Upon hearing the use of Lu Yin's innate gift, Mira's eyes sparkled before she smiled. "That's rather ordinary. Do you want me to recommend you to join the Da Yu Empire's Youth Council? Or, if you agree to my condition and fulfill it, I'll directly recommend you to the Outerverse Youth Council."
"If I agree to your condition, does that make you my recommender?" Lu Yin asked.
Mira responded lazily, "That's right. I'll be your recommender—but only if you can pull it off. Not just joining the Tenth Institute of the Starry Sky, but doing something that makes me proud. Something worthy of me, the Red Lotus Enchanting Bow." With that, she smiled again and handed him a string of numbers before turning and walking away.
Lu Yin narrowed his eyes. Red Lotus Enchanting Bow?
"Oh, by the way, you did the right thing protecting that indigenous planet. In the future, it might give rise to talents like Zhang Dingtian or Liu Shaoge. You'd better cherish it." Mira added before leaving.
Lu Yin was startled. He understood why she mentioned Zhang Dingtian—but why bring up Liu Shaoge specifically?
He regretted not killing Liu Shaoge when he had the chance. Did Mira discover something?
Lu Yin immediately left for the surveillance room.
Not everyone had access to the surveillance room, but Lu Yin had no trouble getting in. On the Perseverance, his authority ranked just below Lulu Mebius and Mira. Even Xiken Maldo didn't outrank him.
"Pull up all footage from the battle at Tianzhu," Lu Yin ordered, his tone devoid of the typical "main character" flair of a fantasy novel.
The staff inside were stunned at first but quickly followed the command.
At the same time, Xiken Maldo, Torreon, and Shaluoshu all received messages—Lu Yin had entered the surveillance room.
Xiken Maldo was surprised but didn't interfere. He had long since given orders that as long as it wasn't excessive, Lu Yin could do whatever he pleased.
Staring closely at the footage on the holographic screen, Lu Yin focused on Liu Shaoge. Gradually, his expression shifted from surprise to wariness.
The footage showed the moment he had struck Liu Shaoge with his Heavenly Beast Claw—something that had seemed unremarkable at the time. But if one reviewed the moment just before the strike, something odd became apparent: Liu Shaoge had allowed himself to be hit.
With his strength, Liu Shaoge could've countered, yet he chose not to. It was as if he had deliberately taken the hit. Why?
Liu Shaoge had thrown his lot in with Qing Yu, who was injured during the final battle. If Liu Shaoge had come out unscathed, how would Qing Yu view him? Even if others called him foolish, Liu Shaoge wanted to show loyalty—even if it meant risking his life by taking a full-on blow from Lu Yin.
Lu Yin's eyes gleamed with caution. This man was ruthless to others and even more ruthless to himself. That was what made him dangerous.
No wonder Mira admired Liu Shaoge. This man had a calculating mind and could endure what others couldn't. He never stood out unnecessarily, nor did he resign himself to obscurity. Every move he made was measured; when he needed to be hurt, he accepted injury. His mental fortitude far surpassed Zhang Dingtian and Bai Xue.
Lu Yin had a feeling that someone like Liu Shaoge would never remain weak—wherever he went, he would rise. Their paths were bound to cross again.
"Well then, time will tell," Lu Yin murmured.
Some staff in the surveillance room kept sneaking glances at Lu Yin. During the trial, when he had captured so many students—including Lars and Geniaona—they thought he was finished. Who would've guessed he'd later be named an imperial prince? The transformation was astounding, and their curiosity about him only grew.
"Show me the surveillance feeds from across the Perseverance," Lu Yin said calmly.
An older officer hesitated. "Only the captain can authorize full surveillance access."
Lu Yin replied coolly, "Don't make me repeat myself. As the King of Zishan, I order you."
The officer hesitated for a moment before gritting his teeth. "Display it."
Immediately, more holographic screens lit up around the room, rapidly switching between scenes.
Lu Yin smiled faintly. He wasn't interested in surveillance—he just wanted to test the authority of the so-called Zishan King. Now, it seemed the title was even more useful than he'd imagined.
Hmm? Just as Lu Yin was about to leave, he noticed Xu San on one of the screens—being beaten up.
Lu Yin's expression turned cold, and he immediately left the room.
On the second floor of the residential area, a few students were holding Xu San tightly.
"You're just a primitive. Don't think boarding the Perseverance makes you our equal. A primitive is a primitive—always trash, got it?" Velo barked, his eyes flashing with malice.
Xu San's face was bruised and swollen. He didn't respond.
Velo snorted. "Let's go."
Xu San coughed, lowering his head, not daring to fight back.
Students passing by looked on mockingly but didn't intervene.
It was common for people from trial planets to be bullied after joining the Empire. Velo hadn't gone too far—just a beating, likely considering Lu Yin's position. He didn't dare do more.
Suddenly, a figure blocked their path.
Velo looked up to see Zhang Dingtian. "Get out of the way," he growled.
Zhang Dingtian drew his longsword and pointed it at Velo. "Apologize."
Velo's expression changed, then he laughed. "Country bumpkin. Do you even know where you are? Drawing a weapon here? Are you trying to die?"
As he spoke, a squad of soldiers arrived and surrounded Zhang Dingtian. "Put down your weapon. Combat is forbidden on this ship."
Zhang Dingtian said coldly, "They just attacked someone. Why didn't you stop them?"
"I'll say it again—put down your weapon!" the soldier barked.
Xu San quickly ran to Zhang Dingtian's side. "I'm fine. Let them go."
Zhang Dingtian narrowed his eyes, gripping his sword even tighter.
More students gathered to watch. Many were people caught on Earth—seeing an Earthling in trouble made them feel better.
Just then, Charlotte appeared, suddenly stepping through the crowd. She walked up to Velo, lifted her knee, and drove it into his gut.
Velo cried out, gagging from the blow, curling up in pain.
Everyone watching was stunned—including Zhang Dingtian.
Charlotte turned to Zhang Dingtian and smiled. "Well?"
Zhang Dingtian sheathed his sword. "Thank you."
Charlotte looked at the soldiers. "He acted within reasonable bounds. You may go."
The soldiers gave her a long look, then glared warningly at Zhang Dingtian before leaving.
Velo coughed, glaring at Charlotte, but under her icy stare, he had to lower his head. "Let's go," he said, leading his group away.
Zhang Dingtian glanced at Charlotte again but said nothing and left.
Only after everyone had gone did Lu Yin arrive.
"Boss, it was him who helped us," Xu San said to Lu Yin.
Lu Yin nodded. "Thanks, Brother Xia."
Charlotte said gently, "Don't make it sound like a cheesy novel. I just didn't like the look of them. I've got things to do—see you."
Lu Yin thanked him again as he left.
Once Charlotte was gone, Lu Yin turned to Xu San. "Why were they bothering you?"
Xu San shook his head. "I don't know. I just went out to get some food, and they came after me. Said they didn't like the look of me."
Lu Yin's eyes flashed. Didn't like the look of him? Velo definitely knew Xu San was his man—yet still dared to act. What did this mean? No student would have the guts to provoke a Zishan King.
So… had some internal struggle in the Da Yu Empire already begun? Were they so eager to challenge him?
Lu Yin was sure that every action he took was being recorded and sent to the Imperial Capital. Any minor incident could be exaggerated—used to judge his character, mind, and morality. All of these could become ammunition for future attacks against him.
Velo was just the first wave. There would be a second, a third… until those people were satisfied.
"I heard something interesting happened just now. Shame I missed it," Yin said, appearing at some point with a smile.
Lu Yin told Xu San to go back, then looked at Yin. "What did you want to see?"
Yin smiled. "The look on someone's face as they hesitate—whether to act and risk criticism, or stay passive and be provoked again and again. So amusing."
"Which do you think I am?" Lu Yin asked calmly.
"No idea," Yin replied casually.
Lu Yin had no time to waste arguing with him—he had to reflect. What did the Zishan King title really mean in the Da Yu Empire? He needed to dig up more information.
"Don't want to chat a bit? I know quite a lot about the Zishan clan. Might be helpful to you," Yin said with a smile.
Lu Yin turned back. "What do you know?"
Yin shrugged. "Nothing much—just some centuries-old gossip. Like the Zishan clan's former retainers, their unique cuisine, their combat techniques, their marriage alliance with the Yushan clan… things like that."
Marriage alliance? Lu Yin's expression changed. That sounded serious. "What marriage alliance? Be clear."