Douluo Continent: Martial Soul Young Gilas, Sandstorm King!

Chapter 142 This is simply a monster that defies all reason!

Dai Tianxing's voice carried a hint of composure, as if he were in complete control.

"Does this crown meet the discerning eye of the master craftsman's disciple? You may state any conditions you require for its restoration. The Star Luo Empire will do its utmost to meet them."

Lin Xia took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the turmoil in her heart, and struggled to look away from the core gem, meeting Dai Tianxing's deep and unfathomable eyes once more.

repair?

Of course he needs to fix it!
Not only must it be repaired, but this opportunity must also be used to thoroughly analyze the crown, especially the energy secrets of the core gem!
Lin Xia took a deep breath, suppressing the surging curiosity in her heart about the Starry Crown, and turned her gaze to Emperor Dai Tianxing of Star Luo.

His voice was steady, with just the right amount of humility and caution.

"Your Majesty, repairing such a national treasure as the Starry Crown is not something that can be accomplished in a day. We also need to understand the root cause of the problem."

"It's still unclear what's needed for repairs. The exact extent of the damage and the required materials require careful examination. I wonder if Your Majesty would allow me to keep it for a while, to observe the Starry Crown properly, before proceeding with the repairs?"

Upon hearing this, Dai Tianxing's dignified face revealed a smile that seemed to have been anticipated. He paused, his fingers stroking the jade thumb ring, and nodded, saying:

“Of course! Brother Lin Xia’s words make sense. I originally intended to entrust this Starry Crown to you for careful study. After all, how can one talk about repairing it without proper observation? If you act rashly without understanding its contents, you might damage this heirloom.”

His words revealed his approval of Lin Xia's professionalism and also demonstrated the boldness of an emperor—daring to entrust a divine artifact symbolizing the majesty and power of the royal family to an outsider.

Before he finished speaking, Dai Tianxing had already deftly pushed the Starry Crown, which flowed with starlight but contained subtle cracks, towards Lin Xia.

The crown felt slightly heavy in his hand, and an ancient and vast power of stars, even though it had been dormant and damaged, was still faintly emanating, causing the soul power at Lin Xia's fingertips to become slightly active.

He suppressed the urge to immediately use his mental power to investigate, maintaining a calm expression. With a flick of his wrist, he safely stored the crown that had captivated countless hearts in the Star Luo Empire into the soul tool space at his waist.

That seemingly ordinary storage soul tool instantly bore an immeasurable weight.

As Dai Tianxing watched Lin Xia put away the crown with natural movements and clear eyes, without the slightest hint of greed or nervousness, his admiration deepened.

He laughed heartily, breaking the slightly tense atmosphere caused by the handover of the divine artifact, and directly instructed the palace maids standing to the side, whose auras were refined:
"Prepare a banquet! It is a rare occasion for Brother Lin Xia to visit the palace today; I wish to have a good chat with him!"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

The maid bowed and accepted the order, then swiftly and silently withdrew to make the arrangements.

Upon hearing this, Lin Xia did not feign reluctance.

Repairing the Starry Crown was the priority, but establishing a good relationship with this emperor who controlled a vast empire was equally important. He bowed slightly.

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty."

Before long, the banquet was ready in a side hall that was decorated with both royal grandeur and elegance.

On the enormous round table were laid out delicacies from the Star Luo Palace, all made with top-quality soul beast ingredients or rare spiritual plants, each dish a feast for the eyes, nose, and palate, and filled with spiritual energy.

The glass cup holds amber-colored fine wine, exuding an enticing aroma.

Invited to the banquet were Dai Tianxing, Zhu Yu, and Lin Xia, as well as two princes who had been specially summoned—the eldest prince, Davis, and the third prince, Dai Mubai.

Davis remained as composed, confident, and debonair as ever, his blond hair perfectly styled, his face bearing an impeccable, polite smile, and his eyes as sharp as ever.

He entered the hall, his gaze quickly sweeping over Lin Xia with a hint of scrutiny that was barely perceptible.

Dai Mubai followed half a step behind his brother, his face still pale with illness, his eyes darting around. Especially when he saw Lin Xia, the panic and despair he had shown in the Star Soul Palace seemed to deepen even more.

He tried his best to straighten his back, but his trembling fingers and slightly stiff steps betrayed his inner unease. Zhu Yu, on the other hand, remained calm, her bare feet treading on the soft carpeted floor. She sat gracefully beside Dai Tianxing, her insightful eyes calmly observing everyone present, as if she knew everything.

The five people sat down, and the atmosphere, set against the backdrop of fine food, wine, and exquisite tableware, subtly revealed a kind of tension.

Dai Tianxing, as the host, took the lead in raising his glass, breaking the silence.

"Come, young brother Lin Xia, welcome to the Star Luo Imperial Palace. Today we will not discuss state affairs, but only our personal friendship. This cup is to toast your youthful talent and limitless future!"

His smile was warm, his imperial demeanor tinged with a deliberate attempt at intimacy.

Lin Xia quickly raised her glass in return.

"Your Majesty is too kind. I am unworthy of such praise. It is my honor to have Your Majesty's trust and to be able to do my part for Xingluo."

He adopted a humble posture, yet his words were measured and appropriate.

After a few rounds of drinks, Dai Tianxing casually brought up the purpose of Lin Xia's trip.

"Speaking of which, Weiss, Mubai, do you know why Brother Lin Xia has come to the palace this time?"

Davis put down his silver chopsticks, revealing just the right amount of doubt and interest.

"Oh? Your Majesty, I do not know. Please enlighten me."

Dai Mubai also nervously raised his head and pricked up his ears.

A profound meaning flashed in Dai Tianxing's eyes as he slowly said:
"He was invited by me to come and repair the Starry Crown, a priceless treasure passed down through generations of the Starry Royal Family!"

"A Radiant Crown?!"

Davis was suddenly moved; for the first time, his composed smile cracked, and his eyes flashed with undisguised shock!
He knew all too well what this soul tool meant to Xingluo and the Dai family!

That was a symbol of royal power, a powerful instrument capable of influencing the fate of the nation!

How could this boy, who looked several years younger than me, be entrusted with such an important task?
His gaze instantly focused on Lin Xia, filled with incredulous inquiry and a deeper assessment.

Dai Mubai was so shocked that he almost knocked over the wine glass in front of him. He hurriedly steadied himself, his face turning from pale to deathly white, and he looked at Lin Xia as if he were looking at a monster.

Repair the Starry Crown? This... how is this possible?

What astonishing skill and strength does this require? Just who is this Lin Xia?
But that wasn't the most shocking thing for them.

Dai Tianxing seemed quite satisfied with his two sons' reactions. With a meaningful smile on his lips, he casually dropped the second bombshell.

"Moreover, your young brother Lin Xia has already reached the level of a level 25 Great Soul Master in terms of soul power cultivation."

"Level 25?!"

Davis and Dai Mubai gasped in shock almost simultaneously!

Davis's face froze in shock; his aristocratic elegance and composure vanished, leaving only pure horror.

He is already fifteen years old this year. He has exceptional talent and has been fully nurtured by the royal family. His soul power has only just reached the thirty-first level of Soul Master, which is already outstanding among his peers!
But this boy, who looks no more than eleven or twelve years old, actually has a soul power level of twenty-five?
This is an absolutely monstrous creature that defies all logic!

(End of this chapter)