Douluo Continent, Star Luo Empire.
The ancient and magnificent palace stood in solemn silence. Its vermilion gates bore the weight of history, and the brass nails embedded in the doors gleamed with an air of majesty.
The upturned eaves and brackets resembled an eagle spreading its wings, ready to take flight.
Under the sunlight, the glazed tiles shimmered with a kaleidoscope of colors, and every corner of the palace exuded the opulence of a royal legacy.
Inside the ancestral hall of the main palace, a spirit tablet near the center suddenly shattered.
[Author's Note: Don't question why a fantasy world like Douluo Continent has ancestral tablets—just treat it as a creative liberty. Otherwise, how would anyone know if a family member died?]
"Who dares?!" A furious roar echoed through the hall. "Who dares to attack a priest of the Star Luo Empire?!"
…
Meanwhile, in the forest forty miles outside Suotuo City...
The icy edge of a sword pressed against Zhu Zhuyun's throat. Her pupils shrank in disbelief, unable to comprehend the situation she found herself in.
"You're an interesting girl," Fu Ye remarked calmly. "To have a Soul Emperor protecting you in secret… Unfortunately for him, he met me."
From Zhu Zhuyun's stunned expression, it was clear she hadn't known about the Soul Emperor shadowing her.
'Dai Mubai.'
Though the cold steel rested against her neck, her mind raced—who else but Dai Mubai could command a Soul Emperor to watch over her?
"Senior…" Zhu Zhuqing spoke up, her voice hesitant. "Could you… spare her life?"
No matter what, the woman before her was still her sister. She couldn't simply stand by and watch her die.
"Let her go so she can bring reinforcements?" Fu Ye scoffed. "Don't be naïve, little girl."
He might believe Zhu Zhuyun bore no ill will toward Zhu Zhuqing, but letting her leave was out of the question—no matter the angle he considered it from.
"P-Please!"
At that moment, Zhu Zhuyun dropped to her knees. The icy blade left a thin crimson line on her throat as she pleaded, "Spare me, Senior! I'll give you everything I have!"
She was young. She didn't want to die.
"Oh? Everything?" Fu Ye's gaze remained indifferent.
Compared to Zhu Zhuqing, Zhu Zhuyun's mature figure was undeniably alluring.
'System, show me slave mark.'
[Product: Ordinary (Soul King) Slave Mark]
[Effect: Complete control over the enslaved]
[Price: 0 | Stock: 99,999+]
[Product: Special Grade (Soul Saint) Slave Mark]
[Effect: Complete control over the enslaved]
[Price: 0 | Stock: 99,999+]
[Product: Super (Title Douluo) Slave Mark]
[Effect: Complete control over the enslaved]
[Price: 0 | Stock: 99,999+]
Fu Ye browsed the options in his system's store. He wasn't a cruel man, but precautions were necessary.
Under his scrutinizing gaze, Zhu Zhuyun lifted her head, her dark eyes glistening.
"Yes… everything."
…
Ten Minutes Later – Rose Hotel
"Two rooms."
Fu Ye understood why the Rose Hotel had changed ownership. After the last incident, Flender and his so-called brothers would never let the previous owner off easy. The man had likely fled, leaving only a reshuffled staff behind.
"Sir, we only have—"
"Boom!"
"I said two rooms."
A heavy sack of gold soul coins—roughly a thousand—thudded onto the counter.
"Right away, sir!" The manager's eyes gleamed as he handed over the keys. "Your rooms are adjacent."
His professionalism barely held as he stole glances at the two stunning beauties behind Fu Ye before forcing himself to look away.
Nightfall was peak business hours for this kind of establishment.
"Purple Mist… Orange Dreamland?" Fu Ye smirked at the keycards. "Still the same ridiculous names."
A wave of nostalgia hit him. After all, he was the one who had reduced Dai Mubai from a proud White Tiger to a whimpering mutt. Not seeing him around lately was almost… disappointing.
"BANG!!!"
The glass doors exploded inward under a powerful kick.
"Manager!" A rough voice bellowed. "Did you just give MY room to someone else?! I told you—Purple Mist is MINE!"
There he stood—Dai Mubai.
His face was rough with stubble, his once-golden hair now dull and unkempt. The arrogance in his eyes had long since curdled into bitterness.
Two years ago, Fu Ye had shattered his spirit. His soul power stagnated at Rank 31, his martial soul degraded, and his ambitions crumbled.
Now, he was just a washed-up noble drowning in vice.
"Young Master Dai," the manager said carefully, "you reserved Blue Ripples and Green Bitang for the year. You only stayed in Purple Mist once, half a year ago."
Fu Ye and Zhu Zhuqing stood with their backs to him, but at the sound of his voice, Zhu Zhuqing stiffened.
Her sister, Zhu Zhuyun, recognized him instantly.
'Dai Mubai.'
The man Zhu Zhuqing had waited five years for. The man she had been willing to die for.
And now, here he was—arms draped over two women, reeking of alcohol and decay.
Dai Mubai's gaze locked onto the two figures before him. Even from behind, their curves were unmistakable—top-tier beauties, likely sisters.
The girls in his arms suddenly seemed pitiful in comparison.
"Hey, kid!" He sneered at Fu Ye's back. "Hand those two over, and I might let you walk away. Otherwise… don't blame me for being ruthless!"
Zhu Zhuqing: (=ω=;)
Zhu Zhuyun: (=ω=;)
Fu Ye: o(一︿一+)o
'Seriously?'
…
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