1152  Chapter 1152 Entering the Royal Palace

Lu Yu and Zhao Qingya decided to stay at the palace for the time being. A maid approached Lu Yu, her voice polite and her movements conveying respect. She informed him that he would be residing in a special garden house, a privilege typically reserved for VIPs.

The house, meticulously maintained and boasting a unique architectural style, stood nestled within a peaceful bamboo forest. Stepping inside, Lu Yu found the space impeccably clean and organized. Beyond the front yard lay a breathtaking garden bursting with vibrant flowers that filled the air with a delightful fragrance.

Taking a deep breath, Lu Yu acknowledged that he might be staying here for a few days. While the environment felt unfamiliar, he was confident he would adapt.

After settling into his room, Lu Yu found Zhao Qingya relaxing in the living room with a cup of tea.

“Aren’t you leaving?” Lu Yu inquired.

“I’d like to accompany you in your search,” Zhao Qingya replied.

“Does that mean you want to stay here too?”

A rare smile graced Zhao Qingya’s lips. “Is that alright? I was thinking of staying for a while myself. I haven’t been back to the royal family long, and this residence surpasses anything I could access before. It’s a rare privilege.”

“I see,” Lu Yu acknowledged. “I thought with your status, you could stay wherever you wished.”

“Usually, I just come here for work. My temporary stays aren’t long enough to qualify me for residence.”

“Even with your position, you’re not qualified?”

“There are many in the hunting team with higher ranks, especially those stationed in the capital. My status here is relatively ordinary. However, with your exceptional skills, you’ll undoubtedly achieve a high standing. Your power and influence will likely surpass mine in the future.”

“Status and power here aren’t my priorities,” Lu Yu countered. “My main goal is to find this person and return to the Freedom Federation to complete my mission.”

“Is your mission very important?”

“Absolutely crucial,” Lu Yu confirmed. “It involves the Ember Empire, an aggressive and expansionist force. If we don’t address them seriously, the consequences could be dire.”

Lu Yu’s mind flashed back to a terrifying black shadow that chased him from the Ember Empire, forcing him to travel through countless wormholes and seek refuge with the Stardust Dragon. Revenge simmered within him.

Settling these matters quickly and returning to the Freedom Federation was paramount. The unknown situation there gnawed at him.

After settling in, Lu Yu enjoyed dinner and some rest before preparing for sleep. Occupying a small, unremarkable corner of the vast palace, his residence could house a mere fraction of the palace’s total capacity—tens of thousands.

A knock on the door startled Lu Yu from his slumber. He donned a sleeping robe and cautiously opened the door to find a burly figure.

“Who are you?” Lu Yu inquired.

“Are you Lu Yu?”

Lu Yu confirmed with a slight nod.

“Apparently, Miss Zhao Tianyu has shifted her affections. She seems to be pursuing someone named Lu Yu. Is that you?”

“Most likely,” Lu Yu conceded with a shrug.

“Excellent! I want to see what makes you worthy of her pursuit!” The man clenched his fists, adopting a fighting stance.

“Hold on, what’s going on here?” Lu Yu demanded. “Are you challenging me to a duel?”

“Of course! I will spar with you. Whoever proves stronger deserves her affection!”

“This is absurd. I have no time for such nonsense,” Lu Yu scoffed. “Who are you, anyway?”

“A devoted admirer of Zhao Tianyu,” the man declared boldly.

The imposing figure before him was a mountain of muscle, his face radiating a deceiving simplicity. The power coiled within his bulging arms and chest was undeniable. His massive fists, like sledgehammers, promised destruction. He stood in a textbook boxer’s stance, exuding unwavering confidence and determination. His well-tailored martial arts uniform completed the professional picture.

Lu Yu, his patience waning, recognized the futility of words. A physical demonstration seemed to be the only way to resolve this situation.