บท 3: Chapter 3: Zhu Zhuqing, A Beautiful Young Woman
Zhu Zhuqing was merely slightly curious.
In the Zhu family, and even in the city of Star Luo, many people admired her. However, once they discovered her true identity, they distanced themselves considerably, hesitant to even engage in casual conversation. They feared that any association with her could lead to misunderstandings with Dai Weisi and his entourage, potentially causing them trouble.
The same could be said within the Zhu family; very few dared to get too close to her. So when Xu Ran took the initiative to approach her, her curiosity was piqued.
Zhu Zhuqing walked to a quiet corner of the square and sat down. Her legs were elegantly crossed, stretching the fabric of her leather pants taut. Her captivating eyes stared into the distance as a touch of melancholy graced her beautiful face.
Around her, many disciples of the Zhu family were sparring with each other.
For a Soul Master, true strength could only be attained through combat. However, being Zhu Zhuqing meant that she practiced alone; no one dared to spar with her. They were afraid of offending the Crown Prince and Princess.
The Zhu and Dai families had a longstanding tradition. Each generation would intermarry and compete with each other. The most outstanding pair would eventually inherit the throne, while those who failed the competition would be put to death. Everyone assumed that Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun would be the future Emperor and Empress of the Star Luo Empire. Consequently, their competitors—Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing—were naturally less favored.
As Xu Ran observed the young woman before him, he couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy.
He remembered that in the original story, Zhu Zhuqing had always been introverted and reticent. Perhaps her personality had been shaped by such isolating circumstances.
It wasn't that she didn't want to be happy and outgoing like Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong; it was simply that within the Zhu family, she didn't even have someone willing to talk to her.
"May I sit here?" Xu Ran approached Zhu Zhuqing.
"You may," Zhu Zhuqing responded, somewhat startled to see him again. She nodded briefly and then lapsed into silence.
Xu Ran took a seat beside her, saying nothing. A gentle breeze blew by, carrying with it the unique, refreshing scent of Zhu Zhuqing.
He couldn't help but steal glances at the stunning young woman beside him. Zhu Zhuqing had an extraordinary physique, rivaling even mature women despite her young age.
"Aren't you afraid of me? You dare to sit so close," Zhu Zhuqing inquired, curious. Xu Ran knew about her status; wasn't he afraid of reprisal from her sister or even from Dai Weisi's people?
"I'm not afraid. A beauty like Second Miss Zhu, many would wish to be closer to you. What's there to be scared of?" Xu Ran replied, inhaling the unique aroma emanating from Zhu Zhuqing, his face brightening with a radiant smile.
"You know that's not what I meant. If my sister and the Crown Prince find out how close you are to me, it could impact you negatively. Others might even take action against you," Zhu Zhuqing said, her cheeks flushing a faint pink. Yet, there was also a tinge of happiness in her heart.
Girls usually enjoy being complimented on their looks, and she was no exception. However, in the Zhu family, people dared not utter such compliments due to her particular standing. They'd only ogle her with desirous gazes, which she found repulsive.
"I'm not afraid. No matter how formidable the Crown Prince is, I don't fear him," Xu Ran shook his head. Once his true strength was revealed, Dai Weisi would likely try to win him over. If he were to end up with Zhu Zhuqing, it would significantly tarnish Dai Mubai's reputation, much to Dai Weisi's delight.
Dai Weisi aimed to inherit the throne and naturally saw Dai Mubai as an obstacle. And since Xu Ran was interested in Zhu Zhuqing, Dai Mubai became a common enemy. For the time being, he planned to maintain good relations with Dai Weisi. However, that could change later on, especially since Zhu Zhuyun was also quite attractive, with even more voluptuous curves than Zhuqing…
Moreover, he knew that Zhu Zhuyun didn't really intend to ostracize Zhu Zhuqing. She was trying to protect her sister by encouraging her to recognize the difficulties and withdraw from the empire. This way, even if Dai Weisi ascended to the throne later on, he would have no reason to harm her.
"What are you thinking about? Are you scared?" Zhu Zhuqing asked curiously. Most people would be terrified at the mere mention of the Crown Prince. Perhaps Xu Ran was the same.
"I wasn't thinking about anything in particular. Second Miss, you came to the square to practice, right? I could spar with you, help you hone your combat skills," Xu Ran suggested.
"Spar with me? I'm quite strong, you know. Are you sure about this? What's your cultivation level?" Zhu Zhuqing inquired. Xu Ran was merely a side-branch disciple of the Zhu family. His name indicated that his father was from an external clan, making it even more likely that he hadn't inherited the family's martial soul. How could he possibly be strong?
"My cultivation level? I'm at the thirty-first level, a Soul Elder," Xu Ran declared.
"I'm skeptical, are you lying? How could you possibly be a Soul Elder when even I'm only at level twenty-five?" Zhu Zhuqing questioned, disbelief lacing her tone. At her current level of twenty-five as a Soul Grandmaster, she was already considered an extraordinary talent. Even within the Zhu family, not even her elder sister could match her innate gifts.
As far as she was concerned, even if Xu Ran were incredibly skilled, there was no way he could surpass her in terms of natural ability.
"If you don't believe me, so be it. Would you still like me to spar with you? If not, I'll be on my way," Xu Ran offered.
"Of course, I'd like to see for myself just how advanced your true cultivation level is," Zhu Zhuqing responded. Unbeknownst to her, she was speaking far more openly than usual, particularly when she was around Xu Ran.
"I'm about to make my move," announced Zhu Zhuqing, her eyes suddenly becoming more focused and intense. Standing there in a form-fitting black leather outfit, her curves were perfectly accentuated. A gentle breeze swept through her long black hair, which danced in the wind, drawing the attention of many bystanders.
Her gaze was filled with utter seriousness. No matter the opponent, she would give it her all. Moreover, she suspected that Xu Ran's abilities wouldn't be weak; he must at least be a Soul Grandmaster.
Quietly releasing her martial soul, a large black shadow of a cat materialized behind her. Her long, raven hair sprouted a pair of soft, black, cat-like ears, and a spectral black tail appeared behind her curvy hips.
Beneath her, two yellow soul rings pulsated, discharging a surge of dark-elemental energy.
Many disciples from the Zhu family turned their gazes toward the spectacle, eyes wide with astonishment.
"What's going on?"
"Is Xu Ran crazy? Wanting to spar with Zhu Zhuqing? Doesn't he realize the consequences of getting too close to the second young miss?"
"Maybe he's just trying to show off, aiming to catch the second young miss's attention."
"Hmph, Zhu Zhuqing is already betrothed to Dai Mubai. What could Xu Ran possibly be thinking? Besides, he's just a side-branch disciple of the family; even if he does manage to capture the second young miss's attention, it would amount to nothing."
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