A faint trace of surprise flickered through Dai Tianxing's deep eyes before vanishing in an instant.
He had seen countless people during their first audience with him, even Soul Douluo found it difficult to remain composed upon first contact.
Fear, reverence, flattery, nervousness he was long accustomed to every kind of reaction.
But a child barely over ten years old, with such calm eyes as if merely meeting an ordinary elder was something he had never seen before.
This level of composure far exceeded what his age should allow!
'Indeed extraordinary!'
Dai Tianxing praised inwardly, no longer doubting the evaluations given by Zhu Yu and the intelligence reports about this boy.
No wonder he could refuse the Spirit Hall, catch Zhu Yu's special attention, and even be accepted as a disciple by the Divine Craftsman Lou Gao.
This child's temperament was far from ordinary!
"Rise."
Dai Tianxing's voice sounded, deep and magnetic, carrying a peculiar rhythm that could steady the heart, yet also held unquestionable authority.
He did not remain seated upon the lofty throne. Instead, he slowly stood and walked down the Star Jade steps.
As he approached, the pressure of imperial authority did not lessen, on the contrary, it became more condensed, like tangible waves surging toward Lin Xia.
His dark robe shimmered subtly under the starlight. With each step he took, the Star Radiance Jade beneath his feet seemed to resonate, sending out faint ripples of light.
His tall, upright figure moved with the bearing of a dragon and tiger, exuding the aura of one who commanded mountains and rivers.
This was not suppression by Soul Power Level, but a "presence" formed over time, through ruling life and death, and gathering the faith and awe of countless beings.
Lin Xia's vigilance rose to its peak.
Dai Tianxing's actions were far from simple courtesy, this was clearly a test, a silent intimidation to see just how far this "extraordinary" child could endure under his full presence.
Larvitar growled more audibly, its body tensing as energy faintly flowed beneath its dark red armor. Without Lin Xia's mental restraint, it would have already released its aura in resistance.
Lin Xia, meanwhile, mobilized all of his spiritual power. The memory of the Phoenix God's pressure stood like an unbreakable dam, firmly protecting his mind.
His expression remained unchanged. Under the oppressive presence, his straight back seemed even more unyielding. His dark golden eyes met Dai Tianxing's scrutinizing gaze, clear and unwavering, without the slightest retreat.
At last, Dai Tianxing stopped before him, the distance between them no more than a few feet.
His towering shadow nearly enveloped Lin Xia. Lowering his head slightly, his gaze became like a probing needle, carefully examining Lin Xia, from his youthful yet sharp-featured face, to the unusual small creature resting on his shoulder.
"Lin Xia."
Dai Tianxing spoke, his tone calm, yet each word carried immense weight.
"I have heard the Empress mention you many times exceptional talent, unwavering will, and inheritor of a Divine Craftsman's teachings. Now that I see you in person, your reputation is indeed well deserved. At such a young age, to remain so composed before me you are the first."
There was undisguised appreciation in his voice.
"Your Majesty flatters me."
Lin Xia inclined his body slightly.
"I am merely relying on my master's name, and perhaps I have a bit more courage than others. Before Your Majesty's imperial might, how would I dare act presumptuously?"
His reply was humble, yet not fawning. His gaze remained calm.
A trace of a smile flickered in Dai Tianxing's eyes, this child handled himself remarkably well.
He did not continue pressing with his presence. The heavy "force" receded like a tide, as if it had never appeared. Standing with his hands behind his back, his gaze shifted to Larvitar on Lin Xia's shoulder, now carrying a hint of curiosity.
"So this is your unusual companion? Its form is unique, and its aura seems to contain a trace of ancient pressure. I have studied countless records, yet never seen such a being. Your fortune is truly enviable."
"It's called Larvitar. It's my partner."
Lin Xia introduced it simply, without explaining its origins.
"It does have some special qualities."
"Partner…"
Dai Tianxing repeated the word thoughtfully, then nodded.
"Very good. To truly walk alongside one's martial soul as a companion is indeed rare."
His tone shifted as he finally moved to the main topic.
"I believe you already know why I have summoned you. The Star Radiance Crown is a foundational treasure of the Star Luo Empire, tied to the fate of the nation. Its core has been damaged, no ordinary craftsman can repair it. The Empress strongly recommended you, saying that the Divine Craftsman's techniques may offer a solution. Thus, I entrust this heavy responsibility to you."
As he spoke, Dai Tianxing raised his hand, palm upward. A gentle yet boundless starlight began to shine from his palm.
The light intensified, condensing into form.
In the next moment, an exquisitely beautiful crown, seemingly carved from the stars themselves appeared out of thin air in his hand.
The Star Radiance Crown!
Its base was forged from an unknown metal as deep as the night sky, inlaid with countless tiny starstones, like a condensed galaxy.
The crown's main body was formed by nine smooth, arc-shaped beams resembling stellar orbits, converging at the front.
At their intersection floated a fist-sized, radiant gemstone!
The gem seemed alive, containing within it an infinite starry sea.
Countless nebulae spun, collapsed, and erupted within it, radiating an extremely pure stellar power, as if it could connect directly to the origin of the universe!
At its core, a profound singularity like a miniature black hole flickered in and out of sight, emitting a terrifying pulling force, as though it could devour light and souls alike.
The entire crown was wrapped in countless intricate soul tool runes, so complex they were dizzying. These runes seemed alive, slowly circulating and breathing around the crown, perfectly synchronized with the pulse of the core gem, forming a vast and precise energy circulation system!
The moment it appeared, the stellar energy within the entire Star Radiance Hall surged several times over, and the star map on the ceiling began rotating at a much faster pace.
The instant Lin Xia's gaze fell upon the crown, especially that core gem he could no longer look away.
His heart began to pound uncontrollably!
Not because of the crown's beauty or power, but because he clearly sensed.
The vast, boundless, unimaginably pure energy deep within the core gem!
Its level and nature far surpassed any soul tool energy core he had encountered before.
This immense stellar power carried a grand, transcendent quality, as if piercing through planes and connecting to the origin of the cosmos itself.
Without a doubt, this was the core energy his mecha required!
The core energy of the Star Radiance Crown might very well be the crucial "fuel" needed to restart that colossal machine and tear open the heavens once more!
Dai Tianxing keenly noticed the blazing light that ignited in Lin Xia's eyes the moment he saw it, a gaze like one who had discovered a peerless treasure.
A meaningful smile curved at his lips.
This reaction was exactly as expected.
No Soul Master could remain indifferent before a divine artifact like the Star Radiance Crown.
"Well?"
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