The Dragon Phoenix Manor was abuzz with excitement.
The Youhan Grotto-heaven had launched an invasion, but a Saint Realm expert was slain by the Dragon Emperor, who had burst onto the scene out of nowhere. Another powerhouse had his arm severed by Manor Lord Chen Zhou and fled in disgrace.
When Chen Zhou and the others returned triumphant, everyone erupted in celebration.
Never before had there been such a satisfying victory.
The Dragon Phoenix Manor had held a grudge against the Youhan Grotto-heaven for ages. Every time the other side caused trouble, the people of the Dragon Phoenix Manor had to swallow their pride and avoid confrontation. Over the years, this had become so ingrained that even the disciples of the Dragon Phoenix Manor would hang their heads when they ran into those from the Youhan Grotto-heaven. The moment they spotted each other, they'd give each other a wide berth.
Almost every disciple of the Dragon Phoenix Manor harbored deep resentment toward the Youhan Grotto-heaven.
This time, the enemy had invaded without provocation, sending all their experts. Everyone thought the sect was doomed.
But the outcome stunned them all.
From the accounts of the disciples who had participated in the battle, the sect's overwhelming victory was entirely thanks to the sudden appearance of the Dragon Emperor.
And that Dragon Emperor was none other than Sun Yu—the name on everyone's lips for the past two years!
The majestic golden dragon soaring through the sky, radiating divine might beyond comprehension, had been witnessed firsthand by most people.
"With the Dragon Emperor's arrival, our sect's revival is all but guaranteed. He took down Yan Zhi of the Saint Realm with only the seventh level of the Shenyou Realm. Give him a few more years, and he'll be standing shoulder to shoulder with Saint Realm third-level powerhouses."
"That's right, that's right. During the fight with Yan Zhi, I saw him just standing there without even moving, looking calm and composed—like winning was effortless for him."
"So you're saying he didn't use his full strength?"
"Of course not. If he had, I doubt even Bai Jingchu would have escaped."
"Incredible! The Dragon Emperor inheritance in our manor really is something else. I also heard that when the Dragon Emperor entered the Dragon Valley two years ago, he was only at the seventh level of the Zhenyuan Realm. Two years later, he showed up at the seventh level of the Shenyou Realm. That growth rate is just insane."
"I grew up with the Dragon Emperor since we were kids... I knew he was no ordinary person back then. Now it's proven! Hahaha!"
"Really? Any special news you can share with us?"
"Special news... well, there is one, hehe, but it won't be of any use to you."
"Then who's it useful for?"
"Naturally, it's for the eligible young ladies in the manor who haven't picked a partner yet... Let me tell you—the Dragon Emperor doesn't have a dual cultivation partner to this day!"
"Well, if any girl catches his eye, wouldn't she be soaring to new heights overnight?"
"Exactly, exactly... Haven't you noticed how many senior and junior sisters have been heading to the Dragon Emperor's place these past few days? Good thing the Manor Lord moved him to a separate palace, otherwise he wouldn't even get a moment's rest!"
"..."
Throughout the Dragon Phoenix Manor, discussions were buzzing everywhere. Disciples gathered in clusters of three or five, and every conversation revolved around Sun Yu.
This Dragon Emperor, who had burst onto the scene seemingly from nowhere, was one of the most powerful figures the Dragon Phoenix Manor had produced in years. It was precisely because of the Dragon Emperor and the Phoenix Queen that the Dragon Phoenix Manor had become a preeminent force.
Unfortunately, after the inheritance was severed many years ago, the sect had gradually fallen into decline.
Now, with the Dragon Emperor's inheritance resurfacing, everyone believed the Phoenix Queen's emergence couldn't be far behind.
Of course, that ultimately depended on the Dragon Emperor's wishes. After all, he would be the one choosing a lifelong companion.
Manor Lord Chen Zhou had been running around busily these past few days, handling the myriad trivial matters following the great battle. Elder Ling Jian, having proven himself an exceptional mentor to his disciples, had been promoted to Grand Elder of the Dragon Phoenix Manor—a position of great authority and real power, second only to Chen Zhou himself.
...
Inside a grand, magnificent palace of the Dragon Phoenix Manor, the hall was vast, its floor covered with thick fur carpets. The walls were adorned with all manner of rare and precious stones.
The entire hall appeared to contain hidden formations within, making the spiritual energy inside extremely dense.
This had originally been the palace where Manor Lord Chen Zhou resided, but a few days ago he had handed it over to Sun Yu to live in.
Outside the palace, Dragon Phoenix Manor experts lurked in the shadows, their auras vast and enduring as they stood guard. Anyone who attempted to approach the palace would immediately catch their attention.
Though the Dragon Emperor was unmatched in divine might, he was still just a sixteen- or seventeen-year-old youth. Chen Zhou was quite concerned about his safety, worried that something unexpected might happen, and naturally had deployed some defenses near his residence.
A dozen or so zhang beyond the palace walls, a group of beautiful young women gathered together, chattering away.
Each of these young women was exceptionally pretty—they had been cultivated within the Dragon Phoenix Manor specifically for male disciples to choose as dual cultivation partners.
Several dozen young women stood outside, some slender, some curvaceous, each with a different charm and bearing, creating a dazzling spectacle.