Prince's Son

The dull gray sky loomed overhead as the golden-red sun sluggishly ascended from the east, casting a desolate glow over the sea. Its feeble rays attempted to penetrate the thick mist, but only managed to highlight the waves crashing against the jagged rock wall. The cold, damp air of late autumn carried a hint of fishy stench, intensifying the atmosphere of depression and pressure.

As the clouds and mists dispersed, revealing a desolate island, the true isolation of this place became apparent. Situated in the western sea area of the Sun Moon Empire, it remained far removed from the mainland, yet not deep enough into the sea to escape its clutches. This strategic location shielded the island from the menacing sea spirit beasts lurking in the depths, allowing it to be incorporated into the vast territory of the empire, subject to direct governance.

While not particularly expansive, the island boasted an unusual feature—its perimeter was enclosed by a formidable city wall constructed from weathered blue-gray marble. Standing at a towering height of nearly fifty meters, the wall bore the scars of time, yet stood resolute and unyielding.

Peering through the gaps atop the city wall, one would encounter the ominous sight of a colossal gun barrel, emanating a dark metallic sheen. Meticulously arranged, disciplined soldiers patrolled the wall with an air of grim efficiency. Their bodies adorned in uniform dark blue armor, they exuded an eerie aura that seemed to pulsate under the harsh sunlight.

This island served as a maritime military stronghold, a bastion erected by the Sun Moon Empire to defend against the relentless onslaught of sea spirit beasts in the western seas. Similar bases peppered the western and southern waters of the empire, for even with the advancements in soul guidance technology, humanity still fell short in conquering the vast and treacherous unknown that was the sea.

For deep within the ocean lurked formidable soul beasts, surpassing both in number and strength their terrestrial counterparts.

Within the city walls, the idyllic scenes of bustling streets and teeming towns were a mere illusion. Instead, rows of low, rocky structures lined the island, devoid of life and vitality. Weary soldiers, fatigued from their duties, wandered in pairs or threes along the roads, while simple supply points served as their only respite, exchanging various provisions.

The sole remnant that hinted at a semblance of urban life was a towering castle at the heart of the island. Cloaked in a melancholic blue-gray hue, it emanated an oppressive aura even under the piercing sunlight.

Compared to the modest rock houses that typically spanned a mere one or two floors, this five-story castle stood as a grim sentinel, defying its surroundings. The castle's facade contrasted the island's desolation, while a vibrant flower garden nestled before it offered a meager display of color. Rare flowers of varying hues emitted a delicate fragrance, momentarily diluting the putrid scent carried by the sea breeze.

A young man, garbed in a luxurious purple-gold robe, reclined near the edge of the flowerbed. His eyes shut tightly, he drew near a deep purple exotic ink orchid, tentatively inhaling its scent with a prominent nose.

Despite his youthful appearance, his brows betrayed the weight of his struggles. A cascade of black hair, reaching his shoulders, bore traces of errant purple strands entwined within, exuding an unsettling air of malevolence.

Possessing exquisite features and porcelain-like fair skin, he seemed out of place amidst the ruggedness of a sea-bound existence.

The boy appeared youthful, his brows still bearing the mark of immaturity. His black hair, reaching medium length, grazed his shoulders, but within its ebony strands were intermingled a few streaks of purple, lending an air of ominousness.

With delicate features and skin as fair as jade, he seemed more akin to a privileged noble child than someone accustomed to a life by the sea.

Indeed, that was precisely the case. This boy, Xu Hann, possessed a background far more illustrious than those of noble birth. He was the son of the prince from the Sun Moon Empire. However, due to a palace upheaval three years ago, his father, once a high-ranking prince, had met his downfall while attempting to rescue the previous emperor of the Sun Moon Empire.

Perhaps out of concern for the safety of children from other influential clans or due to the precariousness of the newly established emperor's reign, Xu Hann, at the tender age of five, had been fortunate enough to escape the purge executed by the new ruler. Instead, he was exiled to this secluded island in the sea.

"Your Highness, the wind is strong outside. Please take care," a composed voice resounded from behind. Xu Hann slowly opened his eyes and turned his gaze, his clear, deep purple irises reflecting indifference.

Observing the imposing figure before him, a middle-aged man clad in dark blue armor, a self-deprecating smile curled at the corner of Xu Hann's mouth.

His Royal Highness? A prince in exile?

The middle-aged man possessed a dark complexion and stood nearly two meters tall. He exuded the aura of a battle-hardened warrior. However, in the presence of Xu Hann, he bowed his head with utmost respect, refraining from direct eye contact.

Such degrading treatment suffered by scorned heirs at the hands of their subordinates found no place here. The dignity of the royal family could not be trifled with. Although Xu Hann was merely the son of an exiled prince, he still symbolized the Sun Moon Empire's royal lineage.

To allow their humiliation would render the Sun Moon Empire's royal family utterly worthless.

Raising his left hand, Xu Hann smoothed the windswept strands of hair on his forehead. He leisurely approached the middle-aged man, narrowing his eyes to scrutinize the expression on his face.

"Head of the Haixiao Division, your visit at this hour must serve a purpose," he remarked.

Hai Xiao nodded, his stern countenance shifting slightly.

"This afternoon, a ship will arrive from the empire's mainland. On board, there will be a hundred noble ladies carefully selected from all corners of the empire. Each possesses exceptional beauty and talent. His Highness the First Prince hopes that Your Highness, the Prince, can choose ten among them to continue the pure royal bloodline of the Zihuang Mietianlong," Hai Xiao explained.

Pausing briefly, Hai Xiao continued, "Of course, if Your Royal Highness wishes to keep all one hundred noble ladies, His Highness the First Prince will also acquiesce."

"Hmph," Xu Hann sneered inwardly, his eyes growing exceptionally cold.

"Xu Tianran, how considerate of you."

Finally, he comprehended why Xu Tianran had spared his life initially.

Although the Sun Moon Empire boasted a substantial population, very few individuals possessed the ability to inherit the royal family's supreme martial arts techniques. Xu Hann happened to be one of the fortunate few. Upon awakening his martial soul, he not only possessed an exceedingly rare innate soul power, but he also inherited the top-tier Beast martial soul, Destruction heavenly dragon with the attribute of destruction and thunder. His bloodline stood unparalleled within the Sun Moon Empire's royal lineage for nearly a millennium.

The emotions in the depths of his eyes quickly returned to calm, and then Xu Zihuang turned around and walked into the castle.

"When it arrives, the head of Haixiao Division will inform me again. Anyway, I don't have the right to refuse, do I?"

Knowing Xu Tianran's purpose, his tense nerves relaxed a lot.

At least for now, he's safe.

If he is lucky enough to survive in the future, he may not be able to leave this island for half a step in his life. Indulging is the only thing he can do.

Fortunately, the current soul guidance technology of the Sun Moon Empire is still unable to extract his seeds and keep them active for a long time, which makes him seem to have a choice.

The most important thing is that he was able to survive for several years. It will take at least three or four years for him to reach the age where he can leave offspring.

These three or four years are probably the final deadline.

He knew his cousin's sinister character very well. If he really left offspring worthless, he might not be far from death.

Walking through the wide and luxurious aisles of the castle, Xu Zihuang secretly sighed in his heart.

"The opening is hell-level difficulty.

Unlike the simple rock houses before, the interior decoration of the castle is much more delicate.

The fiery red fluffy carpet on the ground seems to emit heat faintly, dispelling the chill of late autumn morning on the sea. Rows of soul guide lamps hung on both sides of the wall, and the soft, warm-toned light illuminated the hall in the center of the castle resplendently.

In the huge castle, Xu Hann was the only one. And the sound of his footsteps echoing in the hall.

He sat down at the head of the crystal dining table in the center of the hall with a blank expression, and soon several soldiers delivered breakfast on trays from outside the castle.

Although Xu Hann, who was exiled, could not bring his servants to serve him, his daily life was not enough for him to worry about.

The steaming meat porridge in front of him has a strong aroma, in addition to some stewed vegetables and seasonal fruits and vegetables. Most of the islands are saline-alkali land, which is not suitable for planting crops, and these are all transported from the mainland of the Sun Moon Empire.

Supplies will be replenished every once in a while.

Of course, there is also the most indispensable sea soul beast in the sea. Today is the belly of a thousand-year-old deep-sea bluefin tuna, cut evenly and placed on the tray, the meat is tender and very attractive.

In the past three years, Xu Hann has eaten countless dishes made from the precious parts of sea soul beasts, and he has been nourished by the soul power in his body. Although he hasn't obtained a soul ring yet, his physical fitness is comparable to that of a general great soul master with a beast spirit.

This is also thanks to the good foundation he laid at a young age. His father was the third direct younger brother of the previous emperor of the Sun and Moon Empire, and also the third direct younger brother of the current emperor of the Sun and Moon Empire. Not only did he have outstanding talent and cultivated to the title Douluo level, but he also won the respect of Xu Hann's grandfather, who was named the four most affluent provinces in the south of the Sun Moon Empire.

It is no exaggeration to say that it is powerful.

Before he awakened his martial soul, his father often used all kinds of rare natural and earthly treasures to wash away the impurities in his meridians and strengthen his foundation. The price of some special heaven, material and earth treasures is not even lower than a piece of excellent quality ten thousand year soul bone. It is not unrelated to his innate full soul power when he awakened his martial soul.

The cool sunlight scatters through the window sill onto the smooth marble floor. Holding a gorgeous silver knife and fork, Xu Hann was cutting the belly of the Millennium Blue Flag tuna on the dinner plate. The nerves that had been tense for a long time were relaxed, and his appetite also improved a lot.

Of course, his current situation has not fundamentally changed.

After breakfast, Xu Hann returned to his room to read some books on the production of soul tools as usual.

Hai Xiao will not help him get a soul ring, nor will he give him the materials to make a soul tool, but it will not stop him from cultivating and learning the knowledge of making a soul tool.

It's just that his mind is obviously not on the books now, and his thoughts have already been flying.

In the two years since he awakened his martial soul, he has been practicing diligently at the beginning. But as time passed, he felt more and more hopeless.

No matter how he cultivated, as long as he couldn't get the spirit ring, his own strength couldn't be improved at all, and his spirit power could only stay at the tenth level forever.

And even if Hai Xiao helped him obtain the soul ring, so what? Hai Xiao is the head of the Xihai Soul Engineer Group. Although the Xihai soul engineer group is not comparable to the five soul engineer groups directly under the Sun Moon Empire, it is also one of the few elite soul engineer groups. Hai Xiao himself is an eighth-level soul engineer, and the 200 under his command are at least level-3 or above soul instructors. His idea of ​​escaping from here is completely whimsical.

If it wasn't for the awakening of his Martial Soul, he inadvertently awakened the memory of his previous life. The perfect fusion of the two souls in his body made his mind far superior to that of ordinary people. These three years of imprisonment are enough to completely destroy his will and become numb. .

Yes, you heard it right! He is the Time Traveler, but this is his second journey through time. In his first experience, he was a high school student who had recently graduated and was in search of a job. Unfortunately, a car accident occurred, causing his blood to stain the pendant his mother had given him as a birthday gift. That very day, he lost his life, but his soul was preserved through the intervention of the pendant. Following this incident, he was reborn as a baby in a village.

As he grew up, he discovered the existence of a practice system that began with the Sea of Bitterness. He realized that he had been transported to a world known as Covering the Sky. Due to the presence of the mature soul of an adult within him, it took him over half a year to locate his Sea of Bitterness. However, due to a lack of resources, he could only cultivate up to the Spring of Life stage. To enhance his abilities, he embarked on a quest to find resources.

Fortunately, luck was on his side when he stumbled upon a cave, courtesy of the European Emperor's blessings. In the cave, he discovered some practice resources and a copy of the Ruthless Emperor's Heavenly Swallowing Demon Art. Although it was only a portion of the complete art, which encompassed transforming the human body into a chaotic state, it was crucial for him as it allowed him to unlock his latent talents. However, he didn't possess any other powerful attacking methods from the Ruthless Emperor.

However, something perplexed him. He couldn't understand how others became aware of his inheritance. They attacked him relentlessly, seeking to claim it for themselves. Unfortunately, this led to his demise, surrounded by monks of the Divine Bridge Realm. Once again, he found himself in a familiar scene—helplessness, fear, and disappointment in the face of death. But thanks to the pendant, he was granted another chance at life. This time, his soul grew stronger from his previous death, resulting in his memories awakening when he reached the age of six.

He may now understand Dai Mubai's state of mind ten thousand years ago, but compared to Dai Mubai, his current situation is even more desperate.

He didn't even have a chance to resist.

The purple eyes gradually focused, and the shining purple light flickered in the eyes. Xu Hann closed the book in his hand and opened the glass window on the south side of the room. The cold sea breeze blew his cheeks sorely, but he didn't seem to know it, looking up at the thick city wall like a cage.

Looking at the seabirds passing by the blue sky from time to time, Xu Hann clenched his fists subconsciously, and the twins turned into brilliant gold in an instant, with complex and obscure lines lingering around his childish holes. The temperament of the whole person suddenly changed drastically.

However, this instant change was not noticed by anyone.

Yes, the martial spirit he possesses is not only the Destruction heavenly dragon Martial Soul inherited from the royal family of the Sun Moon Empire. He also has another powerful body spirit, Spiritual Eyes.

When he first awakened the martial soul, the two souls in his body just completed the fusion, and he knew very well the power of this top-level spirit-type main body martial soul. Therefore, he hid his second martial soul.

Twin martial souls, and they are still full of soul power innately. Such talent may allow him to get the attention of Xu Tianran and his son. Maybe you can regain your freedom, but it is more likely that you will bring about the disaster of killing people.

A son of a prince without any threat is what Xu Tianran and his son hope to see.

"What good is talent no matter how good it is?" Xu Hann's eyes flashed a trace of bitterness. If he awakens the memory of his previous life earlier, even if it is only a year, he can rely on his familiarity with the plot to try his best to change the fate of his family.

It can only be said that fate is really tricking people.

...

The seabirds hovered over the island into the swirling clouds, gliding with the wind for about several hours, and then landed on the wooden fence of the observation deck on the top of a giant ship. This giant ship has six floors in total, five on the deck and one below the deck. The body of the ship is two hundred meters away, and the spacious deck in front of the ship alone is larger than the top spirit fighting arena in the mainland.

There are dozens of soldiers on both sides of the deck, guarding the surrounding sea area. Even if this route has basically never encountered a powerful sea spirit beast, no one can guarantee that it will definitely not be encountered.

An old man with the appearance of a captain stood worriedly at the bow of the ship, his thin hands resting on the metal fence and looking into the distance.

Behind the one hundred noble ladies on this ship are one hundred nobles from the Sun Moon Empire. If anything goes wrong, he, the leader of a no-name soul engineer in a border city near the sea, cannot bear the responsibility.

The deck at the bow is solemn and solemn, but in the hall of the five-story cabin on the deck, it is full of cups and chips, and it looks like a joyous scene.

At least that's what it looks like on the surface.

In the Sun Moon Empire and the three original Douluo Empires, high and low are not only the distinction between nobles and commoners, but also a tacit unspoken rule among the nobles.

The five-story cabins on the deck are also divided into five classes, which are naturally used to distinguish them from their respective family backgrounds.

In the hall of the top cabin, a luxuriously dressed noble lady held a glass cup in one hand and talked decently, covering her mouth with her slender hand and chuckling from time to time.

"Do you think His Royal Highness the prince who was exiled will choose us?"

"If I'm really selected, wouldn't I have to stay on that isolated island for several years? I don't know what the First Prince thinks." As soon as the words came out, the smiles on the faces of the surrounding noble ladies instantly subsided. He looked at the outspoken master with taboo.

In the end, it was the glamorous blond girl who was sitting in the main seat who spoke to let the matter be revealed.

"Keep your mouth shut, His Royal Highness is something we can criticize."

"Cuckoo..." But what these noble ladies didn't know was that a series of bubbles suddenly appeared out of thin air in the sea water 500 meters below the giant ship. A black shadow quickly shuttled through the sea water.

Two yellow, two purple and two black, the six soul rings are extremely dazzling under the sea where the light has become faint.