I have a martial arts panel.

Chapter 288 Third Young Master Zhuo Cengyun

"The Demon Lord of Danhai is actually a member of the Duan royal family?"

Not only Xu Ning, but even Zhang He, who was standing next to him, stared wide-eyed, clearly hearing about it for the first time as well.

"good."

Duan Chaofeng said, "The Demon Lord of Danhai and the current Grandmaster within our Duan royal family are brothers born of the same father and mother."

Duan Chaofeng dropped another bombshell.

Xu Ning and Zhang He naturally knew about that Grandmaster in the capital.

The reason why the Duan imperial family has been able to rule Wansheng Prefecture for so many years and remain in power, especially in the last thousand years, is that they have become increasingly powerful and have even shown a tendency to expand overseas and explore wider sea areas.

The reason it has this appearance is entirely due to the presence of that Grandmaster.

Grandmaster, that's a realm above the Dao Realm.

In Wansheng Prefecture today, only the member of the Duan imperial family possesses such power.

And Danhai Demon Lord was actually the brother of that Grandmaster of the Duan royal family.

At this point, Xu Ning understood why the Danhai Demon Sect and the Duan royal family had such a close relationship.

So much so that even princes and princesses of the royal family joined in.

"So that's how it is..."

Xu Ning and Zhang He were still somewhat shocked.

"I only heard about this from my father a few years ago."

Duan Chaofeng continued, "It is said that the Grandmaster and the Demon Lord of Danhai had vastly different aptitudes when they were children. The Grandmaster's martial arts aptitude was outstanding; he could learn any complex martial art in one go. Even in his youth, he was able to create extremely powerful techniques, which are still being studied and used within the royal family today."

"As for the Demon Lord Danhai, his talent is quite ordinary. Not only is he inferior to his brothers and sisters, but even with a large amount of resources, he is only barely on par with the disciples of ordinary sects. However, because the Grandmaster is his elder brother, no one dares to mock or be disrespectful to him."

"However, Danhai Demon Lord, who always felt protected by his elder brother, was very sensitive to this. The brighter his elder brother's brilliance, the more mediocre he himself seemed. Therefore, Danhai Demon Lord took the initiative to leave the capital and devoted himself to the study of demonic arts with a group of loyal subordinates."

"At that time, Danhai Demon Lord was well aware that with his own talent, he might only be able to reach the initial stage of the Dao Realm. Therefore, he could only resort to demonic means to make some unconventional and high-risk attempts."

"Finally, after countless trials and tribulations, the Danhai Demon Lord finally found his own path and greatly improved his strength. Moreover, he created a Dao Realm alchemy method suitable for himself, the Danhai Alchemy Scripture. Afterwards, in order to prevent his creation from being lost, the Danhai Demon Lord founded the Danhai Demon Sect."

"With the support of the Duan royal family, the Danhai Demon Sect developed rapidly. In just a few hundred years, it surpassed those sects with more than a thousand years of history and became the top sect in Wansheng Prefecture."

When Duan Chaofeng was telling Xu Ning and Zhang He about it, he was also quite excited.

The story of the Demon Lord of Danhai was told in just a few words, but the epic saga still filled Duan Chaofeng with admiration.

"Therefore, Xu Ning, joining the Danhai Demon Sect was absolutely the right choice."

Duan Chaofeng said, "As a powerful force secretly supported by the Duan royal family, joining it requires absolutely no worries. Moreover, for someone who is not a member of the royal family, this is the best way for you to climb to the top of Wansheng Prefecture."

"Once you become a seed of the Danhai Demon Sect, we can support each other. I can use the resources of the Ye Wang Mansion to support you in competing for a high position in the sect, and you can also help me and provide feedback, so that my status in the Duan royal family can be improved."

Duan Chaofeng made no attempt to conceal his thoughts.

He also knew that there was no need for many empty words about his relationship with Xu Ning.

"Um……"

After hearing this, Xu Ning also fell into deep thought.

After learning about the background of the Danhai Demon Sect, Xu Ning was also very tempted.

Joining the Danhai Demon Sect is indeed, as Duan Chaofeng said, the best way for someone who is not a member of the Duan royal family to become a top figure in Wansheng Prefecture.

Xu Ning was also well aware that his path in martial arts could only be more smoothly and efficiently paved on larger stages.

"When would be a good time for me to join the Danhai Demon Sect?"

Xu Ning inquired.

"Let's wait until I inherit the throne of King Ye."

Duan Chaofeng weighed the options for a moment, and then spoke.

"it is good."

Xu Ning nodded.

With this, the matter of joining the Danhai Demon Sect and becoming a seed disciple was considered settled.

"Alright."

After a brief discussion of some details, Duan Chaofeng said, "Zhang He, take Xu Ning to his residence. For the next few months, Xu Ning will stay in the Prince's Mansion."

"Let's go, Xu Ning."

Zhang He smiled and said, "The young master specially built a villa for you within the palace."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Xu Ning also responded.

Previously, Xu Ning lived in an ordinary residence in the Ye Wang Mansion, but after his trip overseas, Xu Ning's status within the Ye Wang Mansion was greatly elevated.

Now that he is about to obtain seed status, Duan Chaofeng will treat him as an equal.

Zhang He left with Xu Ning.

Inside the room, Duan Chaofeng walked to the window and let out a long sigh of relief.

He felt very happy.

"I've struck gold!"

Duan Chaofeng clenched his fist, his expression somewhat excited.

He originally took Xu Ning in simply to cultivate a valuable subordinate.

Now it seems that I may be about to gain an important helper and friend.

Although Duan Chaofeng is of noble birth, being the heir of the Ye Prince, his status within the Duan royal family is not outstanding.

Within the Duan imperial family, some precious resources also required competition.

If Xu Ning can gain a foothold in the Danhai Demon Sect, it will be of great benefit to Duan Chaofeng.

In fact, if Xu Ning were to become the leader of the Danhai Demon Sect, Duan Chaofeng's gains would be even greater.

……

Zhang He led Xu Ning through the Prince's mansion.

As I walked through a garden and turned a corner, I bumped into several people.

The leader was dressed in brocade robes and had a refined and noble demeanor. His face bore a resemblance to Duan Chaofeng.

Several guards followed behind him.

Upon seeing this person, Zhang He was the first to stop.

"Greetings, Third Young Master."

Zhang He bowed to the man.

"The Third Young Master?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Ning's heart stirred.

Hearing Zhang He's address, Xu Ning already knew who this person was.

This person is Duan Chaoyu, the third young master of the Ye Wang Mansion and Duan Chaofeng's half-brother.

"Greetings, Third Young Master."

Xu Ning also nodded in greeting.

Xu Ning is not yet a seed disciple of the Danhai Demon Sect, and there is still a gap in status and position between him and Duan Chaoyu.

However, if Xu Ning has the identity of a seed, then when she meets Duan Chaoyu, she can treat her as an equal.

"Master Zhang."

To Xu Ning's surprise, the Korean speaker was very polite to Zhang He, and he nodded with a smile.

Zhang He held a position in the Ye Wang Mansion, but Duan Chaoyu's way of addressing him was a great show of respect.

"Who is this?"

Then, Duan Chaoyu's gaze shifted to Xu Ning.

"This is Xu Ning, the confidant of the Crown Prince and the sect leader of the Yanlu Sect."

Zhang He explained from the side, his expression calm and composed.

"You're Xu Ning?"

Duan Chaoyu appeared somewhat surprised upon hearing Xu Ning's name.

"I had heard before that my second brother had gained a fierce general named Xu Ning, and today I have finally met him in person."

Duan Chaoyu had a cheerful expression and was very approachable, showing no signs of being a prince.

"You flatter me, sir."

Xu Ning responded in a humble and respectful manner.

During his previous voyages at sea, he had learned a little about Duan Chaoyu from conversations with others.

On the surface, this young master of the royal family and the heir apparent Duan Chaofeng seem to have a good relationship, but in reality, there is some disharmony between them.

"Lord Zhang, what are you planning to do with Xu Ning?"

Duan Chaoyu folded his fan, stood still, and seemed to want to start a conversation.

"Xu Ning will be staying at the Prince's residence for a while. I will take him to the villa that the Prince has prepared for him."

Zhang He answered truthfully.

"so……"

Duan Chaoyu nodded: "It seems that you will be staying at the Prince's Mansion for some time, Xu Ning. In that case, let's get together privately and have a few drinks when we have time."

"You flatter me, young master."

Xu Ning did not agree immediately.

Xu Ning knew very well that it was best for him to have no personal relationship with this Korean.

One's own response is, in effect, a rejection.

Duan Chaoyu, whether or not he understood Xu Ning's meaning, simply laughed and said no more.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Duan Chaoyu left with his guards.

"Is this the Third Young Master Duan Chaoyu?"

Xu Ning whispered something.

At this moment, Zhang He's expression also turned cold.

"The Third Young Master appears approachable on the surface, but in reality, he is a very deep and calculating person..."

Zhang He seemed somewhat hostile towards Duan Chaoyu: "If the heir weren't the legitimate son, it's really hard to say who would have gotten the position..."

After Zhang He finished speaking, Xu Ning narrowed his eyes.

He understood what Zhang He said.

Duan Chaoyu, to some extent, threatened Duan Chaofeng's position.

Zhang He's idea might be the same as Duan Chaofeng's idea.

"However, the overall situation is now settled. In another month or two, the Crown Prince will become the Prince Ye. At that time, the Third Young Master will have to move out of the Prince's Mansion, so it won't have much impact on the Crown Prince."

Zhang He said.

"Um……"

Xu Ning nodded.

"Let's go..."

Then, Zhang He led Xu Ning to continue towards the villa.

On the other side, Duan Chaoyu, who had originally had a warm and friendly smile, turned gloomy shortly after parting ways with Xu Ning and the other person.

His eyes were filled with gloom, completely lacking the refined gentlemanly demeanor he had displayed when talking to Xu Ning earlier.

"Xu Ning..."

Duan Chaoyu muttered something under his breath, his tone somewhat cold.

"My second brother is always surrounded by talented people..."

Duan Chaoyu chuckled self-deprecatingly, "But that's true. As the heir apparent, he naturally attracts talented people from all sides... while I'm just a son of a concubine in the royal household, so naturally I won't receive that kind of treatment..."

"Moreover, it seems that Father has recently made a decision, and Second Brother will become the next King Ye..."

Duan Chaoyu pursed his lips: "Being the eldest son is indeed advantageous. Even though my second brother's talent and martial arts aptitude are not as good as mine, he can still obtain the position of heir apparent."

"Never mind... I naturally cannot question my father's decision."

A profound look appeared in Duan Chaoyu's eyes: "However, there are some things that Father really couldn't have predicted... The position of heir apparent was given to Second Brother, but he may not be able to hold onto the position of Prince Ye for long."

Then, Duan Chaoyu, accompanied by his guards, went to a luxurious restaurant in the city.

Outside the restaurant, Duan Chaoyu did not have any guards follow him.

He entered a private room with obvious familiarity.

"Third Young Master."

There was only one person in that private room.

Although the man appeared to be a young man, his temples were gray, and he possessed a cold and aloof demeanor.

"Senior Zhuo."

When Duan Chaoyu saw this person, he smiled and clasped his hands in greeting.

If Zhang He were here, he would definitely recognize that this person is Zhuo Cengyun, a confidant of the current King Ye and a high-level Dao Realm Grandmaster.

His son was Zhuo Weisong, who had a grudge against Xu Ning.

At the same time, Zhang He must also be wondering why Zhuo Cengyun, who had clearly been sent out to capture the Night Beast, would appear here.

"Senior Zhuo, I just met an interesting person."

Duan Chaoyu gestured for Zhuo Cengyun to sit down and personally poured him a cup of wine.

"Who is it?"

Zhuo Cengyun raised an eyebrow.

"Xu Ning."

Duan Chaoyu smiled.

"Xu Ning?"

As expected, a cold glint flashed in Zhuo Cengyun's eyes after hearing this.

When Duan Chaofeng and Zhang He returned safely to the Prince's Mansion from overseas, Zhuo Cengyun learned that his son Zhuo Weisong had gone missing overseas, and he was extremely saddened.

However, due to Ye Wang's presence, he couldn't possibly cause trouble for Duan Chaofeng.

Later, Zhuo Cengyun heard that among those who survived Duan Chaofeng's trip was a man named Xu Ning.

Xu Ning had a conflict with Zhuo Weisong.

After learning about this, Zhuo Chengyun's negative emotions intensified.

Both are mid-level Grandmasters in the Dao Realm, so why didn't Zhuo Weisong return, while Xu Ning, who had a conflict with Zhuo Weisong, did?

This gave Zhuo Cengyun a strange sense of frustration.

This sense of frustration stemmed from two sources: dissatisfaction with Duan Chaofeng and dissatisfaction with Xu Ning's survival.

Zhuo Yun's mentality was very unstable in this state. It just so happened that Ye Wang gave an order to him and three other high-level Dao Realm Grandmasters to go out to sea to capture the Soya Beast. This allowed Zhuo Yun, who still had a glimmer of hope for his son's survival, to temporarily put aside his dissatisfaction and prepare to go out to sea to find Zhuo Weisong's whereabouts.

However, just as he was about to set sail, he was suddenly given a message by the Third Young Master, Duan Chaoyu.

Therefore, not long after setting sail, Zhuo Cengyun seized an opportunity to pretend to disappear in the deep sea and then secretly return.

At that time, what Duan Chaoyu told Zhuo Cengyun was about the issue of who would become the new King Ye.

Duan Chaoyu told him that the one who would eventually inherit the throne of Ye Wang would not be the heir apparent Duan Chaofeng, but himself.

Because he had secretly gained the support of a powerful force.

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(End of this chapter)