Lu Feng and Zhu Zhuqing's engagement was officially sealed.
That evening, the Zhu family held a simple ceremony followed by an intimate family banquet, no extravagant celebrations, just a gathering of key members over a shared meal.
This wasn't due to Zhu Yan's frugality, nor any lack of respect for Lu Feng. It was simply the Star Luo Empire's tradition: pragmatism over pomp. No flashy displays for the sake of appearances.
Lu Feng deeply appreciated the custom. It eased the pressure on him and Zhu Zhuqing, letting them enjoy the moment without fuss.
The same long stone table, about 1.2 meters wide and over 10 meters long, was laden with hearty dishes: platters of roasted beef, whole chickens, fresh bread, and an array of fruits and desserts, all paired with fine wine.
The seating arrangement mirrored the last family dinner, with one addition: Dai Weis. The only notable change was Zhu Zhuqing now sitting beside Lu Feng, a clear nod to their new status.
Across from Lu Feng sat Thirteenth Aunt Xu Ruyun and Zhu Zhuyun.
Just the sight of that table sent a chill down Lu Feng's spine.
Mostly because of her.
Nearly two months had passed, but the psychological scars from Zhu Zhuyun's… footwork remained fresh. After the hands-on discipline she'd received last time, she should have learned her lesson especially with her fiancé right beside her.
....
Few rounds of drinks later.
Lu Feng's gaze drifted, seemingly by accident, toward Zhu Zhuyun.
At the same moment, her eyes flicked up to meet his.
Their stares clashed briefly before she looked away, nose slightly upturned, a barely concealed huff of irritation in her expression.
Then, Something brushed against his foot.
'Again?!'
Sure enough, the pointed tip of a high heel began tracing slow, deliberate circles along his calf.
Gulp. Lu Feng barely managed to swallow his wine without choking.
'Dai Weis is right there, and you're still pulling this?!'
'Guess last time wasn't enough of a lesson.'
'And you still pretend it wasn't you?'
Only two women at the table wore heels tonight: Zhu Zhuyun and Xu Ruyun.
But Xu Ruyun, as an elder, carried herself with poised elegance, her crimson heels a far cry from the black stilettos now teasing him.
Easily distinguishable.
After last time, Lu Feng had made a habit of noticing such details, especially in settings like this.
And tonight, that heel seemed bolder, more experienced.
Lu Feng inhaled sharply through his nose, forcing composure as he stealthily glanced down,
His breath hitched.
'Wait… red?!'
Lu Feng's eyes snapped back down.
Red.
It was definitely red.
A crimson high heel—
Thirteenth Aunt Xu Ruyun's.
His breath stalled.
Cold sweat drenched his back.
So it had been her at the last banquet too.
Which meant…
Zhu Zhuyun was innocent.
If he hadn't assumed it was her, he'd never have "disciplined" her so thoroughly.
This misunderstanding just escalated to catastrophic levels.
Across the table, Zhu Yan and Dai Weisheng were engrossed in a heated discussion about imperial affairs, completely oblivious.
Lu Feng's eye twitched as he slowly lifted his gaze to Xu Ruyun.
She noticed immediately.
Those liquid-dark eyes met his, a smirk playing at her wine-stained lips as she raised her glass in a silent toast. Every movement was still the picture of aristocratic grace—except for the deliberate way her heel dragged up his calf, the wicked glint in her stare as she took a slow sip.
Then, as if nothing had happened, she turned back to Zhu Yan, chiming into the conversation with effortless poise.
So it was you all along.
Masterfully hidden.
This is bad. This is really bad.
Lu Feng's mind short-circuited. He gulped down his wine, using the motion to hide his panic.
Using soul power here was impossible, with a Titled Douluo like Zhu Yan present, the slightest fluctuation would be detected.
Xu Ruyun, a Soul Emperor herself, looked like a stunning beauty in her early twenties, though her actual age was closer to thirty-eight.
But so what if she was a Soul Emperor? So what if she was drop-dead gorgeous? Did that give her the right to tease like this?
Lu Feng discreetly slid his hand under the table and pinched Xu Ruyun's foot with two fingernails.
The small foot beneath the table quivered and stilled for a moment.
But then, her movements grew even bolder. Another foot, clad in silky stockings, joined in.
Arrogant, way too arrogant!
If he couldn't fight it, he'd just have to lean into it.
Lu Feng was caught between torment and pleasure.
The torment came from keeping it hidden, this was too intense, with no way to let it out.
The pleasure? Her footwork was maddeningly skillful.
He couldn't help but recall the glimpse he'd caught earlier: Xu Ruyun's long, snow-white legs peeking through her sheer, openwork skirt, and her delicate jade feet.
It was too much to handle.
Just then, Dai Weisheng turned to Lu Feng with a friendly smile.
"Brother Lu Feng, what are your plans now? Have you considered joining our Star Luo Royal Academy?"
Lu Feng seized the chance to distract himself. "I appreciate the offer, but I've already discussed it with Father-in-law. Zhu Zhuqing and I will be heading to Shrek Academy for advanced training, secretly, of course."
"Shrek Academy?" Dai Weisheng frowned. "Can't say I've heard of it."
"They're extremely selective," Lu Feng explained. "Only geniuses under thirteen are admitted. The dean is the Golden Iron Triangle's Four-Eyed Owl, Flender. The campus is tucked away in a remote village outside Suotuo City."
Zhu Yan nodded in agreement. "Flender might not be the strongest, but he's one of the finest teachers out there. One of his former students is now the youngest elder in the Spirit Hall."
"An elder of spirit hall? That means… at least a Titled Douluo?" Dai Weisheng's eyes widened.
"Exactly," Lu Feng confirmed. "His teaching methods are unconventional, but effective."
"Makes me wish I could attend," Zhu Zhuyun sighed. "Too bad I'm way past the age limit."
"Why not just recruit this 'Four-Eyed Owl' for our royal academy?" Dai Weisheng suggested.
Zhu Yan shook his head. "We've looked into it. The man's stubborn, refuses to align with any faction. That's why his academy's stuck in some backwater village."
The Real Reason Behind the Decision
Zhu Yan had another motive for agreeing to Shrek Academy: to keep Lu Feng away from the Spirit Hall's clutches.
Recent intelligence reported that Hu Liena and Xue Qinghe envoy caravans had already entered Star Luo territory and were nearing the capital.
Not long after Ju Douluo's departure, the Spirit Hall had sent Hu Liena as a special envoy. Her goal? It was obvious.
Even, Xue Qinghe, crown prince of the Heaven Dou Empire, was making his first-ever diplomatic visit to Star Luo, likely because of Lu Feng.
News of his God-level martial soul awakening had spread like wildfire. Once Hu Liena and Xue Qinghe arrived, refusing their request to meet Lu Feng would be difficult and he might even want to see them.
Rumors painted Hu Liena as a soul-stealing seductress. If she managed to lure Lu Feng to the Spirit Hall, the loss would be unthinkable.
So, after consulting the Star Luo Emperor, Zhu Yan decided: send Lu Feng away.
No Lu Feng in the capital? No target for poaching.
And Lu Feng's proposal to train at Shrek Academy's isolated campus was the perfect solution.