socalfunplaces Chapter 23: Dai Hao's Return, the Plan Against Huo Yuhao, and His Daily Life with Vina.
Chapter 23: Dai Hao's Return, the Plan Against Huo Yuhao, and His Daily Life with Vina.
Xu Jiawei's eyelid twitched.
He didn't immediately press for details, but simply tilted his head slightly, signaling Xu Xinghan to continue.
This reaction was unexpected for Xu Xinghan; he thought his older brother would be surprised and ask further questions.
But Xu Jiawei just waited quietly, like someone who already knew the answer and was waiting for the other person to tell him the process.
Xu Xinghan's heart stirred slightly.
"His spirit rings are simulated using a spirit skill." Xu Xinghan paused, carefully choosing his words. "That spirit skill is very special; it can fuse the true aura of the martial spirit with the simulated spirit rings, achieving a deceptively realistic effect."
"He not only mimicked the red color of a 100,000-year-old spirit ring in appearance, but even the mental pressure he exerted on those around him when the spirit ring was released was real."
"However, the oppressive feeling comes from the true source of power within him, which is just disguised as a spirit ring."
Xu Jiawei nodded.
His expression changed from calm to thoughtful, and a glint of light flickered in his eyes, like a line being straightened.
"So...it's both true and false?"
"Yes, it's both real and fake. The real part is the aura, and the fake part is the spirit ring itself."
Xu Xinghan tapped his finger lightly on the rim of the teacup. "But that guy does indeed have a 100,000-year soul ring."
Xu Jiawei remained silent for a moment.
The morning light outside the window cast a pale golden outline on his profile.
His gaze shifted from Xu Xinghan's face to the distant, faintly visible imperial city walls outside the window.
"Interesting." His voice wasn't loud, as if he were talking to himself, or as if he were confirming with Xu Xinghan, "It's just a pity that he's from Shrek Academy, not my Star Luo Empire."
"Oh?"
Xu Xinghan gave a soft snort.
Xu Jiawei's words were like a flash of inspiration, suddenly appearing in his mind.
"Big brother."
"Um?"
"Hey, is Dai Hao back?"
……
noon.
Star Palace.
Xu Xinghan was "strongly invited" by Xu Jiawei to stay.
The original words were roughly: "You rarely come to the palace, how can you not have a meal with your elder brother?"
Xu Xinghan thought this made sense. Since he would be alone anyway when he returned to the Prince's Mansion, he might as well have a free meal at the palace.
The Star Palace was not large; it was where the emperor ate his daily meals.
Compared to those grand palaces that can accommodate hundreds of people, this place has a more down-to-earth feel.
The interior was simply furnished, with a rectangular rosewood table covered with a dark gold tablecloth. On the table were four dishes and a soup, a combination of meat and vegetables. It looked ordinary, but the ingredients for each dish were the best in the Star Luo Empire.
Xu Xinghan sat at the table and waited for a while.
The tea was replaced, the dishes were still warm, but Xu Jiawei hadn't arrived.
"Da da da".
Footsteps came from the palace entrance.
Xu Xinghan turned his head, his gaze falling on the entrance of the palace, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.
Her long, dark brown hair fell smoothly over her shoulders, the ends slightly curled, gleaming softly in the afternoon sunlight.
The pale purple long skirt was embroidered with delicate silver patterns, and a matching ribbon was tied around the waist, outlining her slender figure.
The girl had fair skin, clear light brown eyes, and a perfectly measured smile on her lips.
The visitor was none other than the envoy from the Heavenly Soul Empire, and also Princess Vina, Xu Xinghan's fiancée.
The image of the beautiful girl flashed through Xu Xinghan's mind.
Like a pebble thrown into a lake, the ripples were small, but enough to leave him stunned.
Just for a moment.
Xu Xinghan stood up, cupped his hands and bowed slightly, his movements were fluid and flawless.
"Your Highness."
Vina returned the greeting with a slight bend in her knees, her movements even lighter and gentler than his, her skirt spreading out and then gathering at her feet.
"Your Highness, there's no need for such formalities."
"His Majesty said he would be hosting a casual banquet today, but I didn't expect the Prince to be here as well."
Her voice was soft, like a spring breeze brushing across a lake.
But her light brown eyes betrayed her.
She already knew Xu Xinghan was here.
If Xu Xinghan hadn't been there, she would have already declined the invitation.
Xu Xinghan coughed twice, appearing strong and composed, and gestured for him to proceed.
"Please have a seat, Princess. My elder brother... His Majesty should arrive shortly."
Seeing the boy's somewhat embarrassed expression, Vina found it rather amusing.
These days, Xu Xinghan has always been a meticulous person in her mind, but she never expected him to have such a naive side.
Vina sat down opposite Xu Xinghan.
She sat upright but not stiffly, with her hands gently placed on her knees, and her gaze naturally falling on Xu Xinghan's face.
Xu Xinghan sat down again, picked up his teacup, and used the act of drinking tea to avoid that gaze.
Princess Vina seemed quite happy.
From what I can see so far, Xu Xinghan doesn't dislike her.
It wasn't forced politeness; it was genuine disapproval.
His expressions, movements, and tone of voice were all very natural, without the awkwardness and resistance one would feel when being forced into a relationship.
Before she set off, her father told her that the marriage was arranged by the previous generation, and it was not certain whether the other party would agree or not, so she should be mentally prepared.
In retrospect, I did prepare myself mentally, but it didn't come in handy.
Xu Xinghan doesn't dislike her.
He was just momentarily stunned.
The marriage came so suddenly; no one had ever mentioned it to him.
His father didn't mention it when he was alive, and his elder brother never brought it up either. If Xu Jiawei hadn't come to his mansion that night to tease the cat and dropped a bombshell, he wouldn't even know he had a marriage contract on his head.
But after he came to his senses, he wasn't exactly averse to it.
Firstly, being born into an imperial family meant that marriage was equivalent to responsibility.
This wasn't a novel he read in his previous life, where the protagonist could tear up an engagement and walk away in the name of "free love."
In the Douluo Continent and the Star Luo Empire, a prince's marriage is a matter of politics, diplomacy, and a link between the two empires.
He enjoyed the benefits of being a prince, and naturally he also had to bear the corresponding responsibilities.
He was well aware of this.
Secondly...
Xu Xinghan secretly glanced at Vina across from him.
Vina happened to be looking at him too.
Their gazes met in the air, but Vina didn't flinch; instead, her smile deepened.
Xu Xinghan looked away shyly, then picked up his teacup and took another sip, feigning composure.
Princess Vina is excellent in both talent and appearance.
He was of royal blood from the Heavenly Soul Empire and possessed twin martial souls. He remembered that in the original story, his original martial soul had undergone a second awakening at the silver level.
She has a gentle and dignified appearance, with exquisite features, making her stand out even among the noble ladies of Xingluo City.
Xu Xinghan considers himself to be somewhat attractive.
Vina stood beside him, and the two could be described as a perfect match.
Within the sea of spirits, the Snow Emperor's voice echoed softly, carrying an indescribable chill:
"Tsk tsk tsk, you know, some people, once they find a new love, just forget about their old one."
Xu Xinghan replied in his mind without changing his expression: "Hey, don't talk nonsense. I'm completely innocent with you. Be careful, or I'll sue you for defamation."
Xue Di snorted and didn't reply.
But the volume of that "humph" was noticeably a little higher than usual.