"No wonder the lineup is so grand. It seems this game isn't about skill, but about connections!" Liuli said awkwardly, "Under normal circumstances, who would dare offend a prince? Perhaps only prince against prince can bring out true skill."
"You are indeed a perceptive person."
Shen Yehong nodded and said, "Normally, this is true. That's why my elder brother can dominate the entire court, not because he's that good, but because of his special status."
As they were talking, on the court, Lu Fan had already scored three consecutive goals. Shen Tian was ecstatic. He never expected Lu Fan to be so skilled, playing with pinpoint accuracy, drawing cheers from the crowd.
"Where did this foolish kid come from? Playing so seriously, he must be wet behind the ears, not knowing the immensity of the heavens and earth!"
"Who says not! He's so direct! He's probably offended the First Prince, and will pay the price later."
"Even if the Second Prince protects him, something will eventually happen. Offending the First Prince will lead to no good end!"
Conversations filled the venue, with everyone chiming in. Their words were filled with earnestness.
After all, under normal circumstances, such things never happened. Even Shen Tian's subordinates would not dare to be so direct.
"I never thought you'd find someone so formidable, Second Brother!"
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 presence; they'll likely rise instantly!" Shen Tian said with a smug smile. Though he said so, he knew very well that this matter was serious and not as simple as it seemed.
"First Prince, this young man's riding and ball skills are exceptionally good. It won't be easy to defeat him!"
A man spoke up. He was the young master of the Gu family, named Gu Hai. He was considered a leading figure among the younger generation, second only to the princes in the Imperial City.
"I can see that, but what are your plans?"
The First Prince said, "This kid's abilities are extraordinary. If we continue like this, we'll lose. You should know that I never lose on the court."
"Leave this to me!" Gu Hai smiled. "When I get close to him, I'll seize the opportunity to make this kid suffer a bit. That way, he'll have to leave the court."
"Be careful, though. If you're discovered, it will be a great disgrace," the First Prince cautioned.
Gu Hai nodded slightly, his gaze growing indifferent, as if this were perfectly normal in his eyes.
Just as he was about to get close to Lu Fan, a surge of spiritual energy erupted from his palm. He fiercely struck towards Lu Fan, carrying a potent aura.
However, in that instant, Lu Fan dodged with a flash of his body, effortlessly evading the palm strike. He frowned, as according to the rules of the court, spiritual energy could not be used on the field. Yet, Gu Hai had clearly violated the rules.
"What's wrong?"
The Second Prince, sensing Lu Fan's unusual demeanor, quickly asked.
"Someone just tried to injure me using spiritual energy!"
Lu Fan said, "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 shame we didn't catch him in the act, or the War Wolf team would be the one shamed publicly!"
"It's alright. If it doesn't happen this time, he'll try again,"
Lu Fan said. "Next time, he won't be so lucky." Su Dan Novel Network
Shen Tian felt helpless and could only nod slightly. If there was a next time, he wouldn't let things develop as they did.
As expected, just as Lu Fan prepared to shoot again, Gu Hai's figure appeared beside Lu Fan. At the same time, he secretly delivered a fierce palm strike, intending to send Lu Fan flying.
But in that instant, Gu Hai recoiled sharply, his face contorting in pain, his arm numb from the impact.
Shen Zhanguo, witnessing this scene, immediately frowned. "Let me tell you, Second Brother, does he understand the rules of this game? One cannot use spiritual energy in a match. He actually used spiritual energy, is he perhaps mocking the law?"
"Big Brother, you saw clearly just now. The one who truly used spiritual energy was not him,"
Shen Tian said with a smile. "It was Gu Hai, the young master of the Gu family. Even if I don't say it, I'm sure everyone else here saw it clearly!"
The crowd remained silent, but they had already confirmed in their hearts that Gu Hai was indeed responsible.
"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 ambition to govern the world?"
"How dare you speak to me like that!" Shen Zhanguo's expression instantly turned cold. "In the entire Taiyan Dynasty, no one dares to speak to me this way. Who do you think you are?"
"Big Brother, he is my esteemed guest!"
Shen Tian frowned. "Isn't it inappropriate to be so aggressive?"
"I am the First Prince of the Taiyan Dynasty. How can I let this brat insult me so easily!"
The First Prince stopped and 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 in such a manner, especially not in the palace, under the gaze of so many people.
Gu Hai stood to the side, a faint smile on his lips. He had been somewhat surprised earlier by Lu Fan's formidable strength, which had managed to push him back. However, even so, offending the First Prince would likely lead to a grim outcome.
"Big Brother, what are you doing?"
Shen Yehong quickly ran over. "He is my friend! You can't touch him!"
"Little Sister, this matter does not concern you. Step aside!" Shen Zhanguo said coldly.
Shen Yehong shook her head repeatedly. "It was just a misunderstanding. Please don't take it to heart, Big Brother. I apologize on his behalf!"
"You are a royal princess, how can you apologize?"
Shen Zhanguo waved his hand. "As long as this brat apologizes to me and admits his mistake, I won't make things difficult for him, lest I be accused of bullying the weak."
"Big Brother, this was your fault in the first place," Shen Tian frowned. "Aren't you being too excessive?"
"Presumptuous! I am your elder brother, and you dare to speak to me like this? You truly disrespect your elders!"
Shen Zhanguo said coldly. "If our father learns of this, you will face severe consequences. I advise you not to get involved in this mess!"
"So this is the conduct of the First Prince of the Taiyan Dynasty?"
Lu Fan narrowed his eyes. "It was your people who used spiritual energy first, and now you're twisting the facts. If this gets out, what will become of the Taiyan Dynasty's reputation?"