"It's been several years since I last returned, and Star Luo City has changed quite a bit."
As soon as they passed through the gates of Star Luo City, Wang Xing looked around, marveling at the increasing number of Soul Guidance Devices.
The Star Luo Empire had always been relatively accepting of Soul Guidance Devices. Coupled with the Continental War a few years ago, although it still could not compare to Gengxin City, where Wang Nan was vigorously promoting Soul Guidance Devices, it had nevertheless undergone earth-shattering changes compared to the past.
Aside from iconic buildings like Star Luo Plaza, other areas had gradually taken on a very different appearance.
"I wonder if our old courtyard is still there."
"It definitely is." Wang Nan smiled as he watched his parents take in their surroundings. He was planning to go see Emperor Xu Jiawei, and since his parents had not returned in many years, he decided to bring them back to their old courtyard first.
"Nan'er, aren't you going to see His Majesty later?" She Yu asked with some concern. "You should go ahead. Your father and I can go on our own."
"It's fine, Mom. Yuhao just went to Shrek City to pick up his mother. We'll go together after he gets back."
"That's good, as long as it doesn't delay your business."
After all, She Yu was not a Spirit Master. Although most of the people around her had cultivation and she roughly understood that Wang Nan's strength was extremely high, she could not fully grasp what that level of power truly represented.
Even the Emperor of the Star Luo Empire had to treat him with courtesy. His audience with the Emperor was far less constrained by protocol than that of ordinary people.
Walking along the street, the three soon arrived at the courtyard where Wang Nan had lived as a child. Although several years had passed since their last visit, aside from accumulated dust and debris, the courtyard itself had not changed much.
Soul Guidance Devices could already be seen in neighboring courtyards, yet this area had not undergone large-scale reconstruction like other districts. The scene beyond the gate felt almost exactly the same as before.
After entering the backyard, a shallow pit near one corner was clearly visible.
"Nan'er, do you still remember this?" Wang Xing took a couple of steps forward, a smile appearing on his face as he looked at the shallow pit.
"Of course I remember." Wang Nan's smile deepened.
It was the mark left when he had obtained his first spirit ring. During practice, his Coiling Dragon Staff had struck the ground. Although his father had quickly filled the pit afterward, the repaired section was never quite the same as the original. Over time, the traces gradually reappeared.
"You were such a diligent child, completely unlike your father," Nai Yu said with a smile. As she looked at the courtyard, the image of a small figure tirelessly practicing with a staff seemed to appear before her eyes.
"Oh, right." Wang Xing looked up at Wang Nan.
"What is it, Dad?"
"When you go to see His Majesty later, mention this courtyard," Wang Xing said. "I noticed it as soon as we arrived. His Majesty is enthusiastic about promoting Soul Guidance Devices, and even the imperial palace has changed. The fact that this area has retained its old appearance must be out of consideration for your standing."
As a Spirit Master, Wang Xing understood the influence of a Limit Douluo. He glanced around once more before continuing, "We won't live here anymore. We can't let our family hold back the development of Star Luo City. After living in Gengxin City for so long, I think it would be good to add some Soul Guidance Device installations here as well."
Wang Nan glanced at his father and nodded lightly. "I understand. I'll bring it up."
As he spoke, Wang Nan's expression shifted slightly.
"The child you mentioned must have arrived. You two go take care of your business. Your mother and I will walk around nearby."
The subtle change in Wang Nan's expression did not escape Nai Yu's notice. She looked at him and spoke gently.
"Alright. Oh, and Yuhao will bring his mother here later. Let her stay here for a while."
"You already told us before we set off. We remember," Wang Xing replied.
As they spoke, two figures appeared at the courtyard gate. Wang Nan looked up and saw Huo Yuhao standing beside a woman in her forties. Though time had inevitably left its marks on her face, traces of her youthful beauty were still visible.
"Brother Wang!"
Huo Yun'er also looked toward Wang Nan. She had heard countless times from Huo Yuhao about the man who had once saved her life, but this was her first time seeing him in person.
Although she did not feel any overwhelming aura from Wang Nan, she knew he was a Duke of the Star Luo Empire. She immediately prepared to bow.
Before she could do so, Nai Yu stepped forward and gently grasped her hand. "You must be Yuhao's mother."
Nai Yu smiled and glanced back at Wang Nan. "Let the children handle their own affairs. We'll go take a walk in the city."
"Mom, after Brother Wang and I finish our business, we'll come back," Huo Yuhao added.
Huo Yun'er lowered her head slightly, then looked up at Wang Nan's smiling face and nodded.
Although she had long since left the White Tiger Duke's Mansion, having grown up as a maid, some habits had never fully faded.
"Brother Wang."
"Let's go," Wang Nan said. "We're heading to the imperial palace."
Although Wang Nan held the title of Duke, he had not actually entered the palace to meet the Emperor many times.
In truth, this was not unique to him. The elders of the Hall of Offerings all held noble titles, yet aside from carrying out missions, they rarely appeared publicly. Actively requesting an audience with the Emperor usually meant they had a specific purpose.
Thus, when Emperor Xu Jiawei learned that Wang Nan wished to see him, he immediately set aside his work. After reviewing matters concerning Liujin Province and Gengxin City, he summoned Princess Xu Jiujiu to confirm that no one had offended Wang Nan. Only then did he prepare himself and wait in his study.
"Your Majesty."
When Wang Nan and Huo Yuhao entered the study, stood properly, and bowed, Emperor Xu Jiawei rose from his seat.
"Duke Heaven's Equal. This must be Huo Yuhao of Shrek Academy."
"Yes," Huo Yuhao replied.
"Please, both of you, sit." Emperor Xu Jiawei gestured toward the table. He did not return to his desk, instead seating himself opposite Wang Nan, at the same level.
Even the White Tiger Duke, who shared a brotherly relationship with Emperor Xu Jiawei, had not received such treatment since Xu Jiawei ascended the throne.
This posture alone reflected the Emperor's attitude, one shaped by what Star Luo Douluo had told him.
Since returning from Jialing Pass several years ago and stepping down as Hall Master of the Hall of Offerings, Star Luo Douluo had remained in seclusion.
And before entering seclusion, when evaluating Wang Nan's strength and discussing what had happened at Jialing Pass, he had spoken only four words: