Once the trauma from the trial scattered away, Zhang Fengxi slowly warmed up to his new spear. The Three Realm Spear too was happy to escape its prison and come home with a master who passed his test.
Day after day passed, Zhang Fengxi’s compatibility with the Three Realm Spear improved by leaps and bounds.
Whoever saw Zhang Fengxi while practicing with the Three Realm Spear agreed that Zhang Fengxi was the spear’s destined master.
Zhang Fengxi’s father, the Longjing Palace Master, Zhang Zhiyuan was more than proud of his son. He was so happy with his son’s achievement that he bragged to everyone about it.
He was not the only one whose chest swelled with pride. Liu Yichen too bragged about his future son-in-law’s prowess to anyone who wanted to hear it.
As stories were told from one mouth to another, Zhang Fengxi’s legendary success in obtaining the Three Realm Spear somehow morphed into him claiming to be the strongest spearman in the Heavenly Empire.
In the end, the Longjing Palace had to receive one spear master after another, each asking for a chance to "spar against the Three Realm Spear". This was the polite version of "I wish to beat up the heir of your palace".
Most of them were easy to beat, but some managed to push Zhang Fengxi to the edge before they eventually forfeited the duels. Zhang Fengxi was especially bitter about facing all the senior martial artists who did not care that he was only a nineteen-year-young alpha who just recently cultivated the spear art!
Once the number of people who challenged Zhang Fengxi decreased, the story reached the ears of the Heavenly Emperor. He then summoned Zhang Fengxi to the Golden Dragon Palace for a friendly chat.
On the day of the summon, Zhang Fengxi was very calm. He had gone through the same thing in his past life. This marked the first encounter between him and the Heavenly Emperor, Xie Jianyu’s father in this life.
The Heavenly Emperor ascended the throne when he was around fifty years old. At this point in time, he had ruled for almost thirty years. He was known to be a wise and benevolent ruler, a loyal husband, and a doting father to his children.
Zhang Fengxi had the same impression until he found out that the same man had forced his second son to undergo a dubious treatment to change his gender. He no longer thought that the Heavenly Emperor was a doting father.
"Fengxi greets Your Majesty, the Heavenly Emperor," Zhang Fengxi said as he knelt before the Emperor with his head bowed as a sign of respect.
"Rise. Let me see your face."
Zhang Fengxi lifted his face and looked at the older alpha’s face.
The two alphas stared at each other, and then the Emperor broke into a smile.
"Congratulations on getting the Three Realm Spear, Prince Zhang Fengxi."
Zhang Fengxi cupped his hands.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
"You are the only one who successfully completed the trial. Do you remember what happened during the trial?"
What an unpleasant question.
"This subject is sorry, Your Majesty, this subject forgot everything," he lied smoothly.
Zhang Fengxi did not want to talk about the trial. He also did not have the strength to make up some story to convince the Emperor. It was better to lie.
The ruler of the entire heaven clicked his tongue in regret.
"Ah, what a pity," he sighed.
"This subject is also deeply regretful."
"Nevertheless, I wish to personally reward you. It is wonderful to have the Three Realm Spear back to serve the realm."
The Heavenly Emperor leaned on his throne and asked, "Is there anything you wish for?"
Zhang Fengxi lifted his eyes to look at the Emperor’s serene countenance.
In the past, Zhang Fengxi, the lovestruck fool, asked for the Emperor’s blessing for his and Liu Wenyuan’s marriage. It was no longer necessary, because the Emperor had granted it on Zhang Zhiyuan’s and Liu Yichen’s behalf. This time, Zhang Fengxi had something else in mind.
"Your Majesty, I wish to join the military and serve the Heavenly Empire together with the Three Realm Spear."
The Heavenly Empire was visibly surprised to hear Zhang Fengxi’s answer.
Palace Masters typically lived peacefully as the highest-ranking people who ruled over specific palaces. While some did opt to occupy second positions as officials of the Golden Dragon Palace, none of them chose to put themselves in dangerous positions.
For example, by joining the military.
On the other hand, Zhang Fengxi’s request spoke of loyalty to the throne. How could the Emperor say no?
The Emperor thus hummed in amusement.
"Have you discussed this matter with your father?"
The Longjing Palace Master would have one word of objection or two to say about his heir’s wish.
Zhang Fengxi shook his head.
"This subject is hoping that Your Majesty can convince this subject’s father."
Convincing? More like forcing his hand.
"Prince Zhang Fengxi, I like your courage and dedication, but you are still very young. I do not want to see you waste away on the battlefield."
Zhang Fengxi refused to give up. In order to save his father, he needed to join the upcoming war.
"This subject is sure that Your Majesty can find a spot for this subject so that this subject can contribute and grow along the military ranks."
The Emperor chuckled.
"Pray tell, Prince Zhang Fengxi, what position do you covet in years to come?"
Zhang Fengxi smiled.
"This subject aims to be the next Supreme General."
The Emperor broke into laughter. It was unclear whether he was mocking Zhang Fengxi’s dream or applauding his ambition.
"Very well," he said. "I shall give you a chance to shine within the military. By chance, a princess from a palace also asked to join the military a few weeks ago. Youngsters these days sure are adventurous."
Even without the Emperor telling him, Zhang Fengxi knew who it was. The alpha princess of Juhua Palace, Wu Shenxia.