Zhu Yu's voice fell into the scorching desert air, carrying an indescribable sense of solemnity and expectation.
Her star-like eyes, as if capable of seeing through one's heart, were fixed tightly on Lin Xia, seemingly trying to uncover even more earth-shattering secrets from this seven-year-old boy.
"Zhu Yu… Star Luo Empire…"
Lin Xia's thoughts raced.
This name and origin instantly activated all the information in his mind regarding the top aristocracy of the Star Luo Empire.
The Zhu Clan!
The great family that had intermarried with the imperial Dai Clan for generations, jointly controlling the empire's authority, famed for their Hell Civet martial soul, and an indispensable half of the Hell White Tiger martial soul fusion skill!
"Unfathomable strength, appearing in the depths of this far western desert, surname Zhu, nine times out of ten, she's a core member of the Zhu Clan."
Lin Xia quickly analyzed.
"Judging by her temperament and strength, her status must be extremely high. A woman of the Zhu Clan, according to Star Luo's rules, her husband is most likely a core member of the current Dai Clan."
A faint, almost instinctive thought flickered through his mind, about the fate of political marriages.
But he immediately crushed it.
"Heh, what am I even thinking?"
Lin Xia mocked himself inwardly, feeling somewhat speechless at that fleeting "gossip-like" thought.
"I even refused the olive branch personally extended by Spirit Hall's Supreme Pontiff, Bibi Dong. That's a colossal force dominating the continent, with unfathomable foundations. Compared to that, just a woman of the Zhu Clan from the Star Luo Empire, even if she were the Empress herself, how could she possibly move me, Lin Xia, to submit?"
This pride, born from his strength and extraordinary encounters and rooted deep within his bones, kept Lin Xia exceptionally calm in the face of Zhu Yu's solemn invitation, there was even a faint sense of detached composure.
He had the right to be.
The journey through the Dragon Graveyard, the Phoenix Divine Mark, the tempering of dragon blood, the dragon-shaped imprint, the divine-level dragon remains within his spatial soul tool.
Any one of these could overturn the continent's understanding.
In his eyes, the Star Luo Empire's recruitment simply didn't carry enough weight.
However, Lin Xia was not arrogant or ignorant.
He knew that with his identity as a seven-year-old Soul Grandmaster, along with Larvitar, this heaven-defying martial soul, if the other party truly intended to investigate, they would eventually trace him back to the Blacksmith Association in Gengxin City.
Rather than letting them investigate in secret, it was better to speak openly himself—this way, he could take the initiative and avoid unnecessary trouble.
Thus, under Zhu Yu's burning gaze, Lin Xia fell silent for a moment, as if organizing his words, though in truth he was steadying his mindset.
He raised his head, his youthful face carrying an age-appropriate "honesty," and spoke clearly.
"Big sister, my name is Lin Xia. My home is at the Blacksmith Association in Gengxin City. My teacher is the Divine Craftsman, Lou Gao."
"Master Lou Gao?!"
Zhu Yu's reaction was far more intense than Lin Xia had expected!
Her breathtakingly beautiful face instantly blossomed with undisguised joy, like an ice lotus in full bloom. The overwhelming shock she had felt from Lin Xia's terrifying talent seemed to fade somewhat before this sudden "connection."
The scrutiny and solemnity in her eyes were quickly replaced by warmth and even a hint of familiarity, as if he were "one of her own."
"So you are Master Lou Gao's disciple! This… this is truly a fateful encounter!"
Zhu Yu's voice trembled slightly with excitement, no longer as calm and cold as before. Clearly, the name Lou Gao held extraordinary significance for her.
"Gengxin City is already a jewel within the Star Luo Empire, and the Blacksmith Association is a treasure of the empire! Master Lou Gao is the pride of our Star Luo Empire! Who would have thought I'd meet his direct disciple here in the depths of this desert!"
"May I ask where Master Lou Gao is now? I would like to pay him a visit."
Lin Xia understood immediately.
As expected, she knew him and judging by her reaction, their relationship was more than just casual acquaintance.
Given the Zhu Clan's status in Star Luo, it was only natural for them to have connections or even cooperation with the Divine Craftsman Lou Gao, who was stationed in Gengxin City and controlled the continent's top blacksmithing resources.
Master Lou Gao's influence within the Star Luo Empire especially in military equipment and high-end weaponry was absolutely pivotal.
"My teacher has gone to handle some important matters."
Lin Xia followed her line of inquiry, his tone carrying a hint of a child's concern for an elder who had traveled far.
"He shouldn't be here for now. Big sister, what do you need my teacher for?"
The joy in Zhu Yu's eyes flickered like a candle in the wind, quickly dimming and replaced by deep disappointment. Even the invisible, reassuring aura around her weakened slightly.
She let out a soft sigh, which sounded especially clear in the silent desert.
"Sigh… how unfortunate."
Her voice was filled with regret.
"I came deep into the desert this time not only to investigate some unusual fluctuations in the earth vein energy, but also intended to take the opportunity to visit Master Lou Gao in Gengjin City. There is an extremely important matter I must discuss with him in person, it concerns a major plan for the future of the Empire."
She did not elaborate on the plan, but the seriousness in her tone made Lin Xia understand that it was no trivial matter.
Zhu Yu's gaze focused on Lin Xia once more, her expression becoming extremely complex.
There was disappointment over Lou Gao's absence, lingering shock at Lin Xia's terrifying talent, and something else.
A burning light, as if she had found another path in a desperate situation.
She took a deep breath, as though making a decision. The invisible affinity emanating from her, originating from a higher level of life spread out once more, gentler and more sincere than before.
Zhu Yu slightly bent down, reducing the height difference between them. A warm, captivating smile that could outshine blooming flowers appeared on her face, and her voice softened.
"Little Xia, may I call you that?"
Her tone carried a natural sense of closeness, as if she were truly an older sister from next door.
Lin Xia could feel her goodwill. Although his vigilance had not completely faded, he maintained proper courtesy on the surface and nodded.
"Mm, that's fine Sister."
"Wonderful."
Zhu Yu's smile deepened, filled with genuine fondness.
"Little Xia, seeing you truly makes me happy. Not only because you are Master Lou Gao's disciple, but also because you yourself are… well, a genius who even leaves me astonished."
She tactfully avoided directly mentioning "a seven-year-old Soul Grandmaster," but the meaning was clear.
"You possess talent and potential beyond what ordinary people could ever imagine."
Her tone was full of sincere admiration, her gaze briefly passing over the still-alert Larvitar.
"And you even have such a remarkable martial soul partner. However, Little Xia, talent needs the best soil to grow into a towering tree. While the Blacksmith Association of Gengjin City is indeed a sacred place for forging, in terms of soul master development, the comprehensiveness of resources, and broader horizons and higher platforms, it ultimately has its limitations."
Zhu Yu paused, observing Lin Xia's reaction. Seeing that he simply listened quietly with a calm expression, she continued in a persuasive tone.
"Star Luo City is the imperial capital of our Star Luo Empire. It is the most prosperous center of the entire Empire and even the western part of the continent, the place where soul master civilization shines the brightest!"
"There, you will find the finest academies, the strongest soul master mentors, the richest cultivation resources, the most complete soul beast records, and the most profound inheritances of soul skills…"
"More importantly, it offers the vastest sky enough for a fledgling eagle like you, destined for greatness, to spread your wings and soar!"
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