In the grand Lu Family mansion, morning sunlight poured through the window, casting golden warmth over the quiet courtyard. Within his chamber, Lu Chen sat upright on the bed, his gaze sharp and thoughtful. Beside him, Chu Su was resting peacefully, a soft smile on her lips. She looked serene, fulfilled—not just because of affection, but because her years of admiration had finally found a place beside the man she once only admired from afar.
Lu Chen looked at her for a moment, then slowly stood up, draping a robe across his shoulders.
"You're my woman now," he said softly.
Chu Su's eyes fluttered open. Hearing those words, her face brightened with joy. She nodded sincerely. "Young Master Lu Chen, I will follow wherever you go."
Outside the room, Yun Li and Yun Mu stood silently, their faces a slight shade of red. Though embarrassed by what they'd heard during the night, their loyalty to Lu Chen never wavered. If anything, it only deepened their devotion.
Suddenly—
Ding!
A mechanical voice echoed in Lu Chen's mind.
> [System Alert]
Target: Chen Fan
Next Destiny Event:
1. Will inherit the legacy of a Saint-level Martial Ancestor in the upcoming academy competition.
2. Will become Number One in the academy competition.
Lu Chen's eyes narrowed.
"So, the next great opportunity falls in that competition?" he muttered. "Saint-level inheritance... and a public rise to fame?"
His expression turned serious. "That's not happening."
He stepped out of the room, the hem of his black robes brushing against the marble floor like flowing water. Yun Li and Yun Mu immediately stood at attention.
"You three," he said, now addressing Chu Su, Yun Li, and Yun Mu, "you will be my team in the upcoming academy competition."
The girls were stunned. Chu Su's eyes widened. "Me? But I'm only at peak Third-Level..."
Lu Chen waved his hand. A set of shimmering jade bottles and weapon scrolls appeared out of thin air, the mark of the Lu Family's wealth on full display.
"For Chu Su, high-grade cultivation pills and a Fifth-Level Elixir to raise you to Fourth-Level before the competition."
She gasped, eyes full of disbelief and gratitude.
"For Yun Li and Yun Mu," Lu Chen continued, "each of you gets a Fifth-Level Elixir and a matching Fifth-Level Sword. These are beyond what the Lu Family provides. Consider them gifts from me."
The two maids bowed deeply, eyes filled with admiration.
"Thank you, Young Master!"
Lu Chen turned away, already walking toward his secluded training chamber.
"The competition begins in a week," he said calmly. "First match: a team hunt in the Deep Spirit Forest. Second: individual duels. No mistakes. Train hard."
As the door closed behind him, the girls looked at each other, determination flaring in their eyes.
They were not just followers now.
They were warriors of Team Lu Chen.
And in one week's time, the entire academy—and Chen Fan—would see just how far the fallen fiancé had risen.
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