"Congratulations, Your Highness the Crown Prince."
It was still Xu Cheng's residence, but the plaque at the front had been changed to read [Eastern Palace]. Perhaps to highlight Xu Cheng's new authority, the inscription—written personally by Emperor Xu Zhen—was much more understated and majestic compared to the former crown prince Xu Tianran's.
Inside the residence.
Xu Jiangnian slightly bowed.
"There's no need to be so formal, Uncle Jiang." Xu Cheng smiled warmly and helped Xu Jiangnian up. Thanks to Zhang Lexuan, their relationship had grown even closer, and Xu Zhen had shown no discontent—he was even pleased to see it develop.
"Heh..." Xu Jiangnian's mouth twitched slightly.
He glanced at the poised and elegant young woman standing beside Xu Cheng—his younger sister.
So that's how it is, huh?
I call you brother-in-law, and you still call me 'Uncle Jiang'?
The two of them, like husband and wife, warmly welcomed Xu Jiangnian inside.
After downing a cup of tea served by an attendant, Xu Jiangnian's calm and dignified manner came through once more.
"Enough chit-chat. I'll get straight to the point. Now that the fourth prince and former crown prince have both been removed, their chances of making a comeback are practically zero. You've already held the advantage, but it was still unofficial—now it's settled."
"I'm here to deliver a message from His Majesty: What you've done was absolutely right. As crown prince, you must make firm decisions. The authority of the sovereign must never be challenged. My visit today is to lend you my support. As for Tianran and the fourth prince—whether you kill them or not is entirely up to you."
"And by the way, now that the crown prince is managing state affairs, I can finally relax a little…"
"..."
Xu Cheng remained silent for a moment.
His "cheap" old man was truly clear-minded about worldly affairs.
A real old fox.
He claimed not to care whether the others lived or died—but how could that possibly be true?
This tactic of advancing by retreating… was probably his final act of fatherly love.
But if Xu Cheng were in Xu Zhen's place, could he have done better?
Probably not…
"The Royal Soul Engineer Regiment stands ready to follow Your Highness's orders at any time!"
Xu Jiangnian's final words made Xu Cheng breathe a true sigh of relief.
This was full transfer of power.
The Royal Soul Engineer Regiment had always been stationed near the imperial palace. It was responsible for guarding the emperors of all generations—a unit akin to the imperial guard. Its importance could not be overstated.
However…
"Has Father's illness worsened?" Xu Cheng frowned slightly.
"Yes." Xu Jiangnian sighed softly.
"..."
Xu Cheng still felt some reluctance toward his "cheap" father.
After all, he had helped Xu Cheng this whole way—never wavering. Even if it was for the sake of the Sun Moon Empire, Xu Cheng, as the beneficiary, couldn't ignore that kindness.
Still…
He would wait a little longer.
"This is the Royal Soul Engineer Regiment's full roster. Please have a look, Your Highness," said Xu Jiangnian, handing over a document.
"Four Rank 9 soul engineers, one chief commander, three deputy commanders. Seven Rank 8 soul engineers, twenty-seven Rank 7, totaling over a thousand members, divided into five battalions."
Xu Cheng's pupils contracted.
As expected of the Royal Soul Engineer Regiment—undoubtedly the most elite unit of its kind.
Just looking at its upper ranks, it could match the combined strength of any of the four great beast-type soul engineer legions. No wonder only emperors could command it personally. If any prince or noble ever gained control, the current emperor probably wouldn't be able to sleep at night.
"With this roster in hand, I'll feel much more at ease for the upcoming academy tournament…" Xu Cheng revealed a smile.
"That's exactly what His Majesty intended," Xu Jiangnian nodded slightly.
"In that case, station your forces at the southeastern side of Mingdu. Remember, there's no need to block top-tier experts, but do not let a single Titled Douluo or below pass."
"Understood!"
Xu Jiangnian rose solemnly and knelt on one knee to accept the command.
Meanwhile, deep beneath Mingdu.
A narrow corridor flanked by rows of armored guards.
Soldiers bustled through, moving large soul cannons and various components—loading ammunition and preparing for deployment.
"Careful! Don't bump or scratch anything!" a commanding officer barked.
This was one of the four great weapons arsenals of the Sun Moon Empire.
Orders had come down to relocate the arsenal—and a large portion of its weapons were to be used in the coming battle, a sign of how serious the upcoming war was.
At the arsenal entrance—
Another squad of guards lined up and entered.
"Starwing, Company Commander of the 3rd Company, 2nd Battalion, Royal Soul Engineer Regiment—reporting in!"
The leader, a middle-aged officer, saluted crisply.
"Welcome. Please register."
The stationed guard returned the salute and handed over a small booklet.
"They're really generous this time. Let's see... just our company alone is getting three Level-7 stationary soul cannons, seven Level-7 Blazing Ray Cannons, one prototype mecha, one automated turret... plus five soul power milk bottles per person, one Invincible Shield, and a full set of soul engineer armor. Tsk, this is the first time I've fought a war with this much equipment," Starwing muttered, skimming the list with amazement.
"Of course, that's if we actually receive everything…"
He said with a knowing grin.
"Your Royal Soul Engineer Regiment has ever known poverty?" The arsenal officer chuckled. "Even with the Fire Phoenix Legion rising in recent years, they haven't really shaken your status."
"Sigh... it's a long story."
Starwing shook his head, signed the register, and led his unit into the arsenal.
"When claiming your gear, report your rank and martial soul. There's specialized equipment for close-range soul engineers too... And as for you—"
He glanced toward the end of the line, at a young face that was clearly too fresh.
He hesitated.
"I'll give you one last chance. It's still not too late to leave. You're here under the princess's recommendation to experience military life. No one expected a war to break out. Technically, your name isn't even on the official military registry, so it wouldn't count as desertion."
"Leave this to us. You should focus on studying, researching soul tools. That's how you'll serve the empire better in the future."
Upon hearing this, many turned to look at Huo Yuhao.
His youthful face—only thirteen or fourteen—stood out starkly among the adults.
"My life belongs to the Sun Moon Empire. Now that we're facing a crisis, I have no reason to retreat!" Huo Yuhao declared firmly.
"I will not back down!"
"...Sigh, you've never seen the horrors of war, kid." Starwing sighed. His tone wasn't kind, but it softened.
War was cruel.
But a youth who could remain this steadfast under such pressure was rare.
"Captain! My abilities are unique. Everyone's seen them—I can calibrate soul tool accuracy and detect enemy positions. Even though I'm just a Soul Ancestor and a Rank 4 soul engineer, I guarantee I'll be more effective than you!" Huo Yuhao said loudly.
"When the nation is in peril, I cannot run!"
"What are you doing!"
A sharp voice rang out.
"Your Highness!" Starwing immediately saluted.
Princess Xu Tianzhen stormed over, furious, with Ju Zi and others in tow.
She grabbed Huo Yuhao's arm, trying to drag him away.
But he stood unmoving, firm as a rock.
"Let's go!" Xu Tianzhen looked into his eyes, her voice trembling slightly.
"I'm not going!" Huo Yuhao shook his head, face serious. "If I've joined, why should I hide when it's time to contribute?"
"You..." Xu Tianzhen was speechless with rage.
"Then I'm not going either!"
"Give me a set of soul engineer armor—I'm staying too!"
"Princess..." Starwing was now panicking. If they dared put the empire's only princess on the front lines, even the commander of the Royal Regiment would lose sleep.
(End of Chapter)