100: Tang Shuying, whose charm remains

In Cao Bu's arms, Gu Chuyan spoke softly, "Cao Bu, I should go."

Cao Bu nodded, his tone carrying a few words of caution, "Stay safe. This is the territory of the Great Chu Imperial Dynasty. Be careful in everything you do and don't be too conspicuous."

Gu Chuyan pecked Cao Bu on the lips, then turned and leapt off the spirit boat, disappearing into the dense forest below.

As a Demonic Cultivator, she was naturally going to handle the affairs of a Demonic Cultivator.

At the same time.

On the Martial Arts Square of the Great Chu Imperial Dynasty.

Tens of thousands of Imperial Guards were lined up in formation, waiting.

Their armor was bright, their Aura solemn and chilling, and their eyes scanned the surroundings, not daring to relax for a moment.

Emperor Xuan, the ruler of Great Chu; Empress Tang Shuying; and Crown Prince Chu Hao had already been waiting here for a long time.

Behind the three, the Civil and Military Officials stood in neat rows, their eyes fixed on the horizon, their faces full of anticipation.

Emperor Xuan stood with his hands behind his back, looking at Chu Hao with a hint of gratification in his voice, "Hao'er, I didn't expect you to bring such a great surprise to your Imperial Father."

"If you can truly form a bond with the daughter of the Gu Clan, then our Great Chu would truly be climbing high."

Chu Hao quickly corrected him, "Imperial Father, what are you saying? Although our Great Chu doesn't have as deep a foundation as the Gu Clan, we aren't much weaker either."

"Moreover, Little Yin and I have mutual feelings for each other. How can you call it social climbing?"

Emperor Xuan smiled and didn't dwell on it, "You're right."

"Now that our Great Chu and the Gu Clan are both Emperor-level forces, there's no need to intentionally lower our posture."

Tang Shuying, standing to the side, asked with some concern, "Hao'er, are you confident you'll pass this test?"

"I heard that the ones coming this time are the Gu Clan's Third Mistress, Su Li, and that Steward Cao."

"If you can't pass, this marriage proposal will likely fall through."

Chu Hao said confidently, "Don't worry, Mother. Little Yin and I share a bond. In my eyes, any test is just like a clay chicken or a pottery dog—utterly fragile and easily defeated!"

Emperor Xuan nodded with satisfaction, "It's good that you have such confidence."

"Although our Great Chu and the Gu Clan are both Emperor-level Clans, the gap in strength is not small."

"If this marriage is successful, our Great Chu will be able to rest easy for the next ten thousand years."

Tang Shuying also agreed, "Your Majesty is right. This time, we must pass the test no matter what."

She had already made up her mind to help her son pass the test, no matter what method it took.

Chu Hao nodded heavily, "Your son understands."

He looked toward the horizon, his eyes filled with confidence.

"Your Majesty, they're here!" an official behind them reminded.

Emperor Xuan and Tang Shuying looked up together to see a spirit boat trailing a long plume of Spiritual Qi, speeding toward them from the horizon.

The spirit boat was massive, with a large flag bearing the character 'Gu' fluttering in the wind, its Aura full of grandeur.

After entering the range of the Great Chu Imperial Capital, the spirit boat slowly decelerated and finally hovered steadily above the Martial Arts Square.

Under everyone's gaze, the spirit boat slowly descended.

As the spirit boat landed, Su Li stepped out first, followed closely by Cao Bu, Gu Feng, and the others.

Emperor Xuan hurriedly led Tang Shuying, Chu Hao, and the Civil and Military Officials forward to greet them.

When his gaze fell upon Gu Feng, he quickly adjusted his tone.

"I didn't expect Clan Leader Gu to come in person. Please forgive my lack of a proper welcome!"

As the second son of Gu Qingtian, Gu Feng was already famous among the top powers.

Emperor Xuan knew that Gu Feng had succeeded as the Clan Chief, but he hadn't expected him to come in person, leaving him both surprised and delighted.

Gu Feng's arrival undoubtedly made this test even more significant.

"Senior Emperor Xuan, there's no need for such formalities," Gu Feng said plainly, his tone somewhat distant. "This test is being fully arranged by my Elder Brother, Steward Cao. I'm just here to observe."

He was here to find an opportunity to get rid of Cao Bu; as for testing Chu Hao, he had no interest in it at all.

Along the way, he had never found a chance to strike, and he was already becoming impatient.

Hearing this, Emperor Xuan subconsciously cast an inquiring look toward Su Li.

Su Li nodded, "Fellow Daoist Emperor Xuan, Fenger is right. This test for Chu Hao will be arranged by Bu'er."

Emperor Xuan, Tang Shuying, and Chu Hao exchanged glances, all seeing the surprise in each other's eyes.

It seemed that Steward Cao's status within the Gu Clan was far higher than the rumors suggested.

Otherwise, with both the mistress and the Clan Chief present, there was no way it should have been Cao Bu's turn.

Emperor Xuan quickly composed himself and cupped his hands to Cao Bu, "Then I shall trouble Steward Cao."

Cao Bu smiled slightly, his tone gentle, "Emperor Xuan is too polite."

"If Crown Prince Chu Hao and Little Sister Yin are truly in love, then this test will not only not affect their relationship, but will instead make their feelings for each other even more steadfast."

Emperor Xuan nodded repeatedly, "Steward Cao is absolutely right."

Saying so, he stepped aside to introduce them, "Steward Cao, this is my Empress, Tang Shuying, and this is our Great Chu's Crown Prince, Chu Hao."

Chu Hao and Tang Shuying bowed together to Cao Bu, "Greetings, Steward Cao."

Cao Bu nodded in response, glancing at Chu Hao before his eyes settled on Tang Shuying.

Tang Shuying was dressed in a Phoenix-patterned Palace Robe. Her figure was slender and graceful, with a waist so slim it could be spanned by a hand. A Gold-thread Sash was tied around her waist, further accentuating the fullness of her chest.

The skin beneath her jade-like neck glowed with a lustrous sheen under the sunlight. With every glance, she exuded the elegance and nobility of an Empress, combined with the unique charm of a mature woman.

Her slightly youthful face formed a striking contrast with her voluptuous figure, making her exceptionally eye-catching.

Cao Bu nodded subtly.

This was indeed a rare beauty.

Withdrawing his gaze, Cao Bu looked at Chu Hao and said in a calm tone, "Crown Prince Chu Hao is quite handsome; he indeed makes a good match for Little Sister Yin."

"However, matters of the heart require caution. This test is also for your own good."

"Little Sister Yin is the darling of our Gu Clan; we cannot let her suffer any grievances here in Great Chu."

Chu Hao quickly stated his position, "Rest assured, Steward Cao. My feelings for Little Yin are witnessed by heaven and earth; there is absolutely no falsehood!"

Cao Bu nodded, "A person as reasonable as Crown Prince Chu Hao is indeed rare."

After some more pleasantries, Emperor Xuan gestured, "You've all had a long journey. A banquet has been prepared. Shall we talk while we eat?"

Cao Bu nodded, "Thank you for the trouble, Emperor Xuan."

Emperor Xuan smiled, "It is only right."

Having said that, he led Cao Bu, Su Li, and the others toward Tianyuan Hall.

The banquet was very grand. The hall was brightly lit, the tables were laden with delicacies, and there were dedicated musicians playing.

Emperor Xuan personally accompanied them, frequently offering toasts to Cao Bu, Su Li, and Gu Feng.

Chu Hao occasionally cast glances at Gu Yin. Gu Yin was a bit shy, only occasionally returning a smile.

Yun Shang and Yan Ruyu spoke very little, simply sitting quietly.

The banquet lasted until late at night.

After several hours together, both sides had become very familiar. Emperor Xuan, using the alcohol as an excuse, tried to probe Cao Bu for details about the test.

Cao Bu's lips were sealed; he didn't utter a single word.

This made Emperor Xuan feel quite frustrated.

After the banquet ended.

Emperor Xuan sent people to escort Cao Bu, Su Li, Gu Feng, and the others to the sleeping chambers prepared in advance.

Returning to his own chamber, Cao Bu dismissed the Eunuch who had led the way and closed the door. The hall instantly became quiet.

He stretched his wrists, walked to the center of the hall, and was about to sit cross-legged to Cultivate.

After two months of effort, the Breakthrough would happen today.

Just then, a soft knock came from outside the door.

Cao Bu's brow furrowed slightly as he asked in a deep voice, "Who is it?"

A familiar female voice came from outside, carrying a hint of intentional charm, "Steward Cao, it is I."