Venerable Demon King & The Doting Immortal (QT)
Chapter 356: Going out with the girls.

Chapter 356: Going out with the girls.

As he neared, he spotted two gold rings hanging from a delicate chain. Even in their smelted form, one of the rings was unmistakable. It was his ring from the previous world, the one Han Xin had given him when he proposed. A heavy weight settled on his chest, memories flooding back.

Without a second thought, Xiang Yu reached out and took the rings, not caring if the imperial Lord would notice their absence. Hex’s anxious voice echoed in his mind, but he was already moving. He followed the path through the vault, making two quick turns until he finally found what he was looking for.

At first glance, the bracelet looked ordinary, but when Hex scanned it, the truth emerged. "It’s an interspatial bracelet," Hex explained, awe-colouring its voice. "It holds treasures accumulated over generations."

Understanding dawned on Xiang Yu. No wonder Princess Sienna valued it so much. He carefully packed the bracelet into a velvet box, a sense of accomplishment swelling within him.

As he turned to leave, the vault door suddenly creaked open. Panic surged through Hex. "Hide! Hide! Yu Yu, if they catch us, you will be punished and I will be erased! Wuwuwu, Yu Yu, I don’t want to be erased!"

Xiang Yu felt a wave of frustration mixed with pity for Hex. "I won’t let that happen. Now stop crying," he said firmly.

Hex sniffled, its cries tapering off as it quieted. With a steadying breath, Xiang Yu pressed himself against the wall, his heart racing as he concealed himself in the shadows. He watched intently as two figures entered the vault. One was his father, the imposing Imperial Lord, and the other was Old Tong.

Old Tong chattered incessantly, his voice echoing in the vast room. "It is amazing that Your Majesty and Your Highness are both interested in the jewels in the vault today. How coincidental!"

Xiang Yu felt Hex begin to panic again. If it had a physical body, it would be darting around in a frenzy, its cute plush form bouncing with anxiety. The Imperial Lord halted, his gaze piercing as he turned to Old Tong, a terrifying expression on his face.

"Really? What did he want?" the Imperial Lord asked, his voice low and forbidding.

Old Tong trembled, fear coursing through him. His knees felt weak under the weight of his lord’s stare. "He was asking if there was anything in the vault that was pretty enough to gift Princess Sienna of the Federation," he stammered. "He wanted to present her something special on their first meeting

The Imperial Lord scrutinized Old Tong, his eyes searching for any hint of deception. After a long pause, he seemed to relax slightly, restraining his pressure. "Good. He is taking it seriously," he finally said, resuming his stride.

Old Tong let out a sigh of relief, his shoulders dropping as the tension eased. He had indeed been asked by the crown prince to find a gift for Princess Sienna, so his words held truth. He just conveniently left out the part about nearly losing a fortune gambling with the crown prince.

"Send him an Astralith necklace, the most expensive one we have," the Imperial Lord commanded.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Old Tong replied quickly.

Xiang Yu wasn’t at all surprised by the Imperial Lord’s generosity. Astralith was a rare gem, found only in the deep mines of Zyphoria, a planet within the Republic.

Its ethereal glow shifted colours depending on the angle of the viewer, ranging from deep blues and purples to vibrant greens and golds. The surface of the gem was smooth, almost liquid-like, reflecting light in a mesmerizing swirl.

It was one of the most expensive gems in the galaxy, often featured in high-end jewellery and elite technology, serving as a status symbol among the wealthy and powerful.

Xiang Yu knew this man’s generosity was merely a facade to maintain the Republic’s dignity.

Xiang Yu crouched lower, his breath barely a whisper as he observed his father. The Imperial Lord scanned the vault once more, his eyes sharp and searching. It felt as if he could sense someone else lurking in the shadows, a prickling awareness in the air.

"Let’s go," the Imperial Lord commanded, his voice steady and authoritative. "I need to see this dazzling piece you were talking about."

"Yes, yes, Your Majesty," Old Tong replied eagerly, bustling to keep up. "The madam will love it."

Xiang Yu’s heart raced at Old Tong’s words. The advisor assumed the necklace was meant for the Imperial Lord’s secret lover, but he had no idea it was intended for the late imperial empress.

As they moved deeper into the vault, Xiang Yu felt a surge of curiosity. Who was this woman who held such significance in this man’s life? He wanted to uncover every secret, every hidden truth that lay behind the walls of the Imperial Lord’s heart.

A dark satisfaction curled in his chest. Watching his father’s life in this world burn would be a pleasure, a way to pay back all the pain and suffering he caused Han Xin. As the figures moved out of sight, Xiang Yu remained crouched in silence, plotting and pondering, ready to dive in head first.

***

Xiang Yu stood in front of the mirror, his jet-black hair neatly styled. The steward had fussed over him, ensuring every strand was in place. He could sense the steward’s concern about appearing before Princess Sienna and her entourage. But he himself wasn’t at all worried.

As he stared at his reflection, his deep and captivating eyes stared back. He picked up a finely crafted silk shirt, the fabric smooth against his fingers. "Did your grandpa really let you come out, or are you two sneaking out?" he asked Lian and Mei over the phone

Lian’s voice chimed in, bright and cheerful. "We asked, and he agreed."

"We have to be home by nine though," Mei added quickly, her tone more cautious

Curiosity sparked in Lian again. "Master, you have been to a nightclub. What’s it like?"

Xiang Yu slipped into the shirt, the fabric clinging to his form, accentuating his broad shoulders and lean physique. "It’s... noisy. But we won’t stay for long," he replied, reaching for his tailored jacket. Its deep blue hue reminded him of the twilight sky, a perfect complement to his outfit.

"I will pick you up soon," he said as he slid his arms into the sleeves.

"Okay," Lian replied, excitement bubbling in her voice.

"We’ll be ready," Mei assured him before he ended the call.

As he fastened the buttons, a gentle knock sounded at the door. "You may come in," he called.

The steward opened the door. A fierce-looking alpha followed closely behind, a deep scar etched across his right eye. Xiang Yu glanced at him briefly, then looked away, choosing not to engage.

The steward handed him a velvet cravat. Xiang Yu tied it around his neck, the rich fabric adding a touch of sophistication to his attire. "This man was sent by his majesty to accompany you," the steward whispered.

Xiang Yu nodded, accepting the information. The alpha placed a gift bag on the table, his demeanour stoic. "His Majesty said you should gift Her Royal Highness Princess Sienna this at your first meeting," the man stated, his voice deep and unwavering.

"Okay. You may wait outside," Xiang Yu replied, not wanting the man hear what he was about to ask the steward. The alpha stepped out without a word.

Xiang Yu turned back to the steward. "Is he back yet.

The steward understood immediately who he meant. "No, he is not back yet, Your Highness.

Xiang Yu sighed. "Alright," he said, though a hint of disappointment tinged his voice. He couldn’t help but wonder where Han Xin was and what he was doing.