Xu Jiawei's invitation wasn't unexpected, but Xu Tianxi wasn't entirely at ease.
"What sort of gift is His Majesty referring to?"
Xu Jiawei smiled faintly. "You'll have to come with me to find out. It should be beneficial for your Martial Soul."
Ye Yulin, concerned, asked, "Your Majesty Star Luo, can we follow along and observe?"
Xu Jiawei hesitated, then slowly said, "This matter involves some secrets of our nation, and it's inconvenient for you two esteemed individuals to enter. I swear by my Martial Soul and the Star Luo Royal Family that I will never act unfavorably."
"If you're still uneasy, the Mingde Hall Master can accompany us and observe from a distance."
"That works." Jing Hongchen, who had been selecting a Soul Bone, retrieved his reward and agreed with a smile.
Ye Yulin's eyelid twitched. He felt Xu Jiawei was a bit petty; there'd be no issue if he just watched, so why only let Jing Hongchen go?
The impromptu awards ceremony concluded successfully under the witness of various academies. The Star Luo Royal Academy and Dio Academy departed joyfully. Ye Yulin left with the Sun Moon Battle Team, while Xu Tianxi and Jing Hongchen followed Xu Jiawei deep into the palace.
This time, the three of them walked for a full two quarters of an hour. The surroundings transitioned from magnificent palace architecture to a vast, secluded garden.
Xu Tianxi noticed many stargazing platforms and similar arrangements around, which gathered rich starlight. Soul Masters with star-type Martial Souls would greatly benefit from cultivating here, increasing their efficiency by ten or twenty percent without effort.
As they proceeded deeper, the concentration of starlight became several times stronger. Xu Tianxi and Jing Hongchen's expressions changed, secretly thinking that the Star Luo Empire indeed possessed some profound foundations.
Approaching a Star Altar, Xu Jiawei stopped.
"This is the cultivation grounds of our nation's Hall of Worship Master. Our Star Luo Empire has many powerful star-type Martial Soul users, and this is one of the reasons why."
Xu Jiawei explained the situation to them, and they immediately understood why he didn't want Ye Yulin to enter.
"Your Martial Soul is the moon, which is also an extraordinary star-based Martial Soul. That's why I brought you here; you should be able to sense its special qualities, right?" Xu Jiawei said.
Xu Tianxi's eyes darted around, then he tentatively asked, "Could this be the former site of the Star Crown Sect?"
Xu Jiawei nodded, his expression becoming solemn and heavy. He said,
"Our Star Crown lineage has a long history, existing even during the Martial Soul Hall era ten thousand years ago. At that time, the Star Crown Sect was the foremost Hidden Sect in the Star Luo Empire."
Xu Tianxi knew he was right. Ten thousand years ago, the Martial Soul Hall Pope's decree listed six great Martial Souls. The three upper sects represented three, the Martial Soul Hall had two, and the final crown belonged to the Star Crown Sect.
"In the history of the Star Crown Sect, there were once Limit Douluo powerhouses. One ancestor, a Limit Douluo, once traveled the continent and found an unusual item in a small plane that could gather starlight and serve various purposes."
As Xu Jiawei finished speaking, the ninety-seventh-level Xu Heng suddenly appeared, giving Xu Jiawei a slight nod. His gaze fell upon Jing Hongchen, and he extended his hand, saying,
"Mingde Hall Master, the following matters involve the secrets of our Star Crown lineage. Please accompany this old man."
"Alright, then this old man will wait for His Majesty to bring out our nation's prodigy."
Jing Hongchen smiled, glanced at Xu Jiawei and Xu Tianxi, and then walked away with Xu Heng.
This place was the core of the Star Luo Empire, but Jing Hongchen was confident enough to retreat safely. If pushed too far, the trigger-activated Soul Guided Devices on him could blow this entire place sky-high.
However, Xu Jiawei being so serious was somewhat unexpected. Could it be that he sensed the general situation was unfavorable and wanted to reconcile with the Sun Moon Empire?
Recalling the state of his own emperor and Crown Prince, Jing Hongchen couldn't help but shake his head. The struggle among the princes was fierce, but it likely wouldn't shake the Crown Prince's position in the end.
With the Crown Prince's personality, he'll likely launch a war after ascending the throne. Even if Tianxi isn't a warmonger, he won't be able to stop this inevitable trend. Xu Jiawei's preparations here aren't very useful; forming a good relationship, however, might be…
Jing Hongchen thought calmly, then quickly linked it to the recent developments in his own country.
Old Man Kong sent word that those Evil Soul Masters have been largely relocating recently, showing signs of moving towards the Heavenly Soul Empire. I wonder what those lunatics are up to now.
But even without them, Shrek is no longer a threat. It just depends on whether those Hidden Sects will intervene…
Just then, a dazzling pillar of light suddenly shot up from the Star Altar. Xu Tianxi's pale Moon Shadow ascended, greedily absorbing the surrounding starlight, visibly becoming clearer and brighter; as if undergoing a transformation from illusory to real.
The moon disc, a zhang in diameter, rapidly expanded, its Moonlight scattering three thousand feet. Jing Hongchen watched the scene in astonishment, his mouth involuntarily agape.
The energy level wasn't incredibly strong, but he couldn't understand how Xu Jiawei had created such a commotion.
Moments later, the rising Bright Moon expanded to several tens of zhang in circumference, as if activating a Martial Soul True Body, then settled back behind Xu Tianxi. The person and the moon seemed to merge into one. The dazzling pillar of light slowly dispersed, revealing the figures of Xu Tianxi and Xu Jiawei.
A spherical bead, shimmering with dazzling starlight, returned to Xu Jiawei's palm. A circle of starlight barrier descended around the two of them, blocking sound transmission.
Xu Jiawei's face showed some fatigue, but more so astonishment, even disbelief.
The reason was simple: during the baptism just now, he had perceived Xu Tianxi's true Soul Power level and Martial Soul!
"You... are a Body Martial Soul? And... only level fifty?"
Xu Jiawei felt a bit dazed, his eyes staring blankly at Xu Tianxi.
Xu Tianxi retracted the spiritual power glow that his double pupils had unconsciously released during the baptism, and nodded slightly, "Yes, as Your Majesty observed, my Martial Soul is a mutated eye."
Xu Jiawei's expression stiffened, and a wry smile touched his lips. "A single Eye Martial Soul wouldn't possess such powerful Spiritual Power. Your Martial Soul must also be connected to a part of your brain; combined with this starlight, even within the Body Sect, Martial Souls of comparable quality to yours are exceedingly rare."
"I can't believe those people from the Body Sect watched several of your matches and still didn't discern your true Martial Soul. You've hidden yourself remarkably well."
Xu Tianxi gave a self-deprecating smile, saying, "Precisely because I was wary of them, this junior has always concealed himself. When I fought those three from Shrek, I was actually giving my all; they simply had no leisure to notice."
Xu Jiawei nodded, sighing, "This is a baptismal site reserved for top talents of our Star Crown lineage who cultivate to Quasi Soul Sage. It can only be performed three times every century. Receiving this baptism can greatly accelerate one's cultivation to Titled Douluo and accumulate the foundation to break through to Super Douluo.
I originally thought you had reached Soul Emperor cultivation and coming here wouldn't be a waste, but I didn't expect you were still only a Quasi Soul King."
"So, you haven't taken any growth-enhancing drugs in your cultivation to date, and your physical constitution is so astonishing. On one hand, it's due to integrating Soul Bones, and on the other... you've already completed the Second Awakening of your Body Martial Soul, right?"
"Your Majesty's insight is sharp." Xu Tianxi bowed respectfully, smiling as he affirmed the other's guess.
The effect of this baptism exceeded expectations. Simply put, the illusory Moon Shadow could now condense into a physical form, and his Source Power had greatly increased.
No wonder the Star Crown lineage was able to emerge when Sun Moon overshadowed Star Luo back then; their foundation is indeed extraordinary.
"Being sharp-sighted isn't much. Your true talent has only solidified some of my thoughts..."
Xu Jiawei closed his eyes briefly. When he opened them again, his gaze was piercing, as if electricity flickered within: "If you're interested in the Sun Moon Empire's throne, I can help you."
Xu Tianxi's eyes flickered, and he frowned, asking, "What do you mean, Your Majesty?"
Xu Jiawei gazed intently at Xu Tianxi, his eyes as firm as rock beneath his brows that slanted up towards his temples:
"I can see that you have ambition, a great ambition, an ambition so vast that it can only be realized if you become the controller of the Sun Moon Empire."
"You displayed your strength in the competition, recruited geniuses from the Three Kingdoms, and vindicated the Sun Moon Empire. What you revealed is self-evident. That alone would be fine, but you didn't even give Xu Tianran face, which makes it very clear."
"And then, helping to rescue people further affirmed my thoughts. Only someone who views all people as their own will have the magnanimity to disregard national boundaries."
"With the blade facing outward, decisive in killing; with the back of the blade facing inward, benevolent and loving towards the people; how could such a royal genius not be interested in the throne? How could he... not want to bring the entire Douluo Continent under his control!"
"It's just that now, the Sun Moon Imperial Family is stable. I imagine reaching that point won't be easy for you, and you might not want to dirty your own hands. Star Luo can help you remove some obstacles."
Seeing this, Xu Tianxi calmly met Xu Jiawei's gaze and nodded, asking with a smile, "Then why would Your Majesty help me? And what does Your Majesty hope to gain? A guarantee of peace?"
Xu Jiawei shook his head and said, "No, what I want is the inheritance of my Xu Family. The strength you've displayed is too astonishing. If war breaks out, I don't see our Three Great Empires winning, or even having hope of defending our territory."
"The disparity in strength is evident here. Even if you don't start a war, your descendants certainly will. Star Luo will fall sooner or later."
"As an emperor, I'm already powerless to protect my country, but I cannot fail to protect the Xu Family. I can die for my country, but I hope they can live on."
"To preserve the Star Crown's legacy... If this junior ever unifies the continent, this junior can achieve it on his own."
Xu Tianxi pondered for a moment before replying, then asked,
"If that's the only promise, Your Majesty probably wouldn't need to do so much. Are there any other conditions?"
"Of course, Jiu Jiu."
Xu Jiawei looked directly into Xu Tianxi's eyes and said, "I've investigated you. You're still unmarried, and the Sun Moon Imperial Family hasn't arranged anything for you."
"The Mingde Hall Master might very much want to see his granddaughter end up with you, but you're dedicated to cultivation and don't care much for such things."
Xu Tianxi's mouth twitched slightly. You really did your homework, didn't you? he thought.
"Yes, that's right." Xu Tianxi replied calmly. He, Xu, had never been very interested in women anyway. What fun were beauties compared to cannons and Soul Guidance Cannon Shells?
The feeling of personally crafting Soul Guidance Cannon Shells and then using them to eliminate enemies was an unparalleled joy. Recently, the feeling of cutting people with a knife was also quite good, making his blood boil.
"Since you have no thoughts on these matters, then I presume you wouldn't mind a marriage alliance. Do you understand what I mean?"
Xu Jiawei revealed his true intentions, continuing, "You are a person of principle. Only then can I be at ease, and the Princess of my Star Luo Empire is also the most outstanding woman of this generation."
"I've heard about the Princess of the Sun Moon Empire; her personality might not be something you can tolerate."
Xu Tianxi was silent for a moment, then looked up and asked, word by word, "Do you think it's appropriate for someone of my status to marry the Star Luo Princess?"
"Not entirely appropriate, but I'm not asking you to make it public immediately. This matter can be pursued gradually; waiting a few years won't hurt."
Xu Jiawei said, "Jiu Jiu is determined to study in Sun Moon and has already discussed it with you all. When she leads her team there, just look out for her. Feelings can develop later; having a name and a child will suffice."
Xu Tianxi's face was full of exasperation: "...Isn't that a bit too direct?"
"People in the Imperial Family just get used to it." A hint of longing appeared in Xu Jiawei's eyes, and he sighed softly:
"Perhaps everyone has someone deeply ingrained in their heart, but the wife they ultimately accompany will not be that person. My Empress and some consorts were chosen by my elders weighing the pros and cons. Though an emperor, there are many things beyond my control. You'll understand when you reach my age."
After speaking, he carefully picked up the round pearl in his palm and handed it to Xu Tianxi, his eyes burning:
"This object is called the Star God Heavenly Pearl. Its profoundness goes beyond what you see. Only a Limit Douluo can draw upon its power for combat."
"Our ancestors said this object might contain power beyond Level 99."
Xu Tianxi's pupils suddenly constricted: "Becoming a God at Level 100?"
"Yes, for ten thousand years, we've tried various methods, but we've never found that possibility. Even the Star Crown Sect's emergence back then was somewhat related to it... Although the opportunity to become a god wasn't found, with its amplification, a Limit Douluo is invincible under the starry sky."
Xu Jiawei smiled: "I'm offering it as my imperial sister's dowry. Is that enough for you to agree to my conditions?"
Xu Tianxi pondered for a long time, then solemnly accepted it: "After today, the Star Crown lineage's glory will not vanish from the Douluo Continent."
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Translation by: randomtranslator.com
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