"Your Majesty, your humble servant greets you!"
Seeing Dai Yutian emerge from the hall, Dai Weisi, who had been waiting outside, immediately stepped forward and bowed.
"Weisi, what urgent matter brings you to see me?"
Dai Yutian asked.
"Your Majesty, these are my proposed measures for dealing with the disaster-stricken areas in the southern provinces. I humbly request your critique."
As he spoke, Dai Weisi handed over a scroll containing his report.
A few days ago, an earthquake struck the southern provinces of the Star Luo Empire, affecting countless civilians.
The night before, Dai Yutian had given Dai Weisi a test—asking him to propose disaster relief policies. If satisfactory, Dai Weisi, as Crown Prince, would be allowed to participate in state affairs earlier than planned.
Motivated by this opportunity, Dai Weisi immediately set his mind to work (with guidance from experts) and wrote up the disaster relief plan overnight.
"Mm, let's set this aside for now. Follow me."
Waving his hand, Dai Yutian instructed Dai Weisi.
As a devout believer, the most pressing task now was to pay respects to the great Lord God. As for testing his capable son Dai Weisi? That could wait.
Dai Weisi: "???"
Not long after, Dai Yutian brought Dai Weisi onto the carriage. Under the escort of Star Luo Royal Knights, they left the palace and headed toward the Star Luo Imperial Academy.
On the mountaintop forest beside the official road outside Star Luo City, Chu Chengzhou caught sight of the carriage approaching under the protection of numerous Star Luo Royal Knights. His spirits lifted.
In the next moment, a golden glow flashed in his hand as the Nine Heavens Mystic Bow and Flowing Gold Armor-Piercing Arrow materialized.
Holding the bow in his left hand and placing the arrow on the string with his right, soul power surged through the arrow, emitting a sharp, inch-long gleam.
Chu Chengzhou: Gaze southwest, shoot the White Tiger!
When the carriage drew near, Chu Chengzhou used his spiritual power to lock onto Dai Yutian and Dai Weisi inside. Then, he released the arrow.
"Whoosh—"
Accompanied by a faint whistling sound, the Flowing Gold Armor-Piercing Arrow shot out like lightning.
In mid-air, the arrow split into two, transforming into twin streaks of golden light that streaked toward Dai Yutian and Dai Weisi inside the carriage.
"Protect the emperor!"
Seeing the two streaks of golden light flash across his vision, Heires, the leader of the Star Luo Royal Knights, shouted loudly.
However, his warning came too late. Before his words even faded, the two streaks of golden light pierced directly into the carriage.
"Boom boom—"
Two muffled explosions, reminiscent of bursting watermelons, sounded from within the carriage.
"Your Majesty!"
The next moment, four middle-aged figures guarding the rear of the carriage leapt to the window, anxiously pulling back the curtain.
But what greeted their eyes was no longer the dignified emperor or crown prince—only two headless corpses gushing crimson blood.
"How dare you!"
With a roar, fierce fluctuations of soul power erupted as the four enraged individuals activated their martial souls and manifested their weapons. Yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black, black—eight soul rings shimmered brilliantly.
Clearly, these four Soul Douluos were bodyguards assigned to protect Emperor Dai Yutian, working alongside Heires, the commander of the Royal Knights.
Unfortunately, they had been too careless—right under their noses, the emperor had been assassinated.
Of course, even if they had been more vigilant, it wouldn't have mattered. The speed of Chu Chengzhou's arrows was simply too fast, and five Soul Douluos couldn't have stopped them.
Moreover, in terms of raw strength, even without activating the martial soul fusion technique Nether White Tiger, Dai Yutian himself surpassed any one of the five.
At this moment, an invisible spiritual force descended upon the four Soul Douluos and Heires. Instantly, their vision blurred, and they fell into eternal darkness.
Thump thump thump thump thump—
The five whose souls had been obliterated collapsed to the ground, losing all signs of life.
The next moment, Chu Chengzhou arrived riding the summoned Phoenix Little Hong, ignoring the panicked Star Luo Royal Knights. He landed beside the carriage, collected the soul bones that had dropped from Dai Yutian and Dai Weisi, along with a black package near the bodies.
As for the corpses themselves, he left them behind—to serve as evidence for Star Luo.
Afterward, glancing at the five bodies on the ground outside the carriage and confirming they hadn't dropped any soul bones, Chu Chengzhou rode Little Hong away.
The imperial treasury had been looted, the emperor was dead, the crown prince was dead, and the Grand Elder was also dead. Moreover, the assassin had revealed himself—a blatant slap in the face. It was certain that the Star Luo Empire would now pursue him to the death.
Next, Chu Chengzhou needed to return to Tian Dou and await the full might of the Star Luo Empire to come after him.
He wondered how many powerful experts would show up.
About half an hour later, seven golden-haired figures arrived at the scene.
After a bout of impotent rage, the elders of the Star Luo Royal Family fell silent, their faces darkened.
After the deaths of Sixth Elder Dai Sheng, Seventh Elder Dai Heng, Eighth Elder Dai Xu, and Ninth Elder Dai Yao, the original nine elders of the Star Luo Royal Family had dwindled to five. Later, three replacements were added, restoring the number to eight.
Now, with Grand Elder Dai Feng killed by Chu Chengzhou, only seven elders remained.
Not long after, a burly, golden-haired elder descended from the sky.
"Old Clan Leader!"
Seeing Dai Tao arrive, the royal elders bowed respectfully.
Waving his hand, Dai Tao, his face grim, trembled as he raised his arm and pulled back the carriage curtain.
Upon seeing the mutilated remains of his son and grandson, Dai Tao's face twisted in anguish.
"Who... who did this?!"
Dai Tao roared furiously.
For an elderly man over eighty years old, losing his only daughter and son-in-law last year, and now his remaining son and grandson—how cruel was reality?
Tears streamed down Dai Tao's tiger-like eyes.
"Old Clan Leader, the murderer who killed His Majesty and the Crown Prince is Chu Chengzhou."
Royal Second Elder Dai Wei spoke solemnly.
Chu Chengzhou hadn't attacked the Star Luo Royal Knights, but while the knights might not recognize him, they certainly recognized his Phoenix summon. After questioning the arriving elders, the culprit was quickly identified as Chu Chengzhou.
"That Chu Chengzhou again?!"
Dai Tao was enraged beyond measure.
How many times had the royal family stumbled before Chu Chengzhou?
At this moment, Dai Tao wished he could capture Chu Chengzhou immediately and subject him to a thousand cuts.
After venting his rage, Dai Tao suddenly realized that Dai Feng wasn't present. A foreboding feeling arose in his heart. "Where is the Grand Elder?"
"We've already sent someone to notify him at the Imperial Academy, but he hasn't arrived yet."
Dai Wei shook his head.
Just then, a royal knight galloped from the southern road.
"Where is the Grand Elder?"
Dai Wei stepped forward and asked.
"Reporting to Second Elder, the Grand Elder and his wife are not at the Imperial Academy."
"Damn it!"
Dai Tao cursed loudly.
No need to guess—the Grand Elder Dai Feng was almost certainly dead.
Under normal circumstances, perhaps he had gone out on business, but given the current situation, how could such a coincidence exist?
Two hours later.
In a grand hall of the Star Luo Palace, numerous members of the royal family gathered.
In the center of the hall lay two headless corpses covered with white cloth.
The assassination of the emperor and the death of the crown prince were undoubtedly a severe blow to the Star Luo Royal Family. As members of the royal family, those present were both angry and weighed down with sorrow.
Well, except for one golden-haired youth.
This golden-haired youth was none other than the third prince, Dai Mubai, with double pupils.
His father, the emperor, was dead, leaving the throne vacant.
His eldest brother, the crown prince, was also dead, leaving the position of heir empty.
This... was a heaven-sent opportunity!
After all, the day his eldest brother ascended the throne would have been the day his soul power cultivation was stripped—or even when he would meet his end. Now that his eldest brother was dead, didn't that make him the new heir?
And with the throne vacant, becoming the heir was essentially equivalent to becoming the emperor.
The reason he had become a marginalized figure in the royal family was simply because Chu Chengzhou had taken away his fiancée.
Even with this stain on his reputation, who among the royal family was more qualified than him to inherit the position of heir?
After all, his own cultivation talent was not weak, and his grandfather was the empire's retired emperor and the old clan leader. In terms of closeness, wouldn't his grandfather naturally support him?
Of course, Dai Mubai knew this was not the right occasion. While inwardly delighted, he maintained a somber and angry expression.
After all, laughing at the death of one's father and brother would surely disqualify him from the throne.
Truly, a filial son!
At this moment, footsteps echoed from outside the hall. Royal Second Elder Dai Wei entered, his face grim.
Approaching Dai Tao, Dai Wei opened his mouth several times but ultimately couldn't speak.
"What else is there?"
Dai Tao, his bloodshot eyes glaring, asked in a low voice.
"Old Clan Leader, I went to the Grand Elder's residence earlier. According to the steward, the Grand Elder sold off his assets and borrowed two hundred million gold spirit coins from various chambers of commerce in the city. Additionally..."
Steeled himself, Dai Wei looked at Dai Tao, wondering if the old clan leader could endure another blow.
"Two hundred million gold spirit coins..."
Upon hearing this, Dai Tao's face turned even grimmer.
Two hundred million gold spirit coins was no small sum. Combined with the cash from selling off his assets, it amounted to two or three years' worth of military expenses for the empire.
Taking a deep breath, Dai Tao continued, "What else?"
"The guards of the imperial treasury reported that before His Majesty was assassinated, he visited the treasury and stayed inside for over an hour.
Only His Majesty possessed the key to the inner door. Although no one has checked inside yet, it's likely that..."
Dai Wei didn't finish, but Dai Tao understood.
Immediately, Dai Tao vanished from the hall and rushed to the imperial treasury.
---
At the entrance of the imperial treasury.
"Hail, Your Excellency!"
Seeing Dai Tao arrive, the treasury guards bowed deeply.
Ignoring the guards, Dai Tao activated his White Tiger martial soul. With a surge of soul power, his tiger claws slammed fiercely against the treasury doors.
"Boom boom boom—"
In less than half a minute, the two layers of thick iron doors were forcibly torn apart by Dai Tao.
But what greeted Dai Tao's eyes was no longer the treasure-filled treasury he remembered. All the treasures were gone, leaving only the corpse of a treasury guard lying in a pool of blood.
"Ahhh—"
Three seconds later, Dai Tao, overwhelmed with grief and fury, let out a roar to the heavens.
The accumulated wealth of thousands of years of the royal family—all gone, save for the soul bones already fused into the royal members' bodies!
"Pfft—"
First, his son and grandson were assassinated; then, the treasury was looted. Overwhelmed by grief and rage, the eighty-year-old Dai Tao spat out a mouthful of blood and fainted.
"Your Excellency, Your Excellency?! Quickly, find a healing-type soul master!"
The captain of the treasury guards shouted to the others.
Fortunately, as a Title Douluo, although over eighty, Dai Tao was still physically robust. Not long after fainting, he regained consciousness in his chambers.
Looking at his wife of nearly sixty years, Zhu Yuelian, her hair gray and eyes red, and recalling today's events, Dai Tao felt a sharp pain in his heart.
"Someone, bring in Second Elder!"
Gently patting his wife's arm, Dai Tao called out to those outside the hall.
There was no response from outside, but Second Elder Dai Wei entered—he had been waiting outside all along.
Dai Wei approached the bedside and said, "Old Clan Leader, how is your health?"
Without an emperor, without a crown prince, and with the imperial treasury looted, the empire couldn't afford to lose Dai Tao, its "pillar of stability."
Dai Tao didn't answer Dai Wei's question. Instead, his eyes flashed with resolve as he commanded, "Summon all royal elders, imperial marshals, and gather in the Hall of State Affairs."
"Yes, Old Clan Leader!"
Seeing Dai Tao's determination, Dai Wei accepted the order and withdrew.
"Tao Ge, are you sure about this? What if..."
After Dai Wei left, Empress Dowager Zhu Yuelian expressed her concerns.
She understood Dai Tao's intentions. The royal elders all possessed the martial soul fusion technique Nether White Tiger, which, when activated, rivaled the strength of a Title Douluo. Each imperial marshal was also a Title Douluo.
Although her son Dai Yutian and grandson Dai Weisi had been assassinated, and even her daughter and son-in-law had been killed by the same assassin a year ago, her pain was no less than Dai Tao's.
But she wasn't just a mother and grandmother—she was also the Empress Dowager, sharing the empire's honor and disgrace.
The Spirit Hall was watching closely. If this revenge mission resulted in heavy losses, the empire, which had thrived for thousands of years, might very well go up in flames.
"This enmity cannot be forgiven!"
Dai Tao declared firmly.
---
Star Luo Palace, Hall of State Affairs.
At the head of the hall, Dai Tao sat in the seat originally belonging to Emperor Dai Yutian, lost in thought.
The atmosphere in the hall was heavy as figures arrived one by one. Upon seeing Dai Tao seated, they bowed respectfully and took their seats.
A long while later, after the last imperial marshal arrived, Second Elder Dai Wei stood up and addressed Dai Tao, "Old Clan Leader, everyone is here."
Hearing this, Dai Tao opened his tiger-like eyes.
"Surely all of you are aware of today's events. Our emperor was assassinated, and the crown prince is dead. The culprit is Chu Chengzhou of the Tian Dou Empire. As high-ranking members of the empire, what should you do?"
As he spoke, Dai Tao's piercing gaze swept across the twelve others in the hall.
Royal Second Elder Dai Wei, Level 88 Soul Douluo; Third Elder Dai Kun, Level 87 Soul Douluo; Fourth Elder Dai Mao, Level 87 Soul Douluo; Fifth Elder Dai Hui, Level 86 Soul Douluo; newly appointed Sixth Elder Dai Li, Seventh Elder Dai Pan, and Eighth Elder Dai Kang, all Level 81 Soul Douluos, and all possessed the martial soul fusion technique Nether White Tiger.
Even the newly promoted Dai Lisan, upon activating Nether White Tiger, could rival aLevel 91 optimally configured Title Douluo.
Imperial Marshal Cao Lie, martial soul: Azure Dragon Staff, Level 94 strong-attack system Title Douluo, title: Azure Dragon.
Marshal Chu Xing, martial soul: Ironclad Tyrant Dragon, Level 93 strong-attack system Title Douluo, title: Tyrant Dragon.
Marshal Meng Ji, martial soul: Wind and Thunder Leopard, Level 93 agility-attack system Title Douluo, title: Wind and Thunder.
Marshal Du Ze, martial soul: Silver Moon Celestial Wolf, Level 92 agility-attack system Title Douluo, title: Celestial Wolf.
Marshal Si Xu, martial soul: Ice Spirit Bear, Level 92 strong-attack system Title Douluo, title: Ice Bear.
These five Title Douluos were not only imperial marshals but also the heads of five of the empire's seven ducal families. The other two ducal families had not produced new Title Douluos in this generation.
"Blood debts must be repaid in blood!"
"Those who assassinate an emperor deserve death!"
"Revenge for His Majesty and the Crown Prince!"
"Kill!"
As soon as Dai Tao finished speaking, the seven royal elders and five imperial marshals responded unanimously.
Perhaps the Dai family's emperors were domineering, but the upper echelons of the Star Luo Empire were undoubtedly united. Those who didn't align with the royal family had long since been eliminated.
More accurately, only those loyal to the royal family could ascend to the upper ranks of the Star Luo Empire.
Those with exceptional cultivation talent became generals or even imperial marshals in the military, while those with lesser talent became high-ranking officials in the court.
In terms of internal unity, among the top powers of the continent, only the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect could rival the Star Luo Empire.
Since the current Pope Bibi Dong ascended, the Spirit Hall had split into two factions: the overt Pope's faction and the covert Elder faction.
The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan—family elders had expelled the clan leader's son, regardless of the reasons, revealing internal disunity.
The昊天宗(Hao Tian Sect)—since the current昊天斗罗(Tang Hao) conspired with the transformed soul beast Blue Silver King, bringing calamity to the sect, it had subtly split into the sect leader faction and the anti-Tang Hao elder faction.
The Tian Dou Empire—due to the weakening of the royal family's inherited martial soul, if not for the staunch support of their ally, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, the imperial Snow family might not even be able to maintain their grip on power.
As for the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, since the direct lineage consisted of auxiliary-type soul masters, every generation of sect leaders placed great emphasis on loyalty.
Perhaps there were spies within the sect, but excluding those planted by external forces, there were no high-ranking members opposing the sect leader.
Of course, this unity stemmed not only from the fairness of successive sect leaders but also from the fact that no other power could offer the same benefits as the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.
"Good!"
Seeing unanimous agreement for retaliation, Dai Tao nodded. Turning to Dai Wei, he said, "Second Elder, provide intelligence on Chu Chengzhou, as well as the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and the Tian Dou Empire. For this revenge mission, consider all the experts from these two forces."
In Dai Tao's view, past assassination attempts had failed not only because they underestimated Chu Chengzhou's rapid rise in strength but also because they hadn't accounted for the experts from the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and the Tian Dou Empire.
For this revenge mission, to avoid failure, they had to consider all experts from these two forces.
With no variables left unaccounted for, the plan would be foolproof.
"Yes, Old Clan Leader!
Everyone, according to reports from the royal knights at the assassination scene today, Chu Chengzhou has reached the Soul Saint level, with a soul ring configuration of yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black.
Back when Chu Chengzhou was at the Soul King level, his archery alone could kill multiple Soul Saints consecutively, rivaling a Soul Douluo.
Details about his strength at the Soul Emperor level are unclear, but based on speculation, his archery and spiritual techniques pose a fatal threat to high-level Soul Douluos.
His Majesty's soul power level was as high as 89, and he even possessed a high-year head soul bone, yet he still couldn't avoid being controlled.
At the time, the four royal guests and the commander of the royal knights protecting His Majesty were all Soul Douluos, but all five were simultaneously killed by a spiritual attack.
In other words, after advancing to the Soul Saint level, Chu Chengzhou's spiritual control and attack techniques are absolutely sufficient to threaten newly minted Title Douluos. His archery skills are extraordinary—he can be regarded as a newly minted nine-ring spiritual and strong-attack system Title Douluo.
Beyond his personal combat strength, his martial soul is unique, allowing him to command summon beasts in battle. His fifth, sixth, and seventh summon beasts are unknown, but his fourth summon beast is the Dark Gold Terror Claw Bear, whose strength rivals a Title Douluo.
As for his first, second, and third summon beasts, they likely pose no threat to Title Douluos.
At maximum estimation, Chu Chengzhou might be able to hold his own against five or six newly minted nine-ring Title Douluos in a short period."
Upon hearing this, the five imperial marshals who were less familiar with Chu Chengzhou's capabilities all changed expressions.
Good grief, just a mere Soul Saint, and he could potentially hold his own against five or six Title Douluos?
Dai Wei continued, "The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect has two Title Douluos: Sword Elder Chen Xin and Bone Elder Gu Rong.
Based on estimates, both are likely at the 95th level, and Sword Elder Chen Xin's soul power might have reached the 96th level.
Additionally, six months ago, imperial spies encountered Chen Xin and the sect's Third Elder outside Hunter's Town near the Star Forest.
The elders of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect are all Soul Douluos. This Third Elder likely broke through to the Title Douluo level, and it's possible that the sect's First and Second Elders have also reached the Title Douluo level.
The Tian Dou Empire's strength isn't particularly strong. Due to assassinations by the Spirit Hall, the only Title Douluo under the Tian Dou Empire is Dugu Bo.
In other words, considering the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and the Tian Dou Empire, at maximum estimation, our opponents equate to ten newly minted nine-ring Title Douluos, including the likely Level 96 Chen Xin and Level 95 Gu Rong.
Furthermore, we must note that our revenge mission has likely already been anticipated by Chu Chengzhou, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, and the Tian Dou Empire."
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