Three days later...
The Eternal Imperial City was more lively than ever.
Colorful lanterns hung from every street.
Countless cultivators, nobles, and envoys from powerful sects poured into the capital.
Today was no ordinary day.
It was the annual Emperor's Banquet.
A celebration where the Noctis Eternal Empire welcomed its allies, displayed its strength, and rewarded outstanding talents.
More importantly...
It was a battlefield without swords.
Every smile concealed a scheme.
Every toast carried hidden intentions.
Inside the Crown Prince's Palace...
Lucien stood before a full-length mirror.
He wore a black imperial robe embroidered with golden dragons and silver ravens.
His long black hair was tied neatly behind him with a jade crown.
The robe perfectly complemented his tall figure.
Even Elena, who had seen him almost every day for twelve years, paused for a brief moment.
She quickly lowered her head.
"Your Highness..."
"You look... very dignified."
Lucien noticed the slight pause and smiled faintly.
"Only dignified?"
Elena blinked.
A rare look of embarrassment appeared on her usually calm face.
"...The most handsome man in the Empire."
Lucien chuckled softly.
"That sounds better."
Seeing him joke...
Even Elena couldn't help but smile.
Outside...
A luxurious carriage stopped before the palace.
Grand Marshal Kael Varos personally came to escort the Crown Prince.
"Your Highness."
"The banquet is ready."
Lucien nodded.
"Let's go."
The Imperial Palace...
The Hall of Eternal Heaven.
Thousands of crystal lamps illuminated the magnificent hall.
The leaders of countless forces had already taken their seats.
The Moonlight Sacred Land.
The Azure Sword Pavilion.
The Blazing Sun Sect.
Ancient clans.
Foreign kingdoms.
Even merchants whose wealth rivaled nations.
At the highest seat...
Emperor Adrian Draven Noctis quietly observed the hall.
Then—
The herald announced loudly,
"His Imperial Highness..."
"The Crown Prince..."
"Lucien Draven Noctis!"
The massive doors slowly opened.
Lucien entered calmly.
Every conversation immediately stopped.
Countless gazes turned toward him.
Some admired him.
Some feared him.
Some envied him.
Others...
Wanted him dead.
Lucien ignored them all.
His pace remained steady as he walked toward his seat below the Emperor.
Among the guests...
Sylvia Evermoon had also arrived.
Her Master had unexpectedly permitted her to attend the banquet as the representative of the Moonlight Sacred Land.
She wore a flowing silver dress adorned with moon crystals.
The moment Lucien entered...
Their eyes met.
Lucien gave a slight nod.
Sylvia returned the greeting with a gentle smile.
It lasted only a moment.
Yet...
Elena noticed it.
She quietly looked down at the wine in her cup.
For some reason...
It suddenly tasted bitter.
The banquet officially began.
Beautiful dancers entered the hall.
Musicians played ancient melodies.
Servants poured spirit wine for every guest.
The atmosphere gradually relaxed.
Until—
A young noble suddenly stood.
He bowed respectfully toward the Emperor.
"Your Majesty."
"I have long admired His Imperial Highness."
"I respectfully request a friendly exchange."
The hall instantly became quiet.
Everyone knew what that meant.
A duel.
The Emperor looked toward Lucien.
"The decision is yours."
Lucien calmly placed his wine cup on the table.
"I accept."
The young noble smiled confidently.
"My name is Victor Ashen."
"The eldest son of House Ashen."
"I seek only guidance."
Lucien walked to the center of the hall.
"No weapons."
"No cultivation."
"One move."
Victor frowned.
"One move?"
Lucien nodded.
"If you remain standing after one move..."
"I lose."
Murmurs spread throughout the hall.
"Too arrogant."
"He's underestimating his opponent."
Even some ministers shook their heads.
Victor was a renowned genius of the younger generation.
One move?
Impossible.
Victor took a deep breath.
"As you wish."
He threw a powerful punch toward Lucien's chest.
At the last instant...
Lucien moved.
It wasn't fast.
Nor flashy.
He merely shifted half a step.
Victor's balance collapsed.
Before he could react—
Lucien gently tapped two fingers against Victor's shoulder.
A ripple of spiritual energy spread through his body.
Victor's legs instantly gave way.
He fell to one knee.
The hall fell silent.
Lucien hadn't used brute force.
He had simply exploited Victor's momentum and struck a weakness in his spiritual flow.
One move.
Exactly as promised.
Lucien extended his hand.
"You've trained well."
"But remember..."
"Strength without control becomes recklessness."
Victor looked up in surprise.
Instead of humiliation...
He found respect in Lucien's eyes.
He accepted the offered hand.
"Thank you for the lesson, Your Highness."
As Victor returned to his seat, many of the younger geniuses looked at Lucien differently.
He hadn't crushed Victor to display superiority.
He had taught him.
Even Emperor Adrian's eyes reflected quiet approval.
Sylvia watched the scene with a soft smile.
"He could have embarrassed him..."
"Instead..."
"He chose to earn his respect."
Her admiration quietly deepened.
Meanwhile...
Prime Minister Cedric observed everything in silence.
The Crown Prince was becoming more popular.
Among nobles.
Among sects.
Even among the younger generation.
That...
Was dangerous.
Very dangerous.
Hidden beneath the banquet table...
Cedric gently crushed a jade token.
Far away...
Someone received the signal.
The conspiracy had entered its next stage.