Xu Tianran's pupils contracted slightly, and his fingers unconsciously tightened their grip on the armrest.
Memories of that night came flooding back.
The man before them had indeed calmly and confidently broken through the palace's multiple defenses in full view of everyone.
Even when Xu Tianran racked his brains to find the other party's existence, he felt somewhat powerless.
"I have no doubt about your abilities," Xu Tianran said, his voice slightly hoarse. "However, since you are so confident, I won't ask any further questions."
"Put on the clothes I brought you, and then we can set off together."
As he spoke, Xu Tianran pointed to the clothes on the chair next to him, gesturing for Toji to come forward.
Toji stepped forward, glanced at the clothes, and then quickly changed into them in ten seconds right in front of him.
Even Xu Tianran would be envious if he saw Toji's near-perfect figure.
Standing at two meters tall, with broad shoulders and a narrow waist, his muscles are smooth and explosive, every inch of his body resembling steel forged through countless trials. Encased in black clothing, his physique is outlined in near-perfect golden proportions.
She's neither overly muscular nor too thin, and especially when she wears slimmer clothes, she appears much more reserved. She's the type who looks slim in clothes but has a muscular physique underneath.
And that face, with its distinct features, a jawline as sharp as if carved by a knife, a high nose bridge, thin and tightly pursed lips, yet always a faint, mocking smile playing at the corners of his mouth, as if everything in the world was nothing more than a game to him.
Xu Tianran sighed and couldn't help but say:
May I ask you a question?
"Explain."
"How did you achieve your physique? If you have the chance, could you teach me how to get a body like that?"
"It's innate; you can't learn it."
Xu Tianran: "..."
He had no choice but to change the subject:
"I've noticed that you seem quite different this time compared to when we last met."
He pondered for a moment, looking at the pure yet almost tangible sense of oppression emanating from the Toji in front of him, which made his expression somewhat solemn.
Toji's aura was almost non-existent before, but this time he seemed to no longer conceal himself. Just by standing there, the surrounding air seemed to become viscous, making it difficult to even breathe.
His presence was so strong that it was impossible to ignore him.
"What's different?" Toji asked.
"Your aura is more outward, your domineering presence is more apparent, unlike before when you were so inconspicuous that you were practically invisible."
"I don't want to explain this topic. May we depart now, Your Highness?"
Xu Tianran felt no displeasure at this person's blatant defiance; on the contrary, he was somewhat pleased.
He likes talented and capable people; a little personality is no problem for them.
Let's go.
Inside the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy.
Lin Jiayi, the head of the teaching department, found Jing Hongchen Illustrious Virtue Hall.
"Master, today is the day His Highness the Crown Prince is coming to the academy, what do you think...?"
Lin Jiayi whispered.
Jing Hongchen thought for a moment before speaking, "Although I don't know what business this newly appointed Crown Prince has come to the academy, let's still treat him well."
As one of the top Level 9 Soul Engineer in the Sun Moon Empire, although he did not participate in the power struggles within the royal family, he still knew something about Xu Tianran.
This young man is quite ambitious. Compared to the other princes, he is more shrewd and mature, as well as cautious.
If he inherits the throne, he will surely lead the Sun Moon Empire to greater development.
Jing Hongchen still thinks highly of Xu Tianran.
Even though he holds a high position and has significant influence within the Sun Moon Empire, the consequences of choosing the wrong side could be dire.
He can't afford to gamble.
However, given the prince's status, we can simply give him some face and treat him well.
"I understand, Master."
Lin Jiayi then withdrew.
As the carriage slowly entered the gates of the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy, the waiting honor guard saluted in unison.
Xu Tianran sat in the carriage, gazing through the window at the academy that represented the pinnacle of the empire's Soul Tool Technology.
"Remember our agreement," he whispered to Toji beside him. "In public, you are my chief bodyguard advisor."
Toji nodded casually.
"Have you taken good notes of our statements to our superiors?"
"Of course I remember, Your Excellency," Xu Tianran said with a smile.
As soon as the carriage came to a stop and the servant opened the door, Toji stepped out first.
The sunlight cast sharp shadows on his angular face, and the black uniform accentuated his broad shoulders and narrow waist.
For a moment, gasps of surprise filled the air.
"What handsome guards! My goodness, is this the treatment His Highness the Crown Prince receives?"
"His aura is even more impressive than some soldiers I've ever seen..."
Toji the watchful protection of those around him, Xu Tianran also got out of the car, smiling and waving to the crowd.
He noticed, in particular, that many of the female students' eyes were fixed on Toji, their eyes gleaming with an unusual light.
"It seems you're quite popular," Xu Tianran said in a low voice. "To be honest, I'm even a little envious of your good looks."
Toji scoffed:
"That's just how I am."
Upon learning of the Crown Prince's arrival, Hall Master Jing Hongchen personally led a group of high-ranking Soul Engineer to greet him.
"Your Highness, this humble subject pays your respects."
Jing Hongchen stepped forward with a smile and nodded slightly in acknowledgment.
He did not perform any formalities such as bowing, after all, he was Level 9 Soul Engineer, one of the top tier, and the Illustrious Virtue Hall.
The only reason he gave Xu Tianran face was because of the latter's status as the Crown Prince. If he weren't the Crown Prince, Xu Tianran probably wouldn't even have the chance to meet him.
" Tianran greets Hall Master," Xu Tianran said gently. " Tianran has come today to discuss with you a matter of utmost importance to our Sun Moon Empire —a plan that is of paramount importance to us."
"Oh? I wonder which project His Highness the Crown Prince values so highly." Jing Hongchen's smile widened, her gaze sweeping over Toji behind Xu Tianran, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes.
"And who is this...?"
"He's my chief advisor," Xu Tianran introduced with a smile. " Level 8 Special Combat Soul Engineer, skilled at combining Soul Tool with his own Martial Soul to unleash the Soul Tool's full power."
Toji nodded expressionlessly, but his eyes secretly scanned the layout of the academy.
Nothing much has changed; the situation is similar to the last time we infiltrated.
They really don't learn their lesson. Aren't they afraid of launching another attack?
Come to think of it, their confidence in Soul Tool... they probably never imagined that they sneaked in last time...
This time, with Xu Tianran's help, I gained a legitimate identity and walked in through the door with my head held high.
A glint flashed in Jing Hongchen's eyes as he carefully examined Toji:
"To be so highly regarded by His Highness, one must possess extraordinary abilities. I wonder about the details of the plan His Highness spoke of..."