Chapter Ten: Aster

“Welcome, Your Highness!”

As soon as the carriage arrived at the entrance to the arena, a plump man dressed in purple, accompanied by a group of handmaidens, bowed respectfully toward the vehicle. He was one of the arena’s Purple Attendants—there were only five in total, their status second only to the arena’s manager. He had received word early that the Prince of Qin was headed this way. Though he couldn’t be certain the prince would arrive, even the slightest possibility warranted thorough preparation, so he had waited here with his retinue.

Inside the carriage, though the words were inaudible, the scene of the purple-clad man bowing could be clearly seen. Zhou Tian smiled and spoke softly to Tian Ling, “Let’s get out.”

“Mm,” Tian Ling nodded.

Zhou Tian lifted the curtain of royal purple, revealing himself. The servant in gray stood beside the carriage, conjuring a pitch-black stairway from energy beneath the frame. Zhou Tian descended the steps, one at a time.

Once he reached the ground, Zhou Tian turned, extending his arm. Tian Ling paused, surprised by Zhou Tian’s gesture, glanced at the still-bowed attendants, then placed her hand in his, stepping down the energy-forged stairs.

Only after Tian Ling had descended did Zhou Tian turn and say, “You may rise.”

“Thank you, Your Highness!” The Purple Attendant straightened after his thanks.

“Take me inside,” Zhou Tian commanded.

“Please, Your Highness!” The plump Purple Attendant shifted aside, gesturing. The handmaidens behind him echoed, “Please, Your Highness!” and parted to open a path.

“Let’s go,” Zhou Tian said quietly.

He was long accustomed to such scenes, even grander ones, as recalled from his former self’s memories. His heart remained composed and he whispered to Tian Ling at his side.

Tian Ling nodded and moved closer to Zhou Tian, clearly somewhat unsettled by the display. After all, as a disciple of a sect, everyone in the Vast Sky Sect was considered equal; distinctions of rank were rare, and she’d hardly ever witnessed such scenes.

The arena’s entrance was a pair of towering stone doors, each ten meters high, their surfaces gleaming with obsidian luster. Each door bore the carved image of a fantastical beast—though mere stone, they seemed to gaze intently at all who approached.

Entering the arena, a cacophony crashed over them, mingled with the scent of blood.

“Fight! Fight!”
“Twist his head off!”
…

Spatial expansion arrays had been used within the arena; the entire first floor contained a hundred rings, each ten by ten meters. Every ring hosted a battle, surrounded by crowds shouting themselves hoarse, faces flushed and veins bulging, spittle flying as they waved white tokens—their wagers.

Seeing the Purple Attendant lead Zhou Tian inside, those nearby unconsciously stepped aside. They might not know Zhou Tian, but they recognized the Purple Attendant; anyone worthy of such a reception was not to be trifled with.

“Yeah! I won, I won!”
“…Get up! Get up, now!”

In a nearby ring, one fighter had collapsed, unable to rise. The other, bloodied, raised his arms, roaring. Some in the crowd leaped with excitement, their bets victorious; others, dazed and red-eyed, discarded their tokens in despair.

Staff climbed onto the ring to carry away the fallen fighter, swiftly preparing for the next bout. Here, humanity’s primal savagery was laid bare.

Yet most matches on the first floor involved fighters of low cultivation—bare fists and brute force, little in the way of dazzling techniques or powerful abilities.

Zhou Tian frowned and addressed the Purple Attendant, “Take us to the VIP suite.”

“Yes, Your Highness. However, the Number One Imperial Suite is already occupied today; I can only escort you to Suite Two,” the plump attendant whispered. A sound-silencing array had been cast nearby, keeping the arena’s din from disturbing them.

“Occupied? Which noble is it?” Zhou Tian asked, surprised. The imperial suites were reserved for royal family members, twenty in total. Rarely did anyone visit unless a prodigy or battle king appeared, drawing nobles to recruit or spectate. He hadn’t expected someone to arrive today.

“Well…” The Purple Attendant’s face showed hesitation.

“It’s fine, I understand. No need to explain,” Zhou Tian said, seeing his discomfort. Royal family members were influential; the attendant couldn’t risk offending another noble by divulging their identity, but withholding the information might also anger Zhou Tian. The dilemma was clear.

Zhou Tian was merely curious, not eager to press. No need to make things difficult for an attendant.

“Thank you for your understanding, Your Highness!” Relief and gratitude shone on the plump attendant’s face as he led Zhou Tian toward the VIP suites.

The imperial suites were on the top floor, accessible via spatial arrays—no stairs required.

The Purple Attendant brought Zhou Tian to a raised platform embedded in the floor, densely carved with silver sigils. As Zhou Tian and Tian Ling stepped onto it, the attendant activated a golden sigil; the silver runes floated up, surrounding them like a holographic projection.

Moments later, the silver glow intensified, enveloping them and whisking them away.

The attendant withdrew a purple token, light swirling around it, and whispered, “The Prince of Qin has entered Imperial Suite Two.”

“Understood,” came a crisp female voice from the token.

Zhou Tian and Tian Ling reappeared in an opulent room, hundreds of square meters wide, adorned with exquisite gold and jade, glass lamps, violet carpets, and sandalwood tables. A subtle fragrance drifted from the golden lamp oil—a special blend with calming and warding properties.

Within the room stood a tall, alluring woman. Though not as beautiful as Tian Ling, her attire was striking—a purple cheongsam slit up to the thigh, an open neckline revealing snowy skin, captivating in every way.

Upon seeing Zhou Tian, she bowed slightly. “Greetings, Your Highness.”

“Rise,” Zhou Tian replied, distracted by the dazzling sight.

“Yes, Your Highness. I am Ziyuan, attendant of Imperial Suite Two, here to serve you. Should you require anything, please command me.” She looked up at Zhou Tian, her eyes luminous, her voice lingering on “command.” She ignored Tian Ling, clearly recognizing the heirs of the city’s great families; to her, Tian Ling was merely another of Zhou Tian’s companions.