Lin Xia looked intently at Si Long and Si Di.
"Senior Brothers! Tell me, how are my skills?"
Si Long and Si Di instantly understood Lin Xia's intention.
This was the critical moment to vouch for their Little Junior Brother!
Although they did not know what he intended to do, the two of them did not hesitate in the slightest. With solemn expressions, they nodded firmly.
Si Long stepped forward, his voice resounding like iron striking an anvil.
"Miss Zhu Yu, please judge clearly! Teacher values Little Junior Brother far more than he does us! Before seeking his breakthrough, he indeed entrusted the core of the Association's most important projects, including some of his most guarded forging techniques, entirely to Little Junior Brother!"
"Little Junior Brother's talent is by no means limited to the path of a soul master! His comprehension in forging can only be described as monstrous! I, Si Long, in my capacity as Vice President of the Blacksmith Association and Teacher's eldest disciple, guarantee that every word Little Junior Brother has spoken is true! He has indeed inherited Teacher's true teachings!"
Si Long pounded his chest, his tone powerful and resolute, carrying the boldness and unquestionable credibility unique to a blacksmith.
Si Di adjusted his glasses and added calmly,
"Miss Zhu Yu, in the field of blacksmithing, even I feel inferior to Little Junior Brother. Teacher once said that, given time, Little Junior Brother would surely surpass him. Little Junior Brother may truly be able to give it a try."
With two of Lou Gao's direct disciples, core figures of the Blacksmith Association testifying so decisively, Zhu Yu found it impossible not to believe them.
She looked at the boy before her, his gaze as firm as stone, and recalled the many miracles he had already accomplished that defied all logic. The scales in her heart began to tilt rapidly.
Lou Gao's absence was already a fact. The Empire's military orders and the repair of the national treasure could not be delayed.
This boy before her might truly be their only hope?
A hope that broke all conventions!
Zhu Yu fell silent.
Her gaze moved between Lin Xia's youthful yet resolute face, Si Long's bold confidence, and Si Di's calm, rational explanation. Time seemed to freeze within the reception room, with only the faint sound of hammering from outside echoing like a heartbeat.
Finally, the doubt in Zhu Yu's eyes was replaced by resolve.
She slowly stood up. Her moon-white gauze dress moved without wind as she stepped before Lin Xia and leaned down slightly. Her exquisite face carried an unprecedented seriousness, her clear eyes meeting Lin Xia's dark golden pupils as she spoke each word distinctly:
"Lin Xia."
For the first time, she omitted the more intimate "Little Brother," her tone formal and grave.
"The Empire's military orders concern the nation's most important armaments, there can be no mistakes. The 'Star Glory Crown' is even more a symbol of the Empire's dignity and legacy. Its repair I will entrust to you."
"Are you willing to come with me to Star Luo City?"
As her words fell, the entire reception room became so silent that even a pin drop could be heard.
Lin Xia's heart pounded violently in his chest, his blood seeming to burn.
Star Luo City!
The core of the Empire!
A national treasure soul tool!
The key that could very likely solve the core problem of Divine Craft was right before him!
The risks were immense if he failed, the consequences would be unimaginable.
But the opportunity was equally immense, enough for him to disregard all obstacles!
Without the slightest hesitation, Lin Xia stood straight, his small frame upright. His dark golden eyes burned with fierce determination and absolute confidence. Meeting Zhu Yu's solemn gaze, his voice rang out clear and firm, like metal striking stone, echoing through the silent reception room:
"I am willing!"
Upon hearing Lin Xia's answer, Zhu Yu laughed softly, her voice like jade struck by a clear spring. It rippled through the somewhat stagnant air of the reception room, carrying relief and a sincere promise.
"Little Xia, rest assured!"
Zhu Yu's red lips parted slightly, her gentle gaze resting on Lin Xia as she spoke with conviction.
"The Star Luo Empire will not treat you unfairly. Even if even if the 'Star Glory Crown' cannot ultimately be repaired, the Empire will still grant you compensation worthy of your efforts and status. You will not return empty-handed."
A faint smile curved Lin Xia's lips.
Compensation?
There was little fluctuation in his heart.
Gold, silver, treasures, and rare heavenly materials all seemed pale and insignificant in front of the dragon tomb divine bone and the unfinished Divine Craft mecha.
What Lin Xia truly desired was the imperial treasure itself, the one called the Star Glory Crown!
What he sought was the pinnacle soul tool technology that might be contained within it—technology capable of solving the problem of energy and soul power resonance in his mecha!
To draw upon wisdom that surpassed the current era, this was his sole purpose in going to Star Luo City.
However, he did not reveal this intention in the slightest.
Zhu Yu's promise represented the Empire's attitude and sincerity, and it was also a bond maintaining a good relationship between both sides.
He might not care about it personally, but the Blacksmith Association needed this recognition and the flow of resources from the Empire's core.
Thus, meeting Zhu Yu's gaze, Lin Xia nodded calmly, his voice clear.
"Thank you, Sister Zhu Yu. Please also convey my gratitude to the Empire and His Majesty. The Blacksmith Association will certainly do its utmost."
Seeing him agree, the smile on Zhu Yu's face deepened, carrying a hint of eager anticipation.
"Then when can you depart with me for Star Luo City?"
Lin Xia pondered briefly.
On the Blacksmith Association's side, with Senior Brothers like Si Long in charge, the daily operations and the initial handling of military equipment forging would not require his concern.
As for the Divine Craft mecha hidden beneath layers of seals, he trusted that Si Long would guard its secret well.
At present, the sooner he could come into contact with the Star Glory Crown, the better.
"Immediately."
Lin Xia answered decisively, then added,
"However, I need a little time to prepare and pack some personal belongings. One hour will suffice."
"Good!"
Zhu Yu readily agreed, her eyes full of approval.
"In one hour, we will meet at the main gate of the Association."
Lin Xia did not delay further. He gave Zhu Yu a slight nod, then quickly left the reception room together with his two Senior Brothers, Si Long and Si Di.
The heavy door closed behind them, cutting off Zhu Yu's line of sight.
In the corridor, Si Long immediately lowered his voice, his expression solemn.
"Little Junior Brother, don't worry about things here at the Association. Si Di, Si Yu, Si Kai, and I will handle the military orders properly, and we will also keep an eye on 'home.'"
Si Long deliberately emphasized the word "home," his gaze meaningfully sweeping toward the direction of the forging workshop.
Lin Xia understood and nodded solemnly.
"Thank you for your hard work, Senior Brother and Third Senior Brother. I'll leave the Association's daily operations and the military matters in your hands."
"If anything unusual happens, inform me immediately."
Si Long firmly patted Lin Xia's shoulder, his eyes resolute.
"Don't worry! With us here, everything will be fine! Be careful on your trip to Star Luo, the waters there run deep."
As the Vice President of the Blacksmith Association, he understood well the hidden currents within the Empire's core.
Si Di adjusted his glasses and added calmly,
"Little Junior Brother, Star Luo City is different from Gengxin City. It is filled with powerful figures, and its rules are strict. Repairing a national treasure is no small matter, act cautiously and within your limits. If you need any support from the Association, send word at any time."
"I understand. Thank you, Senior Brothers."
A warm feeling surged in Lin Xia's heart.
After once again cupping his fists respectfully toward the two of them, he said no more. Turning around, he quickly headed toward his small courtyard residence, with Larvitar following closely at his side.
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