However, the identity of a "godson" was far closer than that of a mere "collaborator" or "guest elder."
It meant he would be completely branded by the Star Luo Empire and the Zhu family. His every future action would be deeply tied to the Empire's interests.
His personal freedom and right to choose would be greatly restricted.
The internal power struggles of the Star Luo imperial family and the Zhu family, especially the succession battle between Dai Davis and Dai Mubai, as well as the open and covert conflicts between the Empire and the Spirit Hall would inevitably draw him in, placing him at the very center of the storm.
This was exactly what he had been trying to avoid.
Most crucially, he had already offended the Spirit Hall by refusing them. If he now became the godson of the Empress of Star Luo, it would be equivalent to publicly choosing a side, standing completely opposite to the Spirit Hall.
The olive branch extended by Ghost Douluo would instantly turn into the sharpest executioner's blade. The Spirit Hall's suppression would no longer involve any restraint or probing, it would descend like thunder.
For him, still in the early stages of development, and for the Blacksmith Association, this would be catastrophic.
Moreover, the Blacksmith Association had only just joined the Spirit Hall.
As Lou Gao's sole direct disciple, if he were to become the Empress's godson, it would place immense political pressure on the Blacksmith Association. It could even be seen as betrayal, potentially leading to division within the Association or turning it into a sacrificial pawn in the struggle between two great powers.
Zhu Yu's "maternal affection" was genuine, but it was also built upon his talent and emotional projection.
If he failed to reciprocate this affection, or if conflicts of interest arose in the future, this relationship could become extremely troublesome or even dangerous.
In a flash, his mind dissected all the pros and cons with perfect clarity.
The conclusion was clear: immense short-term benefits, but extremely high long-term risks filled with uncertainty.
The greatest hidden danger was completely igniting a conflict with the Spirit Hall, which went directly against his core strategy of low-profile growth and accumulating strength.
"There might be room to maneuver…"
A thought flashed through Lin Xia's mind.
Perhaps he could feign agreement, use the identity without bearing the obligations?
But he immediately dismissed the idea.
Zhu Yu was no fool, and the Zhu family was certainly not a charity.
Once he agreed, trying to withdraw later would come at an even greater cost.
Moreover, Lin Xia's pride would not allow him to engage in such petty and underhanded conduct.
Time seemed to freeze.
Zhu Yu's gaze never left Lin Xia's face. That expectation felt almost tangible, carrying a burning intensity.
Larvitar also seemed to sense the heavy atmosphere. It stopped moving about, its crimson eyes cautiously shifting between Lin Xia and Zhu Yu, a low rumble sounding 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 were clear and steady, carrying the solemnity a young man should have when facing such an important proposal from an elder, along with a hint of appropriate "uncertainty."
"Sister Zhu Yu."
His voice was bright, with a faint trace of hesitation.
"Your kindness truly overwhelms me."
Hope instantly burst forth in Zhu Yu's eyes, and her body leaned forward slightly.
But Lin Xia's next words caused that light to dim just a little.
"However a matter concerning kinship and identity such as this…"
His tone grew even more serious, his young face showing an age-appropriate sense of gravity.
"I am still young and truly do not know how to properly handle such a decision. Moreover…"
He paused, his voice carrying a natural reverence for his 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. For such a major decision, without my teacher's approval, I would not dare to decide on my own."
Lin Xia looked at Zhu Yu, his gaze filled with sincere apology and a trace of youthful helplessness.
"I hope Sister Zhu Yu can understand. Could you allow me some time? When my teacher returns, I will report this matter to him, and then let him decide or have him personally bring me to express my gratitude and discuss this with you?"
This response neither directly refused nor fully accepted. It gave Zhu Yu hope and preserved her dignity, while skillfully and reasonably shifting the decision to the currently absent Lou Gao.
It demonstrated respect for his teacher while also buying himself valuable time.
At the same time, it subtly implied that the matter was not entirely impossible, only that it required a more formal process.
The expectation on Zhu Yu's face froze for a moment before gradually softening into a complex expression.
There was disappointment, but also a trace of expected understanding and even a hint of admiration.
She admired Lin Xia's composure and thoroughness, far beyond his years.
A seven-year-old child, when faced with such an enormous temptation and a drastic change in identity, had neither agreed in wild excitement nor refused in panic. Instead, he thought of his teacher, of responsibility, and of a more prudent approach.
This temperament raised her evaluation of Lin Xia even higher.
She let out a soft sigh, one that carried far too many emotions.
She extended her hand. This time, instead of trying to pat Lin Xia's head, she gently tapped his shoulder. The gesture carried the warmth of an elder, along with a faint, almost imperceptible, respect.
"You're right."
Zhu Yu's voice returned to its usual gentle calm, though it lacked some of the earlier intensity.
"I was too hasty. Master Lou Gao is your mentor, as close as a father. This matter should indeed be known to him and decided by him."
She looked at Lin Xia, her gaze complex, before finally softening into a gentle expectation.
"I'll wait for your answer. I hope there will be a good outcome."
Zhu Yu composed herself, a proper smile returning to her face, as if that earth-shaking proposal had never happened.
"Come, let's not keep the family head waiting. He's quite curious about you, the 'monstrous disciple of Master Lou Gao.'"
Zhu Yu turned and led the way, her pale gown brushing lightly against the polished ground.
Holding Larvitar, Lin Xia quickly followed, quietly letting out a breath of relief.
He had managed to get through this hurdle—for now by delaying it.
After passing through several corridors, the view suddenly opened up again.
Before them stood an extremely spacious and grand reception hall.
The floor was paved with massive slabs of obsidian, polished smooth like black jade, reflecting the dazzling light of the enormous crystal chandelier hanging above.
The hall's pillars were made from deep-sea timber thick enough to require an embrace. After special treatment, they displayed a deep purplish-black hue, with intricate patterns of Netherworld Hellcats leaping and hunting outlined in gold thread, vivid and lifelike, exuding an ancient and imposing aura.
On both sides of the walls hung large maps of the Star Luo Empire's territory and elegant landscape paintings, showcasing the family's prominence and refined heritage.
Facing the entrance, at the head seat, was a broad throne carved from a single piece of ten-thousand-year purple sandalwood, topped with a cushion made from the fur of a powerful Soul Beast.
Seated upon it was a middle-aged man.
He appeared to be around forty years old, with a square face and an imposing presence even without anger.
His eyes flashed with sharp brilliance whenever they opened, like those of a hawk, as if capable of seeing through a person's very soul.
He wore a well-tailored deep purple robe, embroidered with exquisite Netherworld Hellcat patterns in silver thread. Around his waist was a belt inlaid with black jade, adding to his steady and noble bearing.
Simply sitting there, he naturally exuded the overwhelming aura of someone long accustomed to power, like a crouching lion, calm yet full of strength.
He was the current head of the Zhu family, Zhu Yu's elder brother, Zhu Zhan!
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