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Inside the Star Luo Imperial Palace.
The palace was resplendent, adorned with golden carvings and painted beams, its grandeur unmatched.
Dai Tianling sat on the throne with a furrowed brow, his expression troubled. Below him, a minister knelt in reverence, while beside him stood En Ci, the Guardian Douluo of the Star Luo Empire, whose martial soul was the Radiant Holy Dragon. The magnificent hall was filled with powerful figures—dukes and high-ranking officials—all standing solemnly on either side. The atmosphere was heavy with tension.
The kneeling minister reported, "Your Majesty, according to our investigations, battles have erupted in the outskirts of multiple cities across the empire within the past ten days. The destructive power unleashed has caused widespread panic among the populace. When our royal forces arrived, they discovered that the destroyed sites were all hidden sanctuaries of the Holy Spirit Cult. Moreover, nearly all the evil soul masters who had been hiding among the people have been killed."
"This style of action… it must be that man wanted by the Federation," Dai Tianling sighed, rubbing his forehead.
Lately, he had been overwhelmed. Rumors suggested that the Federation was preparing to wage war against both the Star Luo and Dou Ling Empires, aiming to unify the entire continent. While the Star Luo Empire was highly militaristic and focused on nurturing soul masters, its development in soul technology and weaponry still lagged behind.
The only hope to tip the scales in their favor was the imminent arrival of the Tang Sect's leader. Indeed, the Tang Sect had already contacted him to negotiate a weapons deal. He had reviewed all the terms, most of which were reasonable.
To be honest, Dai Tianling was surprised.
The Tang Sect's stated reason for cooperation was their desire to prevent the war, fearing the devastation it would bring.
Though he understood the underlying motives, he said nothing, not even hinting at it.
Perhaps this was the Tang Sect's way of resisting the Federation's oppression—by selling advanced soul technology weapons to an enemy nation. The Federation would undoubtedly hold them accountable.
But at this critical juncture, Bai Xu had emerged, stirring unrest among the people. He seemed to have grown formidable, possessing combat power at the Super Douluo level—a force not to be underestimated. Strangely, however, he appeared to have a vendetta against the Holy Spirit Cult, specifically targeting evil soul masters. In a way, he was indirectly helping the Star Luo Empire by eliminating its enemies.
"Yes, civilians have confirmed his appearance matches the description on the wanted notice," the minister replied.
"What about the Spirit Pagoda? Have they taken any action?" Dai Tianling felt increasingly distressed. If not for Bai Xu's elusive movements, he would never have allowed such chaos within Star Luo's borders.
"They have sent scouts, but like us, they've been unable to track Bai Xu. Currently, the Spirit Pagoda branch in the capital is on high alert, with security personnel doubled."
Bai Xu also seemed to have a grudge against the Spirit Pagoda, having already destroyed two of its branches in the Dou Ling Empire. Now that he was here, it was unlikely he would stop.
But the Star Luo Empire was no weakling like Dou Ling. With En Ci, a Limit Douluo, and Zhang Geyang, the 98th-ranked Super Douluo and branch master of the Spirit Pagoda stationed in the capital, Bai Xu would surely meet his end if he dared attack.
"For now, increase surveillance efforts. Ignore the evil soul masters, but under no circumstances can we allow Bai Xu to destroy the Spirit Pagoda in the capital. Without it, our empire will be crippled in the coming war," Dai Tianling declared sternly.
"As you command."
---
Spirit Pagoda Branch.
The master of this branch, the Hell Flame Douluo Zhang Geyang, was a true powerhouse—far beyond the capabilities of the branch master in Dou Ling. Zhang Geyang also served as deputy master of the Spirit Pagoda's headquarters, holding the same rank as Leng Yaozhu, the Heavenly Phoenix Douluo.
Hu Jie, the head of the Tang Sect's Star Luo branch—known as the "Golden-Bellied, Silver-Buttocks"—had once clashed with Zhang Geyang. Though Hu Jie's dual martial souls from the Body Sect gave him an edge, Zhang Geyang's formidable spirit souls made it impossible for him to secure a decisive victory.
Zhang Geyang had served in the Star Luo Empire for twenty-seven years, establishing deep roots. His strength was unmatched, and his personality was unyielding. Within the Spirit Pagoda, his prestige was immense, ranking him among the organization's most powerful figures.
Even the Spirit Pagoda's master, Qiangu Dongfeng, treated him with respect, addressing him as a brother.
At this moment, Zhang Geyang gripped his soul communicator, his voice grave. "Master, it's confirmed—it's that man, Bai Xu. He seems to be on a rampage against the Holy Spirit Cult, having destroyed over a dozen of their hidden sanctuaries in ten days and slaughtered countless low-level evil soul masters. His methods are ruthless."
"Brother Zhang, this man has already destroyed two of our branches. Now that he's in Star Luo, his motives extend beyond just the Holy Spirit Cult."
"Shall I eliminate him?"
"Since we're already at odds, it's best if he dies there. However, our intelligence suggests his abilities are highly unusual—he seems to wield multiple powers. Be cautious."
Zhang Geyang chuckled darkly. "Master, if he dares come, this place will be his grave. But I've received word that the Tang Sect's new leader is soon arriving in Star Luo to negotiate with the royal family. After being suppressed by us in the Federation, they now seek to support Star Luo in stopping the war."
"Do what you can to hinder them. Frankly, I doubt Star Luo and Dou Ling stand a chance against the Federation's military. The gap in soul technology isn't just in soul masters—it's a comprehensive disparity," Qiangu Dongfeng stated firmly.
"Understood."
The call ended, and Zhang Geyang's gaze darkened. Truly, these were turbulent times.
---
White Tiger City.
Returning to this place stirred no nostalgia in Bai Xu—his memories of the city were faint. Yet, one of the Spirit Pagoda's eighteen great pillars stood here.
Night of the Full Moon.
As multicolored light barriers rose into the sky, the unusual nature of this night was sealed.
"He's here…"
Inside the Spirit Pagoda, five figures stood ready, unfazed by the luminous formation enveloping the structure. They soared into the air, their nine soul rings materializing in sequence.
Four Title Douluos and one at the peak of the 95th rank, bordering on Super Douluo.
To Bai Xu, this lineup was insignificant.
"Young friend Bai Xu, hold your attack!" the leader, a kindly-faced elder, urged.
"Today, I am here only to destroy the Spirit Pagoda. Those who wish to live may leave," Bai Xu replied indifferently.
"Young friend, hear me out—"
Before the elder could finish, a white sun materialized behind Bai Xu. Where its light touched, the Spirit Pagoda's structures began melting rapidly. Bai Xu's mysterious soul skill seemed tailor-made to dismantle the pagoda's metallic framework, especially the Spirit Ascension Platform.
"You—! Fine!" The elder's attempt to stall crumbled as he watched priceless soul tools and the millennia-old landmark dissolve before his eyes. "Since words cannot sway the doomed, attack together!"
Activating his Martial Soul True Body, the elder fought desperately to protect the pagoda.
But…
A colossal spectral hand descended. Before the four Title Douluos could react, the elder's True Body was slammed into the earth.
A 95th-ranked Title Douluo was no match for Bai Xu. "I said those who wish to live may leave. You and I have no grievances to settle."
Cloaked in five-colored radiance, Bai Xu resembled a divine entity—a sage incarnate. Only his eyes were visible, gleaming with an eerie, multicolored hue.
The four Title Douluos exchanged glances… then fled.
It wasn't cowardice—the scene before them shattered all will to resist. A man wielding a white sun, bathed in mystic light, who had effortlessly crushed a 95th-ranked elder, was simply too terrifying to oppose.
*****
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