Douluo Continent: Martial Soul Young Gilas, Sandstorm King!

Chapter 126 Zhu Zhan!

However, the relationship between "godson" and "adopted son" is much closer than that of a mere "collaborator" or "guest."

This means that he will be completely branded with the Star Luo Empire and the Zhu family, and his every move in the future will be deeply tied to the interests of the empire.

Individual freedom and the right to choose will be severely restricted.

He will inevitably be drawn into the internal power struggles between the Star Luo royal family and the Zhu family, especially the struggle for the crown prince position between Davis and Dai Mubai, and the open and covert struggles between the Empire and the Spirit Hall, becoming the center of the storm.

This is something he tried his best to avoid.

Most importantly, he had already offended the Spirit Hall by refusing it before. If he were to become the adopted son of the Star Luo Empress, it would be tantamount to openly taking sides and standing completely against the Spirit Hall.

Ghost Douluo's olive branch will immediately turn into the sharpest blade, and the Spirit Hall's attack will no longer have any scruples or probing, but will descend with the force of thunder.

This would be devastating for him and the blacksmiths' association, which were still in their early stages of development.

Moreover, the Blacksmiths Association has only recently joined the Spirit Hall.

As Lou Gao's only direct disciple, he became the adopted son of Empress Xingluo, which would bring enormous political pressure to the Blacksmith Association. It might even be seen as a betrayal, leading to the association's split or becoming a victim of the struggle between the two major forces.

Zhu Yu's projection of "maternal love" is real, but it is also based on his talent and empathy.

If he is unable to reciprocate this affection, or if there is a conflict of interest in the future, the relationship will become extremely difficult or even dangerous.

In a flash, the mind dissected the pros and cons thoroughly.

The conclusion is that the short-term benefits are enormous, but the long-term risks are extremely high and full of uncertainty.

The biggest hidden danger is that it could completely ignite a conflict with the Spirit Hall, which would seriously contradict his core strategy of developing in a low-key manner and accumulating strength.

"There's room for maneuver..."

A thought flashed through Lin Xia's mind.

Perhaps we can feign compliance and use our status to avoid taking on obligations?

But he immediately dismissed the idea.

Zhu Yu is not a fool, and the Zhu family is not a charity.

Once you agree, the price you pay to back out will only be greater.

Moreover, Lin Xia's pride would not allow him to engage in such despicable acts.

Time seemed to freeze.

Zhu Yu's gaze never left Lin Xia's face; the expectation there was tangible, carrying a scorching heat.

Young Gilas seemed to sense the heavy atmosphere as well, and stopped moving. Its scarlet eyes warily scanned back and forth between Lin Xia and Zhu Yu, and it made a low "gurgling" sound in its throat.

Finally, Lin Xia took a deep breath and broke the silence.

He raised his head to meet Zhu Yu's gaze, his eyes clear and open, carrying a hint of the seriousness a young person should have when facing an elder's important suggestion, and a perfectly appropriate "helplessness".

"Sister Zhu Yu".

His voice was clear, with a hint of barely perceptible hesitation.

"Your kindness makes me feel...overwhelmed with gratitude."

A glimmer of hope instantly flashed in Zhu Yu's eyes, and she leaned forward slightly.

But Lin Xia's next words caused the light in her eyes to dim slightly.

"But... such a serious matter concerning human relations and social status..."

Lin Xia's tone became more serious, her young face showing a solemnity befitting her age.

“I am still young, and I really… don’t know how to conduct myself. Besides…”

Lin Xia paused, her voice carrying a natural reverence for her teacher and a touch of childlike dependence: "My teacher, Lou Gao, has not yet returned. A teacher for a day is a father for life. Such a life-changing decision, without the teacher's approval, I... dare not act on my own."

Lin Xia turned her gaze to Zhu Yu, her eyes filled with sincere apology and a hint of youthful helplessness.

"Please understand, Sister Zhu Yu. Could you... allow me some time? After Master returns, I will explain this matter to you, and then you can make a decision, or perhaps you can personally take me to thank you and discuss this with you?"

This answer neither directly rejected Zhu Yu, giving her hope and a way out, nor did it cleverly and reasonably pass the decision-making power to the missing Lou Gao.

This not only showed respect for teachers and elders, but also bought oneself valuable buffer time.

At the same time, it also suggests that things are not entirely impossible, but just require a more formal process.

Zhu Yu's expectant expression froze for a moment, then melted away, transforming into a complex emotion.

There was a sense of loss, but also a hint of expected relief, and even a touch of... appreciation?
She admired Lin Xia's composure and thoughtfulness beyond her years.

Faced with such a huge temptation and a change in identity, a seven-year-old child did not agree with joy or refuse in panic. Instead, he thought of his teachers, his responsibilities, and a safer way.

This quality made her think even more highly of Lin Xia.

She sighed softly, a sigh that contained a multitude of emotions.

She reached out, but this time she didn't try to stroke Lin Xia's hair. Instead, she gently patted his shoulder, her gesture carrying the gentleness of an elder and a hint of...respect that was barely perceptible.

"you're right."

Zhu Yu's voice returned to its usual gentle and calm tone, only lacking some of the previous fervor.

“I was too hasty. Master Lou Gao is your mentor, and we are like father and son. This matter should indeed be known and decided by him.”

She looked at Lin Xia with a complex expression that eventually turned into a gentle expectation.

"Your sister is waiting for your news. I hope... there will be a good outcome."

Zhu Yu composed herself, and a polite smile returned to her face, as if the earth-shattering suggestion from just now had never happened.

"Let's go, don't keep the patriarch waiting. He's quite curious about you, 'Master Lou Gao's prodigy disciple'."

Zhu Yu turned around, her moon-white gauze skirt brushing against the smooth ground, and led the way.

Lin Xia, carrying the baby Gilas, quickly followed, secretly relieved.

This hurdle can be temporarily dealt with by stalling.

After passing through several corridors, the view suddenly opened up before me.

This is an extremely spacious and magnificent reception hall.

The floor is paved with a single, cut piece of obsidian, smooth and lustrous like black jade, so shiny it reflects the brilliant light refracted from the huge crystal chandelier hanging above.

The pillars of the hall are made of deep-sea driftwood that is as thick as a person's embrace. After special treatment, they have been given a deep purplish-black color. Intricate patterns of ghostly cats leaping and hunting are outlined on them with gold thread. They are lifelike and exude an ancient and majestic aura.

Huge maps of the Xingluo Empire and landscape paintings with profound artistic conception are hung on the walls on both sides, highlighting the owner's prominent status and refined taste.

Facing the main entrance was a large throne carved from a single piece of ten-thousand-year-old sandalwood, covered with a soft cushion made from the fur of some powerful soul beast.

At this moment, a middle-aged man was sitting on the throne.

He looked to be in his forties, with a square face and an imposing presence.

His eyes shone brightly with every blink, as sharp as a hawk's, as if they could see right through people's hearts.

He wore a well-tailored dark purple brocade robe, embroidered with equally exquisite ghost cat patterns in silver thread, and a belt inlaid with black jade around his waist, adding to his composure and nobility.

He simply sat there, and he naturally exuded a powerful aura of someone who had long held a high position, like a lurking lion, calm and full of strength.

It was Zhu Zhan, the current head of the Zhu family and Zhu Yu's elder brother!
(End of this chapter)