Demon Slaying, Gaining 60 Years of Cultivation From the Start
Chapter 1132 - 153 Undaunted by All Challenges (Three more 10,000-word chapters, please subscribe!)_2

Before their eyes lay a grand hall, supported by eighteen dragon-carved pillars. A man in his thirties, clad in bright yellow attire with bushy eyebrows and large eyes, bore a majestic look as he strode to the foremost seat.

He bore a resemblance to the Emperor of the Holy Brilliance Dynasty—about five or six points of likeness.

"I pay my respects to the Second Prince."

Upon seeing the young man, Yun Zishu quickly bowed in reverence.

Gu Chen, witnessing this, also clasped his hands in a salute.

The Second Prince at the seat of honor watched this scene, his eyes imperceptibly narrowing for a moment, but they quickly returned to normal.

Walking through the inner palace, Gu Chen discovered that there were more than a dozen concealed auras just around this area, making him marvel at the strictness of the defense.

"Zishu, we've known each other for a long time; there's no need for such formalities," the Second Prince said, smiling faintly with an air of ease and self-contentment, embodying the royal demeanor.

Yun Zishu raised his head and respectfully said, "Thank you, Second Prince."

"My palace is quite secluded, and there aren't many people around. I'm used to living alone. Zishu, you and your friend just make yourselves comfortable; no need to be so formal, we can all be a bit more relaxed," the Second Prince smiled.

"Yes."

Yun Zishu nodded. The Second Prince had said to make himself at home, but of course, he couldn't really act casually.

The imperial dignity is inviolable; this was true even in secular dynasties, let alone in an existence as colossal as the Holy Brilliance Dynasty, which stood out even among the upper realms.

"The Second Prince's palace is indeed very tranquil; I personally also prefer such places," Yun Zishu commented.

The Second Prince chuckled and said, "I too enjoy a quieter environment, which is why I haven't arranged for guards. Usually, it's just me cultivating alone in this palace."

Hearing this, Gu Chen's brows twitched almost imperceptibly. As for Yun Zishu, with his level of cultivation, of course, he couldn't sense the presence of those people around, so he naturally showed no reaction.

"It seems this Second Prince likes to put on airs," Gu Chen thought to himself.

Despite his fear of death, with so many people arranged around him, he yet claimed to be alone. This Second Prince really did enjoy his pretenses.

This is royalty; sometimes, for the sake of the throne, even one's true character must be concealed.

But to Gu Chen, there was no point in hiding one's fear of death.

At that moment, the Second Prince sitting at the seat of honor turned his gaze to Gu Chen and said, "This must be Brother Gu who captured the heart of my tenth sister, Gu Bai?"

"I am Gu Bai; I pay my respects to the Second Prince," Gu Chen rose and saluted him.

Seeing this, the Second Prince's eyes narrowed imperceptibly once more; he thought he was flawless, but this minor change in expression did not escape Gu Chen's perception—or rather, his eyesight.

After all, he had cultivated a pair of heavenly eyes. Even without using his divine powers regularly, his observation was still finer and more detailed than any other cultivator's.

"Meeting you today, Brother Gu truly possesses an outstanding demeanor. No wonder you've captured my tenth sister's heart," the Second Prince smiled, feigning affability, and said to Gu Chen, "However, I must tell you that my tenth sister is dearly loved by our father the Emperor. To truly win her over, you'll have to face many adversaries and exert great effort."

Hearing this, Gu Chen had nothing particular to express; not knowing what to say, he simply nodded in acknowledgement.

Seeing this, Yun Zishu quickly spoke, "Second Prince, you're also aware of Brother Gu's situation. By now, the First Prince's faction has inevitably blacklisted him. Soon, the ancestral lands will open, and Brother Gu's talents and strength far exceed my own. Could I ask the Second Prince to offer protection when convenient?"

The Second Prince heard this and simply smiled faintly. Instead of replying immediately, he scrutinized Gu Chen with a penetrating gaze.

Such a probing look caused Gu Chen to frown slightly. Just as he was about to speak, the Second Prince took the initiative, saying with a smile, "Providing protection to Brother Gu is not out of the question."

Upon hearing this, Yun Zishu's expression brightened, and he quickly responded, "Second Prince, please state your conditions. If it is within my power, Yun Zishu will fulfill them without a second word."

Gu Chen, upon hearing this, couldn't help but glance at Yun Zishu in surprise.

The Second Prince gave him a look, shook his head slightly, and said, "The Yun family has already provided me with enough assistance. Besides, I'm offering protection to Gu Bai; why should you be the one to pay the price, Zishu?"

At these words, Yun Zishu's face momentarily stiffened, then he inquired, "What would the Second Prince require of Brother Gu?"

Gu Chen stood on the side with a calm demeanor, saying nothing.

After regarding him for a few moments, the Second Prince smiled and suggested, "Why not have him join my ranks and assist me with all his heart and effort?"

Gu Chen was the favored suitor of Princess Xidie, and Princess Xidie was the apple of her father's eye—the Emperor of the Holy Brilliance Dynasty—the most doted on among his ten children.

Once he had Gu Chen's allegiance, it was akin to having Princess Xidie's. In time, with her persistent words of praise to the Emperor of the Holy Brilliance Dynasty, the Second Prince believed his chances of ascending to the throne would be much greater than those of the First and Ninth Princes.

In other words, what the Second Prince valued was not Gu Chen but Princess Xidie, hence the condition.

However, Yun Zishu's expression changed, knowing that although he had not spent much time with Gu Chen, he was aware of his character. Asking him to serve someone else, even if that person was the Second Prince, was definitely impossible.

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