Emperor's Birthday, Crown Prince Xu Tianran's Invitation

Inside the training ground, as healing soul masters carried away the dejected regular team members one by one, this highly dramatic sparring session 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.

"So this is... Spiritual Detection Share?"

Lin Jiayi watched Huo Yuhao, who was being cheered on by his teammates surrounding him in the middle, and couldn't help but sigh:

"Terrifying. With this soul skill, those seven who were fighting individually instantly turned into a precision-grinding killing machine."

"And not only that, that kid named Huo Yuhao—his tactical command and big-picture vision are even more seasoned than many old generals who've spent years on the battlefield."

Jing Hongchen nodded slightly, his gaze deep:

"This kid is a born commander. This time, Gu Yue has brought us back an incredible treasure."

Faced with the praise from these two big shots, Gu Yuejin only gave a faint smile, not taking any credit.

"It's just that I've been torturing these little brats so much that they know what happens if they don't go all out."

"A strict master produces outstanding disciples."

Once the idle onlookers had dispersed, Jing Hongchen's smile faded. He dismissed his attendants and his expression turned more serious.

From his Storage Soul Tool, he took out an invitation crafted with extreme care.

The entire piece was gilded, with the Sun Emblem symbolizing the Sun Moon Empire printed on the cover, faintly radiating a subtle ripple of soul power.

"Brother Gu Yue, actually, this old man came today not only to watch the sparring but also for another matter."

Jing Hongchen handed over the invitation and lowered his voice:

"Tomorrow is His Majesty's birthday."

"However, His Majesty's dragon body is unwell, and he has long since stopped handling court affairs. This birthday banquet is actually being hosted by His Highness the Crown Prince on his behalf."

"This is an invitation that His Highness specifically asked me to pass on to you."

Saying this, Jing Hongchen gave Gu Yuejin a meaningful look:

"His Highness appreciates you greatly."

"Although his recruitment attempt failed last time, he still harbors a desire to win you over. Tonight's banquet will gather forces from all sides—not only the Imperial Clan but also Military Bigwigs and major nobles."

"For you, this is both a good opportunity to expand your network and broaden your horizons, and... a choice you cannot avoid."

"Whether to go or not, you decide for yourself."

Gu Yuejin took the invitation, his fingertips gently tracing the delicate patterns, feeling the lingering imperial pressure of the royal family on it.

Xu Tianran's banquet, huh?

He sneered inwardly.

This isn't a birthday feast at all—it's clearly a power display, a way for this Crown Prince to announce his dominance to the entire empire.

If it were before, he might have refused outright out of annoyance.

But now...

He needed resources, a higher platform, access to the core circles of the Sun Moon Empire to realize his "ambitions for Soul Tool Technology."

Xu Tianran's blade was dangerous, but if wielded well, it could also cut through many thorns for him.

"Since His Highness has so graciously invited me, to refuse again would be too ungrateful."

Gu Yuejin tucked the invitation into his robes and gave Jing Hongchen a slight nod, his tone calm but firm:

"Thank you, Hall Master, for passing this along. Tonight, Gu Yue will attend the banquet on time."

At dusk.

The last rays of the setting sun spilled over Mingdu's steel jungle, coating the cold city in a layer of luxurious warm gold.

At the entrance of Hongchen Mansion, a lavishly decorated royal Soul Tool Carriage had been waiting for some time.

Gu Yuejin had changed into a well-tailored black formal wear, with dark gold patterns embroidered on the collar and cuffs—low-key yet exuding an indescribable air of nobility.

As soon as he stepped out, he saw Huo Yuhao, Xiao Hongchen, and Meng Hongchen already waiting by the carriage.

Huo Yuhao wore a white formal wear. Though still somewhat youthful, his Double Pupils gave him an air of mystery.

Xiao Hongchen was in a silver-gray suit, still wearing that arrogant, sour expression as if someone owed him money.

But the most eye-catching of all was Meng Hongchen.

Tonight, she had clearly dressed with great care.

An ice-blue strapless gown perfectly outlined her budding, graceful figure, with tiny crystals scattered across the hem, sparkling brilliantly in the sunset.

Her silver hair was curled into soft waves, pinned with an exquisite Sapphire Hairpin, revealing her slender neck and delicate collarbones.

Her already elegant and refined face, enhanced by light makeup, was breathtakingly beautiful—so stunning it was hard to look away.

"Brother Gu Yue!"

Seeing Brother Gu Yue emerge, Meng Hongchen's eyes lit up. She lifted her skirt and hurried over to meet him, those wine-red eyes seeming to hold stars within them.

"Let's go."

The four of them boarded the carriage.

The interior was spacious, covered with a soft carpet, and equipped with a specialized constant-temperature Soul Tool.

No sooner had Gu Yuejin sat down than Meng Hongchen naturally settled beside him, completely ignoring her brother's eyes, which were practically rolling to the back of his head.

"Brother Gu Yue, what do you think of this dress with this hair accessory?"

Meng Hongchen tilted her head slightly, bringing her delicate, pretty face close to Gu Yuejin's. Her Ice Blue hair brushed lightly against his shoulder, carrying a faint, subtle fragrance.

She blinked her big eyes, her gaze full of anticipation, and even a hint of undisguised admiration.

"It suits you well."

Gu Yuejin's gaze swept over her warmly, offering a measured compliment:

"Elegant and ethereal, yet not lacking in liveliness. At tonight's banquet, I doubt many will be able to match you."

"Really?"

Hearing this praise, a smile instantly bloomed on Meng Hongchen's lips, sweeter than honey.

"Hehe, as long as Brother Gu Yue thinks it looks good, that's enough."

As if encouraged, she unconsciously leaned closer to Gu Yuejin, almost shoulder to shoulder.

"Speaking of which, that sparring match today was so satisfying!"

Meng Hongchen proactively found a topic, her words brimming with admiration for Gu Yuejin:

"Especially that final counterattack—it was pure genius! Brother Gu Yue, you..."

As she spoke, she suddenly noticed that his collar seemed a little askew.

"Don't move."

Meng Hongchen naturally raised her hand, her slender, fair fingertips gently pinching Gu Yuejin's collar, carefully straightening it for him.

In the process, her slightly cool fingertips brushed faintly against the skin of his neck.

That momentary touch carried a subtle electric current, instantly filling the cramped carriage with a pink, ambiguous atmosphere.

"..."

Xiao Hongchen, sitting across from them, twitched at the corner of his mouth. He covered his forehead in despair and turned his head away, adopting an "out of sight, out of mind" demeanor.

Hopeless.

His little cabbage wasn't just capable of digging up someone else—she was practically washing herself clean and jumping into the other person's pot!

Meanwhile, Huo Yuhao kept his eyes on his nose, his nose on his heart, sitting upright and rigidly focused on the rapidly passing street scenes outside the window, as if some peerless beauty or rare soul beast were out there.

As long as I don't look, I'm not a third wheel.

As long as I don't listen, I won't be force-fed dog food.

"There."

Meng Hongchen withdrew her hand, looked at her "masterpiece," and nodded in satisfaction, a shy and contented blush spreading across her face.

"Thank you."

Gu Yuejin smiled slightly, not rejecting this intimacy, though deep in his eyes, he maintained his unique clarity and calm.

The carriage rolled smoothly along the main road toward the Imperial Palace.

As night fully descended, a magnificent cluster of brightly lit buildings appeared ahead.

That was the heart of the Sun Moon Empire's power—the Imperial Palace.

"We're here."

Gu Yuejin looked through the carriage window at the massive palace gates slowly opening, then adjusted the collar that Meng Hongchen had just smoothed.

The warmth in his eyes instantly dissipated, replaced by a sharp, piercing edge.

"Let's go. Time to meet that... ambitious Crown Prince."