"From hiring people to pose as evil soul masters to rob Illustrious Virtue Hall's goods to now, in less than two months, so much has happened, and every reaction from Father was within your predictions."
Xu Tianran sighed softly.
"Truly remarkable. The Holy Spirit Cult is exactly who we can rely on. After this, Cult Leader Zhongli can expand openly and justifiably."
"And with Illustrious Virtue Hall, our dealings with Hallmaster Hongchen will naturally bring us closer."
"I can also take this opportunity to thoroughly investigate those nobles and officials. This way, they'll think twice before making reckless proposals."
"Moreover, using those materials as a cover, Father hasn't noticed our true intentions." Xu Tianran's eyes snapped open, bloodshot veins visible, exuding an aura that made Ju Zi feel a twinge of fear.
"Father, the Holy Spirit Cult can not only suppress bandits but also govern the nation."
Ju Zi remained silent, pretending not to hear.
After a moment, Xu Tianran spoke again. "Ju Zi, this strategy of yours achieved multiple goals at once. What reward would you like?"
Ju Zi suddenly stopped, kneeling before Xu Tianran. "Your Highness, Ju Zi desires nothing but vengeance for my parents."
"Don't worry, it won't be long." Xu Tianran smiled with satisfaction. "You don't need to act so formally in the future. You saved my life and are my most trusted confidant. I'll never hold anything against you."
"Ju Zi wouldn't dare."
"What's there to fear? Stand and speak."
"Yes." Ju Zi rose, resuming her task of pushing Xu Tianran's wheelchair.
"You deduced from my brief remarks that Father dislikes the Holy Spirit Cult and devised this plan. I often think, if you weren't by my side, you'd be a formidable opponent."
Ju Zi's expression remained unchanged as she pushed the wheelchair forward slowly. "Your Highness, if you hadn't saved me back then, I might have died on the streets. How could I ever be your opponent?"
Xu Tianran shook his head. "Who can say for sure when it comes to coincidences? Didn't you also save my life?"
"By the way, how are you adjusting to the academy? How's the teacher they assigned you?"
Ju Zi's eyes flickered. "Your Highness, Xuan Ziwen isn't particularly attentive to me, but that gives me the chance to gather more information."
"That's not bad, then." Xu Tianran nodded lightly. "Don't blame me for placing you under Xuan Ziwen. His status is special, and it's beneficial for you."
"I understand Your Highness's intentions."
"Good." Xu Tianran nodded, letting Ju Zi push him forward slowly.
At the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy, Lin Xiao slowly opened his eyes, still feeling the lingering fatigue from the previous night.
The consecutive battles last night were anything but easy. The bandit leader was a Soul Saint, able to briefly withstand his fourth soul skill with his Martial Soul True Body. If not for the one who escaped triggering the corpse explosion, he wouldn't have dealt with the opponent so quickly.
Ye Guyi was equally troublesome. Though her cultivation was low, her martial soul was indeed a strong counter to evil soul masters. No wonder the Common Alliance wanted to silence her. If word of her spread, even they might not be able to fully protect her.
As for Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen, they practically handed him a gift. He wouldn't have minded taking more, but sensing Jing Hongchen's presence, he knew taking anything too valuable would likely have to be returned.
"What's wrong? Didn't rest well last night?"
"Teacher?" Arriving at the Soul Guidance Testing Area as usual, Lin Xiao ran into Lin Jiayi, who was already there.
"Are you too tired? Should I give you a day off to rest?"
"No need, Teacher."
"Alright." Lin Jiayi nodded. "But without a break, you probably won't have time to research soul tools this morning."
"Teacher, is something else going on?"
"Yes." Lin Jiayi nodded, glancing at Lin Xiao with a complex expression. "I just received word from the Hallmaster this morning. He wants you to visit Illustrious Virtue Hall."
"Illustrious Virtue Hall?"
"Correct. Come with me."
At the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy, Lin Xiao was no stranger to Illustrious Virtue Hall. He could see it from a distance almost daily, but he had never been inside.
"Others need to go through checks to enter Illustrious Virtue Hall," Lin Jiayi said as they walked. "But since the Hallmaster vouched for you, we can skip those procedures and go straight to him."
"Mm." Lin Xiao nodded, his gaze curiously scanning the surroundings.
The interior of Illustrious Virtue Hallwas far larger than it appeared from the outside. Upon entering, he saw no fewer than twenty elevators leading underground, unsure if each served a specific purpose or if there were truly that many people coming and going.
Lin Jiayi led Lin Xiao to an elevator, using his identity card to open the door.
"Let's go. This is Illustrious Virtue Hall's design. You probably haven't seen anything like this outside, but don't worry—it's somewhat similar to using a flying soul tool."
Lin Xiao wasn't particularly nervous. He may not have ridden a soul tool elevator, but he was familiar with elevators in general.
Once inside, Lin Jiayi grew quieter. The ride was smooth, but Lin Xiao could feel they were descending steadily. The space was silent, lit only by a small white light.
When the elevator doors opened again, they walked through a long corridor, and Lin Xiao's expression finally shifted.
Before him was a world of metal. The vast hall echoed with the hum of machinery, and the air was thick with the scent of metal shavings, filling his lungs with each breath.
The circular domed ceiling was lined with bright illumination soul tools, making the space as bright as day. Interspersed among them were sky-blue decorations, giving the place a sci-fi aesthetic.
Beneath the dome, countless experiment tables stretched into the distance. Despite the early hour, numerous soul engineers were already busy at work.
In this world of soul power, Lin Xiao finally saw designs he had never encountered in his memories—creations only possible with soul power.
If he had first arrived in this world and seen this scene, he might never have believed this was the world of Douluo Continent.
"Let's go," Lin Jiayi called softly, keeping his voice low as if to avoid disturbing the soul engineers.
Lin Xiao didn't speak, quickly following.
As they passed a few experiment tables, the soul engineers remained focused on their work, not even glancing up.
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