Inside the Training Ground, as the healers carried away one dejected starting team member after another, this dramatic match finally came to an end.
Jing Hongchen and Lin Jiayi stood at the edge of the field, the shock in their eyes lingering long after the match was over.
"So this is... Spiritual Detection Share?"
Lin Jiayi watched Huo Yuhao, who was surrounded by his teammates as they cheered, and couldn't help but marvel:
"It's terrifying. With this soul skill, seven people who would otherwise have fought separately instantly became a finely coordinated killing machine."
"Not only that, but that boy named Huo Yuhao has a grasp of the bigger picture in battle tactics that's even more seasoned than many veteran generals who've spent years on the battlefield."
Jing Hongchen gave a slight nod, his gaze profound:
"That boy is a born commander. Gu Yue has brought us quite a treasure this time."
Faced with the praise of the two bigwigs, Gu Yuejin merely smiled faintly, taking no credit.
"It's just that I've put those brats through the wringer so often that they know what'll happen if they don't give it their all."
"A strict teacher produces outstanding students."
Once the onlookers had dispersed, Jing Hongchen's smile faded. He waved his attendants away, his expression turning more serious.
He took an exquisitely crafted invitation from his Storage Soul Tool.
The card was gilded all over, and the Sun Emblem symbolizing the Sun Moon Empire's imperial family was stamped on its cover. A faint Soul Power fluctuation emanated from it.
"Brother Gu Yue, there's actually something else I came here for today, besides watching the match."
Jing Hongchen handed him the invitation and lowered his voice:
"Tomorrow is His Majesty's birthday."
"However, His Majesty is in poor health and has long since stopped attending to state affairs. This birthday banquet is actually being arranged by the Crown Prince on his behalf."
"This is an invitation His Highness specifically asked me to pass on to you."
At this, Jing Hongchen looked deeply at Gu Yuejin:
"His Highness thinks highly of you."
"Although his last attempt to recruit you was unsuccessful, he still hopes to win you over. Tonight's banquet will bring together all sorts of powerful figures—not only members of the Imperial Clan, but also military bigwigs and the great nobles."
"For you, this is both a good opportunity to expand your network and broaden your horizons, and... a choice you can't avoid."
"Whether you go or not is up to you."
Gu Yuejin accepted the invitation, lightly running his fingertip over its delicate pattern as he felt the lingering imperial authority upon it.
So, Xu Tianran's banquet?
He sneered inwardly.
This wasn't a birthday banquet at all. It was a display of power, a declaration to the entire empire of the Crown Prince's authority.
In the past, he might have refused outright, just to avoid the trouble.
But now...
He needed resources and a higher platform. He needed access to the Sun Moon Empire's inner circle to realize his ambition for Soul Tool Technology.
Xu Tianran was a dangerous blade, but in the right hands, it could cut through plenty of obstacles for him.
"Since His Highness has kindly invited me, refusing again would be rather presumptuous."
Gu Yuejin tucked the invitation into his clothes and gave Jing Hongchen a slight nod, his tone calm but resolute:
"Thank you for passing on the invitation, Hall Master. I'll be there on time tonight."
At dusk.
The setting sun cast its afterglow over Mingdu's steel jungle, coating the cold city in a luxurious golden warmth.
A lavish imperial Soul Tool Carriage had been waiting outside Hongchen Mansion for quite some time.
Gu Yuejin had changed into a well-tailored black formal suit. Dark Gold patterns were embroidered along its collar and cuffs, lending it an understated elegance.
The moment he stepped outside, he saw Huo Yuhao, Xiao Hongchen, and Meng Hongchen waiting by the carriage.
Huo Yuhao wore white formal wear. He still looked a little young, but his Double Pupils gave him a more mysterious air.
Xiao Hongchen wore a Silver-Gray Suit and still had his usual haughty scowl, as if someone owed him money.
But the one who drew the most attention was Meng Hongchen.
She had clearly dressed up especially for tonight.
Her icy-blue strapless gown perfectly outlined her graceful, newly grown figure. Tiny crystals adorned the hem, glittering in the setting sun.
Her long silver hair had been curled into soft waves, and a delicate Sapphire Hairpin adorned it, revealing her slender neck and elegant collarbones.
Her already lovely, refined features looked even more breathtaking beneath her light makeup. She was impossible to look away from.
"Brother Gu Yue!"
When Meng Hongchen saw Gu Yuejin come out, her eyes lit up. She lifted her skirt and hurried over, stars seeming to twinkle in her wine-red eyes.
"Let's go."
The four of them boarded the carriage.
The carriage was spacious, with a soft carpet and a dedicated temperature-control Soul Tool.
As soon as Gu Yuejin sat down, Meng Hongchen naturally took the seat beside him, completely ignoring her brother's eyes rolling toward the ceiling.
"Brother Gu Yue, what do you think of this dress with this hairpin?"
Meng Hongchen tilted her head, bringing her delicate face close to Gu Yuejin's. A few strands of icy-blue hair brushed lightly against his shoulder, carrying a faint, sweet fragrance.
She blinked her big eyes, her gaze full of anticipation and even a hint of undisguised affection.
"It suits you very well."
Gu Yuejin's gaze swept warmly over her as he gave his honest opinion:
"It's elegant and refined without losing its liveliness. I doubt many people at tonight's banquet will be able to outshine you."
"Really?"
At his praise, Meng Hongchen's smile bloomed at once, sweeter than honey.
"Hehe, as long as Brother Gu Yue thinks I look good, that's all that matters."
Encouraged, she unconsciously edged closer to Gu Yuejin until they were practically shoulder to shoulder.
"Speaking of which, that match this afternoon was so satisfying!"
Meng Hongchen found a topic to talk about, her words full of admiration for Gu Yuejin:
"Especially that final counterattack—it was pure genius! Brother Gu Yue, you..."
As she spoke, she suddenly noticed that Gu Yuejin's collar was slightly crooked.
"Don't move."
Meng Hongchen naturally raised a hand and gently pinched his collar between her slender, fair fingers, carefully straightening it for him.
As she did, her cool fingertips brushed almost imperceptibly against the skin at the side of Gu Yuejin's neck.
For an instant, the touch sent a subtle current through him, filling the cramped carriage with a rosy, flirtatious atmosphere.
"..."
Across from them, the corner of Xiao Hongchen's mouth twitched. He covered his forehead in despair and turned his head away, as if refusing to look would make it all go away.
There was no saving her.
His little cabbage didn't just go around tempting people—she was practically washing herself clean and jumping straight into someone else's pot!
Huo Yuhao, meanwhile, sat ramrod straight, eyes lowered and focused, staring intently out the window at the passing scenery, as if there were some peerless beauty or rare Soul Beast out there.
If I don't look, I'm not a third wheel.
If I don't listen, I won't have to watch them feed me dog food.
"All done."
Meng Hongchen withdrew her hand and looked at her handiwork, nodding with satisfaction. A bashful, contented blush appeared on her face.
"Thanks."
Gu Yuejin smiled faintly. He didn't reject her affectionate gesture, but his eyes remained clear and calm beneath the surface.
The carriage traveled smoothly along the road to the Imperial Palace.
As night fully descended, a magnificent complex of brightly lit buildings appeared ahead.
It was the seat of the Sun Moon Empire's power—the Imperial Palace.
"We're here."
Through the window, Gu Yuejin watched the enormous palace gates slowly open and straightened the collar Meng Hongchen had just touched.
The warmth in his eyes vanished, replaced by a sharp glint.
"Let's go meet that ambitious Crown Prince."
Before you continue