Zhou Li, as a 3rd stage Primordial Essence Realm expert, was naturally far beyond Chu Yun, who was only at the 4th stage Condensed Star Realm.
Thus, this pressure was something Chu Yun simply could not bear.
He felt as though a mountain had been pressed onto his shoulder.
The pain was unbearable. His face instantly turned pale, and large beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.
“Brother Chu Yun, what is wrong with you?” Zhou Li asked with a faint upward curl of his lips, revealing a barely noticeable smile as he pretended to be concerned.
Zhou Kun and Zhou Ning, standing nearby, were somewhat puzzled when they saw Chu Yun’s condition. However, since their strength was inferior to Zhou Li’s, they did not notice anything unusual.
Chu Yun clenched his teeth, enduring the pain. A trace of ruthlessness flashed in his eyes.
He naturally knew Zhou Li was deliberately targeting him, but he did not dare to reveal it. He could only suffer in silence.
Still, Chu Yun was not someone without backbone. He quickly adjusted himself and forced out a response, “I… I am fine. Thank you for your concern, Prince of Han.”
Zhou Li felt secretly pleased, and the smile on his face grew even brighter.
He continued his act of concern, “Ah, Brother Chu Yun, cultivation is important, but one must also balance work and rest.”
“Look at you. You are working too hard. I truly cannot bear to see such a talented genius of the Sacred Martial Immortal Empire exhausting himself like this.”
As he spoke, Zhou Li suddenly changed his tone. “How about this? I will help adjust your bones a little. Consider it my small contribution.”
“No, no, no… AHH!!” Chu Yun cried out in pain.
You dare put a green hat on me.
Zhou Li mocked inwardly, the corner of his lips lifting into a smug smile. “Ah, Brother Chu Yun, you must endure it. It may hurt a little at first, but it will feel better afterward.”
Chu Yun looked toward Zhou Kun with a pleading expression.
Your Highness, save me!
But Zhou Kun, seeing Zhou Li kneading Chu Yun’s shoulder, felt an urge to laugh.
This Fourth Brother is truly a fool. His own Princess Consort is involved with another man, yet he is here massaging that very man’s shoulders.
Zhou Li naturally noticed Zhou Kun’s smile, which made him want to laugh as well.
Thinking about it, it was truly amusing. If he remembered correctly, Chu Yun also had an affair with the Princess Consort of Zhao. Nangong Yan’er, no matter what, had not crossed that final line yet, but that royal sister-in-law was a different story.
At that thought, Zhou Li’s smile grew even wider.
Meanwhile, Zhou Ning, seeing both Zhou Li and Zhou Kun smiling, could not understand what was happening.
After a while, Zhou Li clapped his hands lightly and said, “Alright, Seventh Brother, Second Brother, I have matters to discuss with Father Emperor, so I will take my leave.”
Zhou Li turned and left. Chu Yun rubbed his shoulder, his eyes filled with resentment.
Zhou Kun and Zhou Ning watched Zhou Li’s departing figure. Zhou Kun still had a smile lingering at the corner of his lips.
Seeing this, Chu Yun felt both humiliated and furious, yet he did not dare to act out.
He forced himself to remain composed and said, “Your Highnesses, if there is nothing else, I shall take my leave as well.”
With that, he hurried away.
…
Zhou Li went directly to the Martial Emperor’s study. The old eunuch standing outside immediately bowed respectfully when he saw him. “This servant greets the Prince of Han.”
Zhou Li glanced at the old eunuch and instantly felt that this man’s strength was unfathomable.
“Eunuch Lu, there is no need for such courtesy. I have important matters to discuss with Father Emperor. May I ask if he is inside?”
“Replying to Your Highness, His Majesty is currently cultivating.”
“Oh, then please inform Father Emperor that I am waiting outside,” Zhou Li said.
Eunuch Lu smiled ingratiatingly. “Your Highness need not wait outside. His Majesty has already issued an order that if the Prince of Han arrives, he must not be stopped.”
“Oh?” Zhou Li felt a hint of surprise.
So this Emperor father of mine dotes on me this much?
He adjusted his clothes and strode into the study.
Inside, the Martial Emperor was seated cross-legged on a cushion, faint light radiating from his body. Clearly, he was still cultivating.
Zhou Li did not dare to disturb him and stood quietly to the side, waiting.
After a long while, the Martial Emperor slowly opened his eyes. Upon seeing Zhou Li, a gentle smile appeared on his face. “Li’er, you have come to see me today. Is there something you need?”
This supreme ruler of the Sacred Martial Immortal Empire, the sovereign of ministers and the strict father of princes, showed only a father’s kindness toward Zhou Li.
Zhou Li stepped forward and said respectfully, “Father Emperor, can I not come to see you without a reason?”
“No, I am not lacking spirit stones. I simply came to play a game of chess with you.”
“Oh? You know how to play chess?” The Martial Emperor looked surprised.
“I have studied a little recently. I understand it somewhat.”
“Good. Come then!” With a wave of his hand, a chess table appeared before them.
“Then I will seek your guidance.”
Zhou Li and the Martial Emperor began their match. At first, Zhou Li played cautiously, while the Martial Emperor appeared completely at ease.
However, after several rounds, the Martial Emperor gradually frowned. He had not expected Zhou Li’s chess skills to improve so greatly, even beginning to rival his own.
“Li’er, your chess skills have improved quite a bit,” the Martial Emperor said while contemplating his next move.
Zhou Li smiled. “Father Emperor, I study chess manuals whenever I have free time. Naturally, I have improved.”
The Martial Emperor’s eyes sharpened slightly before he let out a soft laugh. “Hmm. It seems what has improved is not just your chess skills.”
“Father Emperor is wise. I know I cannot hide it from you, nor do I wish to.”
“At such a young age, you are already about to break through to the 4th stage Primordial Essence Realm. Li’er, have you finally decided to stop pretending?” the Martial Emperor asked with satisfaction.
Zhou Li shook his head slightly. “Father Emperor, revealing my strength now would only attract unnecessary attention.”
“Very well. Since you have your own plans, as your father, I will naturally support you. When the day comes that you astonish the world, I will make you the Crown Prince to inherit my throne.” As he spoke, the Martial Emperor placed a piece on the board.
Zhou Li also placed a piece and said, “I do not wish to inherit the throne. From beginning to end, it belongs to Crown Prince Brother. How would I dare to overstep?”
“You brat, you are just like your mother. Back when I established the Empress, your mother also refused the position.”
“The throne that the world fights over with bloodshed, yet you and your mother both disdain it. Very well. Since you are unwilling, I will not force you. When you have thought it through, tell me again,” the Martial Emperor sighed.
Afterward, father and son played dozens more moves.
Zhou Li finally placed a piece and smiled slightly. “Father Emperor, you have lost.”
The Martial Emperor looked at the deadlock on the board and burst into hearty laughter. “Hahaha, it seems I have grown old!”
Seeing that the moment was right, Zhou Li immediately spoke. “Father Emperor, although I do not want spirit stones, you were correct. I did come to ask for something.”
“Oh? What is it?”
“I wish to request two Hidden Dragon Guards to serve as my maidservants.”