In reality, many people knew that when it came to hating and slaughtering members of the邪(xié)宗(zōng) (Cthulhu Sect), no one was more zealous than him.
However, because this matter was too bizarre, no one considered that possibility.
After all, Grandmasters were not deities; they practiced martial arts, not immortal techniques.
Killing someone was impossible without leaving a trace, let alone killing someone without showing one's face.
Only a divine artifact like the Son of Heaven Sword possessed such an unbelievable power.
Yet, she faintly sensed that this person was Chu Zhiyuan.
It was a mysterious, inexplicable feeling.
"These Cthulhu Sect demonic fiends are truly persistent. Don't they consider whether these rumors are reliable? Evil Emperor? Heh, they really dare to imagine!"
"Brother, you don't understand the Evil Emperor's status in the hearts of these Cthulhu Sect demonic fiends."
"No matter how high their status, they shouldn't be so foolish, right?" Cheng Yifeng didn't think so. "Do they really think the Great Jing Dynasty's people are fools? If there were a hidden cave abode, would it still be undiscovered until now?"
"Hidden cave abodes are different," Cheng Miaozhen shook her head. "It's difficult to predict when they will appear. Some cave abodes remain hidden underground for thousands or even tens of thousands of years before emerging."
"... Alright then." Cheng Yifeng realized he couldn't win against Cheng Miaozhen, so he changed the subject. "Why do you insist on inviting the Fourth Prince? The Fourth Prince definitely doesn't want to meet you; it's like reopening his wounds."
Cheng Miaozhen said, "I must thank him for saving my life."
"Little sister, you're only thinking about your own peace of mind, not considering others. This Fourth Prince is truly remarkable, with an extraordinary magnanimity!"
Cheng Yifeng gave a thumbs-up as he spoke. "I definitely couldn't do it. If I were in that situation, I would have been furious and wouldn't have paid you any attention."
Cheng Miaozhen said in annoyance, "Brother, you're becoming more and more annoying!"
Cheng Yifeng chuckled and said, "Alright, alright. I can't speak the truth. What can you use to repay him? Besides your beauty, what else do you have?"
Cheng Miaozhen glared at him fiercely, disliking his crude words.
Consort Shu said, "If he truly wants to become the emperor, there are some things he really needs to know."
"Mother, what things?"
"Things about becoming the emperor," Consort Shu said calmly. "Not just anyone can become the emperor."
"Then, Mother, tell me if I can become the emperor."
"You?" Consort Shu said indifferently, "Maybe in your next life."
"Mother, am I really that useless?" Cheng Yifeng said discontentedly. "My aptitude isn't bad. If I join the army and gain some merits, maybe I'll have a chance, right?"
"You want to become the emperor after entering the Asking Heaven Cliff?" Consort Shu shook her head.
Cheng Yifeng said, "Why can't a disciple of the Asking Heaven Cliff become the emperor?"
"Mother, the Asking Heaven Cliff won't be destroyed," Cheng Yifeng laughed. "The Asking Heaven Secret Art makes the Asking Heaven Cliff invincible."
"Hmph, invincible?" Consort Shu scoffed.
Cheng Yifeng didn't argue, smiling and saying, "If I want to become the emperor, what else do I need to do?"
"You don't need to know," Consort Shu shook her head. "It's useless even if I tell you."
"Ah..." Cheng Yifeng said helplessly. "Mother, you're too heartless."
Consort Shu glanced at him, not bothering to waste her breath.
When Chu Zhiyuan arrived at Princess Jianing's residence, Cheng Yifeng greeted him and warmly welcomed him into the residence.
Guo Chi and the others were welcomed into a separate courtyard, while Zou Fang followed him to the main hall.
Cheng Yifeng was extremely enthusiastic, pulling Chu Zhiyuan to sit down.
Chu Zhiyuan noticed that this prince not only lacked personal attendants but also showed no arrogance, being warm and proactive.
After Chu Zhiyuan sat down, Cheng Yifeng said with emotion, "Prince, I've long admired you from afar. I heard of your great name while at the Asking Heaven Cliff."
Chu Zhiyuan smiled and said, "I just saw Brother Gao off a few days ago."
"Senior Brother Gao..." Cheng Yifeng spread his hands and said, "A true disciple, the next Cliff Master. I can't possibly reach that high."
Chu Zhiyuan smiled and said, "Your Highness is a prince."
Cheng Yifeng said helplessly, "In Senior Brother Gao's eyes, princes are no different from commoners."
Chu Zhiyuan smiled and said, "That's indeed the case. In Brother Gao's eyes, all living beings are equal."
Gao Jiuqu wasn't arrogant but straightforward, not thinking that princes were any different from ordinary people.
Before fate, princes and ordinary people were no different, both being pitiful puppets.
After they chatted about Gao Jiuqu for a few moments, Cheng Miaozhen and Consort Shu quickly came out.
Chu Zhiyuan stood up, clasped his fist, and solemnly greeted Consort Shu.
Of course, it wasn't the first time he had seen Consort Shu.
He felt that the current Consort Shu was less approachable than the Consort Shu back then.
Although the Consort Shu back then was unconscious, she didn't have the current aura of coldness.
After Cheng Miaozhen sat down, she went straight to the point: "Those Cthulhu Sect demonic fiends, were they killed by you?"
Chu Zhiyuan raised an eyebrow and smiled. "What makes you say that?"
Of course, he knew about the current rumors, the divine might of the Son of Heaven Sword.
He had people spread this news.
It wasn't because he was noble and disliked fame but to appease the people.
Strengthening the prestige of the Son of Heaven Sword was beneficial for calming the people and preventing the Cthulhu Sect demonic fiends from causing panic.
Of course, he also knew that the emperor wouldn't treat him unfairly; doing so would only bring benefits.
Cheng Miaozhen said, "Intuition, perhaps."
"It was actually you, Prince?" Cheng Yifeng said in surprise. "How did you do it?"
Chu Zhiyuan smiled and said, "A secret technique. There's nothing special about it."
"That's not special?" Cheng Yifeng said with emotion. "Before your secret technique, we Grandmasters don't have any ability to resist. It's too frightening!"
Chu Zhiyuan smiled and said, "Before Grand Grandmasters, Grandmasters originally don't have any ability to resist."
"Ah... Grand Grandmaster," Cheng Yifeng shook his head. "After seeing you, Prince, I feel like I'm just trash."
"It's good that you know," Consort Shu said indifferently.
Cheng Yifeng looked at Consort Shu and said helplessly, "Mother, save me some face in front of the Prince."
Consort Shu said indifferently, "The Prince isn't an outsider. What face do you need?"
She looked at Chu Zhiyuan. "Killing so many Cthulhu Sect members, they will definitely retaliate, especially the power behind them."
Chu Zhiyuan nodded solemnly. "I understand."
"Do you really understand?" Consort Shu stared at him with her bright eyes.
Chu Zhiyuan pointed his finger towards the sky.
"You really understand," Consort Shu nodded. "They will never allow you to slaughter them like this."
"Now they've created a new secret technique to conceal their aura," Chu Zhiyuan said. "That's why they can easily infiltrate the city, but it doesn't matter. They still can't hide from me."
Consort Shu said, "You want to become the emperor, right?"
Chu Zhiyuan raised an eyebrow and smiled. "What do you mean by that, Your Highness?"
Consort Shu said, "Do you know the cost of becoming the emperor?"
Chu Zhiyuan shook his head.
Consort Shu said, "You will lose all your joy, your days will be dull and boring, and your personality will change drastically."
Chu Zhiyuan said, "Change drastically?"
Consort Shu said, "It's best not to take over as emperor too early, the later the better."
Chu Zhiyuan was thoughtful. "Will it be affected by the Son of Heaven Sword?"
"Actually, you'll know with a little thought how powerful it is," Consort Shu nodded slowly. "How can you not be affected by it?"
