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"That scoundrel!" Na'er continued to fume in anger and embarrassment after leaving Bai Xu. No matter what she did, the marks on her body wouldn't wash away—not even her Silver Dragon abilities could remove them. What was worse, these marks seemed to amplify her desires. Did this mean that from now on, whenever Bai Xu willed it, she would have no choice but to throw herself at him?
Though she believed Bai Xu wouldn't act without her consent, if she ever agreed, she truly would be at his mercy.
"How could something like this exist? Unless…" Suddenly, Na'er thought of something. When Gu Yuena and Gu Yue had been intimate with Bai Xu, their bodies had undergone changes. But it was only now, with her, that a qualitative transformation had occurred.
"And my soul power seems to have risen by two levels…" Na'er carefully sensed the changes within her, then suddenly widened her eyes as if realizing something. She sighed, "Is it because our physiques are too different that I can't conceive his child? The way I am now… it's more like my Silver Dragon body is undergoing an evolution."
As she pondered, she glanced down at her lower abdomen, her cheeks flushing red. "Why do these patterns look so strange? Can't they just disappear?"
Na'er sat cross-legged, trying to recover while simultaneously attempting to influence the peculiar markings, probing their nature.
After a while, she seemed to grasp something from them and exclaimed in shock, "A dual cultivation method?!"
Gritting her teeth, she spat, "So this was your plan all along, Bai Xu!!!"
"Scoundrel!"
---
Douluo Federation.
The Federation was anything but calm at the moment. The parliament had been convened once again following the news that the Spirit Pagoda branch in the Douling Empire had been completely annihilated. According to intelligence reports, it had been attacked by evil soul masters, resulting in the death of the branch master, Hua Tao, a 96th-ranked Title Douluo, who perished alongside them.
However, any official explanation would have to come from Qiangu Dongfeng.
When Tang Wulin and the others received the news, they were equally shocked. The destruction of a Spirit Pagoda branch was no small matter—its severity was second only to the bombing of Shrek Academy. But since the incident occurred outside the Federation's borders and the Spirit Pagoda operated with a high degree of autonomy, the Federation had little room to intervene.
Everything hinged on Qiangu Dongfeng's response.
Federation Parliament
A large round table was nearly filled with seated parliamentarians, all waiting for the day's main figure—Qiangu Dongfeng.
Ever since the bombing of Shrek Academy, the hawkish faction within the parliament, backed by the Spirit Pagoda, had far surpassed the dovish faction in influence. Now, with this latest incident, it seemed Qiangu Dongfeng had further schemes in mind.
Tap, tap, tap…
The door opened, and Qiangu Dongfeng strode in, heading straight to his seat without any pleasantries. He cut straight to the point: "Members of the Federation, regarding the destruction of our Spirit Pagoda branch, our deputy master has personally traveled to the Douling Empire to verify the facts and uncover the truth."
"And just moments ago, we have our answer."
Hearing this, the room fell deathly silent. No one dared to make a sound.
Who would dare to annihilate a Spirit Pagoda branch?
Was it the Ghost Emperor? The Netherworld Emperor? Or perhaps the legendary leader of the Holy Spirit Cult?
Qiangu Dongfeng's voice was icy as he declared, "Recently, the Spirit Pagoda headquarters dispatched a spirit master to the Douling Empire on official business. It has now been confirmed that this individual was a spy for the evil soul masters. The destruction of our branch was the result of their collusion, leading to the slaughter of our high-ranking members."
Gasp!
"What?! There was actually a spy from the evil soul masters within the Spirit Pagoda?" one parliamentarian exclaimed in shock. The Holy Spirit Cult's schemes ran deeper than anyone had imagined.
"Hmph, they've infiltrated Shrek Academy, the Spirit Pagoda, the Tang Sect, and even the Blood God Legion with countless spies over the years. This is hardly surprising. Given the Holy Spirit Cult's recent audacity, this is the perfect opportunity for the Federation to demonstrate justice and suppress these evil soul masters," a hawkish parliamentarian proposed after exchanging a glance with Qiangu Dongfeng.
"However… isn't this a bit rash? Evil soul masters are nothing more than a group of lowlifes. I'd prefer declaring war on the other two empires to reunite the continent. Once everything is stabilized, we can implement a permanent eradication plan for evil soul masters worldwide."
The hawkish faction's arguments left the doves speechless.
Qiangu Dongfeng seized the moment to stir emotions, muddying the waters further. With this incident, he could feel the rumors about the Spirit Pagoda's collusion with the Holy Spirit Cult in bombing Shrek Academy dissipating. Not only that, but he had also rallied support, fueling the parliamentarians' thirst for war.
Mo Lan listened gravely to the hawkish discussions, her brow furrowed. She couldn't go against the tide. After the Holy Spirit Cult bombed Shrek and now destroyed a Spirit Pagoda branch, there was little justification to oppose retaliation. But declaring war on the other two empires…
Ahem!
Just as Mo Lan was about to voice her thoughts, Qiangu Dongfeng spoke again.
His tone brooked no argument as the virtual screen above the round table displayed a dossier. "This man is the Holy Spirit Cult's spy—Bai Xu. He is the mastermind behind the branch's destruction. I demand a Federation-wide manhunt for him. Anyone who kills him will be rewarded with an artificial ten-thousand-year soul ring, a Black-grade mecha, and precious materials for a three-word battle armor.Furthermore, I will notify the Star Luo and Douling Empires to jointly issue a warrant for his arrest. This notice has already been disseminated to all Federation personnel."
The wanted notice issued by the Spirit Pagoda had already spread far and wide. Alongside it was the announcement of the successful development of artificial ten-thousand-year soul rings, now entering mass production. The emergence of the Beast Platform and its research into ten-thousand-year soul spirits was credited to the Silver Dragon Princess and Spirit Pagoda emissary, Gu Yuena.
With this wave of propaganda, the Spirit Pagoda's previous negative reputation was swept away. Even Bai Xu's wanted status paled in comparison to the significance of artificial ten-thousand-year soul spirits—this breakthrough meant the Douluo Federation's overall strength would reach new heights!
"Now, the parliament will vote on whether to approve the warrant for Bai Xu and the suppression of the Holy Spirit Cult. Begin voting!"
As red and green votes lit up the screen, only a handful opposed, while the majority approved. This vote was merely a formality, stoking hatred toward the Holy Spirit Cult and the Federation's war fervor, paving the way for eventual continental unification.
Bang, bang, bang!
A knock sounded at the door, and a Spirit Pagoda emissary rushed in. "Master! Another Spirit Pagoda branch in the Douling Empire has been destroyed! The Spirit Ascension Platform and all other installations have been reduced to nothing!"
"What?!" Qiangu Dongfeng's face darkened as a video feed was transmitted.
The footage showed a city at dusk, the sky illuminated by two suns—one the setting evening sun, the other a blazing radiance behind a lone figure. Under that white light, buildings melted away into nothingness.
Even soul barrier shields couldn't withstand the illumination. Strangely, the light seemed to only affect Spirit Pagoda structures, leaving people unharmed.
"I've said it before—this is solely directed at the Spirit Pagoda. All bystanders, stay out of the way. Those who interfere will die!"
An overwhelming pressure swept through the area. No one below the Title Douluo level dared to take to the skies to confront Bai Xu. Only the branch master—a 94th-ranked Title Douluo, not of the Qiangu lineage but wielding a Dragon Staff—stepped forward.
Then the feed cut off.
Suppressing his rage, Qiangu Dongfeng dialed Leng Yaozhu's soul communicator. "Yaozhu, where are you?"
Leng Yaoju replied, "On my way to North Sea City. I received the news, but by the time I arrive, it'll likely be over. I don't know how that child became so powerful. Despite being only a Soul Douluo, he can kill Title Douluos—even Super Douluos."
"Be careful."
---
Elsewhere
Bai Xu's Adoptive Parents' Home.
Federation and Spirit Pagoda investigators had arrived, questioning the couple. Bai Xu had sent them a portion of his monthly salary out of gratitude for their three years of care, but beyond that, he had never returned—not even a single letter. It seemed the man was utterly cold-blooded, cutting off all ties even with those who raised him.
Leng Jiuming stood inside the East Sea Spirit Pagoda, clutching half of the Five Elements Manual. With a pulse of soul power, he reduced the book to dust. His gaze distant, he murmured, "Bai Xu… did you foresee this day and deliberately avoid all contact?"
"I misjudged you. From the moment we met, you were already grown."
Knock, knock, knock!
Spirit Pagoda investigators arrived to gather all information related to Bai Xu.
---
Na'er observed everything from the Spirit Pagoda headquarters. Now, she was renowned—her title as the Silver Dragon Princess had spread far and wide, and her peerless beauty attracted countless suitors. She wasn't under investigation.
Just as Bai Xu had said, she only needed to swear before her master Leng Yaozhu, Pagoda Master Qiangu Dongfeng, and other high-ranking officials that she had no ties to Bai Xu.
If she did that… she would remain the Silver Dragon Princess.
"Na'er…" Qiangu Zhangting entered Gu Yuena's office, looking dazed. Since the news about Bai Xu broke, this wasn't the first time he'd found her lost in thought by the window.
"Na'er, Bai Xu is a spy for the Holy Spirit Cult—a despicable villain. He doesn't deserve you! If you publicly denounce him at the internal conference, Grandfather won't hold you accountable."
Like a naive child, Qiangu Zhangting made it sound so simple. It was as if, in front of Gu Yuena, he lost all rationality, his actions utterly unbefitting his status and demeanor.
Hearing this, Na'er turned to study Qiangu Zhangting's face—his hopeful expression, his desire for her to turn back.
Na'er wasn't sad, just silent. She spoke softly, "I'll cut ties with him. But Qiangu Zhangting, there's no need for you to hover around me like this. Your unrequited devotion only proves I have no feelings for you. The more you humiliate yourself trying to please me, the more repulsive it becomes."
Qiangu Zhangting froze. After a long pause, he said hoarsely, "I know. But if one day you change your mind… and the person by your side isn't me, I'd regret it for the rest of my life."
"Don't regret it. At the very least, in this life, we walk different paths." Gu Yuena's firm voice shattered Qiangu Zhangting's last shred of hope.
She found it strange—how love seemed to rob people of their senses. Na'er felt that if she feigned affection like in the original timeline, Qiangu Zhangting would do anything for her.
But Bai Xu was different. Gu Yuena, Gu Yue, and Na'er still retained their own will, making choices that best served themselves and the soul beasts—between love and duty.