In the past few days, determined to avoid falling victim to any underhanded schemes, Liang invited the Elder Hue to discuss many intricate matters regarding the Dong Clan. Although Elder Hue addressed most of Liang’s questions with clarity, not all his uncertainties were dispelled. However, there was one particular issue that Elder Hue elaborated on with great earnestness.
It pertained to Liang’s relationship with Dong Rui. Liang had given a nonchalant response, the same one he had given before, which had visibly relieved Elder Hue. Through further questioning, Liang discovered that the patriarch had intended to marry her off to a disciple of a renowned expert. This individual held a seniority second only to the Chess Paragon, and his disciples were held in high regard by the patriarch.
Upon deeper inquiry, Liang learned that this esteemed disciple was known as Clearshadow Paragon.
From his previous interactions, Liang was aware that Dong Rui harbored a strong dislike for Clearshadow.
With this new knowledge, Liang pondered the dissatisfaction of both father and daughter towards the patriarch’s decision. He mused to himself, "What will Clearshadow do when he learns that Dong Rui is now involved with someone else?"
Previously, Clearshadow had only felt angered by Dong Rui’s dismissive attitude. But if such matters were to become public, the entire world might think that his supposed future wife had been snatched from him. A paragon with pride like Clearshadow wouldn’t tolerate it and would certainly seek retribution.
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Liang observed both father and daughter with a mixture of admiration and caution, recognizing their deft and cunning maneuvering.
Yet, Liang questioned himself, "Am I someone to be used and deceived so easily?"
In truth, he had the option to refuse and request something else. However, a strong intuition urged him that the Primordial Rune Secret Realm presented an opportunity he couldn’t afford to miss. Despite his naturally cautious demeanor, he found it impossible to ignore that feeling.
With this internal conflict settled, Liang put on an air of cheerfulness and turned to both father and daughter, a smile playing on his lips. "Since that’s the case, it would be ungrateful of me to refuse such generosity," he said, masking his true feelings.
With these thoughts swirling in his mind,
As he spoke, sly glances passed between the father and his daughter.
Dong Tian Di’s eyes flickered thoughtfully as he scrutinized Liang’s face. After a moment of contemplation, he let out a hearty laugh that echoed through the room. "Young Brother Liang, don’t mention it. We are family now."
Dong Rui’s eyes involuntarily twitched at the sentiment, but she then forced a warm smile to her face.
Dong Tian Di reached into his ornate robe, producing a finely crafted token before extending it toward Liang. "Although I cannot grant you a slot directly, I can nominate you to participate in the upcoming competition. If you manage to secure a position, I will wholeheartedly support you."
Liang nodded, his expression steady and composed. This was exactly what he had anticipated.
"In addition," Dong Tian Di continued, his stance dignified as he rose to his feet, "with this token, you have the privilege to stay in the core region. There’s no need to return to the inner region."
As he prepared to leave, Dong Tian Di’s voice took on a more businesslike tone. "That was a fruitful meeting. I must attend to certain matters now. While you wait, someone will arrange your new residence." With a graceful and almost silent movement, he exited the room.
As Dong Tian Di’s footsteps faded into the distance, an awkward silence settled over the room. Liang found himself seated in front of Dong Rui, the token of nomination quietly held in his hands. A faint glimmer of uncertainty flickered in her eyes as she watched him.
"Brother Liang," Dong Rui began slowly, breaking the silence, "I have been given the task of showing you around the core region." She rose from her seat, her movements fluid and graceful. "Shall we?"
Liang nodded, carefully tucking the token into his space ring. As he followed Dong Rui out of the room, he couldn’t help but feel a fluttering in his stomach.
After showing him around some places in the core region, Dong Rui led Liang to a secluded residence nestled amidst lush greenery. It was a modest abode compared to the extravagant palaces, but it exuded a sense of tranquility and warmth.
"This is where you will reside for the time being," Dong Rui explained with a practiced politeness. Her voice was smooth, almost melodic, though it held an edge of caution. "If you need anything, simply summon a servant. They will attend to your every need."
Liang nodded his thanks, stepping inside the palace. A slow, malevolent grin spread across his face, a stark contrast to the ornate and serene surroundings he found himself in.
He knew exactly what was brewing in Dong Tian Di’s mind.
The Primordial Rune Secret Realm, a place coveted by many, only had twenty slots available for entry. Ten of those slots were already reserved for Quasi-Divine experts. Another two were set aside for the saint and saintess.That left eight slots—just eight out of twenty—for the taking.
Every participant would be an Enlightened-level expert, but not just any Enlightened expert. These would be the elite of the clans, the creme de la creme.
Dong Tian Di likely believed he stood no chance of winning favor with any of these elites, which was why he had permitted Liang’s participation.
***
"Father, aren’t you afraid he will manage to secure a slot?" Dong Rui’s voice was tinged with concern as she shot a furtive glance at her father, her eyes reflecting suspicion.
Dong Tian Di shook his head slowly, a confident smirk playing on his lips. "Although I am not entirely certain of his capabilities, so what? At most, he is likely to be an Enlightened level expert in the late stage."
Dong Rui’s eyes widened with an unexpected surprise, "Then why aren’t you worried?"
Dong Tian Di sneered, a dark glint in his eye. "Even if he does manage to secure a slot, the real battle begins afterward. Do you think the elders will readily agree? I claimed I would support him, but what if all the elders oppose his place? He stands no chance."