The way he looked at Lin Xia for the first time was filled with an indescribable complexity shock, disbelief, and even a faint trace of wariness that even he himself had not noticed.
Dai Mubai, on the other hand, felt as if he had been struck by lightning. His entire mind went blank.
Level twenty-five?
How old was he?
He himself was several years older, yet he was still struggling at the threshold of becoming a Soul Master, his soul power unstable and lacking foundation.
The enormous gap crashed over him like an icy tide, instantly crushing his already fragile self-esteem into pieces.
Subconsciously, he glanced at his elder brother, Dai Weisi, and as expected, he caught the sharp glint that flashed in his eyes and the momentary tightening of his jawline.
A chilling cold crept up his spine. Dai Mubai's body began to tremble uncontrollably once more. He hurriedly lowered his head, staring fixedly at the dishes before him, as if trying to shrink himself into the dust, not daring to reveal even the slightest expression for fear of attracting more "attention" from Dai Weisi.
Lin Xia took in Dai Mubai's pitiful fear and the ambition and vigilance that had momentarily ignited in Dai Weisi's eyes, and a colder sneer rose in his heart.
Zhu Zhuqing's despairing little face and the silent tears that had once fallen reappeared in his mind, forming a stark and ironic contrast with Dai Mubai's current cowardly state.
On the surface, however, he simply smiled lightly, raised his cup, and spoke with the modesty and slight bashfulness befitting a youth.
"Your Majesty flatters me. Your Highnesses, please don't take it seriously. I've only been a bit luckier than most, gaining a few fortunate opportunities, which allowed my soul power to increase a bit faster."
"As for real ability? I truly have very little. In terms of knowledge, vision, and the art of governance, I cannot compare to Your Highnesses in the slightest."
"If Your Highnesses were to learn from me, you might gain nothing at all and instead delay your proper path."
Lin Xia's words emphasized "luck" and "opportunity," deliberately downplaying his own "true ability," while at the same time elevating the two princes.
He gave the imperial family full respect, while subtly removing himself from becoming a focal point as a "model" for the princes, avoiding unnecessary trouble, especially any potential recruitment or probing from Dai Weisi.
Dai Tianxing, being who he was, naturally understood the tact and distance hidden within Lin Xia's words.
His deep gaze lingered on Lin Xia's calm face for a moment, then swept over his two sons, the ambition and calculation quickly hidden in Dai Weisi's eyes, and Dai Mubai's nearly cowering weakness.
He understood clearly that Lin Xia was declining to be drawn into the imperial succession struggle.
He let out a hearty laugh, raising his cup.
"Hahaha! Lin Xia, you are too modest! Opportunity is also a form of strength! Still, humility is a good trait in the young. Come, drink! Today we speak only of leisure, nothing else!"
Dai Weisi quickly adjusted himself. The shock and strangeness on his face vanished instantly, replaced once again by that flawless, elegant smile, as if his earlier lapse had never happened.
He raised his cup toward Lin Xia, his tone sincere and warm.
"Lin Xia, you're far too humble! A Level twenty-five Soul Grandmaster at such an age such talent is rare across the entire continent! This alone is true ability beyond our reach! My father is right opportunity is strength. You deserve every bit of this praise! I toast to you. If there is ever a chance in the future, I hope you won't hesitate to offer guidance!"
His words deliberately drew closer, carrying an obvious intent to recruit, his gaze intense.
Lin Xia understood perfectly, yet maintained an appropriately flattered and slightly embarrassed expression of a young boy. He quickly raised his cup in return.
"Your Highness overpraises me. I dare not speak of offering guidance. If Your Highness has the time, I would be more than happy to learn from you about the customs and sights of the empire."
He shifted the topic to something trivial like "customs," subtly avoiding Dai Weisi's olive branch.
Dai Mubai also hurriedly raised his cup, his hand still trembling slightly, his voice carrying a faint, uncontrollable quiver.
"A toast to Lin Xia…"
His eyes darted away, not even daring to meet Lin Xia's gaze. He hastily drank the wine in his cup, as if hoping it would extinguish the fear and inferiority in his heart, then quickly lowered his head again like an ostrich.
Zhu Yu, from beginning to end, ate quietly. Occasionally, she lifted her gaze, letting it pass over Lin Xia, Dai Weisi, and Dai Mubai before finally resting on Dai Tianxing. A faint, almost imperceptible curve touched her lips, as if she were watching a play whose ending she had long foreseen.
Her bare feet shifted slightly upon the soft carpet, as though stepping upon an invisible star map.
The banquet continued in an atmosphere that appeared harmonious on the surface but concealed undercurrents beneath.
Dai Tianxing led the conversation, occasionally asking Lin Xia about interesting matters in Gengxin City and the Blacksmith Association, and at times testing the two princes on their understanding of governance.
Dai Weisi responded flawlessly, speaking eloquently and displaying the demeanor and political acumen of an elder prince.
Dai Mubai, however, stammered, his answers empty and unconvincing, even somewhat disorganized, causing Dai Tianxing's brows to knit slightly, a trace of disappointment flashing deep within his eyes.
Lin Xia, meanwhile, played the role of a clever, composed, slightly shy young guest answering seriously when needed, listening attentively when appropriate, maintaining a measured distance from Dai Weisi's deliberate friendliness, and acting as though he did not notice Dai Mubai's cowardice.
While outwardly handling this politically charged royal banquet, his thoughts had already drifted to the Star Radiance Crown within his soul tool and further still, to how he could increase his strength as quickly as possible.
As the banquet drew to a close and night had deepened, Dai Tianxing did not press him to stay. He merely reiterated his expectation that Lin Xia would be able to repair the Star Radiance Crown. Lin Xia respectfully took his leave.
Under the guidance of a palace maid, Lin Xia passed through layer upon layer of palace halls and returned to the quiet and elegant guest courtyard arranged for him deep within the imperial palace.
Closing the heavy doors and shutting out everything beyond, the "shyness" and "humility" of a young boy vanished instantly from his face, replaced by calm focus and sharp intensity.
With a wave of his hand, Lin Xia released a powerful surge of spiritual power, setting up multiple barriers within the room to block any form of probing.
Beside him, Larvitar immediately became alert. Its crimson eyes glowed like twin lamps as it scanned the surroundings, the dark golden dragon-mark on its chest faintly heating up, radiating a subtle aura of deterrence.
After confirming everything was secure, Lin Xia took a deep breath and retrieved the Star Radiance Crown from his soul tool.
It floated quietly above his palm. Under the soft glow of the soul-guided lamps in the room, the fine, web-like cracks across its surface became even more glaring beneath the flowing starlight.
A vast yet dormant power of the stars slowly radiated from it, as if it could draw in one's very soul.
"Alright, little guy, no one will disturb us now."
Lin Xia's voice was low, filled with a thirst for exploration. His dark golden eyes were locked firmly onto the crown.
"Let's see what secrets this national treasure of the Star Luo Empire truly holds and what it needs to restore its brilliance."
At his fingertips, a thread of pure soul power slowly gathered. With utmost care, he guided it toward the flowing starlight.
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