

After their departure, Lin Feng shifted his focus to Eli Shan, his warm smile exuding genuine hospitality as he approached. "Brother, do you have a place to stay here?"

Eli Shan shook his head, his expression tinged with uncertainty. "It's my first time here. I was thinking about staying in an inn."

Hearing him, Lin Feng heartily slapped Eli Shan's shoulder with excitement. "Good, good," Lin Feng exclaimed with genuine enthusiasm. "Then why don't you stay at my place? I have plenty of empty rooms available. If you truly consider me your brother, you can't refuse."

Caught up in Lin Feng's infectious energy, Eli Shan paused for a moment, considering the offer. After a beat, he found himself unable to refuse the genuine hospitality extended to him. "Then, I will be in your care, brother Lin Feng," he agreed with a grateful smile.

Then, Eli Shan's gaze fell on the guy lying down with dark circles in his eyes. Understanding Eli Shan's unspoken question, Lin Feng chuckled lightly. "I was finding an opponent to practice my martial arts but he looked down on me first, and when someone told him my identity, he got scared out of his wits so... you can see haha."

Eli Shan smiled. "Brother is open-minded".

Lin Feng scratched his head sheepishly. "Haha, let's go, brother. I'll clear up all of your confusion along the way."

Eli Shan nodded in affirmation before gently taking Xie Meng's hand and introducing her to Lin Feng. "This is Xie Meng, my wife," he stated proudly. Then, turning to Xie Meng with a warm smile, he continued, "And he is Brother Lin Feng, the person I told you about when I shared the story of our school competition."

Xie Meng nodded graciously, a smile lighting up her face as she offered a respectful bow without meeting Lin Feng's gaze.

Lin Feng couldn't help but tease, a playful glint in his eyes. "Brother, I must admit I'm envious of you to marry someone as beautiful as sister Xie Meng. Here I am, still single," he quipped with a lighthearted laugh.

Eli Shan nodded, his laughter ringing out. "Even I would envy myself if I were in your place, hahaha."

The trio set off together, their laughter resonating through the streets as they strolled and conversed. Amidst their leisurely walk, Eli Shan couldn't contain his curiosity any longer and finally asked, "So... what exactly is this 'prince' thing?"

Lin Feng nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Brother, this might be your first time in the central plain, right?"

Eli Shan nodded in agreement, his interest piqued.

With a knowing smile, Lin Feng continued, his voice laced with pride and a hint of nostalgia. "The central plain is an empire of its own, but it's unlike any other empire you've encountered. While every empire is ruled by a single emperor at the peak stage, here, things are different."

With a thoughtful expression, Eli Shan guessed, "The central plain is ruled by the royal family which is being passed down through generations?"

Lin Feng's eyes sparkled with affirmation. "You're spot on, brother. However, our royal family holds a power and authority that far surpasses any ordinary emperor. We have a well-established hierarchy, a system of governance, and more cultivators at the emperor level than you'll find in the outer world."

If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

Eli Shan nodded in understanding, absorbing the information like a sponge. However, one question lingered on his mind. "What do you mean by the outer world?"

Lin Feng's patient explanation illuminated Eli Shan's confusion. "You're new here, which is why you're not familiar with this, but the people of the Central Plain view other empires as part of the outer world. The reason is, they are perceived as much weaker than the average people here. Hence, they aren't regarded in the same light as us."

Eli Shan nodded in understanding. Although he noticed that not every person in this place was an Origin Realm cultivator, he had yet to encounter anyone below the Zun Realm. In this place, even a battalion commander had the cultivation of half-emperor, a cultivation realm before which even kings would bow in fear.

"So, you're the son of the current emperor of the central plain?"

Lin Feng nodded solemnly, a hint of gravity in his voice. "Yes, you're correct. I am the sole heir to the throne."

Eli Shan nodded with understanding, his mind buzzing with questions. "Then why did you leave this place and join a second-rank school? The qi here is denser and more abundant."

A wistful smile tugged at the corners of Lin Feng's lips as he recalled his past. "As the heir of the central plain, I was sheltered and coddled. Seeking to broaden my horizons, my father sent me to the outer world to gain experience. It was a journey of self-discovery that led me to the Earth Dragon School."

Eli Shan listened intently, captivated by Lin Feng's tale of adventure and growth. "And you became the core student of the school without the help of any royal technique," Eli Shan remarked, impressed.

Lin Feng chuckled, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "Indeed. But I've always been a warrior at heart. I never lost a battle in the same or higher realm, that is, until I met you, Hahaha."

As their conversation flowed, Xie Meng followed along quietly, her understanding of their bond deepening with each passing word. Eli Shan and Lin Feng hadn't interacted much before, but even in their brief exchanges, they seemed to understand each other better than lifelong friends. As the saying goes, for a warrior, fists speak louder than words.

Their laughter echoed through the bustling streets until they reached their destination. Eli Shan's eyes widened in astonishment as Lin Feng's home came into view. "Don't tell me... we are going to stay here?"

Lin Feng's laughter rang out, filling the air with infectious warmth. "Of course! This is my humble abode."

Eli Shan's jaw dropped in disbelief as he beheld the majestic mansion before him. "This isn't just a house, it's a bloody castle!"

Lin Feng's grin widened at Eli Shan's incredulous reaction.

The mansion was so grand and majestic that Eli Shan had spotted it from afar. He initially speculated it might be the king's castle, never once imagining it to be Lin Feng's own residence!

As they arrived in front of the imposing entrance, the guards stationed there bowed respectfully.

Lin Feng casually waved his hand, motioning for them to rise, and led Eli Shan inside.

Entering the castle was like stepping into another world. Eli Shan marveled at the long, majestic garden that stretched out before them, the floor adorned with special ores that shimmered in the sunlight. Intricate statues dotted the sides of the floor, each one a testament to the wealth and power of its owner.

Eli Shan turned to Lin Feng with disbelief written across his face. "Brother, please don't tell me this palace is your house."

Lin Feng's laughter filled the air, dispelling any sense of formality. "Haha, no, brother. This is not a palace but my home. It may seem grand, but it's just a lonely old house."

Eli Shan simply smiled, lost for words.

As they stepped into the grand hall, the three of them were greeted by the butlers and maids standing in disciplined rows, their demeanor exuding professionalism and grace. "Welcome back, young master, and his friends," they chimed in unison.

Eli Shan's eyes swept over them, noting their cultivation levels with a sense of disbelief. "So, peak stage of the zun realm are just butlers here?" he mused.

Lin Feng brushed them off casually before leading Eli Shan and Xie Meng to the second floor. "Brother, this entire floor is yours. Feel free to use any room you want here." He then retrieved a communication token and handed it to Eli Shan. "I'll be staying on the third floor. If you need anything or feel any discomfort, just let me know through this communication token."

Eli Shan expressed his gratitude with a smile, cupping his fist in a respectful gesture. "Thank you so much, brother," he said sincerely.

Lin Feng shook his head, his expression earnest. "We are friends, what's there to thank? Please don't look down on your friend, brother Eli Shan."

Eli Shan closed his fingers into a fist and playfully punched Lin Feng's shoulder. "Then, I won't be polite anymore. Do your best to serve me while I am at it!"

Lin Feng bowed in jest. "As the young master commands."

Both of them burst into laughter before Lin Feng bid farewell. "Well, I won't bother you two any longer. Remember to use this token if you need anything," Lin Feng reminded.

Eli Shan nodded. "I will remember."

With that, Lin Feng made his way to the third floor, while Eli Shan and Xie Meng entered their room.

Inside the room, Eli Shan looked around and couldn't help but feel that the opulence here surpassed that of any high-level inn they had ever seen. "This room is truly remarkable," Eli Shan whispered in awe.

Xie Meng approached the bed, her fingers gently grazing the soft fabric. Feeling its plushness, she closed her eyes, extended her hands upward, and then jumped onto the bed with a childlike excitement. "Eli Shan, come. You too jump here! It's so soft!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with delight.

Eli Shan nodded as he approached Xie Meng, a playful grin dancing on his lips. With gentle fingers, he touched her chin, his gaze filled with mischief. "I'm quite certain it can't be softer than you," he teased, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

"Y-You..."

"Hahahaha. Your blushing face is priceless."

As Eli Shan continued to tease Xie Meng, he heard a knock on the door. Standing up from the bed, he went to open it. As the door swung open, a delightful aroma filled the room. Before him stood a butler holding a tray of food. "Young master, please enjoy this freshly prepared meal," the butler said respectfully.

Looking at the delicious food, Eli Shan's stomach grumbled with hunger. He nodded appreciatively, a smile spreading across his face, before accepting the platter. "Thank you for the food," he said gratefully.

The butler smiled politely as he handed the platter to Eli Shan before quietly leaving the room.

Bringing the food to the bed, Eli Shan gestured for Xie Meng to join him. "Xie Meng, this food looks delicious. Let's eat together," he suggested warmly.

Xie Meng smiled in agreement, joining Eli Shan to enjoy the meal. "Yes, let's eat."

She delicately picked up a morsel of food, her fingers trembling slightly as she glanced at Eli Shan.

"What happened?" Eli Shan asked.

Xie Meng's cheeks flushed with a rosy hue, her heart racing with nervousness. Summoning all her courage, she extended her hand towards Eli Shan, offering the morsel of food.

Meeting her gaze, Eli Shan's smile radiated warmth, causing her heartbeat to quicken even more. "So, you want to feed me?" he teased gently.

With a shy nod, Xie Meng watched as Eli Shan leaned forward and accepted the morsel from her outstretched hand.

Munch munch munch...

Eli Shan savored the food loudly and steadily. "The taste of the food increases by billions of times after you feed me," he remarked with a grin.

Xie Meng's cheeks flushed as she lowered her gaze, smiling sweetly. Looking at her radiant expression, Eli Shan didn't want to eat food anymore. Instead... let's forget it...

Taking a portion of food, Eli Shan held it out towards her. "Say aaah," he playfully urged.

Xie Meng's heart raced, but she didn't want to miss the opportunity. Aaah! Munch Munch Munch!

"How is the food?"

"Sweet, just like my husband," Xie Meng replied with a daring twinkle in her eyes.

Taken aback by her bold response, Eli Shan paused for a moment before regaining his composure. A mischievous grin spread across his face as he leaned closer to her, teasing, "Your husband is more sweeter. Want to have a taste?"

Xie Meng playfully punched his shoulder. "W-what are you saying? Let's just finish the food," she stammered, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

Eli Shan didn't back down this time. Leaning more closer to her lips, he gently whispered, "Why don't you call me husband from now on then?"

Xie Meng's cheeks flushed red, her gaze dropping as she murmured with a sweet smile, "H-Husband."

Hearing her sweet voice, Eli Shan couldn't contain his happiness any longer and jumped up to hug her tightly. "Yes, my wife!"

Xie Meng hugged him back, her lips curling into an adorable smile.

The two of them spent their day chatting, teasing, and playing, losing track of time in each other's company. Eventually, Eli Shan glanced out the window and noticed the sun sinking low in the sky, casting long shadows across the room as darkness began to envelop the world outside. Realizing they hadn't properly rested in days, he suggested, "Xie Meng, you should sleep on the bed, I'll take the floor."

Xie Meng smiled and nodded in agreement.

Despite not truly needing sleep due to their cultivation, they both felt the need to rest and rejuvenate.

They slept peacefully, and as dawn broke, they woke up refreshed. After getting ready, Eli Shan went to meet Lin Feng.

Upon seeing Eli Shan, Lin Feng couldn't contain his excitement any longer. "Brother Eli Shan, let's have a sparring match if you're up for it!"