The Emperor's challenge hung in the air, a silent command that brooked no refusal. A sparring match with the ruler of the entire Empire. Eric's heart quickened, not with fear, but with a surge of exhilaration. This was an unprecedented opportunity, a chance to truly test his limits against one of the most powerful cultivators in the known world.
"Your Imperial Majesty, it would be my honor," Eric replied, bowing low, a respectful eagerness in his voice.
"Eric, remember your training," the Dragon Spirit's voice resonated with a sudden urgency in his mind. "Maintain your Veil of Mundanity above all else. This Emperor is sharp. He will probe. Do not reveal the depths of your true power. Enforce your concealment more than anything." As if to emphasize its point, the Dragon Spirit projected a powerful, subtle spiritual barrier around Eric's core, reinforcing his suppression.
"Excellent. Follow me," the Emperor commanded, a faint smile playing on his lips.
He led Eric from the opulent throne room to a vast, open-air training arena nestled within the palace grounds. Its perimeter shimmered with powerful spiritual barriers, designed to contain the immense forces that might be unleashed within. The arena floor was made of reinforced spiritual jade, capable of absorbing and dispersing incredible impact. A few high-ranking Imperial Guards and officials were already present, their expressions a mix of anticipation and awe. They clearly knew what was about to unfold.
The Emperor stood at the center of the arena, his casual robes shimmering slightly as his formidable Qi began to stir. "No weapons, Young Master Eric," he stated, his voice calm but firm. "We will test pure cultivation and combat prowess."
Eric nodded, understanding. He adopted a ready stance, his Veil of Mundanity holding steady, projecting a refined Foundation Establishment Stage 5 aura. He knew he couldn't reveal his full strength, but he had to show enough to impress, to justify the Emperor's bold offers.
"Whenever you are ready, Young Master," the Emperor offered, a faint smile playing on his lips.
Eric didn't hesitate. He surged forward, a blur of motion, his strikes precise and direct, aiming for the Emperor's head. He moved with the fluid grace he had honed over countless battles, his suppressed draconic strength allowing him to generate incredible speed and force.
The Emperor, however, didn't move. As Eric's powerful kick aimed for his head, he simply raised two fingers, catching Eric's foot effortlessly. Despite this being a defensive move on the Emperor's part, Eric felt a jarring impact reverberate through his leg, as if he had kicked a mountain. He recoiled instantly, the unexpected force making him stagger backward as though he had been struck directly.
The spectators, all high-ranking cultivators, watched with keen eyes. Eric quickly regained his balance and continued his assault, unleashing a relentless flurry of punches and kicks, each imbued with the maximum power his concealed cultivation would allow. The air crackled around him as he pushed his every limit.
"Good, Young Master," the Emperor commented, his voice calm, even as Eric launched a barrage of powerful attacks. "Excellent control of your Qi at your stage. Your movements are surprisingly efficient." He effortlessly parried and redirected Eric's blows, his movements perfectly economical, never once appearing to exert himself.
"However," the Emperor's voice resonated, still calm, "you are holding back. I can sense it. Stop holding back, Young Master Eric. Show me the true depth of your talent. Channel more power."
Eric knew he couldn't reveal everything, but the Emperor's direct command was a subtle probe. He subtly shifted his internal seals, allowing a fraction more of his true power to seep into his attacks, pushing his perceived cultivation to Foundation Establishment Stage 6. He launched a powerful, focused strike, a fist imbued with a sudden surge of amplified Qi, aimed at the Emperor's chest.
The Emperor finally moved aside, a flicker of genuine surprise crossing his features as he felt the increased power behind Eric's blow. But Eric, sensing the slight shift, instantly adjusted. He increased his Qi output further, making a quick, almost imperceptible shift in his body, redirecting his momentum. He followed the Emperor's movement, unleashing another rapid, more potent attack. He nearly landed a hit, his fist brushing against the Emperor's robe, before a sudden, silent burst of overwhelming power erupted from the Emperor.
Eric felt an immense, invisible force slam into him. He cried out, soaring across the vast training room like a ragdoll, smashing into one of the distant spiritual barriers with a resounding thud. Pain flared through him, but his hardened body, bolstered by his draconic constitution, absorbed most of the impact. He slid down the shimmering barrier, managing to regain his footing, though his limbs trembled.
He stood, breathing heavily, his eyes fixed on the Emperor. The ruler had not moved from his spot. And then, in a blink, the Emperor was suddenly standing directly before him, his fingers inches from Eric's neck. The speed was terrifying, far beyond anything Eric could comprehend.
"Magnificent, Young Master Eric," the Emperor's voice was a low hum of approval, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "Truly magnificent. You possess a unique drive, an extraordinary talent for adaptation and growth. You have much to learn, but I have no doubt that in no time at all, you will be truly great. Perhaps even one of the greatest cultivators this Empire has ever seen."
He withdrew his hand, a look of profound pleasure on his face. "Your new gifts will be delivered to your house before sunset. And, Young Master Eric, in three days' time, you will be called to the Palace again. You must dress your absolute best, and you must bring your family. There will be an important announcement."
Eric left the Imperial Palace in a daze, the Emperor's words still echoing in his ears. The gifts, the praise, the spar that had revealed just how far he still had to go. In just one day, his life had spun even further out of control. He had been offered a place in one of the most powerful clans, then personally invited by the Emperor, rewarded beyond measure, and even offered royalty. It was overwhelming. He looked at his hands, feeling the lingering phantom sensation of the Emperor's touch. He realized with chilling clarity that he needed to become even stronger. Much, much stronger, if he was to navigate this perilous new world.
He arrived home as dusk painted the sky in hues of orange and purple. His mansion, now brimming with his new gifts, seemed even grander. His mother, Elara, was already in the main hall, her eyes wide with shock and disbelief as she stared at the mountains of gold, the shimmering spiritual gems, and the magnificent weapons.
"Eric! My son! What is all this?!" she exclaimed, rushing to him, her voice a mixture of awe and confusion. "And those four people... they arrived and said they were our new servants! How did you acquire all this?"
Eric took a deep breath. "Mother, those four individuals are indeed our new servants. And all of this... it's a gift from the Emperor."
Elara's jaw dropped. "The Emperor?! Eric, what have you done?! What could possibly make the Emperor give you so much?!"
Eric gently led her to a nearby couch, settling her down. He then calmly, meticulously, explained everything: his mission with the Directorate, his successful healing of Princess Elara, the Emperor's immense gratitude, the spar, and finally, the astonishing offer of marriage into a secondary branch of the Imperial Family. He omitted only the darkest details of the Crimson Veil.
As he spoke, Elara's face cycled through disbelief, joy, bewilderment, and then, a profound sense of dizzying shock. When he finished, she simply stared at him, her eyes wide.
"Marriage into the Imperial Family, Eric?!" she finally managed to gasp, her voice barely a whisper. "And you... you refused?! Eric, this is an incredible opportunity! Do you know what this means?! Our family would be royalty! We would never have to worry about anything again!"
Eric sighed, taking her hand. "Mother, in this new world, caution is the best path. Accepting anything, no matter how grand or tempting, without fully understanding the consequences, could lead you down an undesirable path. There are many unseen forces at play, and true power often comes with unseen costs."
Elara shook her head, a worried frown on her face. "Eric, you're overthinking it! This is good fortune! You should accept the good that comes to you! Don't let your anxieties blind you to such a blessing!"
Eric merely squeezed her hand, a weary, knowing look in his eyes. He knew his mother couldn't possibly grasp the intricate web of power and intrigue he was now caught in. But he had to protect her, and Lena, from its dangers, no matter the cost.