Years ago, the four Single-Attribute Clans, Niu Gao's Defense Clan, Bai He's Speed Clan, and the others had been abandoned like trash by the Haotian Sect and Tang Hao. Left to face the Spirit Hall's wrath alone, they suffered devastating losses, barely surviving under the Hall's relentless suppression.
Then came Lu Feng.
He brought them into the Pan-Continental Merchant Alliance, shielding them from the Spirit Hall's oppression and giving them the resources to rebuild. With his backing, they flourished in their specialized trades, rising faster than anyone expected.
Now, after just a few years? Their influence rivaled the lower four sects like the Wind Sword Sect and Elephant Armor Sect.
As for how Lu Feng convinced the Martial Soul Hall to lift the sanctions? That came down to one universal law: interest.
The only thing that lasts forever is profit.
Of course, besides offering the Martial Soul Hall enough benefits, it also required balance.
By playing the major powers against each other, the Pan-Continental Commerce Alliance could navigate freely between them.
Today, private fights were forbidden in Star Luo City, but Niu Gao had still come along, just in case.
And now,
Tears streamed down the old man's face.
He looked even happier than if he had awakened a god-level martial soul himself.
When the Defense Clan was at its lowest, on the brink of ruin, Lu Feng had appeared like a savior. He freed them from the Martial Soul Hall's grip and helped them rise again.
This debt of gratitude was something Niu Gao could never repay. The only thing he could do was serve Lu Feng with absolute loyalty and protect him with his life.
Moreover he had watched Lu Feng grow up. The young lord treated him and the others as elders, never as subordinates. Their bond had become no different from family.
Niu Gao had always admired the young alliance leader's business genius but also regretted that he lacked spirit power and could never be a soul master.
Today, he finally witnessed the awakening of a god-level martial soul in his lord.
...
The Zhu Family was the first-ranked noble house in the Star Luo Empire, second only to the imperial family.
Their estate spanned thousands of acres, filled with pavilions, towers, and vibrant gardens.
Lu Feng had been invited as a guest, and Zhu Yan received him with the highest honors, treating him as a VIP of the utmost importance.
Zhu Yan personally arranged his accommodations and hosted a grand banquet, gathering key family members to introduce them to Lu Feng.
Zhu Zhuqing sat through the feast in a daze.
But she could feel it, her standing in the family had skyrocketed the moment Lu Feng arrived.
Even her father, Zhu Yan, who had always been cold toward her, now spoke gently, in warm tone.
She stayed silent, unsure of what to say. Every time her eyes accidentally met Lu Feng's, she quickly looked down, her heart pounding, breath hitching, chest rising and falling slightly.
She didn't understand what was happening to her. Normally, she could stay calm even in the face of death.
Zhu Zhuqing wasn't the only one avoiding Lu Feng's gaze.
Zhu Zhuyun, too, remained quiet not daring to meet his eyes.
Her expression was complicated. A hint of fear gnawed at her what if Lu Feng brought up their bet?
She had never imagined she would lose, which was why she'd so carelessly agreed to the stakes 'Do whatever you want with me.'
What will he ask for?
Money? Resources? No… He turned down even the enormous benefits offered by the Star Luo Emperor and Chrysanthemum Douluo. All he wanted was a woman…
Could it be… he'll demand my body…?
My engagement to Dai Weisi isn't something that can be easily broken. I'm already seen as the future Star Luo Empress… though taking a lover after marriage wouldn't be impossible…
Her peach-blossom eyes, bright and watery, flickered toward Lu Feng across the table. A faint blush tinged her cheeks. Just thinking about it made her legs squeezed. {t/n- (⊙ˍ⊙)}
The dining table was long and rectangular, draped in an embroidered red cloth that hung low over the edges.
Zhu Yan presided at the head, while Zhu Zhuqing and Zhu Zhuyun sat to the left, directly facing Lu Feng.
Zhu Yan was in high spirits, talking animatedly though pointedly avoiding the topic of marriage.
Lu Feng wasn't in a hurry either. Matters like this couldn't be rushed.
He knew Zhu Zhuqing well, She was cold on the outside, but fiery inside.
His goal was simple: win her heart first.
Once he had that, everything else would fall into place.
While he was pondering,
A foot brushed against his under the table.
At first, he thought nothing of it.
But instead of pulling away, the foot lingered… then pressed down on his.
Whose foot was that?
The sharp tip of a high heel gave it away.
Judging by the distance, it could only belong to one of two people, Zhu Zhuqing or Zhu Zhuyun.
Just then, Zhu Zhuqing shot him a glare followed by an exasperated eye-roll.
As if to say, "How childish."
So it's my future wife!
Is she mad at me? Or just bored stiff by this family dinner?
He quickly dismissed both theories
Because the high heel under the table was now sliding up on his foot.
Lu Feng's lips twitched in surprise.
As I said, she was cold outside but passionate inside
Now knowing that our relationship is already inevitable, She began to interact like a couple!
hiss~
Now they are going at the wrong place!
Across from him, Zhu Yan continued his lively conversation, occasionally raising his glass for a toast.
Lu Feng forced a smile, responding half-heartedly between gritted teeth.
Zhu Zhuqin beneath that icy beauty facade, you're really a volcano ready to erupt.