The group from Earth Dragon Gate was invited to the Sun Moon Imperial Palace's back garden.
Various plants were scattered throughout this garden. Every design showed originality. Small waterfalls in rockeries, royal patterns formed by flower clusters, and those tall trees made the entire Sun Moon Empire royal back garden feel like a beautiful forest.
In the center of this garden, there was a snow-white dining table filled with delicious food, made entirely of white jade and rimmed with crystal, looking very luxurious.
"Distinguished guests from Earth Dragon Gate have arrived."
The current Emperor Majesty Xu Tianhe of the Sun Moon Empire seemed to have been waiting here for a long time. Seeing the arrival of the Earth Dragon Gate group, he instantly couldn't suppress his excitement.
"Greetings, Your Majesty." The leader was naturally Nan Shuishui, bowing slightly to Xu Tianhe.
Nan Qiuqiu, Die Qiu, and the Lan sisters were impressively present. Even Zhang Lexuan came. The disguised Zhongli Yu walked at the very back of the crowd as always.
"Distinguished guests from Earth Dragon Gate, please dispense with formalities, hehe." Xu Tianhe seemed very happy. That undisguised fervent gaze made Nan Shuishui somewhat unnatural.
"Bestow seats!" Xu Tianhe ordered.
Maids made inviting gestures, and the Earth Dragon Gate personnel had to sit around the dining table.
"Thank you, Your Majesty." To avoid unnecessary contact between Huo Yuhao's female companions and this emperor, Nan Shuishui had to sit in the seat closest to Xu Tianhe.
"I have long heard of your esteemed sect's profound heritage. Seeing it on the competition field today, it truly lives up to its reputation!" Xu Tianhe sat at the head seat and immediately praised unstintingly.
"Your Majesty overpraises. My humble sect has always been aloof from worldly strife. Only these children are slightly talented. This trip is just to broaden their horizons." Nan Shuishui said neither humbly nor arrogantly.
"Oh, what is Sect Master Nan saying?" Xu Tianhe waved his hand pretending to be displeased, "Today your esteemed sect showed great skills in the competition. If not for those brats from the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy relying on the empire's soul tool support, plus your sect disciples yielding, probably some ugly scenes would have happened today."
"Your Majesty is too modest. The Sun Moon Team's victory is inseparable from the country's excellent achievements in soul tool research and development. Advanced technology is also a manifestation of strength. The future continent will inevitably be an era of rapid development of soul tools." Nan Shuishui obscurely praised him and the Sun Moon Team.
"Speaking of soul tool research, in some aspects, actually I might have to ask your esteemed sect for advice." Xu Tianhe said, shifting his gaze to the silent Nan Qiuqiu, equally fervent.
Nan Shuishui's heart tightened. The other party indeed targeted Nan Qiuqiu's Ice Extreme War God Armor.
Crucially, that thing was given by Huo Yuhao, and she also had a set for self-defense. Nan Qiuqiu showed off too much, taking it out at the beginning of the competition, causing everyone to know.
Regarding this, Nan Qiuqiu had long prepared remarks under Huo Yuhao's instruction: "Your Majesty, actually this armor of mine was originally not a soul tool, just a suit of armor with special materials. It was improved by multiple domestic high-level soul engineers over time, carving many core arrays, taking more than five years to complete the production of a whole set of soul tools."
"Oh?" Ye Yulin aside instantly became interested. Nan Qiuqiu's words were not false. He had deliberately observed Nan Qiuqiu's battle after putting on the Ice Extreme War God Armor. Just from the material, it wasn't hard to see that Nan Qiuqiu's armor used the same material throughout.
"Wonder what materials you used, actually able to become an integrated soul guide armor by carving core arrays. This old man has never heard of it before."
"Since Hall Master Mingde is interested, then this humble citizen will present a piece to Mingde Hall in the name of Earth Dragon Gate." Nan Shuishui smiled slightly, then turned to her daughter: "Qiuqiu."
Hearing this, Nan Qiuqiu immediately took out a piece of prepared lowest quality Ice Extreme Divine Crystal from the storage soul tool and asked the attendant to present it to Ye Yulin.
Ye Yulin took that piece of Ice Extreme Divine Crystal weighing fully two jin. Surprise burst out from his old eyes instantly.
"It's actually material of Ultimate Ice?"
"Exactly." Zhang Lexuan said with a smile: "We plan to use this piece of Ice Extreme Divine Crystal to apologize to the Sun Moon Team. Previously our team members didn't control their attacks well, inadvertently causing unnecessary sacrifices."
How could Ye Yulin not know the value of the Ice Extreme Divine Crystal? Just this small piece was invaluable. Now hearing the Earth Dragon Gate representative say so, they obviously intended to use this piece of Ice Extreme Divine Crystal as compensation.
"What is your esteemed sect saying." Xu Tianhe obviously didn't want to delve into this topic, "In competition, fists and feet have no eyes. For victory, everyone goes all out. Poor strength can't be blamed on others."
Hearing Xu Tianhe say so, Ye Yulin had to give up the idea of using this to make trouble for the Earth Dragon Gate. Although the value of this Ice Extreme Divine Crystal couldn't compare to the sacrificed Sun Moon Team member, it was also a rare treasure.
If some Ice System Soul Masters' soul guide weapons operated through core arrays carved from Ice Extreme Divine Crystal, the power would definitely rise several levels.
The Sun Moon Empire hadn't failed to send troops to the extreme south bordering the territory to reclaim minerals, but so far no Ten Thousand Year Profound Ice Cave had been truly surveyed.
"I have recently learned about the current situation in the Heavenly Soul territory where your esteemed sect is located. It is rumored that the political power of the Heavenly Soul Empire has changed, controlled by that Demon King Huo Yuhao, causing people to have no means of livelihood and the situation to be chaotic. Is that so?" Xu Tianhe quickly changed the subject, preparing to express the idea of subduing the Earth Dragon Gate.
"Reporting to Your Majesty, the geographical location of the Earth Dragon Gate is close to the Extreme North. Although wars rage in the Heavenly Soul territory, it hasn't affected the survival of secluded sects like the Earth Dragon Gate." Nan Shuishui's heart tightened instantly, understanding what Xu Tianhe was planning, and responded.
"As far as this old man knows, Dragon City where the Earth Dragon Gate is located was attacked by unknown forces a year ago, and almost half of the city turned into scorched earth." Ye Yulin smiled immediately, "Your esteemed sect being able to be preserved is probably inseparable from Sect Master Nan's strength."
"Hall Master Mingde's words are really overpraise. Earth Dragon Gate was just lucky." Nan Shuishui's heart sank and responded.
Even the careless Nan Qiuqiu heard some unusual meaning. This Sun Moon royal family probably had the idea of recruiting their Earth Dragon Gate!
"Hehe, wonder what feelings your esteemed sect has during this time living in my Mingdu?" Xu Tianhe laughed suddenly and asked Nan Shuishui.
"The Sun Moon Empire has solid strength, and soul tool research and development leads the entire continent, truly amazing." Nan Shuishui said, then changed the topic: "But compared to Mingdu with developed soul guide industry, this humble citizen still prefers the secluded environment with green hills and clear waters."
Seeming not to hear her last sentence, Xu Tianhe said to himself: "Thanks to the shelter of ancestors, we should strive for self-improvement. To continue the wishes of generations of ancestors, my Sun Moon Empire will one day point the sword at Douluo and send troops to the continent. At that time, the three empires of the original Douluo Continent will inevitably be engulfed in flames of war. In such troubled times, the survival and development of the Earth Dragon Gate will probably be difficult."
"For the continuation of the sect, why doesn't Sect Master Nan consider migrating the sect to my Sun Moon territory? With the help of your esteemed sect, why worry about me uniting Douluo and winning the world?"
"When the world is united and people's livelihood is stable, I can promise here that Sect Master Nan and your Earth Dragon Gate will naturally be titled as feudal lords, and descendants can inherit endless glory and wealth."
As soon as Xu Tianhe said this, the faces of the Earth Dragon Gate side all changed slightly. Nan Shuishui's face showed no smile at all.
She knew long ago that this Sun Moon Emperor had bad intentions. This trip must be a Hongmen Banquet. Unexpectedly, the other party revealed his ambition in a few words. That undisguised fervent gaze made her want to vomit.
"We are just a few people representing the Earth Dragon Gate to participate in the competition. if we make decisions presumptuously without the permission of the sect's high-level officials, wouldn't it ruin the etiquette?"
At this time, the one standing out was Die Qiu, implicitly mocking the Sun Moon Emperor for being impolite.
Ye Yulin glanced at her coldly: "Long heard of the Dragon Girl's great name. Fortunate to meet today. Since the Sect Master is here, if you know the will of heaven and understand the times, why not persuade the sect elders instead of vainly saying powerless?"
Die Qiu wouldn't spoil him: "We hide in mountains and forests, ignoring worldly affairs. What are the times?"
Ye Yulin smiled: "Heaven's mandate changes, times change. Ultimately belonging to the virtuous army, this is natural reason."
Die Qiu retorted disdainfully: "Sun Moon going on an expedition, igniting flames of war, how can it be called a virtuous army?"
Seeing Die Qiu so tough, Ye Yulin couldn't help passing a look asking for instructions to Xu Tianhe. After getting Xu Tianhe's nod, he no longer covered up.
He said righteously: "Since the split of Heaven Dou, rebel armies run rampant, disputes are everywhere, the state is in perilous danger, and living beings are in desperate straits. My successive ancestor emperors of Sun Moon swept away the six directions and rolled up the eight wastelands with invincible postures. Ten thousand surnames admire, four directions look up to virtue. This is not taken by power, but the return of destiny! Now my Sun Moon Emperor Tianhe, with divine literature and sacred martial arts, inherits the great rule, conforms to heaven and people, follows Yao and Shun, ruling Douluo to govern ten thousand nations. Isn't this heaven's heart in people?"
"Now your esteemed sect is full of talents with extraordinary potential, comparable to Shrek and famous families. Why insist on acting against heavenly principles and human feelings? Haven't you heard someone say: Those who submit to heaven prosper, those who go against heaven perish? Now my Sun Moon has millions of elite soldiers and thousands of high-level soul engineers. Forgive the fluorescence of some rotting grass, how can it compare with the bright moon in the sky? If your esteemed sect surrenders with courtesy, you won't lose the position of feudal lord. The country is safe and people are happy, isn't it beautiful?"
His words were spoken with impassioned generosity. Some Earth Dragon Gate disciples with not firm minds also had slight changes in their eyes.
These words were not just advice, but a naked threat.
However, Die Qiu laughed: "Hahahaha..."
Ye Yulin frowned slightly, "Why does the Dragon Girl laugh?"
"Hahahaha... I originally thought that as an old minister of Sun Moon, coming before the banquet and facing our sect, you must have high opinions. Unexpectedly, you said such crude words!"
"I have a word, please listen quietly. When the old emperor and Crown Prince Xu Tianran passed away in the past, the Sun Moon great rule declined, the country was in chaos and years were ominous, four directions were disturbed. After the disaster of Sunrise City, in the court, rotten wood became officials; between the steps of the palace, beasts ate salary. So that people with wolf hearts and dog behavior were fierce in the court, and servile people held power one after another. Resulting in benevolent government turning into tyranny, and common people suffering from misery! At this time of military mutiny, what did Hall Master Ye do? I have heard of Hall Master Ye's life. You lived by the coast for generations. Introduced by Elder Kong, you should correct the monarch and assist the country. Why help the tyrant to do evil and start a war? The gravity of your crime is intolerable by heaven and earth!"
Ye Yulin was furious upon hearing this: "You... you, yellow-haired girl... you dare..."
However, Die Qiu interrupted him with a delicate shout: "Shut up! Shameless old thief, don't you know people of the world all wish to eat your flesh raw? How dare you wag your tongue here! Since you are a flattering minister, you can only hide and shrink your head, struggling for food and clothing. How dare you falsely claim the kid Tianhe as destiny in front of my sect! White-headed old man, old thief with gray beard! I see you will soon return to the netherworld. At that time, what face will you have to see the successive emperors of Sun Moon!"
Xu Tianhe instantly widened his eyes. Why did the scolding reach him? "I... I..."
Die Qiu stomped fiercely on the banquet table: "Rebellious subject and bandit son, you lived nearly a hundred years in vain, establishing no merit in your life, only wagging your lips and tongue, helping Sun Moon to do evil! A dog with a broken spine, still dare to bark wildly in front of my sect."
Ye Yulin was completely shocked by her aura. Unknowingly, following Xu Tianhe, he also stammered: "I... I..."
Die Qiu gave a final shout. Huge spiritual pressure swept the whole audience: "Never seen such a brazen person!"
Pfft.
Ye Yulin was attacked by anger and spurred a mouthful of old blood on the spot.
Xu Tianhe's face became very ugly. Guards waiting for the opportunity aside instantly surrounded the garden. These were Xu Tianhe's security forces as the Sun Moon Emperor, among whom there were four Level 9 Soul Engineers.
"Sect Master Nan, is this your meaning, or this disciple's personal will?" This was the last step down Xu Tianhe gave Nan Shuishui. If the Earth Dragon Gate refused a toast only to drink a forfeit, don't blame him for using force!
Nan Shuishui sighed in her heart. After all, she was dragged onto the pirate ship by Huo Yuhao's people. The defense power of this Sun Moon Imperial Palace probably couldn't be broken through even by an Ultimate Douluo, right?
"She can represent me..." But as things stood, she could only choose to believe Huo Yuhao's partner.
Just that Huo Yuhao himself was not here. Why did they dare to speak rudely and disobey this young and vigorous Sun Moon Emperor Majesty?
"Good, very good!" Ye Yulin had long been unable to hold back wanting to teach them a lesson. After all, after he took over Mingde Hall, the members of the Sun Moon Team participating in the battle were mostly his students. Previously two were accidentally killed by the Earth Dragon Gate in the competition. How could he endure it?
"Mere Titled Douluo, dare to be presumptuous in front of me!" Die Qiu's pair of beautiful eyes completely turned into dragon vertical pupils. Strong golden qi and blood emerged on the body surface. Momentum rose constantly. Eight colorful soul rings finally appeared in front of everyone without concealment.
Yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, red, orange-gold, orange-gold!
After seeing the colors of Die Qiu's soul rings, the faces of all Sun Moon personnel present changed drastically.
In today's world, only a few people could possess soul rings of such strange colors, and these people all followed one person.
They are... Huo Yuhao's companions?
Those four Level 9 Soul Engineers wanted to strike first, but someone was faster than them.
"Oh my, if the matter here is exposed, I will be scolded!"
A huge Pluto Demon Puppet appeared with an absolute terrifying roar. Black air currents sealed the whole field. Those linked soul guide shields arranged in advance were all damaged in an instant.
Zhongli Yu swayed her water snake-like waist and walked to the center of the guards. Raising her jade hand slightly, pointing at the terrified Ye Yulin.
"Hmph hmph, Ye Yulin, back in Sunrise City, your Sun Moon Divine Needle didn't spare me much..."