Elder Huo

When leaving Changde Academy, Ma Benming persuaded Zhao Chenggong to join Wu Qi's forces.

Compared to other officials, Wu Qi was at least approachable and never put on airs. Coupled with his formidable strength, following this powerful figure would undoubtedly lead to a bright future.

Previously, Zhao Chenggong had some reservations, feeling that he was not very familiar with Wu Qi and dared not speak rashly.

Having just heard about the current situation from Wu Qi, he no longer had any concerns.

These officials clearly had no intention of letting him leave alive; if that's the case, he should be sensible.

He was eager to serve the empire, but the corrupt Official System prevented him from doing so, and some even wanted to kill him.

He had long lost faith in such an empire. Even if Wu Qi was an official of the New Moon Empire, what harm was there in being given the appropriate treatment and being made loyal to the New Moon Empire?

Wu Qi chuckled lightly, "Alright. Since you've made your decision, I won't be stingy with your treatment. We can discuss the details after today's event."

This is the moment he's been waiting for.

It's clear that Zhao Chenggong is a loyal and patriotic man, and such a person is not easy to win over unless he is completely disillusioned with everything he once believed in.

Wu Qi "encouraged" the other party to participate in the assessment so that he could see the true colors of these officials.

He had thought it would take some time for Zhao Chenggong's mindset to change, but he didn't expect it to happen so quickly, which saved him trouble.

"Relax. With my strength, no one on this continent can stop me. Focus on completing your test, and I will take you away safely."

Zhao Chenggong cupped his hands in greeting, a look of relief appearing in his eyes.

The assessment took place in the laboratory of the Soul Tool Department of the Royal Academy.

In preparation for this assessment, the college closed the laboratory in advance and cleared the space, using part of it for the assessment and setting up seating in the other part for officials at all levels to watch on site.

As Zhao Chenggong entered, the Eighth-Rank Soul Master in charge of the assessment announced loudly, "The assessment is about to begin. Competitor, please prepare yourselves. After the Staff verifies your information, the assessment will officially begin."

The seats in the audience had already been reserved by various officials.

Wu Qi and Wu Qingtian took two seats in the front row, which naturally aroused the dissatisfaction of an official.

"Where did this wild brat come from? This isn't a place for you to run wild!"

The man was furious, and the guards behind him stepped forward, ready to attack.

Wu Qi chuckled lightly, his gaze suddenly sharpening. An invisible Spiritual Power spread out from his body, instantly destroying the official's guard's consciousness and turning him into a fool, making a fool of himself in front of everyone.

"Titled Douluo with Mental Abilities!"

The officials who were keeping a close eye on Wu Qi felt a chill run down their spines.

The methods of Spirit-Type Spirit Master are unpredictable and strange. If that move had been used on these officials, they wouldn't have been able to escape either.

For a time, officials looked at Wu Qi with more awe, and most of them even quietly withdrew their assigned assassins to avoid getting into trouble.

As for the official who was vying with Wu Qi for the seat, he knelt on the ground, not daring to breathe, for fear that Wu Qi would kill him at any moment.

At this moment, an elderly man in fine clothes walked over with a smile, "Your Majesty, Li Yao is nothing but a reckless brute; why bother with him?"

As he spoke, the old man slightly raised his hand, and an invisible Soul Power instantly threw Li Yao out of the assessment site to prevent Wu Qi from holding him accountable.

"Elder Huo, please have a seat."

An official sitting next to Wu Qi quickly stood up, bowed to the old man, and hurriedly made way for him.

This Elder Huo is one of the Titled Douluo who protects the Blazing Sun Imperial Family. In a sense, his appearance also represents the Imperial Family's intentions.

However, based on Wu Qi's investigations within the city over the past few days...

This Elder Huo a man of the Crown Prince, and the Crown Prince of the Empire is ruthless and has a political mind that is much better than that of the current Blazing Sun Emperor.

But given Wu Qi's level of skill, worldly riches and honors were no longer of interest to him. Facing this Elder Huo, he remained indifferent and had no intention of befriending him.

Elder Huo wasn't annoyed. He chuckled and pointed to the assessment area, "Everyone has been waiting for a long time. Let's start the assessment as soon as possible."

The Advancement Assessment for Level Seven Soul Master typically lasts several days.

Level Seven Soul Tool are not easy to make. If efficiency is the priority, Level Six Soul Master usually divide the work to make the parts, and then Level Seven Soul Master assemble them.

Since it's an assessment, to prevent anyone from tampering with the parts, the assessor must personally handle all the parts, which will take more time.

As the assessment began, everyone's eyes turned to Zhao Chenggong, and no one cared about the earlier incident.

Wu Qingtian leaned close to Wu Qi's ear and whispered, "Wu Ge, that old man doesn't seem like a good person. I've often heard people say that your appearance reflects your heart, and with his hooked nose and slanted face, he's clearly the kind of mean-spirited guy."

Wu Qi casually replied, "He's Titled Douluo; he can hear you."

Wu Qingtian's heart tightened, and he looked towards where Elder Huo was, just in time to meet the latter's gaze.

He was startled, shrank back, and said no more.

A Titled Douluo wouldn't stoop to the level of a child, especially since Wu Qingtian was Wu Qi's man. Knowing that Wu Qi's strength surpassed his own, Elder Huo was even less likely to take any action.

However, although the two did not appear to be communicating, they had actually been exchanging messages for a long time through Sound Transmission, but outsiders did not notice.

"Your Majesty's butler is quite interesting. I wonder what Your Majesty's attitude was towards my previous suggestion?"

Elder Huo's appearance here was intended to gather manpower for the Imperial Family; of course, the Crown Prince could also represent the Imperial Family.

Wu Qi transmitted his voice, saying, "I have no interest in becoming the Crown Prince Prince's retainer. My mission in Mingdu is mostly complete; now I only need to safely take Zhao Chenggong away."

"If any fools try to block our path, I won't hesitate to slaughter them. If the Imperial Family wants to get involved, they'd better think carefully about whether their level 93 strength is enough to stop us."

Elder Huo's expression darkened at first, but after a moment of contemplation, he smiled and said, "It seems Your Majesty isn't very confident in your own strength. Besides myself, the Imperial Family has another, even more powerful Titled Douluo. Shouldn't we have a proper talk?"

Wu Qi's face remained expressionless as he casually said, "Ordinary Titled Douluo are just numbers to me. If the Imperial Family doesn't believe in such things, they're welcome to give it a try."

"Of course, if you lay a hand on me, you'd better be prepared to be killed. Go back and ask your master how much loss he can accept."

The composure that had been on Elder Huo's face was gone. He asked, "Are you from the New Moon Empire?"

Wu Qi: "I have no interest in matters concerning the mainland, but if anyone deliberately causes trouble, I will not hesitate to take action."

After their conversation, Elder Huo stood up, Wu Qi, and said, "I have important matters to attend to and cannot accompany you any longer. Please make yourself at home, Your Majesty."