Bi Biyao's intentions to kill were clear; Qian Ling'er sought an audience at the Eastern Palace

The academy was bustling with activity. Golden flags fluttered atop the mountain gates, where a magnificent procession had arrived: a group of refined, noble-looking young men.

"His Highness the Crown Prince has arrived!"

Amid the loud announcement, Qian Ling'er entered the academy at a measured pace, escorted by a group of academy instructors.

He had a face as handsome as carved jade, and his manner was gentle and composed. A faint smile played at the corners of his mouth, as refreshing as a spring breeze.

"Greetings, Your Highness."

Yu Tianheng and his companions had just been planning to leave the capital and travel elsewhere.

But then they had run into Qian Ling'er, so they hurried over to greet him. They now had an excuse to remain at the academy a little longer.

Qian Ling'er raised a hand and gestured for them to rise. A glimmer of light flickered in his eyes as he looked over the young men before him.

His voice was as gentle as water. "There's no need to stand on ceremony. I've come to the academy this time to select the most talented young men on the continent for the imperial court. You must be Lin Chen, the one Father told me to look for?"

"Father sent me here..."

"If you need anything, just ask."

The Crown Prince spoke with perfect tact. He had honored the emperor's wishes while also encouraging his younger brother.

However, deep in Qian Ling'er's eyes, there was a hard-to-detect trace of disappointment and urgency.

He scanned the crowd, searching for the person he needed to find.

The one at the heart of it all!

"Has the Royal Demon Army arrived? It seems everyone has come," Qian Ling'er asked with an intentional smile.

Lin Chen stepped forward. His cool, clear voice rang through the quiet corridor. "Your Highness, my junior brother, Lin Chen, is currently cultivating. He has just returned from the Star Dou Great Forest..."

"Just returned from the Star Dou Great Forest? And he had an epiphany?"

"An epiphany?"

Qian Ling'er's heart stirred, and an amused smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.

"Cultivation is important. I won't disturb him."

Qian Ling'er smiled and cupped his hands toward the academy's instructors.

"Please go about your business. I'm also fond of the academy's lively atmosphere. I'd like to walk around on my own and see whether there are any promising students who could join the imperial court."

No one dared refuse, so they all stepped aside.

Qian Ling'er wandered alone along the secluded path through the forest behind the academy. He seemed to be strolling without a care, yet his senses remained alert to everything around him.

Why did His Highness seem to be looking for Lin Chen...?

Ling Yun stood up felt a faint unease.

At that moment, in a secluded place behind the academy where students cultivated,

Lin Chen sat cross-legged in the damp grass, a dense sheen of sweat glistening across his body.

"Haah—!"

He abruptly channeled his soul power.

And the Heavenly Demon Suppression Technique, which had turned into countless golden ancient characters, surged forth with immense force, suppressing the energy that threatened to erupt from him.

"One last step!"

Lin Chen let out a low roar.

"Haah—!"

His surging soul power seemed to glow. A brilliant radiance burst forth, nearly illuminating the entire area.

The crystal-clear Zhu Xian Sword floated behind Lin Chen, fully fused with his body.

Armor covered him from head to toe, and in his phantom form, he clutched the Zhu Xian Sword.

In that instant, a terrifying force capable of destroying all things erupted at the heart of the formation!

"Haah—!"

A streak of darkness, as black as ink yet as brilliant as a starry river, shot straight toward the heavens.

The energy contained an ancient aura from the depths of the universe, so powerful it seemed to erase everything in its path.

"This terrifying soul power—what a frightening..."

Qian Ling'er, who had been walking nearby, suddenly stopped. His golden eyes narrowed.

Even with the might of an eight-winged angel martial soul, in that split second, he felt a chill in his bones. It was a fear that came from the depths of his soul.

"The Immortal Sword... So he really is the Immortal Sword Martial Soul mentioned in the diary!"

Qian Ling'er stared at the soul light that had shattered the void, his heart surging with immense waves.

That level of power was far beyond what a Soul Sect could possibly unleash.

So it really was...

A terrifying martial soul, an Immortal Sword Martial Soul!

Lin Chen stood firm, feeling the immense power coursing through his body.

Forty thousand jin!

"My soul power directly broke through to the Soul King realm, and my storage ring has become much more stable."

"After fully activating the Immortal Sword Martial Soul, my own soul power and martial soul will grow tremendously for a short time."

Lin Chen murmured to himself.

"Did you say something?"

Lin Chen looked over and saw Qian Ling'er standing nearby.

Qian Ling'er calmed himself, then walked toward Lin Chen with a smile.

"Sorry for the trouble. I came here because I saw the soul light and wanted to take a look."

Qian Ling'er's smile was as gentle as a spring breeze, but his eyes held a deep, cold intent, like a predator watching its prey.

Lin Chen rose to his feet and cupped his hands. "Your Highness, a few things have happened recently. They've caused quite a stir in the palace, so I've come to report them."

Lin Chen's heart stirred.

The reason the Crown Prince had come was clearly to see him, unless...

Could Qian Ling'er also have his own diary?

"Ha, no need to worry about that... Your brother's talent and strength are truly exceptional. He's the sort of person who would catch anyone's eye."

Qian Ling'er stepped closer, concealing his thoughts. "Your brother is just too exceptional. With the academy protecting him, he should be safe—unless... he gets caught up in a conflict that even the empire can't control."

"That isn't necessarily true."

Lin Chen watched Qian Ling'er's fascinating gaze and said with a smile that was almost a laugh, "Sometimes the greatest danger is often right beside you... The one wearing the Crown Prince's robe may not be the only one."

"..."

Qian Ling'er's heart missed half a beat.

He looked into Lin Chen's eyes, which seemed capable of seeing right through him. A mixture of surprise and curiosity stirred within him.

In the end, it became a soft sigh.

"Ah... I really can't hide anything from you."

Qian Ling'er knew that Lin Chen had probably guessed she had a diary of her own.

He had no malicious intentions and knew Lin Chen wouldn't make a move against him.

At that moment, Bi Biyao walked over.

"Lin Chen, someone outside the academy wants to join the academy and the Royal Demon Army... The old Qin instructor isn't here, and you're the academy's head..."

"They seem to be people from the History Society."

Lin Chen was a little surprised and curious.

"People from the History Society want to join the army?"

Lin Chen was beginning to find these developments rather interesting. Could those people from the History Society have diaries of their own, too?

"Your Highness, why don't you come with me?"

Lin Chen invited him warmly.

"Very well." Qian Ling'er smiled faintly.