Xu Jiujiu's Decision

Yin Chen needed to find a solution that would let him pursue his own goals while properly meeting the Star Luo Imperial Family's expectations—or... a perfect reason that could convince both them and himself.

The night wind blew with a chill, yet it could not disperse the thoughts weighing on Yin Chen's mind.

He knew he had to make a decision soon.

Within the imperial study of the Star Luo Imperial Palace.

The soft glow of luminous pearls filled the room, yet it could not dispel the faint worry between Xu Jiawei's brows.

He set down the memorial in his hand and looked toward his younger sister, seated below him with an unusually hesitant yet resolute expression.

"Jiujiu, you seem to have something on your mind?"

Xu Jiawei's voice was gentle, carrying the knowing air of one who saw through everything.

Xu Jiujiu drew a light breath and raised her eyes to her brother. Complex emotions flickered in those bright eyes so similar to Xu Jiawei's.

"Brother Emperor, I... I wish to ask something on Yin Chen's behalf."

"Oh? Is this about where he will go after graduation?"

Xu Jiawei was not surprised. There was even a faint smile at the corner of his lips.

"You noticed that he wants to go to Shrek?"

Xu Jiujiu nodded. Her gaze grew slightly distant, as though it had pierced through the palace walls to see that silver-haired youth.

"After being together for so many years, I understand him. He has great ambition, and deep down, he has his own convictions and goals. If we tried to keep him with the affection and kindness built up over these years, perhaps he would not refuse, but he... would not be happy."

Her voice gradually softened, carrying a tenderness even she had not fully realized.

"I do not want to put him in a difficult position, much less... bind him within this small patch of sky called Star Luo City. A young eagle must eventually leave its nest before it can soar through the heavens."

Xu Jiawei looked silently at Xu Jiujiu, already understanding everything in his heart.

He suddenly chuckled, his tone holding both teasing and sentiment.

"Jiujiu, are you really so assured? Aren't you afraid that once he leaves, he will never return, and Star Luo's years of investment will all be wasted?"

At those words, Xu Jiujiu's eyes instantly became firm and clear. She shook her head without hesitation.

"No. I believe in him, and I believe even more in my own judgment. He is not an ungrateful person. He understands what Star Luo has given him. Besides..."

She paused, her tone becoming gentler, yet filled with absolute confidence.

"Emotions are the strongest bond. You said that yourself, Brother Emperor. As long as this bond remains unbroken, he will always be one of Star Luo's people."

Seeing the trust and protectiveness nearly spilling from Xu Jiujiu's eyes, Xu Jiawei's last trace of doubt vanished, replaced by a sigh of realization.

His sister had always been intelligent and decisive, skilled in politics, yet she had clearly fallen for him now. She simply might not have fully realized how her feelings had changed.

If she were truly considering things purely from the imperial family's perspective, she should have been thinking about how to bind Yin Chen to the imperial family's chariot for maximum benefit, rather than standing in Yin Chen's place and considering his future as she was now.

"You..."

Xu Jiawei shook his head helplessly but did not expose her.

He recalled what he had once taught Xu Jiujiu—emotions were the strongest and hardest bonds to sever.

Now, Xu Jiujiu seemed to be putting that lesson into practice herself.

As long as they maintained this relationship that surpassed mere interests, Yin Chen's future would forever remain inseparably tied to Star Luo.

"Very well. I agree."

Xu Jiawei finally nodded.

"Then let him go to Shrek, as you wish."

There was a trace of imperceptible regret in his voice, but even more calm acceptance, as though he had expected this all along.

"Though it is somewhat regrettable, it is also within my expectations. From the first time I met that child, I knew he was not someone we could bind."

"Beneath his respect lay confidence, and those eyes concealed a light that looked down upon all things... How could one who gazed upon the stars care about the height of mountains? I simply did not expect this day to come so soon—and for my most beloved sister to personally plead for him."

As Xu Jiawei spoke, his gaze fell on Xu Jiujiu's stunning face. His tone held an indescribable meaning as he chuckled.

"That boy truly has some skill. At such a young age, he has already made my proud, unyielding imperial sister fall so deeply without even realizing it. She is even willingly paving the way for him."

Xu Jiujiu was slightly stunned by Xu Jiawei's words. A faint blush rose to her face as she instinctively wanted to retort, but when she opened her mouth, she found herself unable to argue. She could only turn her gaze away in slight panic, her heart inexplicably skipping a beat.

Xu Jiawei took in her reaction but said nothing more, merely sighing inwardly.

Matters of the heart truly were mysterious.

Perhaps this was the most unique and unbreakable bond connecting Yin Chen and Star Luo.

Since they could not forcibly keep an eagle, then they would open the sky for him and let him soar—but the end of the string had to remain in their hands.

And now, it seemed that string was tied to his precious younger sister.

Within Snow-Listening Pavilion, Yin Chen was preparing to depart for the palace. He had already sorted out his choice for the future.

If he remained in Star Luo, relying on his existing foundation and the imperial family's support, he was confident he could still climb to the peak step by step. Yet that process would undoubtedly take longer and involve more twists and turns.

And time was what he could least afford to waste.

As a transmigrator, he knew very well that the tides of the era were about to rise, the child of destiny was about to embark on his journey, and the God King's pieces would soon be set in motion.

If he could not gather sufficient strength quickly and secure a favorable position in that future grand game, he feared he would be forced into passivity at every step, with countless complications arising.

As for the opportunities of Huo Yuhao, the child of destiny—whether Sky Dream Ice Silkworm or Electrolux—Yin Chen had no intention of coveting them.

Sky Dream Ice Silkworm required a particular spiritual-type Martial Soul, as well as a precisely timed encounter within the vast Star Dou Great Forest. Yin Chen was not one favored by fate, and such things could not be forced.

As for Electrolux, the Holy Necromancer, the appearance of his divine consciousness was even more closely tied to the fusion between Sky Dream Ice Silkworm and Huo Yuhao, making the requirements still harsher.

More importantly, Yin Chen had his own path to walk. With the Archon of Time and the Archon of Death within him, he was confident that even without Sky Dream Ice Silkworm and Electrolux, he could still stand invincible in this world.

That confidence stemmed from his absolute faith in his own strength and potential.

Just as he made up his mind and prepared to seek out Xu Jiujiu to frankly express his thoughts, familiar footsteps sounded outside the courtyard.

"Your Highness."

Uncle Hui's respectful voice rang out, carrying a faint, barely noticeable smile.

Having lived long enough to become wise, he had long regarded the frequently visiting Xu Jiujiu as the mistress of Snow-Listening Pavilion.

Yin Chen looked up in surprise and saw Xu Jiujiu already standing in the doorway, the afterglow of the setting sun casting a warm halo around her.