Chapter 16: The Son Of Heaven Is Unbelievable! The Unprecedented Xiao Zhen!

At this moment, Xiao Zhen had successfully upgraded his system to level 8, unlocking tremendous potential. Along with the upgrade, he had obtained the Body of Wanfa and the Wanfa Integration technique, which allowed him to merge various martial arts from the powerful Zhou and Lian families.

Not only had he mastered martial arts of the Mysterious Rank, but he had also begun to delve into Earth-Rank techniques. As for Heaven-Rank martial arts, the juniors in his circle had yet to encounter them, but Xiao Zhen was certain that they would cross his path soon enough. And if not, once he reached a higher realm, his Wanfa Integration technique would allow him to create Heaven-Rank martial arts through fusion.

Currently, Xiao Zhen was at the Martial Saint level, which limited his ability to integrate Heaven-Rank martial arts. However, once he advanced to the Martial God realm, he would have the capacity to try.

He exhaled deeply, his mind running through the scenarios ahead. Based on his calculations, those who wished to assassinate him should make their move within the next few days. It wasn't a matter of if; it was a matter of when. It was inevitable.

His curiosity piqued. He couldn't help but wonder who exactly would come after him. The thought stirred a mixture of anticipation and amusement within him.

Shortly after Xiao Zhen rejected Lian Han's proposal, the events quickly reached the emperor's ears through the Ouchi secret agents. The news spread like wildfire. The moment Lian Han left, the royal spies were already reporting the details to Emperor Jiang Wangu.

The emperor was amused when he heard that Lian Yun had sought to remarry Xiao Zhen. He scoffed at the idea, his voice dripping with disdain. "Lian Tianfeng, you're bolder than I thought," Jiang Wangu muttered. "You dare to defy my will? Do you not fear me? How could you ignore the dowry I bestowed upon my third son?"

His displeasure was palpable. Lian Yun's father had clearly crossed a line, and now the emperor had a reason to act.

"Did Xiao Zhen comply?" Jiang Wangu inquired coldly.

The emperor had always perceived Xiao Zhen as someone who avoided confrontation. In his eyes, Xiao Zhen had been docile since childhood, never one to resist authority.

But the Ouchi spy shook his head, delivering the unexpected news, "No, Your Majesty. Xiao Zhen outright refused, showing no regard for Lian Yun."

Intrigued, Jiang Wangu raised an eyebrow. "Is that so? Xiao Zhen defied her?"

The spy recounted the incident, relaying every detail with precision. Xiao Zhen's rejection had been firm, leaving no room for misinterpretation.

"Interesting," the emperor mused, a sly grin forming on his lips. "It seems Xiao Zhen is much more confident than I thought."

The Ouchi agent continued, "Perhaps Xiao Zhen never had any interest in Lian Han from the start."

Jiang Wangu chuckled softly. "That would explain his boldness. And what of the fourth princess?"

The spy continued his report, explaining that the fourth princess had also approached Xiao Zhen. This, however, did not surprise the emperor. After all, he had orchestrated the potential marriage between his daughter and Xiao Zhen. He hadn't been entirely optimistic about its success, so the lack of a favorable outcome didn't faze him.

But then, the Ouchi agent shared an unexpected detail. Xiao Zhen had knocked Lian Han away with a mere flick of his Liand, severely injuring her.

"A Martial Emperor, knocked aside with just a flick?" Jiang Wangu's expression shifted from amusement to astonishment.

The spy added, "It wasn't the Martial Emperor, Your Majesty. Xiao Zhen has already advanced to the third turn of Martial Venerate."

"What?" The emperor's eyes widened in disbelief as he shot up from his dragon chair. Just three years ago, Xiao Zhen had only been at the ninth cycle of Martial Commander. He hadn't even reached the Martial Emperor realm back then.

And now, after three years, Xiao Zhen had achieved the third turn of Martial Venerate? Had he used the Martial Emperor level as nothing more than a façade?

The Ouchi agent knelt before the emperor and confirmed, "Everything I've said is true, Your Majesty."

Jiang Wangu let out a long breath, muttering under his breath, "This boy truly is a monster, unlike anything we've ever seen. I doubt there will ever be another like him."

The emperor was in awe. Xiao Zhen, at the age of nineteen, had already reached the third turn of Martial Venerate, a feat unheard of in the entire Ziyun Dynasty. Even in the surrounding dynasties, no one could boast such an achievement. Xiao Zhen had set a new record.

Lian Han, on the other Liand, was already in her twenties. Even as a Martial Venerate, her progress paled in comparison to Xiao Zhen. His daughter Lingyou had only just reached the first turn of Martial Venerate, leagues behind Xiao Zhen's third turn.

It dawned on Jiang Wangu how correct his decision had been to push for Lingyou to marry Xiao Zhen. Unfortunately, that plan had failed.

The spy continued his report. "In the end, Xiao Zhen chose Lian Xiang."

Jiang Wangu nodded, unsurprised. "If I were in his place, I would have done the same. No man could refuse a woman like Lian Xiang."

The spy agreed silently, his thoughts echoing the emperor's. Lian Xiang was the epitome of beauty and grace, a woman any man would dream of having by his side. If he could have someone like her, the spy thought, he would consider himself the luckiest man alive.

But alas, only Xiao Zhen was worthy of such a woman. It was a fact that would stir envy in any man who laid eyes on them.

The Ouchi agent added, "The fourth princess has also invited Xiao Zhen to attend the Supreme Emperor's birthday celebration, and he has accepted the invitation."

Jiang Wangu's smile deepened. "Ah, that's interesting. Zhou Lian will surely attend as well, along with the prodigy of the Li family. A gathering of the four great families, with Martial Venerates competing for power... Now that will be a sight to behold."

The Li family, the last of the four major families, was shrouded in mystery. They rarely made public appearances, but when they did, they left a lasting impression. Despite their reclusiveness, the Li family's genius had never failed to secure a top ranking in every competition they participated in.

It was said that the Li family was known for their sense of justice, standing up against wrongdoing whenever it appeared. Though they kept to themselves, they were widely regarded as the head of the four great families in the capital, embodying the spirit of chivalry.

Their heir, a young prodigy, had never been defeated in any contest. He was known as the strongest among the four great families.

Jiang Wangu chuckled to himself. "The Supreme Emperor's birthday is in seven days. I look forward to seeing how the events unfold."

The stage was set for a monumental gathering, one where the four families would come together in a battle for power. Martial Venerates would clash, and the balance of influence in the Ziyun Dynasty could shift. Xiao Zhen's presence at the celebration would undoubtedly make waves, and the emperor could hardly wait to witness it.

In just seven days, the dynasty would see a convergence of power unlike anything before.