Eternal Thief

Since he already knew, Ace didn't seem surprised by Purple Sword's invitation. But Leroy still put an astonished expression before excitement flushed on his face.

"C-crown prince? Senior, are you really sent here by his highness crown prince?" He asked ecstatically.

Purple Sword's lips rose with a hint of disdain as if he was expecting this sort of reaction. After all, the Crown Prince was the further ruler of the empire, and being noticed by him was a blessing of nine generations, especially for someone like Leroy, who was rising; at least, that is what he believed.

"Of course. His Highness appreciates talents like Junior Leroy and likes to support them to his full capacity. As long as you pledge your allegiance, I dare say that your future will be limitless." Purple Sword said matter-of-factly.

Leroy nodded in agreement before a hesitant look appeared on his face, "Would my teacher allow it?"

Purple Sword replied, "Look, I would be blunt with you, if you want to rise you have to grab every opportunity and this is an opportunity that come once in a blue moon. Even if your teacher won't allow it, no one will know as long as you keep it to yourself.

"You will eventually surpass him in no time; the future belongs to youths like us, and the Crown Prince is the face of the young generation. We can all decide our future and choose a side. You are free to reject unless you also want to rot away in the imperial school and be content with your status."

'He's even more professional in lying than me.' Ace snickered in his heart. He knew Purple Sword was trying to trick him because Death Striker actually abhorred the policies, and he even once rejected the Mortal Emperor's invitation to join his imperial court.

But some imperial teachers, like Purple Sword's master, Imperial Teacher Thunder Sword, were overly ambitious and weren't satisfied with just the status of the imperial teacher, so they secretly joined the emperor's side, and even Principal Zack didn't know it.

This was secretly done by Empress Jenna to reduce Zack's authority over the imperial school further.

Now, even the imperial princes were sticking their noses in the imperial school by recruiting the future experts of the empire—especially those who wanted the throne of the empire like the first and second princes.

Since Purple Sword's master was loyal to the Mortal Empire and enjoyed tremendous benefits because of it, how could his students not follow the same pattern?

The Crown Prince had over seventy percent chance of becoming the future Mortal Emperor, so Purple Sword had chosen his side and wasn't the only one. In fact, almost all the direct disciples under any imperial teachers have already chosen a side.

But the politics weren't allowed within the walls of the school, so it was all done discretely and under extreme secrecy.

Just like right now, Purple Sword approached Leroy under the pretext of congratulating him, and even if Death Striker found it, he wouldn't be suspicious.

Purple was trying to trick Leroy into believing that his talent was extremely high and that he would surpass his master in the future, so why would he care about him? This was bluntly sowing discord between a teacher and his student, which was punished by expulsion and cultivation crippled.

Since Leroy was new and at the peak of his life, feeding his vanity, this should've been very easy, and it indeed would've been easy if it was real Leroy to begin with. But alas, the person they were dealing with was Ace.

"If that's the case, then I'm honored to be selected by his highness!" Leroy replied without hesitation.

'Heh, just as I thought, he's a lucky fool.' Purple Sword jeered in his heart before he smiled warmly approvingly, "I know Junior is sensible. Here, this is a soul contract you need to sign. But don't worry; it is just a little precaution, and everyone signed it upon joining. Once you do this, you'll enjoy everlasting riches and High Highness protection!"

He quickly placed a soul contract in front of Leroy, which was already filled with many clauses that made sure that Leroy wouldn't betray the Crown Prince and, in return, the Crown Prince would provide Leroy with cultivation resources to the best of his abilities. In fact, this contract was very reasonable and wasn't overly excessive.

Leroy appeared to hesitate for a moment before he signed it.

"Very good." Purple Sword approved with a laugh as he looks the soul contract, turning into a streak of light and entering Leroy's soul. He then takes out a storage ring and gives it to Leroy.

"This is your gift. His Highness has personally prepared it. Take it there is plenty where that came from."

Leroy appeared excited as he took the ring with shining eyes, "Thanks, His Highness, on my behalf."

"Certainty. Now, I must leave, and oh, if Senior Gentle Jade asked what happened, feel free to tell you. She's someone who belonged to the second prince faction. She's here for the same purpose. Just ignored her and don't worry about second prince, he can't touch you now that you are one of Crown Prince's men. Lastly, if you got selected for the Sky Abyss Secret Realm, you have to assist His Highness." Purple Sword sternly stated before he left the room.

"So, how did it go?" Gentle Jade inquired when she saw Purple Sword coming outside.

Purple Sword pulled a mysterious smile as she replied, "You should ask Junior yourself. Now, if you'll excuse me, senior, I have other matters to tend to." He left in a very good mood.

Gentle Jade's eyes narrowed coldly for the first time, 'Could it be this guy is an idiot and agreed without even hearing about the second prince's condition first?'

She quickly entered the room and saw Leroy waiting for her. But she wasn't in the mood to waste time as she directly asked, "Did you join the crown prince faction?"

Leroy suddenly snorted as he shook his head, "No way. I don't like that guy, nor do I like the Crown Prince's attitude. In fact, I've long since admired the second prince, and I think his highness is more suitable for the future of the empire."

Gentle Jade was shocked to hear Leroy's disrespectful words. Her eyes suddenly shimmered, and her expression turned extremely gentle and warm as she nodded in approval.

Although she found it strange since Purple Sword's reaction didn't match Leroy's tone, she didn't think that Leroy would lie about something like this. After all, she knew the involvement of soul contract.

"You are indeed someone who could tell good from bad. Consider me impressed." Gentle Jade warmly smiled.

"You praise me too much. I'm just stating the facts." Leroy humbly smiled.

Nodding in approval, she didn't waste time and took out the soul contract, and it was just like the soul contract Purple Sword offered Leroy. But the benefits were five times greater than what the Crown Prince had offered him. Just in this regard, one could see how cunning the second prince was as he knew what kind of man his big brother was and his bottom line.

"The second prince greatly appreciates your loyalty. I thank you for his highness. As long as you sign this, you will be our brother in arms!" She solemnly states with a hint of infatuation as she speaks of the second prince.

'Tsk, tsk, he really has a way with women.' Ace sighed as she looked at Gentle Jade's adoration towards the Second Prince.

He knew from her memories that she was already the second prince bed warmer and had promised her the imperial consort position as long as he rose to the throne.

Still, it has nothing to do with him, and he was just playing those two idiots, so he also signs the soul contract.

Gentle Jade also discussed the Sky Abyss and then left after handing him a storage ring.

But neither faction knew they were playing in Ace's hands, and they would suffer very badly because of their own craftiness!