novelhk 8. In front of the Duke's Palace
8. In front of the Duke's Palace
In the northern part of the inner city of the Ice City, a mansion covering an area of more than 3,000 acres stands like a palace in the most central position of the northern part of the Ice City. The golden glazed tiles produced by the most skilled tile setters in the Ice City shine brightly under the sunlight, radiating a dazzling and eye-catching light.
Unlike other noble mansions in the inland areas of the Heavenly Soul Empire, the main gate of this magnificent mansion is not a golden roof or a red door, but a six-zhang-high gate built from the trunk of a ten-thousand-year-old Dragon Frost Tree. On the two gates, there are lifelike dragons and phoenixes carved on them, and on top of them, there is a snow lotus.
Above the main gate is a golden plaque with the three large characters "Duke's Mansion" on it.
Following those three large characters was a snow lotus-shaped mark. That was the emblem of the Heavenly Soul Empire's royal martial spirit! It was also the best proof that this plaque was bestowed by the Heavenly Soul Empire's royal family!
All these things demonstrate the esteemed status the owner of this mansion held within the Heavenly Soul Empire.
At the main gate, two guards stood ramrod straight, their faces radiating pride.
It's easy to see that they are proud to be able to guard the gates of this ducal mansion!
Anyone with discerning eyes could tell from the faint fluctuations of soul power emanating from them that their cultivation levels were probably at least Soul Master level.
A Soul Master would be highly sought after by any faction on the continent. But now, these two are standing here guarding the gate, and the expressions on their faces prove that they are here voluntarily, not forced by others.
This indirectly demonstrates the noble status and high prestige of the owner of this place, which is why two Soul Masters were willing to serve as their lowly gatekeepers.
With a click, the gate, engraved with a dragon and a phoenix, was pushed open from the inside. Hearing the sound of the door opening behind them, the two guards at the gate straightened their backs even more.
The group soon emerged from the door. The two women who opened the door first were dressed as maids. After respectfully opening the door, they stood aside, bowing their heads to welcome the people coming out.
Following her emerged a beautiful woman of striking elegance and graceful bearing. She wore a magnificent red dress that contrasted sharply with her snow-white skin. A delicate, jade-like hand gently cradled her cheek, and her long, blue hair was styled in a high bun. Her bright, intelligent eyes gazed with a hint of worry towards the southern central square. Behind her followed two rows of four maids, heads bowed.
Today is the day of the Martial Soul Awakening Ceremony. Knowing full well the high probability of danger, the elders still let Tian'er go. Even with her father-in-law watching over her, what if something happens? The woman couldn't help but feel a deep sense of worry.
However, the woman was not unreasonable. If what the elders said was true, and that evil spirit master really did use gifted children as a guide for cultivation, then his appearance around the Ice City had already destined her gifted son to be in great danger.
Rather than waiting to be killed, it's better to take the initiative. As the legitimate daughter of the most powerful earl in the northern border of the Heavenly Soul Empire, Lingjun naturally understood this. However, as a mother, she couldn't help but worry, only regretting that her strength was limited and she couldn't personally protect her son.
The woman had naturally heard those two earth-shattering dragon roars, and she was deeply shaken by them. Even with her extensive experience, she had never seen such a powerful soul skill, which reassured her somewhat. Under such a powerful attack, all evil spirits should be reduced to ashes, the woman thought to herself.
"By the Ice God, your devout follower begs you to protect my child from evil spirits." Even so, the woman, Ling Bingtian's mother, Ling Jun, still prayed silently in her heart, asking the gods to protect her child.
In the northern border of the Heavenly Soul Empire, due to its proximity to the far north and its geographical location, many areas experience snowfall for most of the year, essentially experiencing winter inland. Consequently, most people in the northern border of the Heavenly Soul Empire worship the God of Ice, and Lingjun, being a northerner, is no exception.
Perhaps a deity had heard Lingjun's prayers, for before long, Lingjun, who was waiting at the gate, saw a familiar carriage slowly approaching from afar. Inside the carriage, Lingjun saw no signs of a battle, and even the driver, Old Huang, had his usual icy expression.
Everything was alright, and this sight finally relieved Lingjun of the huge weight that had been hanging over her heart. She lowered her hand that had been gently supporting her face, and a captivating smile appeared on Lingjun's still charming face.
The plan was a success!
Now, it's time to welcome her beloved son and father-in-law back home. Of course, the quality of the martial spirit her son awakens is also important, but in any case, Lingjun can guarantee that as long as she lives, her son will never be bullied!
Soon, the carriage arrived at the gate of the Duke's mansion. Upon seeing this, the guards on both sides began to observe their surroundings, guarding against any potential danger. The maids at the gate lowered their heads even further, almost burying them in their breasts. The coachman smoothly brought the carriage to a stop, quickly jumped down, and placed the saddlebags in place. He then climbed back into the carriage, pulled back the curtain at the door, and bowed to welcome his master as he alighted.
Soon, a middle-aged man in a white robe stepped out of the carriage. The joy still lingering on his face made Lingjun, who had walked to the carriage seat, feel a surge of delight.
"Seeing Father-in-law so happy, it seems Tian'er has awakened a top-tier martial soul." Ling Jun thought to herself with secret delight, while also bowing to Ling Yongsheng, "Greetings, Father."
"No need for formalities, Ah Jun, you have truly rendered a great service to the Ling family, hahaha—" Ling Yongsheng's face was flushed, even though he had just given Ling Bingtian a serious instruction. But people are in high spirits when they have good news, especially when it is such a joyous occasion as a junior with an ultimate martial soul and innate full soul power.
Now, Ling Yongsheng just wanted to hurry up and show off in front of those old fogies in the clan. If he didn't do it now, he might never have the chance again. Thinking of this, even in his great joy, a hint of melancholy flashed in Ling Yongsheng's eyes.
More than two hundred years have passed, and then another twenty years of seclusion have left. There are really not many old people left in the clan who are the same age as me.
With a sigh, Ling Yongsheng didn't linger any longer. He got out of the car and strode into the Duke's mansion. As for repeating his instructions to Ling Jun, Ling Yongsheng felt it was unnecessary. Although they hadn't known each other for long, Ling Bingtian already gave him the impression of being steady and self-disciplined enough. He believed that Ling Bingtian wouldn't forget his instructions.
After Ling Yongsheng, Ling Bingtian didn't linger either. He stepped out of the car and saw Ling Yongsheng's tall, straight back as he strode away, followed by the familiar figure in front of him.
"Mom, I'm home."
"Oh, it's good that you're back."
Under the blazing sun, a worried mother hugged her child tightly, her eyes glistening with tears.