"No wonder the lineup is so grand. It seems this game isn't about skill but about connections!" Liu Li said awkwardly, "Under normal circumstances, who would dare offend a prince? Perhaps only prince against prince can they play at their true level."
"You truly are a perceptive person."
Shen Yehong nodded and said, "That's indeed the case. So my elder brother's dominance on the entire court isn't due to his prowess, but his special status."
As they were conversing, on the court, Lu Fan had already scored three consecutive goals. Shen Tian was ecstatic, he never imagined Lu Fan's skill level to be so high, playing with pinpoint accuracy and drawing cheers from the crowd.
"Where did this foolish boy come from? Playing so seriously, he must be green and unaware of the immensity of the heavens and earth!"
"Who says not! To be so direct! He's likely offended the First Prince, and will have to face the consequences."
"Even if the Second Prince protects him, trouble will eventually arise. Offending the First Prince will lead to no good end!"
Conversations buzzed around the venue, with people chiming in, their words earnest.
After all, under normal circumstances, such things never happened. Even Shen Tian's subordinates wouldn't dare to be so direct.
"I truly didn't expect the person you, second brother, found to be this formidable!"
The First Prince said coldly, "I must have misjudged."
"Brother, you jest. We've only scored a few goals. Your War Wolf team is no ordinary force; they'll likely rise to prominence in an instant!" Shen Tian said with a smug smile. Though he spoke thus, he was acutely aware that this matter was no trivial affair and was far more complicated than it seemed.
"First Prince, this young man's horsemanship and ball skills are exceptionally good. It won't be easy to defeat him!"
A man spoke up. This was the young master of the Gu family, named Gu Hai, considered a leading figure among the younger generation. Apart from the princes, they were top-tier young talents in the entire Imperial City.
"I can see that, but what methods do you have?"
The First Prince spoke, "This young man's skills are extraordinary. If this continues, we'll lose. You should know, I never lose on the court."
"Leave this matter to me!" Gu Hai said with a smile. "When I get close to him, I'll seize the opportunity to make him suffer a bit, and then he'll have to leave the game!"
"Be careful, though. If you're discovered, it will be a great embarrassment," the First Prince cautioned.
Gu Hai nodded slightly, his gaze growing more indifferent, as if this was the most natural thing in the world to him.
Just as he was about to approach Lu Fan, a surge of spiritual energy coursed through his palm, and he struck fiercely towards Lu Fan, accompanied by a powerful aura.
However, in that instant, Lu Fan dodged, effortlessly evading the palm strike. He frowned, as according to the rules of the game, spiritual energy could not be used on the court. Yet, Gu Hai had clearly violated the rules.
"What is it?"
The Second Prince, sensing Lu Fan's unusual demeanor, quickly inquired.
"Someone just tried to injure me with spiritual energy!"
Lu Fan stated, "It seems playing a game of ball also carries the risk of losing one's life!"
"How despicable and shameless!"
Shen Tian frowned, "It's a pity we didn't catch him red-handed. Otherwise, the War Wolf team would be the one to suffer public humiliation!"
"It's alright. If it doesn't work this time, he'll try again,"
Lu Fan said, "Next time, he won't be so lucky." Su Dan Novel Network
Shen Tian could only nod helplessly. If there was a next time, he wouldn't let things develop unchecked.
As expected, just as Lu Fan was preparing to shoot again, Gu Hai appeared beside him and secretly struck a powerful palm, intending to send Lu Fan flying.
But in that very instant, Gu Hai was violently repelled, his expression turning ugly, his arm going numb from the impact.
Shen Zhanguo, witnessing the scene, also frowned instantly, "Second brother, does he understand the rules of the game? One cannot use spiritual energy in a match. He actually used it, is he perhaps defying the law?"
"Brother, you saw clearly just now. The one who truly used spiritual energy wasn't him,"
Shen Tian said with a smile, "It was the young master of the Gu family, Gu Hai. Even if I don't say it, I'm sure others present saw it clearly!"
The people present remained silent, but their hearts confirmed that Gu Hai was indeed responsible for all of this.
"First Prince, can you not even afford to lose a game of ball?" Lu Fan narrowed his eyes. "If that's the case, how can you have the world in your heart?"
"How dare you speak to me like that!" Shen Zhanguo's expression turned instantly cold. "In the entire Taiyan Dynasty, no one dares to speak to me this way. Who do you think you are?"
"Brother, he is my esteemed guest!"
Shen Tian frowned, "Shouldn't you be speaking to him more respectfully?"
"I am the First Prince of the Taiyan Dynasty. This boy insults me so, how can I let him off easily!"
The First Prince stopped, then walked towards Lu Fan, exuding an aura of superiority. As the First Prince of the dynasty, no one had ever dared to speak to him like this, especially not within the palace and in front of everyone.
Gu Hai stood to the side, a faint sneer on his face. He had been somewhat shocked earlier that Lu Fan's strength was extraordinary enough to repel him. However, even so, offending the First Prince would likely lead to no good end.
"Brother, what are you doing?"
Shen Yehong rushed over, "He is my friend. You cannot touch him!"
"Little sister, this matter does not concern you. Step aside!" Shen Zhanguo said coldly.
Shen Yehong quickly shook her head, "It was just a misunderstanding just now. Brother, please don't take it to heart. I apologize on his behalf!"
"You are a princess of the royal family, what need is there for you to apologize."
Shen Zhanguo waved his hand, "As long as this boy apologizes to me and admits his mistake, I won't make things difficult for him, lest people say I'm bullying him with my status."
"Brother, this matter was your fault to begin with," Shen Tian frowned. "Isn't this going too far?"
"Presumptuous! I am your elder brother, and you speak to me like this. You truly show no respect for your elders!"
Shen Zhanguo said coldly, "If Father Emperor learns of this, you won't fare well. I advise you not to stir up trouble."
"So this is the conduct of the First Prince of the Taiyan Dynasty?"
Lu Fan narrowed his eyes. "It was clearly your subordinate who used spiritual energy first, and now you're shifting the blame. If this gets out, what will become of the Taiyan Dynasty's reputation."