Chapter 2

Chapter 2: The Court of Vultures Morning After the Awakening

Xiao Ran slowly opened his eyes to the soft light filtering through the golden silk curtains. The scent of incense and sweat still lingered in the air, a reminder of last night's intense cultivation.

Two naked bodies lay beside him—Li Mei, the raven-haired seductress, and Yue Chan, the silver-haired beauty. Their bare skin glowed in the morning light, their bodies still trembling from exhaustion.

A satisfied smirk played on his lips. His dick still tingled from the night's pleasure, and his body felt stronger than before.

Body Refining Stage One…

It was weak, a mere starting point, but the difference was already noticeable. His muscles were firmer, his senses sharper, and his hunger for power even greater.

But he had no time to waste.

As much as he wanted to bury his dick into another soft honey well, today was his first test as the new Xiao Ran.

The Palace Summons

A loud knock broke the morning's peace.

"Your Highness, the Emperor has summoned you to court," came a voice from outside.

Xiao Ran sighed. His father, the Emperor of the Crimson Moon Empire, rarely called for him. The previous Xiao Ran had been nothing but a disgrace, a laughingstock among the nobles.

That ended today.

He slowly sat up, brushing his hand over Yue Chan's soft breasts before sliding down her stomach, his fingers teasing the entrance of her honey well.

"Mmm~ Your Highness…" she moaned softly, her legs parting instinctively.

A wicked grin formed on his lips, but he pulled away.

"Later," he whispered. "Right now, I have a court to attend."

Li Mei pouted, stretching her naked curves against him. "Tsk, such a tease, Your Highness."

Xiao Ran only chuckled as he got up, slipping into the prince's luxurious crimson robes.

Today, he would show those vultures that the old Xiao Ran was dead.

And a new monster had been born.

The Court of Vultures

The imperial court was a grand hall, lined with golden pillars and jade dragon statues. Rows of nobles, officials, and sect representatives filled the chamber, all dressed in their finest robes.

Xiao Ran entered, his posture relaxed yet confident. Whispers immediately erupted around him.

"The Seventh Prince actually showed up?"

"I thought he'd be too busy wasting himself on women."

"Still the same useless debauchee…"

Xiao Ran smirked, barely suppressing the urge to laugh. Fools. They had no idea who they were dealing with.

At the front of the hall, the Emperor sat on his golden throne, his piercing eyes scanning Xiao Ran carefully. Beside him was the Crown Prince, Xiao Zhen, the perfect heir—the complete opposite of Xiao Ran.

Then there was Duke Wei, a snake among men, and General Bai, the empire's war hero. Both eyed Xiao Ran with thinly veiled contempt.

The Emperor's voice boomed across the chamber.

"Xiao Ran, do you know why I have called you here?"

Xiao Ran bowed slightly, keeping his smirk hidden. "No, but I imagine it must be something serious, Father."

A few nobles snorted in amusement, expecting their usual entertainment.

The Emperor's gaze sharpened. "You disgraced our empire last night by collapsing at a brothel. Do you deny it?"

Xiao Ran's smirk widened. So that was it. His previous body had died of poison, and now they wanted to use his weakness to humiliate him.

Perfect.

Xiao Ran chuckled, drawing startled looks from the crowd. "Oh? I suppose it must have been quite a sight, then."

Gasps filled the court. Was the Seventh Prince… joking?

The Emperor's expression darkened. "You think this is funny?"

Xiao Ran's gaze swept across the room, his lazily confident smirk never fading. "I think it's funny that you all care so much about what I do in bed."

The court erupted into murmurs.

"This bastard has lost his mind!"

"Such arrogance—does he not know his place?"

The Crown Prince sneered. "You dare joke in front of the Emperor?"

Xiao Ran met his brother's gaze without flinching. "I dare many things, dear brother."

The Crown Prince's eyes narrowed.

The Emperor finally raised a hand, silencing the court. "Enough." His gaze locked onto Xiao Ran. "If you wish to prove you are not a disgrace, then prove it."

Xiao Ran tilted his head. "How?"

The Emperor's lips curled into a cold smirk. "By defeating Duke Wei's son in a duel."

Duke Wei stepped forward, his smile full of malice. "Yes, my son Wei Tao is an accomplished martial artist. Surely, Your Highness won't disappoint us?"

Xiao Ran could barely suppress his laughter.

These fools just handed him the perfect opportunity.

The Duel – First True Battle

The arena was set within the imperial palace, a large stone courtyard surrounded by eager spectators.

Wei Tao, a muscular young man with gleaming armor and a smug grin, stood opposite Xiao Ran.

"The mighty Seventh Prince," Wei Tao taunted. "Don't worry, I'll make sure not to break your pretty face too badly."

Xiao Ran cracked his knuckles, feeling the power from last night's dual cultivation humming through his veins.

"Do your worst," he replied lazily.

Wei Tao snarled and lunged, his fists blazing with flaming Qi techniques.

The crowd held their breath, expecting Xiao Ran to be beaten bloody within seconds.

But then—

BAM!

Xiao Ran's foot connected with Wei Tao's stomach, sending the noble son flying backward.

Gasps rang through the arena.

"What?!"

"H-He sent Wei Tao flying?!"

Wei Tao coughed blood, staring in shock.

Xiao Ran cracked his neck, rolling his shoulders.

"Disappointing."

Wei Tao roared and charged again, his fists glowing with fire Qi.

Xiao Ran dodged effortlessly, stepping to the side as if he were dancing. Then, with a swift kick to the ribs, he sent Wei Tao crashing into the arena wall.

The crowd was silent.

The debauchee prince… had won?

Xiao Ran smirked, turning toward his father. "Is that proof enough, Father?"

The Emperor's expression was unreadable.

Duke Wei's face twisted in rage.

The Crown Prince's eyes darkened with jealousy.

And Xiao Ran?

He just chuckled.

This was only the beginning.