Today, Mingdu is experiencing a series of storms.
Inside the main hall of the Sun Moon Imperial Palace, powerful ministers peered curiously through the open doors at the towering structure in the distance. Just moments before, a group of Ninth-Level Soul Engineers had made no attempt to conceal their presence as they headed towards the Hall of Enshrinement. Although Mingdu was vast, most high-ranking Spirit Masters had noticed this astonishing event.
The old emperor's health deteriorated, and he became increasingly drowsy, ruling from the throne. Crown Prince Xu Tianran was regent. But this sudden upheaval in Mingdu, which had been peaceful for so long, naturally attracted everyone's attention. The Crown Prince ordered his men to inquire, and the ministers discussed it below the platform.
"What happened? So many Ninth-Level Soul Engineers are heading to the Hall of Enshrinement together."
"Perhaps Master Confucius has made a major research breakthrough."
"But it seems to me that all of you gentlemen are fully equipped."
"Indeed, it feels more like going to war than doing research."
"What nonsense are you thinking? That's the Hall of Enshrinement, Confucius is there." A voice broke through all sorts of speculations.
"really."
"With Confucius around, what trouble could possibly arise?"
The various speculations that were originally being considered have converged into one.
Kong Deming is the first Soul Guide of the Sun Moon Empire, the true guiding force of the Empire, and a mentor figure even for most Ninth-Level Soul Engineers. Several emperors have come and gone, but Kong Deming remains there, making him arguably the Empire's and the royal family's greatest support.
Amid the lively discussion, only six people stood quietly, without uttering a word.
...
Inside the Hall of Enshrinement.
"Master Kong." Ye Yulin looked at Kong Deming, who was also "enslaved," with a complicated expression. Although he could not control his own body when driven by the master-servant contract, what his five senses could perceive would still be fed back to his consciousness.
"Sigh~" Kong Deming shook his head gently, looking helpless. "Xiao Ye, we have to face reality eventually."
Ye Yulin was silent.
The Ninth-Level Soul Engineers, now allowed to regain control of their bodies, looked at each other, opened their mouths, and, facing these former colleagues who were now their new ones, were momentarily at a loss for words.
Does this mean I'm congratulating you on successfully changing jobs?
Ha, what a lame joke.
"Knock knock~"
An Zhen tapped the metal table twice.
"Alright, everyone. We still have one more thing to do today—purge the court of corrupt officials and establish a new emperor." The black-haired youth spoke slowly from his high position. An Zhen looked at Kong Deming, " Kong Deming, you will be the commander-in-chief of this operation. You will lead them. I hope the final result will satisfy me."
Of course, he would oversee and manage such an important matter from beginning to end.
Kong Deming was taken aback, seemingly not expecting that the other party would entrust him with the control of this operation, which was both a power and a test for him.
The old man bowed slightly and said, "Yes."
An Zhen glanced at the other Ninth - Level Soul Engineers, his dark eyes flashing with a hint of hostility as he looked at a few of them. "Behave yourselves, and I won't use contracts to control you. I don't care what you were thinking before, the situation is now settled, and even Kong Deming has been taken down."
"This operation can also be seen as a pledge of allegiance from you. That's the fact. If you continue to slack off, well, I don't care if one more or one less comes along."
"yes."
This time, there was no contractual obligation, but whether they were willing or not, they all lowered their heads.
"Okay, next, because things were done a bit hastily, there are a few things I need to explain."
An Zhen gave a brief introduction of his identity.
True Hongchen, the third member of the new generation of the Hongchen Family.
The Ninth-Level Soul Engineers listened with their heads down.
On the surface, you appear compliant, but in reality, you don't believe a word. Even if you're going to lie, you should at least come up with a plausible reason. According to you, you're even younger than Smile Meng and her brother Hongchen. And look at what you've done: enslaving Ninth-Level Soul Engineers, purging corrupt officials, and about to overthrow an emperor's rule. Do you really think these two things are connected?
Fine, you're the boss, whatever you say goes.
An Zhen felt helpless; sometimes, even when he told the truth, no one believed him.
"As for the selection of the new emperor," An Zhen began, and the Ninth-Level Soul Engineers below perked up their ears, especially the members of the Sun and Moon Royal Family. "The only direct descendant princess of the current royal family, Xu Tianzhen."
...
"My research encountered some problems at a critical moment, so I temporarily convened a meeting with others to discuss the matter."
Kong Deming spoke to the officials from the palace who had come to investigate the cause.
The official bowed respectfully and left.
Given Kong Deming's status and prestige in the Sun Moon Empire, he could easily overshadow this little commotion with a simple sentence, even without showing his face.
Kong Deming glanced at the distant palace, took a deep breath, and then strode towards Mingdu. They headed towards the Soul Guide Academy. After Kong Deming left, one by one, Ninth-Level Soul Engineers emerged from the Hall of Enshrinement and headed in different directions in Mingdu.
Mingdu Soul Guide Academy.
While it cannot compare to the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy, it is always second to none in the Sun Moon Empire. However, in terms of Spirit Master instruction, it is not second to none, and even the first place is clearly weak. It is a relatively tall one among the short ones.
In the empty stands of a battle arena, Kong Deming stood there, like an ordinary old man, quietly watching a class battle below.
"Master Kong, have we found our young emperor?"
In a flash, An Zhen appeared silently beside Kong Deming. An Zhen's knowledge of Xu Tianzhen was limited to information he'd received from his grandfather and a few chapters from the original novel.
"Yes." Kong Deming nodded gently.
"Oh?" An Zhen followed Kong Deming's gaze and saw a lively young girl casually squatting on a chair by the field.
Her long, purplish-red hair was casually tied into a single ponytail, with a few strands sticking up. Sweat from her recent exercise clung to her fair forehead, and a lively, carefree smile graced her pretty face. Her bright, expressive eyes seemed to speak volumes as she watched the two fighters battling it out with great interest.
Her fair skin glowed with a healthy rosy hue, and her youthful figure showed the curves characteristic of womanhood. She wore a white short-sleeved shirt, with a long-sleeved jacket tied around her waist, creating an oddly shaped skirt. Her athletic pants revealed a glimpse of her calves, and her long, straight legs were strong and agile. She wore white sneakers, and her short frame had one leg perched on a chair while the other dangled in the air.
"This girl seems quite energetic," An Zhen said with a smile.
Kong Deming looked at Xu Tianzhen's unladylike posture and gave a wry smile. " Your Highness Tianzhen... Her Majesty has a lively and mischievous personality. Please bear with her, my lord."
"I've heard some of it."
Lively and mischievous, willful and rebellious.
Growing up pampered by the Sun Moon Royal Family, he turned the palace upside down.
"They're just kids," said An Zhen, who is about the same age as Xu Tianzhen. "As long as they're not bad-natured, you can find a suitable way to communicate with them. You just need to be more patient."