Chapter 169 Chu Zexuan Bets on Both Sides

Chapter 169: Chu Zexuan Plays Both Sides

As election day drew near, the undercurrents of intrigue and conspiracy grew ever more turbulent. The Second Prince's disastrous attempt had set a precedent, ensuring no fool dared to target Hua Diao with assassination—the cost simply outweighed any gain. However, Anfoya faced a relentless barrage of assassins, each wave more perilous than the last. Hua Diao almost succumbed to the urge to sneak over and guard Anfoya’s palace herself, fearing her chosen candidate might perish and leave her mission unfulfilled.

And so, she acted on that thought. On the second-to-last night before the election, Hua Diao donned an invisibility cloak, a peace offering from the Second Prince’s private treasury, and quietly slipped out of her room under the cloak of night, heading towards Anfoya’s residence.

"Brother Xuan."

Passing through the garden path, Hua Diao was suddenly arrested by a strikingly familiar voice. She stiffened, instinctively glancing towards the rockery. Wasn't that Quan Yumeng's voice? When had she infiltrated the Succubus Imperial Palace?

A strong premonition told Hua Diao something was amiss. She pulled her cloak tighter and cautiously approached the rockery.

"How is the First Prince's plan progressing? Has he still not resolved to eliminate Anfoya?"

Chu Zexuan's usually gentle voice now sounded chillingly cold and sinister from behind the dark, eerie rockery.

Hua Diao’s eyes widened in shock. What was this Chu fellow up to?

Eliminate Anfoya? Wasn't he on Anfoya's side? How was he entangled with the First Prince now?

Hua Diao quickly reviewed what she knew about the Succubus First Prince. As the Succubus Emperor's firstborn, he had always been bathed in the aura of the eldest son, burdened with high expectations. His wealth, connections, and power naturally surpassed those of his siblings. One could say that, apart from Anfoya who had risen later, he was the most favored and popular candidate for the Succubus throne.

Hua Diao had met the First Prince a few times. Unlike other princes, he hadn't fawned over her because of her mermaid identity. Each encounter had been marked by his mature and steady demeanor, and among all the princes, his attitude towards Anfoya was the most amicable.

He didn't seem like someone who would resort to underhanded tactics.

Leaning against the rockery, Hua Diao craned her neck to peer inside, finally discerning the embracing man and woman within.

At that moment, Quan Yumeng, nestled in Chu Zexuan's arms, continued, "Could it be that the First Prince is reluctant? They say he dotes on Anfoya, his sister, the most."

Chu Zexuan scoffed, his tone resolute. "No way. What is a sister compared to power? The First Prince will act sooner or later. Continue to monitor him, and notify me the moment he makes his move."

Quan Yumeng immediately grew wary. "Are you trying to save Anfoya? Have you fallen for her and can't bear to see her die?"

"Fool, how could that be? First, Anfoya is nothing more than a monster boss in my eyes. I'm merely hedging my bets to increase the probability of completing my mission. Besides, don't you know who holds my heart? Apart from you, how could anyone else possibly reside there..."

With a few sweet words, Chu Zexuan had Quan Yumeng cooing like a docile bird. What followed was a scene unsuitable for young eyes.

Hua Diao, looking utterly disgusted, quietly slipped out from behind the rockery. Her wariness towards Chu Zexuan intensified. This man, playing both sides, was clearly a ticking time bomb. Who knew whether he would ultimately detonate on the First Prince or Anfoya?

No, she had to be more cautious.

Continuing her journey to Anfoya's palace, she encountered several passionate couples along the way—a common sight among succubi. Hua Diao walked on, eyes fixed straight ahead, but soon, her heart jolted. She realized a fierce battle was raging ahead; various colorful spells illuminated the night sky, covering nearly half the palace, their chaotic energy resembling a wild rave.

She quickly pulled her cloak tighter and sprinted forward. But before she reached the palace, a golden arrow whizzed past her cheek, flying behind her.

Hua Diao's heart pounded. She instantly activated a defensive item, then looked towards the source of the spells. Three blood-stained figures in black were stumbling towards her.

Without hesitation, she cast Grand Appraisal.

Grand Appraisal, also from the Second Prince's private treasury, was an epic-grade permanent scroll capable of appraising all races regardless of level, and also provided a simple analysis of the power disparity between friend and foe, offering advice.

[Race: Succubus]

[Level: Lv61]

[Analysis: Rare-grade succubus. Target is injured and bleeding. Player can barely win this fight.]

Next, the one in the middle.

[Race: Succubus]

[Level: Lv57]

[Analysis: Legendary-grade succubus. Severely injured, internal damage. In a critical negative state. Player can engage without pressure.]

Finally, the tallest and most slender figure on the far right.

[Race: Glacier Fox]

[Level: Lv68]

[Analysis: Rare-grade adult Glacier Fox. Possesses charm abilities. Player should proceed with caution.]

A Glacier Fox spy mixed in with succubi—this was intriguing. Could it be that a certain prince targeting Anfoya had colluded with the Glacier Fox tribe?

Hua Diao's expression grew serious. After a moment's thought, she decided not to let them go. With a flick of her wrist, she unleashed a water tornado.

This sudden attack immediately scattered the two succubi and the fox. However, their levels were not low, even higher than Hua Diao's, so they quickly regained their footing. A powerful fire spell erupted, instantly evaporating the water tornado. Immediately after, one of the succubi locked onto Hua Diao with an attack and lunged.

Hua Diao knew that since she had already made her move, the invisibility cloak could no longer conceal her presence. So, she decisively shed the cumbersome cloak and pulled out a scroll to continue her attack.

Upon seeing her true form, the two succubi's pupils constricted. "A mermaid."

The two succubi, who had been so aggressive moments before, stiffened, their former dominance completely gone. Even the Glacier Fox, who had been preparing to cast a spell, abruptly halted its movements. The two succubi and the fox exchanged glances. This was a race they could not afford to provoke. So, they made an immediate decision—flee!

Hua Diao, who had just rolled up her sleeves, ready for a big fight: "..."

They just ran away?

She frowned, pondering whether to pursue them or enter the palace to help, when Chu Zexuan's shouts suddenly echoed from behind their fleeing figures, "Enemy attack! Enemy attack—"

Immediately after, he engaged the three fleeing figures.

Seeing this, Hua Diao no longer felt anxious. She even had time to cast Grand Appraisal on Chu Zexuan.

[Race: Human]

[Level: Lv41]

[Analysis: A human who has just entered the legendary tier. Based on level alone, this human is not the player's opponent. Player can attack at will.]