The next morning, Chu Chengzhou took Zhu Zhuqing to Yue Xuan.
"Can the mistress of Yue Xuan help me refine that black bead?"
Stepping down from the carriage and looking at the entrance of Yue Xuan in the distance, Zhu Zhuqing asked Chu Chengzhou with a hint of curiosity.
"Mm, do you remember when I first came out of Slaughter City? She was the one who helped me recover.
Sister Yuehua possesses domain power. Her domain can cleanse the mind and purify all negative states. With the help of her domain, you won't need to worry about being corrupted by evil energy."
Chu Chengzhou nodded and explained.
"You call her sister—are you trying to take advantage of Tang San?"
Zhu Zhuqing said with a smile.
Zhu Zhuqing had met Tang Yuehua before and knew she was Tang San's aunt and the younger sister of Tang Hao, the Hao Tian Douluo.
Chu Chengzhou was of the same generation as Tang San, yet he called Tang Yuehua "sister," elevating his own seniority. Clearly, this was taking advantage of Tang San!
Chu Chengzhou smiled but didn't explain.
He wondered when his "good nephew" would come out of Slaughter City—he couldn't wait for Tang San to call him "uncle."
"By the way, why have I never heard of her name before?"
Zhu Zhuqing asked.
Domain power wasn't something even ordinary Title Douluos necessarily possessed. Among the soul masters on the continent who possessed domains, they were either geniuses or powerful individuals.
Tang Yuehua, being the biological younger sister of Tang Hao, the Hao Tian Douluo, must be quite old. Thus, she was likely one of the few rare powerful figures on the continent. Could she be an extremely low-profile powerhouse?
Upon hearing this, Chu Chengzhou thought for a moment and said, "Isn't 'Mistress of Yue Xuan' her title?"
Zhu Zhuqing: "..."
I'm asking about her identity, not her title!
Clearly, Zhu Zhuqing still didn't know that Tang Yuehua was a cultivation failure before yesterday.
But then again, her older brother Tang Hao was the famous Hao Tian Douluo, and her eldest brother Tang Xiao was also one of the strongest on the continent. As their biological younger sister, Tang Yuehua's talent should naturally be impressive—being misunderstood was normal.
Entering Yue Xuan, Chu Chengzhou didn't go directly upstairs to find Tang Yuehua. Instead, he had a servant from Yue Xuan go up and announce their arrival.
He was with his girlfriend—it wouldn't do to appear too familiar and risk exposing their relationship.
Yue Xuan, fifth floor.
In the tranquil and elegant hall, Tang Yuehua was silently cultivating according to the Absolute Control secret technique Chu Chengzhou had left behind the previous day.
"Madam, Young Master Chu has arrived."
At this moment, the voice of a maid came from downstairs.
Hearing this, Tang Yuehua stopped her cultivation and frowned slightly.
This little troublemaker didn't come upstairs directly—could it be that he's gone vegetarian today?
"Is he here with someone else?"
Suddenly, Tang Yuehua thought of something and asked downstairs.
"Answering Madam, there is indeed a young woman accompanying Young Master Chu."
Hearing this, Tang Yuehua's lips twitched slightly, and she said, "Invite them up~."
She thought so. Today, Chu Chengzhou was being unusually proper—it must be for a reason.
Sure enough, this guy brought a girl along, and without a doubt, it was one of the three girls in his household.
"Yes, Madam."
Not long after, footsteps echoed from the stairs. Tang Yuehua saw Chu Chengzhou walking up with a voluptuous leather-clad girl.
"Sister Yuehua!"
"Hello, Madam."
Both greeted Tang Yuehua.
"Haha~, you're Zhuqing, right? Just call me Sister like Chu does—no need to stand on ceremony."
Tang Yuehua smiled as she invited Zhu Zhuqing to sit down. Then, as she turned around, she glared fiercely at Chu Chengzhou.
This little troublemaker was truly despicable—just after taking her virginity, he brought one of his official girlfriends over?
"Sister Yuehua!"
Since Tang Yuehua was being polite, Zhu Zhuqing didn't act too distant and called her "Sister."
Hearing Zhu Zhuqing call her "Sister," Tang Yuehua's smile widened.
Some things weren't about age—they were about who came first. Being promoted from "younger sister" to "older sister," even if Zhu Zhuqing might not yet know her relationship with Chu Chengzhou, this "Sister" made her feel deeply satisfied.
After tea was served and some casual conversation, Chu Chengzhou mentioned the purpose of their visit.
"Sister Yuehua, recently I obtained a treasure suitable for Zhuqing to refine, but it contains a large amount of evil energy. I'd like to ask for your help—use your domain to assist Zhuqing in refining this treasure."
As he spoke, Chu Chengzhou nodded toward Zhu Zhuqing.
Then, Zhu Zhuqing took out the black bead left by the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger from her storage soul-guidance device.
"It's no big deal~."
A trace of surprise flashed in Tang Yuehua's eyes as she nodded.
Never would she have expected that this little troublemaker was such a multi-talented youth?
The value of treasures varied greatly depending on who described them, but since these words came from Chu Chengzhou, this unknown black bead must be an extremely valuable treasure.
After all, the last treasure Chu Chengzhou mentioned was the supreme item that helped her break through her martial soul's limitations.
A gentle ripple emanated from Tang Yuehua's body, and pale pink domain power blossomed. However, its range was small, only enveloping Zhu Zhuqing.
Energy was conserved; maintaining domain power required a certain amount of consumption. Though minimal, it still existed.
Tang Yuehua's soul power was very limited, so she could only maintain the domain just enough to cover Zhu Zhuqing, avoiding excessive consumption that would make it unsustainable.
"Zhuqing, begin your refinement~."
Chu Chengzhou said to Zhu Zhuqing.
"Mm."
Nodding, Zhu Zhuqing summoned her Nether Spirit Cat martial soul and began circulating soul power to refine the black bead from the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger.
As the refinement began, energy containing multiple attributes entered Zhu Zhuqing's body from the black bead.
However, unlike her initial attempt the other day, although the evil attribute energy again entered her body, the residual evil energy did not erode Zhu Zhuqing. Instead, it turned into wisps of gray gas that escaped her body and were completely purified by the domain power, dissipating into thin air.
Indeed, Tang Yuehua's domain was a natural counter to this kind of evil energy.
'Perhaps Big Sister can cure Bibi Dong's madness?'
Lost in thought, Chu Chengzhou pondered quietly.
Time passed gradually, and noon approached.
As energy was continuously refined by Zhu Zhuqing, the black bead from the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger had nearly turned transparent. Meanwhile, the soul power aura emanating from Zhu Zhuqing had increased significantly, rising from Level 66 Soul Emperor to Level 68 Soul Emperor.
Of course, the black bead left by the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger was far from simple—its effects couldn't be reduced to merely increasing two minor levels of soul power for a six-ring Soul Emperor.
Chu Chengzhou could tell that only a small portion of the energy within the bead had been converted into Zhu Zhuqing's personal soul power. Most of it had been absorbed by her Nether Spirit Cat martial soul.
Though the increase in soul power level wasn't significant, Chu Chengzhou was extremely satisfied.
For Zhu Zhuqing, increasing soul power level wasn't difficult.
The majority of the bead's energy absorbed by the martial soul, according to the law of conservation of energy, would either improve the quality of the Nether Spirit Cat martial soul or be used to awaken domain power.
Regardless of which outcome occurred, both were far superior to simply raising soul power level.
However, as the energy inside the black bead was almost fully refined, Chu Chengzhou couldn't help but grow nervous.
If the energy absorbed by the martial soul was meant to awaken domain power, and after the black bead was fully refined, Zhu Zhuqing still fell short of awakening domain power, leaving her in an awkward state, that would be somewhat disappointing.
Fortunately, though luck rarely favored Chu Chengzhou—except for special soul beasts like the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger, never giving him soul bones—luck often favored his women.
Just as Zhu Zhuqing fully refined the black bead left by the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger, the now-transparent bead vanished into thin air. Suddenly, a faint glow emerged from Zhu Zhuqing's body, followed by a wave of black domain power instantly spreading outward.
'It's done!'
Looking at the black domain covering the entire hall, Chu Chengzhou couldn't help but feel delighted.
Indeed, the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger was one of the most unique soul beasts on the continent. A single bead, somewhat akin to a soul core, had increased Zhu Zhuqing, a six-ring Soul Emperor, by two levels of soul power and awakened her domain power.
Unaware of the destructive nature of this black domain, and without being suppressed by the Killing God Domain, Chu Chengzhou let Zhu Zhuqing experience it fully.
Later, seeing Zhu Zhuqing regain consciousness and preparing to congratulate her, suddenly, Chu Chengzhou saw Zhu Zhuqing's figure disappear from its original spot and reappear by his side.
"Space?"
Looking at Zhu Zhuqing who had suddenly appeared beside him, Chu Chengzhou raised an eyebrow.
A smile tugged at Zhu Zhuqing's lips, and then her entire figure disappeared again.
"Concealment?"
Seeing Zhu Zhuqing's figure vanish and not reappear, Chu Chengzhou couldn't help but exclaim in surprise.
Then, Chu Chengzhou released his spiritual power to carefully examine.
Perhaps his spiritual power was too strong, or perhaps Zhu Zhuqing's strength wasn't sufficient—Chu Chengzhou vaguely sensed a fluctuation of life force where Zhu Zhuqing had disappeared.
Chu Chengzhou smiled and asked, "Zhuqing, besides teleportation and concealment, does your domain have any other effects?"
"Yes!"
Unable to completely hide from Chu Chengzhou, Zhu Zhuqing materialized, nodded, and continued, "I named it the Nether Domain. The Nether Domain comes with two domain skills and increases my strength by 30%.
Nether Teleport: Within the domain, consuming soul power allows unlimited teleportation.
Nether Concealment: Using the domain's power, I can hide my presence and tracks within the domain."
"Tsk~, not bad at all!"
Clicking his tongue, Chu Chengzhou praised.
A 30% strength boost was significant, and the two domain skills were quite practical. Especially the domain skill Nether Teleport, which allowed unlimited teleportation within the domain—it was practically an essential skill for burglary, murder, and arson!
Compared to his current Killing God Domain, which had automatically grown to boost his strength by 20% and suppress opponents by 20% but hadn't produced any domain skills, Zhu Zhuqing's Nether Domain was undoubtedly much stronger.
Indeed, mass-produced goods couldn't compare to custom-made ones.
"Zhuqing, congratulations!"
At this time, Tang Yuehua stepped forward to congratulate her.
"Thank you, Sister Yuehua!"
Zhu Zhuqing bowed gratefully.
Though the fundamental reason for her domain awakening lay in the black bead from the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger, Tang Yuehua's assistance was also significant.
Without Tang Yuehua's domain helping her ignore the issue of evil energy corruption, she might not have been able to awaken domain power directly by refining the bead.
After all, just a little less energy from the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger's black bead would've been insufficient to support her successful domain awakening.
"No need to be polite!"
Tang Yuehua waved her hand and glanced at the soul-guidance clock hanging on the wall. "Zhuqing, Chu, it's getting late. Let's eat lunch first!"
"Then thank you for your hospitality, Sister Yuehua~!"
With Zhu Zhuqing present, Chu Chengzhou couldn't openly linger at Yue Xuan. After eating lunch and chatting for a while, he returned home with Zhu Zhuqing.
Just as he entered the house, before he could tell Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong the good news about Zhu Zhuqing's domain awakening, Xiao Wu handed him an invitation: "Here, your 'good big brother' Xue Qinghe sent this."
Taking the invitation and opening it, Chu Chengzhou found that it was from his "good big brother" Xue Qinghe, inviting him to a gathering at the Tian Dou Grand Hotel two days later at noon to discuss important matters.
Seeing this, Chu Chengzhou raised an eyebrow. If he remembered correctly, Hu Liena had mentioned the previous night that Xue Qinghe was also inviting her to lunch three days later. It seemed Little Angel was planning to invite them both together.
Unless something unexpected happened, the so-called important discussion was likely related to plotting treason.
Little Angel upgrading to the Angel Empress? That could work!
Let's not forget that most time travelers harbored the mindset of "emperors take turns ruling; next year it'll be my family's turn." Even without that mentality, assisting Little Angel in usurping the throne wasn't a problem. After all, he wasn't a subject of Emperor Xue Ye nor had he ever received a salary from the Tian Dou Empire.
What about the Baron noble titles promised to the champion team's captain and vice-captain, and Viscount noble titles for the other members during the previous soul master tournament?
Chu Chengzhou, as the prospective son-in-law of Ning Fengzhi, felt the Baron noble title was too low-tier and hadn't claimed it.
Hmm, he might as well earn some merit by supporting Little Angel and get himself appointed as a prince/king similar to Tang San in the original.
Two days later, at noon.
Led by the waiter, Chu Chengzhou and Hu Liena, who had arrived together, entered a private room.
"Brother Qinghe, it's been so long! I've missed you dearly!"
As soon as they entered the private room and saw Qian Renxue already there, Chu Chengzhou immediately spread his arms, ready to give his "good big brother" a warm hug.
Glaring at Chu Chengzhou, Qian Renxue nimbly dodged his embrace.
"Tsk~, how boring."
Clicking his tongue, Chu Chengzhou expressed regret.
"Act serious for once!"
Rolling her eyes, Qian Renxue scolded him.
Hearing this, Hu Liena looked at Xue Qinghe, then back at Chu Chengzhou.
Why did it feel like flirtatious banter?
If not for her personal experience, knowing how formidable Chu Chengzhou was, Hu Liena might've thought there was something improper between Chu Chengzhou and his "good big brother" Xue Qinghe.
Hmm~, could this guy be into both men and women?
Thinking this, Hu Liena shivered involuntarily.
"Come, Nana, sit!"
Familiar as ever, Chu Chengzhou pulled Hu Liena to sit down. Then, he set up a layer of soul power barrier in the private room, isolating the interior from the outside to ensure no information leaked. Turning to Qian Renxue, he asked, "You invited Nana too—is it time to execute your plan?"
"Mm, Nana works at the Tian Dou Holy Hall. Mobilizing the Holy Hall's forces wouldn't go unnoticed by her."
Qian Renxue nodded.
"??? "
Blinking, Hu Liena stared at Xue Qinghe in confusion.
Mobilizing the Tian Dou Spirit Hall's forces? You, Xue Qinghe, are the crown prince of the Tian Dou Empire, not a holy child of the Spirit Hall!
And another thing—who are you to call me Nana?
"Confused?"
Qian Renxue asked Hu Liena.
"Mm."
Hu Liena nodded.
"When you were transferred to Tian Dou City, it was actually my idea.
Allow me to introduce myself—I am Qian Renxue. The former Pope Qian Xunji is my father, the Great Worship Qian Daoliu is my grandfather, and your teacher Bibi Dong...is also my mother!"
As she spoke, Qian Renxue deactivated the disguise soul bone skill from her angelic head bone, removed her hooded mask, and revealed her stunning beauty. Behind her, the shadow of her six-winged angel martial soul manifested.
"!!!"
Hu Liena abruptly stood up, eyes wide, staring incredulously at Xue Qinghe—no, Qian Renxue.
After a long while, snapping out of her shock, Hu Liena turned to look at Chu Chengzhou.
"Nana, what she said is true..."
Chu Chengzhou explained the situation to Hu Liena.
"Wait~, you're saying my teacher is your mother and the former Pope is your father?"
Suddenly realizing the key point, Hu Liena quickly questioned Qian Renxue.
From what she knew, her teacher Bibi Dong was the direct disciple of the former Pope Qian Xunji. Goodness~ forbidden master-disciple romance?
No, no—that couldn't be. She had never heard her teacher mention anything beyond their master-disciple relationship with the former Pope. Could the former Pope be a heartbreaker who had hurt her teacher deeply?
Moreover, Hu Liena had never heard her teacher mention having a daughter.
However, considering that neither Qian Renxue nor Chu Chengzhou would deceive her, especially since Qian Renxue's six-winged angel martial soul was undeniable proof, only members of the Spirit Hall's angel family could possess it.
To be honest, Hu Liena's guess was somewhat accurate. Qian Xunji had indeed broken Bibi Dong's heart, but he wasn't a heartless betrayer—rather, he betrayed his disciple.
Hearing this, Qian Renxue fell silent for a moment, then nodded.
Though Bibi Dong hadn't fulfilled any maternal responsibilities, it didn't change the fact that they were mother and daughter.
"Nana, the relationship between your teacher and the former Pope is complicated. Don't ask too much about it."
Seeing Little Angel's mood worsen, Chu Chengzhou gently pulled Hu Liena.
Hu Liena nodded slightly. From the fact that her teacher had never mentioned her marital relationship with the former Pope or having another daughter, it was clear that her teacher Bibi Dong's relationship with Qian Xunji and Qian Renxue was terrible—very terrible.
Considering that Qian Renxue was present, she refrained from asking further questions, lest she rub salt into her wounds.
"The timing is ripe now. I've already communicated with Grandfather and Bruce, and we're preparing to advance the plan."
Regaining composure, Qian Renxue addressed Chu Chengzhou.
Bruce—a Level 89 power-type Soul Douluo, one of the four platinum bishops of the Spirit Hall, the new head of the Tian Dou Spirit Hall succeeding Salas, and one of the only two platinum bishops loyal to the angel family, not promoted by Bibi Dong.
"What do you want me to do?"
Chu Chengzhou asked directly.
"There hasn't been war on the continent for a long time, and many wise men in the empire sense that this is the calm before the storm.
Additionally, the Spirit Hall's influence is growing, and several kingdoms and duchies under its jurisdiction are showing signs of slipping control. A few days ago, the empire officially ordered the military to establish the eleventh and twelfth legions at the southern camp, based on the original ten legions.
Once these two legions are formed and combat-ready, they will be deployed to the empire's southern border to guard against the Spirit Hall and the Star Luo Empire. At that time, Emperor Xue Ye will personally inspect the southern camp.
I plan to report to the empire and invite you—the empire's brightest genius—to join the inspection.
You're on the Star Luo Empire's wanted list, and high-grade soul bones are tempting. Assassins will ambush you on the way, but unfortunately, Emperor Xue Ye will meet an untimely end."
Qian Renxue briefly outlined the preliminary plan.
"If we follow your plan, isn't this setting me up?"
Stroking his chin, Chu Chengzhou said.
The assassins were targeting him, but if Old Man Xue Ye died, wouldn't he be implicated?
Of course, Chu Chengzhou didn't care about that.
Aside from Dugu Bo, the imperial guest of the royal family, the Tian Dou Empire's official ranks lacked any other Title Douluo-level experts.
Why did the Star Luo Empire have several Title Douluos, while the Tian Dou Empire only had Dugu Bo? This was something to ask the Spirit Hall.
As one of the two major empires on the continent, the Tian Dou Empire spanned vast territories, with a large population base fostering the emergence of many talented soul masters.
Even though most talented soul masters chose to join the Spirit Hall, many surely joined the Tian Dou Empire as well. After all, the Tian Dou Empire's efforts to recruit talented soul masters matched those of the Spirit Hall, and their benefits were top-notch.
But becoming a strong soul master took time, giving the Spirit Hall opportunities to sabotage secretly.
You have the potential to become a Title Douluo? No background and refusing to join our Spirit Hall but instead choosing the corrupt Tian Dou Empire? No problem—eliminate you first.
Not only the Spirit Hall would sabotage; given the chance, the Star Luo Empire wouldn't miss out either.
Lacking high-end combat power, even if talents emerged, the Tian Dou Empire likely couldn't protect them. This led to the scarcity of Title Douluo-level experts in the Tian Dou Empire.
"So, are you willing or not?"
Clicking his tongue, Chu Chengzhou said, "We're good brothers—I'll definitely help you. But your plan clearly has flaws!"
"What flaws?"
Qian Renxue asked.
"Where are these assassins coming from?"
"The Spirit Hall has many experts under its command—even among the Title Elders, several haven't shown their faces publicly. At that time, three Title Elders and ten Soul Douluos will pose as assassins."
Qian Renxue stated confidently.
The imperial guest of the Tian Dou Royal Family was essentially the royal Snow Family's hired fighter, but as a Title Douluo, Dugu Bo held high status and great freedom. He rarely served as Emperor Xue Ye's bodyguard.
When Emperor Xue Ye inspected the southern camp, the accompanying guards would be at most a few Soul Douluos. Sending three Title Douluos and ten Soul Douluos as assassins to "accidentally kill" Old Man Xue Ye would be a sure thing.
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