The living room fell into complete silence.
Lou Gao remained frozen in place, his eyes locked onto the Soul Tool phone in Lin Xia's hand that had already gone dark, as if he could bore a hole through it just by staring.
After more than ten seconds, he suddenly jolted, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, and darted in front of Lin Xia in a single stride. With enormous hands, he carefully, almost reverently, accepted the relatively plain Soul Tool phone that belonged to him.
He turned it over repeatedly, poking at the smooth screen with his finger over and over. He even blew at the grid-like section below before copying Lin Xia by pressing the button on the side, but nothing happened.
"Th-This..."
Lou Gao raised his head. His molten-gold eyes were filled with unprecedented curiosity, shock, and a burning thirst for knowledge as innocent as a child's. He looked anxiously at Lin Xia, then at Si Long, Si Yu, and the others. His voice trembled with disbelief and nearly pleading urgency.
"Kid! This thing... this Soul Tool phone how in the world was it made?!"
"What are those sparkling little stones made of? How does it project images? Why is the sound so clear? Can it still be used through a Soul Tool barrier? Does it consume much energy? Does everyone get one? Si Yu! Stop laughing, boy!"
"Quick! Hurry up and teach me! How do I press these buttons?! I want to try it too! Hurry! Call Si Kai! Si Kai, why are you running?! Get back here!"
Watching Lou Gao act so impatiently, as if he had discovered a brand-new toy and was excited like a child, Lin Xia and Zhu Zhuqing exchanged smiles.
Si Long and the others could no longer hold it in and burst into laughter.
Even Tyranitar was awakened by the commotion. It sleepily opened its dark crimson eyes, looked at the lively scene in the living room, tilted its massive head, and let out a puzzled growl.
"Roar?"
The night over Gengxin City remained brilliantly illuminated.
At the very top of this steel fortress, inside a brightly lit room, it was filled with the joy of Lou Gao's return, the warmth of farewell, and the cheerful yet impatient clamor of a soul whose desire for exploration had been completely ignited by a miraculous creation.
During the following days, Lin Xia's presence was imprinted upon every core department that required a handover.
Accompanied by Lou Gao, he traveled through every corner of the steel fortress, from the command center overlooking the entire city at its highest point, to the underground Soul Tool energy core operating with deafening roars, then to the bustling and precisely organized Soul Tool production lines, the advanced materials research institute, the trade center that sustained the city's enormous economy, and the Sky Platform Auction House.
Lin Xia's explanations were clear and profound, going far beyond simple procedural introductions.
Regarding the balance of core strategy, he thoroughly analyzed the delicate equilibrium in their cooperation with Spirit Hall, the Star Luo Empire, and the Heaven Dou Empire, explaining the bargaining chips each side held, the methods of mutual restraint, and contingency plans for potential future risks.
He emphasized the Association's absolute control over Soul Tool technology and how the principle of "integration is the strongest shield" had become the firmest foundation of Gengxin City.
As for the Association's operational system, Lin Xia carefully explained the responsibilities, authority, and key projects overseen by Si Long, Si Di, Si Kai, and Si Yu, ensuring that Lou Gao could quickly identify the appropriate people to coordinate with.
He also covered the city's operational mechanisms in exhaustive detail, including the maintenance checkpoints of the Soul Tool energy network, the urban sanitation system, the public transportation dispatch center, maintenance standards for the new alloy building complexes, and the implementation details of the city's public welfare policies.
He even brought Lou Gao to visit the Soul Tool Technology Academy, which was still being expanded, showing him the blueprint for cultivating the next generation of talent.
The Soul Tool communication network was the highest priority.
Lin Xia personally accompanied Lou Gao to the Communication Research Institute for half a day, where Si Yu and his team thoroughly explained the principles behind the Soul Tool phone, the distribution map of the signal relay towers, the encrypted communication protocols, and the procedures for invoking the highest emergency authorization when necessary.
Lou Gao's emotions progressed from shock and bewilderment, to passionate curiosity, and finally, as he gazed upon the signal network map covering the continent's core regions, only deep admiration and a hint of pride remained in his molten-gold eyes.
This was the information network his disciple had woven across the continent in just five years.
Lin Xia did not avoid discussing the challenges ahead.
He pointed out the potential risks of relying on the Star Luo Empire for certain rare minerals, the points of friction with the radical faction within Spirit Hall, the unresolved key terms in their cooperation with the Heaven Dou Empire, and the possibility that certain reclusive sects across the continent might view Soul Tool technology with hostility or greed.
Lou Gao listened with complete concentration. His Master Blacksmith's intellect, combined with the mental strength tempered through his divine trials, allowed him to rapidly absorb and understand the overwhelming amount of information.
Sometimes he asked questions. Sometimes he fell into deep thought. More often than not, he simply patted Lin Xia on the shoulder and exclaimed with heartfelt admiration,
"Good kid! You've really outdone yourself!"
When he learned that after Lin Xia's departure, most of the daily affairs would be handed over to him, while his own Third Divine Trial had yet to begin, Lou Gao waved his hand dismissively.
"You little brat, just go without worrying! I'll watch over Gengxin City and the Blacksmith Association for you! It'll give me a chance to properly learn how this 'immortal's paradise' of yours operates!"
"As for the divine trial? I've got it under control. I've already survived the Phoenix Divine Flame. Why would I be afraid of the Third Trial? By the time you come back, I might have already completed it! Sharpening the axe doesn't delay the chopping of wood!"
That bold confidence and sense of responsibility allowed Lin Xia to finally set his mind at ease.
Zhu Zhuqing quietly remained by Lin Xia's side throughout the process, helping him organize documents, serving tea and refreshments, and whenever his voice grew hoarse after hours of continuous explanations, handing him a cup of tea at just the right temperature.
Her presence was like a gentle breeze, easing the tension brought on by the demanding workload.
His four senior brothers also gave their full support.
Si Long calmly coordinated the overall handover, Si Di meticulously transferred every document, Si Kai ensured the complete security of the City Lord's Mansion inside and out, while Si Yu personally taught Lou Gao how to operate the various Soul Tool office equipment and communication terminals.
At last, after all the important matters had been handed over and he confirmed that Lou Gao and his senior brothers could smoothly take over everything, Lin Xia felt a long-forgotten sense of relief.
For the past five years, he had been the absolute core of Gengxin City's operation, never daring to let his guard down for even a moment.
Now, this great steel city that he had personally built finally had another pillar capable of stabilizing the entire region.
There was no grand farewell ceremony, but every key figure was present.
Lou Gao stood at the front with his imposing frame. In his molten-gold eyes, beyond the reluctance to part, was an even greater sense of expectation for his disciple and complete confidence in him.
He forcefully patted Lin Xia on the shoulder, his booming voice echoing through the room.
"You little brat! Take Zhuqing and enjoy yourselves! Go see the world beyond! Remember, Gengxin City will always be your home, and I'll always be your master! If anything happens, call for help with the Soul Tool phone! I'll come charging over whenever you need me!"
Representing the four senior brothers, Si Long presented him with an exquisitely crafted Soul Tool storage box.
"Junior Brother, inside are several emergency rare alloy ingots, core energy crystals, commonly used potions, and a map marking the locations of the Association's branches across the continent, along with their emergency contacts. Have a safe journey!"
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