In the imperial court.
Wang Chen, dressed in a luxurious duke's ceremonial robe, stood in the first row of the grand hall. Around him were all high-ranking and powerful Rank Nine Soul Engineers.
Jing Hongchen looked at Wang Chen beside him and thought to himself, "This brat really hid himself well. Even I was completely fooled."
"I always thought of him as a junior who needed protection, but who would have thought that his strength is already not much weaker than mine?"
"If that titled Douluo-level evil soul master hadn't attacked the Wang family, I wouldn't have known for who knows how long."
Jing Hongchen was not angry at Wang Chen for hiding his strength. In fact, he greatly approved of it. After all, "The tall tree in the forest is the first to be destroyed by the wind."
Before one grows into a towering tree, hiding one's strength and talent appropriately is a very wise move.
However, the power and talent Wang Chen had now revealed were simply too terrifying.
Not even fifteen years old, yet already a Soul Emperor—and not only that, he had even killed an evil soul master with the strength of a Titled Douluo.
Jing Hongchen had hoped his grandson-in-law would be an outstanding young man, but this level of "outstanding" was simply excessive.
What worried him most now was that his granddaughter Meng Hongchen might not be able to handle such a monstrous genius.
He had already received news that yesterday, His Majesty had summoned Wang Chen to the palace. Though he didn't know exactly what they had discussed, given Wang Chen's terrifying talent and strength, he refused to believe the emperor had no intentions.
Looking at Wang Chen's attire, it seemed he had even been granted the title of duke. One must know—even Jing Hongchen himself held no higher rank than duke.
From all the signs, it was clear the emperor was extremely satisfied with Wang Chen.
Jing Hongchen knew Emperor Xu Jing's personality very well—decisive in action, ruthless, deep-minded, and extremely suspicious.
For someone like him to trust Wang Chen, and even grant him a ducal title, meant that he had already grasped Wang Chen tightly in his palm.
If the emperor had already taken hold of Wang Chen, how could he possibly allow such a prodigy to become someone else's son-in-law?
Anyone who dared to covet Wang Chen now would be openly opposing the emperor—snatching food from the emperor's own bowl.
For a moment, Jing Hongchen felt a deep headache. If it had been any other Rank Nine Soul Engineer competing with him for Wang Chen as a grandson-in-law, he would have gone straight to their doorstep to settle it without hesitation.
But if it was the emperor who wanted him? What could he do? Nothing. He was but a subject—how could he possibly fight the emperor? That would be like an egg striking a rock.
Although he held high status as both the Dean of the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy and the Master of Mingde Hall, he still couldn't compare to the emperor.
Even though there were three other Rank Nine Soul Engineers in Mingde Hall, they were all imperial subjects. They might give him, their Hall Master, some respect in ordinary matters—but when it came to critical moments, they would definitely obey the emperor.
Looking at Wang Chen, Jing Hongchen thought bitterly, "This outstanding grandson-in-law of mine is probably going to be stolen by His Majesty. I'll just have to comfort my granddaughter later."
Jing Hongchen gave Wang Chen a somewhat regretful glance.
Wang Chen, noticing Jing Hongchen's gaze, naturally had no idea what was going through the old man's mind.
To Wang Chen, if the emperor wanted to make him a royal son-in-law, he might as well accept. Refusing to become one and avoiding close ties with the royal family would only make the emperor uneasy—and that would be far too dangerous.
Anyway, after a few more years of development, when he became even stronger, the balance of power would lie entirely in his hands.
When that time came, whoever he wanted, or whoever he wanted to marry—let alone the emperor—even Kong Deming, the man considered closest to reaching Rank Ten Soul Engineer, would have no say in it.
Emperor Xu Jing sat upright on the dragon throne, his gaze sweeping sternly over the court before speaking slowly:
"Wang Chen, step forward and receive your title."
Following the court etiquette explained to him earlier by the palace attendants, Wang Chen acted perfectly according to protocol—one look at him, and he seemed like an obedient, well-behaved youth.
Wang Chen bowed respectfully. "This subject is here."
Xu Jing looked at him and declared loudly, "Wang Chen, for slaying the Titled Douluo-level invader who attacked Mingdu the other day, you have rendered a great service to our Sun Moon Empire."
"I hereby grant you the noble title of Duke, hereditary and perpetual. You shall enter the Royal Offering Hall to serve as a Royal Offering of the Sun Moon Empire. From this day forth, you will receive the full support and provisions of the Empire!"
At these words, all officials below Rank Nine Soul Engineer were utterly shocked.
"A duke? That's the highest rank a subject can possibly attain! He's only fifteen, yet he's already reached the pinnacle of official status—it's truly unprecedented, and likely never to be repeated!"
"To enter the Royal Offering Hall—it's the dream honor of countless Soul Engineers! The annual salary, the share of top-grade rare metals—those are astronomical amounts! And it's said one can even receive guidance from Elder Kong himself!"
"…"
In an instant, the civil and military officials of the entire court looked at Wang Chen with astonishment and envy. Yet none voiced any objection—after all, Wang Chen had slain a Titled Douluo-level powerhouse. With such strength, all of this was completely justified.
Wang Chen, fully prepared for this moment, bowed deeply and said, "This subject thanks Your Majesty for your gracious favor!"
Xu Jing nodded slightly and continued, "Wang Chen, your talent is extraordinary, your future limitless. I hope you will continue your diligent cultivation and render even greater service to our Sun Moon Empire."
Wang Chen replied solemnly, "This subject will do everything in his power and will not betray Your Majesty's high expectations."
After Wang Chen's investiture ceremony ended, the morning court session resumed its usual agenda.
Reports followed—small skirmishes on the borders, natural disasters in certain regions, a new soul beast tide in one of the soul beast habitats requesting deployment of a Soul Engineer legion to suppress it…
Wang Chen, listening, grew somewhat sleepy. Fortunately, as a Royal Offering, he would only need to attend the grand court assemblies—he could skip the daily ones.
After the court was dismissed, Wang Chen had barely stepped out of the great hall when he was immediately surrounded by a crowd of officials.
Most of them were nobles and ministers of the Sun Moon Empire, all coming to congratulate him and seek to establish connections.
After all, Wang Chen's momentum was unstoppable—his future prospects boundless. Making acquaintances now would certainly pay off later.
Wang Chen completely ignored those with weak strength who simply wanted to curry favor or flatter him.
Then came invitations from Ye Yulin and several other Offerings. Wang Chen did not refuse—he considered it a good opportunity to get acquainted with his new colleagues and to learn more about the Royal Offering Hall's operations.
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At the same time, in the Evil Demon Forest—headquarters of the Holy Spirit Cult.
After hearing Zhongli Wu's report, both Ye Yishui and Long Xiaoyao displayed intense reactions—one full of murderous intent, the other of shock.
Ye Xishui voice turned cold and sharp. "The Sun Moon Empire has produced such an unparalleled genius? He must be eliminated as soon as possible. If this boy is allowed to grow, he will surely become a fatal threat to our Holy Spirit Cult."
Long Xiaoyao looked helplessly at Ye Xishui murderous expression, unable to stop her.
Countless words ultimately condensed into a single sigh.
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