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As soon as this thought arose, it was almost magical—Xu Jiawei simply couldn't let it go for a long time.

If—he was just saying if—

If Su Yu really suffered a loss in the Sun Moon Empire, wouldn't that be a good thing for the Star Luo Empire?

Xu Jiawei narrowed his eyes.

All this time, their efforts to win over Su Yu hadn't been very effective.

He believed he had shown enough sincerity—even sending Xu Jiujiu over—but Su Yu still remained unmoved.

Frankly speaking, did Xu Jiawei have not even a trace of dissatisfaction in his heart?

Impossible!

Of course, Xu Jiawei felt somewhat frustrated, but the strength of the Ice God Palace was not something he could afford to offend.

And with the Sun Moon Empire eyeing them covetously, he had no choice but to keep trying to curry favor.

This wasn't being servile, nor was he desperately sucking up to Su Yu for no reason—everything was just for the sake of interests.

And now, it seemed this also aligned with the interests of the Star Luo Empire!

If the Ice God Palace truly became mortal enemies with the Sun Moon Empire, that would absolutely be a good thing for Star Luo.

Once the Ice God Palace became thoroughly hostile to Sun Moon, all the previous restraints would be lifted.

Yes, the Ice God Palace had joined the war, but a half-hearted participation was completely different from joining with vengeance in mind.

Between the two, if Xu Jiawei had to choose, he would definitely choose the latter without hesitation.

He pondered, fingers lightly tapping on the desk.

In the heart of an emperor, there is never sentiment—only weighing of pros and cons.

“Reply to Jiujiu—no need to persuade Su Yu. Just tell her that the Star Luo Empire is willing to fully support all decisions made by Young Master Su Yu.”

“As for anything else, do nothing for now.”

After a moment of thought, Xu Jiawei spoke calmly.

To actively scheme against Su Yu was far too risky—he didn't have that kind of courage.

If exposed, the consequences would be unimaginable.

But now, since Su Yu himself wanted to go to Radiant City, Xu Jiawei was simply going with the flow.

Whether Su Yu got stuck in Radiant City, or actually managed to rescue Jing Hongchen—

Either way, he wouldn’t lose out!

The benefit of the former was obvious, and the latter would allow him to earn Su Yu’s favor. It was a win-win situation.

“What a pity... What a pity such a genius cannot become one of Star Luo’s people.”

Xu Jiawei shook his head, full of regret.

Putting all else aside, he truly admired Su Yu’s talent and ability.

If not, he wouldn’t have sent Xu Jiujiu outright. Unfortunately, in the end, they just couldn’t become true allies.

Since that’s the case, he’d just have to make as much profit from the situation as possible.

…

When Xu Jiujiu received the reply, she was stunned for a long moment, unable to speak.

She wasn’t foolish. On the contrary, she was far smarter than most.

Though Xu Jiawei’s words were somewhat veiled, she knew him well enough to read his intentions.

He wanted her to fully cooperate with Su Yu’s actions and not mention any attempts to dissuade him.

His plan was blatantly obvious.

Xu Jiawei wanted Su Yu to remain in Radiant City forever, thus dragging the Ice God HaPalace into the conflict.

Such tactics may be underhanded, but when it comes to the rise and fall of a nation, who cares about honor?

There was no doubt—Xu Jiawei’s decision had no hidden dangers. It was truly a crafty move.

But Xu Jiujiu still found it hard to make up her mind.

She was different from Xu Jiawei. Though she also wanted to win Su Yu over, she also harbored feelings of admiration for him.

She mixed personal feelings with the pursuit of interests.

It was this emotion that left her conflicted.

After a long silence, Xu Jiujiu burned the letter in her hand and turned to leave.

…

Inside the tent, Su Yu had just finished his dinner when he saw a graceful figure at the door.

Looking closely, it was Xu Jiujiu.

“Young Master Su Yu, sorry to bother you again.”

Xu Jiujing smiled warmly, her demeanor elegant and gracious.

Su Yu was briefly surprised, then smiled. “So it’s Princess Jiujiu. Please, come in.”

Xu Jiujiu stepped lightly into the tent.

Her gaze swept the inside, finally landing on Su Yu.

“Young Master Su Yu, this is a military camp—the conditions are a bit basic. Please forgive us.”

Her eyes carried a hint of apology as she bowed slightly.

Su Yu chuckled. “I’m not someone who’s been pampered, and this environment is already very good.”

“Is there something important you wish to discuss, Princess Jiujiu?”

Xu Jiujiu sighed softly. “Must there be something important for me to seek you out?”

She fixed her gaze on Su Yu, her eyes showing a trace of grievance.

Su Yu only smiled, avoiding her gaze.

Seeing Su Yu remain unmoved as always, Xu Jiujiu sighed silently, her eyes dimming.

She closed her eyes, and when she opened them again, there was only resolve.

“Young Master Su Yu, must you go to Radiant City?”

She asked.

Su Yu nodded. “I must.”

Xu Jiujiu nodded. “If that’s the case, the Star Luo Empire is willing to lend you our full support.”

“After you leave, we’ll take the initiative to attack, trying our best to pin down the Sun Moon Empire’s army at the Mingdou Mountain Range.”

“As for anything else, you’ll have to rely on yourself.”

“Young Master Su Yu, Radiant City is fraught with dangers. Please be careful.”

Su Yu smiled. “In that case, thank you.”

Xu Jiujiu opened her mouth, wanting to say more, but when she met Su Yu’s eyes, she didn’t know what to say.

Soon after, Xu Jiujiu took her leave.

After she left, Hai Bodong appeared out of thin air, watching her silhouette with an unreadable expression.

“Young Master, it seems the Star Luo Empire harbors their own little schemes.”

Hai Bodong said coldly.

How many years had he lived? Back then, he’d single-handedly supported the entire Miteer family.

With the little tricks of the Xu siblings, how could they possibly fool him?

Su Yu replied indifferently, “Everyone wants me dead, but who can actually do it?”

“Let them be. In the future, if we become enemies, I won’t need to hesitate to settle accounts.”

Hai Bodong smacked his lips, glancing at Su Yu.

This young master’s ambitions seemed even greater than he’d thought!

But that made things more interesting.

Hai Bodong and Su Yu exchanged a glance and both smiled meaningfully.

That night, several figures stealthily crossed the Mingdou Mountains.

…

Radiant City.

The capital of the Sun Moon Empire, the most prosperous city on the continent.

Since Xu Tiannan ascended the throne, this once bustling city had gained an undercurrent of severity beneath its prosperity.

On the streets, troops and well-trained soul engineers were everywhere. The city's defenses had been raised by several levels.

Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy—Illustrious Virtue Hall!

Jing Hongchen, dressed in white, sat in a chair. Though short and stout, he exuded an imposing, immovable presence.

But the ever-confident, calculating Hall Master of Illustrious Virtue Hall now looked rather lonely.

He sat with furrowed brow, clearly deep in thought.

“Sigh!”

Jing Hongchen sighed, picking up a teacup and taking a gulp.

Now, he was completely locked in Illustrious Virtue Hall.

Leaving was little more than a fantasy.

Though he was a rank nine soul engineer, he was nothing compared to the full might of the Sun Moon Empire.

If not for his status and reputation, Jing Hongchen felt he would have already been eliminated.

Even so, Xu Tiannan and the others would surely settle accounts with him sooner or later.

It was just a matter of time.

“When did you become so sentimental, Hall Master?”

A clear, teasing voice echoed in the hall. Jing Hongchen was startled, instantly on guard.

“Who’s there?”

He wore a wary expression, alert to any danger.

“Hall Master, have you become so forgetful that you don’t recognize me?”

Space rippled, and a figure stepped out.

Hearing the voice, Jing Hongchen turned, only to see Su Yu smiling at him.

He was stunned. “Su Yu?”

A moment later, Jing Hongchen regained his composure, lowering his voice. “Why are you here?”

“How did you get in?”

Su Yu grinned. “Hall Master, what are you saying? Of course, I walked in through the front door.”

Jing Hongchen’s mouth twitched. “I mean, the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy is tightly guarded by Xu Tiannan’s people. You coming in so openly could alert them.”

Su Yu didn’t care. “If they’re alerted, so what? Are you afraid of them?”

Seeing Su Yu’s nonchalance, Jing Hongchen explained, “It’s not fear—just that I don’t want to alert them unnecessarily.”

“You’re always so reckless, but Radiant City isn’t as peaceful as you imagine.”

“This place is like a deep ocean. It looks calm, but big waves could arise at any moment.”

“You really shouldn’t have come. Radiant City is much more dangerous now than you think.”

Su Yu shrugged, relaxed. “If it wasn’t dangerous, why would I bother coming?”

“Hall Master, pack up. You’re leaving with me.”

Jing Hongchen was dumbfounded. “What?”

Su Yu spread his hands. “What else? I’m taking you away, of course.”

“You don’t really want to be imprisoned here forever, do you?”

“With Xu Tiannan in power, if you don’t leave soon, you might end up dead.”

Jing Hongchen’s face darkened. That was indeed the situation, but did Su Yu have to be so blunt? Did he not care about saving face?

Glaring at Su Yu, Jing Hongchen shook his head. “I’m not leaving. You should go.”

“If Xu Tiannan’s men find you, it’ll be bad.”

Su Yu frowned. “Hall Master, you’re not leaving?”

Jing Hongchen shook his head. “I’ve spent most of my life here. Illustrious Virtue Hall is the fruit of my countless efforts.”

Illustrious Virtue Hall was Jing Hongchen’s life’s work.

To him, Illustrious Virtue Hall was more important than his own life.

He could die, but he would never abandon Illustrious Virtue Hall.

Su Yu’s eyes narrowed. “You really won’t come with me?”

Jing Hongchen shook his head.

Su Yu sighed. “Then I have no choice. If you won’t listen, I’ll have to be rude.”

Jing Hongchen was shocked. “You dare forcibly take me away?”

“How dare you!”

Su Yu smiled. “Guess if I dare or not?”

“After all, this is to rescue you. Even Meng would say I did well.”

Jing Hongchen: “…”

Meeting Su Yu’s determined gaze, Jing Hongchen sighed helplessly.

“What’s the point? I’m just an old man. If I die, so be it. Why bother—”

“Enough!”

Su Yu cut him off. “That’s my line.”

“It’s just Illustrious Virtue Hall. Why be so attached?”

“If you built one Illustrious Virtue Hall, you can build another.”

“The most important thing is people. As long as you’re alive, there’s always hope.”

“You’re a Titled Douluo—you have a long life ahead. Worst case, I’ll help you build another Illustrious Virtue Hall elsewhere.”

“You say that, but do you know how much money and resources it takes to build another Illustrious Virtue Hall?”

“Can you even find that many professionals?”

“Even if you gather enough resources, without enough soul engineers, it’s useless.”

“Rebuilding Illustrious Virtue Hall sounds easy, but it’s nearly impossible.”

Jing Hongchen retorted, word by word.

Talent—talent was everything!

Given the conditions on the original Douluo Continent, Jing Hongchen didn’t believe they could find so many skilled soul engineers.

But Su Yu just laughed.

“Is that all? Then we’ll just bring all the talent along too!”

He clapped his hands.

Jing Hongchen was dumbfounded. “Do you even realize what you’re saying?”

“How will you get all those people out of Radiant City?”

“And why would they even agree to go with you?”

Su Yu smiled mysteriously. “I have my ways. As for whether they’re willing, well, it’s not up to them.”

“Get on the carriage first, buy the ticket later! It’s not impossible!”

Jing Hongchen was utterly confused. He had no idea what Su Yu meant.

But it sounded like Su Yu was planning to use force?

“Su Yu, don’t mess around. This is Radiant City. If you alert the army, the consequences will be dire.”

“And how do you plan to get all those people out of Illustrious Virtue Hall?”

“It’s a fantasy.”

“Just listen to me—leave by yourself. Don’t worry about me.”

“As long as you treat Meng well, and look after my troublesome grandson, I’ll be content.”