547: Xiaojing Lake, Ruan Xingzhu

"Gratitude? You're overthinking it; I don't have the leisure to pity you."

"I simply feel that as we share the same lineage and the Duan Family has few descendants, you are at least someone of note. If you were to die outside like this, it would be the Duan Family's reputation that suffers."

"As for killing you? In my eyes, you are no different from an ordinary person. Even if I stood still and let you try, you couldn't kill me."

"To bicker with you? You can't even defeat my apprentice. Striking you myself would be beneath me."

"Enough, I won't say more. I have matters to attend to. After today, whatever you choose to do is your own business."

"However, do not let me find you doing anything detrimental to the Duan Family, even though nothing you do could truly affect me."

"But I am a man who dislikes trouble, do you understand?"

Having spoken, Duan Zhengchun didn't wait for Duan Yanqing's reply, turning to leave with Xiao Feng.

When they reappeared, they had already returned to the Prince's Mansion.

"Master, you brought me back in such a hurry; has something happened?" Xiao Feng looked at his Master with a solemn expression.

"Indeed, something major is coming, but that is a few months away. I brought you back to prepare for it," Duan Zhengchun nodded.

"Master, what exactly is it? Why does it require months of preparation?"

"With your strength, who in the entire Martial Forest could possibly be your opponent?" Xiao Feng was curious, wondering what could be happening.

For even his Master to take it so seriously, it definitely wasn't a trivial matter.

"Your Mistress will explain the specifics to you later. For now, I'm telling you that you aren't to go anywhere. Stay in the Prince's Mansion and Cultivate; your Mistress will provide the resources."

"In these next six months, increase your strength as much as possible. As for any impact on your Foundation, don't worry about it; I have my ways." Duan Zhengchun looked at Xiao Feng seriously.

Xiao Feng's expression changed. Increasing his strength as much as possible within six months—it seemed something significant was about to occur.

Master wanted him to grow stronger for self-preservation. This meant that whatever was happening in six months might be so dire that even someone as powerful as Master wouldn't be able to look after him.

What kind of danger could make his Master so wary? He couldn't imagine it, but following Master's instructions was surely the right path.

"Yes, Master. I understand. I will not disappoint you," Xiao Feng replied with a respectful nod.

Just then, Li Xunhuan walked over and bowed to Duan Zhengchun.

"Prince..."

"Li Xunhuan, what's been going on with your strength this past year? It hasn't improved at all!" Duan Zhengchun frowned at Li Xunhuan.

Duan Zhengchun's words made Li Xunhuan's heart tremble with a hint of nervousness.

Over the past year, he had been constantly doting on his Cousin Lin Shiyin, leaving little time for Cultivation.

Furthermore, he already planned to marry his Cousin.

He had intended to inform Duan Zhengchun, but since Duan Zhengchun was rarely at the Prince's Mansion, he hadn't had the chance.

"Forgive me, Prince. I truly haven't had time to practice my skills lately," Li Xunhuan bowed awkwardly to Duan Zhengchun.

"No matter. I said back then that you were only to stay by my side, and it has been over a year now."

"From now on, whether you stay or leave is entirely up to you."

"But before that, I'll give you a warning: troubled times are coming. Without great strength, you won't even be able to protect those close to you."

"That is all I have to say. Decide for yourself."

"Alright, that's all. You may go." Duan Zhengchun waved his hand.

Li Xunhuan hadn't expected Duan Zhengchun to call him just for this, making him feel somewhat guilty for failing Duan Zhengchun's previous trust and assistance.

If not for Duan Zhengchun's warning, he wouldn't have known that Long Xiaoyun was such an insidious and despicable hypocrite.

Although he was ostensibly guarding the Prince's Mansion during this time, he hadn't actually done much.

After all, with Duan Zhengchun's reputation, who would be foolish enough to come looking for trouble?

Thus, his days at the Prince's Mansion had been very leisurely.

Duan Zhengchun's decision left him feeling a sense of remorse.

He couldn't just leave like this; otherwise, his conscience would never be at peace.

However, what did Prince Duan mean by "troubled times are coming"? He was already at the Great Grandmaster Late Stage Realm.

He was only one step away from the Heavenly Human Realm. Had he not neglected his Cultivation this past year, he was confident he could have achieved a Breakthrough to the Heavenly Human Realm.

If it were true, he really needed to improve his strength. It seemed he had to hurry and Cultivate during this time.

After making his instructions and settling things, Duan Zhengchun left the Prince's Mansion once more.

His goal this time was clear: to complete his tasks as much as possible.

Speaking of which, the original owner of this body seemed to have two more confidantes: Ruan Xingzhu and Kang Min.

Ruan Xingzhu was fine, but as for Kang Min—forget it. That woman was restless and ruthless. He wouldn't have minded if it were just that...

...but she was capable of killing her own flesh and blood just to climb the social ladder. That was something he couldn't accept.

So, Kang Min was out, but he could go look for Ruan Xingzhu.

Xiao Jing Lake was near the Kingdom. With a flash of his figure, he appeared by the lake. He casually snapped a bamboo stalk and gave it a shake.

Instantly, the bamboo leaves fell away. Finding a fishing line from somewhere, a rocking chair appeared beside him. Duan Zhengchun lay down and cast the bamboo rod.

Just like that, he lay on the rocking chair and leisurely began to fish.

Yes, fishing. He didn't go directly to the bamboo hut at Xiao Jing Lake to find Ruan Xingzhu.

Ruan Xingzhu was the Eldest Young Miss of the Ruan Family. Normally, she would have to marry someone of equal social standing, but now that he had appeared, she wouldn't be getting away.

"Young Miss, please just come back with me. Today is the deadline Master set. If you don't return, Master will send people to drag you back," a Maidservant said anxiously, pulling at a girl in green. The girl had a peerless face, and her eyes especially sparkled like stars in the sky.

A faint, playful smile seemed to linger on her lips, and her whole being exuded a spirited charm.

This person was none other than the Eldest Young Miss of the Ruan Family, Ruan Xingzhu.

"Hmph! My father wants me to marry Vice Minister Liu's son, Liu Mang. I won't do it! I'd rather die than marry him."

"If he's so capable, let him come and catch me. If he dares to force me, I'll commit suicide right in front of him!" Ruan Xingzhu turned around stubbornly and glared at the Maidservant.

Seeing her Young Miss's expression, the Maidservant knew she couldn't be persuaded.

She also understood the Young Miss's thoughts. Vice Minister Liu's son was a profligate and incredibly ugly; he only had a good father.

That father was Liu Kun, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of War. The Ruan Family were merely merchants and relied on the Liu Family's protection to grow their business.

There wouldn't have been such an opportunity, but a chance encounter led Liu Mang to see Ruan Xingzhu, after which he began to propose marriage to the Ruan Family.