From this moment onward, Jin Huang began learning under Shi Tian. However, Shi Tian did not accept her as his disciple.
Shi Tian looked at Jin Huang and said, "I don't dare to be your master. Your talent overwhelms the entire world. No one is worthy of being your teacher, except the Heavenly Dao itself."
Jin Huang bowed to Shi Tian and said nothing. She still considered herself young and was willing to accept advice from her elders.
There was no doubt—Jin Huang was the manifestation of Absolute Talent. She started learning under Shi Tian, but due to her unmatched comprehension, she mastered everything within the span of one year.
She grasped the entire cultivation system—mastered Sword Heart, Bow Heart, Spear Heart—and even reached the Rank 2 stage. Naturally, she concealed her cultivation from everyone.
She also studied the politics and current situation of the Golden Crow Kingdom.
It was during this period that she became aware of the Demonic Warriors of the Northern Continent. She deciphered Shi Tian's Mental Radiations and realized the Golden Crow Kingdom was in peril. Although everything appeared calm on the surface, countless nobles and commoners had vanished in recent years—used as sacrifices to fuel the cultivation of those Demonic Warriors.
In truth, she could have learned even faster. Absolute Talent was no exaggeration. However, Shi Tian deliberately slowed her progress. He believed that if she advanced too quickly and matured too early, she would lose her childhood. He let her enjoy it as much as she could. Still, she absorbed everything like a bottomless pit.
Three years later.
26th April, Year 41970 of the Elemental Era
On this day, the Prime Advisor of the Golden Crow Kingdom was killed by a Demonic Warrior. The entire kingdom was thrown into uproar and fear. No one knew who these demons were, where they lived, or what identities they assumed. They could be lurking beside you. They could be your friends. They could be your family—or even your spouse.
Terror spread throughout the Golden Crow Kingdom, and internal conflicts broke out across several provinces.
Luyang City was in the worst condition. Located just beside the capital, Jinyang City, Luyang was also known as the economic capital of the Golden Crow Kingdom.
At the Royal Court
Jin Haoran surveyed the gathered scholars, ministers, and princes.
He asked, "The demonic activities grow by the day. They even dared to kill the Prime Advisor of the royal court. It threatens the majesty of the Golden Crow Kingdom, and yet you have no solution?"
Although his voice was calm, it carried immense authority. Everyone present felt the weight of the matter.
Jin Haoran turned to Jin Wei and questioned, "What is the Judiciary doing?"
Jin Wei, who oversaw the Judiciary of the Golden Crow Kingdom, managing the nation's laws, stood, bowed politely, and replied slowly, "We captured the murderer, but he appears to be just a pawn manipulated by others. We tortured and interrogated him, but he himself is unaware of who is giving the orders."
Jin Haoran had anticipated this. If they were so easy to capture, the culprits would've been found long ago.
The Grand Minister of Judiciary, Lan Fang, spoke slowly, "Your Majesty."
He was requesting permission to speak.
Jin Haoran nodded.
Lan Fang said, "At this critical moment, it is important to appoint a new Prime Advisor. We can also use this opportunity to test the capability of the new Advisor."
Jin Haoran looked at Lan Fang, then turned to the other ministers and to Crown Prince Jin Wei, asking mildly, "So, who do you think is most suitable for this position?"
Jin Wei stood up and said politely, "I believe Zhou Ning is highly suitable for this role. He not only excelled in the Imperial Examination but also possesses a strong foundation in civil administration and legal matters. He has ample experience, as he supervises both civil and judiciary examinations and regularly handles court affairs. I believe he is the most qualified candidate."
Zhou Ning, a man in his forties and a Rank 2 Warrior, immediately stood and cupped his fist to the Emperor upon hearing his name.
Lan Fang also nodded. "Your Majesty, Zhou Ning is indeed a capable candidate who can take on the position of Prime Advisor."
However, not everyone agreed.
The third prince, Jin Han, stood, bowed, and asked permission before speaking. "Your Majesty, the current situation of the Golden Crow Kingdom is grim. As the influence of these Demonic Warriors grows, the stability of the royal court may be compromised."
He continued, "Right now, we need a Warrior who excels not only in court matters but also in aiding our military in tracking these demons."
Jin Haoran looked at Jin Han and asked knowingly, "So, who do you recommend?"
Jin Han cupped his fist and replied, "I recommend Zhao Si from House Zhao. Everyone knows that the Zhao family is connected to House Rong, and many have been trained by its powerhouses. Zhao Si is an expert in various tracking abilities. His Spiritual Imprint would be valuable in tracing these demons. Furthermore, House Zhao is not inferior to House Zhou in court matters."
Zhao Si also stood and cupped his fist to Jin Haoran. He glanced at Zhou Ning and smiled politely.
Zhou Ning returned the gesture with his own calm smile.
Jin Haoran narrowed his eyes as he looked at Jin Wei and Jin Han. He murmured inwardly, There might be a traitor.
As soon as the Prime Advisor was killed, they immediately rushed to nominate someone. Though it was only a possibility, not a certainty, it was more likely they were simply trying to expand their influence within the court.
He turned to Lan Fang. "What do you think, Grand Minister?"
Lan Fang cupped his fist respectfully. "I dare not make any judgment, Your Majesty. In my view, court affairs should be handled by the Prime Advisor, and the issue of the demons should remain under the jurisdiction of the Judiciary. We are working diligently and will soon produce results."
Jin Haoran looked around at the Grand Ministers, princes, and princesses, then smiled. "In fact, I have already decided on a suitable candidate."
At that moment, a small girl—only four feet tall—entered the court.
Jin Huang cupped her small fist and bowed to the King.
Jin Haoran smiled. "Are you willing to take the position of Prime Advisor of the Golden Crow Kingdom?"
The entire court fell silent—followed by a sudden uproar.
"Your Majesty, this is not wise!"
"Your Majesty, please reconsider!"
"Your Majesty, the Little Princess is only five years old—she is too young!"
No one except Jin Haoran and Shi Tian had a favorable opinion. Shi Tian, of course, understood the depth of her talent.
There are three primary types of Geniuses or Talents in this world:
First, the Born Genius. Jin Huang represents the pinnacle of this category. These individuals are born with ultimate potential—but their talent cannot grow further. It is already perfect.
Second, the Growth Type. These individuals experience a continual increase in talent, irrespective of cultivation stages. This type is the rarest.
Third, the Awakened Genius. These are individuals who suddenly awaken their peak potential. Once awakened, their talent also becomes fixed.
Most people are hybrids of two or three types. Pure types are incredibly rare, and among them, the Growth Type is the rarest. Most cultivators possess fixed talent—they use it to reach their potential but cannot break through its limits.
Shouldn't hybrid talents be superior, since they combine multiple strengths?
But reality is never so simple. For example, on Earth, we believe objects fall due to gravity at a constant acceleration. But actually, the Earth moves toward the object. Gravity doesn't truly "exist"—this is Einstein's theory of gravitation.
Due to the law of balance, both the quantity and quality of all things are regulated. Hybrid talents are more common, and because of that, their potential and upper limits are lower than the pure types. Why do hybrid talents occur more often?
Because of genetics. While base talent isn't strictly genetic, genes influence it significantly. And genetically, the chance of producing a pure type is extremely low.
In the entire history of the Divine Spirit Continent, only one person possesses Growth-Type ability—Li Gang. That's also one reason why he was born into this world.
As for Awakened Talent—Ji Changchen is the prime example, though his talent is currently sealed. It would be more accurate to say it awaits awakening.
Li Gang, Ji Changchen, and Jin Huang are equally exceptional in terms of potential. Jin Huang is a Born Genius, Ji Changchen a late bloomer, and Li Gang grows with every moment.
Jin Haoran raised his hand, and the entire court went silent.
He looked at Jin Huang and asked gently, "Can you prove yourself worthy of the Prime Advisor position?"
Jin Huang looked at her father and responded calmly, "Jin Wei."
The Crown Prince frowned. Addressing him without an honorific was disrespectful.
Jin Haoran looked at his daughter and asked, "What do you mean?"
Jin Huang answered without emotion, "Your suspicion is correct."
Jin Haoran was shocked.
Just moments ago, he had suspected that either Jin Wei or Jin Han was involved with the demons. Now, Jin Huang was openly accusing Jin Wei, the Crown Prince.
Jin Haoran looked at her meaningfully. Jin Huang understood his gaze—such matters couldn't be exposed in public. If word spread that the Crown Prince was involved with demons, it could lead to civil unrest.
Jin Huang said calmly, "You suspected that the Crown Prince was unfit to lead the Judiciary. He failed to capture the demons and has repeatedly let down the people. Therefore, I believe it's necessary to temporarily remove him from that post. I trust your judgment, Father, and believe this is the right step. I wish to assume control of the Judiciary for now. If I succeed in capturing the demons, it will prove my worth."
Jin Haoran admired how deftly she handled it. She affirmed his suspicion while providing a public reason that wouldn't raise alarms for Jin Wei. If she hadn't, Jin Wei might have suspected that the Emperor was already onto him.
Jin Wei glared at her coldly. "This is not your decision to make."
He bowed to Jin Haoran and said slowly, "Father, I believe she is far too young to take on the role of Prime Advisor. And now she is demanding both the Judiciary and Prime Advisor posts—it could be disastrous."
Jin Haoran ignored him and smiled at Jin Huang. "I will give you one month."