Chapter 222: A Greeting from Dai Weisi
In front of Spirit City.
As they looked upon the towering city walls, the Auckland team couldn't help but be awestruck.
"These walls are made entirely of granite, standing at a height of 80 meters and over 30 meters thick. While not as vast as the Heaven Dou Imperial City, Spirit City sits atop the mountains, making it one of the most easily defensible cities in the world!" Dai Yuanyi murmured, his gaze filled with wonder as he examined the hexagonal fortress, his hand running over the age-old stones.
"Spirit City is the sacred place that all soul masters long to visit," Jackson explained with a grin. "It's no wonder it's so impressive!"
After passing inspection, the Auckland team stepped into Spirit City, while the Heaven Dou Empire's Royal Knights remained outside. The city itself was sparsely populated, with few passersby or shops. Dai Yao's gaze was immediately drawn to two particularly striking buildings.
Halfway up the mountain stood an enormous structure with soaring columns and golden walls, glimmering beneath the sunlight. At the mountain's peak lay a smaller, pristine white building that seemed to glow faintly. Every passerby glanced at these two buildings with unmistakable reverence.
"Could it be…?" Dai Yao squinted, speculating but not fully certain.
Jackson smiled. "The building midway up is the Hall of the Pope, where the supreme ruler of Spirit Hall resides. The smaller white structure at the peak is the Hall of the Douluo, where many departed Titled Douluo are honored."
"Come along, little ones," he added with a chuckle. "Our matches will be held in the Pope's Hall, so you'll have plenty of time to admire it."
After coordinating with a red-robed bishop of Spirit Hall, over two hundred people, led by Xue Qinghe, settled into a hotel on Spirit City's western side.
Just as they were about to step through the hotel doors, however, an unwelcome voice rang out.
"Heaven Dou Empire, is it? Long time no see."
Everyone turned to find another group of about two hundred, though these people exuded a very different air—a distinct sense of ruthlessness that contrasted sharply with the Heaven Dou soul masters.
"Star Luo Empire's soul masters…" someone from the Heaven Dou group growled, their eyes showing evident apprehension.
Indeed, these were Star Luo Empire's soul masters, who were also here for the competition. The two empires had been at war for years, with blood feuds spanning generations. Many Heaven Dou soul masters had lost loved ones to Star Luo's forces, and now that they faced these enemies in person, the animosity was nearly palpable.
The two groups glared at each other, the air thick with tension like a powder keg on the verge of igniting.
Xue Qinghe's eyes narrowed. If the two sides were to clash here, it would be a scandal. The red-robed bishops from Spirit Hall watched on with interest, unfazed by the impending conflict.
Stepping forward, Xue Qinghe took a deep breath, and his calm demeanor drew the Star Luo soul masters' attention. His composed air left many wondering who this dignified figure could be.
Xue Qinghe gave a slight bow to the Star Luo contingent and addressed them calmly. "I am Xue Qinghe, Crown Prince of the Heaven Dou Empire."
A hushed murmur swept through the Star Luo ranks. The identity of the Heaven Dou Crown Prince was well-known, and among them, only Star Luo's own prince could stand on equal footing with him.
All eyes turned toward one figure from the Star Luo Royal Academy team.
The man in question strode forward to meet Xue Qinghe's gaze with a faint smile. Though he tried to mask it, there was a hint of arrogance in his expression.
"Crown Prince of Star Luo Empire, Dai Weisi," he introduced himself.
Xue Qinghe met his gaze evenly. "Your Highness, what brings you here to obstruct our path?"
With over two hundred soul masters from Heaven Dou standing behind him, Xue Qinghe's pride wouldn't allow him to show the slightest sign of weakness. Winning their admiration was vital; these young soul masters would one day become the Empire's strongest forces, and securing their loyalty was a matter of great importance.
Dai Weisi's gaze swept over the Heaven Dou soul masters, settling on one particular figure with a smirk. "I'm looking for someone. Dai Yao, are you going to hide from your big brother?"
The nearly four hundred soul masters erupted into whispers.
"His brother?"
"But Dai Weisi is the Crown Prince of Star Luo, so his younger brother must be a prince too!"
Someone's expression changed as they suddenly realized something, their body tensing with shock. "Dai Yao! Isn't that the Fourth Prince of Star Luo, the one who betrayed the Empire?"
Hearing this, more of the Star Luo soul masters started piecing it together.
"Isn't he the one who defeated the Second Prince, His Highness Dai Yaming?"
"The one with a thousand-year soul ring for his second ring?"
Recognition spread quickly, as many of them recalled the brutal battle for succession between the Fourth and Second Princes—a battle etched in their memories, particularly the image of that purple soul ring. They remembered the Fourth Prince's defection, though they hadn't known he'd escaped to the Heaven Dou Empire.
Meanwhile, the Heaven Dou soul masters looked puzzled, wondering what could prompt such a strong reaction from their Star Luo counterparts.
At the mention of Dai Yao, many remembered the profound impression he'd left during the preliminary and advancement rounds. Yet, what exactly was the connection between Dai Yao and Dai Weisi? Why was Dai Weisi claiming to be Dai Yao's brother?
Within the Shrek team, Dai Mubai's intense gaze was locked onto Dai Weisi. His clenched jaw and tightened fists reflected his inner turmoil. Dai Weisi had only called out Dai Yao's name, completely disregarding him, and Mubai knew this was no accident. Dai Weisi's intentional oversight was a painful wound to his pride—a stark contrast between his dignity and the reality of being dismissed.
"Dai Weisi, it's been a long time," came a clear voice from the Heaven Dou side. A tall, golden-haired figure strode out confidently, drawing the curious and stunned gazes of onlookers.
Dai Weisi narrowed his eyes at the sight. As he tested the waters with his soul power, he could sense Dai Yao's unwavering stability, like a mountain towering before him. The family elders' demands weighed on his mind as he forced a polite smile.
"My dear Fourth Brother," he said with feigned warmth, "I've missed you dearly these past few years."
Dai Yao let out a hearty laugh. "Dai Weisi, let's not pretend here. You'd rather see me dead, wouldn't you?"
His words sent shockwaves through the gathered soul masters from both Heaven Dou and Star Luo Empires.
"Oh, Dai Yao, why must you assume the worst?" Dai Weisi shrugged. "The clan elders have said that if you return, all past deeds will be forgiven. The Empire will still grant you the highest honor."
Dai Yao sneered. It was obvious to him that the Star Luo elders had no real intention of reconciliation. Here in full view of both empires, Dai Weisi was broadcasting Dai Yao's betrayal of Star Luo for all to hear. Had they sincerely wished for peace, they would have sent someone far more impartial than Dai Weisi.
Dai Yao's heart churned with memories of how his mother's death had been influenced by these very elders. One day, he would uncover the truth behind those events, but today he had Dai Weisi in front of him—the first down payment on that debt.
Dai Yao's cold laugh resonated, his icy tone sending an involuntary shiver through Dai Weisi.
"Dai Weisi," he said, "let me make this clear. I have no use for my Star Luo royal title. As for you, better prepare yourself."
Dai Yao's words caused a surge of anger among the Star Luo soul masters, especially the Royal Academy team members, who could barely contain their fury.
"Enough!" a sharp voice interrupted, and the sound of heels echoed as a striking woman made her entrance.
Her appearance commanded the attention of everyone present, momentarily easing the tension. Star Luo soul masters looked at her with respectful admiration, for she was none other than Zhu Zhuyun, Dai Weisi's fiancée and the Crown Princess of Star Luo Empire.
"Dai Yao, you've indeed improved these past years," Zhu Zhuyun remarked coolly. "But in front of Weisi, you're still far too inexperienced. If I'm not mistaken, you're only fifteen, aren't you? It's impressive that you even made it to the finals, but luck must have been on your side."
She paused, her gaze flickering. "By the way, where's Zhu Qing? It's been ages since I saw my dear sister. How is she faring with you?"
Zhu Zhuqing stepped forward to stand beside Dai Yao, her gaze locked with her sister's, her tone frigid. "No need for your concern. I'm doing just fine."
The moment Zhu Zhuqing appeared, her calm demeanor and graceful yet fiery figure instantly drew many admiring stares, eclipsing even Zhu Zhuyun's allure. The dignified aura Zhu Zhuqing exuded was irresistible, and it was clear that her beauty outshone her sister's.
The four of them glared at one another, eyes practically sparking with hostility. Their conversation was hardly whispered, and everyone around could hear every word exchanged. The revelation of Dai Yao's age sent waves of astonishment through the crowd.
Even the most self-assured participants couldn't contain their amazement. They'd all witnessed Dai Yao's dominance in the preliminaries and advancement rounds, his strength unmatched and leaving everyone else in the dust. And he was only fifteen? If his abilities had reached this terrifying level at his age, how much stronger would he become in a few short years?
The once tense scene became eerily silent, punctuated only by the sound of people drawing sharp breaths.
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