Translator: Silavin “Thank you!” After realising what it was, Xia Zilin’s voice trembled with excitement. To be in the Peak Fully Accomplished Spirit Realm at her age versus in the Martial King Realm at her age was to be in completely different worlds. She understood this very well. While she was excited, Qin Yichen took out a piece of Black Cloud Ore, weighing about two kilograms, and placed it on the table. “Princess, this is truly something special!” Qin Yichen patted the Black Cloud Ore while he spoke to the puzzled Xia Zilin. “Special how?” Xia Zilin asked, though, all she knew was he referred to it as an ore, not a stone. “What do you think is the main property of the Black Cloud Ore?” Instead of answering directly, Qin Yichen asked in return. “Its toughness!” Xia Zilin responded after some thought. “Right. The Black Cloud Ore is absolutely one of the hardest materials in existence.” Qin Yichen nodded with a smile. “But…” Just as Xia Zilin was about to say something, she suddenly seemed to realise something and looked up at Qin Yichen in shock, “Could it be that you have a way to melt Black Cloud Ore?!” Black Cloud Ore was known to be unmeltable under heat. This was common knowledge. But the youth before her had created many miracles already. Hehe. Qin Yichen smiled mysteriously, taking out a bottle of green liquid and slowly dripping it onto the incredibly hard Black Cloud Ore. A miracle occurred! The exceptionally hard Black Cloud Ore had actually softened! Though not melted, it had become as soft as dough! Qin Yichen soon began work. Before long, the previously shapeless piece of Black Cloud Ore had been transformed into a long sword. Soon after, as the green liquid evaporated, the Black Cloud Ore returned to its normal hardness. But it was no longer a useless piece of ore – it had become an incredibly sharp sword! Ci! Qin Yichen held the sword and slashed to the left, instantly cutting off a corner of the stone table. This was solid stone! The smooth cut surface showed just how terrifyingly sharp this sword, made from Black Cloud Ore, was. “How did you do this?” Xia Zilin took a deep breath, suppressing her shock as she asked. Black Cloud Ore had become known as a waste material precisely because it could not be heated to be melted. Yet, after Qin Yichen applied some special liquid, it had softened. Once that happened, it could easily be forged into such a sharp sword. What if it was forged with more precision but true experts? And if these weapons were given to the army… Thinking of this, Xia Zilin became excited. [What could stop an army equipped with such sharp indestructible weapons!?] “It’s simple, this liquid can temporarily soften Black Cloud Ore.” Qin Yichen pulled out another vial, waving it before her while smiling. Seeming to notice Xia Zilin’s concerns, Qin Yichen confidently said. “Don’t worry, currently, I’m the only one who knows how to create this liquid.” At this moment, Xia Zilin finally understood why Qin Yichen had her choose the Black Cloud Region. It was not a wasteland! It was an entire gold mine! Xia Zilin could barely imagine what expression her Father would make once he learned of this. “Great favours need no thanks. If you need my help in the future, please just ask.” Xia Zilin nodded heavily, speaking sincerely. Using the Royal Seal to gain her Father’s attention and increase her influence. Gifting her the Twilight Spirit Fruit to improve her cultivation. And now, bringing her such a huge surprise. Any one of these was invaluable! Xia Zilin was not foolish. On the contrary, she was clever. Otherwise, she would not have maintained her Princess title despite so much opposition. She knew that since Qin Yichen had invested so much in her, he must have grand plans requiring her help in the future. The fact that he had not asked yet meant her influence was still not sufficient! “Do you have time to accompany me to the Carefree Prince Residence?” Qin Yichen had no intention of sneaking her to the Carefree Prince Residence. On the contrary, he wanted to make it known publicly that the Carefree Prince supported the Seventh Princess. The Carefree Prince’s influence in the Grand Empire was undeniable. Now, many Forces that had already sided with the Li Family or had not yet chosen sides would need to carefully reconsider. “Visit the Carefree Prince Residence?” Living in the Royal Palace, Xia Zilin was not clear about some matters, so she was confused and worried, “Although you have helped Xia Ziyi become Chairman Hai’s Disciple, but the Carefree Prince…” “Just follow me.” Qin Yichen stood up and led the way. This time, though Xia Ziyi was not guiding them, the guards at the Carefree Prince Residence still let Qin Yichen and Xia Zilin enter. It seemed like they had received special instructions. This special treatment made Xia Zilin’s heart stir, and her suspicions were confirmed when she saw the Carefree Prince Xia Zelei’s attitude toward Qin Yichen. “Master Qin, you’ve arrived.” Xia Zelei did not seem surprised by Qin Yichen’s appearance. However, Xia Zilin behind Qin Yichen was bewildered. She had seen the Carefree Prince before. He used to always wear a stern expression and rarely spoke, even barely acknowledging her Father. But now, what she saw… she even had to rub her eyes in disbelief. She thought she had been seeing things. “This must be the Seventh Princess?” While she was in a daze, Xia Zelei’s gaze fell on her. “Your Highness!” Unlike Qin Yichen, Xia Zilin quickly bowed to him. “En.” Xia Zelei nodded, then led Qin Yichen into the main hall. [He actually managed to win over the Carefree Prince of all people…] Looking at their retreating figures, Xia Zilin stood frozen until Qin Yichen called her. That snapped her back to reality as she hurriedly followed suit. “How is the situation?” Qin Yichen was asking about the military situation. “As expected…” The Carefree Prince’s brows furrowed slightly, his face showing anger. This anger was not directed at Qin Yichen, but at the Princes and Princesses fighting for the throne. The military was the nation’s foundation, but now, the Grand Empire’s army was scattered, with different regions operating independently. This was dangerous. If powerful enemies attacked, the Grand Empire would be unable to resist. “How many Forces can you command now?” Qin Yichen asked the key question. “Less than three-tenths of the whole army.” The Carefree Prince smiled bitterly. To think that he had once commanded the entire army with such authority. Yet now, it was as if 70% of this fierce tiger’s teeth had been pulled out.