Douluo Continent: Martial Soul Young Gilas, Sandstorm King!

Chapter 143 What secrets does this national treasure of the Star Luo royal family hold?
For the first time, his gaze towards Lin Xia was filled with an indescribable complexity, a mixture of shock, horror, and even a hint of apprehension that he himself was unaware of.

Dai Mubai was completely stunned, as if struck by lightning.

Level 25?

How old is he?

He was a few years older than him, yet he was still struggling on the threshold of becoming a Soul Master, his Soul Power weak and unstable.

The enormous gap overwhelmed him like a cold tide, instantly crushing his already fragile self-esteem.

He subconsciously looked at his brother Davis and caught a glint of light in the other's eyes and the sudden tightening of his jawline.

A chill ran down his spine, and Dai Mubai's body trembled slightly again. He quickly lowered his head, staring intently at the dishes in front of him, as if trying to shrink into the dust, not daring to show any expression, for fear of attracting more "attention" from Davis.

Lin Xia took in Dai Mubai's humble fear and the sudden surge of ambition and vigilance in Davis's eyes, and her sneer intensified.

Zhu Zhuqing's desperate little face and the silent tears that slid down her cheeks reappeared in his mind, forming a stark and ironic contrast with Dai Mubai's cowardly appearance in front of him.

He simply smiled nonchalantly, raised his glass, and spoke with the shyness and humility of a young man.

"Your Majesty flatters me. Your Highnesses, please don't take it seriously. I'm just a little luckier than the average person. I was fortunate enough to have some opportunities that allowed my soul power to increase faster."

"As for real talent and learning? I really can't say much. In terms of insight, vision, and leadership, I am far inferior to Your Highnesses."

"If Your Highnesses were to follow my example, I'm afraid they wouldn't learn anything and would instead stray from the right path."

Lin Xia's words not only pointed out that her success was due to "luck" and "opportunity," but also deliberately downplayed her "real talent and learning," while elevating the two princes to high positions.

This not only gave the royal family ample face, but also cleverly removed himself from the spotlight as a potential "role model" for the princes, avoiding unnecessary trouble, especially any potential attempts by Davis to recruit or investigate him.

Dai Tianxing, being a man of great stature, naturally discerned the tact and aloofness in Lin Xia's words.

His deep gaze lingered for a moment on Lin Xia's calm and composed face, then swept over his two sons with vastly different reactions—the ambition and scheming that quickly disappeared in Davis's eyes, and Dai Mubai's cowardice that was almost curled up in a ball.

He understood that Lin Xia was subtly declining to get involved in the power struggles for the royal heir.

He laughed heartily, his laughter carrying the magnanimity of an emperor, and raised his wine cup.

"Haha, Brother Lin Xia, you're too modest! Opportunity is also part of ability! However, it's good for a young person to know how to be humble. Come, let's drink! Today we'll only talk about romance, nothing else!"

Davis quickly composed himself, the shock and surprise on his face vanishing instantly, replaced by his impeccable, elegant smile, as if his earlier lapse in composure had never occurred.

He raised his glass and toasted Lin Xia from afar, his tone sincere and warm.

"Lin Xia, you are too modest! A level 25 Great Soul Master, to have such cultivation at such a young age is extremely rare, even on the entire continent! This talent is something we can only dream of! Father is right, opportunity is strength, Brother Lin Xia deserves all praise! I toast you, and if there is an opportunity in the future, I hope Brother Lin Xia will not hesitate to teach me!"

Davis deliberately tried to build rapport with him, his eyes burning with eagerness.

He keenly realized that if he could win over such a promising young genius, it would be a great help to his future struggle for the throne.

Lin Xia understood perfectly, but on her face she wore just the right amount of "flattered" and "young man's embarrassment," and quickly raised her glass in return.

"Your Highness is too kind. I dare not presume to offer my guidance. If Your Highness has the time, I would be happy to learn about the customs and culture of the Empire from you." He steered the conversation toward the unimportant "customs and culture," subtly avoiding Davis's offer.

Dai Mubai hurriedly raised his wine glass as well, his hand trembling slightly, his voice carrying a barely perceptible tremor.

"Respect...respect Lin Xia..."

Dai Mubai's eyes darted around, and he didn't even dare to look Lin Xia in the eye. He hurriedly drank the wine in his cup, as if that wine could extinguish the fear and inferiority in his heart. Then he quickly lowered his head, like an ostrich.

Zhu Yu ate quietly from beginning to end, occasionally glancing up, her gaze shifting between Lin Xia, Davis, and Dai Mubai, finally settling on Dai Tianxing. A faint smile seemed to curve her lips, as if she were watching a drama whose ending she already knew.

Her bare feet moved slightly on the carpet, as if stepping on an invisible star map.

The banquet continued in an atmosphere of outward harmony but inward turmoil.

Dai Tianxing led the conversation, sometimes asking Lin Xia about interesting anecdotes about Gengjin City and the Blacksmiths' Association, and sometimes testing the two princes on their political insights.

Davis handled the situation with composure and eloquence, demonstrating the demeanor of an elder brother and political wisdom.

Dai Mubai stammered, his answers were empty and dull, even somewhat illogical, causing Dai Tianxing to frown slightly, a hint of disappointment flashing deep in his eyes.

Lin Xia plays the role of a smart, proper, and slightly shy young guest. She answers questions seriously when she should, listens attentively when she should, maintains a proper distance from Davis's deliberate closeness, and seems oblivious to Dai Mubai's timidity.

While dealing with this politically charged royal banquet, his mind was already on the Starry Crown in his soul tool, and even more profoundly—how to increase his strength more quickly.

As the banquet drew to a close and night deepened, Dai Tianxing did not try to persuade Lin Xia to stay any longer, but simply reiterated his hope that Lin Xia could repair the Starry Crown. Lin Xia respectfully took her leave.

Led by a maid, Lin Xia passed through numerous palaces and returned to the quiet and elegant guest courtyard arranged for him deep within the palace.

Closing the heavy door shut out the outside world, the youthful shyness and humility on his face vanished instantly, replaced by a look of composure and sharpness.

Lin Xia waved her hand, releasing powerful mental energy to set up several barriers in the room to prevent detection.

The young Gilas beside him immediately became alert, its scarlet eyes like two small lamps, scanning its surroundings warily, the dark gold dragon mark on its chest slightly warm, emitting a faint aura of intimidation.

After confirming that it was safe, Lin Xia took a deep breath and took out the Starry Crown from her soul tool.

It hovered quietly in his palm, and under the soft soul-guided light in the room, the tiny spiderweb-like cracks appeared even clearer and more dazzling against the backdrop of the flowing starlight.

A silent yet vast stellar power slowly emanated, seemingly capable of drawing one's soul.

"Alright, little one, no one will bother you now."

Lin Xia's voice was deep and full of a thirst for exploration, his dark golden pupils fixed on the crown.

"Let's see what secrets this national treasure of the Star Luo royal family holds, and what it will take to... restore its glory!"

Lin Xia carefully gathered a wisp of pure soul power at her fingertips and slowly reached out towards the flowing starlight.

(End of this chapter)