214: Guangxue

Cangqiong Seat, Guangyao Empire, Imperial Capital Star.

As one of the earliest civilizations to intermarry with the chen clan bloodline, the Guangyao Empire achieved a qualitative leap in technology during the "Peaceful Development Initiative" of the past three decades.

The sky orbits of the Imperial Capital Star were no longer filled with densely packed fleets, but rather research space stations, educational satellites, and "Civilization Exchange Ports" connecting the entire Sea of Stars.

Deep within the Imperial Palace, in a meticulously maintained Royal Garden.

Light Snow, Radiance's great-great-granddaughter, was gently swinging on a swing.

She was eighteen years old, in the prime of youth, with soft silver hair that shimmered faintly in the sunlight, features as delicate as a work of art, and clear ice-blue eyes.

Although she only possessed Planet-level Peak cultivation—considered "average" among the Radiant Imperial Family—her demeanor carried a unique sense of purity.

"Xiao Xue, are you still thinking about that guy named 'Xinghe'?" Beside her, a beautiful woman dressed in luxurious Palace Attire approached. She was Light Snow's mother, and one of Radiance's great-granddaughters.

Light Snow blushed: "Mother... don't talk nonsense."

"Nonsense, you say?" The beautiful woman laughed and sat on a nearby bench. "Then tell me, why have you been distracted these past few days? You even skipped your favorite 'Advanced Basic Universe Energy Course'?"

"I... I'm just a little tired," Light Snow mumbled defensively.

The beautiful woman sighed and held her daughter's hand: "Xiao Xue, I'm not against you dating. Although our Radiant Imperial Family has many rules, when it comes to relationships, we always respect personal choice—as long as the person has good character."

"That Xinghe... I've met him a few times. Stellar Level Peak cultivation, well-spoken, and his background is clear. He's a noble scion from the neighboring 'Azure Mist Civilization,' here for exchange study in the Empire."

Light Snow's eyes lit up: "Mother thinks he's good too?"

"On the surface, he seems fine." The beautiful woman changed the subject. "But Xiao Xue, you are still young, and there are many things..."

"I'm not young!" Light Snow pouted. "I'm eighteen! Great-Great-Grandfather was already having his first child when he was eighteen!"

The beautiful woman didn't know whether to laugh or cry: "That was a special circumstance! And Great-Great-Grandfather... he had a mission."

She paused, looking seriously at her daughter: "I don't oppose you seeing each other, but one thing—you are only in the dating stage now, don't rush into any decisions. Especially..."

The beautiful woman lowered her voice: "You've just come of age, and there are many wonderful things you haven't experienced yet. You don't need to become a mother so soon."

Light Snow's face turned even redder: "Mother! What are you talking about! Xinghe and I... we are very pure!"

"Alright, alright, pure, pure." The beautiful woman smiled and shook her head. "So, are you still going on your date this afternoon?"

"Yes!" Light Snow replied without hesitation. "Xinghe said... he has a surprise for me."

A flicker of worry crossed the beautiful woman's eyes, but seeing her daughter's expectant expression, she ultimately said no more.

"Go, but remember to bring your guards."

"No!" Light Snow shook her head. "Xinghe said this is a private date, and having guards follow us would be inconvenient. Besides, he is Stellar Level Peak; he can protect me."

The beautiful woman wanted to say more, but Light Snow had already jumped off the swing and happily ran away.

"This child..." The beautiful woman smiled helplessly, then turned and instructed the shadows: "Send two secret guards to follow them. Don't let Xiao Xue notice."

"Yes." A deep voice came from the shadows... That afternoon, at the Imperial Capital Star's most famous "Star Lake Shore."

This was originally a natural scenic area, which was later transformed under the "Peaceful Development Initiative" into a multi-functional public space integrating leisure, study, and communication.

Holographic teaching images floated above the lake, displaying classic case studies from the "Thirty-Six Stratagems of Eugenics."

On the shore, young couples walked hand-in-hand, but their topics of discussion were unusually "hardcore"—

"Darling, do you think our first child should major in 'Principles of Space Folding' or 'Energy Matrix Construction'?"

"I think we should start with 'Basic Law Perception.' Building a solid foundation is the most important thing..."

Light Snow, wearing a light blue dress, sat on a bench by the lake, listening distractedly to these conversations.

She always felt... these topics were so boring.

Although she had been educated since childhood to "value education" and "scientific parenting," deep down, Light Snow yearned more for romantic, pure love.

Just like in the love stories—not because of Aptitude, not because of Bloodline, not because of Family, but simply because of liking someone.

"Xiao Xue."

A gentle voice came from behind her.

Light Snow turned her head, and her eyes instantly brightened.

Xinghe, wearing a simple white robe, his golden short hair gleaming in the sunlight, wore a gentle smile on his face.

He was indeed handsome, and the aura of a Stellar Level Peak expert gave him a unique presence.

"Xinghe!" Light Snow stood up, lowering her head shyly. "You're here..."

"Sorry to keep you waiting." Xinghe naturally took Light Snow's hand. "The weather is beautiful today, perfect for... a long trip."

"A long trip?" Light Snow was surprised. "Where to?"

Xinghe smiled mysteriously: "Follow me and you'll find out."

He led Light Snow toward a private sightseeing spacecraft by the lake.

Light Snow hesitated: "Xinghe, Mother said... we shouldn't casually leave the Imperial Capital Star."

"Don't worry, we're not leaving the Empire," Xinghe said softly. "We're just going to a newly built 'Starry Sky Garden' on the Empire's border. There's an 'Eternal Flower' there that only blooms in specific Star Domains, and I want to take you to see it."

"Eternal Flower?" Light Snow's eyes sparkled. "The one that is said to bear witness to love..."

"Yes." Xinghe nodded. "I specifically checked the Star Map; it's blooming right now. We'll take the spacecraft, and the round trip will take three days at most."

Light Snow was tempted.

Romance, surprise, the Eternal Flower... wasn't this everything she had always longed for?

"But..."

"Xiao Xue." Xinghe looked at her earnestly. "I know you always feel that the Imperial Family has too many rules, and that dating requires considering all sorts of factors. But today, just today, let's put everything aside and just be two ordinary lovers going to see a flower bloom, okay?"

These words completely struck the softest spot in Light Snow's heart.

She bit her lip and finally nodded: "Okay... but we can't be gone for more than three days."

"Don't worry." Xinghe smiled, a hint of undetectable abnormality flashing in his eyes.

The two boarded the sightseeing spacecraft.

The spacecraft slowly ascended, pierced the Atmosphere, and entered space.

Light Snow leaned against the viewport, excitedly watching the Imperial Capital Star gradually shrink.

She didn't notice that the moment the spacecraft started, Xinghe quietly pressed a hidden button on the Control Panel.

The spacecraft's course was quietly altered... Three days later.

Guangyao Empire Imperial Palace.

"What?! Xiao Xue hasn't returned yet?!"

Light Snow's mother, the middle-aged beautiful woman, was now deathly pale.

Kneeling before her were two Secret Guards, the very ones sent to protect Light Snow.

"This subordinate deserves death!" The Secret Guard Leader's voice trembled. "The Princess's spacecraft... suddenly accelerated after entering the border of the Azure Mist Civilization, shaking off our pursuit. By the time we arrived, the spacecraft had already... already entered Hyperspace Jump."

"What about the Jump Coordinates?!" the beautiful woman demanded sharply.

"The coordinates..." the Secret Guard Leader said with difficulty, "point... point toward the neighboring Spiral Arm, in the direction of Dark Abyss Seat."

The beautiful woman swayed, nearly fainting.

Dark Abyss Seat!

That was a Star Domain completely different from Cangqiong Seat!

They haven't signed the "Peaceful Development Initiative," there is no Peaceful Development Convention, and it is even rumored... that ancient Slave Trade still exists there!

"Immediately inform Your Majesty! Activate all tracking methods!" The beautiful woman forcibly calmed herself. "Also, contact the Azure Mist Civilization, where that 'Xinghe' is from! Ask them what exactly is going on!"

"Yes!"

...Meanwhile, on the edge of the Dark Abyss Seat.

An inconspicuous cargo spacecraft was slowly entering a massive Space Station.

Inside the spacecraft, the originally cozy Passenger Cabin had been converted into a Prison Cage.

Light Snow was bound to the wall by Energy Chains, her face pale, her eyes filled with tears of disbelief.

Before her, Xinghe—no, he should now be called by his real name, Shadow Blade—was looking at her indifferently.

"Why..." Light Snow's voice trembled. "Xinghe... why did you do this?"

Shadow Blade sneered: "Xinghe? That was just a disguise. I am Shadow Blade, an Intelligence Officer for the Soul Devouring Civilization in the Dark Abyss Seat."

"As for why..." He crouched down and gripped Light Snow's chin. "Of course, it's because of your Radiant Imperial Family's Bloodline."

Light Snow's pupils contracted: "Bloodline?"

"Yes." A look of greed flashed in Shadow Blade's eyes. "I infiltrated your Empire for a year and discovered an astonishing fact—all your Imperial Family members actually possess Innate Aptitude! The worst among you is still an Innate Martial Body!"

"This is unbelievable throughout the entire known Universe! How precious is Innate Aptitude? A Level 2.0 Civilization is lucky to produce a hundred in a year, yet you can mass-produce them!"

Light Snow's heart tightened.

"What do you want to do?" Light Snow gritted her teeth and asked.

"What do we want to do?" Shadow Blade laughed. "Research, of course. If we manage to decipher the secret of a Bloodline that can stably pass down Innate Aptitude..."

A crazy light flashed in his eyes: "Then our Soul Devouring Civilization will be able to mass-produce Innate Aptitude warriors! At that time, the entire Dark Abyss Seat, and even the entire Glazed Star System, will bow before us!"

"You wish!" Light Snow struggled. "My Great-Great-Grandfather won't let you get away with this! Ancestor Chen certainly won't!"

"Ancestor Chen?" Shadow Blade curled his lip in disdain. "Never heard of him!"

He said no more, turning to leave the prison cage.

"Stay put, little Princess. When we reach the capital, specialized 'Researchers' will be here to attend to you."

The Hatch closed, leaving Light Snow alone in the darkness.

She bit her lip, forcing herself to calm down.

Don't panic... absolutely must not panic... Great-Great-Grandfather will definitely come to save me.

And... Ancestor Chen Great-Grandfather... For some reason, thinking of that supreme existence who only appeared in Family legends, Light Snow suddenly felt a strange sense of calm... The Soul Devouring Civilization's Capital Star, Dark Devour Star.

This was a dark red planet, its atmosphere permeated with thick, bloody mist. The entire civilization was shrouded in a repressive, cruel atmosphere.

Completely different from the peace and prosperity of Cangqiong Seat, this place operated under the naked Law of the Jungle.

The capital, Soul Devouring Imperial Palace.

Shadow Blade knelt on one knee, reporting to the figure on the Throne.

"Your Majesty, the mission is complete. The target has been brought back and is confined in the 'Bloodline Research Institute'."

The figure shrouded in a Black Robe on the Throne slowly spoke, their voice hoarse like metal grinding:

"Are you certain it's Innate Aptitude?"

"Confirmed." Shadow Blade replied respectfully. "This subordinate used a Secret Technique to detect it; the target is indeed Innate Martial Body Aptitude. Furthermore, based on my observations, members of the Radiant Imperial Family are at least Innate Martial Body, and Innate Star Body would not be surprising."

The figure in the Black Robe was silent for a moment.

"At least Innate Aptitude..." A hint of longing was revealed in his voice. "If we can decipher the secret of this Bloodline..."

"Your Majesty is wise." Shadow Blade bowed his head. "As long as we master the method for mass-producing Innate Aptitude, our Soul Devouring Civilization is bound to rise!"

"Mm." The figure in the Black Robe nodded. "This matter is classified as top secret. All personnel involved must sign a Soul Contract and are forbidden from leaking information."

"Yes!"

"In addition," the figure in the Black Robe continued, "increase infiltration of the Guangyao Empire. I want more information."

"This subordinate understands!"

After Shadow Blade retreated, the figure in the Black Robe slowly stood up and walked to the massive Floor-to-Ceiling Window, looking down at the bloody and cruel city below.

"Innate Aptitude... Heh, soon, all of this will belong to my Soul Devouring Civilization."

...Dark Abyss Seat, Soul Devouring Civilization, Bloodline Research Institute.

This was a Hidden Facility built deep underground, with layers of protection and strict security.

In the deepest Laboratory of the institute, Light Snow was bound to a cold Examination Table.

The energy chains on her body had been replaced with more Advanced Confinement Devices, leaving her utterly unable to move.

Around her, a dozen or so Researchers wearing White Coats were busy working.

Various instruments flashed with cold light; Syringes, Probes, Scanning Equipment... were aimed at Light Snow.

"Target Vital Signs are stable."

"Innate Martial Body Aptitude confirmed, Optimal Grade."

"Beginning Blood Sample extraction."

A Researcher holding a thick Syringe walked toward Light Snow.

Light Snow bit her lip, her eyes filled with fear, but even more so with anger.

"You... you will suffer retribution!" she gritted out.

The Researcher was expressionless: "Retribution? In Dark Abyss Seat, power is everything. Once we decipher the secret of your Bloodline, the Soul Devouring Civilization will possess the power to rule the Star System."

The Syringe pierced her skin, and blood was drawn out.

Light Snow let out a muffled groan of pain, but stubbornly held back her tears.

She couldn't cry.

She was a Princess of the Radiant Imperial Family; she could not show weakness before these barbarians!

"Blood analysis in progress... No Abnormal Energy Structure detected."

"How can there be nothing abnormal?"

"Continue the analysis! Mobilize all Computing Resources!"

The Laboratory immediately became hectic.

Light Snow listened to their conversation, her heart sinking further.

They were researching the secret of the Bloodline... If they deciphered it... No!

She absolutely could not let this happen!

A look of determination flashed in Light Snow's eyes.

She began secretly mobilizing the last of the energy within her body, preparing to Self-Destruct—

Even if she died, she couldn't let the Bloodline secret fall into the enemy's hands!