"Father, this is the new Soul Master I found outside. His name is Huo Yuhao."
Davis and Lin Fan stood before the Star Luo Emperor. Davis gestured toward Lin Fan as he introduced him.
The Star Luo Emperor examined Lin Fan from head to toe, frowning slightly.
This Soul Master... looked far too young.
In a low voice, the emperor asked, "Where is he from? What is his cultivation level?"
Davis glanced at Lin Fan and then answered knowingly, "He's a Rank 70 Assault-type Soul Master. His martial soul is the Gold Devouring Beast."
The emperor's frown deepened. He looked directly at Lin Fan and asked, "May I take a look at your martial soul, young man?"
It was clear the Star Luo Emperor was extremely skeptical of Davis' claim.
Let alone why Davis would be acquainted with such a powerful Soul Master, everything about this situation defied common sense.
After all, even the most gifted Soul Masters required time and effort to reach the seventieth rank. A Soul Master this young would be a once-in-a-million genius—highly valued by the major sects and empires. There was no way someone like that would wander around as a rogue cultivator.
Moreover, Davis mentioned a martial soul he had never even heard of—Gold Devouring Beast?
If Davis wasn't lying, then the youth had likely fooled him.
The Star Luo Emperor's gaze grew colder, a flicker of killing intent hidden within.
Daring to deceive the imperial family? Audacious.
But Lin Fan could already tell what the emperor was thinking. He chuckled softly and said, "Of course. Shall I reveal it here?"
"Yes. Right here."
Boom—!
Seven soul rings slowly rose behind Lin Fan!
Yellow, Purple, Purple, Black, Black, Black, Black!
One yellow, two purple, and four black rings floated behind him. The dazzling light illuminated the stunned expression on the Star Luo Emperor's face.
"This—! How is this possible?!"
The emperor was dumbstruck.
This was a soul ring configuration that surpassed the optimal ratio!
Most Soul Masters would already be considered elites if they reached the optimal ring distribution. Such individuals had a shot at entering the top tiers of the cultivation world.
But this young man's configuration was far beyond what a Soul Master should even be capable of absorbing!
How was this possible?!
Buzz—
Lin Fan retracted his soul rings and smiled gently at the emperor. "Does my strength meet Your Majesty's expectations?"
"Yes, yes! More than satisfactory!" the emperor nodded quickly. Then, as if remembering something, he asked, "May I inquire where you trained, sir? Which sect do you belong to?"
Lin Fan shook his head. "Ever since awakening my martial soul, I've cultivated on my own. I've never joined any sect."
"What?!"
The Star Luo Emperor was once again at a loss for words.
He really was a wild, unaffiliated Soul Master!
Impossible...
With such talent, the Spirit Hall should have discovered him during the martial soul awakening ceremony. Why—why would they let such a genius slip through their fingers?
Lin Fan continued calmly, "At birth, my martial soul was just a small rat with only rank 3 innate soul power. Later on, I was fortunate enough to obtain a heavenly treasure, which allowed my martial soul to undergo a mutation and become what it is now."
The emperor's expression changed instantly—his doubts giving way to sudden realization.
A mutated martial soul. That explained it.
Martial soul mutations were the only path for Soul Masters with weak innate souls to rise.
However, the chances of a beneficial mutation were astronomically low—far lower than the probability of a Soul Master becoming a Title Douluo through normal cultivation.
The Star Luo Emperor now looked at Lin Fan with admiration—and something else. Something more complex flickered in his eyes.
Though Lin Fan spoke casually, the seven soul rings behind him told a different story. The emperor could already imagine the hardships this young man—Huo Yuhao—must have endured to reach such heights.
Surely, he had suffered torment beyond imagination and put in unimaginable effort to seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and transform his fate.
A genius like this—one with talent, perseverance, and no sect allegiance—
The Star Luo Emperor's always-calm heart began to race.
This was practically a gift from the heavens!
He calmed himself and said warmly, "Good, good. Heaven has truly blessed you, and your efforts on the path of strength have not been in vain."
Lin Fan smiled slightly but didn't respond.
The old fox had taken the bait. Now, all Lin Fan had to do was wait for him to bite.
As expected, the emperor looked at Davis, then back at Lin Fan.
His hesitation was plain to see.
Lin Fan feigned curiosity. "Your Majesty, is there something else you wish to ask?"
"Mm, indeed there is," the emperor replied, showing an approving smile before pausing thoughtfully.
"What is it? Please speak freely. If it's within my ability, I'd be honored to help."
A slightly embarrassed look crossed the emperor's face. "As their father, I've neglected my sons due to the burdens of governance. For Davis to befriend someone like you brings me great joy. However..."
"Please, continue."
"I've already decided to assign Davis to a rather dangerous mission on behalf of the Star Luo Empire. The only issue has been finding a suitable companion. Now that I've learned of your friendship... I was wondering if..."
Lin Fan inwardly sneered. This Star Luo Emperor was truly a crafty old fox.
He'd made Lin Fan say everything.
A lesser genius Soul Master would've already been moved by such flattery and the chance to take part in "important imperial affairs," happily agreeing to act as Davis' bodyguard.
But this... this was exactly what Lin Fan had planned for.
He paused in thought and asked, "Is Your Majesty asking me to protect Davis?"
"Hahaha! I wouldn't dare force you. After all, the mission is not without risk. The royal family does still have its share of capable experts."
The emperor gave Lin Fan a friendly pat on the shoulder—his demeanor remarkably similar to that of a caring elder.
Lin Fan sneered inwardly again, but his face remained calm and righteous. "You needn't worry, Your Majesty! Davis is my close friend. Protecting him is my duty. However... I am but an outsider. Wouldn't it be inappropriate for me to get involved in such an important matter?"
"Simple! Would you be willing to serve as a guest elder of the Star Luo Empire? You would gain access to certain imperial resources, but still retain your freedom—no obligations or constraints."
Lin Fan nodded and smiled. "In that case, I humbly accept."
"Hahahaha! Excellent!"
The Star Luo Emperor and Lin Fan exchanged smiles, sharp glints flashing in both their eyes.
Each was secretly calculating their own scheme.
****
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