Chapter 114: The Eldest Prince's Beloved

After everything was settled, Zhang Yicheng quietly waited for Zhang Ning to discover what had happened. Although Zhang Ning appeared busy and restless these days, his mind was hardly on leisure. Instead, he was deeply preoccupied with the ruse of deceiving his master by wearing a disguise, a task that demanded no less cunning than Zhang Yicheng’s own efforts. Thus, Zhang Ning’s plans were thwarted.

With this in mind, Zhang Yicheng resorted to other methods—methods that remained unheard by Zhang Ning but were known to Han Zun of the Great Freedom Demon Sect, who had been “in hiding” during these days.

Han Zun’s retreat was no sign of submission. Gifted from the start, his recent duel with Zhang Ning’s fourth senior brother, Han Zhifei, had granted him new insights, bringing him tantalizingly close to the Martial Sovereign realm.

Moreover, Han Zun was well aware of the recent tumult within the Great Freedom Demon Sect. At times, he had even dared to mock the sect lightly, but now, given the tense circumstances and Zhang Ning’s evident worries, he wisely refrained from provoking the Tang family’s thunderous traps. Instead, Han Zun quietly began secluding himself to cultivate.

Yet Han Zun was no less restless than Zhang Ning, if not more so. When he overheard talk of someone being ensnared by the spiritual plants within the secret garden of the Fifth Prince, his interest was instantly piqued. After all, the creatures cultivated by the Spiritual Plant Sect were typically harmless, the apparently ferocious tentacles merely used for cleaning. But this time, the means employed were blatantly aggressive, which truly aroused Han Zun’s curiosity. He was delighted to join in for some entertainment and finally brought Zhang Ning along to see this so-called “Secret Garden of the Fifth Prince.”

The garden’s name was crafted by the Spiritual Plant Sect with an array of flowers and plants arranged at the entrance. Zhang Ning, unlike the natives of the Azure Realm, was not adept at reading each character fluently. Consequently, he had no idea what these clusters of plants were and walked straight in without a glance sideways.

Upon entering, Zhang Ning felt as if he had reverted to the timid newcomer who had fled downstairs upon seeing a floating tavern in the Azure Realm. However, having trained some cunning over the past days, he maintained a calm exterior, though he kept asking, “What is this? Don’t tell me it’s a Peashooter!”

“Your Highness is most perceptive! This is indeed a green pea, cultivated with metallic glyphs from the Five Elements engraved upon its stem. It can shoot out exceptionally hard green peas—a surprise attack spiritual plant.”

“Ah, I see… Then don’t tell me it’s a man-eating flower.”

“Truly befitting Your Highness! Its attack specializes in swallowing. If not in hibernation, it can swallow the full strike of any martial practitioner below the Martial Sect! Though it requires close combat, it pairs perfectly with the Mist Flower, which is currently exhaling clouds.”

“And that thing that looks like a human brain, could it be…”

“Your Highness is remarkably insightful! That is called the Silly Flower. Once its sap splashes on someone, it slows their movements for a short time.”

“Oh, really!”

As Zhang Ning continued, he felt like a nodding automaton devoid of emotion. Yet the Spiritual Plant Sect’s leader wore a look of pride, almost pleading for praise. Zhang Ning clenched his teeth, suppressing the urge to mock. He absolutely would not admit that it felt as if he had just glimpsed the plant catalog from the game “Plants vs. Zombies”—only in a fantastical version!

Han Zun, on the other hand, appeared delighted, frequently interrupting to inquire about the plants’ detailed attacks. His steps seemed to spring with joy, like a bird finally set free. After a moment, Zhang Ning could no longer hold back and said, “How about I gift this garden to you?”

At these words, Zhang Yicheng struggled to keep his expression from faltering, while Han Zun fixed a gleaming gaze on Zhang Ning.

Tilting his head, silver hair swaying in the breeze, Han Zun said enigmatically, “You truly would give it all to me?”

Zhang Ning didn’t understand why he suddenly seemed so excited, as if eager to claim the garden. Though he himself could hardly accept these strange plants, considering the efforts his subordinates had made, he graciously cast a glance around. Unexpectedly, Zhang Ning’s eyes settled on a flower that should not have been there.

He froze, then quickly stepped forward, staring at the magnificent bloom in disbelief. Could it be… The name hovered on the tip of his tongue, but this time Zhang Ning dared not guess so lightly, for this flower held significance unlike the others.

Zhang Yicheng bowed deeply and said, “This flower is called the Peony, the beloved bloom carefully cultivated by the late Great Prince. I keep it here to honor his memory…”

There was no need for further explanation. Though the word “honor” sounded somewhat strange, once Zhang Ning heard the words “Great Prince,” everything became clear. With a slight tremble, he plucked the peony—a peony from the Blue Water Star.

Though Zhang Ning did not believe peonies were the most beautiful flowers, for one who longs for home, it made no difference.

Han Zun raised an eyebrow and, as always, spoke with startling candor, “Out of all the flowers in the garden, why do you pick the ugliest one?”

Zhang Ning looked up in surprise. Ugly? He glanced at the other rather fierce-looking plants nearby, fell silent for a moment, then met Han Zun’s steady gaze. Han Zun was clearly sincere.

But then—oh! Zhang Ning understood.

In Han Zun’s eyes, only those with offensive power were beautiful. Naturally, the peony appeared ugly to him. Or perhaps all beings from other worlds thought this way, since in this realm, martial prowess was supreme.

Zhang Ning’s mouth twitched, about to reply, when faint footsteps approached. Turning their heads, under the effect of the Mist Flower, they saw a man walking leisurely with hands clasped behind his back.

Because some of the plants here had strong offensive and territorial instincts, Zhang Ning and the others remained vigilant despite Zhang Yicheng’s guidance. Yet this man strolled confidently as if arrogant and assured. Only when he stood before them, his tall posture and divinely handsome visage revealed, did Zhang Ning realize that no one in the Great Freedom Demon Sect could walk with more assured ease.

“Master.”

“Respected One.”

“Great Demon Sovereign of All Phenomena!”

Zhang Ning and Han Zun bowed in sequence, while Zhang Yicheng, who had been speaking freely moments before, knelt, lowering his head without daring to speak.

Chu Hanyu gave Zhang Ning and Han Zun a faint nod, as if merely passing by. Yet when his gaze fell upon the peony in Zhang Ning’s hand, it lingered. His eyes, more profound than ever through the mist, fixed on Zhang Ning, whose heart began to race under that scrutiny.

Ah! Master is looking at me? What is he thinking now? I wonder how things stand with the previous matters… He seems in good spirits today… Should I take the initiative to speak?