Chapter 6: The Son of Heaven Seeks Marriage! The Battle for Xiao Zhen Begins!

"You said Xiao Zhen's Cultivation Base has suddenly recovered, and it's even advanced to a higher level?"

The emperor's face was filled with astonishment as he questioned the secret agent kneeling before him.

"Your Majesty, I would never dare to deceive you," the agent replied, bowing deeply.

He proceeded to recount the events at Baixiao Martial Institute earlier that day in detail. The emperor listened attentively, and when the report was finished, a slow smile spread across his face.

"Excellent, truly excellent," the emperor said, clearly pleased. "Xiao Zhen has always had remarkable talent, and though it appeared as if he could no longer cultivate, that potential never vanished. If his Cultivation Base has been restored, he's bound to become an unstoppable force. We cannot let such potential slip through our fingers. I want Xiao Zhen in my grasp."

The agent hesitated briefly before asking, "Your Majesty, do you intend to...?"

"Marry him to the princess," the emperor declared, his tone firm. "This is an opportunity I cannot afford to miss."

If Lian Tianfeng had overheard these words, even he would have acknowledged the emperor's foresight. Only the emperor and Lian Tianfeng seemed capable of immediately recognizing the immense value of Xiao Zhen's recovery.

Still, the secret agent, with concern etched on his face, asked, "But what if Xiao Zhen loses his Cultivation Base again?"

The emperor dismissed the idea with a wave of his Liand. "Highly unlikely. Even if it were to happen, the Xiao family remains one of the most influential families in the capital. I would stand to gain regardless."

Before today, the emperor had planned to let the Xiao and Lian families vie for control in a covert struggle, hoping to reap the benefits from their conflict. But now, with Xiao Zhen's apparent recovery, such schemes were no longer necessary. Securing an alliance with Xiao Zhen was the best possible choice.

"With Xiao Zhen's former talent, his future potential could lead him to become a Martial Saint," the emperor mused aloud. "And perhaps, even beyond—to the Martial God Realm."

"How could I let such a prodigious talent slip through my hands?"

The agent hesitated again before speaking. "Your Majesty, won't the Lian family also recognize this opportunity? They won't give it up easily."

The emperor sneered, "The Lian family? Lian Hua might have her sights set on Xiao Zhen, but she hardly measures up. Lian Hua is nowhere near good enough to be a suitable match."

Just as the emperor finished his thought, his smile faltered for a moment.

Lian Hua wasn't worthy, perhaps, but Lian Xiang? She had stood by Xiao Zhen's side for years. Lian Tianfeng had played his cards well by positioning Xiang near Xiao Zhen all this time. The emperor's expression darkened.

"Lian Tianfeng," the emperor sighed. "You've outmaneuvered me again."

The agent, clearly puzzled by the emperor's change in demeanor, asked, "Your Majesty, what should we do now?"

The emperor straightened up, his resolve hardening. "We must move swiftly. Even if we can't secure a marriage alliance with Xiao Zhen, we need to earn his favor. Alienating such a genius would be an unforgivable mistake."

"Send a messenger at once," the emperor ordered. "Make sure they reach Xiao Zhen before the Lian family does."

"Yes, Your Majesty," the agent replied, bowing low before departing.

As he hurried off, the agent's heart pounded. It had been a long time since he had seen the emperor this eager. Xiao Zhen's influence had clearly exceeded all expectations.

At the Xiao family mansion, Xiao Zhen had just returned from the academy. He wasn't aware of the schemes brewing between the Lian family and the emperor, but he suspected that the events at the academy would have already reached his family. After all, spies were not the exclusive tools of royalty.

Sure enough, the moment Xiao Zhen stepped through the gates of the Xiao family estate, he was greeted by a warm reception from his grandfather, father, and numerous elders of the family.

His grandfather, Xiao Tianling, was the current head of the family, while his father, Xiao Ming, held a secondary role. The Xiao family, long known for their hidden treasure that supposedly contributed to their power, stood as one of the capital's most prominent families.

Xiao Zhen approached the group, and his gaze landed on his grandfather—a distinguished, silver-haired man with the air of a scholar—and his father, a slightly weary-looking man with a goatee. Surrounding them were the elders, who, until recently, had treated Xiao Zhen with cold indifference.

Now, however, they were all beaming at him with exaggerated enthusiasm.

"Ah, the pride of the Xiao family has returned!" one elder exclaimed, smiling broadly. "A Martial Emperor already, and destined for even greater heights. You'll be a Martial Saint in no time!"

Another elder chimed in, "Xiao Zhen, I admit I was wrong about you in the past. Don't hold it against me. I'll make it up to you."

"Haha! Come visit Fourth Uncle's home soon, alright?" another elder called out, eager to ingratiate himself with Xiao Zhen.

Most of these elders were either Xiao Zhen's father's brothers or other senior members of the family. They had long been accustomed to fawning over the strong while looking down on the weak.

Xiao Zhen, however, remained calm. He had grown accustomed to the ways of the world, understanding that the weak would always be treated with disdain. He bore no ill will toward these elders but felt little warmth either. Their sudden change in attitude left a bitter taste in his mouth.

Without acknowledging the elders, Xiao Zhen walked directly up to his grandfather.

"Grandfather, I've returned," Xiao Zhen said respectfully.

Xiao Tianling's stern face softened with a rare smile. "I knew you'd come back stronger. You've always had more potential than your father."

Xiao Ming, standing nearby, looked somewhat embarrassed. "Father, if you want to praise your grandson, you don't have to criticize me at the same time."

Ignoring his son's complaints, Xiao Tianling continued, "Grandson, tell me—what level have you reached now?"

Before Xiao Zhen could respond, a servant came rushing into the courtyard, panting heavily.

"Master! The Lian family has arrived, and they've brought quite a few people with them!"

A flicker of understanding passed through the eyes of the Xiao family members. The Lian family's intentions were becoming increasingly obvious.

"Interesting," Xiao Tianling murmured with a knowing smile.