Xiao Rufeng leaned against the headboard, reflecting on how their relationship had become like this. He couldn't help but bitter smile. When had their relationship ever been good? It had always been his one-sided effort, giving without expecting anything in return. Yet in the end, it had been so misunderstood. Perhaps their initial meeting was a mistake after all!

That June, under the scorching sun, the young emperor had just ascended to the throne and was in urgent need of recruiting a group of guards. These guards would exclusively serve him, regardless of whether they came from noble families or were commoners. As long as they had the ability, they could become a member of the Royal Guard. The assessment of these new guards was entrusted to Lu Zixuan, the newly appointed captain of the guards. Lu Zixuan used to serve as the emperor's tutor, accompanying him every step of the way. He could be regarded as Emperor Murong Junsheng's most trusted confidant. Murong Junsheng wanted to cultivate his own people, and as the assessor, Lu Zixuan was wholeheartedly devoted to the emperor, naturally ensuring fairness and impartiality. This made the noble families, who had little talent but hoped to secure a good position for their members, extremely envious and frustrated.

And today is the final assessment, meeting the emperor. Batch after batch of eliminations, now there are only thirty people who have the qualifications to stand in front of the emperor, and Xiao Rufeng is one of them.

Facing the scorching sun, thirty people stood upright, their backs straighter than ever. Sweat dripped from their foreheads, but no one dared to wipe it off. They knew that success or failure hinged on this moment. Any slight mistake could displease the emperor, rendering months of hard work futile. Although the emperor had yet to arrive, there was no guarantee that he wouldn't secretly observe from the shadows.

They were right in their thinking. Murong Junsheng was indeed observing in the shadows, accompanied by Lu Zixuan.

"Your Majesty, it's almost done!" Lu Zixuan said softly.

"You're feeling sorry!" Murong Junsheng rolled his eyes at Lu Zixuan.

Zixuan Lu grinned and said, "Why would I be worried, Your Majesty? These are your trusted confidants in the future!" In his heart, he thought, I'm just checking the time, that's all. There's no need to worry. If I can't even handle a little wind and sun, how can I accomplish anything significant in the future?"

"Don't talk so much nonsense, tell me if there are any good talents among these people!" Frowning, Murong Junsheng glanced at Lu Zixuan and spoke up.

"You wouldn't believe it, but there are actually two of them! One is called Xiao Rufeng, and this guy seems quite weak, but his martial arts skills are indeed impressive, and he has a solid foundation. Then there's another one called An Yimo. This guy's martial arts skills are average, but his mind is particularly sharp. With proper training and time, these two individuals will definitely achieve great things. It all depends on how Your Majesty manages to win them over!" Speaking of these newly recruited guards, Lu Zixuan spoke from experience, "There are also some others who are quite promising, it's just a matter of how Your Majesty decides to utilize them!"

"Let's go!" Casting a glance at Lu Zixuan, Murong Junsheng finally made a move.

"The Emperor has arrived!" With the shout of a eunuch, Murong Junsheng appeared in front of everyone.

"The humble subject pays respects to the Emperor, long live the Emperor, ten thousand years, ten thousand ten thousand years!" Everyone falls to their knees, calling out 'long live' three times.

"Stand at ease!" Murong Junsheng raised his hand and said, "In the future, you will be members of the Royal Guard. Your immediate superior will be Lu Zixuan. As for the future, I will make the arrangements. However, remember this: I am your true master, and I am the one who will determine your future!"

"The humble people are well aware!" everyone exclaimed in unison!

"You all are now the royal guards, so you should refer to yourselves as subordinates and not as commoners!" Murong Junsheng unconsciously frowned, then continued, "An Yimo, step forward!"

"I'm here!" With Mo Rongjun's words still fresh in his mind, An Yimo took a step forward.

"An Yimo, who is your master?" Murong Junsheng scrutinized An Yimo closely and questioned.

"It's His Majesty!" An Yi Mo allowed Mu Rong Jun Sheng to freely examine her, even raising her head slightly, but her eyes were lowered. "From now on, His Majesty is the only master that An Yi Mo will faithfully serve!"

Murong Junsheng nodded. An Yimo was indeed clever, but these words would still require verification in the future.

"Xiao Rufeng, step forward!" Murong Junsheng waved off An Yimo, then continued.

"I'm here!" Xiao Rufeng took a step forward.

Without saying a word for a long time, Xiao Rufeng couldn't help but raise his eyes in astonishment. With just one glance, he quickly lowered his head again. Those were a pair of black eyes as precious as pearls, almost obsessively gazing at him.

Yes! Obsession! Xiao Rufeng also knew that this word was not appropriate to describe it, but he truly saw a deep obsession in the Emperor's eyes.

"Your Majesty!" Lu Zixuan couldn't bear to remain silent and reminded. He didn't know what had happened to the Emperor, but this was not the time for him to question it.

After hearing Lu Zixuan say that your martial arts skills are excellent, Murong Junsheng snapped back to reality. With a complex expression in his eyes, he looked at Xiao Rufeng and wanted to ask something. However, in the end, he didn't say anything, except for three simple words: "Do well, then." He then allowed him to return to the team.

Xiao Rufeng's heart skipped a beat as unease filled him. Being naturally sensitive, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off about the emperor's gaze. However, the emperor had told him to do a good job, so he shouldn't lose this position. Even though compared to the previous questioning by An Yimo, his response seemed perfunctory.

Afterwards, Murong Junsheng randomly selected a few people to inquire, and then asked everyone to leave. Then he went to find Lu Zixuan, to receive his guard uniform and arrange his position.

After arranging these people, bring me Xiao Rufeng's file!" With these words, Murong Junsheng left. His mind was a bit chaotic and he needed to calm down.

"Yes!" Lu Zixuan agreed, still not quite understanding the situation with Muren Junsheng's unusual expression upon seeing Xiao Rufeng.