Starting as the heir of a marquis's mansion, I gained access to a summoning system.

Just then, a clear voice came from behind:

"You are Dongfang Weiwo?"

Dongfang Weiwo turned around and saw that the one speaking was none other than Wu Zetian, the eldest daughter of the Marquis of Zhenbei.

She held her wine glass, looking down at him.

The two were no more than three feet apart, and Dongfang Weineng could clearly see the scrutiny and disapproval in her eyes.

She was a head taller than him, with a slender figure, broad shoulders, and a narrow waist; every muscle in her body exuded explosive power.

She stood there, seemingly casual, but in reality, she was like a cheetah poised to pounce, ready to strike at any moment.

Dongfang Weiwo felt a slight chill in his heart.

He had long heard that this pearl of the Northern Territory was only twenty-three years old, yet he had already reached the peak of the Grandmaster realm. His blood and qi were like a dragon, and his divine will was like a blade. Among his peers in the entire Xuan Tian Dynasty, almost no one could surpass him.

"Miss Wu," Dongfang Weiwo bowed slightly, neither humble nor arrogant, "I have long admired your name."

"You know me?" Wu Zetian raised an eyebrow, a slight smile playing on her lips.

"The eldest daughter of the Marquis of Zhenbei, a pearl of the northern border, who doesn't know her?"

Dongfang Weiwo smiled, his tone calm, neither flattering nor deliberately cold.

Wu Zetian stared at him for a few seconds, her gaze sweeping from his face to his waist, and then from his waist to his feet, as if assessing the quality of a commodity.

Although she didn't intentionally release her peak Grandmaster aura, her gaze alone carried a heavy sense of oppression.

Then she frowned and suddenly said, "You're the son of Dongfang Wudi, so how come you're so...ordinary?"

This is a blunt, even somewhat rude, statement.

Dongfang Wei was not annoyed, but instead smiled and said, "Due to limitations in aptitude, I am indeed no match for Miss Wu's extraordinary talent."

"I wasn't referring to cultivation level."

Wu Zetian shook her head, a hint of disappointment flashing in her phoenix eyes. "At twenty-three, I've reached the peak of the Grandmaster realm. I've seen countless so-called geniuses, and I can tell their cultivation levels at a glance. Your aura is unremarkable, indeed ordinary. But what I'm talking about is your eyes—too quiet, too… boring."

She paused, then continued, "The Zhenbei Marquis's Mansion and the Qixue Marquis's Mansion are both stationed in the northern border. I've heard Father mention your eldest brother, Dongfang Lingyun, praising him for his composure, resourcefulness, and potential. As for you... Father rarely mentions you."

The meaning is clear—you are not worth mentioning in your father's eyes.

Dongfang Weiwo remained calm, seemingly oblivious to her implied meaning: "Lord Wu is too kind. I am indeed inferior to my elder brother. He is exceptionally intelligent and acts with great care. As his younger brother, I can only look up to him."

Wu Zetian stared at him for a few seconds, her disappointment growing stronger.

She had thought that Dongfang Wudi's son would at least have some spirit, but she never expected him to be such a mediocre person, as lukewarm as water.

"Fine, I won't disturb your 'wine tasting' any longer." Wu Zetian sneered, turned around and strode away, her cloak fluttering behind her.

She left decisively, without giving Dongfang Weiwo another second glance.

Dongfang Weiwo stood there, watching her figure disappear into the crowd, his heart filled with turmoil.

At the peak of his mastery at the age of twenty-three, he was indeed exceptionally talented and brimming with brilliance, but he was also too arrogant and conceited.

In the imperial city, such a personality might not be a good thing.

However, none of this mattered to him. He only needed the luck emanating from her.

"Second brother, that sister is fierce."

The young fish had slipped over again without her noticing, and whispered. She held a piece of pastry in her hand, her cheeks bulging like a little hamster.

"She is quite fierce." Dongfang Weiwo nodded, bent down and pinched her little face. "So stay away from her, or you'll get angry at her."

"I'm not afraid!"

The little fish puffed out her chest, then took his hand. "Mother told you not to run around. Go back and sit down. His Majesty is about to bestow blessings."

Dongfang Weiwo nodded and led his sister back to their seats.

A moment later, the emperor rose, and the entire hall fell silent.

He stood before the throne, the twelve tassels of his crown swaying slightly, the gold thread on his dragon robe shimmering in the lamplight. He raised his wine cup with both hands, his gaze sweeping over the assembled officials, his voice loud and authoritative:

"Today is New Year's Day, and all officials are celebrating together. I am very pleased."

"May the Xuantian Dynasty enjoy eternal peace and prosperity for thousands of years to come!"

"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

The ministers shouted in unison, their voices shaking the entire hall, causing even the glass palace lanterns to sway slightly.

Dongfang Weiwo joined the crowd in shouting, but his mind was elsewhere—

Two chosen ones! Within just half a day, he encountered two chosen ones.

A strikingly handsome jewel of the North, a foolish and simple-minded ninth prince. How many such beings exist in this world?

He had a vague feeling that the world he lived in was far more complex, larger, and more dangerous than he had imagined.

And his system seemed to know something...

The banquet lasted until the afternoon, after which the officials gradually dispersed.

As the banquet was ending, a eunuch suddenly walked quickly to Dongfang Wudi's side, bowed, and whispered:

"My lord, His Majesty requests your presence in the Imperial Study."

Dongfang Wudi's gaze sharpened slightly, but he quickly regained his composure and nodded to his wife and children: "You may return to the manor first."

Madam Dongfang responded and then led Dongfang Weiwo, Dongfang Lingyun, and Youyu out of the Taihe Hall.

The sky was slightly overcast, and a cold wind was blowing. A thin layer of frost had formed on the bronze tortoise and crane in front of the hall.

At the palace gate, they encountered the family of Marquis Wu Lie of Zhenbei.

Wu Lie looked around but couldn't see Dongfang Wudi. He asked in a gruff voice, "Where is Brother Dongfang?"

Lady Dongfang replied gently, "His Majesty summoned me, but my husband went to the Imperial Study."

Wu Lie responded with an "Oh".

His gaze fell on Dongfang Weiwo, and his voice was like a broken gong: "Since Brother Dongfang isn't here, I, as his uncle, will speak frankly. Your second son is indeed composed, but he lacks a bit of vigor. Not to be rude, but young people should have drive, not be like us old folks, so lethargic and lifeless."

Many people around them turned their heads to look.

Wu Zetian stood behind her father, arms crossed, looking down at Dongfang Weiwo with a faint hint of disdain on her lips. The aura of a peak Grandmaster was subtly revealed, making her awe-inspiring.

Dongfang Lingyun stepped forward, smiling and cupping his hands: "Uncle Wu is right. Second brother is quiet by nature. I will definitely ask Father to give him more guidance in the future."

Wu Lie waved his hand dismissively, "Fine, you juniors know what's good for you." With that, he turned and left with his family. Wu Zhao didn't look at Dongfang Weiwo again, her cloak billowing up in a gust of cold wind.

On the way home, the carriage rumbled along the main street of the imperial city, the snow crunching under the wheels.

The people on the street were still decorating with lanterns and colorful decorations, and children were chasing and playing, presenting a scene of peace and prosperity.

Dongfang Lingyun asked Dongfang Weiwo, "How are you feeling?"

"The water is very deep." Dongfang Weiwo leaned against the carriage, closing his eyes to rest.

"That's right."

Dongfang Lingyun smiled. "The imperial city is not our battlefield, at least not now. Father's foundation is in the northern border, while ours... is elsewhere. His Majesty has kept Father here alone at this time, probably to discuss important matters. Let us wait quietly."

Dongfang Weiwo opened his eyes, exchanged a glance with his elder brother, and understood each other without saying a word.

He lowered the curtain and closed his eyes.

The faces of Wu Zetian and Qin Lin'an appeared in his mind, along with the newly added energy points in the system—267,600.

Wu Zetian's 15 life points, Qin Lin'an's 3 life points, plus the previous surplus of 87,600, total 267,600.

The annual meeting has ended.

But the mystery of the chosen one had only just begun to take root in his heart.