Chapter 85: Duke Zhu Xuanfeng's Invitation — But I Only Want Zhuqing!
In the Third Prince's mansion in Star Luo City, as soon as Dai Mubai saw Lin Yu's true intentions toward Zhu Zhuqing, his heart surged with both fury and frustration.
Although Dai Mubai had never even met his fiancée in person, the idea of being publicly humiliated like this—having someone try to steal his fiancée in front of so many people—was unbearable. If Lin Yu succeeded, his disgrace would spread across the entire Douluo Continent!
[Dai Mubai (furious): @Lin Yu, what do you think you're doing? Zhu Zhuqing is my fiancée! Our engagement is protected by both the Star Luo Royal Family and Duke Zhu's clan. If you dare break it, you'll face the wrath of both our families!]
Within Star Luo City, both Emperor Dai Tianfeng of the Star Luo Empire and Duke Zhu Xuanfeng of the Nether Clan pondered deeply as they read Dai Mubai's message. Indeed, their families' marriage alliance was under their joint protection. Anyone trying to interfere would be met with their united fury.
But Lin Yu was different.
Despite his claim of wanting to take Zhu Zhuqing, neither Dai Tianfeng nor Zhu Xuanfeng immediately condemned him. They both secretly hoped Lin Yu would try.
If Lin Yu truly wanted Zhuqing, he would have to meet with her, meaning he might come to Star Luo City. And if Lin Yu did show up, they could seize him—along with whatever extraordinary powers and rewards he possessed. This could also give them a significant edge in future live Q&A sessions, earning them tremendous benefits.
Yet, knowing Lin Yu's cautious nature, both leaders doubted he'd make such a reckless move.
[Zhu Xuanfeng: Haha! I had no idea our Nether Duke's daughters were so captivating. Even someone as remarkable as you, Lin Yu, has taken an interest!]
[Zhu Xuanfeng: But it's a shame, Zhuqing is already betrothed to the Third Prince. However, we have many fine women in the Nether Duke's clan. If you're interested, Lin Yu, come to Star Luo City. Aside from Zhuqing and Zhu Yun, you may choose any unmarried girl from our clan.]
Zhu Xuanfeng, keen to lure Lin Yu in, extended an olive branch by offering the rest of the clan's eligible women, knowing full well that breaking the engagement publicly was off-limits. Whether his offer was genuine or just a ploy remained uncertain.
[Lin Yu (smirking): @Zhu Xuanfeng, thanks, but I'm not interested in any of your clan's women. I don't want anyone else—I only want Zhuqing!]
Damn it!
Once again, Lin Yu brazenly stated his desire for Zhu Zhuqing in front of the entire live stream, enraging Dai Mubai even further.
Yet, while Mubai fumed, Zhu Zhuqing was unexpectedly moved. Her cold, distant face softened as she read Lin Yu's words. She had never met him before, but no one in her entire life had ever said they would protect her. No one had ever told her she was important.
Lin Yu had said it twice now.
Having grown up in a family where she felt constantly unsafe and unloved, Zhu Zhuqing's heart was unexpectedly touched by Lin Yu's bold declarations.
However, despite her feelings, Zhu Zhuqing ultimately decided to decline his offer. She didn't believe Lin Yu had the power to protect her and feared she might only drag him down.
[Zhu Zhuqing (conflicted): @Lin Yu, thank you for your concern, but we aren't suited for each other right now. You shouldn't come for me; it would only cause you trouble.]
Lin Yu felt a pang of sympathy reading Zhu Zhuqing's response. She had rejected him, asking him not to come for her. What a noble girl.
But Lin Yu's intentions were never truly to take her away—he simply wanted to prevent her from harboring any unnecessary hopes toward Dai Mubai, as in the original story. He also wanted her to know that someone out there cared for her, and was willing to stand by her.
Yet Lin Yu had no immediate plans to go to Star Luo City to retrieve Zhuqing.
[Lin Yu: I understand. But believe me, one day I'll have the strength to protect you!]
Despite his intentions not to follow through on his words right now, Lin Yu reassured Zhu Zhuqing, letting her know that he still intended to grow strong enough to safeguard her in the future.
This only served to further incense Dai Mubai, while Zhu Yun—Zhu Zhuqing's elder sister—seethed with jealousy. Why did Lin Yu care so much for Zhu Zhuqing? Did he think so little of her, Zhu Yun?
As the live stream drew to a close, a system announcement echoed in everyone's mind.
[Ding! This live Q&A session is now over. The stream will close in three minutes. You may freely exit the room.]
[The next live stream will take place in 15 days!]
With the next session set for 15 days later, many participants sighed, remembering that the questions posed after longer gaps tended to be more challenging. They hoped the next round would be easier.
...
After leaving the live stream, Lin Yu sat on a smooth rock in the middle of a quiet forest, lost in thought.
Since arriving in Douluo Continent and gaining the live Q&A system, he had taken the opportunity to mess with Tang Hao and his son, Yu Xiaogang, and recently Dai Mubai. In doing so, he had purged much of his dissatisfaction from his past life.
But now, what did he truly want to achieve in this world?
To hold power over the world by day, and enjoy the company of beautiful women by night? Well, the latter was appealing, but Lin Yu wasn't particularly interested in the former.
He didn't want the hassle of being an emperor. What Lin Yu truly desired was to become an unstoppable, invincible force in this world.
Having clarified his goals, Lin Yu's mind shifted to what else he wished to change in the Douluo Continent. As a traveler from another world, he knew all about the tragedies looming in this world's future—and he intended to change them.
The Spirit Hall needed reform, but it must not be destroyed. If the Spirit Hall fell, there would be no one left to deal with the Evil Spirit Masters, nor would there be anyone to regulate the order among spirit masters. This would be disastrous for the common people.
Furthermore, Lin Yu also wanted to change the relationship between humans and soul beasts, hopefully developing a more advanced system where humans and soul beasts could grow together and live in harmony.