Could a young boy whose meridians are naturally blocked and can't cultivate truly become a powerful cultivator of his generation? Besides, although Chu Mo is still young, he's already twelve or thirteen years old. At this age, he's still a good-for-nothing physically—can he really achieve anything worthwhile?

The emperor found it hard to believe, but this was something he had no choice but to accept.

In the end, he finally made a decision and said to Xia Zhenzhen, "In that case, you should spend more time with him. But remember: first, don't cause him any trouble; and second, don't harm him. Even if ultimately we determine he can't cultivate and has no great prospects, you mustn't harm him. This isn't only because his father is a general; it's also because his father is my brother."

The emperor looked serious as he spoke to Xia Zhenzhen.

"Father, don't worry. I know what to do," Xia Zhenzhen replied, practically pounding her chest with her answer.

Because at this moment, Xia Zhenzhen was almost completely convinced that her master wouldn't deceive her. If the master said that building a bond with this person would connect to immortality, then why not?

As for his ugliness... you get used to it after a while.

That was Xia Zhenzhen's thought; for the pursuit in her heart, she could throw caution to the wind.

Time passed, and Chu Mo grew day by day.

Xia Zhenzhen's visits to the Chu Mansion became increasingly frequent.

As time goes on, even the best-hidden secrets inevitably get revealed.

The news of Xia Zhenzhen secretly seeing Chu Mo eventually spread completely.

After receiving this news, Liu He was furious; it is said that Liu He smashed everything within sight on that day. That still didn't vent his anger—he also beat up his attendants until they were half-dead, leaving them just a breath away from death.

Then Liu He gathered the other four of the Imperial Capital's Five Young Masters to discuss this matter and come up with a plan.

"Boss, that Chu Mo boy is weak; just find an opportunity to take him out quietly and turn him into a eunuch—problem solved, right?" The suggestion came from Xiao Qiang, the fourth among the Imperial Capital's Five Young Masters.

Xiao Qiang's father is also a high-ranking official. On the surface, Xiao Qiang appears excellent, skilled in arts, literature, martial arts, and archery, with vast knowledge of history. But those who know him realize he's a true playboy who plays only at the highest level—most people aren't even qualified to hang out with him.

The second among the Five Young Masters is a rather composed man named Shen Jun. His father is a top noble in Great Xia, and his mother married a princess, making his mother the emperor's own sister, making Shen Jun a royal relative.

Having received royal education from a young age, he's very steady. Upon hearing Xiao Qiang's suggestion, Shen Jun shook his head and said, "That won't work; Chu Mo's life or death doesn't matter much. The key is his father. If we do this, none of us will escape!"

Xiao Qiang sneered dismissively, "Why? Just because Chu Tianji is a general? Don't be ridiculous. He has to bring gifts to meet my father every year..."

Before he could finish, Shen Jun said, "Fourth, first of all, Chu Tianji brings gifts to see your father, not you! Secondly, he does this just to ensure smoother military fund allocations. If instead of bringing gifts to your father, he went directly to the palace and complained, do you think the emperor, given his relationship with him, would support your father or the general who wields considerable power and has battled for the empire's territory and is also his brother?"

Xiao Qiang was momentarily speechless; he twitched his lips, struggling for words.

At this moment, Liu He nodded and said, "Second brother makes sense. We can't approach this matter head-on."

Xiao Qiang said, "But are we just going to stand by and watch as the Ninth Princess, such a peerless beauty, falls into that ugly guy's hands?"

Liu He shook his head coldly, then lightly said, "Of course not. Just because we don't act, doesn't mean others won't!"

"What do you mean?" Shen Jun lightly frowned, looking at Liu He. Liu He had been too much in the limelight lately, gaining enormous fame across the Imperial Capital and even all of Great Xia. This fame made him rather arrogant, and his relationships with the other four have grown distant.

This time, if not for this matter, Liu He might still not come to find them.

But ultimately, their childhood bond stood, and they felt obligated to help.

However, it seemed like Liu He wasn't truly seeking help but rather… confirming his decision? Or… dragging his brothers down with him?

Perhaps it was due to his childhood exposure to royals, but Shen Jun had developed a meticulous mind and never hesitated to assume the worst in people. Just like today's affair. Clearly, Liu He's mind was already made, and he might have...already quietly found assassins! Action may have commenced!

Then he brings this group together to advise him, making it seem like the impending event has nothing to do with him. When trouble hits, the four of them will have to back him up. Otherwise, they'd get implicated!

Xiao Qiang, seemingly clueless, was still indignantly trying to come up with ideas to help Liu He and even wanted to personally step in to break Chu Mo's leg. Simply naive!

Usually, Xiao Qiang is not this childish, but he truly treated Liu He as a brother—as a big brother.

Thinking of this, Shen Jun suddenly stood up and glanced at Liu He, "I suddenly remembered I've got something to do. Boss, rest assured, we brothers won't stand by. How about I go gather some rare stuff later, and you can give them to the Ninth Princess? Maybe it'll cheer her up."

The Imperial Capital's Five Young Masters were actually clever people. Shen Jun was meticulous, always thinking things through. Liu He was astutely intelligent, and in an instant, he realized Shen Jun had already figured something out.

He smiled and shook his head, "Forget it. Actually, the reason why I called all the brothers here today was just to unwind a bit. Firstly, I haven't seen you all for so long and really missed everyone. Secondly, this matter has indeed frustrated me a bit. Oh well, it seems everyone has been quite busy lately. How about this, some other day, I will host and we'll meet at Xiangyun Tower, and not leave until we're drunk!"

Shen Jun also laughed it off, smiling as he said, "Alright, don't let this matter weigh too much on your mind, Big Brother. Honestly, it's meaningless. Even if the Ninth Princess lacks judgment, she would never fancy someone like Chu Mo. Maybe she has other matters at hand. It's not good to follow the crowd blindly, otherwise, if you anger Chu Tianji, the killing god, it won't be fun."

Liu He narrowed his eyes slightly, then laughed along as well, "Don't worry, nothing will happen..."

After that, the five brothers dispersed directly.

Both the Third Young Master and the Fifth Young Master were the clever types who didn't speak much. After dispersing, they immediately ran off.

Shen Jun also hurried back towards his family, but soon, Old Fourth, Xiao Qiang, caught up from behind, "Second Brother, Second Brother, wait a moment."

Shen Jun's convoy came to a stop, then Xiao Qiang directly jumped onto Shen Jun's carriage and sat down, instructing the driver, "To Xiangyun Tower!"

The driver didn't move.

Xiao Qiang glanced at Shen Jun.

Shen Jun sighed helplessly and then said, "Alright, go ahead."

"Yes!" The driver finally responded and drove the carriage towards Xiangyun Tower.

In the carriage, the two brothers were both silent and didn't speak.

Xiao Qiang really wasn't that foolish, he was just rather righteous and loyal. Once he became hot-blooded, he tended to act impulsively. But the scene just now, of the five brothers dispersing unhappily, suddenly woke him up. Although he hadn't figured everything out immediately, he felt something was amiss.

So, he shamelessly tagged along, wanting to get answers from Shen Jun.

Half an hour later.

Inside a large and luxurious private room on the top floor of Xiangyun Tower.

Crash!

The clear sound of a cup being smashed was heard.

Then came an angry curse, "That bastard... how could he do this? Does he still consider us brothers?"

The one cursing was indeed Xiao Qiang. His face was flushed red, his eyes full of anger.

Shen Jun, however, remained leisurely, leaning against his chair as he lazily remarked, "He's currently favored by the emperor, and you probably don't know yet, the new appointment should come soon. He has already become the one with the highest status among the candidates of young talents."

Xiao Qiang had smashed a superb jade cup, yet still looked unsatisfied, standing there with his chest heaving violently.

His eyes were filled with disappointment.

In the end, he sat down in frustration and then said, "This is really unbelievable. What does this matter have to do with us? Second Brother, we must not get entangled in this."

Shen Jun sighed, "We've already been dragged into it. Today, we gathered, and as soon as we turned around, Chu Mo got into trouble. Anybody with common sense can see this matter is connected to us. Even if we want to distance ourselves, it can't be done!"

"No, there is a way." Once calmed down, Xiao Qiang's intelligence was equally high. Soon, he directly said, "Send someone to secretly pass a message to Chu Mo!"

"This..." Shen Jun hesitated a bit.

Because deep down, he actually didn't want Chu Mo to have a good outcome. Hardly anyone knew that he also had strong feelings for the Ninth Princess, Xia Zhenzhen.

"Don't hesitate anymore. If you keep hesitating, even our families will be implicated!" Xiao Qiang insisted.

"Alright!" Shen Jun finally nodded, making a decision. Because he knew very well that once Chu Mo runs into trouble, the ones who'll suffer… it won't just be Liu He. If Liu He is the main perpetrator, then all of them… will be accomplices!

This is just so damned!

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Update delivered.