Bright Moon Hotel, top floor.
Unlike the other floors, the top floor has only eight suites in total. They are called sky villas, extremely luxurious.
If one were to stay normally, a single night would cost a full three thousand gold soul coins, an absolute sky-high price.
Every detail of the Sun Moon Empire's reception highlights the class divide.
Throughout the entire Bright Moon Hotel, from the bottom to the top floors, the number of rooms gradually decreases. Correspondingly, the higher the floor, the better the accommodation conditions.
All teams participating in this edition of the All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Dueling Tournament are assigned rooms according to the fame and influence of their respective sects or academies on the continent.
The Tang Sect representative team, led by Beibei and Tang Ya, could only stay in the most ordinary single rooms on the lowest floor, without even a meeting room provided. After all, the Tang Sect has long since declined and now has little reputation on the continent.
Those teams able to stay in the eight sky villas on the top floor of the Bright Moon Hotel are without exception from the continent's top academies and sects.
Shrek Academy is housed in Sky Villa No. 1. In this regard, the Sun Moon Empire appears quite generous. Not only is Villa No. 1 the most luxurious, but it also signifies that they are the defending champions from the previous edition.
Entering through the massive castle-like gate of Villa No. 1 leads directly into a resplendent golden reception hall. The hall's decoration is dominated by brilliant gold tones. Transparent soul-guide crystal lamps hang high from the ceiling, with exquisite murals and various decorations adorning the space, dazzling to behold.
To the south of the reception hall lies a wide semicircular balcony. Standing here and looking out, one can see almost half of Mingdu. The view is exceptional.
Living rooms, a large conference room, twenty bedrooms of varying sizes, a gym, a tearoom, and an aerial garden exceeding two hundred square meters are scattered around. There is even an aerial swimming pool located in the center of the villa, as well as a small sparring arena.
The sparring arena is constructed with special materials and a soul-guide defensive system, capable of withstanding the vast majority of soul skill attacks below the Soul Saint level.
Compared to the Star Emperor Hotel where the Shrek representative team stayed during the previous All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Dueling Tournament in Star Luo City, the conditions provided by the Bright Moon Hotel are even more superior.
Daily meals can also be customized as desired, and all are provided free of charge by the hotel.
The Shrek representative team, including team leaders Zhang Lexuan and Ye Guyi, totals only fifteen people. Twenty rooms are naturally more than sufficient.
Notably, by deliberate arrangement, the rooms of Xu Zihuang, Ning Tian, and Ye Guyi are adjacent to one another. Xu Zihuang occupies the middle room, with Ye Guyi and Ning Tian on either side.
At this moment, the three of them have just emerged from their respective rooms and converged. Zhang Lexuan is sitting on the sofa in the central reception hall. Seeing the three approaching, she immediately stands and heads toward her own room.
Xu Zihuang, Ning Tian, and Ye Guyi exchange knowing glances and follow Zhang Lexuan.
To avoid affecting the other participating students of the Shrek representative team, Zhang Lexuan has no intention of revealing the matter of the evil soul masters for the time being. However, considering Ning Tian's relationship with Yu Tianhuang as well as with Ye Guyi, after some thought, she decides to let Ning Tian know the truth.
Zhang Lexuan's room also has a small balcony. She draws the curtains, checks the room once more, and only then gestures for everyone to sit.
Xu Zihuang, Ning Tian, and Ye Guyi sit on the sofa opposite Zhang Lexuan.
"According to the information compiled by the academy's elders, those evil soul masters who had almost completely vanished from the continent have now been unified into an evil soul master sect called the Holy Spirit Cult. The three Soul Douluo-level evil soul masters we encountered before are very likely from this Holy Spirit Cult." Zhang Lexuan directly relays to the three everything that Elder Xuan had told her.
"On the way here just now, the people we met wearing black robes and bamboo hats were evil soul masters. Moreover, the leader probably possesses the cultivation of a Titled Douluo. Acting so blatantly, Elder Xuan's judgment is most likely correct. This so-called Holy Spirit Cult of evil soul masters is very likely colluding with the Sun Moon Empire. I'm afraid this tournament will see some major changes."
Xu Zihuang and Ye Guyi are not surprised by this. Xu Zihuang possesses memories from his previous life, while Ye Guyi had already learned about the Holy Spirit Cult from Nana.
Only Ning Tian's eyes reveal a flash of shock, though she quickly calms her emotions and her expression returns to normal. As expected of a great sect's descendant, maintaining composure is a basic skill she has practiced since childhood.
"Eldest Senior Sister, may I convey this matter to the sect?" Ning Tian asks with some concern.
"The Sun Moon Empire's ambitions toward our three original Douluo Continent empires are obvious to all. And with Tianhuang's talent, he will inevitably become an obstacle in the eyes of certain people. I worry they might target Tianhuang."
Although she knows that Shrek Academy will surely consider Yu Tianhuang's safety and dispatch Sea God's Pavilion elders to protect him in secret, this is, after all, Sun Moon Empire territory. Gathering strong experts from the sect would provide one more layer of assurance.
Xu Zihuang holds Ning Tian's jade hand, feeling the warmth and softness of her palm, and smiles gently to comfort her: "Don't worry. Elder Xuan and the others have actually already arrived in Mingdu in secret. If anything unexpected happens, protecting us and leaving safely is not a problem."
The calm in his heart does not actually come from Elder Xuan and the Sea God's Pavilion elders, but from his own strength. He has a premonition that he will soon break through the bottleneck to level 70.
After obtaining the True Body of his Golden-Eyed Martial Soul, although he still cannot contend with peak powerhouses like Long Xiaoyao, Ye Xishui, or Kong Deming, if he wants to leave, no one can stop him.
Hearing Xu Zihuang's words, Ning Tian feels slightly relieved, though she remains somewhat worried.
The Sun Moon Empire colluding with the Holy Spirit Cult, combined with the specially altered competition format by the Sun Moon Empire, makes her feel that a huge conspiracy is brewing.
Zhang Lexuan shares the same concern and can see what Ning Tian is thinking.
"Ning Tian, if you insist, you may summon strong experts from your Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, but for now, do not let this information leak."
"Yes, Eldest Senior Sister." Receiving Zhang Lexuan's permission, Ning Tian happily agrees.
From beginning to end, Ye Guyi has been observing Ning Tian's emotional changes, and a strange glint appears in her eyes.
Ning Tian's feelings for Xu Zihuang are undoubtedly sincere; she truly considers Yu Tianhuang's well-being in every way.
Ye Guyi pulls Ning Tian into her embrace and teases with a smile: "Not even married yet and already worrying so much for Tianhuang? Tianhuang's taste really isn't bad."
" Sister Guyi…" Ning Tian leans against Ye Guyi's full chest, her face filled with shyness. But in her heart, there is more sweetness from being acknowledged by Ye Guyi.
Both women's appearances are exceptionally outstanding, though their temperaments are completely different. Their fair skin presses close together; this scene is enough to captivate the gaze of any man.
But the only one who can appreciate this sight is Xu Zihuang.
"Eldest Senior Sister, I think these matters can be shared with the Heavenly Soul Empire and the Star Luo Empire. Heavenly Soul and Star Luo border the Sun Moon Empire. If the Sun Moon Empire makes any moves, they will bear the brunt."
Xu Zihuang's thoughtful words interrupt the playful interaction between Ye Guyi and Ning Tian. Even Zhang Lexuan's gaze falls upon Xu Zihuang.
"Tianhuang, what you say makes sense. The Sun Moon Empire is our common enemy. Letting them prepare in advance is good. The Star Luo Empire side is easy, I remember the team leader of the Star Luo National Academy representative team is Star Luo Empire's Princess Xu Jiujiu. But for the Heavenly Soul Empire side…"
"I know Heavenly Soul Empire's Princess Weina. If I guess correctly, she should be participating in this tournament representing the Snow Demon Sect." Xu Zihuang timely takes over the conversation, speaking meaningfully.
"Eldest Senior Sister, to be honest, during my last training trip, I encountered Weina and the daughter of the Snow Demon Sect's sect master, Mu Xue. Following them was someone from the Body Sect."
"Tianhuang, do you mean the Body Sect has already submitted to the Heavenly Soul Empire?" Zhang Lexuan's gaze slightly condenses.
Xu Zihuang nods slightly: "It's less submission and more cooperation. Both have keenly sensed the changes in the continent's situation. When I handed the soul spirit fusion method to Elder Xuan some time ago, I already mentioned this matter."
Zhang Lexuan ponders: "Very well. I'll go to the Star Luo Empire side. As for Heavenly Soul Empire's Princess Weina, I'll leave that to Guyi and Ning Tian. You are both from the Heavenly Soul Empire, so it will be easier for you to speak with them. Moreover, Ning Tian, as the sole heir of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, I believe you have met Princess Weina before."
"I am fairly familiar with Weina." Ning Tian nods lightly, then looks toward Xu Zihuang, together with Ye Guyi beside her.
Xu Zihuang smiles awkwardly.
"Eldest Senior Sister, you're not planning to leave me here alone, are you?"
Although this is only the first day they have moved into Sky Villa No. 1, and Zhang Lexuan has not yet placed any particularly personal items in the room, this is still nominally Zhang Lexuan's private space.
Staying here feels a bit strange.
"Tianhuang, you are now the Sea God's Pavilion's successor generation. Within the academy, your priority is second only to Elder Xuan. Moreover, Elder Xuan has decided to announce this news after this tournament ends. Your every action will invisibly represent Shrek Academy's stance. Matters like inviting people are better left to us. After all, whether you visit Princess Jiujiu representing the Star Luo Empire first or Princess Weina representing the Heavenly Soul Empire first, neither would be entirely appropriate." Zhang Lexuan smiles faintly and explains softly to Xu Zihuang.
Thus, Xu Zihuang can only stay behind and watch the three leave.
Not long after, Zhang Lexuan returns first, bringing Xu Jiujiu into the room. The Star Luo National Academy representative team is staying on the seventh floor of the Bright Moon Hotel, considered second-tier accommodation.
As the princess of the continent's second-greatest empire, receiving such treatment causes even someone with Xu Jiujiu's composure to show a trace of anger on her pretty face.
However, this anger vanishes the moment she sees Zhang Lexuan. Zhang Lexuan is the next in line to become dean of Shrek Academy's Martial Soul Department and a member of the Sea God's Pavilion. Coming personally to invite her shows ample respect. Moreover, with the Sun Moon Empire showing signs of stirring, deepening ties with Shrek Academy is an urgent matter.
Today, Xu Jiujiu wears a pale golden long dress, her golden hair neatly coiled into an elegant updo, revealing her proud jade neck and further accentuating her noble temperament.
Xu Zihuang, sitting on the sofa, sees Zhang Lexuan and Xu Jiujiu and instinctively stands. However, a flash of purplish-golden light passes through his deep purple eyes.
The space around Xu Jiujiu distorts, and an old woman quietly appears in front of her, her voice grave as she warns:
"Princess, be careful. This boy is unusual."
The old woman appears to be at least eighty years old, dressed in a bright red long skirt that contrasts strikingly with her snow-white hair. Her blue eyes shine brightly. The moment she appears, a powerful pressure immediately surges toward Xu Zihuang.
This sudden change catches Zhang Lexuan off guard. Even with her cultivation, she had not sensed the old woman's presence earlier, indicating that the woman is at least a Titled Douluo, and her martial soul likely specializes in concealment.
Seeing the vigilance and hostility in the old woman's eyes, Xu Zihuang's smile suddenly vanishes. As Zhang Lexuan said, his every action now represents Shrek Academy. At this moment, he absolutely cannot back down.
An extremely oppressive aura emanates from his body, instantly crushing the old woman's released pressure.
When one soul ring after another rises from beneath Xu Zihuang's feet, the shock in the eyes of the old woman and Xu Jiujiu visibly intensifies.
Black! Black! Black! Black! Black! Red! Red! Red! Red!
Five black and four red, nine terrifying soul rings slowly pulse around Xu Zihuang. Especially the four eerie blood-red soul rings at the end dye the slightly dim room in the same bloody hue, reflecting on Xu Zihuang's indifferent face.
"Nine-ring Titled Douluo?! How is this possible?!" Xu Jiujiu exclaims, her gaze toward Xu Zihuang instantly changing.
Reason tells her that what is happening before her eyes is far too unbelievable. Yu Tianhuang is only seventeen years old; no matter how astonishing his talent, he can't break through to Titled Douluo at such an age. But judging from the change in her old nanny's aura, this is no deception.
Yu Tianhuang's aura has indeed suppressed Granny Yi Man.
Yi Man is the name of the old woman beside her, a powerhouse renowned on the continent for many years. Her soul power reaches as high as level 93, martial soul Cloud Fan, titled Star Cloud Douluo. She has guarded her since childhood.
For such a Titled Douluo's aura to be suppressed by Yu Tianhuang means that the four blood-red soul rings behind him are absolutely genuine hundred-thousand-year soul rings.
Although Xu Zihuang's soul power cultivation is still somewhat lower than that of this Star Cloud Douluo, the gap is by no means as large as imagined. With a soul core, his total soul power is comparable to that of a top-tier Soul Douluo. Moreover, he holds the advantage in soul rings, allowing him to gain the upper hand in this initial probing clash of auras.
Xu Zihuang pays no attention to the old woman and merely glances faintly at Xu Jiujiu.
"We invited Princess Jiujiu here this time because we have important matters to discuss and harbor no ill intent. However, since you do not trust us, I believe there is no need to continue. Princess, please leave."
At many times, he unconsciously reveals his truest personality.
Not only Xu Jiujiu, but even Zhang Lexuan had not expected Yu Tianhuang to be so forceful. However, she is aware of Yu Tianhuang's soul ring configuration.
Yi Man, who had originally been shocked by Xu Zihuang's soul ring configuration, sees her princess being treated so coldly, and a trace of chill appears in her eyes.
"Hmph!" Yi Man snorts coldly, her released pressure instantly several times stronger than before.
"Young man, I acknowledge your excellent talent, but you seem far too dismissive of our Star Luo Empire's face. Our empire's princess is not someone you can summon and dismiss at will."
Before Xu Zihuang can respond, Zhang Lexuan also releases her martial soul and stands beside Xu Zihuang. Two yellow, two purple, three black, one red, although her soul ring configuration is less shocking than Xu Zihuang's, that blood-red eighth soul ring is particularly glaring at this moment.
Shrek is indeed worthy of being the continent's number one academy; this depth of foundation truly opens the eyes of this Star Cloud Douluo. However, when national face is involved, she will not yield in the slightest.
"Princess Jiujiu, if this is the case, then I believe we truly have nothing more to discuss."
Zhang Lexuan frowns deeply. The lack of sincerity came from Xu Jiujiu; the fact that Star Cloud Douluo did not show herself at first is proof enough. Yu Tianhuang resisting Star Cloud Douluo's soul power pressure was merely defending Shrek Academy's dignity; there was nothing improper about it.
Xu Jiujiu, finally coming back to her senses, hurriedly waved to stop Yi Man.
"Granny Yi Man, don't. Tianhuang is an honored guest of our Star Luo Empire and comes from Shrek Academy; there is no reason he would wish me harm."
As she speaks, Xu Jiujiu reveals a sincere apologetic smile. Because the surging emotions in her heart have yet to calm, a faint unnatural flush appears on her pretty face, and her gaze remains fixed intently on the nine terrifying soul rings beside Xu Zihuang.
Yi Man narrows her eyes slightly and does not immediately withdraw her soul power pressure. The threat Xu Zihuang poses is simply too great; his spiritual power is strong to an unreasonable degree. When locked by Xu Zihuang's spiritual power, she even feels a heart-pounding fear, as though her life is under threat.
In truth, her earlier reaction had been purely instinctive.
Still being guarded against like this, Zhang Lexuan's expression also turns cold.
"There is no need to speak of honored guests. Tianhuang is now the Sea God's Pavilion's successor generation. Shrek Academy has no intention of becoming enemies with the Star Luo Empire, but since mutual trust is impossible, there is nothing more to say. Please leave."
"Sea God's Pavilion successor generation?!" Both Xu Jiujiu and Yi Man tremble inwardly. Bearing the title of Sea God's Pavilion successor generation essentially means being destined to inherit the position of Sea God's Pavilion Master in the future and control the entire Shrek Academy.
They both know just how weighty this title truly is.
Now even Yi Man hesitates, and Xu Jiujiu's expression changes repeatedly. She anxiously steps past Yi Man and comes directly before Xu Zihuang, sincerely performing a bow.
"I'm sorry, Tianhuang. Granny Yi Man has guarded me since childhood and may have been overly sensitive. I apologize on her behalf."
As the princess of the Star Luo Empire, Xu Jiujiu truly sets aside her princely dignity. When she bends at the waist in greeting, her face nearly reaches her chest. Beneath the pale golden long dress, her graceful figure outlines enchanting curves. At such close distance before Xu Zihuang, she appears even more alluring. A faint fragrance drifts from between her strands of hair, intoxicating.
At that moment, Ye Guyi and Ning Tian arrive, bringing Weina with them.
Also wearing a golden long dress, Weina gives off a gentle and moving impression. Her beautiful, large eyes shimmer with watery light; her beauty is in no way inferior to Xu Jiujiu's.
Following behind Weina are the cold-tempered Mu Xue and the Snow Demon Sect's guardian Mo Feiyun.
Noticing the terrifying nine soul rings beside Xu Zihuang, the pupils of Weina and the other two contract sharply. Then they see Xu Jiujiu bowing, her head precisely level with Xu Zihuang's abdomen.
Xu Jiujiu has her back to everyone. From the doorway's perspective, the scene appears quite ambiguous.
Ning Tian quickly takes a few steps forward. Only when she reaches the side of Xu Zihuang and Xu Jiujiu and sees the distance between them does she breathe a sigh of relief.
Realizing her own subconscious action only afterward, Ning Tian seems to think of something, and the shyness in her eyes nearly turns into misty water.
It is precisely because she has privately shared many similar intimate moments with Yu Tianhuang that she associates them with those unspeakable things.
Ye Guyi, as though having discovered some secret, curves her lips into a meaningful arc.
Not only because of Ning Tian's instinctive behavior, but also because of the matter involving these two princesses, Weina and Xu Jiujiu.
Hearing footsteps behind her, Xu Jiujiu cannot help but stand and turn around. Surprised, she says: "Weina?"
Weina also recognizes Xu Jiujiu at this moment.
"Jiujiu, why are you here too?"
Then the two look toward Xu Zihuang in unison.
Xu Zihuang withdraws his soul rings and says calmly, "I, Eldest Senior Sister, and I invited everyone here because we have matters we wish to discuss with you. Those willing to trust us may stay. Those who do not trust us are free to leave."
With that, Xu Zihuang gestures to Zhang Lexuan, Ye Guyi, and Ning Tian. The four sit together on the main wide sofa.
Weina looks at Xu Zihuang with eyes full of tender affection, then smiles sweetly and sits with Mu Xue on the left sofa. Mo Feiyun stands behind the two women.
On the other side, Xu Jiujiu's gaze carries a hint of resentment, but she lightly bites her silver teeth and sits on the right sofa.
She knows, of course, that Yu Tianhuang's words just now were directed at her.
Since Xu Jiujiu has made her decision, Yi Man can say no more.
The atmosphere grows heavy for a moment, yet Xu Zihuang does not rush to speak. Instead, he looks toward the spot beside Mo Feiyun and says faintly: "Since Senior has come, why hide? As I said, those willing to trust us may stay. Those who do not trust us are free to leave."
Hearing this, both Weina and Mu Xue's expressions change slightly.
"Such sharp perception." A cold, soft exclamation sounds. A wave of icy aura suddenly spreads from behind Weina, and the temperature in the entire room drops sharply.
Behind Weina now stands another person, a figure completely cloaked in a deep blue cloak, face obscured, identifiable as a woman only by the curves of her body.
Another Titled Douluo.
Zhang Lexuan makes this judgment. Moreover, the pressure this person brings surpasses even that of the Star Cloud Douluo. Even the Star Cloud Douluo had not noticed this person's presence earlier, likely a Super Douluo-level powerhouse. But considering Weina's status as Heavenly Soul Empire princess, it is only natural to have such a strong expert protecting her in secret.
Yi Man, the Star Cloud Douluo behind Xu Jiujiu, looks grim and transmits something to Xu Jiujiu via soul power.
Xu Jiujiu nods slightly, her gaze meeting Weina's across from her.
Weina merely smiles sweetly at Xu Jiujiu.
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