At that moment, Lin Xia suddenly raised his head. The fatigue and disappointment in his eyes were instantly replaced by a cold, sharp vigilance.
He turned abruptly, his piercing gaze cutting through the scorching air of the forging chamber like something tangible, locking firmly onto the heavy steel door.
Almost at the same instant.
"Larvitar—!"
Larvitar, which had been dozing atop the Profound Ice Iron block, suddenly jolted awake! It sprang up as if stung, its crimson magma-like armor tightening instantly, every ridge standing on end!
A fierce, unprecedented light burst forth from its scarlet eyes, locking onto the direction of the door!
Even more strangely, the dark-gold dragon-shaped mark on its chest began to heat up without warning, emitting a faint, visible dark-gold glow, like iron thrust into molten lava!
A surge of emotion from deep within its bloodline mixed with vigilance, disgust, and a faint barely perceptible fear was clearly transmitted into Lin Xia's mind through their soul connection!
Someone had arrived!
Knock, knock, knock.
A clear, rhythmic knocking sounded at that moment, breaking the heavy, tense atmosphere inside the forging chamber.
The sound was neither hurried nor slow, carrying a composed elegance, yet it struck Lin Xia and Si Long's taut nerves like a heavy hammer.
From outside the door came Si Di's deliberately raised voice, carrying a hint of restrained tension and respect as it penetrated the thick door.
"Little Junior Brother! An honored guest has arrived! She says her name is Zhu Yu!"
Zhu Yu!
Why would she come at this time, and directly to the most core workshop of the Blacksmith Association?
The concern on Si Long's face instantly turned into shock, followed by deep vigilance.
Of course he remembered that name!
When Lin Xia had returned, he had mentioned encountering a Star Luo powerhouse named Zhu Yu in the desert and had even passed along a token she had given for their teacher!
This person was powerful, with a sensitive identity, and now she had suddenly arrived.
Lin Xia's heart sank sharply as his gaze darted toward the crimson mecha standing in the center of the workshop, radiating an unmistakable and terrifying aura!
This must never be seen by outsiders especially someone like Zhu Yu, whose identity was sensitive and whose intentions were unknown!
If this were exposed, the consequences would be unimaginable!
"Eldest Senior Brother!"
Lin Xia's voice dropped extremely low, his words rapid as the wind, carrying unquestionable decisiveness.
"This thing must never be exposed! Not a single word about it can be mentioned! That includes Senior Brother Si Di and the others!"
Si Long immediately understood the severity of the situation.
He nodded sharply without hesitation. His large frame moved with surprising agility as he rushed to a corner of the forging chamber, grabbed a massive canvas sheet, and threw it over the mecha.
Knock, knock, knock.
The knocking sounded again, slightly heavier than before, carrying a hint of urgency that could not be ignored.
Si Long took a deep breath, forcing down the lingering shock and tension on his face. He walked to the door and pulled open the heavy steel door with force.
Outside, Si Di stood to one side, his face showing a trace of restraint in the presence of someone of higher status.
Standing before him was Zhu Yu.
She was still dressed in a moon-white gauze dress. In the smoke- and metal-filled environment of Gengxin City, she appeared strikingly out of place pure and ethereal.
Her bare feet remained spotless, as if she were not stepping on a ground littered with metal shavings and oil, but on clouds.
A faint, appropriate smile rested on her exquisite face. Her gaze was gentle and calm, like two clear, cold pools but deep within those tranquil eyes seemed to lie a power capable of seeing through hearts and judging all things.
Her eyes passed over Si Long, who had opened the door, and naturally fell upon Larvitar, now leaping down from the Profound Ice Iron block and quickly running to Lin Xia's side, its body still tense, scarlet eyes locked onto her, a low, threatening growl rumbling in its throat.
Finally, her gaze settled on Lin Xia's face.
"Little Brother Lin Xia."
Zhu Yu's red lips parted slightly, her voice like a flowing spring, breaking the frozen air within the workshop. It carried a trace of familiarity, as if greeting an old friend and an unquestionable sense of declaration.
"It's been a long time. What, you're not going to welcome me?"
"Of course not. If Sister Zhu Yu has come, you're naturally welcome!"
Though Lin Xia said this, he immediately stepped forward, took Zhu Yu's hand, and led her straight toward the reception room.
In the corridor, Zhu Yu allowed Lin Xia's still somewhat youthful yet surprisingly strong hand to hold hers.
Her moon-white gauze dress brushed lightly against the polished floor, her bare feet making no sound. A hint of amusement and curiosity flickered in her beautiful eyes as they fell upon the tense line at the back of the boy's neck ahead.
Lin Xia's reaction had been far too urgent. That forging chamber definitely concealed a secret he did not want her to know especially that faint aura that had been hastily concealed yet still leaked out: a strange oppressive presence mixed with ancient majesty and extreme solar flames, something no ordinary forged object could possess.
However, this boy named Lin Xia himself represented the word "extraordinary."
A seven-year-old Soul Grandmaster, a materialized intelligent martial soul, Lou Gao's direct disciple, one who had rejected the Spirit Hall the mysteries surrounding him were far more intriguing than the secret of a forging chamber.
That curiosity made her particularly tolerant of Lin Xia's slightly impolite behavior.
"Little Xia."
Zhu Yu let out a soft laugh, her voice like jade struck by a clear spring, breaking the silence of the corridor.
"You're holding onto your sister like this, it's almost as if you're afraid I might get lost in your home. Such enthusiasm it really leaves me quite flattered."
Zhu Yu applied a bit of force, instead tightening her grip on Lin Xia's small hand. The cool sensation from her fingertips carried a trace of probing soul power.
Lin Xia's steps paused slightly, a sharp glint flashing deep within his dark golden pupils.
Zhu Yu's probe was like a breeze brushing over water, he sensed it clearly.
Yet his expression remained unchanged. Instead, he released her hand naturally, stepped aside, and pushed open the door to a reception room, revealing a slightly embarrassed smile befitting his age.
"Sister Zhu Yu jokes. It's just that the forging chamber well, there are some important unfinished products. I was worried the dust might disturb your peace. This way, please."
The reception room was spacious and bright, its furnishings simple yet solid, carrying the distinctive metallic character of the Blacksmith Association.
A faint aroma of tea lingered in the air, dispelling the residual metallic scent from the forging area.
Lin Xia guided Zhu Yu to the main seat. Si Long and Si Di followed in as well, and Si Di casually closed the door, shutting out the noise from outside.
Zhu Yu gave a slight nod in greeting, her gaze returning to Lin Xia with a hint of teasing.
"Now then, can you tell me where Master Lou Gao has gone wandering? Even you, his direct disciple, can't seem to find any trace of him. I assume that Star Crown Jade Token of mine is still sleeping inside your soul tool, isn't it?"
A warning bell rang softly in Lin Xia's mind.
As expected, she had come for the token and clearly did not fully believe his earlier explanation.
Lin Xia revealed a perfectly timed expression of helplessness mixed with a hint of youthful grievance, spreading his hands.
"Sister Zhu Yu wrongs me. I've been keeping the jade token on me the whole time, just waiting for Teacher to return. It's just…"
Lin Xia let out a sigh, his tone turning serious.
"Teacher isn't wandering. Rather he has found an opportunity to break through!"
----
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