> "You can't even handle Lin Zhou moving some dirt? Should I just topple the Heavenly Dao while I'm at it?" — Crown Prince of the Empire · Chiyan · Lei Ze
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[Previous Recap · Before Dawn]
In the courtyard of the Spirit Plant Workshop.
Lin Zhou had put on that pink work uniform again, continuing to turn the soil in the herb fields. The morning sun had just begun to peek out, and the air still carried the damp scent of earth.
Li Xinglan sat atop the courtyard wall, staring at him expressionlessly. Her fingers never left the grip of her spear — ever since Lin Zhou had inexplicably triggered that "World Origin Ripple" a few days ago, she'd been ordered by the higher-ups to monitor him around the clock.
"If your emotions fluctuate, I'll suppress you immediately," she said coldly.
"I'm just digging a hole, relax," Lin Zhou replied.
Beside him, Little Li squatted on the ground, drawing lines in the dirt. "Brother, the way you dig looks just like an emperor inspecting his borders."
Lin Zhou shot her a look. "Stop talking nonsense, I'm just looking for a sweet potato."
No one noticed — as Lin Zhou's hoe struck the ground, a faint "stellar track ripple" spread from deep within the earth veins, like someone plucking a string of the cosmic harp.
A thousand miles away, that "string's" vibration instantly alarmed three titanic powers.
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[Imperial Legion · Grand Command Hall]
"Lord Lin Zhou… is moving dirt in the Spirit Plant Workshop?!"
Chiyan Lei Ze read the secret report, and his expression exploded on the spot. Bang! — his palm slammed onto the black steel table, the scarlet-gold thunderflame instantly melting the metal into a pool of blazing light.
"Who approved this?!"
The adjutant stammered, "It… it was Judge of the Stars, Lady Li Xinglan."
"Who gave her the guts to interrogate my lifesaver?!"
He threw on his scarlet flame cloak, thunder and fire winding around him, his eyes turning blood-red as he roared:
"Pass my order — one hundred thousand Imperial Crimson Armored Cavalry, enter Protect Lin Zhou Mode immediately!"
"Target: Spirit Plant Workshop! I will personally interrogate those interrogating him!"
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[Forbidden Lands of the Demon Domain · Blood Prison Hall]
The blood parasol spun slowly. Hong Lei reclined on the bone throne, a smile curling at her lips.
In her palm, the blood mirror reflected the image of Lin Zhou squatting in the field, turning the soil. The next second, she sensed that familiar "stellar track ripple," and a flash of surprise crossed her eyes. "Interesting… he touched the Forbidden Star Vein."
The demon general asked quietly, "Your Highness, should we take action?"
Hong Lei chuckled softly, drawing a crimson sigil in the air.
"Activate the Blood Parasol Heaven Barrier — within a hundred miles centered on Lin Zhou, any unauthorized intruder… will be reduced to soul mist."
The demon general's knees went weak. "That's a forbidden clan barrier!"
Hong Lei closed the parasol and stood. "He's digging so intently… I can't bear to disturb him."
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[Dragon Clan's Sacred Realm · Beyond the Sky]
The White Dragon Saint sat upon the golden dragon throne while the elders argued noisily.
"Lin Zhou disrupted three earth vein pulses!"
"Is he trying to open a forbidden ruin?!"
"He must be detained!"
The White Dragon Saint snorted coldly. "You old fools understand nothing."
With a wave of his hand, an image appeared in the void — Lin Zhou, in a pink work uniform, his back bent as he moved dirt.
"Look at that back. Those steady shoulders. That humble yet saintly stride!"
"I am certain — he is the reincarnation of my Dragon Mother's holy son!"
The elders: "… Weren't you saying he was your son in your past life?"
"I was mistaken. Now I see clearly — he is my future Dragon Father!"
The elders: "…"
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[Spirit Plant Workshop · Afternoon]
Sunlight shone on Lin Zhou's dirt-smudged face. Little Li squinted at him. "Brother, what if we actually dig up a dragon vein?"
"Then I'm running immediately," Lin Zhou replied.
BOOM!!! The street suddenly shook, dust blasting skyward!
Ten thousand crimson-armored cavalry surged into the herb shop street like a tide, and at the forefront, wreathed in fire and lightning, was Chiyan Lei Ze!
"Where is Lord Lin Zhou?! Who dares lay a hand on him?!"
Almost at the same time — blood rain fell from the sky, the blood parasol spinning as Hong Lei appeared. "Nice formation you've got there, Your Highness. How about I add a barrier and we spoil him together?"
The clouds split once more, a dragon's roar echoing — a hundred-zhang divine dragon descended, bearing the White Dragon Saint!
"From this day forward — Lin Zhou is the heir to my dragon bloodline! Title: Father of Dragons!"
Three great powers gathered at once, and the scene instantly spun out of control.
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[Spirit Plant Workshop Courtyard]
Lin Zhou had just buried a yam and turned around — nearly dropping his hoe in shock.
"You… why are you all here again?!"
Chiyan knelt on one knee. "Forgive me, my lord! I came too late!"
Hong Lei stepped forward with her parasol. "You're sweating? Let me block the wind for you."
The White Dragon Saint held out a dragon robe. "Come, let me put this on you—"
"No no no no no!!" Lin Zhou dodged frantically.
On the rooftop, Li Xinglan watched the chaos, coldly speaking to herself:
"… These people are insane."
She gripped her spear tightly, turning to send a secret order to the covert unit: "Stay on him. No one is allowed to push him into a corner."
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[Closing Scene · Skywatcher Hall]
The intelligence elder slammed the table. "The crown prince, the demon sovereign, and the dragon clan are all protecting him?! Are they trying to start a war?!"
Li Xinglan's voice came slowly through the transmission array:
"He's not the protagonist."
"He is—"
"The one and only person in this world who must not be provoked, touched, or driven to the edge."