Chapter 177: Becoming a Target

Words : 1214 Updated : Sep 25th, 2025

Chapter 177 - 177: Becoming a Target"Shen An, thank you for showing mercy that day." Shui Bing'er took a step forward, her cheeks faintly pink as she spoke in a soft voice. That day, Shen An had defeated all challengers yet left her completely unharmed. It was impossible for her not to feel moved—though certainly not to the point of romantic affection, she held a favorable impression of him. Shen An chuckled lightly. "We're acquainted, after all. You even helped me out at the gate that day—this was nothing in comparison." Xue Qinghe, observing Shui Bing'er's demeanor toward Shen An, felt an uneasy premonition rise within her. Compared to the scatterbrained Shui Yue'er, Shui Bing'er struck Xue Qinghe as far more threatening. At this moment, she desperately wished Shen An would send them away quickly. She told herself this wasn't meddling in his personal affairs—no, it was merely concern for a friend's well-being. Yes, that was it. With Shen An's extraordinary talent, he should focus on cultivation and become a peerless powerhouse renowned across the continent. What if he grew complacent, distracted by such temptations? She couldn't bear to see such potential wasted. Outwardly, Xue Qinghe remained composed, but her mind raced with unspoken thoughts. "Wow! Tom and Jerry are dressed so formally! They're adorable—what are they up to?" Shui Yue'er's attention shifted to the true stars of the occasion. Hearing the praise, Tom and Jerry immediately puffed out their chests, adopting an air of dignified elegance while glancing expectantly at Shen An, urging him to explain on their behalf. Having someone else sing their praises was far more satisfying than boasting themselves. Amused, Shen An obliged. "They'll be performing at the banquet later. You can look forward to it." Shui Bing'er's curiosity was piqued as well. A performance by a cat and mouse? She couldn't help but feel anticipation. "Brother, when does the banquet start?" A silver-haired girl, delicate as carved jade, called out to Xue Qinghe. Then, spotting Shen An, she immediately pointed an accusatory finger. "It's him! Big Brother, this is the guy who bullied me! He flicked my forehead—it hurt!" Shen An rubbed his nose awkwardly. Being called out for teasing a child in front of her guardian was mildly embarrassing. But then his eyes brightened. "Ah, Little Princess, didn't your brother mention you love flowers? I still have—" Xue Qinghe abruptly cut him off with a cough. "Ahem! This is Shen An, a friend of mine. That day, he was just playing around. As a princess, you should be magnanimous." As she spoke, she shot Shen An a warning glance, her heart racing. She knew exactly what he was about to say—those flowers were still preserved in her room. "It's almost time. Shen An, you and Tom and Jerry can explore for now. I need to prepare." Without waiting for a response, she hurriedly ushered Xue Ke away, fearing another second might expose her secret. Best to keep Xue Ke away from Shen An in the future, she resolved inwardly. Once Xue Qinghe left, Shen An sensed a gaze fixed upon him. While continuing his conversation with the Shui sisters, he discreetly glanced back. A tall, broad-shouldered young man met his eyes, grinning to reveal a row of white teeth, his expression openly challenging. Shen An's brow furrowed briefly before smoothing over. Likely from a faction hostile to the Heavenly Dou royalty. They've marked me because of my closeness to Xue Qinghe. But he wasn't concerned. Fame inevitably brought trouble—such was the price of prominence. With his system's backing, his path was destined to shake the continent. Why should he fear the schemes of others? Sёarch* The NôvelFire.nёt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. More nobles streamed in, accompanied by graceful maidens in sheer silks who attended to their every need. Strangely, Shen An alone went unaccompanied—perhaps someone had given specific instructions. Soon, Shui Bing'er and Shui Yue'er were summoned by their elders, leaving Shen An alone with Tom and Jerry. He sighed. Now where am I supposed to go? No one briefed me on this. "Shen An, Tom and Jerry—His Highness the Crown Prince instructed me to escort you to your seats." Tang Yuehua appeared, her silver gown accentuating her noble elegance. She led them into a vast hall capable of seating thousands. At its center stood a raised platform for performances and duels, surrounded by tiered seating, each spot furnished with fine wine and delicacies. To Shen An's surprise, his seat was placed directly to Xue Qinghe's right—a position of unmistakable honor that even Tang Yuehua found remarkable. The hall was nearly full now, and Shen An recognized many faces— Huo Wu, Feng Xiaotian, Shui Bing'er, Lei Dong... Countless eyes lingered on him as nobles quietly speculated: Who is this youth, to merit such favor? "Shen An, I'll take Tom and Jerry now. They're scheduled for the grand finale." He nodded indulgently. The two had been eagerly awaiting this moment—he, too, was curious to witness the spectacle of cat and mouse sharing the stage. Meanwhile, the tall young man—Luo Fuji of the Balak Kingdom—watched Shen An's back with a predatory gleam. "This man is clearly close to Xue Qinghe. He must be a royal protégé." "I can't wait to break every bone in his body. The Heavenly Dou Empire is in decline—our Balak Kingdom could very well take its place." Yang Huo smirked. "The kid's barely grown. With your strength as a Soul Ancestor, crushing him would be effortless. Let me test him first." With that, Yang Huo swaggered toward Shen An, wine cup in hand, his gaze dark with intent. As he passed Shen An, he "accidentally" tipped his cup toward Shen An's head— Only for the wine to reverse course midair, splashing back into his own stunned face. The spectacle drew muffled laughter from onlookers. Shen An merely remarked mildly, "How careless of you—pouring wine on yourself like that." Yang Huo's face twisted with rage, but before he could retaliate, the arrival of Emperor Xue Ye, accompanied by Xue Qinghe and Xue Xing, forced him to retreat. "Just you wait," he hissed under his breath. "I'll see you in the dueling segment." Shen An responded with a serene smile. "Father, this is Shen An—my friend, a prodigious talent. He will represent our royal family in the coming events." Rising to his feet, Shen An's transcendent bearing drew the emperor's appreciative gaze. Behind him, Xue Xing's eyes flickered with recognition—and resignation. If Shen An aligns with Xue Qinghe, how can Xue Beng ever compete? Emperor Xue Ye smiled. "He does cut an extraordinary figure. Qinghe, I trust your judgment. Proceed as you see fit." Xue Qinghe inclined her head. "With Shen An's aid, our royal family's prestige will surely soar. And Father—do anticipate today's special performance." "Oh? Beyond Tang Yuehua's peerless music, what more could there be?" Xue Qinghe's lips curved mysteriously. "That, you'll have to see for yourself."

Chapter 177: Becoming a Target

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