In the room, Enid was waiting for Zhang Wen. Seeing him push the door open and walk in, she asked with concern, “How was it? Nothing happened, right?”
“It’s nothing,” Zhang Wen said, shaking his head. The team that Yinel and Kai Si had participated in the finals had been eliminated by other teams long before heading to the crater, which turned out to be a kind of luck. Thinking for a moment, Zhang Wen recounted to Yinel some of what Miseiya had previously told him, carefully choosing what could be shared.
“Thor Omega has become the ruler of the Southern Border?” Yinel asked in disbelief. Although Omega was indeed powerful, he hardly seemed to hold an overwhelming advantage amidst the sea of formidable competitors in the finals. Moreover, Yinel now knew that Omega was seriously injured. Why would the Empire choose him?
Zhang Wen also told Ilnel about his plan to go to the capital city with Misa. The departure was set for one hour later, and at that time, Zhang Wen would leave together with the eagle guards’ starships.
Einel’s concern deepened as she listened. She paced back and forth in the room, her delicate brows slightly furrowed. “Is all of this arranged by the Empire? It’s so…” She shook her head slightly and turned to Zhang Wen, saying, “If you go to the imperial capital, what about my plan to restore my clan…”
“I promised you that I would do my best no matter what,” Zhang Wen said with a smile, gently extending his index finger to tap it against Yiner’s smooth forehead. She playfully swatted his finger away with a slight pout, a subtle smile forming at the corner of her lips. “I believe in you. Hmm, I’ll go back to my room to think for a while, and then I’ll come find you later.”
Zhang Wen nodded and saw her out. Not long after seeing Yinel off, Liria sneaked in wearing a maid uniform, “Zhang Wen, something’s not right…”
“What?”
Lailiya pressed the door shut with her hands behind her back, her lips slightly pursed, and lightly tapped her toe on the ground. “The outcome of the Southern Territory’s Overlord Competition exceeded my expectations. My superior, General William, has just issued new orders for me to temporarily return to my unit and await further assignment. I’m not sure what this means…”
Zhang Wen understood the reason. From beginning to end, the supposed sabotage of the Black Viscount’s plot by General William and the Emperor of the Empire, Senal XIII, had merely been a pretense. Thinking about it logically, no matter how famous he was, or how lucky he had been to once capture the Black Viscount, according to the mindset of imperial elites and the emperor himself, there was no way they would place all their hopes on a single individual. Ultimately, the only ones they truly trusted were themselves.
It turned out their arrangement indeed worked effectively, thoroughly ruining Lord Hei’s plan, and at the same time weakening certain noble factions within the empire who had ambitions toward the Southern Border. Best of all, they managed to pin all the blame on Lord Hei. The empire truly lives up to its name; when it gets serious, it can turn the heavens upside down with just a flip of the hand.
Of course, Zhang Wen was still somewhat unclear about some of the details, such as how the Empire managed to accomplish all this under the King’s arbitration, and also why those few Mithril Hunters had not appeared.
Zhang Wen shared his thoughts with Liria. Her eyes flickered slightly as she paced back and forth in front of him on her slender, graceful legs, murmuring, “No, this plan must have been in place long ago. As far as I know, Wang didn’t appear in the final match—he might have been dealt with by the Empire through some means… and the Adamant Hunter didn’t show up either. It seems the Empire replaced the arrangements made by the Black Viscount…”
“So I think the Empire is really powerful,” Zhang Wen continued, shaking his head. “Moreover, the Captain of the Eagle Guard, Missea, has already issued me a summons, asking me to go with her to the imperial capital.”
Lailiya couldn’t hide her disappointment in her eyes and asked, “Then what should I do?”
“Don’t worry too much. If I can attain a considerable status within the Empire, I will naturally have the authority to transfer you to my side. And if, in the worst case, my status isn’t high enough, I won’t stay in the Imperial Capital for long anyway.”
Zhang Wen understood Riley’s psychology. When she had requested this mission from General William, her intention had been to escape her current environment. However, she never expected that events would eventually circle back to the starting point. Especially after she had become intimate with Zhang Wen, subtle changes had occurred within her. Her feelings for him were no longer solely about using him as a means to escape her old life—there was now an added sense of attachment. Even though she had never expressed it outright, Zhang Wen could feel it.
“I see,” Lyra said, her momentary loss of composure quickly passing. The beautiful female officer soon regained her composure, her expression turning mischievously playful like a young girl. She winked at Zhang Wen, reached up to wrap her arms around his neck, and then slowly rubbed her long, sexy, stocking-clad leg against his thigh. “You’ve taken everything from me, you bad boy. I’m sure you won’t be heartless enough to leave me behind.”
Zhang Wen could only admit with a bitter smile that when it came to his own woman, he was unable to put on a cold and hardened facade.
Knowing that Liria was only pretending to be calm on the surface and was actually very worried inside, Zhang Wen comforted her for a while, exchanged a few brief words, and made plans to meet again in the imperial capital. Naturally, he couldn’t resist teasing Liria a bit during their conversation.
After the two bid farewell, they naturally parted ways, bound by their connection, and believed they would meet again soon.
After seeing off Lelia, Zhang Wen didn’t stay in his room for long. He first went to Xiu Luo’s room to inform him about his upcoming trip to the imperial capital. Then, he visited the rooms of Agathe the Flame Demon and Xiao Xi to bid them a temporary farewell. Agathe took it in stride, but Xiao Xi’s gaze was somewhat complicated. So far, due to that strange and unknown change, Xiao Xi would experience a sense of weakness all over her body if she stayed away from Zhang Wen for too long. However, she had always been too embarrassed to explain the reason to her brother.
No matter what, Xiao Xi couldn’t find any reason for her to go to the imperial capital together with Zhang Wen. Thinking about how weak and powerless she felt after leaving this person, her gaze toward Zhang Wen became especially resentful. Fortunately, Agate was still immersed in the excitement of avenging his father and didn’t notice Xiao Xi’s unusual behavior.
After saying goodbye to his friends, Zhang Wen returned to his room once again. As soon as he stepped through the door, a warm body rushed into his arms.
Zhang Wen was somewhat surprised by Eneir’s initiative, instinctively wrapping his arms around her delicate waist. However, he soon sensed something off—she carried a slightly unfamiliar fragrance, reminiscent of night-blooming lilies, yet with hints of violet. His lips were captured passionately by hers, his mouth invaded by her eager tongue. Their bodies pressed tightly together, radiating intense heat and vibrant energy, their skin supple and lively. Tongues entwined and danced within each other’s mouths, producing lewd, wet sounds.
Fortunately, Zhang Wen had strong self-control and managed to push the other person away. Seeing that delicate, flower-like face up close slightly startled him.
It’s actually Marianne.
Although this woman had flirted with him several times before, she had only done so because she saw his potential, and they had never actually engaged in any real relationship. Why would she suddenly show up in his room and act so forward all of a sudden?
Faced with Marianne’s sudden seduction, Zhang Wen displayed remarkable willpower. He calmly looked at her, a faint, amused smile playing at the corner of his lips. “Miss Marianne,” he said, “I think you must have mistaken the room, haven’t you?”
The obvious teasing tone made Marianne’s cheeks flush, but she still lifted her head gracefully. Her alluring eyes sparkled with seductive glimmers, and her wild strands of hair swayed slightly. The gaze she fixed on Zhang Wen was both challenging and provocative, as if saying: Come on, if you’re a real man, come and devour me.
Zhang Wen was undoubtedly a man, but he remained slightly wary of Marianne’s unusual behavior. Smiling, he gently pushed her aside. “If you don’t explain your purpose, I’m afraid I’ll have to ask you to leave,” he said. His eyes glanced toward the corner of the room where the remains of the wardrobe had already been cleared away. He recalled how not long ago, it was Marianne and a few others who had damaged his cabinet, causing an embarrassing scene that left Elniel and the others upset for quite some time. He wasn’t going to give Marianne another chance to cause trouble this time. Besides, Elniel would be coming over soon.
Seeing Zhang Wen’s unexpectedly indifferent reaction, Mariann became somewhat anxious. Her luscious red lips pressed tightly together, and she widened her eyes in disbelief: Could it be that she was so unattractive in his eyes? How annoying!
Marian’s usual composure was shattered by her defiant state of mind. When she came here, she had hesitated and struggled with the decision of whether to truly seek Zhang Wen’s help. After much deliberation, she realized that apart from Zhang Wen, there was no one else who could assist her in resolving this immense crisis.
To put it simply, it was because Omega, the Thunder God, saw through Marianne’s schemes during the competition to claim dominance over the Southern Realm. Omega was no fool; he clearly understood what was in his disciple’s heart. His lack of immediate reaction did not mean he had forgotten. Marianne knew Omega’s character all too well—his intense desire for revenge was something that would even wake her up from her dreams in fright.
As the final match drew to a close and the outcome became clear, Marianne had no doubt that Omega the Thunder God would soon carry out his “reckoning after autumn.” Therefore, the only method she could think of, the only lifeline she could grasp, was Zhang Wen. She hoped he could help her avert this crisis.
Therefore, even if some sacrifices have to be made, there’s no other way around it.
Mary is not an ordinary woman. Her personality is absolutely strong-willed and she is highly intelligent. Once she determines that this is the only way to solve a problem, she acts without hesitation.
That’s why she sneaked into Zhang Wen’s room and was willing to seduce him.
But Zhang Wen’s reaction right now was really beyond her expectations. Could it be that he’s not interested in me? Impossible! There’s no such thing as a man who isn’t attracted to beauty in this world!
Reluctant to give up, Marianne suppressed the last trace of shame in her heart and once again threw herself into Zhang Wen’s arms. Her delicate, boneless hands hooked around his neck, and she leaned close to his ear, her breath as fragrant as orchids, whispering, “Silly, I’m right here in front of you. What are you hesitating for?” As she spoke, she actively extended her moist little tongue, lightly licking the rim of his ear. Her slender yet voluptuous body pressed tightly against Zhang Wen’s chest, one hand gently caressing his neck, then sliding down his chest, occasionally giving a firm pinch before returning to a soft touch, her fingers circling with varying pressure.
If it came to the skill of teasing men alone, Marianne had certainly reached a level of consummate mastery. Along with her teasing little hands and her lips and tongue, she even used her breathing and the faint, tantalizing moans that escaped her. Her wild tresses brushed against Zhang Wen’s skin, carrying with them her heated breath.
The unique hormonal fragrance emitted by a woman when she’s aroused is an irresistible temptation for any normal man. Seeing Marianne’s sexy, wild kitten-like demeanor, one could only be driven by the urge to pin her down and dominate her fiercely.
But it was precisely in this ambiguous atmosphere that Zhang Wen actually managed to restrain himself. Although the Spring Water Technique within his body reacted faithfully, surging excitedly, Zhang Wen once again pushed Mary aside with tremendous willpower.
“I’ll say this just one final time: if you don’t honestly tell me your true intentions, then I’ll have to ask you to leave.” His gentle yet firm voice was like a bucket of icy water poured over Marianne’s head, instantly dousing the intense passion that had flared within her.
Marian, the youngest and most talented disciple among Omega the Thunder God’s three apprentices, had always been extremely confident. She firmly believed that she surpassed Lufele in every aspect. However, she unexpectedly hit a wall with Zhang Wen, which was something she, with her lofty pride, could hardly accept.
If before she had merely wanted to use Zhang Wen, hoping to have him divert the Thunder God’s wrath away from herself, now Maryan’s sole thought was to conquer Zhang Wen. By any means necessary, she wanted to prove that she would never lose to Lufelle. Whatever Lufelle could achieve, she could achieve too—there was absolutely no way she would let herself be defeated by her!
A sudden blaze ignited in Marianne’s misty, hazy eyes. She wildly reached up, yanking her hair tie loose, letting her long hair cascade like a waterfall down her back and over her shoulders. Her slightly curly strands radiated a wild, untamed luster. She lightly licked her somewhat dry lips, bestowing her full, rosy lips with an alluring glossy sheen. Her small, red tongue flickered briefly between her lips and snow-white teeth, a fleeting glimpse so enticing one could hardly resist the urge to chase after it and sink their teeth into it.
“Rip!” went the sound of tearing cloth, as Marianne reached out and tore half her sleeve open, revealing her snow-white, smooth shoulder and delicate arm skin. She cast a provocative glance at Zhang Wen and, in a confident, deep, magnetic voice, said, “What are you waiting for?” Then, she suddenly grabbed Zhang Wen’s head and pressed her full, red lips against his like a raging fire, releasing her passion through this wild action.
Her pair of full, supple breasts, brimming with incredible elasticity, pressed forcefully against Zhang Wen’s chest. The tremendous impact sent both of them crashing against the wall before finally coming to a stop. The current position was clearly dominated by Marianne, making it seem as though she were the one overpowering Zhang Wen. She breathed wildly, panting and biting, her body writhing like a snake, sensually rubbing her beautiful breasts, slender waist, and long, well-shaped legs against him, one after another, in a provocative manner.
Zhang Wen’s body indeed responded as she had hoped. Although Marianne maintained a calm exterior, she felt an immense sense of shame inside, as she had never before taken the initiative to seduce a man—it was her very first time.
Driven by her inner obsession, she swallowed her embarrassment and reached down, firmly grasping Zhang Wen’s hardened member. Her eyes half-closed in a hazy, seductive gaze, she smiled sweetly, almost tauntingly. “What is this?” she whispered. “You men are all so hypocritical—pretending to be indifferent when you clearly want it so badly.” She licked her dry lips and stretched her nose forward, lightly sniffing near Zhang Wen’s cheek. “Don’t think too much about it. Just consider it my initiative. If you’re willing, tonight I’m all yours…”
Not many people could resist such blatant temptation, and Marianne believed Zhang Wen was no exception. She hooked her arm around his neck, using all her seductive charm to ensure this man would become her devoted admirer.
The woman’s warm body temperature, combined with her sensual, low moans and whispers, and the warm breath tickling Zhang Wen’s ear, were all exquisitely tempting. However, Zhang Wen actually resisted. He firmly pushed Mary Ann away and, meeting her widened, surprised eyes, shook his head slightly. “Miss Mary Ann,” he said, “you are indeed a very attractive woman, but unfortunately, I don’t easily indulge in things whose intentions are unclear.”
“You…!” Marianne’s heaving bosom trembled violently as she fiercely bit her cherry lips. “Zhang Wen! You’re simply not a real man!”
“Marian, I can assure you he’s definitely a man, and quite an impressive one at that!” With the door pushed open, Rosalind’s cheeks flushed a delicate rose hue, her lips curving into a confident smile. She raised her chin defiantly at Rosalind and provocatively added, “But if you beg me, I wouldn’t mind sharing my man with you!”
“Rovella!” Marianne practically hissed through clenched teeth, enunciating each syllable. No matter how thick her skin was, she couldn’t bear to linger any longer in front of her rival. With a sharp twist of her waist, she pushed past Rovella, who was blocking the doorway, and strode away with feline grace. Even in defeat, she would preserve her dignity, holding her head high like a proud swan.
Yet his heart was filled with bitterness. From childhood to adulthood, he had always surpassed Luofulei in both ability and in currying favor with Teacher Omega. He never expected to suffer such a devastating defeat this time.
Marian walked forward without looking back when suddenly she heard a teasing voice from behind—Lofei’s. “When I came in, the teacher was just looking for you,” Lofei said, “I suppose you’re in quite a hurry to go see him now.” These words seemed to possess magic, causing Marian to freeze on the spot.
Taking this opportunity, Lofley quickly stepped to Zhang Wen’s ear, blushing slightly as she whispered, “Marian is in trouble. She’s been two-timing the teacher and tried to set up her own shop while the teacher was seriously injured. The teacher found out, and now she’s certainly facing the teacher’s furious wrath. That’s why she’s come running to you, hoping to use your strength to escape the teacher’s punishment.”
Zhang Wen finally understood why Marianne had been so unusually forward in seducing him. Gently lifting his hand, he tilted Luofei’s chin upward, gazing into her glistening eyes and looking at her smooth, pale, round jawline. He then softly kissed her cherry-red lips, gently sucking on them as he murmured against her mouth, “Well, she must have miscalculated. I’m not someone easily swayed by beauty.”
“Bad guy!” Luofulei felt her whole body go weak, unable to muster any strength. Her hands helplessly encircled his neck, supporting her weight as she leaned heavily against his chest. Her breath came in short gasps, her body burning hot, and her heart pounded so violently it seemed ready to leap from her ribcage.
This scoundrel didn’t even spare himself, yet he claimed not to be easily tempted by beauty. Who is he trying to fool?
It was only after Zhang Wen finally released her that Lufei regained some of her ability to think. Instinctively, she licked her moist lips, leaving them glistening with a hint of lingering pleasure. Noticing Zhang Wen watching her with a teasing gaze, Lufei’s face flushed bright red as if set ablaze. She struggled free from his embrace, tidied her slightly disheveled red hair with her small hand, and cast him a fleeting glance with her sparkling eyes. Giggling, she said, “Do you want to win Marianne over too? If you’re interested, I can help you.”
“I didn’t mean it that way,” Zhang Wen shook his head, speaking the truth. For women he didn’t know well or understand deeply, there was only physical desire, not emotional attachment. For Zhang Wen, it wasn’t something he particularly needed. Although the nature of the Spring Water Technique seemed to allow for improvement through continuous encounters with new women, personally, he preferred a lover with whom he shared genuine feelings. Besides, he already had quite a few women around him.
“Tsk!” Rovella clearly didn’t believe Zhang Wen’s words. From childhood, she had been taught that all men are lustful. There’s no way a man would let go of meat already in his mouth—his words obviously contradicted his true intentions.
Her eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint, as if she were plotting something. At that moment, Lo Fleur once again exuded the allure of a deadly rose.
“I know what you want. Don’t worry, just leave it to me,” said Rohfleur with a sly smile. Then, she skillfully turned around and quickly rushed out the door after Marianne.
She had already made up her mind. Now that she had a weakness of Marianne in her hands, how could she miss this opportunity to deal with her? Although it meant sharing her man with Marianne, it wasn’t a big deal—after all, capable men in the empire usually had many women. Furthermore, with her own skills, as long as Marianne also became Zhang Wen’s woman, she could use Zhang Wen’s authority to firmly keep Marianne under her control. Just wait and see how this proud little apprentice sister would be able to hold her head high in front of her anymore.
At the thought of it, Rosy’s eyes and mouth curled into a smile.
Zhang Wen had no idea that he had been mysteriously mistaken by Lafleur as a lustful man, and that she had even taken it upon herself to help him pursue women. He shook his head and was just about to head over to Iniel’s place when suddenly he spotted two Hawk Guards walking side by side down the corridor.
“Mr. Zhang Wen, Captain Messia has requested your presence.”
Messiah is looking for me?
Zhang Wenwei was somewhat surprised but decided to give up his plan to visit Yinel for now. Since he wasn’t sure whether he would have time to return before departing for the imperial capital, he left a note for Yinel in his own room, and then followed the two Hawk Guards away.
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