Chapter 31: Summoned by the Royal FamilyXiao Li followed Mu Qinglan through the inner corridors of the Core Court, heading toward the Secluded Pavilion—a place where only special guests were entertained.The moment they arrived, he felt it.

    A powerful aura pressed down on the surroundings, subtle but undeniably oppressive.

    Inside the pavilion, a figure dressed in luxurious robes stood with their back to him, facing the spiritual waterfall that flowed behind the pavilion’s balcony.

    Beside them, a black-robed man stood silently, his gaze as sharp as a blade.

    Xiao Li’s instincts immediately sharpened.

    "Foundation Establishment Stage 9… this isn’t an ordinary servant."

    Mu Qinglan stopped and bowed slightly.

    "We’ve arrived."

    The luxuriously dressed figure finally turned.

    A young woman, no older than twenty, with crimson-red eyes and flowing silver hair, looked directly at Xiao Li.

    Her beauty was ethereal, but her presence carried an undeniable sense of authority.

    She spoke softly, yet her words carried absolute weight.

    "You are Xiao Li."

    It was not a question.

    It was a statement.

    Xiao Li met her gaze evenly, unfazed by her status.

    "And you are?"

    The woman smiled slightly.

    "I am Feng Lizi, third princess of the Azure Kingdom’s Royal Family."

    The surrounding disciples outside the pavilion gasped.

    "A princess?! She’s here in person?!"

    "Why would someone of her status summon Xiao Li?"

    Xiao Li, however, remained calm.

    "I didn’t expect royalty to be so interested in me."

    Feng Lizi studied him, her crimson eyes gleaming with intrigue.

    "Your rise has been… unprecedented."

    "First, you break the Spirit Measuring Tablet."

    "Then, you dominate the Academy Tournament and defeat Liu Tian with ease."

    "And finally, you’re personally accepted into the Core Court by a Core Elder."

    She took a step forward.

    "The Royal Family does not ignore such talent."

    Xiao Li smirked.

    "So? What does the princess want from me?"

    Feng Lizi’s smile deepened.

    "A deal."

    She gestured toward the black-robed man beside her.

    "This is my personal envoy. He has information about a mission that only someone of your strength can handle."

    The envoy stepped forward, handing Xiao Li a golden scroll.

    Xiao Li opened it.

    The words inside were brief, but deadly.

    ???? Mission: Investigate the Forbidden Ruins in the Northern Wastes.

    ???? Target: Unknown entity awakening beyond the Mortal World.

    ???? Danger Level: Extreme.

    A silence fell over the room.

    Even Mu Qinglan’s expression became serious.

    "The Forbidden Ruins…? That place has been sealed for centuries." S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Xiao Li’s eyes gleamed.

    "Interesting."

    Feng Lizi tilted her head.

    "So? Will you accept?"

    Xiao Li grinned.

    "Of course."

    Because he could already tell—this mission would change everything.