Douluo: Martial Soul White Tiger, I am the White Emperor of Heaven

Chapter 320 Zhu Zhuqing's Curiosity, Qiu'er's Jealousy

Zhu Zhuqing's question may seem ordinary, but it actually contains a deeper meaning.

It directly points to the most brutal core rule of the Star Luo royal family—the life-or-death competition among the princes for the throne of the Star Luo Emperor.

Zhu Zhuqing was testing the waters, probing Dai Chengfeng's attitude towards this rule...

Was it fear? Was it ambition? Or... was he truly frightened into leaving the Star Luo Empire, as rumored?

This directly relates to Zhu Zhuqing's assessment of Dai Chengfeng's strength and character.

Upon hearing this, Dai Chengfeng met Zhu Zhuqing's gaze. His heterochromatic pupils appeared exceptionally deep in the soft indoor light. The warm smile on his face did not fade, but a hint of understanding flashed deep in his eyes.

He picked up the cup of tea on the table, his fingertips tracing the warm rim of the cup, his tone indifferent, as if discussing something unrelated to himself:

"An ironclad rule is an ironclad rule, and its existence has its own reasons."

"Xingluo is a nation founded on military might. Without such a brutal selection process, how can we ensure that the successor possesses the power to rule the empire and awe all sides?"

He paused, then calmly looked back at Zhu Zhuqing. "This is both destiny and responsibility."

"As members of the royal family, we should naturally follow this rule."

Dai Chengfeng's answer acknowledged the rationality of the rules, without resentment or ambitious declarations, but also without the slightest cowardice or retreat, only an almost indifferent calm.

after all.

The position of Star Luo Emperor was never Dai Chengfeng's primary goal.

In his mind, Davis was never his enemy.

Zhu Zhuqing's heart stirred slightly.

Dai Chengfeng's answer... was completely unexpected.

It lacked the depth of understanding expected of an ignorant spoiled brat, and it also lacked the impassioned pronouncements of an ambitious man secretly accumulating power.

This calmness, however, made her even more enigmatic.

"so……"

Zhu Zhuqing's long eyelashes trembled slightly as she continued, "Then, Your Highness, what do you think will be the key to victory in future competitions?"

"Is it pure force, or... something else?"

Dai Chengfeng took another sip of tea, and amidst the fragrant aroma, his voice carried a faint, ethereal quality: "Power is the foundation, and naturally, it is indispensable."

As he spoke, Dai Chengfeng put down his teacup, his gaze seemingly piercing through the wall as he looked into the distance.

That's the direction of the Star Luo Empire...

Zhu Zhuqing looked at Dai Chengfeng, whose eyes were deep.

"It seems that this Fourth Prince is not ignorant of the ways of the world; on the contrary, he has a clear understanding of the cruelty and complexity of royal struggles."

For the first time, her belief that Dai Chengfeng was merely "all show and no substance" began to waver.

She fell silent, but her cool, clear eyes focused even more intently on the enigmatic fourth prince before her.

Beneath the initial indifference and scrutiny, a sense of inquiry and...interest quietly began to grow.

She was very curious about what the Fourth Prince in front of her was thinking.

How can he remain so calm when discussing the throne that everyone in the Star Luo Empire desires?
Zhu Hongxiu, standing to the side, watched the seemingly ordinary yet profound conversation between the two, her brows still slightly furrowed.

Deep in his eyes, however, a barely perceptible hint of satisfaction quietly surfaced.

At least, her beloved son Dai Chengfeng did not act rudely, and Zhu Qing... did not seem to be completely indifferent to her fiancé Dai Chengfeng.

This first step has finally been taken. Thinking this, Zhu Hongxiu looked at the two young people sitting opposite each other, the atmosphere still somewhat distant, and spoke again with a gentle smile in her eyes.

She gently patted the empty seat next to her and said softly to Zhu Zhuqing, "Zhuqing, don't sit so far away. We're all family, why be so formal?"

After saying that, he looked at Dai Chengfeng and said, "Chengfeng, come sit over here and get closer to your future wife."

Faced with his mother's request, Dai Chengfeng did not refuse. He calmly replied, "Yes, Mother."

He then got up and walked to the spot Zhu Hongxiu had pointed to...

It was right next to Zhu Zhuqing's sofa armrest.

Immediately, Dai Chengfeng sat down without the slightest hesitation, his movements fluid and natural, as if he had simply changed to a more comfortable position.

The previously spacious distance between the two suddenly disappeared, and their arms were almost touching.

In contrast to Dai Chengfeng's composure, Zhu Zhuqing could clearly feel the body temperature emanating from the person beside her.

This caused Zhu Zhuqing's body to stiffen subconsciously, and a barely perceptible hint of unease flashed in her cool eyes.

As aloof as she is, she is used to keeping her distance from people, and this is the first time she has sat so close to a strange man.

Even though this man is her fiancé in name only.

Especially when Zhu Hongxiu called her "future wife," her fingertips twitched almost imperceptibly.

But in the end, she did not refuse.

With her elders present, she couldn't be impolite, so she lowered her eyes slightly, her straight back appearing even more tense, trying to maintain that icy facade.

Dai Chengfeng looked at Zhu Zhuqing, whose posture was stiff, shook his head and smiled with satisfaction, his expression still relaxed...

It was as if the tension of those around him was not caused by him.

He even naturally picked up the tea he had been drinking earlier and took another sip.

叽~
Just then, a streak of brilliant golden light suddenly rushed over from the sofa next to them.

With a soft, affectionate hum, a fluffy, round, golden little creature landed right in Dai Chengfeng's arms.

"Woo——"

The three-eyed golden lion Qiu'er unceremoniously occupied Dai Chengfeng's lap, even burrowing in a little deeper to find the most comfortable position to lie down. Its bright golden eyes were half-closed, its little head affectionately rubbing against Dai Chengfeng's chest, and its fluffy tail swayed proudly.

Then, he looked at Zhu Zhuqing with a hint of smugness.

It seems to be saying: I and Dai Chengfeng are the best!

Dai Chengfeng looked at Qiu'er, who had suddenly appeared, and at her actions and expressions that seemed to be asserting her dominance.

"Is Qiu'er jealous?"

Dai Chengfeng smiled inwardly, then put down his teacup. His fingers unconsciously stroked Qiu'er's soft, cloud-like golden down, and his lips softened slightly.

And on the other side...

Faced with Qiu'er's 'provocation', Zhu Zhuqing's clear and beautiful eyes showed no hostility, but instead lit up instantly!
The cool, aloof tone was replaced by an irrepressible, pure affection.

“So…so cute!”

Her eyes widened involuntarily, as if even someone as aloof as her couldn't escape a certain instinct ingrained in a woman's bones—utterly powerless against such a beautiful, fluffy, adorable little creature.

She even forgot her nervousness, her gaze completely drawn to Qiu'er's contented smacking of her lips.

Qiu'er seemed to sense that 'scorching' gaze. She lazily lifted her head from Dai Chengfeng's arms, glanced at the beautiful human sitting next to her, and blinked her bright golden eyes with a hint of curiosity and pride.

(End of this chapter)