Xu Jiujiu Arrives

Xu Jiujiu did not notice the many thoughts running through her brother's mind. Having received permission, a radiant smile blossomed across her beautiful face, and determination gleamed in her violet eyes.

"Don't worry, Brother Emperor. I'll make this child willingly become the Empire's sharpest spear and strongest shield."

She had already begun considering how to approach him and what method would most effectively turn this investment into the Empire's most dependable safeguard for the future.

In Yuming City, the little courtyard had spent half a month waiting without receiving the expected higher-ups from the Eighth Spirit Master Legion. Instead, it welcomed a visitor no one had anticipated.

When the door was knocked on and Uncle Hui opened it, he saw a purple-haired, purple-eyed girl standing outside, her noble bearing like the first light of dawn. Behind her stood an attendant whose aura was as deep as an abyss—a seemingly ordinary old woman who made even Uncle Hui's soul tremble. He froze completely.

Especially after the girl smilingly revealed her identity, Uncle Hui was so shocked that he became flustered. He hurriedly received the two with the highest standard of etiquette, almost trembling as he welcomed them into the courtyard. Then he rummaged through everything to find the finest tea leaves, which Yin Chen's parents had treasured for years and never been willing to drink, and clumsily but eagerly brewed them.

After all, the girl was Xu Jiujiu, Princess of the Star Luo Empire. Her status was so exalted that an ordinary Soul Master like him could never hope to encounter someone like her in his lifetime.

"Your Highness's presence honors this humble home beyond measure. It's just... it's simply too shabby, and I fear I cannot properly receive you. Please forgive me, Your Highness."

Uncle Hui's voice was filled with excitement and unease.

When Xu Jiujiu explained that she had come specifically to take Yin Chen to Star Luo City so he could study at the Star Luo Royal Junior Spirit Master Academy, Uncle Hui was so delighted that he nearly wept with joy.

To him, Yin Chen was not merely the young master he served. He was also the only remaining person in this world whom he cared for as if he were his own grandson.

To see Yin Chen valued so highly by the Imperial Family, to the point that Her Highness the Princess had personally come to escort him, was an unimaginable honor beyond even his dreams.

Of course, he understood that all of this stemmed from Yin Chen's astonishing talent—his martial soul had awakened with Innate Full Soul Power, and it even possessed the rarest and most unusual time attribute.

But he had never expected the Imperial Family to value him this highly, enough to directly send Her Highness the Princess.

"Good, good! Young Master has such a promising future. Master and Madam can rest in peace in the heavens."

Uncle Hui murmured excitedly, and the great weight in his heart finally fell away.

He knew well that on the path of Soul Master cultivation, talent was certainly important, but resources, knowledge, top-tier meditation methods, and channels for obtaining suitable Soul Rings all required powerful external support.

Now that Her Highness the Princess had personally stepped forward, Yin Chen's future path would undoubtedly be far smoother.

In contrast to Uncle Hui's ecstatic joy, after his initial surprise, countless thoughts flashed through Yin Chen's mind.

The ones who had come for him were not members of the Eighth Spirit Master Legion, nor were they people from Duke White Tiger's faction, which was closely tied to the military. It was a princess directly from the core of the Star Luo Imperial Family... The political implications were obvious.

He raised his shattered-gold eyes and looked at Xu Jiujiu, who stood before him with a charming smile. Rather than appearing overwhelmed with favor or innocently clueless like an ordinary child, he spoke in a calm tone utterly unsuited to his age.

"This is beyond my expectations. I originally thought the people coming for me would be from the Eighth Spirit Master Legion, or perhaps from Lord Duke White Tiger."

The moment he said this, the practiced, princess-like elegant smile on Xu Jiujiu's face froze. A trace of surprise flashed through her amethyst eyes, which then became incomparably serious and sharp as she carefully examined the white-haired, golden-eyed boy before her once more.

Not only Xu Jiujiu, but even the old woman, who had kept her eyes lowered as though dozing, lifted her head and stared at Yin Chen in astonishment.

It was hard to imagine that these were words a six-year-old child would say.

A six-year-old child, upon learning of the honor of a princess personally visiting him, did not react with delight. Instead, his first response was to immediately perceive the possible political struggle behind it?

This precociousness and sharpness, so far beyond his age, made her completely discard any lingering relaxed mindset that she might merely be here to collect a child with decent talent.

Children on the Douluo Continent generally matured early due to martial soul awakenings and similar factors, but Xu Jiujiu had truly never seen one mature to this extent.

Her assessment of Yin Chen instantly rose to an entirely new level.

He was not merely a gifted tool or a future fighter. He might also be an exceptionally intelligent potential partner, one worth speaking to and investing in as an equal.

"You're much smarter than I imagined, little brother."

Xu Jiujiu put away her smile, and her tone became solemn and frank.

"You guessed correctly. Legion Commander Jin Yang's position is a delicate one, and your talent is far too eye-catching. Having the Imperial Family take you in directly is the safest option at present."

Seeing Xu Jiujiu's reaction, Yin Chen felt reassured.

He knew that his performance had successfully drawn her attention.

Naturally, he was also willing to build a good relationship with this high-born princess.

For a long time to come, Xu Jiujiu would be his most important provider of resources and his greatest shield.

Whether it was obtaining top-tier meditation methods, rare cultivation resources, or hunting suitable Soul Beasts for Soul Rings in the future, none of it could be done without this princess's support.

Besides, to be fair, Yin Chen had been a normal man in his past life.

Compared to dealing with the higher-ups of the Eighth Spirit Master Legion, who might reek of sweat and possess rough, boorish temperaments, this princess before him—fair-skinned, beautiful, noble in bearing, intelligent, and perceptive—was clearly far more pleasing to the eye. Getting along with her would presumably also be... much more enjoyable.

"Your Highness overpraises me."

Yin Chen gave a slight bow, a perfectly appropriate, innocent childlike smile appearing on his face. Yet deep within those golden eyes gleamed a calm clarity wholly at odds with that smile.

"It is Yin Chen's honor to receive Your Highness's favor. On the road ahead, I hope Your Highness will offer me much guidance."

He took the initiative to show goodwill, while subtly expressing his willingness to accept the Imperial Family's investment.

As Xu Jiujiu looked at Yin Chen, who possessed both the appearance of a child and the wisdom of an adult, the curiosity and importance she attached to him grew even stronger.

She had a feeling that this trip to Yuming City might bring a surprise far beyond expectations—not only to her, but to the Star Luo Empire as well.

"Then."

Xu Jiujiu rose to her feet and extended her hand toward Yin Chen, a bright and sincere smile once again appearing on her face.

"Yin Chen, are you ready to head to Star Luo City and begin your path as a Soul Master?"

Yin Chen looked at the fair, slender hand extended toward him. Without the slightest hesitation, he placed his small hand in hers.

"I'm ready, Your Highness."