Chu Chengzhou's origins were naturally clear to Qian Renxue. She knew his parents had long passed away, so there was no such thing as a family heirloom ultimate technique.
Moreover, what kind of powerful ultimate techniques could an ordinary soul master possess?
From what she knew, there were already illusion techniques, archery techniques, and movement techniques. Additionally, Chu Chengzhou could add an eighty-thousand-year sixth soul ring, and both his physical body and spiritual power were strong. If it weren't for the soul bone, he must also possess an ultimate technique that enhanced physical strength and spiritual power.
"Want to know?"
"Yes!"
Qian Renxue nodded.
"Want to learn?"
"Really?"
Instantly, Qian Renxue's eyes lit up.
Qian Renxue knew her grandfather, Qian Daoliu, was a Level 99 peerless Douluo who had once undergone the trial of the Ancestor Angel God. He was a half-divine powerhouse, just half a step away from becoming a god.
In contrast, Tang Chen of the former Hao Tian Sect was purely a Level 99 Limit Douluo. Fundamentally speaking, Tang Chen's realm was half a level lower than her grandfather's.
But despite being a demi-god, her grandfather couldn't defeat the Level 99 Tang Chen and was even slightly inferior.
The Seraphim martial soul passed down in the Angel Family was a divine-level martial soul that granted domain power upon awakening. Its quality was a whole tier above the supposedly "number one weapon martial soul" in the world, the Hao Tian Hammer.
However, despite having advantages in martial soul, soul ring configuration, and even realm, why was her grandfather still unable to defeat Tang Chen?
Moreover, not only did her grandfather fail against Tang Chen, but over a decade ago, even her father lost to Tang Hao, who had a lower soul power level, and even sacrificed his life.
Qian Renxue believed this was because Tang Chen and Tang Hao mastered powerful ultimate techniques like the Hao Tian Nine Absolutes and the Great Sumeru Hammer, while her grandfather and father lacked such powerful techniques.
If she could learn some powerful ultimate techniques from Chu Chengzhou, perhaps she could restore glory to the Seraphim?
Generation after generation, hammer kings hammering angels?
From now on, generation after generation, angels slaying hammer kings!
No, there would be no more hammer kings. Tang Hao had killed her father, and the Hao Tian Sect would surely be destroyed in the future!
Upon hearing this, Chu Chengzhou waved his hand and said, "We're good brothers; the ultimate techniques I know can naturally be taught to you! However…"
"What however?"
"While pure brotherhood might deteriorate, I want a child from you to ensure our bond lasts forever. This shouldn't be considered excessive, right?"
Stroking his chin, Chu Chengzhou spoke.
Qian Renxue: "..."
In the afternoon, the large group arrived at Spirit City.
The thousand royal knights of Tian Dou, who served as escorts and ceremonial display, set up camp outside Spirit City. Chu Chengzhou, the four others, and the accompanying Tian Dou delegation were led by a platinum bishop of the Spirit Hall into Spirit City and headed toward a hotel not far from Pope Mountain.
Guests defer to their hosts, and this hotel was where many guests attending the Holy Maiden Enthronement Ceremony would stay.
Perhaps by coincidence, at the hotel entrance, they encountered a young man and woman accompanied by several guards.
The young man had golden hair, was tall and handsome, while the woman wore tight leather clothing, had fair skin, was beautiful, and had an explosive figure with deep cleavage.
"Yo, Big Sister-in-law, long time no see!"
Chu Chengzhou greeted Zhu Zhuyun cheerfully.
The young man and woman were none other than Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun.
While the Tian Dou Empire and Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect were on the Spirit Hall's guest list, the Star Luo Empire was naturally included as well.
However, it seemed the Spirit Hall had ulterior motives, arranging the delegations of the two empires to stay in the same hotel.
"Chu Chengzhou?!"
Before Zhu Zhuyun could respond, upon recognizing Chu Chengzhou, Dai Weisi immediately became enraged.
The royal family had lost many experts, including four elders, all of whom would have been his support after ascending to become the Emperor of Star Luo. Naturally, Dai Weisi harbored hatred for Chu Chengzhou as the main culprit.
"May I ask who you are?"
With refined manners and an air of nobility, Chu Chengzhou pretended to look surprised and asked Dai Weisi.
"Hmph, you don't recognize me, the Crown Prince?"
Dai Weisi snorted coldly, clearly displeased.
Upon hearing this, Chu Chengzhou raised an eyebrow. Dai Weisi had become the Crown Prince of Star Luo?
Then again, Dai Weisi's talent wasn't bad either. With a significant advantage in the competition for the throne, now that Dai Mu Bai was already incapacitated, being established as the imperial heir was only natural.
"Oh, so you're the Crown Prince of Star Luo? But how dare a mere small-time Crown Prince act so arrogantly in front of me?"
At this moment, Chu Chengzhou completely discarded the noble etiquette he learned from Tang Yue Hua. Looking down his nose, he spoke disdainfully.
"How dare you!"
Seeing Chu Chengzhou's dismissive attitude, Dai Weisi became furious.
"Big Sister-in-law, take my advice—none of the Dais in Star Luo are any good. I think you should break up with him as soon as possible!"
Ignoring Dai Weisi, Chu Chengzhou earnestly advised Zhu Zhuyun.
Zhu Zhuyun: "..."
Setting aside their years of feelings, this was a marriage alliance between families and the royal household. How could it be dissolved just like that?
"Damn it! Chu Chengzhou, you wait for me!"
The old scoundrel Chu actually advised Zhu Zhuyun to break up with him? Unforgivable! Pointing at Chu Chengzhou, Dai Weisi roared in anger.
"Kneel and call me father!"
Glancing at Dai Weisi, Chu Chengzhou said indifferently.
"You f*cking fool..."
Dai Weisi was about to mock Chu Chengzhou's delusional thinking, but before he could finish, he felt a surge of spiritual power enter his mind. In an instant, the hateful old Chu scoundrel in his eyes transformed into his sole supreme belief.
God taking in His humble servant as a son? This was a great blessing!
"Father!"
Immediately, Dai Weisi shouted, bent his knees, and knelt down forcefully, giving Chu Chengzhou three loud kowtows.
Seeing this, everyone present was shocked.
What was going on? The Crown Prince of Star Luo, Dai Weisi, kneeling and kowtowing to acknowledge someone as his father? Wouldn't Emperor Dai Yutian of Star Luo die of anger?
Just then, an angry roar sounded: "Dai Weisi, what do you think you're doing?"
Following the voice, Chu Chengzhou saw a golden-haired elder and an old woman walk out of the hotel.
'Grand Elder Dai Feng of the Star Luo royal family?'
Recognizing the person, Chu Chengzhou raised an eyebrow.
As far as he knew, Dai Feng was a peak Level 89 Soul Douluo. The old woman beside Dai Feng appeared to be a high-level Soul Sage. If they activated the Spirit Fusion Technique: Nether White Tiger, they would basically possess the strength of a Level 95 offensive-type Titled Douluo.
The next second, Dai Weisi, who had just finished kowtowing, stood up and glared furiously at Dai Feng, pointing at him: "You old thing, stop barking nonsense!"
Instantly, everyone present perked up and took three steps back, turning into spectators munching on melon seeds. Even passersby on the street came over to watch the spectacle.
Meanwhile, Chu Chengzhou inconspicuously retreated a few steps, concealing his abilities and reputation, handing the 'stage' over to Dai Weisi.
"Dai Weisi, do you know what you're doing?"
Forcing himself to suppress his anger, Dai Feng roared.
Although he didn't know exactly what happened, the Crown Prince of the empire kneeling and kowtowing to acknowledge someone as his father, especially acknowledging the enemy of the royal family, Chu Chengzhou, and even calling him an old thing—this was unacceptable for Dai Feng, who considered himself the third-in-command of the imperial royal family.
Well, the first-in-command was the old patriarch, White Tiger Douluo Dai Tao, the second-in-command was the Emperor Dai Yutian, and as the grand elder of the royal family, he was naturally the third-in-command.
If it weren't for the presence of so many people, Dai Feng would have undoubtedly beaten Dai Weisi senseless without hesitation, making him come to his senses.
"You old thing, does it bother you that I acknowledge a father?"
Dai Weisi said rudely.
Calling him an old thing repeatedly—although Dai Feng was a Level 89 Soul Douluo, and though he wasn't young, his body was still robust, otherwise he definitely would have spat out blood in rage.
Immediately, Dai Feng moved forward and slapped Dai Weisi on the back of his head, knocking him unconscious.
"Boy, was it you who did it?"
After knocking out Dai Weisi, Dai Feng questioned Chu Chengzhou with a dark expression.
Dai Feng wasn't stupid. Dai Weisi had been fine earlier, but now he was acting like a lunatic—it was obvious he had been influenced by someone.
And the prime suspect was Chu Chengzhou, who excelled in spiritual power techniques and had deep grievances with the empire.
"You old thing, don't make baseless accusations. Which eye of yours saw me act? Brother Qinghe, did you see anything?"
Glaring at Dai Feng, Chu Chengzhou spoke rudely, then turned to ask Qian Renxue beside him.
"Hehe, no!"
Qian Renxue gave a dry laugh, shaking her head.
"Then who saw anything? Come out and let me see?!"
Chu Chengzhou scanned the crowd and asked.
Everyone present shook their heads.
Aside from the onlookers, everyone here was part of the Tian Dou delegation. As members of the empire, they naturally wouldn't side with the Star Luo people.
Moreover, everyone indeed hadn't seen Chu Chengzhou make a move.
"You old thing, take my advice. Blindness is a disease; it needs treatment!"
Chu Chengzhou said contemptuously to Dai Feng.
"How dare you!"
Dai Feng was filled with wrath and couldn't help but exude a powerful aura.
"Hmm? What do you plan to do? Want to fight? See the person behind me?"
Chu Chengzhou pointed to Chen Xin behind him and continued, "This is my Sword Grandpa, one of the strongest on the continent. Try to make a move."
His demeanor resembled those villainous characters in novels who bully men and women, only to be easily dealt with by the protagonist.
Chen Xin: "..."
Chen Xin couldn't help but look speechless, but he still cooperated, glaring menacingly at Dai Feng.
It seemed that if Dai Feng dared to make a move, the next second he would unsheathe his Seven Kill Sword and attack.
"Hmph, take Dai Weisi and go!"
Snorting coldly, Dai Feng pointed at the unconscious Dai Weisi lying on the ground, said something to Zhu Zhuyun, then turned and walked into the hotel.
There was nothing he could do. This was Spirit City, not the territory of the Star Luo Empire. Moreover, he couldn't defeat Chen Xin. Being weaker, he had no choice but to yield.
"Tch, is that all?"
Seeing Dai Feng instantly back down, Chu Chengzhou sneered.
Skipping over this minor incident, after arranging accommodations for the Tian Dou and Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect guests, the leading platinum bishop of the Spirit Hall headed toward the Pope's Palace.
The events that occurred at the hotel entrance naturally had to be reported to the wise Pope.
Placing the Tian Dou and Star Luo delegations together was also specifically instructed by Bibi Dong. Otherwise, according to past practices, the Spirit Hall would divide guests from the two empires into two separate camps.
The purpose was simple—to deepen the conflict between the two sides, who were already at odds recently.
Clearly, Bibi Dong's plan succeeded. There was no need to send people to stir the pot—the fire had already ignited on its own.
Perhaps it was just a tiny spark, but remember, a spark can start a prairie fire!
After checking into the hotel, Chu Chengzhou, having nothing to do, went out to scout.
Night fell. After dinner, Chu Chengzhou left the hotel again and headed toward a certain location in the city.
"Hmm? What's this little thief up to?"
Inside the hotel room, near the window, Qian Renxue gazed in the direction of the Pope's Palace, pondering whether to visit Bibi Dong after seeing her grandfather tonight. Suddenly, she spotted Chu Chengzhou's figure on the street outside.
Looking at the direction, it seemed he was heading toward the Pope's Palace... No, he changed direction and was heading toward the residential area at the foot of Pope Mountain?
Qian Renxue was puzzled. If her intelligence was correct, there shouldn't be anyone Chu Chengzhou knew in Spirit City.
Moreover, the residential area at the foot of Pope Mountain housed core members of the Spirit Hall. Either they were mid-to-high-level officials of the Spirit Hall ranked red robe or above, or they were talented youths of the Spirit Hall's younger generation.
Thinking about it, her curiosity piqued, Qian Renxue summoned a trusted subordinate and ordered someone to investigate why Chu Chengzhou had gone there.
On the other side, in the residential area at the foot of Pope Mountain, Chu Chengzhou familiarly approached a courtyard.
Lightly tapping his toes, he leaped over the wall and entered the yard.
Approaching the window, he noticed the silhouette inside meditating and cultivating. Smiling, Chu Chengzhou pulled out a large bouquet of pink roses from his storage soul tool.
'Level 61? Looks like she's been working hard lately~'
Sneaking quietly, he opened the window and looked at the meditating silhouette sitting cross-legged on the bed. Chu Chengzhou inwardly thought with satisfaction.
In just over nine months, advancing from a Level 55 Soul King to a six-ring Soul Emperor showed that this girl hadn't been lazy.
Of course, much of the credit went to the Nine Breaths Qi Absorption Technique and the Star Luo Pearl she consumed earlier.
Next, he gently fanned his right hand, controlling the airflow, creating a small breeze carrying the scent of roses toward the meditating silhouette.
'The scent of roses?'
Smelling the rose fragrance entering her nose, Hu Liena, who was meditating, couldn't help but be startled.
She didn't remember having roses in the room, nor were there any planted in the yard. Where did the rose fragrance come from?
The next second, Hu Liena exited her meditation, opened her eyes, and looked in the direction the fragrance was coming from.
"??? "
Seeing the long-missed figure and his mischievous smile, Hu Liena couldn't help but rub her eyes, fearing she was mistaken.
"Nana, I'm here!"
Chu Chengzhou smiled and said.
The next second, Hu Liena rushed to the window and tightly hugged Chu Chengzhou.
"Did you miss me?"
Gently patting the back of the girl in his arms, Chu Chengzhou said.
"Mm-hmm!"
"I'm still outside the window. Aren't you going to let me in?"
Hearing this, Hu Liena blushed slightly and released Chu Chengzhou.
Click—
Climbing through the window into the room, Chu Chengzhou locked the window behind him.
"Nana, this is for you~"
Chu Chengzhou lifted the 99 pink roses symbolizing eternal love.
Taking the roses and looking at them, Hu Liena tossed them onto the nearby coffee table, then licked her lips and said, "Love me~!"
Soon, the couple who had tasted each other's essence and had been apart for a long time engaged in fierce combat inside the room.
As if knowing that someone below was doing intimate things, a cloud drifted across the night sky, covering the hanging moon.
Not far from Hu Liena's courtyard, at a fork in the road.
After observing the surroundings, Qian Renxue, who had now resumed her female attire, frowned.
Her trusted subordinate sent to investigate Chu Chengzhou's whereabouts had already returned and reported. However, due to setting out quite late, they couldn't keep up and finally inquired from nearby shop owners, learning that Chu Chengzhou had entered from this side.
"Uncle She Long, Uncle Ci Xue, who lives in this area?"
Qian Renxue turned to ask She Long and Ci Xue.
"Young Master, we've rarely been in Spirit City and don't know about this."
The two exchanged glances, and She Long replied somewhat awkwardly.
"Then release your spiritual power and check, see if you can find where Chu Chengzhou is now."
After some thought, Qian Renxue said.
The spiritual power of a Titled Douluo was not weak and could cover this area.
She Long nodded and released his spiritual power to probe.
Moments later, She Long furrowed his brows.
"What's wrong?"
Qian Renxue asked.
"Young Master, I didn't see Chu Chengzhou's figure, but there's a layer of spiritual power barrier inside the house of that courtyard. I can't detect the situation inside."
She Long pointed to the third courtyard not far from the fork.
Hearing this, Qian Renxue nodded slightly. Since Chu Chengzhou entered from here, he couldn't have disappeared. If there was something suspicious inside that courtyard, then Chu Chengzhou was likely there.
But what exactly was hidden inside?
However, just as Qian Renxue was about to have She Long and Ci Xue inquire who lived in this courtyard, two young men approached from the distant street.
One had silver hair, the other red hair, both with Soul King levels.
They were none other than Xie Yue and Yan, coming to find Hu Liena.
Qian Renxue noticed them, and naturally, Xie Yue and Yan also saw Qian Renxue along with She Long and Ci Xue.
Qian Renxue's beauty was peerless, and She Long and Ci Xue, as Titled Douluos, exuded extraordinary auras, immediately drawing the attention of Xie Yue and Yan.
However, since this was Spirit City and close to the Pope's Palace, and with the Holy Maiden Enthronement Ceremony approaching, they didn't think Qian Renxue's group was here to cause trouble, assuming they were guests from other forces on the continent.
After a glance, Xie Yue and Yan withdrew their gaze and continued walking toward Hu Liena's courtyard.
In Xie Yue's eyes, beauties were nothing but red-powdered skeletons; women only slowed his sword-drawing speed.
In Yan's eyes, he had only one goddess, Hu Liena, who had grown up with him since childhood. Other beauties, no matter how beautiful, were all fleeting clouds.
Pathetic dogs~ Seeing other pretty girls and being unable to move isn't called being a pathetic dog—it's called being a lecherous wolf.
"Young Master, these are Xie Yue and Yan from our Spirit Hall's 'Golden Generation' trio."
Ci Xue recognized the two and transmitted a message to Qian Renxue.
Raising an eyebrow, Qian Renxue paid no attention.
Golden Generation? When there's no tiger in the mountain, monkeys proclaim themselves king.
Being over twenty and not yet achieving the six-ring Soul Emperor level—such geniuses' future achievements wouldn't surpass ordinary elders within the Spirit Hall, not worth her consideration.
"Uncle She Long, please find someone to ask who lives in that courtyard…"
Just as Qian Renxue was about to have She Long inquire about the courtyard's occupant, she saw Xie Yue and Yan approach and knock on the courtyard gate, calling out 'little sister' and 'Nana'.
Instantly, Qian Renxue's expression froze, then darkened.
Since these two were Xie Yue and Yan, the 'little sister' and 'Nana' they referred to was undoubtedly her mother Bibi Dong's disciple, Hu Liena.
Good grief, as soon as he arrived in Spirit City, Chu the little scoundrel hooked up with Hu Liena?
When did this happen? Why didn't she know?
"Tsk~, shameless pair!"
Cursing silently, Qian Renxue, whose face darkened, turned and walked towards the Shrine Hall without looking back.
"Uncle She Long, what's up with Young Master?"
Seeing Qian Renxue leave without a word, Ci Xue, feeling puzzled, transmitted a message to She Long.
"What else could it be? Eighty percent chance Young Master has fallen for that Chu Chengzhou. Now she found out he's secretly meeting with the Pope's disciple, and she's sulking!"
Pretending to be experienced while actually being single himself, She Long confidently replied.
Ci Xue: "..."
On the other side, Chu Chengzhou, who was busily working inside the room, cursed inwardly.
To prevent peeping, he had set up a spiritual power barrier inside the room beforehand.
Previously, when a Titled Douluo's spiritual power swept through, he ignored it since it didn't disturb his business. Busy as he was, Chu Chengzhou didn't bother to check who was idly probing around, as there were plenty of Titled Douluos in Spirit City.
But this time was different. Her big brother had arrived, and he couldn't pretend nothing happened. If her big brother didn't get a response and barged in directly, it would be inconvenient.
"Nana, big brother's here~"
Dispelling the spiritual power barrier, Chu Chengzhou informed Hu Liena on top of him.
"??? Big brother?"
Momentarily confused, Hu Liena heard the voices of Xie Yue and Yan outside the courtyard.
"Little sister, are you there?"
Outside the courtyard, Xie Yue knocked on the door and called out.
"Ahh~, what is it?"
Unable to hold back a gasp, Hu Liena pinched the mischievous Chu Chengzhou, her face flushed red.
"Nana, open the door! Yan and I have something to discuss with you!"
Yan called out.
Through the walls and courtyard, the two outside didn't notice anything unusual about Hu Liena's voice.
"Let's talk tomorrow... Ahh~, I'm in cultivation right now!"
Responding to the two outside, Hu Liena covered her mouth and glared at Chu Chengzhou, who continued his mischief.
"Xie Yue, do you think Nana seems a bit off?"
Outside the courtyard, Yan asked Xie Yue, somewhat puzzled.
"Is she?"
Xie Yue scratched his head, confused.
"Nana never allowed me to call her Nana before. Didn't she just not object? Xie Yue, do you think Nana is starting to accept me?"
Yan excitedly laughed.
Was this the legendary self-satisfaction?
After a brief silence, Xie Yue said, "As long as you're happy!"
"Haha, Xie Yue, from now on, you're my real brother! Today, little brother will treat you. Let's go have a drink at a restaurant with excellent taste in the city!"
Laughing, Yan draped his arm over Xie Yue's shoulder and headed toward a highly recommended restaurant in the city.
At this moment, Yan had no idea that the only goddess in his heart had already been shaped entirely by someone else, both in soul and body.
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