As soon as Xu Jiawei spoke, both Zhou Sichen and Elder Xuan froze in place.
Although Xu Jiujing said nothing, she turned her face slightly, offering no rebuttal—clearly not opposing the idea.
Everyone present was sharp-minded. For Xu Jiawei to propose a political marriage involving Xu Jiujing was certainly not a spur-of-the-moment decision.
Now that Elder Xuan had revealed Zhou Sichen’s status as the next-generation successor to the Sea God Pavilion, it was clear that Zhou could never marry into another family.
On the other hand, Xu Jiujing was the most talented member of the Star Luo imperial family in generations. Her Star Crown martial soul was even more exceptional than her brother Xu Jiawei’s. She was almost guaranteed to become a Title Douluo in the future.
Would Xu Jiawei really be willing to give her away to Shrek? And wasn’t he worried that the Star Crown Martial Soul would be forever bound to Shrek Academy instead?
Given Zhou Sichen’s standing within Shrek, and the overwhelming talent he had shown, his future was limitless.
Sending Xu Jiujing to marry him was, effectively, sending away the royal family’s most powerful future bloodline.
Even someone like Elder Xuan, who was notoriously dim in political matters, could clearly see the risks involved.
Zhou Sichen’s smile faded slightly. "Your Majesty, do you truly understand what you’re suggesting?"
Xu Jiawei sighed. "I’ve thought long and hard about this. It was only after learning that you are the heir to the Sea God Pavilion that I finally made this decision."
"But this engagement wouldn’t take effect immediately. It would only become official once you actually succeed the Pavilion Master. When that time comes, the entire Star Luo Empire would stand behind you."
Zhou Sichen couldn’t help but laugh—speechless.
"Your Majesty, are you serious? Wait until I take over the Sea God Pavilion? By then, I might already have several children. And you want Princess Jiujing to be engaged to me? Are you suggesting she become a concubine to a man who already has a family?"
There was a subtle hint in his words: Zhou Sichen already had someone he liked.
Xu Jiawei replied in a calm, steady tone, "I’m proposing this because the current state of the continent is growing increasingly unstable. The Sun Moon Empire’s ambitions are no longer hidden. If they confirm the political instability among us, they may well launch an all-out attack on the Three Great Empires. I’m making this decision as a precaution. If such a day ever comes and Star Luo falls, I hope you’ll remember your engagement to Jiujing and preserve the Star Crown bloodline."
Zhou Sichen quickly raised his hands. "Your Majesty, you’re overthinking this. The Three Empires have always stood united. If that day comes, none of us will stand idly by. Shrek will be the first to charge into battle. There’s no need to worry so much."
Elder Xuan chuckled. "I think it sounds like a fine arrangement—so long as the little princess doesn’t mind that Sichen already has other girlfriends. Shrek will welcome her any time."
Zhou Sichen frowned. "Elder Xuan?"
Elder Xuan waved his hand. "Sichen, not everything is as simple as it appears. His Majesty has made himself quite clear. As a man, are you really going to turn this down?"
Now Zhou Sichen was truly puzzled.
This wasn’t part of the original story at all.
Sure, he had stirred the butterfly’s wings and changed many events already.
But an engagement to Xu Jiujing? That was beyond even the wildest deviations.
Looking more carefully at Elder Xuan’s expression and tone, Zhou Sichen suddenly understood.
So that’s where he disappeared to...
He must have secretly gone to negotiate this with Xu Jiawei.
Could this even have been Grandmaster Mu En’s plan all along?
But this wasn’t a joke.
The heir to the Sea God Pavilion marrying into the Star Luo imperial line—specifically their most talented heir in a hundred years?
If there wasn’t some sort of deeper strategy at play here, Zhou Sichen wouldn’t believe it even if you beat him over the head with it.
If he actually married Xu Jiujing and had a son, that child would have royal blood from Star Luo and be the heir to Shrek.
That kid could literally return and become emperor.
Suddenly, Zhou Sichen’s eyes widened.
He had been so preoccupied with the Snow Empress embryo that he hadn’t thought this all the way through.
But now, the implications of replacing the Star Luo Empire were starting to become clear.
He was beginning to grasp the deeper intentions behind Elder Mu’s plan.
But why hadn’t they just told him directly? Why make him guess?
In that moment, Zhou Sichen felt a jolt in his heart.
Maybe... this was Elder Mu’s way of testing him.
Let’s set aside why Xu Jiawei would agree to this in the first place.
Right now, the engagement with Xu Jiujing seemed to be part of a long-term strategy to eventually replace the Star Luo throne.
Elder Mu had seen into Zhou Sichen’s heart—he had perceived the ambition Zhou was suppressing deep down.
And because of Zhou’s unprecedented talent, Elder Mu believed there was a real chance that he could succeed.
So now, the old man had begun laying the groundwork—but without giving Zhou direct instructions. Instead, he left it up to Zhou to discover it for himself.
As long as Zhou truly had such thoughts, everything would proceed naturally from there. The future was already being set in motion.
Zhou Sichen finally exhaled, then smiled wryly. "Elder Xuan, you and Teacher Mu really are something else..."
Elder Xuan, seeing Zhou’s change in expression, silently praised him in his heart.
This little monster really is a freak of nature—to figure it out this quickly.
Zhou Sichen narrowed his eyes. "Elder Xuan... don’t tell me you’ve already disclosed my abilities to His Majesty?"
Elder Xuan waved his hand. "That was Elder Mu’s decision. Without revealing a bit of our true cards, there’s no way His Majesty would’ve dared bet the royal family’s future on an outsider."
Xu Jiawei dropped all pretense and lightly patted Zhou Sichen on the shoulder. "The Xu family rose to power midway through the dynasty. That kind of rise always demands bold action. Now that I’ve been given the chance to get on board early, of course I’m willing to take a gamble. Your talent and potential are unlike anything the world has seen. Maybe—just maybe—you can actually achieve it."
Zhou Sichen smiled faintly. "Even if it fails, Your Majesty doesn’t lose much. You’re still an emperor. As expected of someone who holds the throne—nothing about you is simple."
Off to the side, Xu Jiujing blinked in confusion. "Brother? Senior? What are you two even talking about?"
She had been briefed on Zhou Sichen and had agreed to learn more about him—with the possibility of a marriage alliance.
But Zhou’s martial soul and abilities had only been disclosed to Xu Jiawei. Even she didn’t know the full truth.
So she couldn’t grasp what this engagement actually meant.
But Zhou Sichen understood completely now.
Elder Xuan had revealed his potential, the extent of Shrek’s investment, and their expectations to Xu Jiawei.
He had essentially said:
"We’re grooming a future god. Here’s your chance to join us—if you’ve got the courage."
Xu Jiawei had boldly taken that bet.
And even if it failed, it wouldn’t hurt him much.
After all, even if Zhou never ascended to godhood, as long as he survived, he would still be one of the most powerful individuals in the world.
And if he really could unite the Three Empires and conquer the Sun Moon Empire, then Star Luo—being the first to join hands with him—would reap the most benefits. Thɪs chapter is updated by noⅴelfire.net
No matter the outcome, it was a win-win situation for Xu Jiawei.
Why wouldn’t he accept?
Now that Zhou understood everything, he couldn’t help but sigh.
"Would’ve been easier if you just told me from the start. You call that a test?"
Elder Xuan chuckled. "Mu Lao’s orders. He noticed the ambition hidden in your heart. Today’s events were to confirm what that ambition really looks like."
"But I didn’t expect you to figure it all out so quickly. You left me no room to show off."
Elder Xuan was genuinely impressed by Zhou Sichen’s insight.
But honestly, it wasn’t that hard to deduce. Zhou had the omniscient reader’s perspective.
If something wasn’t in the original story, then it must have been caused by the butterfly effect of his own actions. Pull that thread, and the motives behind it all quickly became obvious.
Still, Zhou was pleased.
He was reaping rewards left and right—and they owed him favors for it.
Of course, nothing in this world is truly free.
Zhou Sichen never intended to freeload forever. Once he had the strength, he would repay them all in turn.
But for now, at least one thing was clear:
The Snow Empress embryo—was secured.
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