Douluo Continent: Martial Soul Young Gilas, Sandstorm King!

Chapter 115 Recruitment!

Zhu Yu's voice fell in the scorching desert air, carrying an indescribable solemnity and anticipation.

Those starry eyes, seemingly able to see into people's hearts, were fixed on Lin Xia, as if trying to uncover more astonishing secrets from this seven-year-old boy.

"Zhu Yu...Star Luo Empire..."

Lin Xia's mind raced.

The name and its origin instantly activated the information in his mind about the top nobles of the Star Luo Empire.

The Zhu family!

That massive family that has been intermarried with the royal Dai family for generations, jointly wielding the power of the empire, is famous for its Netherworld Cat Martial Soul, and is an indispensable part of the "Netherworld White Tiger" Martial Soul Fusion Skill!

"His strength is unfathomable. He appeared in the depths of this far western desert and his surname is Zhu... He is most likely a core member of the Zhu family."

Lin Xia quickly made a judgment.

"Judging from her demeanor and strength, her status is probably extremely high. According to the rules of Xingluo, the husband of a woman from the Zhu family is most likely the core member of the Dai family in this era."

A faint, almost instinctive thought flashed through my mind—about the destiny of an arranged marriage.

But he crushed it immediately.

"Heh, what are you thinking about?"

Lin Xia chuckled to herself, feeling somewhat speechless at her momentary "gossipy" thought.

“I even rejected the olive branch personally extended by Bibi Dong, the Pope of the Spirit Hall. She is a behemoth that dominates the continent and has unfathomable strength. How could a mere Zhu family woman from the Star Luo Empire, even if she is the Empress herself, possibly move my heart and make me, Lin Xia, submit?”

This pride, stemming from both strength and fortuitous encounters and deeply ingrained in his bones, allowed Lin Xia to remain remarkably calm and even possess a touch of detached composure when faced with Zhu Yu's earnest invitation.

He has the capital.

The journey to the Dragon Tomb, the Phoenix Divine Mark, the tempering of the Dragon Blood, the Dragon-shaped Imprint, the divine dragon remains in the spatial soul tool…

Any one of these items alone would be enough to overturn the continent's understanding. In his eyes, the Star Luo Empire's offer of recruitment was indeed insignificant.

However, Lin Xia was not an arrogant or ignorant person.

He knew that with his status as a seven-year-old Great Soul Master, coupled with the heaven-defying martial soul of Young Gilas, as long as the other party was determined, they would eventually be able to find the trail to the Gengjin City Blacksmith Association.

Rather than letting the other party investigate secretly, it's better to be frank and tell them directly. This way, you can take the initiative and reduce unnecessary trouble.

Under Zhu Yu's intense gaze, Lin Xia remained silent for a moment, as if organizing her thoughts, but in reality, she was adjusting her mindset.

Lin Xia raised her head, her youthful face displaying a frankness befitting her age, and said clearly in her voice:
"Sister, my name is Lin Xia. I live in the Gengjin City Blacksmith Association. My teacher is the master craftsman Lou Gao."

"Master Lou Gao?!"

Zhu Yu's reaction was far stronger than Lin Xia had expected!

Her stunningly beautiful face instantly radiated an undisguised, blossoming joy, like an ice lotus in full bloom. The extreme shock she had felt from Lin Xia's terrifying talent seemed to have been somewhat diminished by this sudden "fate."

The scrutiny and solemnity in her eyes were quickly replaced by a warm, even somewhat "one of our own" joy.

"So you're Master Lou Gao's disciple! This...this is truly an incredible coincidence!"

Zhu Yu's voice trembled slightly with excitement, no longer as calm and composed as before, clearly indicating that the name Lou Gao held great significance for her.

"Gengjin City is a jewel in the Star Luo territory, and the Blacksmith Association is a treasure of the empire! Master Lou Gao... is the pride of our Star Luo Empire! I never expected to meet his personal disciple in the depths of this desert!"

"I wonder where Master Lou Gao is now? I'd like to pay him a visit!"

Lin Xia understood. They really did know each other, and judging from their reaction, their relationship seemed to be more than just "knowing each other."

Given the Zhu family's status in Xingluo, it's perfectly normal for them to have interactions, or even some degree of cooperation, with the master blacksmith Lou Gao, who is based in Gengjin City and controls the continent's top blacksmith resources.

Master Lou Gao's influence in the Star Luo Empire, especially in the fields of military equipment and high-end weapons, is absolutely pivotal.

"The teacher... has some important matters to attend to."

Lin Xia followed Zhu Yu's words, her tone carrying a hint of worry about "children's concern about their elders traveling far away."

"He shouldn't be here for now. Sister, is there something you need from the teacher?"

The surprise in Zhu Yu's eyes flickered like a candle flame in the wind, quickly dimming and being replaced by deep disappointment. Even the invisible, reassuring aura around her weakened a bit.

She sighed softly, a sigh that was particularly clear in the silent desert.

"Oh...what a...unfortunate coincidence."

Her voice was filled with deep regret.

"My journey into the desert was not only to investigate some unusual geomantic energy fluctuations, but I also planned to visit Master Lou Gao in Gengjin City. There is something extremely important that I need to discuss with him in person, concerning... a major plan for the future of the empire."

She didn't specify what the plan was, but the seriousness in her expression made Lin Xia understand that it was no small matter.

Zhu Yu's gaze refocused on Lin Xia, her expression becoming extremely complex.

There was a sense of loss at the loss of the tall building, a shocking aftershock of Lin Xia's terrifying talent, and even more so, a burning light as if seeing another way out in a desperate situation.

She took a deep breath, as if she had made up her mind, and that invisible affinity that originated from the depths of her being spread out again, even more gently and sincerely than before.

Zhu Yu leaned down slightly to make the height difference between herself and Lin Xia less noticeable, and revealed a gentle smile that was so captivating it could outshine any flower. She also softened her voice.

"Little Xia, may I call you that?"

Her tone carried a natural sense of closeness, as if she were truly the older sister next door.

Lin Xia sensed the goodwill emanating from the other party. Although he was still wary, he had to maintain appearances and nodded.

"Yes, that's fine, sister."

"very nice."

Zhu Yu's smile deepened, revealing a genuine affection.

"Xia, seeing you makes me so happy. Not only because you are Master Lou Gao's disciple, but also because you yourself are... well, a genius that even I find astonishing!"

She cleverly avoided the phrase "seven-year-old Great Soul Master," but the meaning was self-evident.

"You possess talents and potential that are unimaginable to ordinary people."

Zhu Yu's tone was full of sincere admiration as her gaze swept over the still wary Young Gilas.

"And there are such amazing spirit partners. However, Xia, talent needs the best soil to grow into a towering tree. The blacksmith association in Gengjin City is indeed a holy land for forging, but it is ultimately limited in terms of the cultivation of the spirit master system, the comprehensiveness of resources, and... a wider world and a higher platform."

Zhu Yu paused, observing Lin Xia's reaction. Seeing that Lin Xia was simply listening quietly with a calm expression, she continued in a seductive tone:

"Star Luo City is the capital of our Star Luo Empire, the most prosperous and brilliant core of the Soul Master civilization in the entire empire and even the western part of the continent!"

"It gathers the most prestigious academies, the most powerful soul master mentors, the richest cultivation resources, the most complete information on soul beasts, and the most profound soul skill inheritance... More importantly, it has the widest sky, enough for you, a fledgling eagle destined for greatness, to spread your wings and soar!"

(End of this chapter)