Xu Jiujiu did not notice the numerous thoughts running through her older brother's mind. Having received permission, a bright smile blossomed on her beautiful face, and her purple eyes shone with a determined light.
"Don't worry, Imperial Brother. I will certainly make this child willingly become the sharpest spear and the strongest shield of the Empire."
She had already begun calculating in her heart how to approach him and what method would be most effective in turning this investment into the Star Luo Empire's most solid guarantee for the future.
In Yuming City, the small courtyard, after half a month of waiting, did not receive the expected high-level officials from the Eighth Soul Master Legion. Instead, it welcomed a visitor who surprised everyone.
When the door was knocked, Grandpa Hui opened it and saw a young woman outside with purple hair and purple eyes, possessing a noble temperament like the first light of dawn, accompanied by a seemingly ordinary old woman whose aura was as deep as an abyss and made Grandpa Hui's Soul tremble. He was completely stunned.
Especially after the young woman smiled and stated her identity, Grandpa Hui was so shocked he didn't know what to do. He quickly employed the highest standard of etiquette, almost trembling as he ushered the two into the courtyard, rummaging through cabinets to find the best tea leaves that Caelus's parents had treasured and been reluctant to drink for a long time, brewing it clumsily yet eagerly.
After all, the young woman was Princess Xu Jiujiu of the Star Luo Empire, a noble status that an ordinary Soul Master like him would never encounter in a lifetime.
"Your Highness the Princess's visit honors my humble dwelling, but... but it is too simple, and the hospitality is inadequate. I hope Your Highness will forgive me."
Grandpa Hui's voice was filled with excitement and apprehension.
When Jiu Jiu explained her purpose—that she had come specifically to take Caelus to Star Luo City to study at the Star Luo Royal Junior Soul Master Academy—Grandpa Hui was so happy that he was nearly moved to tears.
For him, Caelus was not just the young master he served, but the only person left in the world he cared for and regarded as his own grandson.
To see Caelus valued so highly by the Imperial Family, even being personally escorted by Her Highness the Princess, was an immense honor he dared not even dream of.
He naturally understood that all of this stemmed from Caelus's astonishing talent: Innate Martial Soul Awakening, Innate full Soul Power, and the rarest time attribute.
But he had not expected the Imperial Family's level of attention to be so high that they would directly dispatch Her Highness the Princess.
"Good, this is wonderful! For the young master to have such a future, his master and mistress, if they have Souls in heaven, can finally rest easy."
Grandpa Hui muttered excitedly, a great weight finally lifted from his heart.
He knew deeply that in the Dao of Soul Master Cultivation, while talent was crucial, Houtian resources, knowledge, top-tier meditation techniques, and channels for acquiring appropriate spirit rings all required powerful external assistance.
Now that Her Highness the Princess had personally intervened, Caelus's future path would undoubtedly be much smoother.
Compared to Grandpa Hui's ecstasy, after the initial surprise, numerous thoughts instantly flashed through Caelus's mind.
The person who came for him was not from the Eighth Soul Master Legion, nor was it someone affiliated with the military-linked Duke of White Tiger faction. Instead, it was a Princess directly from the core of the Star Luo Imperial Family... the political implications were self-evident.
He raised his shattered-gold eyes and looked at Xu Jiujiu, who was smiling sweetly before him. He did not show the flattered or ignorant reactions of an ordinary child. Instead, he spoke in a calm tone that belied his age:
"This is unexpected. I originally thought the ones coming for me would be from the Eighth Soul Master Legion, or perhaps people belonging to the Duke of White Tiger."
As soon as he said this, the formulaic, princess-like elegant smile on Xu Jiujiu's face instantly froze. A hint of surprise flashed in her amethyst-like eyes, which immediately became serious and sharp as she carefully reassessed the white-haired, golden-eyed boy before her.
It wasn't just Xu Jiujiu; even the old woman who had been keeping her eyes lowered as if dozing raised her head and looked at Caelus in astonishment.
It was hard to imagine these words coming from a six-year-old child.
A six-year-old child, upon learning of the honor of a Princess's personal visit, didn't react with joy but instantly perceived the potential political maneuvering behind it?
This precociousness and acuity, far exceeding his age, made her completely abandon any lingering casual attitude she might have had about merely collecting a talented child.
Children on the Douluo Continent were generally mature for their age due to factors like Martial Soul Awakening, but Xu Jiujiu had truly never encountered anyone so mature.
Her evaluation of Caelus instantly rose to a completely new level.
This was not merely a tool or a future enforcer with extraordinary talent; he was potentially an extremely intelligent, prospective collaborator worth engaging with and investing in on equal terms.
"You are much smarter than I imagined, little brother."
Xu Jiujiu restrained her smile, and her tone became serious and candid.
"You guessed correctly. Jin Yang, the Legion Commander, has a unique position, and your talent is too eye-catching. Having the Imperial Family take direct control is currently the safest choice."
Seeing Xu Jiujiu's reaction, Caelus felt settled.
He knew that his performance had successfully attracted the other party's attention.
Naturally, he was willing to foster a good relationship with this noble Princess.
For a long time, Xu Jiujiu would be his most crucial resource provider and patron.
Whether it was obtaining top-tier meditation techniques, rare Cultivation resources, or hunting appropriate Soul Beasts to acquire spirit rings in the future, all depended on the Princess's support.
Moreover, to be fair, Caelus was a normal man in his previous life.
Compared to dealing with the high-ranking military officials from the Eighth Soul Master Legion, who might be sweaty and rough-mannered, the Princess before him—fair-skinned, beautiful, noble in temperament, intelligent, and sharp—was clearly much more pleasing to the eye, and interacting with her would presumably be... much more enjoyable.
"Your Highness the Princess is too kind."
Caelus bowed slightly, displaying a perfectly appropriate, innocent smile befitting a child on his face, but deep within his golden eyes, a calmness and insight inconsistent with the smile flickered.
"It is Caelus's honor to receive Your Highness's favor. For the path ahead, I look forward to Your Highness's guidance."
He proactively released goodwill and implicitly expressed his willingness to accept the Imperial Family's investment.
Xu Jiujiu watched Caelus, who possessed both a child's appearance and an adult's wisdom, and her curiosity and sense of importance grew stronger.
She had a premonition that this trip to Yuming City might bring her, and even the Star Luo Empire, a surprise far exceeding expectations.
"In that case."
Xu Jiujiu stood up, extended her hand toward Caelus, and a bright, sincere smile reappeared on her face.
"Caelus, are you ready to go to Star Luo City and begin your Soul Master path?"
Caelus looked at the fair, delicate hand extended toward him, and without any hesitation, placed his small hand into hers.
"I am ready, Your Highness."