Time rewinds to one minute earlier.
Li Chang'an entered the room, arm in arm with Zhu Zhuqing, carrying a gift box in his hands.
After Zhu Zhuqing officially introduced Li Chang'an as her boyfriend, he gently opened the box and presented it to the Zhu family Matriarch.
"This is just a small token from your future son-in-law," he said politely. "I hope Auntie will accept it with a smile."
"Hmph! Who do you think you are? Bringing some lousy cabbage as a gift and expecting to be welcomed? Leave my daughter alone! You're not worthy of her!"
With a sharp tone, the Zhu family Matriarch smacked the gift box to the ground without hesitation.
Dai Weisi, standing to the side, looked surprised as he spotted the item now lying on the floor—it resembled an ordinary cabbage. But then his expression changed.
"Wait a second... Isn't that the legendary Daffodil Jade Flesh bone? The rare Immortal herb that allows a Spirit Douluo to break through and ascend to a Title Douluo?"
Li Chang'an raised an eyebrow and gave Dai Weisi a faint look. "Well, at least someone here knows the value of things."
"You must be mistaken, Your Highness," said Zhu Lingmao, frowning in disbelief. "How could someone like him possess such a rare Immortal herb?" But even as he spoke, unease was creeping into his heart.
At that very moment, a thunderous voice rang out from outside:
"Platinum Bishop Murong Xue of Spirit Hall, accompanied by eight Red-robed Archbishops, respectfully comes to greet the Holy Son!"
As the words fell, Murong Xue, dressed in full regalia, descended from the sky with eight Red-robed Archbishops in tow. They landed in perfect formation, then dropped to one knee before Li Chang'an.
"You... you're the Holy Son of Spirit Hall?" The Zhu family Matriarch staggered back in shock, clutching her chest. Zhu Lingmao and Zhu Zhuyun were equally stunned, their breathing suddenly erratic.
The Holy Son of Spirit Hall—that title spoke volumes. There was no need for further explanation. Just a few days ago, the Holy Son had stirred up chaos in Heaven Dou City and forced the entire city to bow to his will.
As for whether Li Chang'an's identity was fake? That wasn't even worth questioning. Murong Xue was a notoriously proud individual—he wouldn't kneel to anyone short of Spirit Hall's top brass. Even the Emperor of the Star Luo Empire might not be enough to make him bend the knee!
Li Chang'an gave a slight smile and nodded casually, as if his identity was nothing special.
"Murong Bishop, and all of you, please rise," he said with a calm demeanor. "I didn't expect that a simple visit to my future in-laws would cause such a stir. I must apologize for the trouble."
He even wore a look of mild embarrassment, as if surprised by their arrival. Of course, only Zhu Zhuqing and Murong Xue knew the whole thing was pre-arranged.
"As you command!"
"You all may return for now. I'll come to Spirit Hall once I'm done here," Li Chang'an said next.
"We shall wait here for the Holy Son," the nine of them responded, almost falling over themselves to show respect, giving Li Chang'an full face.
"Very well, sorry to trouble you all." Li Chang'an gave them an apologetic glance, then turned to look at the Zhu family Matriarch and Zhu Lingmao.
Just then, two more voices called out from outside:
"Li Buwei, representative of the Li Chamber of commerce in Star Luo City, and Hong Liang, representative of the Hong Chamber of commerce, respectfully greet Young Master!"
Two middle-aged scholars entered side by side. These were none other than the heads of the two most influential Chamber of commerce in the region—currently in their golden age.
Li Chang'an scratched his head, looking a bit sheepish. "Ah, Auntie, I forgot to mention—I've invested in both these Chamber of Commerce. You could say I'm half their owner."
His words were spoken as if they were no big deal—like he'd casually commented on the weather. But in the ears of the Zhu family members, it was another brutal blow to their pride.
The Zhu family was indeed powerful, but only within the Star Luo Empire. This man, however—this Holy Son—his influence stretched across the entire continent. With the backing of two major Chamber of commerce, they were simply not in the same league.
"Alright, you may all rise and wait to the side."
Once the 'planted supporters' were arranged, Li Chang'an turned back to the Zhu family Matriarch with a warm smile.
"Auntie, Uncle… may I have your blessing to marry Zhuqing?"
"Of course, of course! Holy Son, how could you say such a thing? We're honored beyond words that you would even consider our Zhu family. Please, have a seat!"
———
Li Chang'an didn't stay long at the Zhu residence. Although he couldn't promise to love only Zhu Zhuqing, he still gave her and the Zhu family a formal commitment. He also sent Dai Weisi away and had the Star Luo Emperor retract the marriage edict.
If it had been any more excessive a demand, he might not have dared to ask, especially considering the Star Luo Empire's martial pride. But this one was fine—after all, he had just turned Heaven Dou City upside down not long ago. His reputation was at an all-time high.
He also made it clear to everyone that what happened today was not to be publicized—not until his engagement to Zhu Zhuqing was officially announced.
With the Zhu family matters settled, Li Chang'an went to inspect the operations of the Hong and Li Chamber of commerce in Star Luo City. He showed appreciation for their hard work and acknowledged their achievements.
All in all, only a day had passed.
He and Zhu Zhuqing stayed one night in Star Luo City before planning to return the next day.
To be honest, Li Chang'an hadn't expected everything to go so smoothly. But sometimes, revealing your status and "making a statement" really was more effective than fighting.
After all, in this world, sheer martial strength didn't always dictate a family's rise or fall—unless, of course, one became a Title Douluo.
On the morning of their departure, Murong Xue approached him with a strange, almost sheepish look.
"Holy Son," he said, "what you did yesterday at the Zhu family—I found it quite fascinating. Would you be willing to teach me a few tricks?"
Li Chang'an blinked. Seriously? This guy has a hobby for grandstanding? But seeing Murong Xue's rare display of humility, he couldn't turn him down.
"Uncle Murong, your martial soul is snow, right? When you make your entrance, have snowflakes fall first, then reveal yourself dramatically."
"Also, turn your face slightly to the side as you appear. Adds a sense of mystery."
"But to be clear, we don't call it 'showing off'—we call it Manifesting Divine Presence. That's the scholarly term."
"The highest form of this? Invisible Flair. Subtle. Effortless."
"Let me teach you a few classic lines."
"Had the heavens not birthed me, this continent would have known eternal darkness!"
"At the end of the Spirit Master's path—throughout Heaven and Earth—I alone am the honored one."
Murong Xue's eyes sparkled. "Holy Son, you're amazing! Just hearing those words stirs my blood—I want to try them right away!"
Li Chang'an stood up and cupped his fists. "Alright then, I'll be off. Take care, Uncle Murong."
'Hopefully, I haven't led him too far astray…'
Because his goal wasn't just to be a master of theatrics.
He wanted to become something far greater.
A king among kings in the art of making an entrance.
____
T/N:
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