Chapter 52: Conversation

Just as Xu Tiannan finished pinning the medal onto Huo Yuhao and was preparing to commend the next person, Huo Yuhao suddenly heard Xu Tiannan's voice echo in his mind.

"Tomorrow at dusk, on the rooftop outside the palace. I'll be waiting for you."

Huo Yuhao gave him a questioning look, watching as Xu Tiannan, without even glancing back, moved on to award the next team member. His expression was as composed as ever, but Huo Yuhao could feel the weight behind that glance.

Furrowing his brows slightly, Huo Yuhao said nothing. Soon after, the awards ceremony concluded, and everyone cheerfully dispersed to their own places.

"This is a Class Nine soul tool combining mental power amplification with headgear protection. I'd wager it came from Ye Yulin's own hands. A fine piece," Jing Hongchen commented, examining the helmet-shaped soul tool awarded to Huo Yuhao. "The imperial family really spared no expense, handing out Class Nine tools to each of you."

"As for safety concerns, if you're unsure, ask Elder Kong to inspect it before wearing it. Don't put it on recklessly."

Relieved, Huo Yuhao received the helmet back. Soul tools that enhanced mental power were rare and hard to craft, and this one was of Class Nine—how much further could it push his already formidable spiritual strength?

After thinking it over, he decided to tell Jing Hongchen about Xu Tiannan's invitation.

"Teacher, about that…"

Hearing him out, Jing Hongchen's expression first tensed, then relaxed as he replied, "The Crown Prince invited you? Go ahead, my disciple. Don't worry. Just answer whatever he asks."

Huo Yuhao nodded, somewhat helpless. If he could help it, he really didn't want to step into Xu Tiannan's sights too early. But his performance during the tournament, along with his covert dealings with the third prince, had clearly drawn Xu Tiannan's attention already.

The next evening, Huo Yuhao arrived as promised at the rooftop outside the palace. There, seated in a wheelchair at a stone table, facing away from him, was Xu Tiannan.

'He came alone?'

Remaining composed, Huo Yuhao walked forward at a calm pace.

Xu Tiannan slowly turned his chair around and said, "You're here."

With his Spirit Douluo-level spiritual power, detecting Huo Yuhao's arrival without turning was trivial.

Huo Yuhao stopped at a respectful distance, bowed slightly, and said, "Your Highness, what may I do for you?"

Xu Tiannan chuckled with an affable smile. "Hahaha, as the last disciple of Lord Jing, and the god-grandson of Elder Kong, there's no need for such formality. Please, sit."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Appearing entirely composed and respectful, Huo Yuhao took a seat across from Xu Tiannan. Inwardly, however, he scoffed.

'If someone naïve were taken in by his harmless, courteous act, they'd probably end up swallowed whole without even realizing it. This prince is far more dangerous than he seems—of that I'm sure.'

Xu Tiannan never dropped his performance. Falling for his act could mean ruin later.

Still, it did surprise Huo Yuhao how quickly Xu Tiannan had learned about his relationship with Kong Deming.

"Can I call you Little Huo?"

"You're my elder, Your Highness. Of course you may."

Xu Tiannan nodded with a gentle smile before asking, "Little Huo, I've heard that you're originally from... the Star Luo Empire?"

Huo Yuhao paused. 'Has he already figured out that I'm the son of the White Tiger Duke?'

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Life must not have been easy there. What made such a talented child like yourself decide to come to the Sun and Moon Empire?"

'So he doesn't know the truth yet,' Huo Yuhao thought. After a moment's consideration, he answered:

"Your Highness, my talent wasn't recognized until I came to the Sun and Moon Empire. In the Star Luo Empire, I was treated as a useless child who hadn't inherited my family's martial soul."

Xu Tiannan nodded but didn't press about the family.

"Life was harsh there—not just for me. The common people suffer terribly under the oppression of noble houses. They're hungry, unsafe, and afraid."

Huo Yuhao went on, laying it on thick and trampling the Star Luo Empire's image with relish.

To be fair, he had seen the way the White Tiger Duke's servants and spoiled sons bullied commoners in the lower districts of Star Luo City. But in all honesty, in a world of feudal empires and endless wars, who could claim to be better?

"I'd heard of the Sun and Moon Empire's advanced soul tool technology and enlightened governance. As someone who dreams of changing the Star Luo Empire, I was eager to come here—especially since the Sun and Moon Empire is often at war with Star Luo. This is where I can truly achieve something."

Huo Yuhao spoke passionately, unabashedly revealing his ambitions.

To someone like Xu Tiannan, who was used to intrigue and scheming, a bold, straightforward youth like Huo Yuhao wasn't scary. What truly worried men like him were those whose thoughts and intentions couldn't be seen.

After listening to the young man's fiery speech, Xu Tiannan laughed heartily. "Good! Excellent! I admire a young man with ambition. But from what you've said, are you planning to lead an army to conquer the Star Luo Empire?"

Without hesitation, Huo Yuhao nodded. "Yes, Your Highness. The reason I'm telling you this is because I believe you're the kind of emperor who could help me realize such a dream."

Xu Tiannan's smile deepened. Inside, he was elated.

This was exactly why he had invited Huo Yuhao here—to recruit this prodigiously talented youth. And to his delight, the boy had come knocking on his own.

Xu Tiannan no longer felt threatened by Huo Yuhao's potential. The young man clearly had no interest in seizing the throne, and by the time he became powerful enough to pose a threat, Xu Tiannan figured he'd already be hailed across the continent as the unifying emperor of the land.

Once, he had resented gifted youths due to his own crippled legs and stagnated cultivation. But now, a genius like Huo Yuhao wanted to serve him—that jealousy had all but faded.

Of course, as long as Kong Deming lived, Xu Tiannan wouldn't dare try anything against Huo Yuhao. But once that old man passed on…

"I heard, Little Huo, that you recently developed a batch of offensive-type soul tools that even ordinary people can use?"

Suddenly, Xu Tiannan changed the topic.

Huo Yuhao nodded. "Yes, Your Highness. But they still have flaws. For example, with a soul cannon, a regular person can only fire once. After that, they'd need a soul master or soul engineer nearby to recharge the preloaded shell before firing again."

(End of Chapter)

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