A deadly trap

Wu Qi was well aware of the potential risks involved.

But this is the future trend. If we make good chips, we may even be able to create War Machine that can fight autonomously in the future, which can greatly reduce casualties among frontline soldiers.

Without dwelling on the matter further, Wu Qi continued, "When does your Soul Engineer level assessment begin?"

For Soul Engineer level assessments of level seven and above, prior notification to the Empire is required, and the Empire will send an Eighth-Rank Soul Master to serve as the chief examiner.

As a result, they inevitably had to deal with imperial officials.

Zhao Chenggong was branded as a disciple of Lu Mingcheng, and given the Conflicts of Interest, he might very well be killed by those officials before the assessment even began.

Before Wu Qi could come up with a solution, there was a knock on the Hotel door.

Wu Qingtian, who was guarding the door, rushed over to report, "Wu Ge, there's a group of spoiled brats outside. They don't look like they want anything good."

The Blazing Sun Imperial Family did indeed possess Titled Douluo, and when Wu Qi and his companions entered the city, a Titled Douluo was secretly observing the situation within the city.

Unfortunately, the opponent's Spiritual Power was not strong enough to penetrate the Spiritual Barrier constructed by Wu Qi.

It seems that the other side noticed them at that time and is now sending out a group of spoiled brats to test their strength.

Zhao Chenggong realized he was in trouble. "Damn it, these people are after me, sir!"

Wu Qi remained calm and unhurried, sitting leisurely on the sofa. "Just because someone knocks on the door doesn't mean we have to open it."

"This Hotel is Imperial Family property; I doubt they'd dare break in."

Even if these people act recklessly and push the situation out of control, resulting in the deaths of these spoiled brats, Wu Qi will not be held responsible.

Moreover, if the person behind this was merely testing them, why would they send these children of high-ranking officials to their deaths?

As expected.

Seeing that no one answered the door, the group of spoiled brats outside scattered, no longer wanting to make a fool of themselves.

Zhao Chenggong finally breathed a sigh of relief. "We've already attracted their attention. If I apply to the Empire for the Soul Engineer level assessment, I'm afraid I'll be in big trouble. My lord, perhaps we should just let it go."

Zhao Chenggong's true strength had already reached the Level Seven Soul Master.

Now that I think about it, whether I'm Level Seven Soul Master or not, why do I need official imperial recognition?

As long as you have the ability, what does it matter if you don't get official recognition?

Wu Qi couldn't help but ask in return, "Since you've come all this way, would you be content if you didn't participate in the assessment?"

"I think you should register first, and we can talk about any problems later."

With his abilities, protecting Zhao Chenggong in Mingdu would not be difficult.

If these officials were to actually kill Zhao Chenggong, it would actually be a good thing for him.

Following Wu Qi's advice, Zhao Chenggong found an acquaintance in Mingdu and submitted his request to participate in the Soul Engineer assessment.

Soon, news came from the Empire that he should go to the Soul Tool Department of the Royal Academy in three days to participate in the Advancement Assessment.

The news quickly spread throughout Mingdu.

It's important to know that the assessment for Level Seven Soul Master not only requires money, but also the materials for crafting the Soul Tool must be prepared by the applicant themselves. Generally, those without absolute confidence will not participate in the assessment.

From the outside, Zhao Chenggong is already Level Seven Soul Master; various forces are eager to recruit him into their ranks.

On the first day of the three-day event, many nobles sent visiting cards to Zhao Chenggong, explaining their respective bargaining chips.

Staring at the mountain of letters, Zhao Chenggong was slightly stunned.

Wu Qi reminded him, "Finding a powerful backer will ensure your career rises smoothly. So, have you decided whose offer to win you over?"

Zhao Chenggong was a man of principle. He shook his head and said, "I cannot join anyone's ranks, otherwise I would be letting down my Mentor's teachings."

Wu Qi then said, "Your Mentor has long since left the Imperial Court and can no longer offer you any help; so why do you still value this teacher-student relationship?"

Zhao Chenggong smiled bitterly and said, "To my Mentor, I may just be the most inconspicuous one among his many students. But without Mentor guidance back then, I wouldn't have been able to break through to the Level 5 Soul Engineer, and I wouldn't have been able to access a vast amount of Cultivation resources, let alone possess the strength I have today."

"My Mentor's guidance has been invaluable, and I will never compromise on this."

As he spoke, he cupped his hands in a respectful gesture towards Wu Qi, saying, "I hope you will ensure my safety. Once this assessment is over, I will return to the Changde Academy."

When the first day's invitation to visit was ignored, the officials knew that Zhao Chenggong had already found a home.

On the second day before the assessment began, officials began investigating Zhao Chenggong's background. At the same time, these officials secretly made arrangements, waiting for Zhao Chenggong to appear in the city.

Unfortunately, at Wu Qi's request, Zhao Chenggong remained at the Hotel; in the short term, this group dared not attack the Imperial Family's property.

As Wu Qi gained a deeper understanding of the Blazing Sun Empire, he realized that the one who would eventually unify the Sun Moon Continent would not be the current Sun Moon Imperial Family.

The complex internal political environment of the Mingdu inevitably weakened the influence of imperial power.

How can an emperor who can't even control his own officials possibly unify the continent?

The second day passed safely; the assassins arranged by the officials did not take any action.

On the third day, the assessment will be held in the afternoon.

In order to have room for error in the assessment, Zhao Chenggong had no choice but to go to the Materials Market in the city to buy a large number of materials for making Soul Tool.

Wu Qi didn't even need to waste his Spiritual Power; he could detect the assassins following them simply by extending his senses slightly.

Wu Qingtian asked nervously, "Wu Ge, I feel like there are countless eyes watching us from behind. Are you sure we're okay?"

Zhao Chenggong was also nervous, but recalling Wu Qi's strength, he relaxed a little.

With a thought, Wu Qi quietly released a burst of Spiritual Power, causing the group of assassins behind him to freeze in shock and stop in their tracks.

The procurement process was successfully completed.

When the three arrived at the Royal Academy, countless officials of all ranks had already gathered there.

Zhao Chenggong's Mentor was Lu Mingcheng; he had virtually no powerful connections.

"Our men didn't make a move within the city, and based on the information we received from Elder Huo, the young man beside him is likely Titled Douluo making his first appearance on the continent."

Several officials were talking in hushed tones, their eyes filled with apprehension towards Wu Qi.

However, Wu Qi and his two companions have already arrived at the wolf's den. If Zhao Chenggong still doesn't give in, even with Wu Qi, Titled Douluo, present, they will still have to kill him!

Walking along the paths inside the Royal Academy, Wu Qi casually remarked, "The students from the Soul Tool Department have already left, replaced by the Subordinate of these officials. If you insist on your own way, this might be your burial ground."

Zhao Chenggong fell silent.

After a short while, he said, "If I join your lord's tutelage, can you guarantee my safety?"

Wu Qi nodded. "Of course, but you should think it through. I've never liked betrayal."