Chapter 57: You Haven't Graduated Yet

The Dai Ancestor had roamed the world for decades and had encountered many Title Douluos.

There were plenty stronger than him, but the physical gap shouldn't be this overwhelming, right?

He was now gripping Dan Heng's shoulder with all his strength—almost using every ounce of energy he had.

Yet, the man remained motionless.

It felt like...

An ant trying to shake a tree!!!

That was why he had asked such a soul-wrenching question.

Dan Heng shook his head slightly and said, "I don't have time to mess around with you. Move aside."

He still had to avenge his wife and then make a trip to the God Realm to retrieve some medicinal ingredients.

The Dai Ancestor quickly released Dan Heng's shoulder.

Although Dan Heng's face showed no ferocity, and his tone remained calm, there was an undeniable aura about him—

An aura that made the old man feel as if disobedience would mean death.

Faced with that, how could he muster any courage?

It wasn't that he feared death, but rather that Dan Heng's presence... was strange.

The Dai Ancestor followed beside him, the ease on his face now completely gone. "Uh… who exactly are you? Why have you come to the palace? Who are you seeking revenge against? Will you leave once it's over?"

As a former emperor of Star Luo Empire, the Dai Ancestor was known for his iron-blooded rule—his word was law.

But now, walking alongside Dan Heng, his attitude had taken a complete 180-degree turn, his tone strangely gentle.

He couldn't help it—he was terrified!

A peerless powerhouse had infiltrated his home, his strength unfathomable.

If he erupted, the Star Luo royal family—completely unprepared—would face utter destruction!

How could he not panic?!

It was like having a nuclear bomb placed at your front door—never mind talking; just keeping yourself from trembling was already an act of bravery!

"Once my revenge is complete, I will leave."

Dan Heng frowned and quickened his pace.

Imperial Garden, Central Pavilion.

Empress Zhu sat with Da Weisi and the Zhu sisters, enjoying the cool shade while admiring the vibrant flowers.

Earlier in the chambers, Zhu Zhuqing had dared to talk back to her.

Although the empress hadn't said anything at the time, she was deeply displeased.

As palace maids fanned them, Empress Zhu glanced at Zhu Zhuqing, who remained silent like a mute. A thoughtful look flashed through her eyes.

Zhu Zhuqing had defied her, the Empress—her mother-in-law—all for the sake of an outsider.

That meant their relationship had to be quite close.

"Zhuqing, have you gained any insights in your recent training?" Empress Zhu asked lightly.

Davis and Zhu Zhuyun also looked toward Zhu Zhuqing.

It was obvious—the Empress was about to put Zhu Zhuqing in her place, and they were just here to enjoy the show.

Zhu Zhuqing came back to her senses and replied, "Yes."

Empress Zhu waited for a further response, but Zhu Zhuqing said nothing more.

The fake smile on her face nearly cracked.

As expected, she really didn't like this niece of hers!

"Aunt," Zhu Zhuyun spoke up, smiling, "Zhuqing's courage has grown quite a bit lately. She even challenged me to a duel."

She was trying to defuse the situation.

Empress Zhu sneered and glanced at Zhu Zhuqing, shaking her head.

"Not bad. At least that teacher of yours has given you the courage to face reality. That bravery might be his greatest lesson to you."

Hearing the Empress's condescending words, Zhu Zhuqing was displeased.

In her heart, her teacher was the best!

What right did she have to judge him?

Zhu Zhuqing calmly said, "Teacher also taught me this…"

As she spoke, three soul rings emerged beneath her feet.

When the final purple soul ring appeared—

The smile vanished from Empress Zhu's face.

Based on their calculations, Zhu Zhuqing wasn't supposed to reach Soul Elder until at least thirteen years old.

So what was this?!

Not only had she reached Soul Elder, but her soul ring colors were noticeably deeper than those of her peers!

Zhu Zhuyun's beautiful eyes flickered with shock.

No wonder her younger sister dared to challenge her—they were already at the same rank!

But why?

Zhu Zhuqing was only twelve!

Da Weisi's expression darkened.

Zhu Zhuqing becoming stronger meant his chances of winning the selection had decreased.

And if she had grown this powerful, then what about his younger brother, who had been absent from his sight for over three years? Wouldn't he be even stronger?!

Just as the atmosphere became eerily silent—

Hurried footsteps approached.

Guards hidden in the shadows suddenly rushed out, surrounding the pavilion.

A few seconds later, a disheveled figure stumbled forward.

It was none other than Charles, who had fled from the mansion in a panic.

When he arrived, the guards hesitated instead of attacking—after all, as a royal "chief bodyguard," his face was well-known.

Empress Zhu's attention shifted to him, and she coldly asked, "What is the meaning of this, Charles? Why are you so flustered?"

Charles knelt on the ground, his face pale, and said anxiously,

"Your Majesty, something terrible has happened! That woman's husband… he isn't an ordinary person! He's terrifying—he's definitely going to kill me! He…"

His words were jumbled, as if he had been frightened out of his mind.

Empress Zhu frowned. "Silence him."

A guard stepped forward and delivered two heavy slaps to Charles' face.

The pain sobered him up, and he began recounting what had happened.

Of course, he twisted the truth.

Instead of admitting he had lusted after Zi Ji, he claimed he had merely noticed something suspicious about her and suspected she had ulterior motives against the royal family.

With his series of fabrications, he successfully painted Dan Heng as a sinister schemer with an agenda against the Star Luo Empire.

Empress Zhu pondered for a moment before turning to Zhu Zhuqing with a knowing look. "I see now. Zhuqing, you've been deceived. Your teacher is no ordinary man. He's using you as a means to fulfill his hidden agenda against the Star Luo royal family."

"???"

Zhu Zhuqing blinked.

Her teacher… spending effort on something like that?

It wasn't that she looked down on him—it was just that Dan Heng was such a slacker!

"No wonder," Zhu Zhuyun chimed in, her face showing false concern. "He acted so nonchalant at the time—his schemes must be incredibly deep!"

If Dan Heng had harbored ill intentions, it would have been difficult to detect them!

And now, with the supposed "danger" he had brought upon them—

All eyes turned to Zhu Zhuqing, a hint of blame in their gazes.

Because of her reckless decision to take an outsider as a teacher, she had given this threat an opening!

"Charles, calm down. Do you really think he would dare barge into the palace?"

Empress Zhu frowned.

But Charles couldn't calm down.

Dan Heng hadn't even explicitly threatened him—

Yet he had a gut feeling—

Dan Heng would definitely come!

"Your Majesty, please listen to me, he—"

"Who goes there?!"

The guards suddenly shouted toward a nearby path.

Everyone turned their gaze—

A lone figure strode swiftly forward, eyes locked onto Charles!

"He's here!!!"

Charles screamed. His body went limp, unable to move.

(End of Chapter)