Douluo Continent: Dark Demon God Biao, inheriting the position of an evil god

Wang Xian'er listened quietly.

After a long while, he let out a barely audible sigh.

She finally understood the emperor's helplessness and determination, and saw the surging undercurrents and the royal family's deep sense of crisis beneath the calm surface.

"I understand."

She slowly rose and gave Xu Jiawei a slight bow: "I hope Your Highness can successfully... complete your mission."

Xu Jiawei has made up his mind.

The plan to form a marriage alliance, or rather, to "deeply bind" Dai Yuntian, has been listed as one of the highest priorities of the Star Luo Empire. It is being personally supervised by the emperor and is being carried out quietly within a minimal circle of knowledge.

A few days later, an invitation with extremely formal wording and high etiquette was personally delivered to the White Tiger Duke's residence by the most trusted chief eunuch in the palace.

The invitation was written on specially made royal paper with a subtle gold patina and bore the personal seal of Emperor Xu Jiawei. The recipients were clearly stated:

Duchess Zhu Yun'er and her eldest son Dai Yuntian entered the palace for a "family banquet" three days later in the evening.

Please note that it is a "family banquet," not a typical grand palace banquet.

These two words carry immense weight in the political discourse between major powers.

This means that the banquet was not large in scale, and the participants were limited to core members of the royal family and a very small number of specially recognized "insiders". The atmosphere was relatively private, symbolizing the emperor's extraordinary closeness and trust in the invitees.

Moreover, the invitation specifically mentioned only Zhu Yun'er and Dai Yuntian, clearly taking into account the fact that Duke Dai Hao of the White Tiger was stationed at the border year-round and not at home.

……

"Family dinner?"

Zhu Yun'er sat alone in the flower hall, her fingertips brushing over the cool, gilded patterns on the invitation card, her beautiful eyes sparkling with a hint of amusement.

"Brother Hao is still eating sand at the border, so this 'family feast' was certainly timed perfectly."

She chuckled softly, her tone revealing neither joy nor anger: "It seems that the commotion Yun Tian caused at Shrek Academy has finally blown back to Star Luo City and into this deep palace."

A twelve-year-old Soul King with three 100,000-year Soul Rings. This news was nothing short of a mental earthquake for the Star Luo leadership.

The fact that the royal family reacted so quickly and adopted such a humble posture, while expected, also demonstrates the shock and urgency in His Majesty the Emperor's heart.

"This banquet, I'm afraid, is not really about the wine, but rather... about my precious son."

Zhu Yun'er muttered to herself, a sharp glint flashing in her eyes before turning into a composed smile: "Very well, let's see what he's made of. It'll be good to let those people in the palace see what kind of demeanor my son, Zhu Yun'er, is."

Her mind raced, and she had already made up her mind.

This banquet is a must-attend, and it must be attended in grand style.

This is not only about the Dai family's reputation, but also an excellent opportunity to showcase the Dai family to the outside world, especially to the royal family.

"Go and invite Young Master Yun Tian and Miss Lulu here."

She gave instructions to the personal maid who was standing to her side.

……

Dai Yuntian was currently in his courtyard, instructing Zhu Lu on gravity training, using the gravity-enhancing soul skills of the guards in his home to train her strength.

Since that night, Zhu Lu has become more like a charming young girl in front of Dai Yuntian, but she has also become more diligent in her cultivation, as if she wants to try to catch up with him.

Hearing his mother calling him, Dai Yuntian gestured for Zhu Lu to rest for a while and then rushed over.

Zhu Yun'er handed him the invitation and briefly explained the situation.

Dai Yuntian took the invitation, quickly glanced at it, and showed little surprise on his face. Instead, he revealed a knowing look of "I knew it."

He closed the invitation and casually placed it on the stone table beside him, saying in a flat tone, "Mother, the royal family moves very quickly."

"You don't seem surprised at all?" Zhu Yun'er raised an eyebrow.

"When you have enough strength, you will naturally attract attention, whether it's to win you over, to make you wary, or to suppress you."

Dai Yuntian smiled and said, "The royal family has chosen the 'smartest' option: to first show goodwill and test the waters. This 'family banquet' is probably not what it seems."

Zhu Yun'er's gaze suddenly turned cold: "You mean the Feast at Hongmen?"

"No, the royal family probably doesn't have that kind of guts."

Dai Yuntian shrugged.

If this were a Feast at Hongmen, who would truly be the King of Guanzhong? Who would be the Overlord?
Several years ago, Long Xiaoyao had already intimidated Xu Jiawei, so the probability of a trap was very low.

Zhu Yun'er asked curiously, "Then what does Yun Tian think this 'wine' is?"

Dai Yuntian glanced at Zhu Lu, who was walking over, and naturally put his arm around her shoulder before saying to his mother, "It's nothing more than a binding of interests, or... a marriage alliance."

He spoke very bluntly.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Lu stiffened slightly, looked up at him, and a hint of nervousness flashed in her eyes.

Zhu Yun'er laughed: "Then how do you plan to deal with it? That Princess Jiujiu is the most dazzling pearl of the Star Luo Empire. Not only is she of noble status, but her appearance and talent are also top-notch."

Dai Yuntian felt the tightness in the person in his arms, and tightened his arms slightly to comfort her.

He looked at his mother, then lowered his head to give Zhu Lu a gentle yet firm smile before looking up, his tone clear:
"No matter how dazzling the pearl, it is not what I seek. My fiancée, Dai Yuntian, is only Lulu. If the royal family offers benefits, as long as it does not harm the foundation of the Dai family, mutual benefit is acceptable. However, if they intend to use marriage as a bond to control and win over the other party..."

He suddenly changed the subject, his tone turning icy:

"Then I'm afraid His Majesty will be disappointed. I, Dai Yuntian, act according to my own conscience, dislike constraints, and would never use my marriage as a bargaining chip."

"We're going to this 'family dinner' just out of courtesy and to show our commitment. As for the rest... let things take their course."

As Zhu Yun'er watched her son embrace Zhu Lu with a resolute and composed expression, the last trace of worry in her heart dissipated, replaced by a feeling of pride and satisfaction.

Her son is not only exceptionally talented and capable, but also possesses superior character and wisdom. What's even more remarkable is his deep sense of loyalty and righteousness.

"it is good!"

Zhu Yun'er clapped her hands and chuckled, "Since my son knows what he's doing, then I'm relieved. In three days, our family will go and attend this royal 'family banquet'."

"Lulu should go too. Dress up nicely and let those with ulterior motives see what a truly perfect couple looks like, a match made in heaven."

Zhu Lu blushed slightly at Zhu Yun'er's words, but nestled beside Dai Yuntian, her heart was filled with a sense of security and sweetness.

She nodded gently: "Yes, I'll listen to Aunt and Brother Yuntian."

Although the news was not made public, the emperor hosted a "family banquet" and invited the wife and children of Duke Dai Hao of the White Tiger, who was guarding the frontier, especially Dai Yuntian, who had just become famous throughout the world.

This unusual move, like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, still stirred ripples within the elite inner circle of Xingluo City.

Those with a keen sense of smell understand that this is the royal family sending two possible signals.

Either this is a trap set for the Dai family, a chance to eliminate them completely.

It could just be a banquet to win over Dai Yuntian!

Regardless, the powerful families in the city have been losing sleep for the past few days.

For a time, undercurrents surged within Xingluo City.

Many families have adjusted their strategies toward the Dai family, with more people adopting a wait-and-see attitude and fewer attempting to get closer.

The once bustling Dai residence is now deserted. (End of Chapter)