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"Clack--"

The crisp sound of footsteps echoed across the metal floor.

"No one here?"

Looking at the bright yet empty underground base, Xu Lanqing was slightly surprised.

"Indeed, no one. What is the matter?"

Ice Empress followed closely behind, her slender, graceful figure glowing like jade under the illumination of the soul guidance lights.

"A base like this usually has people, especially since I haven't come out yet. Never mind, let's wait a moment; perhaps they stepped out for something." Xu Lanqing shook his head and explained.

Without someone to lead the way, he couldn't get out at all—unless, of course, he resorted to tearing the place down.

After wandering around for a circle, the sealed metal base remained exactly as it had been, with no differences; the massive, silver-white humanoid Soul Guidance Device still stood quietly in the center.

Xu Lanqing circled it a few times before stopping at the experimental workbench in front of it.

"What is this?" Ice Empress looked at the giant silver-white hunk of metal, puzzled.

Her spiritual power invaded it, but the densely packed structures inside made her eyes glaze over for a moment.

"A humanoid Soul Guidance Device," Xu Lanqing replied.

Ignoring the complex and precise control console on the workbench, he picked up several sheets of paper covered in characters and read them carefully.

Although his research into Soul Guidance Devices was not profound, he knew some basic knowledge; at the very least, he could understand the line of reasoning written on the pages.

"A humanoid Soul Guidance Device? What is its use?" Ice Empress was even more confused.

"Soul Guidance Devices are created by Soul Masters and used through soul power. They have all sorts of functions—you could say they are bizarre and varied. You will learn about these in the future.

As for the humanoid Soul Guidance Device, its function is likely to amplify a Soul Master's soul power and defense. I don't know the specifics either."

Xu Lanqing shrugged, turned the page he had finished reading, and continued.

As he read on, his eyes narrowed. The further he read, the more surprised, and even shocked, his expression became.

He muttered to himself, "High-Energy Compression Array Soul Guidance Device..."

Ice Empress glanced at the scribbles on the paper, determined that not only could she not understand them, but they were also making her drowsy.

She began to wander around, fiddling with interest at some casually piled-up Soul Guidance Devices; everything here was novel to her.

Suddenly.

She looked up at the metal control door at the exit, then turned to Xu Lanqing and said:

"Someone is coming."

Xu Lanqing rubbed his neck and looked up, revealing a gentle smile:

"No need to be nervous, it must be one of our own. Outsiders cannot enter this place. Hmm, leave it to me later, don't worry.

By the way, if it is my teacher who enters, I plan to tell the truth. What do you think?"

"Mm."

Ice Empress nodded, offering no objection.

"Zzz--"

The silver-white metal door slid slowly to both sides, revealing the figure outside.

A white lab coat draped over his shoulders, a familiar aged face, and a kind smile—it was none other than Kong Deming.

His gaze was immediately drawn to the aloof and independent Ice Empress. A flash of shock crossed Kong Deming's eyes; the strength of the Ice Empress was like a bottomless abyss, putting him under immense pressure.

Could she be a Limit Douluo?

But when did such a powerhouse appear on the continent? And to appear in the Imperial Research Institute—how did she get in?

Countless guesses raced through his mind. For a moment, he stood outside the door, suspicious and uncertain, not stepping inside.

"Teacher."

Xu Lanqing's call snapped Kong Deming out of his stupor.

He looked at Xu Lanqing, then at the Ice Empress, his gaze shifting back and forth between them.

"Lanqing, my disciple, I sensed a reaction from the Soul Guidance Devices left in the research institute, so I rushed over immediately."

Seeming to understand something, Kong Deming strode in, walked straight to Xu Lanqing's side, and asked with concern:

"According to past precedents, those who enter stay for at least a month. Why have you come out so early? Has the problem with your Martial Soul been resolved?"

"Perhaps it is because your disciple is lucky. After taking a nap, I discovered that the problem with my Martial Soul had been resolved. Not only that, but I also gained an extra Soul Ring and Soul Bone," Xu Lanqing answered honestly.

Since he couldn't hide it anyway, he might as well confess.

Resolved after a nap?

And gained an extra Soul Ring and Soul Bone? Are there even Soul Beasts in that place?

What kind of luck is this?

The Ancestral Land that so many people have entered—how did it become different when it was your turn?

Kong Deming's mouth twitched as he looked at Xu Lanqing with a strange expression, his mouth opening, yet he found himself momentarily at a loss for words.

"Can you release your Martial Soul and let me see?"

"Of course." Xu Lanqing nodded.

The Golden Dragon King Martial Soul possessed his body, and the purple-gold Soul Ring appeared once more, the aura of primal destruction swirling around him.

"This is?"

Kong Deming's pupils constricted, and he said in shock, "A million-year Soul Ring?!"

It was unlike any Soul Ring color he had ever seen, and combined with the ancient texts he had read in the past, he arrived at this conclusion.

"Yes."

"Lanqing, this is your destiny, and the heavens favor you. However, a tree that stands taller than the forest will be destroyed by the wind. Before you are strong enough, do not expose this for the time being, understand? Otherwise, open spears are easy to dodge, but hidden arrows are hard to guard against. Even with the strength of the imperial family, it would be difficult to keep you safe."

Kong Deming's expression shifted, and he patted Xu Lanqing's shoulder with a broad palm, his tone solemn.

"I understand, teacher."

Seeing the genuine concern in Kong Deming's eyes, Xu Lanqing nodded.

"That is good. I believe you have a sense of propriety."

Kong Deming stroked his beard, smiling kindly, while his other hand ruffled Xu Lanqing's hair.

Following that, he looked toward the Ice Empress standing to the side, his eyes filled with inquiry.

"And who might you be?"

Xu Lanqing took the opportunity to turn his head away, smoothing out his black hair with his hand as he introduced them to each other.

"This is my teacher, the Empire's Chief Soul Engineer, Kong Deming."

"This is my friend, her name is..."

"Xu Xue."

The Ice Empress took over the conversation, nodding her head slightly toward Kong Deming in acknowledgment.

Xu Lanqing looked at the Ice Empress in astonishment, then hurriedly explained, "Ah... yes, that's right, her name is Xu Xue."

The Ice Empress turned her gaze away and said nothing more.

"A friend?"

Kong Deming narrowed his eyes, his gaze shifting back and forth between the two of them.

Xu Lanqing took a deep breath and confessed to Kong Deming, "Teacher, actually, there are some things I have been hiding from you..."

That was right; he had chosen to come clean to Kong Deming, and to confess everything. Otherwise, telling one lie would require countless more to cover it up later. It was better to cut the knot cleanly and save the trouble.

After everything that had happened, he could feel that Kong Deming truly cared about him. Even if there were any accidents, he now had the Ice Empress and the others.

He needed Kong Deming's help, and the best way to get that help was to be honest and open, which was the only way to earn someone's trust.

Otherwise, the matter of the Ice Empress alone would inevitably create a rift between them.

Who would feel at ease having such a powerful figure in the imperial palace? Even with his guarantee, he was merely a prince, the kind without any real power. Would people just believe whatever he said? Only a fool would.

In truth, this was a gamble, but his odds of success were already nearing certainty.

"I'm sorry, teacher."

After speaking, Xu Lanqing's face turned bright red, and he lowered his head in shame.

"Heh heh."

Watching Xu Lanqing act like a child who had made a mistake, Kong Deming smiled kindly and said with gratification:

"Lanqing, you have already done very well. Everyone has secrets hidden deep in their hearts, unknown to others; this is unavoidable. If you don't want to say it, you don't have to. No one can force you."

As he spoke, he cast a subtle glance at the Ice Empress.

"You must know that in this world, the only person you can truly trust is yourself. So, you don't need to blame yourself, and your teacher will not blame you."

The Ice Empress raised an eyebrow slightly.

"Teacher, then..." Xu Lanqing looked up at the Ice Empress.

"Rest assured, as long as I am still here, no one within the Empire will dare to make a move against them openly!"

Kong Deming said calmly, his voice filled with dominance and majesty.

"Thank you, teacher!"