Chapter 83: Xue Gui

“To be honest, I’m really not interested. Joining the Supreme Gate won’t help my strength much, and it would only delay my investigation into the Primordial Realm. Why should I bother? If you want, I’ll recommend you to His Majesty and let you take my place. I’m sure the emperor would agree.” Chu Han managed a helpless smile. Of all people, Duanmu Meng’er should understand his strength best. Even though the Supreme Gate was filled with masters, it truly held no appeal for him. In his previous life, he was a Celestial Lord—compared to him, the Supreme Gate was nothing.

What mattered most to him now was looking into the Primordial Realm, then entering it to search for the final part of the Thunder Emperor’s Law. With that complete, his power would increase exponentially—far better than anything the Supreme Gate could offer.

“Chu Han, are you sure? I’ll let you think about it again. You should know, opportunities to enter the Supreme Gate don’t come often. If you refuse now, I won’t give you the chance again, even if you regret it later.” The emperor sounded somewhat exasperated; he’d never expected his reward to be refused. But this was also what he most admired about Chu Han—the way he regarded all things with utter confidence, a confidence that came from deep within.

Chu Han was about to refuse again when Duanmu Meng’er leaned in to whisper in his ear, “Don’t be so stubborn. I know more about the Supreme Gate than you do. I’ve heard they possess a secret method to enter the Yin-Yang Realm and even reach its pinnacle. Surely that interests you?”

Her words gave Chu Han pause—he hadn’t expected the Supreme Gate to have anything truly worthwhile. He had already broken through to the Dao Palace using his own power, but the Yin-Yang Realm was something else entirely. He’d thought it impossible to reach that realm on his own, yet the Supreme Gate apparently held such a secret method.

It was impossible not to feel tempted. If he could rely on his own strength to step into the Yin-Yang Realm, the benefits would be immeasurable, not least greatly increasing his chances of becoming a Celestial Lord again.

As he considered this, he fell silent. Who knew how long the affair of the Primordial Realm would be delayed? The secret method to reach the pinnacle of Yin-Yang was right before him—he knew which choice to make. It was wiser to seize the opportunity at hand.

“Very well, I’ll join the Supreme Gate,” Chu Han yielded. After all, he was quite interested in the secret method for reaching the peak of Yin-Yang. He didn’t think Duanmu Meng’er would deceive him; she had nothing to gain from it.

With his agreement, those who thought him a fool fell silent, though their gazes turned venomous. The emperor, however, smiled with satisfaction and continued announcing the rewards. The rest consisted of gold and other material prizes, none of which interested Chu Han.

At last, the ceremony ended. Chu Han and his companions returned to the inn. While Chu Han rested in his room, the little prince came in.

“Be careful in the days to come. Those who argued with you at court owe much to the Tang Royal House and all support Tang Feng. Now that you’ve received what should have been his, they’ll definitely try to get back at you—there are plenty who envy you too.” The little prince gave his warning earnestly. Chu Han smiled and nodded. In truth, he hadn’t given those people a second thought. If they wanted to oppose him, all the better; it would help him establish his reputation in the imperial capital, making things easier for Tang Hao in the future.

Seeing Chu Han’s composed expression, the little prince said no more. He knew Chu Han’s strength—so long as he stayed alert, even if those men acted, they wouldn’t be a match for him.

The next day, Tang Hao went to receive his baronial title, while Chu Han wandered the streets of the capital alone. In the distance, Night Rain came galloping over. “Ha! Chu Han, didn’t expect to see me, did you? I told my father I wanted to find you, and he agreed right away!”

“Why don’t you stay in your palace and play the princess? What do you want with me? If you’re really so bored, why not return to the Xuanming Sect? You were staying there before anyway.” Chu Han was exasperated. Ever since he’d disciplined her at Mount Mangdang, she seemed unable to leave him alone—practically glued to his side, much to his helplessness.

Had she forgotten about the time he spanked her? The thought made him glance mischievously at her, only to be caught by Night Rain.

“You scoundrel! You’re not planning to spank me here, are you? No way—there are so many people around. I am a princess, after all. Give me some face and don’t do it here,” she said, her cheeks flushed.

Hearing her say this, Chu Han nearly fainted, though he was secretly delighted. It seemed his earlier discipline had had its effect; the once arrogant and domineering princess had disappeared, replaced by someone who truly fit the role.

Before he could reply, a mocking voice sounded not far away. “Well, if it isn’t the newly-titled baron’s son, Chu Han. What are you doing here with the princess? You should know the princess is already engaged. If her fiancé sees you two together, you’ll be in for trouble.”

A lavishly dressed man stepped out, his smile half-mocking, as he quietly instructed his men to fetch reinforcements.

“Marvin, what business is this of yours? I’ll spend time with whomever I wish. Even my father can’t stop me! And as for a fiancé, I only have a betrothal—I’ll tell my father to annul it. I don’t like him in the least.” Night Rain had returned to her old, fiery self, pointing at Marvin’s face and unleashing a tirade. As a princess, Marvin couldn’t argue back; he could only listen, though his gaze toward Chu Han grew all the more malicious, as if Chu Han were the one berating him.

Chu Han was left speechless by the awkwardness. He hadn’t known Night Rain was engaged; otherwise, he wouldn’t have grown so close to her. Marvin’s sinister glare was wasted—he hadn’t said a word.

He was about to speak when another voice called out from the distance, “Night Rain, are you all right? Don’t worry, I’m here!”

A man in armor rushed over, seized Night Rain by the hand, and began to lead her away, oblivious to anyone else. Chu Han could only step aside, bemused by this hothead.

Night Rain struggled, but her opponent was too strong; no matter how she fought, it was futile. She could only shout, “Xue Gui, let go! I have nothing to do with you. Chu Han, save me!”

Hearing her cries, Chu Han frowned. So this was Night Rain’s fiancé. Still, grabbing a girl’s hand so forcefully was hardly proper—her wrist was already red from his grip.

Just as Xue Gui was about to drag Night Rain away, he felt his own wrist caught. A calm voice sounded, “Let go. Didn’t you hear the lady ask you to let go? Are you deaf?”

Seeing Chu Han step in, Marvin was overjoyed. This was exactly what he wanted—to set Chu Han and Xue Gui against each other, making it easier to deal with Chu Han. The fame of Chu Han and Tang Hao had left everyone envious.

“Let go of me, or don’t blame me for being rude.” Xue Gui’s voice was cold, his gaze frosty as he clenched his left fist, ready to strike at any moment.