Armored cavalry guards surrounded the carriage, and on the carriage itself was a highly conspicuous White Tiger emblem, indicating the owner of the carriage.
Looking at the gentle scenery along the road, Dai Hao's gaze was deep and thoughtful. Not long ago, His Majesty had specially decreed for him to return to participate in this year's Douluo Competition. Yet, for some reason, he felt a persistent unease in his heart.
"Dong dong dong."
The rhythmic drumbeats continued, growing louder and more stirring, signaling that they had arrived home.
He retracted his gaze, temporarily restraining the wandering thoughts in his mind.
Outside the main gate, dozens of guards stood in orderly formation, and the White Tiger flags fluttered in the wind.
"Head of the family, we've arrived," a voice called from outside the carriage.
Dai Hao stood and stepped out. As soon as he emerged, he saw Dai Yaoheng and Dai Huabin, along with the Duchess. Beside them were Zhu Changming and Zhu Yuhan.
"Father," the two brothers hurried forward.
Dai Hao glanced at them, nodding calmly, then shifted his gaze to Zhu Changming. "Third brother, long time no see."
"Ha ha," Zhu Changming laughed. "It's indeed been a while. Last time must have been two years ago."
"Let's go inside and talk," the Duchess said calmly, her eyes on Dai Hao. For now, her main concern was resolving the matters concerning her two sons.
Dai Hao nodded, and soon the group returned to the mansion.
Inside the White Tiger Hall, Dai Hao sat in the main seat. The table that Dai Dianchen had smashed had already been replaced with a new one.
Listening to Zhu Changming talk about Zhu Yuhan and the two Dai brothers' ability to merge their Martial Souls, Dai Hao was somewhat surprised. In the past, Dai Yaoheng had attempted bloodline fusion tests with the Zhu family girl, all of which had failed. Yet this time, it had succeeded.
However, Zhu Changming had obviously not mentioned the earlier quarrels that had taken place in the White Tiger Hall.
Thinking of this, Dai Hao glanced at the sullen Dai Huabin, then at the composed Dai Yaoheng and the uneasy Zhu Yuhan.
Frowning slightly, he thought: he never really liked the so-called Nether White Tiger, even if it was the White Tiger family's famed ultimate skill. But after all, the two great families had been allied through marriage for over ten thousand years. In a sense, outsiders already considered them as one.
Dai Hao calmly said, "Since we must choose a suitable partner for Yuhan among the two brothers, why not test the degree of Martial Soul fusion? That would be fair enough."
Upon hearing this, the group's expressions shifted slightly. Dai Yaoheng approved, while Dai Huabin was angry.
Only Zhu Yuhan bit her lip silently. Fair? It seemed no one had asked for her opinion.
But… it didn't matter. Who would care about her anyway?
She silently sighed. This was the fate of a Zhu family girl: having accepted the family's resources, she must contribute herself to the family.
It wasn't that marrying into the White Tiger family was a bad thing—after all, it was the top noble family of the Xingluo Empire. But for a young girl, who wouldn't want a love of her own?
For her, Dai Yaoheng was a suitable partner—far better than Dai Huabin.
Analyzing the situation, Zhu Changming quickly decided: "This is fine; it will prevent endless arguments."
The Duchess nodded in agreement.
A previously contentious matter was suddenly resolved.
Dai Hao glanced at Dai Yaoheng, who understood immediately and stood. "Father, after your long journey, I will go arrange the luncheon. Huabin and Yuhan will come with me."
Perhaps due to his father's bloodline suppression, Dai Huabin's sullen expression gradually faded. He stood to leave, while Zhu Yuhan bowed to Dai Hao and Zhu Ruiying before leaving with the others.
"Border situation?" Once the younger ones left, Zhu Changming immediately asked.
Dai Hao's expression carried a hint of fatigue. "It's the same as always. The two sides remain in a standoff, with occasional minor skirmishes. Recently, they haven't harassed the border, perhaps because of the Douluo Competition. Moving troops now would draw attention. That's also why His Majesty decreed my return, to participate in the opening of this year's Douluo Competition."
Zhu Changming and the Duchess listened intently.
"By the way, why is Huabin back? I thought he wasn't part of the Shrek Academy team."
Suddenly, Dai Hao's expression changed as he asked Zhu Ruiying curiously.
Upon hearing this, Zhu Ruiying's face stiffened. She had planned to ask about border issues but swallowed her words.
"Did something happen?" Dai Hao immediately sensed something amiss, his eyes growing sharp.
Zhu Ruiying hesitated but ultimately recounted Dai Huabin's actions at Shrek Academy. If Dai Huabin wasn't home, it could have been concealed—but…
Hearing that Dai Huabin had dared to ambush Mingfeng Douluo's disciples in Shrek City and had even provoked Shrek Academy's experts to seek compensation, Dai Hao's pupils dilated in shock, quickly turning into intense anger.
"Whoosh."
Dai Hao suddenly stood and strode toward the hall's exit.
"Dai Hao, what are you doing?" Zhu Ruiying hurried to stop him.
Though their marital relationship was average, she addressed him by name.
"What am I doing?" Dai Hao's gaze was icy. "How long has this been happening, and I'm only finding out now? This bastard dared to ambush in Shrek City?"
He removed his belt from his waist, flinging Zhu Ruiying aside, and charged toward Dai Huabin.
"Dai Hao!" Zhu Ruiying, flung aside and unable to react, watched helplessly as Dai Hao left the hall.
Knowing Dai Hao's temper, she turned pale. Once he hits him, Dai Huabin could be bedridden for one or two months.
"Third brother, stop Dai Hao. I'll go notify our second uncle to intervene," Zhu Ruiying hurriedly said to a stunned Zhu Changming.
Zhu Changming didn't dare delay and followed Dai Hao, while Zhu Ruiying rushed to find elder assistance.
Inside the inner mansion's kitchen, Dai Yaoheng was instructing chefs to prepare a proper lunch. Outside, Dai Huabin and Zhu Yuhan stayed silent, standing several meters apart.
Recalling Zhu Yuhan saying she would marry his older brother, Dai Huabin's anger boiled inside.
Ever since encountering that girl, nothing in his life went smoothly; he had suffered one defeat after another.
Damn it, once back at the academy, he would vent his anger on Dai Luoli.
"Head of the family."
At that moment, several respectful calls came, accompanied by a pleading voice: "Brother-in-law, hear me out, this child has already…"
Before the voice finished, Dai Hao entered the kitchen area, his gaze piercing.
Zhu Yuhan immediately stood respectfully, but Dai Huabin noticed his father's cold gaze and the finely crafted belt in his hand approaching him.
Without needing a warning, Dai Huabin realized with a hint of fear: he was about to be beaten.
"Kneel."
Dai Hao's voice was low and commanding.
Dai Huabin's legs went weak. Swallowing, he knelt down.
"Whoosh."
Without hesitation, Dai Hao swung the belt, striking Dai Huabin's back.
The impact produced a crisp sound, and Dai Huabin felt the burning pain as if his body would be crushed.
His clothes were torn, fragments scattering to the ground.
One strike was not enough.
Dai Hao swung the belt again, harder this time. Before it could strike, Zhu Changming intervened, urging: "Dai Hao, Huabin knows his mistake. We already punished him. We didn't inform you earlier only to avoid affecting the border. Please spare him."
Kneeling, Dai Huabin's heart sank. His ambush in Shrek City was exposed.
Dai Hao's expression remained cold. "Spare him? Do you know what would have happened if he had succeeded? I've always emphasized prudence, yet he acted foolishly and was caught. If not for Shrek Academy respecting Dai Mubai's ancestor, he might not have returned alive."
"But everyone makes mistakes. Didn't you make mistakes before?" Zhu Changming said sternly.
Hearing this, Dai Hao's expression flickered, recalling something. He finally lowered his hand.
Seeing this, Zhu Changming exhaled in relief.
Nearby, Dai Yaoheng, who had stepped out to hear the commotion, froze, and Zhu Yuhan was bewildered, unsure of what to do.
The servants kept their heads low, pretending not to notice.
"Whoosh whoosh whoosh."
Suddenly, several auras arrived, landing in the courtyard. Leading them was Dai Dianchen, followed by Dai Dianguang, Dai Dianfeng, and Zhu Ruiying. The fourth and sixth brothers were absent.
"Second uncle, third uncle, fifth uncle," Dai Hao sheathed the belt and greeted them.
"Can't issues be discussed behind closed doors? Huabin must participate in this competition. If you injure him, he'd miss five years until the next Douluo Competition," Dai Dianchen said calmly.
Dai Hao took a deep breath. "It's my fault. I stayed at the border too long and failed to educate him. I'll apologize personally at Shrek Academy if there's a chance."
Meanwhile, Zhu Ruiying checked Dai Huabin's injuries. Seeing they weren't serious, she whispered to him, "Apologize to your father to calm his anger."
Dai Huabin clenched his teeth. "I was wrong, Father. I shouldn't have done those foolish things."
Dai Hao gave him a long look. "Rise."
"Yes." Dai Huabin stood, the pain shooting through his back, his face contorted.
Dai Hao instructed, "Ruiying, take the second son to heal."
Zhu Ruiying nodded, leading Dai Huabin away.
"This isn't a good place to talk. Shall we move elsewhere?" Zhu Changming said, smiling, as the atmosphere stabilized.
Soon, the group left the kitchen area, leaving Dai Yaoheng and Zhu Yuhan.
Xingluo Imperial Palace
Xu Jiawei sat comfortably, while a middle-aged officer in Xingwei attire reported systematically.
"Your Majesty, the White Tiger Duke has returned. Should we start the operation?"
The officer was a commander-level Xingwei, Soul Power level 85.
Xu Jiawei tapped the table lightly. "Begin. Once the southwestern nobles spread the news, wait for my order to strike. Eliminate the four dukes' main lines, kill the conspirators among the others, spare one for later arrangements."
"If these nobles secretly sided with the Sun-Moon Empire, even if the news leaks, it will take a day or two. By the time they respond, it will be after the Douluo Competition begins. I can control Dai Hao and insert loyal generals to reclaim military power."
The officer nodded. Leaks from southwestern nobles were not an issue; historically, such information always leaked, and the nobles were used to it.
What they didn't know: for this operation, the leakers had already been replaced.
"My duty is done," the officer said respectfully.
"Mm." Xu Jiawei nodded.
After the officer left, Xu Jiawei looked at the Douluo Continent map on the wall.
He stared at the Mingdou Mountains and the southwestern territories, the killing intent of an emperor rising in his eyes. If the nobles truly betrayed him, the consequences would be grave.
For this plan to succeed, he had dispatched eight title Douluos to quickly eliminate unnecessary conflicts.
Even the 98th-level Ice Crystal Douluo, the head of the Offering Hall, was sent out.
As the Douluo Competition approached, Xingluo City became crowded. The royal family deployed more troops for order and opened new city districts, easing housing issues.
Enormous wealth poured into the city; merchants profited, travelers enjoyed themselves, and everyone had a good day.
In Xinghuang Hotel, all 133 advanced Soul Master academies gathered, ready for the first elimination round. Even the Sun-Moon Imperial Soul Tutor Academy dared not underestimate it.
Dai Yaoheng returned that afternoon, and Wang Yan explained the competition rules.
Dai Yaoheng smiled throughout, his home life remaining a mystery.
Dai Huabin left the same afternoon, but unlike his brother, his expression was grim.
Mainly because Dai Yaoheng retained a trace of bloodline for testing with Zhu Yuhan. If their fusion exceeded Dai Huabin, Zhu Yuhan would become his sister-in-law.
While Xingluo City was bustling, the southwestern region of the Xingluo Empire presented a different scene.
This region, covering about one-fifth of the empire with over 15 million people, had four top duke families with over four thousand years of legacy, virtually ruling as local emperors.
Their roots were intertwined and hard to remove—this is why past emperors avoided complete action. Any move could destabilize the nation.
The region's unique position fostered stability. Even during the Sun-Moon Empire's invasion, the war didn't reach here.
Haifeng City, with over three million people, was the first city in the southwest, bordered by the vast sea west and south, facing the Sun-Moon Empire across the bay.
Dark clouds gathered, strong winds lashed the sea, waves churned, and occasional lightning split the sky.
A storm was approaching, rain soon to follow.
The bustling harbor glowed like soul-guided lamps. Ships trembled, none daring to sail.
Even busy streets were nearly empty, despite being before eight in the evening.
Outside Haifeng City stood a mansion—the White Tiger Duke's estate.
In the long corridor, hurried footsteps echoed. Rain pounded the windows, trees bent under the wind.
In a book-filled room, a white-haired elder sat in a soft chair, listening to a steward while reading leisurely.
Once the steward finished:
"Clap."
The book closed. The elder glanced at the steward calmly. "No rush. Do as usual. The royal family has attempted to eliminate us before. Prepare gifts as well; proper etiquette must be observed."
"Yes, master," the steward said respectfully, leaving.
Not only the White Tiger Duke received intelligence; the other three top duke families did as well. They all largely ignored it.
What they didn't know: beneath the storm, many eyes were watching.
Looking westward from the Mingdou Mountains, an old woman floating a thousand meters above spoke:
"Suixing, return to His Majesty. The southwestern nobles have rebelled. I request their extermination."
"Understood."
Behind her, a man around sixty nodded. His title was Suixing, Martial Soul: Fragmented Star Light, Level 95 Super Douluo.
...............
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