A month ago, preparations for the palace banquet had already begun. Every year, the Burke Royal Family hosted a grand feast, inviting nobles, ministers, and wealthy merchants. It was a prime opportunity for families to connect, and those with influence eagerly anticipated the palace’s invitation. Entire galaxy systems would also pay attention to this event.
During this time of the year, Chu Wenyu often makes an appearance and then disappears, leaving everything in the hands of the steward. However, this year was a bit different, with Jiang Ling’s presence making him slightly more attentive. After all, he had personally overseen the tailoring of Jiang Ling’s custom suit.
In the evening, the tailored suit was finally delivered to Chu Wenyu’s room. The well-cut charcoal gray suit was neatly laid out on the bed. Its smooth lines broke the monotony of the suit, and the exquisite embroidery on top added an air of nobility. The embroidery had been done by a master specializing in traditional Chinese embroidery culture.
Chu Wenyu reached out and touched the fabric, finding it satisfactory, at least a decent match for Jiang Ling.
“Would you like to try it on?” Chu Wenyu raised his eyes to the casually dressed Alpha, and said awkwardly.
“Your Majesty, this is?” Jiang Ling was confused.
“In a few days, there will be a palace banquet. I’d like you to accompany me, and this suit is prepared for you,” Chu Wenyu replied. This would be Jiang Ling’s first appearance on Burke, and it was also a kind of warning to the public. Thinking about his own feelings, Chu Wenyu blushed uncomfortably.
“Has the relationship between Burke and Charles improved recently?” Jiang Ling, aware of his own sensitive identity, was cautious. Attending such a large-scale banquet and dressing so elegantly could easily send a signal of goodwill.
“No, the border regions are still testing each other,” Chu Wenyu replied candidly in front of Jiang Ling.
“My identity is quite sensitive; it’s better if I don’t attend.” Jiang Ling always recalled the fate of the villain from the original story. He worried that if he were to cure Chu Wenyu’s spiritual illness, the butterfly effect might cause Chu Wenyu to go easy on the male protagonist due to his influence. Jiang Ling knew that the male protagonist would never spare the villain, and he didn’t want to affect Chu Wenyu.
Chu Wenyu hesitated, feeling somewhat embarrassed. He hadn’t even considered this issue; he just wanted to show his face with his people.
“I’m just a castaway from Charles Star. Your safety is more important; don’t let me influence you,” Jiang Ling added, keeping this matter in his mind. In the original book, the male protagonist would lead fleets of warships into Burke Star to unify the interstellar realm, so he didn’t need to worry. But Chu Wenyu had a tragic end, and he cared only about Chu Wenyu.
“It’s fine. Jiang Ling, you’re not a castaway here,” Chu Wenyu said, his eyes fixed on Jiang Ling.
Chu Wenyu had always done as he pleased, and he still hoped that he could be seen together with Jiang Ling by others. It satisfied his secret desires, regardless of anything else.
“Never mind, I’ll help you put it on,” he picked up the suit, a faintly expectant expression appearing on his usually cool face.
Jiang Ling smiled helplessly and bent down to make it easier for the person in the wheelchair to reach him. He looked at the monarch, who still seemed relatively gentle, with his eyes lowered as he fastened the buttons. His eyelashes were both thick and long, and he looked quite delicate from this angle, except for the parts of his upper face obscured by the mask.
“Your Majesty, I also want to take a closer look at this…” Jiang Ling thought for a moment and tentatively touched the smooth mask, requesting.
The person who had been in a good mood changed his expression, pursing his lips and shaking off Jiang Ling’s hand. He was still the same Chu Wenyu.
Chu Wenyu didn’t know why he resisted so strongly, as if there was a barrier. Jiang Ling had accepted his legs and his identity. Could he also accept his face?
“Don’t move…” Chu Wenyu said with a serious expression as he fastened the last button.
Chu Wenyu had a good sense of aesthetics, and the suit looked even better on Jiang Ling, elegant and noble. Every move and gesture exuded the demeanor of a prince.
He looked carefully and felt that something was missing, but he quickly figured it out. He added emerald cufflinks to Jiang Ling’s cuffs, and only then was he satisfied.
Alpha leaned against the wall, the dress accentuating his slender figure. His fine golden hair was neatly tucked behind his ears, and those captivating azure eyes carried a hint of passion and tenderness. However, it was clear that he had little awareness of his own appearance, appearing quite casual.
Chu Wenyu gazed at Jiang Ling, momentarily stupefied by the sight. His Alpha was exceptionally perfect. If only he possessed formidable spiritual talents, the entire interstellar realm would go crazy for him.
Fortunately, this remarkable person belongs to him.
Zheng Ziang’s organization was renowned for its strength, consisting of talented healers from the top academies across various galaxies. In truth, Zheng Ziang had some fame within the organization. Besides his S-tier talent, his home planet, Burke Star, ranked among the top nations, and its academy boasted substantial excellence. In the entire interstellar realm, apart from the undeniable supremacy of the Holy Dan Academy, there were constant rivalries among the top academies of various galaxies.
The man defeated by Jiang Ling was named Wang Chong, hailing from a rather average galaxy. He held no significant status within the organization. However, he had never failed to dominate during his routine encounters. Consequently, after this humiliating loss, a deep-seated resentment began to consume him. He immediately began venting his frustration in their private group chat.
Of course, he conveniently omitted his own provocation that had led to the confrontation. Instead, he turned the tables, accusing the members of Warwick organization of lacking etiquette and belittling them because of their unorthodox academy backgrounds.
He brought the personal grudge between himself and Jiang Ling into a conflict between academy and non-academy factions within the organization. So, even though the members were aware of his usual behavior, they were riled up.
Moreover, most of them came from noble backgrounds, used to looking down on others rather than being looked down upon. They immediately yelled to defend the honor of their academies.
What Wang Chong hoped for was to see Jiang Ling suffer just as he had, bathed in blood. Thus, he directly mentioned Zheng Ziang in the chat.
Zheng Ziang was a skilled member within their organization, ranking within the top 500 on the scoreboards. Among the younger generation, he was considered a competent healer. Although he could be a bit aloof at times, Wang Chong could only rest easy with him by his side.
Reluctantly, he had to admit that Jiang Ling was indeed considerably stronger. But what did that matter? Considering the latter’s background, he probably was lurking on some trashy planet right now.
According to his experience, the anonymous ones were always civilians from lowly backgrounds, let alone mingling with such a group of people.
Wang Chong: Thanks for the support, brothers. But I’d like to ask Brother Ziang to show up and assert our dominance.
Zheng Ziang was currently receiving an invitation from the royal family as one of the representatives of Burke Star’s top academy. He was thrilled. Although his family held a respectable position on Burke Star, advancing further had become exceedingly challenging recently. Moreover, his several cousins were rising fast, so he needed the Emperor’s recognition and attention at the upcoming banquet to boost his chances of inheritance.
Thinking about this, Zheng Ziang also remembered that he had been having a heated fight with the daughter of the Han family. To gain her family’s support, he couldn’t afford to mess up.
Zheng Ziang: No need. Those losers from that organization probably won’t need my appearance.
Wang Chong was getting anxious. He had already promised in front of those people that Zheng Ziang would participate. Not showing up now would be a huge blow to his reputation.
Wang Chong: Brother Ziang, are you really not going? This guy called Little Jiang actively requested to spar with you. And from what I’ve heard, he reached Lv3 within the last month.
At this point, Zheng Ziang hesitated for a moment, evidently provoked by Jiang Ling’s audacity.
Zheng Ziang: Fine, it’s just a bunch of trash from that organization. Although he has defeated you, it’s not difficult to win against you. Let’s set a time.
Wang Chong felt a flicker of anger but managed to suppress it. After all, Zheng Ziang held more authority within the organization.
Meanwhile, the Warwick team on this side was discussing strategies one after another. They had heard of Zheng Ziang’s reputation long ago. He’s only 22 and has reached the strength he has now; indeed, he’s a prodigy. They couldn’t help but feel proud for Jiang Ling.
Xiao Jia: Captain, how about we try to stop Little Jiang? Zheng Ziang is really extraordinary. If Little Jiang’s confidence takes a hit, I’ll blame myself.
Xiao Yi: Yeah, we were the ones who insisted on recruiting him. We can’t shirk our responsibility. By the way, I have an idea. Since we’ve set the time with Wang Chong for 8 o’clock, why don’t we keep it a secret from Little Jiang? When the time comes, we can send someone to stand in for him.
Captain: I’ve already sent him the match time in a private message. Although he’s never online during the day, you never know if he’s seen the message.
Xiao Jia: I still think it’s a bad idea. Maybe I should go apologize and cancel this match.
She’s been upset all day, and even though Wang Chong caused all this trouble, she’s willing to swallow her pride for the sake of her teammates.
Captain: Let’s wait for Little Jiang to come online.
However, their deliberations seemed to be in vain because even at 7:50, Jiang Ling still hadn’t logged in.
Xiao Jia: She suddenly breathed a sigh of relief. Little Jiang will understand us.
Captain: Wang Chong is still provoking in the forum. At this point, Little Jiang probably won’t show up. I’ll talk to Wang Chong.
In the World Forum:
Wang Chong: Why hasn’t he shown up yet? Is he scared? He was so arrogant yesterday, turns out he’s just all talk!
Zheng Ziang: I’m here as agreed. Where are you? Don’t waste my time if you don’t dare to come.
Wang Chong: I knew he was just trash from that organization. Wins one game and acts all high and mighty? Tsk, I feel embarrassed for him.
Seeing the conversation in the World Forum, the members of the Warwick team felt uneasy. However, they were relieved that Little Jiang hadn’t appeared yet. The captain looked at the time, which was indeed approaching, so he prepared a set of explanations.
Captain: Little Jiang is indeed not feeling well today, so…
Just as he started typing, he noticed a familiar avatar light up.
Jiang Ling: I’m sorry, I’m late.
They had set the time too early, and at this hour, he was usually giving the villain a massage. Today, Chu Wenyu was particularly clingy, and he had to massage him with a stern face for a long time. Not sure if it was to make up for his previous bad temper. When it was getting close to the match time, Jiang Ling quickly settled the villain in bed and wished him goodnight.
Experiencing a conspiracy in this world for the first time, there was no chance he’d pass up the opportunity to face off against Zheng Ziang.
The captain was momentarily stunned and had no choice but to continue with his previous words, tremblingly: So… he overcame his physical difficulties and made it…
Hello, everyone ヾ(＾∇＾). I hope you enjoyed the story! If you’re feeling generous, please buy me a coffee, share/comment on my translated works! Check out the link below for early chapters. (๑>ᴗ<๑)
