Seated to the left and right below Zhu Zhan's throne were two figures.
On the left sat a girl who looked to be around eleven or twelve years old. She wore an elegant goose-yellow dress, her hair neatly arranged and pinned up with a jade hairpin.
Her facial features bore some resemblance to Zhu Yu. Despite her young age, she already showed the makings of remarkable beauty. Especially her eyes, lively, yet carrying a composure far beyond her years, along with a faint, almost imperceptible scrutiny.
She sat upright, her hands folded neatly on her knees, appearing dignified and well-mannered.
This was the Zhu family's eldest legitimate daughter, Zhu Zhuyun.
On the right sat a little girl who looked only five or six years old, dressed in a lighter green outfit that accentuated her youthful innocence.
Her cheeks still carried a hint of baby fat. Her large eyes were as clear and bright as obsidian, her long eyelashes fluttering like small fans.
Yet at this moment, those beautiful eyes held a trace of nervousness and curiosity. Her small hands unconsciously clutched at the hem of her clothes.
Her temperament was clearly more timid and sensitive than her sister's, like a little deer easily startled.
This was the Zhu family's second daughter, Zhu Zhuqing.
The moment Zhu Yu entered the hall with Lin Xia, three gazes immediately focused on them.
Zhu Zhan's gaze was like a tangible probe, instantly sweeping over Lin Xia from head to toe.
That gaze was filled with scrutiny, evaluation, and undisguised fervor, as if he were looking at a rare treasure!
The information about Lin Xia—"seven-year-old Soul GrandMaster," "suspected tangible intelligent Martial Soul," and "Lou Gao's direct disciple" had clearly already been conveyed by Zhu Yu.
Now that he saw him in person, the shock and delight in Zhu Zhan's heart far exceeded even Zhu Yu's initial reaction.
Because he was the family head, what he saw was not merely talent, but the immense value this talent could bring to the family and the Empire!
Zhu Zhuyun's gaze, on the other hand, carried curiosity mixed with a hint of inquiry and a faint sense of comparison.
She sized up Lin Xia from head to toe, seemingly assessing what was so special about this boy who had suddenly appeared and was being valued so highly by both her aunt and her father.
Zhu Zhuqing's gaze was purely one of curiosity, with a touch of nervousness. Her attention was drawn more to the unusually shaped Larvitar in Lin Xia's arms.
Larvitar's crimson eyes were also curiously observing this unfamiliar yet luxurious hall and the people within it.
Upon seeing Lin Xia, Zhu Zhan immediately stood up!
His tall figure brought with it an invisible sense of pressure, yet his face instantly broke into a warm and hearty smile. The smile was highly infectious, as if it could dispel all barriers.
He strode forward in large steps, the aura of a powerful figure pressing forward, though deliberately restrained into the approving presence of an elder toward an outstanding junior.
"Hahaha!"
Zhu Zhan's laughter was loud and resonant, echoing throughout the hall.
"You must be young friend Lin Xia, right? Truly a fine young talent with extraordinary bearing! Yu'er sent word back saying that Master Lou Gao had taken in a once-in-ten-thousand-years genius. I was somewhat doubtful at first! But seeing you today, I know her words were no exaggeration! Truly, meeting you surpasses even your reputation!"
Zhu Zhan's gaze was sharp as lightning, as though he intended to see through Lin Xia completely. His undisguised admiration nearly overflowed.
"You flatter me, Patriarch Zhu."
Lin Xia slightly bowed, performing a standard junior's salute, his posture neither humble nor arrogant.
His voice was clear and youthful, yet exceptionally steady.
"I am Lin Xia. Greetings, Patriarch Zhu. My minor achievements are merely the result of luck and are unworthy of such high praise."
"Luck?"
The moment those two words were spoken, the atmosphere in the hall instantly became somewhat peculiar.
The smile on Zhu Zhan's face paused slightly, then turned into a deeper sense of amusement and admiration.
Looking at Lin Xia's calm, unruffled expression, completely devoid of pride—Zhu Zhan couldn't help but feel even more impressed.
This child's temperament was truly extraordinary!
A trace of astonishment also flashed through Zhu Zhuyun's composed eyes. A seven-year-old Soul Master was "luck"?
Then what did all her years of hard cultivation amount to?
After all, she was already eleven years old, and her Soul Power had only reached Level 27!
She subconsciously pressed her lips together.
Zhu Zhuqing blinked her large eyes, seemingly unable to understand why this older brother's mention of "luck" had made the atmosphere change.
Even Zhu Yu couldn't help but glance sideways at Lin Xia, a hint of helpless amusement in her eyes.
This little fellow really did speak in ways that never failed to surprise.
Zhu Zhan, as expected of a seasoned figure, quickly adjusted and laughed loudly.
"Good! What a 'luck'! Not arrogant or impatient, such a temperament is even more rare among the young! For Master Lou Gao to accept you as his disciple is truly a blessing for the blacksmithing world of our Star Luo Empire!"
Zhu Zhan skillfully avoided the topic of "luck," shifting the focus back to praising Lin Xia and showing respect to Lou Gao.
Then he turned and beckoned to his two daughters seated below, his tone carrying unquestionable authority, yet also the warmth of a father.
"Zhuyun, Zhuqing, come here."
The two girls immediately stood up.
"This is Lin Xia, the direct disciple of Divine Blacksmith Lou Gao. He is also your aunt's honored guest and the most distinguished guest of our Zhu family."
Zhu Zhan introduced solemnly:
"From today onward, Lin Xia will be staying in the residence for a period of time. As elder sister and younger sister, you must take good care of your brother, help him become familiar with the residence. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Father."
Zhu Zhuyun responded immediately, her voice clear and pleasant, carrying the composure of a noble young lady.
She stepped forward and offered Lin Xia a flawless, gentle, and proper smile. Slightly bending her knees, she performed a standard lady's curtsy.
"Zhuyun greets Brother Lin Xia. Welcome to the Zhu family. If you need anything in the future, please feel free to instruct me."
Zhu Zhuyun's etiquette was impeccable, and her gaze carried just the right amount of friendliness. However, the faint trace of scrutiny and the pride of the eldest daughter had not completely faded from her eyes.
"Mm."
Zhu Zhuqing also stepped forward after her sister. Her voice was noticeably softer, carrying the tenderness and nervousness of a young girl.
She did not perform as proper a curtsy as her sister, only awkwardly imitating a slight bend of the knees. Her large eyes quickly glanced at Lin Xia before she lowered her head again, murmuring softly:
"Zhuqing greets Brother Lin Xia."
After greeting him, Zhu Zhuqing's gaze couldn't help drifting toward the Larvitar in Lin Xia's arms, which was tilting its head curiously at her. Her eyes were filled with pure curiosity.
Larvitar?"
Larvitar seemed somewhat interested in this timid-looking little girl and let out a questioning low cry.
Lin Xia observed the starkly different reactions of the two girls.
Zhu Zhuyun at such a young age was already flawless and meticulous; she would surely become adept in power struggles in the future.
Zhu Zhuqing, on the other hand, was sensitive and introverted, like an unpolished jade. That pure curiosity of hers was quite rare.
She likely hadn't awakened her Martial Soul yet; otherwise, she wouldn't be like this.
A slightly shy yet polite smile, fitting for his age, appeared on Lin Xia's face as he returned their greetings.
"Greetings, Sister Zhuyun, Sister Zhuqing. I'm afraid I'll be troubling you during my stay here."
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