Ever since the last command mistake that caused a large number of high-level soul masters from the Star Luo Empire to perish, Xu Jiujiu had been in a very bad mood these past few days.
Under heavy questioning, she had been forced by pressure to hand over the command of all eight soul master legions to the White Tiger Duke Dai Hao.
However, as a woman with extremely strong ambition for power and utilitarianism, how could she possibly be willing to accept this?
This time, Xu Jiujiu indeed harbored her own selfish motives. She decisively sought help from Yu Tianhuang and the Shrek Academy behind him, precisely to salvage her reputation and prestige. She had even secretly resolved that, to regain power, she would make herself and Yu Tianhuang, the number one of the younger generation in the soul master world, become an inseparable community of interests.
The simplest and most practical method was to unite with Yu Tianhuang. As the sole successor to the next Sea God Pavilion Master, once that happened, she would have the entire Shrek Academy standing behind her. All doubts from the Star Luo Empire's military and upper echelons would naturally disappear.
Eagerly awaiting Yu Tianhuang's arrival, Xu Jiujiu had replaced the patrolling soul master squads at the rear of the camp with her own people. This was so that the moment Yu Tianhuang arrived, she could be the first to receive the news.
Everything was developing exactly as Xu Jiujiu had anticipated, except she had completely overlooked one factor: Ye Guyi.
Ye Guyi's light laughter was clear and pleasant, and her demeanor showed no impropriety whatsoever, yet Xu Jiujiu still faintly sensed a trace of mockery within it.
"Sorry, Miss Ye. I was simply too excited to see Tianhuang arrive just now and lost my composure for a moment. If I have been discourteous in any way, please forgive me."
After her expression stiffened briefly, an elegant and refined smile immediately reappeared on Xu Jiujiu's beautiful face. At the same time, she proactively extended her slender jade hand toward Ye Guyi.
"Since you are Tianhuang's sister, if you don't mind, you can call me Jiujiu along with Tianhuang."
"Jiujiu, hello. You can call me Guyi as well." Ye Guyi smiled and reached out to shake Xu Jiujiu's hand. Had they not known the truth beforehand, outsiders would truly have thought the two shared such an intimate and harmonious relationship.
After greeting Xu Jiujiu, Ye Guyi very naturally hooked her arm around one of Xu Zihuang's, pressing it deep into the rising and falling valley between her breasts.
Seeing this scene, Xu Jiujiu's gaze slightly condensed, but she showed no unusual reaction.
Xu Zihuang allowed Ye Guyi to act as she pleased. Without changing his expression, he looked toward Xu Jiujiu.
"Jiujiu, we came this time on orders from Shrek Academy's Sea God Pavilion, hoping to assist the Star Luo Empire in resisting the powerful enemy together. This is the official document issued by the Academy; please verify it."
Private personal conduct and formal aid from Shrek Academy were two different matters.
However, Xu Jiujiu paid no attention to these details. For her, only one thing needed confirmation: that Yu Tianhuang had come personally to aid the Star Luo Empire because of the letter she had written him.
Taking the personal letter Xu Zihuang handed over, Xu Jiujiu gave a shallow smile and said, "Good. I will pass it on to the White Tiger Duke later. Tianhuang, Guyi, please come inside. You are distinguished guests of the Star Luo Empire."
Xu Jiujiu, Xu Zihuang, and Ye Guyi walked side by side.
Xu Jiujiu showed no arrogance. Her gaze met Ye Guyi's, and she spoke as if they had known each other for a long time: "During the tournament in Mingdu, we were both busy with our own affairs and only met a few times in passing. Now we finally have the chance to have a deeper exchange with you, Guyi."
"Mm." Ye Guyi smiled faintly.
"I'm looking forward to it as well."
During this time, both Ye Guyi and Xu Jiujiu continued their conversation with smiles on their faces, while Xu Zihuang, sandwiched between the two women, acted purely as a bystander watching the two of them compete in acting skills.
Xu Jiujiu led Xu Zihuang and Ye Guyi into her large tent. After all, she was a princess of the Star Luo Empire's imperial family. Although she had handed over command of the eight soul master legions to the White Tiger Duke, she still held the title of supervisor and enjoyed a transcendent status.
Xu Jiujiu's large tent was not the crude simplicity one might stereotypically expect from a military camp; every aspect was quite luxurious.
Without needing any instructions, people immediately brought various fruits and pastries. After leading Xu Zihuang and Ye Guyi to their seats, Xu Jiujiu also sent someone to invite the White Tiger Duke.
One could see how much importance she attached to Xu Zihuang and the others.
Xu Zihuang looked at Xu Jiujiu and said,
"Jiujiu, since we came to support the Star Luo Empire this time, there's no need for these ceremonial formalities. Just directly invite the White Tiger Duke and all the Title Douluo within the Northwest Group Army here."
"Good! I'll have someone invite all the titled ones over right away!" Xu Jiujiu's eyes instantly lit up. She excitedly agreed, naturally having no reason to refuse something she longed for.
Xu Zihuang nodded and asked, "How is the situation at the front?"
"The situation is very bad. Tianhuang, I'm sure Shrek Academy has also received the news. The Sun Moon Empire is only defending on this side of the Mingdou Mountain Range; their true target has now been confirmed to be the Heavenly Soul Empire. A few days ago, we attempted to break through from the Mingdou Mountain Range side to relieve pressure on the Heavenly Soul Empire and thereby threaten the Sun Moon Empire's southern hinterland. But the power of their soul guidance defensive positions was simply too great, causing our soul master legions to suffer heavy losses. We have never been able to cross this forbidden zone of the Mingdou Mountain Range."
Xu Jiujiu sighed dejectedly, involuntarily closing her eyes in pain.
The scene of the Death God Beam flashing that day, instantly causing more than two hundred Soul Saints to vanish from the world, was still deeply engraved in her mind. That terrifying, heaven-destroying, earth-shattering strike had almost made her, and indeed all the Title Douluo-level powerhouses on the Star Luo Empire's side, tremble in fear.
"The reason I wrote to you for help this time is that I hope to use your detection ability to learn as much as possible about the defensive layout on the other side of the Mingdou Mountain Range, thereby reducing our losses." At this point, Xu Jiujiu raised her head to look at Xu Zihuang. Her sapphire-blue, beautiful eyes were filled with fervent hope.
"Tianhuang, may I be so bold as to ask: what is the maximum distance your innate ability can detect under normal conditions?"
"Under normal conditions, the limit is roughly around one hundred kilometers. When using Martial Soul True Body, it increases somewhat and can reach one hundred and fifty kilometers." Xu Zihuang gave a faint smile and answered truthfully.
"One hundred and fifty kilometers." Xu Jiujiu lowered her head and murmured to herself. Then, as if realizing something, she suddenly stood up as though sitting on pins and needles.
"What did you say?! One hundred and fifty kilometers?!"
At that moment, the voice of a guard came from outside the tent.
"The White Tiger Duke and the various titled ones have arrived!"
Xu Zihuang and Ye Guyi subconsciously stood up and turned to look. They saw the tent flap lifted as the White Tiger Duke, clad in military attire, walked in from outside.
The White Tiger Duke Dai Hao wore white armor with black patterns identical to his martial soul printed on it. Judging from the soul power fluctuations flowing over it, this was roughly a level-seven close-combat soul guidance armor. For the marshal of the Star Luo Empire to be able to wear level-seven soul guidance equipment showed just how far behind the Sun Moon Empire the Star Luo Empire lagged in soul guidance technology.
Following behind the White Tiger Duke were twelve people of varying builds and ages, but without exception, all were Title Douluo-level powerhouses. The ones who left a deeper impression on Xu Zihuang included the Star Shattering Douluo, as well as Tuo Bayu's grandfather, the current Holy Dragon Douluo of the Holy Dragon Family, and the Star Cloud Douluo who served as Xu Jiujiu's personal guard.
Counting the White Tiger Duke Dai Hao himself, a full thirteen Title Douluo were gathered at the Star Luo Empire's northwest frontier front line.
Facing the unconscious aura pressure released by the thirteen Title Douluo, Xu Zihuang remained completely unmoved, calmly meeting the gaze of the White Tiger Duke Dai Hao.
"Hello, Duke."
"Little Brother Yu, I didn't expect us to meet again so soon." Dai Hao stepped forward happily, then shook his head with a wry smile.
"To be honest in front of you, your arrival is truly timely. The reason we've been led by the nose by the Sun Moon Empire is precisely that their high-altitude detection soul guidance devices have completely blocked our reconnaissance. The Sun Moon Empire now has a mobile unit active along the border, composed entirely of high-level soul mentors. Though we don't know how they do it, I can be certain that all information detected by those high-altitude detection soul guidance devices is transmitted to them instantly. It is precisely by using these high-altitude detection soul guidance devices for positioning that the Sun Moon Empire's mobile unit can promptly intercept and kill our scouts, leaving us blind."
At this point, Dai Hao's expression became much more serious. He said gravely,
"You just said your maximum detection range can reach one hundred and fifty kilometers—is this true?"
The White Tiger Duke, Dai Hao, had the typical straightforward military style, getting straight to the point and speaking frankly. He showed no intention of looking down on Xu Zihuang.
As soon as Dai Hao finished speaking, the gazes of all the Title Douluo behind him converged on Xu Zihuang, filled with astonishment and doubt.
Had they not personally witnessed Yu Tianhuang kill the Mad Bull Douluo Wang Yiheng with a single finger not long ago and thereby gained some understanding of Yu Tianhuang's terrifying talent, they probably would have been unable to stop themselves from questioning him on the spot.
Detecting an area one hundred and fifty kilometers away, even an Ultimate Douluo might not necessarily be capable of it. Unless the Ultimate Douluo's martial soul was of the spiritual attribute and specialized in spiritual abilities.
Yet on the current continent, no such human soul master powerhouse existed. The only being with such ability was the second-ranked among the Ten Great Savage Beasts, the Evil-Eyed Tyrant Lord. That existence could truly achieve a single thought spanning a thousand miles.
"Then let facts speak for themselves." Xu Zihuang gave a light laugh. His originally deep purple eyes instantly turned brilliant gold. Behind him, the halo twisted, and an unparalleled spiritual pressure caused the faces of all the Title Douluo present to change dramatically, their hearts swaying.
Red! Red! Red! Red! Red! Red! Gold!
Six eerie blood-red hundred-thousand-year soul rings, and one supreme-authority bright-gold million-year soul ring. A total of seven rings slowly revolved around Xu Zihuang's body. The blood-red and bright-gold dual-colored radiance reflected across everyone's faces.
The golden-pupil phantom appeared, like a bright golden sun flickering here. With every flash of intense light, the air twisted violently.
After Xu Zihuang released his Golden Pupil True Body, his fourth blood-red soul ring also shone brightly in quick succession. The fourth soul skill he had copied was none other than the Sky Dream Iceworm's Spirit Sharing soul skill.
In front of these outsiders from the Star Luo Empire, he naturally would not expose the existence of Sky Dream Iceworm, the only million-year soul spirit on the continent.
Xu Zihuang closed his eyes. Meanwhile, more than a hundred kilometers away, within the spatial rift above the Mingdou Mountain Range, a golden pupil quietly emerged, like a projection of the Golden Pupil True Body spanning across the void.
The golden pupil overlooked everything in the Mingdou Mountain Range, and all the images it saw were transmitted via spirit sharing to everyone present.
The first thing they saw was the dense cluster of high-altitude detection soul guidance devices floating between one thousand and three thousand meters in the sky, almost completely sealing off the entire area above the Mingdou Mountain Range.
Next, under Xu Zihuang's control, the golden pupil's line of sight gradually drew closer. The soul guidance defensive positions the Sun Moon Empire had constructed along the main ridge of the Mingdou Mountain Range and the nearby branch ridges appeared clearly before everyone's eyes.
Aside from Xu Zihuang and Ye Guyi, everyone else, including Xu Jiujiu, the White Tiger Duke Dai Hao, and all the Title Douluo of the Star Luo Empire, trembled violently.
Xu Jiujiu excitedly stepped quickly to Xu Zihuang's side. Her eyes sparkling like autumn waters, she clenched her pink fists tightly, her cheeks flushed red.
With Yu Tianhuang's innate ability, all the problems plaguing the Star Luo Empire would be solved.
This also made her even more resolute in her choice. Yu Tianhuang's excellence was beyond doubt. Having seen such a peerless genius who outshone an entire era, how could any other man possibly catch her eye anymore?
From the very beginning, Xu Jiujiu, who had come with strong utilitarian motives, finally truly recognized her own heart in this moment.
So what if Ning Tian from the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had gotten there one step ahead? As long as they had not truly taken that final step, she still had a chance.
"Wonderful, Little Brother Yu. Your arrival has truly given us hope! I was still doubting your ability earlier; it seems I was the one with limited vision. I sincerely apologize to you." Behind the White Tiger Duke, a burly Title Douluo forcefully struck his right fist into his left palm and spoke loudly.
His terrifying strength caused the space to tremble slightly. His title was Giant Hammer. Although his soul power cultivation was not particularly outstanding, only rank 92, he was, among all the Title Douluo present, the one most skilled at frontal assaults.
Unfortunately, against the Sun Moon Empire's sturdy soul guidance defensive positions, he had been completely unable to bring his strength to bear.
But now that Yu Tianhuang had scouted the Sun Moon Empire's deployment clearly, they had the opportunity to find weaknesses and break through the Sun Moon Empire's defensive line in one decisive push.
On the other side, the White Tiger Duke was already impatiently recording on the strategic sand table. Inside Xu Jiujiu's tent happened to be a large strategic sand table. The Title Douluo quickly gathered around it, though the shock in their hearts at Xu Zihuang's terrifying talent showed no sign of diminishing, especially this heaven-defying innate ability, which was practically born for war.
Xu Jiujiu took several deep breaths to calm her emotions, then spoke to Xu Zihuang with utmost sincerity and gratitude.
"Tianhuang, just this one deed alone makes you a great benefactor of our entire Star Luo Empire. If you have any requests, feel free to make them. As long as it is within our power, I will do my utmost to fulfill them."
Within Xu Zihuang's pair of golden pupils shone only divine radiance. He looked indifferently at Xu Jiujiu and said calmly,
"That won't be necessary, Jiujiu. Do you think that, with who I am now, there is anything I cannot obtain?"
Hearing this, Xu Jiujiu immediately calmed down considerably and slowly released her hands.
Indeed, with Yu Tianhuang's current identity and status, how could he possibly demand anything from the Star Luo Empire? Moreover, there was nothing in the Star Luo Empire that Yu Tianhuang would value.
After thinking it over, the only bargaining chip she had left was herself.
With this realization, Xu Jiujiu's long eyelashes trembled lightly, and a strange emotion flickered deep in her eyes.
Meanwhile, Ye Guyi, who had taken in every change in Xu Jiujiu's expression from the side, curled her lips into a slightly playful, subtle arc.
It seemed this so-called Princess Jiujiu was truly prepared to throw herself at him.
It took a full two quarters of an hour before the White Tiger Duke finally finished, basically recording the defensive layout on the Mingdou Mountain Range side.
Finally, they came to the highest peak of the Mingdou Mountain Range. A tower-shaped soul guidance device stood tall there. Even though what appeared in everyone's minds was only an image seen through the Void Pupil, an invisible pressure still seemed to assail them.
This was precisely Ye Xishui's Death God Tower, a soul guidance device infinitely close to level ten. It was unknown whether, without the great explosion in Mingdu, Ye Xishui had still managed to collect enough vengeful spirits to serve as fuel for unleashing the Death God Beam.
The towering Death God Tower emanated dark-red bloody light all over. It was as though blood were flowing across its surface, with hideous faces emerging one after another, silently wailing in madness.
Everyone on the Star Luo Empire's side felt a chill run through their hearts, a bone-piercing cold enveloping their entire bodies.
This was the very soul guidance device that had devoured more than two hundred soul masters of Soul Saint level and above from their Star Luo Empire, dealing them a heavy blow. Moreover, judging from the characteristics of this Death God Tower, it was clearly related to the abilities of evil soul masters.
The coldness on Ye Guyi's icy, beautiful face grew even thicker. With countless vengeful spirits, it seemed that Ye Xishui had slaughtered who knew how many innocent civilians.
"The Star Luo Empire suffered such heavy losses precisely because of this soul guidance device, correct?" Xu Zihuang withdrew his martial soul and calmly looked toward Dai Hao, Xu Jiujiu, and the others.
The White Tiger Duke's expression was grave as he raised his right hand and pointed to the highest peak of the Mingdou Mountain Range marked on the sand table.
"Little Brother Yu, you are correct. It is this very place that swallowed more than two hundred soul masters of Soul Saint level and above from our Star Luo Empire, inflicting a severe wound upon us. If we wish to seize the Mingdou Mountain Range in the future, this is an unavoidable obstacle. Any subsequent plans we implement must have the destruction of this Death God Tower as a prerequisite."
Regarding rumors about the Death God Tower and the Death God Douluo, the Star Luo Empire side had heard at least some of them.
A flush of shame rose on Xu Jiujiu's cheeks. In her moment of desperation, worried that Yu Tianhuang might not come to their aid, she had deliberately avoided mentioning the Death God Tower and Death God Douluo in her letter.
Only after seeing that Yu Tianhuang's expression remained unchanged did she secretly breathe a sigh of relief. Still, she was a clever person. She knew that after this incident, she would have to explain the reason to Yu Tianhuang, whether true or false; this was an attitude she needed to show.
The White Tiger Duke spoke with heartfelt gratitude: "Little Brother Yu, you have already done us a tremendous favor this time. The subsequent plans can be carried out by us. However, for the sake of caution, I would like to probe this area in as much detail as possible. We will have to rely heavily on your assistance once again."
"There is no need for such courtesy, Duke. This is my duty." Xu Zihuang smiled and said,
"I once participated in the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament together with Senior Dai Yaoheng, I was classmates with Dai Huabin, and I also have a good relationship with Luo Li. Duke, you really need not address me as 'Little Brother'."
Dai Hao laughed heartily.
"Good! Then, like Princess Jiujiu, I shall address you as Tianhuang."
"I believe that you, Duke, Jiujiu, and the various titled ones still have matters to discuss next. I also need to adjust my condition, so I won't disturb you any further." Xu Zihuang nodded slightly.
Although the soul power within his body was far from depleted, facing Ye Xishui, an evil soul master at the Ultimate Douluo level, on the front lines, it was always safer to remain in peak condition at all times.
Dai Hao firmly patted Xu Zihuang on the shoulder.
"Good. I will have someone arrange accommodations for you immediately."
"I'll handle it." Xu Jiujiu gave a slight smile and volunteered. As she spoke, she made a "please" gesture toward Xu Zihuang and Ye Guyi.
Ye Guyi held onto Xu Zihuang's arm as the two silently followed behind Xu Jiujiu.
The conditions of the tents Xu Jiujiu arranged for Xu Zihuang and Ye Guyi were very good, one tent each. Every tent had an area of nearly fifty square meters, complete with desks, beds, and some simple decorations.
Even in wartime, this was already the highest level of treatment.
Seeing that the timing was not appropriate, Xu Jiujiu did not bring up the previous matter. Instead, she planned to have a private, one-on-one conversation with Yu Tianhuang on a more romantic evening.
Ye Guyi followed Xu Zihuang into his tent. Without any reservation, she sat down on the bed, crossed her long, straight, beautiful legs, and looked up at Xu Zihuang with a smiling expression.
"You saw through that little scheme of Princess Jiujiu, right? As long as you nod, her throwing herself at you is only a matter of time."
"I have no interest in her." Xu Zihuang helplessly replied, then walked over and sat down beside Ye Guyi.
As usual, Ye Guyi placed her delicate, fair ankle on Xu Zihuang's shoulder, smiling yet not quite smiling as she said,
"If she comes to you, I actually don't think you necessarily have to refuse her. After all, you wouldn't be at a loss. I really look forward to seeing the wonderful expression on her face when she thinks she's achieved her goal, only to find out it was all for nothing. Since she likes to scheme, let her experience what it feels like to be schemed against."
Seeing the playfulness and coldness in Ye Guyi's eyes, Xu Zihuang was momentarily stunned.
"Sister Lingyi, are you serious?"
While the two were talking, Xu Zihuang had already used his spatial control power to completely isolate sound transmission from the root, ensuring that no one with ulterior motives in the camp could eavesdrop.
Ye Guyi's face grew larger in Xu Zihuang's vision; their breaths were clearly audible to each other. With both ankles resting on Xu Zihuang's shoulders, she displayed astonishing bodily flexibility.
"You're unwilling? It's just a casual fling, I won't mind. Remember: don't take the initiative, don't refuse, and don't take responsibility. Also, you must not develop feelings for her."
"I just feel there's no need. As long as I break through to the Title Douluo realm and the plan proceeds normally, the original Douluo Continent, including Shrek Academy, will have no chance whatsoever." Xu Zihuang said with an odd expression.
He always felt that Ye Guyi's way of thinking was a bit abnormal, even borderline twisted psychologically. This was probably related to their special experiences. Their relationship had gone from something akin to family in childhood to the emotional shift after their reunion, which differed from the normal, gradual, water-naturally-flows-when-the-channel-is-ready progression of ordinary couples.
Ye Guyi's perspective on things would always lie somewhere between these two roles.
Ye Guyi lightly touched Xu Zihuang's lips, her sickly gaze carrying an indescribable resolve.
"No, you must listen to me this time! A bad woman filled with such utilitarian motives should be made to pay the price!"
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Here are the chapters for today (づ￣3￣)づ╭～
"Don't forget there are chapters available on Patreon."
"From Douluo to Godhood by Defy 30 Advance chapters."
"Douluo: Far North Invincibledo 30 Advance chapters."
"Douluo Peerless: Living as an Evil Soul Master 40 Advance chapters."
"Douluo Dalu 2:Peerless Tang Sect Dawn of Sun and Moon 40 Advance chapters."
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