A full week had passed since the damp, chaotic incident at the inner palace well.
Taking a proactive step to smooth over family relations—and protect his immediate survival—Xu Xuandong had split the apology chest of top-tier spirit metals gifted by Xu Tianran in half.
He presented the glittering half to his eldest sister, Xu Mie’er, as a sincere peace offering.
Grasping the rare materials, Mie’er’s fiery rage finally ebbed, leaving Xuandong free to spend his days quietly carving core array and cultivating his spirit power.
The quiet grind hit a sharp pause on Monday morning.
The polished imperial carriage ground to a halt outside the grand gates of the Imperial Soul Engineering Academy.
The heavy wooden door clicked open, and Xu Xia practically bounced down the steps, her amber eyes sparkling with childish excitement for her first day of school.
Xu Xuandong stepped down behind her, his posture remarkably stoic.
Beneath his calm exterior, his mind was still faintly shaken from the agonizing, soul-tearing sensation of his recent in-game death inside Baldur’s Gate 3.
Xu Xia turned around, tilting her head.
“Are you excited too, Xuandong?” Xuandong gave a slow, measured nod.
“Extremely.” “Your Highness!
Princess Xu Xia!” A cheerful voice called out from behind.
Turning around, they saw Ye Xing jogging up the paved walkway, dressed in sleek white academy robes.
He bowed politely toward the twins.
“Good morning!
Are you two attending the academy starting today as well?” Xuandong looked at him with complete deadpan sincerity.
“No.
We just came here to hang out.” Ye Xing froze, his eyes widening in utter bewilderment.
Beside him, Xu Xia’s face twitched violently as she stared at her twin.
Xuandong raised an eyebrow, looking between them.
“What?
Did you actually expect us to come here to study?” Ye Xing cleared his throat awkwardly, coughing into his fist.
“Ah…
my apologies, Your Highness, I assumed—” “Don’t mind him,” Xu Xia cut in with a tired sigh, grabbing Xuandong’s sleeve and dragging him forward.
“He’s just joking.
Let’s head to class before we’re late.” As the trio entered the spacious, high-tech classroom, hushed murmurs instantly rippled through the seated students.
Noble children whispered excitedly, pointing toward the Crown Prince, the Fourth Princess, and the grandson of the Empire’s Guardian.
Near the front row, Xu Tianran sat with his posture rigid, his dark purple hair catching the sunlight.
The moment Xuandong spotted his cousin, a broad, radiant grin broke across his face.
“Cousin!” Xuandong shouted at the top of his lungs, opening his arms wide as he marched forward.
“Come give me a hug!” Xu Tianran’s face turned an instant, apocalyptic shade of red.
He slammed his hands on his desk, his veins bulging on his forehead as he prepared to explode.
But before he could unleash his fury, a noble boy sitting beside him hastily grabbed his shoulder, whispering a urgent warning.
Suppressing his trembling rage, Xu Tianran forced a stiff bow alongside his peer to greet the Crown Prince.
Before the tension could escalate further, the front door clicked open, and a woman in her late thirties stepped onto the podium.
She wore a tailored gray uniform, and pinned proudly to her chest was a gleaming badge depicting three metallic stars—a Grade 3 Soul Engineer.
She released a soft wave of spirit power, instantly hushing the room.
“Welcome, students.
I am Teacher Lin.
Over the next few years, you will learn the foundational principles of spirit array design, metal conductivity, and circuit engraving that power our great Sun Moon Empire.” After laying out the standard academy rules and curriculum expectations, Teacher Lin gestured to the floor.
“Now, let us begin student introductions.
Please step up, state your name, your martial soul, and your current spirit power rank.” A few minor noble children went first, nervously introducing average tool and beast martial souls ranging from Rank 6 to Rank 8.
Next, Ye Xing walked up to the podium with confidence.
Golden light flared faintly behind him.
“Ye Xing.
Martial Soul: Holy Angel.
Spirit Power: Rank 13.” The classroom buzzed with impressed gasps.
Xu Xia went up next, summoning a glowing yellow butterfly.
“Xu Xia.
Martial Soul: Sun Butterfly.
Spirit Power: Rank 10.” Then, Xu Tianran stood up.
He strode to the center of the room with an arrogant smirk, erupting a violent, tyrannical purple draconic aura that rattled the windowpanes.
“Xu Tianran.
Martial Soul: Purple Brilliant Heaven Destroying Dragon!
Spirit Power: Rank 14!” Shocked whispers erupted among the students, marveling at the sheer talent of the Imperial cousin.
Finally, it was Xu Xuandong’s turn.
With a broad, cheerful grin plastered across his face, he skipped up to the podium.
Summoning the sleek, dark glass frame of the Steam Deck into his right palm, he threw his left hand high into the air.
“Xu Xuandong!” he announced loudly.
“Spirit Power: Rank 11!
And my martial soul is name is the…
Celestial Supreme Heavenly Desolate Nine Earth Suppressing Purple Dragon Emperor Profound Mysterious Primordial Yin Yang Divine Handheld Console!” Dead, suffocating silence descended upon the entire classroom.
Xu Xia immediately covered her face with both palms, groaning internally in pure embarrassment.
After three long seconds of total shock, the classroom burst into hysterical, uncontrollable laughter!
Noble children doubled over, snickering at the absurdly long and ridiculous title.
However, tucked away in the back row, one young noble boy stared at Xuandong with sparkling, awe-struck eyes, silently finding the name overwhelmingly domineering.
Teacher Lin released her Grade 3 spirit power pressure, instantly silencing the roaring laughter.
She looked at the young Crown Prince with a weary, amused expression.
“Your Highness…
you certainly know how to make a joke.” Xuandong chuckled sheepishly, scratching his head.
“Well, it is quite a mouthful.
You can just call it ‘Dark Age Technology’.” Later that afternoon, deep within the Sun Moon Imperial Palace.
Emperor Xu stood behind his mahogany desk in the private study, holding an official court report.
His brow was furrowed in deep frustration.
“Look at this!
He turned himself into the absolute laughingstock of the entire academy on his very first day!” The Empress sat gracefully on the nearby sofa, sipping her tea with a calm smile.
“Calm down, my love.
He is only six years old.
Children are meant to be playful.” “If he were a normal child, I wouldn’t care!” Emperor Xu sighed heavily, tossing the paper onto his desk.
“But he is the Crown Prince!
He must maintain a proper, dignified appearance for the court and the masses.” The Empress let out a soft sigh, but she didn’t argue further.
Deep down, her heart was filled with profound relief.
Ever since his martial soul awakening, her son had stopped having those hollow, vacant eyes.
He was finally acting lively, witty, and expressive—just like a child his age truly should.
She looked up, noticing her husband leaning back into his chair with an unusually exhausted expression.
“What is wrong, dear?” Emperor Xu rubbed his temples, his voice dropping into a low murmur.
“Another one of our key political supporters in the southern province was secretly assassinated last night.” The Empress’s eyes narrowed instantly.
“We are still investigating,” Emperor Xu continued, shaking his head slightly before she could speak.
“It bears the subtle energy signatures of an Evil Soul Master, but there is no hard evidence.” He saw the sharp look in his wife’s eyes and gently held up a hand.
“I know what you are thinking, but we cannot accuse my brother without absolute proof.” The room fell into a heavy quiet.
Emperor Xu gazed out the window, his mind drifting toward his son.
He wondered silently if Xuandong’s playful nature would ever allow him to navigate the dangerous, cutthroat games played by Xu Gongfeng and Xu Tianran.
Back in his private bedchamber, Xu Xuandong locked the heavy wooden doors.
Sitting cross-legged on his plush carpet, he focused inward.
Although he had publicly displayed Rank 11 at the academy, his true spirit power rank had already reached a staggering Rank 16!
Thanks to selecting the Druid class in Baldur’s Gate 3, his passive connection to natural energy had completely rewritten his body’s absorption efficiency, causing his real-world cultivation speed to skyrocket far beyond normal limits.
Reaching into his robes, he pulled out the dark, metallic frame of the Steam Deck.
He stared at the glossy glass screen, his fingers trembling uncontrollably.
A cold sweat broke across his neck as his mind involuntarily recalled the agonizing sensation of his soul being shredded during his last in-game death.
“I’ve delayed it long enough…” Xuandong whispered, taking a deep, shaky breath to force his hands steady.
“I can’t run away forever.” Grit sent through his teeth, he pressed the power button, booting up Baldur’s Gate 3.
He spent thirty grueling minutes carefully maneuvering his character through tactical encounters, placing every step with extreme caution.
Chirp!
A sharp call from the windowsill broke his concentration.
Xuandong instantly tapped the screen, stashing the martial soul away into his palm just as a soft knock echoed at his bedroom door.
“Your Highness, dinner is served in the main hall,” a maid called out from the corridor.
“I’ll be right there,” Xuandong replied, smoothing down his clothes before stepping out.
When he arrived at the imperial dining hall, the long table was unusually quiet.
Only Emperor Xu, the Empress, and his eldest sister, Xu Mie’er, were currently seated.
Xuandong immediately understood the setup—his parents wanted to address his outrageous antics at the academy.
“Greetings, Father, Mother,” Xuandong bowed politely.
He then turned toward his eldest sister with a bright, flattering smile.
“Big Sister Mie’er, your hair looks exceptionally radiant tonight!” Xu Mie’er gave a tiny, dignified huff, but a subtle spark of pride flickered in her eyes as she accepted the compliment.
Emperor Xu set his teacup down with a firm clack.
“Xuandong, we received the report from the academy regarding your introduction today.” The Empress looked at him gently.
“Sweetie, why did you feel the need to shout such a silly name in front of all those noble children?” Xuandong took his seat, assuming an earnest, thoughtful expression.
“Father, Mother…
I did it on purpose.
If I stand before them as a stern, untouchable Crown Prince, they will only fear my status and keep their distance.
By acting a bit foolish, my classmates will view me as an approachable friend rather than an intimidating authority figure.” Emperor Xu and the Empress exchanged a long, surprised look.
Their eyes soften he was only a child looking for friends .
Emperor Xu let out a quiet, defeated sigh, his sharp posture relaxing.
“Very well…
just try not to push the joke too far next time.” Soon after, the rest of his sisters filed into the room, filling the dining hall with lively chatter.
Midway through the meal, Emperor Xu turned toward Xu Xia.
“Xia’er, your soul power reached Rank 10 today.
Are you ready to absorb your first spirit ring?” Xu Xia’s eyes lit up with absolute delight.
She nodded enthusiastically.
“Yes, Father!” The Empress smiled warmly at her daughter.
“We have already secured your first spirit ring.” “Really?!” Xu Xia gasped happily.
Emperor Xu nodded.
“You have your brother and Senior Ye Guan to thank.
During their hunt in the Great Sun Moon Forest last week, they came across a pack of Elemental Silver Wolves.
At Xuandong’s request, Senior Ye Guan captured a prime three-hundred-year wolf alive and stored it inside a specialized containment soul tool.” Overjoyed, Xu Xia immediately stood up from her chair, wrapped her arms around Xuandong’s neck, and planted a happy kiss right on his cheek!
“Thank you so much, brother!” Xuandong chuckled softly, patting her head.
“No problem, Xia.” “However,” Emperor Xu added with a light smile, “you will have to wait roughly three months before you can absorb it.” Xu Xia blinked in confusion.
“Why?” “Because,” Emperor Xu explained, “that specific silver wolf is currently pregnant.
Your brother requested that we allow the mother wolf to safely give birth to her pups first before ending her life for the ring.” As a gentle six-year-old girl, Xu Xia felt a wave of deep sympathy for the mother wolf.
She nodded without a moment’s hesitation.
“I understand!
I don’t mind waiting at all!” The rest of the dinner passed in warm, peaceful harmony, filled with the laughter of his family.
Once the meal concluded, Xu Xuandong bade his family goodnight and retreated safely back to his private sanctuary, ready to face whatever trials lay ahead.
After closing his bedroom door and securing the latch, Xu Xuandong sat cross-legged on his bed and summoned the Steam Deck.
He glanced down at the glowing glass screen.
A bright notification flashed across the display—his in-game character had officially reached Level 2!
The moment the level-up registered, a subtle yet profound shift resonated within his meridians.
His intrinsic connection to the ambient natural energy around him deepened significantly, causing the air in his room to feel slightly fresher, charged with a gentle, invisible pulse.
Navigating to the character progression menu, four distinct Druid Subclass paths appeared before him: Circle of the Moon: Focuses heavily on the Combat Wild Shape ability, allowing the user to transform into far more powerful, dangerous beasts with enhanced durability and natural attacks.
Circle of Spores: Harnesses the necrotic energy of decay, fungi, and mold, granting the ability to launch toxic spore clouds, bolster temporary health, and raise fungal zombies from defeated foes.
Circle of the Stars: Taps into the cosmic light of the constellations, granting a starry form that boosts attack spells, healing potential, or tactical dragon-like concentration, alongside radiant magic like Guiding Bolt.
Circle of the Land: Deepens the caster’s connection to the natural elemental biomes of the world, granting enhanced spell recovery through Natural Recovery and access to specialized domain spells based on chosen terrains.
Xuandong tapped his chin, systematically evaluating his options.
He immediately ruled out Circle of Spores.
Channeling necrotic energy, mold, and corpse-raising magic in a realm like the Sun Moon Empire was an absolute death sentence.
The moment a title Douluo or Imperial Elder felt that decaying aura, he would be instantly branded as an Evil Soul Master and purged on the spot.
Next, he crossed off Circle of the Moon.
While morphing into high-tier combat beasts was arguably the strongest path purely in the game perspective, the real-world risks were far too unpredictable.
Given how his Dragonborn selection had physically mutated his secondary dragon bloodline earlier, he couldn’t risk Wild Shape altering his physical aura or bodily structure.
If a Title Douluo like Senior Ye Guan caught a whiff of heavy beast aura emanating from him, they might mistake him for a 100,000-year transformed spirit beast.
That left two viable paths: Circle of the Stars and Circle of the Land.
Xuandong stared at Circle of the Stars for a long second.
Cosmic light and constellation magic…
While it would be undeniably funny to use star-based powers to pretend he was a hidden member of the Star Luo Empire’s royal family, the immediate practical help it offered his current situation was somewhat limited.
Suddenly, he froze mid-thought, his eyes widening.
“Wait…” he whispered to himself.
“If I combine Circle of the Stars with the Disguise Self spell later on…
I could literally craft a completely alter-ego as a high-ranking noble from the Star Luo Empire!” It was a brilliant potential scheme for establishing shell companies and covert escape networks in the future.
Smiling mischievously, he mentally filed that chaotic idea away for later.
He turned his focus to his final choice: Circle of the Land.
For his current reality, this was undeniably the most optimal, reliable foundation.
Without hesitation, he pressed the selection on the Steam Deck’s glass screen.
The second the choice locked in, a overwhelming surge of pure, warm vitality erupted through his body!
It wasn’t violent; rather, it felt as though the very essence of nature had physically stepped forward to wrap him in a gentle, intimate embrace.
The pulse of the surrounding environment merged seamlessly with his soul.
“H…el…p…” Xuandong gasped, snapping his eyes open!
A faint, trembling whisper echoed from the absolute deepest recesses of his consciousness—a distant, desperate plea for help.
He looked around his quiet, empty bedroom, but no one was there.
He couldn’t tell who the voice belonged to, nor where in the continent it was coming from.
Shaking his head to clear the strange auditory sensation, Xuandong forced himself to stay grounded.
“Let’s just focus on getting stronger first,” he muttered softly.
Checking his martial soul’s operational parameters, he noticed a new update.
Because of his character reaching Level 2 and gaining expanded spell slots, running the game actively now consumed more soul power.
At his current capacity, his operating limit had shifted—he could now only maintain active gameplay for roughly 40 minutes before running completely dry.
Deactivating the Steam Deck, he sat cross-legged in the center of his bed, closing his eyes to cultivate and restore his depleted soul power.
To both his complete surprise and sheer delight, he felt his spirit power rushing back into his meridians at an absurd, unprecedented velocity!
Within a mere five minutes, his drained soul power reserves surged back to a hundred percent capacity!
Xuandong opened his eyes, a broad, triumphant grin breaking across his face as he realized what had happened.
It was the real-world manifestation of his new subclass feature: Natural Recovery.
By drawing directly upon the natural ambient energy around him, his recovery rate while cultivating had reached a truly monstrous level.