Evil Spirit Master.
That was the first thought that flashed through the officer's mind. Only such people could increase their cultivation through such grotesque means. But almost as soon as the thought appeared, he remembered—this cloaked figure had been personally placed here by Commander Liao Mengkai.
Did Liao know? Were the Holy Spirit Church's tricks deceiving him—or was the commander himself involved? The officer didn't dare to think further.
Even within the Sun and Moon Empire, the name "Evil Spirit Master" stirred the same disgust and fear as anywhere else.
Lin Xiao glanced at the man, sensing his realization. He didn't bother to hide it any longer. The Other Shore Flower bloomed beside him, and waves of restless souls began to pour toward him like moths drawn to flame.
He knew this was only the beginning. With the Holy Spirit Church now cooperating with the imperial court, it would not be long before Evil Soul Masters appeared openly throughout the empire—and soon, the Holy Spirit Church itself would rise to become its state religion.
The officer stood frozen, eyes wide at the sight of the five black spirit rings pulsing around Lin Xiao. Only when another volley of soul cannons roared nearby did he snap out of his trance.
Casting one last fearful look toward Lin Xiao, he turned away to resume commanding his troops, though he dared not speak another word to him.
Lin Xiao didn't mind the silence. His attention was on his palm, where countless fragments of souls drifted toward the flower's petals. With each one absorbed, flashes of their final memories flickered across his mind—glimpses of family, wealth, and the final, desperate moments of life.
Since the awakening of his spiritual sea, he had learned to see more than mere echoes. Some spirits still carried fragments of skill, movement, or insight—techniques born of their lives. To Lin Xiao, they were no longer just nourishment for his soul seed; they were fragments of wisdom, waiting to be devoured.
His breakthrough had already stabilized, but the flow of soul power within him refused to stop. Only the sound of the battlefield seemed to fade, the screams and explosions receding into a distant hum.
Though the Star Luo forces held the high ground, their advantage meant little under the relentless barrage of Sun and Moon cannons. And with the aid of the new Detection Soul Device, their encampments had been exposed one after another.
By midnight, the battle was nearly over. The Star Luo army, their formation shattered, had no choice but to retreat eastward.
"Excellent!"
In Pingxing City, Xu Tianran had not slept. He sat before the glowing screen of a soul device, his eyes bright with excitement. He was no general, but even he could see that half the Mingdou Range was now effectively under their control.
With the range secured, and their artillery reaching far beyond the slopes, the Star Luo Empire's counterattack would be nearly impossible.
"My Sun and Moon Army must advance just like this," Xu Tianran said, his tone brimming with confidence. "Sooner or later, we will crush the three great empires beneath our feet."
The ambition in his eyes was undisguised.
This journey along the border was not meant to end at Pingxing City; he had many fortresses yet to visit. But this decisive victory had filled him with anticipation for what lay ahead.
He was not the only one watching.
Far away in Radiant City, within an inconspicuous courtyard, several cloaked figures gathered in the pale glow of lantern light. Though their robes concealed them, the glimpse of fine garments beneath betrayed their noble status.
"Second Brother, why are you still hesitating?" one of them urged.
"No," the man addressed as Second Brother said sharply. He paced the courtyard in agitation before slumping into a chair, his brow tightly furrowed.
"Second Brother," another voice pressed, "Father sending the Crown Prince to the front lines already shows his intent. When he returns victorious, the court will rally to him. If we wait any longer, we'll lose our chance forever!"
The man's lips tightened.
"Second Brother," yet another voice said coldly, "this isn't just the title of crown prince—it's the throne of the entire Sun and Moon Empire. If you don't act, when the Crown Prince ascends, do you think he'll let any of us live?"
Their words turned sharper, more venomous. "He's ruthless. Once he's emperor, he'll slaughter every rival. Will you just sit and wait for your own death?"
The man's resolve wavered, his eyes flickering.
Seeing this, the others exchanged a quick glance before pressing their advantage. "We've already investigated—our dear brother travels lightly, with no army escort. Only a few strong protectors guard him."
"We can hire skilled assassins to distract those guards. All we need is a brief opening—one strike, clean and silent."
"Indeed, Second Brother," another chimed in, "once he returns to Radiant City, he'll be untouchable. This is our only chance. Miss it, and it's gone forever."
"But…" The man hesitated. "Such an act… to strike at the Crown Prince himself—who would dare?"
"Forgive my bluntness, Second Brother," one whispered. "But do not forget how Father seized the throne himself. The capital still harbors loyalists to the late emperor. Leak word of the Crown Prince's route, and there will be plenty eager to act."
"Silence!" The man's voice cracked like thunder. "That borders on treason—never speak such words again!"
"Second Brother…"
Their pleas continued, echoing one after another.
Finally, the man could bear no more. He rose abruptly, eyes cold and hard as he looked at them. "Enough. Since you all share this intention—very well. Pass down the order. Have our people watch the Crown Prince's movements. Contact the remnants of the former emperor's faction. And hire a team of assassins. When the moment comes, strike swiftly. Do not let the Crown Prince return to Radiant City alive."
"Yes!" the others said in unison.
After they dispersed, the man lingered, exhaling a long breath. Slowly, he removed his hood, revealing a face that bore a striking resemblance to Xu Tianran's.
"Brother," he murmured, "don't blame me. This isn't my will alone. You've left us no choice. With your cruelty… how could your brothers ever rest easy?"
The wind stirred, scattering the clouds. Moonlight spilled across the courtyard, illuminating his face. Gone was the uncertainty from moments before—only cold determination remained.
By dawn, the Mingdou Mountains were silent. The cries of battle had faded, leaving behind only shattered armor, broken weapons, and dark pools of blood soaking into the earth at Lin Xiao's feet.
(End of Chapter)