Lin Xiao's gaze shifted between Xu Tianran and Ju Zi, then swept toward the long line of refugees waiting for their porridge.
Watching the scene, he began to understand why Xu Tianran had suddenly decided to "adopt" a child.
Ju Zi hadn't been standing there from the start. Only moments earlier, she'd been among the crowd, waiting patiently in line for a bowl of porridge—likely the only meal she would get that day.
Yet when she saw Xu Tianran and his entourage, she had abandoned that meager hope without hesitation, stepping forward and kneeling in their path.
That single bowl of porridge could have meant survival—but she had traded it for a gamble, a fleeting chance at something greater. Such decisiveness, even among adults, was rare. For a twelve-year-old child to make that choice… it was hard to say whether it came from intelligence or naïveté. But whatever the reason, she had succeeded.
As Xu Tianran's attendants wiped the dirt from her face, Lin Xiao understood the prince's words: "To appear before me is a talent in itself."
Ju Zi was young, and though not extraordinarily beautiful, her features carried a quiet charm. The borderlands were chaotic—infested with all kinds of people and powers. There were groups like the Holy Spirit Church, but also others such as the Common Alliance, which recruited orphaned girls displaced by war.
Many older women had vanished without a trace in these regions. For Ju Zi to survive and wander here alone—luck alone could not explain it.
Perhaps Xu Tianran had noticed that very quality.
Their party continued on, Ju Zi following cautiously among the guards, never glancing back at the refugees she had left behind.
As they approached the border, chaos became more visible. Under Xu Chang's rule, life here had been harsh but bearable. Yet since Xu Jing's ascension, conflict between the Sun and Moon Empire and the Star Luo Empire had intensified, and civilians had paid the price.
"Your Highness!"
Before they reached the fortress, several black dots appeared ahead. As they drew closer, the powerful aura of a Titled Douluo rippled through the air.
"I, Liao Mengkai, Commander of the Terrorclaw Soul Engineer Legion, greet His Highness!"
"Commander Liao, please rise."
Xu Tianran, relying on his flight device, lifted a hand in formal acknowledgment.
"Your Highness honors us," Liao Mengkai said. "If it pleases you, please rest at Pingxing City for the night."
Pingxing City was built along the Mingdou Mountain Range, a fortress city established only after the collision of the Sun and Moon Continent and the Douluo Continent. Its name alone—"Ming-Dou"—was enough to reveal the Empire's ambition.
"Your Highness arrives at a fortunate time," Liao Mengkai continued, his eyes glinting with pride. "The army has prepared quite the spectacle to welcome you."
"Oh?" Xu Tianran's interest stirred.
"Since last year's border conflicts, the Star Luo Empire has sent large reinforcements. Their White Tiger Duke himself now commands their frontline forces. His troops have been active along the range. As it happens, a new shipment of secret weapons from Radiant City has just arrived at the front. Tonight, Your Highness may witness the might of our Sun and Moon Army firsthand."
"Your Highness," Zhongli Wu interjected suddenly, interrupting the conversation, "if there is to be a battle tonight, might one of my Church's disciples be permitted to observe?"
Liao Mengkai turned to him, brows furrowing.
He could feel Zhongli Wu's spirit power exceeding his own, yet in his mind, this man was simply part of Xu Tianran's entourage. And he dares to interrupt so casually?
Before he could voice his irritation, Xu Tianran had already nodded. "Since Worship Zhongli has spoken, I see no reason to refuse. Commander Liao, how do you wish to arrange it?"
Liao Mengkai studied Zhongli Wu more closely, realization flickering in his eyes. "Very well," he said at last. "But understand—battle spares no one. For safety's sake, those who accompany must obey military orders completely."
Behind them, Lin Xiao remained silent, but his thoughts were racing.
The White Tiger Duke… The name was familiar, tugging at buried memories. Perhaps this was the moment when that noble was forced from his own mansion—setting in motion stories that would ripple through history.
The meeting site was close to Pingxing City. Their group soon entered its walls.
Xu Tianran had his own affairs to handle—matters far above Lin Xiao's reach.
Once escorted to his assigned quarters, Lin Xiao sat cross-legged and entered meditation. Though he was only meant to observe, the coming night would take them to the battlefield. Preparation was essential.
Knock, knock, knock—
The sound broke his concentration.
His eyes opened sharply, scanning the door. They had only just arrived in Pingxing City; Xu Tianran was likely still exchanging courtesies with the generals. It shouldn't be time to move out yet.
He stood and opened the door—only to find a small figure waiting outside.
"What are you doing here?" Lin Xiao's brows knit beneath the mask.
Standing in the corridor was Ju Zi, her hands clasped nervously before her.
Pingxing City was vast, and neither of them held any official title. Few would pay attention to two nameless followers—but if someone saw this and word reached Xu Tianran's ears, the prince's jealousy and suspicion could become dangerous.
"I… I came to thank you," she stammered, eyes flicking up before quickly lowering to the floor. "You saved me."
"That was His Highness's decision," Lin Xiao said evenly. "It had nothing to do with me."
"Then… is there anything I should know about serving His Highness?" She hesitated, voice trembling. "He doesn't seem like an ordinary person."
"When you enter the palace, there will be people to teach you. For now, don't do anything foolish. Go back."
He turned to close the door, but her voice stopped him again. "Still… thank you. Is there anything you need?"
As she spoke, her gaze drifted past him, sweeping briefly into the room.
Lin Xiao's eyes narrowed. He stared at her in silence, his presence pressing down on her like a blade.
Her voice had carried a timid lilt—but beneath it, he could feel a keen awareness, a hidden steadiness. She hadn't come simply to offer gratitude.
"Who sent you to me?"
The chill in his tone made her shiver. Fear flashed in her eyes, but she forced herself to stay calm. "No one. I came on my own."
He watched her for another long moment. Then, quietly, he said, "No. Go back."
(End of Chapter)