[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-star-martial-era":3,"chapter-the-star-martial-era-the-star-martial-era-chapter-182":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Star Martial Era",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2275040,4448,"Chapter 182: Imperial Edict","the-star-martial-era-chapter-182",182,"\u003Cp>A fourth-rank star artifact, and a relatively rare type—footwear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Undeniably, this is a substantial gift, a grand gift!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin thought for a moment, offered a slight refusal, then accepted it gracefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Great kindness breeds enmity!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a powerful family, giving Xu Jin a fourth-rank star artifact means that, once accepted, it signifies their repayment for Xu Jin’s life-saving deed toward Ji Hongli—this is a transaction with a price.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This price is within the Ji family’s capacity and willingness to pay.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But if Xu Jin refuses it, this favor will remain on the Ji family’s books indefinitely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And as Xu Jin’s cultivation base rises and his status grows, this favor becomes priceless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that point, repaying this favor would far exceed the Ji family’s psychological limit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, all kinds of interpersonal entanglements would arise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Better to take the benefit early and sever this karmic bond.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, if Xu Jin accepts this gift, and later faces real hardship and seeks help from Ji Bang, it becomes another transaction or investment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The relationship remains intact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It may even grow deeper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But if Xu Jin refuses this gift, minor requests are fine; if a major demand arises, it becomes a human crisis.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is a blood-learned lesson Xu Jin acquired from his past life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, seeing Xu Jin accept the fourth-rank Star-Stepping Boots, Ji Bang stroked his beard and smiled, his expression unexpectedly relieved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, the Ji family didn’t originally need to treat this life-saving favor so seriously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Xu Jin’s momentum is currently strong, his talent exceptional, and Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao holds him in high regard—so it must be handled properly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the gift is accepted, all is well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A good karmic connection has been formed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a few casual exchanges, the Ji family departed, leaving behind more than a dozen gift boxes of various sizes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet these boxes contained nothing of great value; for cultivators, they were merely tokens of goodwill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But from the gifts, the Ji family—or rather, Ji Hongli—had clearly put thought into them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Half of them were clothing and ornaments for Jiang Er.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After seeing off the Ji family, Xu Jin returned to his room and told Jiang Er to handle the gifts; he himself, however, hurried into the quiet chamber with the fourth-rank Star-Stepping Boots.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His mind sank inward, and his potent soul force and star energy surged simultaneously, beginning the refinement process at once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Regardless of its specific function, a fourth-rank star artifact is undoubtedly stronger and far rarer than a third-rank star weapon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he could acquire another star artifact—a suit of armor or a shield—he would be perfectly satisfied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His basic equipment would then be complete.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A fourth-rank star artifact would serve Xu Jin for a long time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not even many Gathered Combat cultivators possess a star artifact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those Gathered Combat cultivators who do possess one are invariably top-tier in status and power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The stronger one’s soul force, the faster the refinement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To fully refine this fourth-rank Star-Stepping Boots, Xu Jin estimated it would take about an hour.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after only half an hour of refinement, a knock came again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet he still asked patiently, “What is it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Young Master, the head of the Ying family of Songzhou, Ying Boyan, has arrived with his son, Ying Ge.” Qing Fan whispered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin sighed inwardly—he knew exactly why they had come.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had to go out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few breaths later, Xu Jin personally met them outside the courtyard with Jiang Er, welcoming Ying Ge and his father inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A round of formalities inevitably followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ying Boyan was plump and dressed in extreme luxury.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After some casual talk and thanks, Ying Boyan presented a gift list.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master Xu, Grand Master has forbidden any discussion of the Purple Wind Star Region; my son Ge told me only fragments—he said that without you, his chance of returning alive would not exceed thirty percent.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Great kindness needs no words of thanks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This small token cannot repay even a fraction of your debt—but please accept it, Master Xu.” Ying Boyan smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Big Brother, we all owe you our lives and your favor. This small token is nothing—please take it. Should you ever need anything in the future, just call out, and I, Ying Ge, will be at your side, ready to serve.” His words carried a tone of sworn loyalty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin naturally dared not accept it so casually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Come on—he was merely a prodigy with remarkable potential.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There are countless prodigies in this world, but far more die on the path—several times, even ten times as many as those who survive and rise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Younger brother, you’re too modest. We are fellow disciples, bound by the bloodshed of the Purple Wind Star Region. Let us support each other and strive to go further and higher on the cultivation path.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This speech was beautifully delivered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It delighted Ying Ge and Ying Boyan immensely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for the gift list, Xu Jin glanced at it and accepted it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Ying family’s gifts were not as dazzling as the Ji family’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But clearly, they had also put thought into them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They even sent one bottle each of Transcendence Elixir and Superior Transcendence Elixir, plus two Superior Soul-Stabilizing Golden Pills.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly meant for Jiang Er.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In addition, five bottles of Superior Star-Cultivation Pills, one bottle of Qi-Return Pill, and one Dragon-Turtle Soul-Forging Pill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The total value approached twenty thousand Dao Credits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crucially, these gifts were exactly what he wanted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Er’s cultivation resources were now nearly complete.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin accepted them with great delight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master Xu, since you and my son Ge share such deep friendship, I boldly request to add you as a friend via the Star-Picking Token. Should you ever need anything in the future, just say the word! Our Ying family has traded for generations—we know every route and commodity from north to south.” Ying Boyan smiled again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin naturally added him as a friend, expanding his circle once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, Xu Jin’s heart stirred—he hurriedly asked, “Uncle Ying, I happen to have a question: do you know where I can procure Iron Essence and Copper Essence?” He seized the opportunity to further strengthen their bond.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Iron Essence and Copper Essence? How much do you need, nephew?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A thousand jin of Iron Essence, a hundred jin of Copper Essence.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s quite a quantity! But you’ve asked the right person—others might get a little Iron Essence easily, but over a hundred jin is difficult. I’ll make arrangements; in two days, I’ll give you a location—you can pick it up directly.” Ying Boyan said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin was overjoyed and thanked him again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the benefit of an expanded circle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More friends mean easier tasks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uncle Ying, how much do I owe you? Let me pay you upfront.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re being too formal! These items aren’t worth much—I’ll give them to you outright. Don’t be formal this once!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But next time you come to me, we’ll settle accounts properly—clear and fair.” Ying Boyan laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin thanked him again and accepted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After seeing off Ying Ge and his father, Xu Jin’s demeanor grew noticeably lighter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These gifts were well received—they solved many problems.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His sister’s cultivation resources were now secured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially the Superior Soul-Stabilizing Golden Pills—he had planned to ask Teacher Liu to use her status to exchange for two more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, someone had delivered them directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Superior Transcendence Elixir was also secured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But from Ying Boyan’s gifts, the Dragon-Turtle Soul-Forging Pill was clearly rare—otherwise, they wouldn’t have sent only one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking it over, Xu Jin happily returned to the quiet chamber to continue refining the fourth-rank Star-Stepping Boots.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Half an hour later, the fourth-rank Star-Stepping Boots shimmered with starlight, adjusting in size according to Xu Jin’s will, then fitting perfectly onto his feet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Simultaneously, a faint thread of star energy had already connected to his Lower Star Palace, ready for immediate use of the fourth-rank Star-Stepping Boots.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All the various abilities of the fourth-rank Star-Stepping Boots now surfaced clearly in Xu Jin’s mind after refinement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The most basic function remained speed enhancement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fourth-rank Star-Stepping Boots, crafted with numerous wind-element materials, grant the user lightness as a swallow and a forty percent increase in speed!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the most basic effect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Additionally, a star technique had been permanently inscribed—Star-Stepping Technique!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Star-Stepping Technique is normally a star technique only achievable by fifth-rank Gathered Combat cultivators; when activated, it allows the user to step upon the stars and ascend straight to the ninth heavens.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In short—it grants flight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before this, no matter how fast Xu Jin’s movement was,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>he could only leap a hundred meters or so before falling back down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, he could step upon the stars.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Combined with Star-Striding Step or Thunder-Burst Step, he could now fly through the void.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, Star-Stepping Technique requires simultaneous activation of soul force and star energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And because it’s engraved, and a fourth-rank star artifact, its power is limited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides that, these fourth-rank star artifacts, the Star-Treading Boots, have several minor functions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Water-resistant, dustproof, fireproof, and they possess the defensive power of a fourth-rank armor, but only protect the feet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The most crucial feature is a subtle self-concealment function.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When no star force is input, they’re indistinguishable from ordinary boots.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one can tell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even these minor functions—water resistance, dustproofing, fireproofing—only activate when star force is input.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To be honest, these minor functions are Xu Jin’s favorites.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially the self-concealment one—it’s excellent. Xu Jin can wear them daily without worrying about revealing his treasures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When needed, just input star force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Otherwise, Xu Jin would have to carry an extra pair of boots every time he goes out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When a major battle comes, there might not even be time to change shoes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Young Master, the head of the Wang family of Danzhou, Wang Ju, has arrived with his son Wang Jiugao.” Just after completing the assimilation, Qing Fan knocked on the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This left Xu Jin stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did they come together by arrangement?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Ju, head of the Wang family, was a middle-aged man neatly dressed, his hair and beard meticulously groomed, with the demeanor of a researcher from his past life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He spoke in a rigid, formal manner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Jiugao, usually so lively, sat stiffly and expressionless before his father.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Big Brother, please forgive my father—he’s just like this. Don’t take offense.” A voice whispered into Xu Jin’s ear—Wang Jiugao’s telepathic message.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After expressions of thanks and pleasantries,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Ju presented a gift list.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin glanced at it, his gaze shifting—every item was a rune.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One fifth-rank rune, three fourth-rank runes, ten third-rank runes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The value of third-rank runes was easy to gauge—equivalent to two or three hundred Dao merits—but fourth-rank runes, even the cheapest, cost over a thousand Dao merits, and fifth-rank runes were truly treasures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even in Wanyi, fifth-rank runes were priceless and unavailable on the open market.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Owning one was like possessing a one-time fifth-rank Gathering Star realm bodyguard—who would sell?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If sold, it was only within small, internal circles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin naturally accepted them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had to accept—reciprocity was the way of human relations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin helped Wang Jiugao—that was giving; the Wang family now offered gifts—that was receiving.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Reciprocity deepens bonds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, without waiting for Wang Ju to speak, Xu Jin proactively added him as a friend, making Wang Jiugao even happier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a son, his father being respected was the greatest respect of all!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon after, Xu Jin saw off the Wang father and son.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin sent his thoughts into the runes to sense them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fifth-rank rune—Fire Meteor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two of the fourth-rank runes were defensive—both fourth-rank Earth-element defensive runes, Golden Bell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other was offensive—a fourth-rank rune—Dawn!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All fine items.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Young Master, the Yin family of Xihai Province has come to visit.” Xu Jin had barely sat down when Qing Fan reported again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin finally understood—these people had arranged to come together as a group.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He also realized: in the National Dao Academy, any True Disciple came from a family of immense wealth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Think about it—if not for massive cultivation resources, relying solely on the Academy’s provisions, becoming a True Disciple was extremely difficult.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Golden Core of Stabilizing Spirit, the Golden Core of Refining Spirit, the Superior Transformation Elixir—Xu Jin had won all of these by securing first place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But how many could win first place every time?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Family support was crucial!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For instance, among disciples from Jinshan Dao Academy, Yue Daqi’s talent surpassed Lu Xianbing’s, and Wang Weisheng even suppressed his cultivation for half a year—but ultimately, Lu Xianbing caught up to them both.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reason? Simple: Lu Xianbing had family support!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Lu Xianbing’s family support, while top-tier within a commandery, meant little beyond Jinshan Commandery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hence, he only attained Core Disciple status.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today’s visitors to Xu Jin were all top-tier aristocratic families from various provinces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For now, Xu Jin could only endure and receive them patiently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the Danxia Academy, Peng Zongguan, his hair and beard snow-white, appeared silently in the back hall and handed a jade tablet to Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao, who was buried in official duties.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Ji family has arrived and brought a fourth-rank star artifact! The Ji family is generous indeed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm, the Ying family of Songzhou, the Wang family of Danzhou, the Yin family of Xihai, the Niu family of Jingzhou, the Bu family of Leizhou—all have come.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao pointed at the jade tablet and chuckled, “Look at these people—all cunning as monkeys! They smell the scent and come running.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They think others believe they’ve come solely to thank Xu Jin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, they’re making early investments, expanding their sons’ and families’ networks!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Exactly!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Given Xu Jin’s current performance, breaking into the Star Condensation realm is no problem. Once he breaks into the fifth-rank Gathering Star realm, he’ll at least become a high-ranking official!” said Peng Zongguan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A high-ranking official?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao laughed. “You’re underestimating Xu Jin! At the fourth stage of Star Refining, he’s already plucked two Golden Stars!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His future is limitless!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In time, Chen Guo itself might one day depend on his favor!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At these words, Peng Zongguan’s expression changed. “That’s impossible, isn’t it? Would he surpass even the Palace Master?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The possibility is significant.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“At my age and cultivation level, I hadn’t plucked even one Golden Star, and I’d plucked fewer Silver Stars than he has.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“True,” Peng Zongguan nodded, then added, “But with so many visiting at once, won’t Xu Jin become too conspicuous?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grand Master merely smiled wryly. “Too conspicuous?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Xu Jin’s current brilliance cannot be suppressed—unless we want to destroy him!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, other families aren’t without their own prodigies!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But certain key things—like Golden Stars—the longer they’re hidden, the better!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Indeed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the small courtyard, after seeing off the Bu family head and Bu Xuxue, Xu Jin rubbed his face with a wry smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After this wave of guests, his face was stiff from smiling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not just Xu Jin—even Jiang Er’s little face was nearly distorted from smiling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to the first three families, the gifts from the last three were lighter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not because they looked down on Xu Jin or lacked sincerity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was simply a matter of wealth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to the first three, these last three were merely wealthy families within their provinces—significantly less affluent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, each gave gifts worth nearly ten thousand Dao merits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mostly cultivation elixirs, plus two fourth-rank runes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only surprise was the Niu family of Jingzhou—they gifted Xu Jin a small Star Gathering Array.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A portable, mobile array plate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because it could be carried and moved, its effect was not strong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After deployment, it could only gather twice the star force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now placed in Xu Jin’s meditation chamber, it instantly created a space like a second-rank star force sanctuary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For Xu Jin’s current cultivation, its use was limited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Jiang Er could use it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beyond that, Xu Jin thought of another excellent use.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Star Domain!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If this small Star Gathering Array could be brought into the Star Domain,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>then within the second-rank Fire Radiance Star Domain—which already had a third-rank star force concentration—the concentration would double to six times.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If brought into the third-rank Purple Wind Star Domain—where concentration was already four times—it would become eight times!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If brought into a fourth-rank Star Domain, it would become ten times—its effect would be astonishing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The utility would be immense!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today, Xu Jin had received so many gifts his hands were numb.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His circle of connections had expanded greatly, and several problems had been resolved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A day of great harvest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Xu Jin remained clear-headed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All of this comes from strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without strength, if Xu Jin’s strength cannot rapidly improve and surge forward, all of this will be like the moon in water, a tower on sand, scattering at the slightest breeze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I must continue to toil in cultivation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I must continue to raise my strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both visible strength and hidden strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But thinking of hidden strength reminded Xu Jin of the legacy of the Spirit Star Palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My cultivation base has already broken through to the Star Refining realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, in the legacy left by Old Qi, I should be able to unlock and learn a few more star patterns, right?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wonder if there are any powerful Soul-Star patterns?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Also, I ought to greet Old Qi—he hasn’t been greeted in seven or eight days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, Xu Jin had another critical question he wished to consult Old Qi about.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This concerns the safety and future of his sister Jiang Er!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he pondered, Qing Fan suddenly rushed over, stammering, “Young Master, someone from the imperial palace has arrived.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hm?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin was stunned—someone from the imperial palace?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What’s going on?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin hurried out to meet them and found a middle-aged eunuch in blue robes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you the Third-Class Merit Noble Xu Jin?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That is this humble one,” Xu Jin bowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“His Majesty has an oral decree: Xu Jin is to enter the palace tomorrow at the first watch of the Shen hour to pay homage,” said the blue-robed eunuch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin was stunned again, but still nodded in assent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your servant receives the order.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",3028,"2026-06-19T23:56:29.689Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","242f67700bfd4c0da97229dc32114e042a8a019905deef5350c38f319c9197e4","the-star-martial-era-chapter-183","the-star-martial-era-chapter-181",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-star-martial-era-cover.jpg"]