Chapter 157: The Duel That Shook the World
Neptune and Xiao bai had barely entered White Cloud City when the city's extensive network of informants immediately reported their arrival, layer by layer, until the news finally reached the City Lord.
Leaf City, who had been handling some documents, momentarily put down his pen upon receiving the report. Smiling, he said, "Honored guests have arrived." He then ordered his subordinates to invite the two distinguished visitors. Naturally, his subordinates dared not delay and quickly set things in motion.
Some time later, the real body and the avatar finally met.
"City Lord of White Cloud, I have long admired your name," Neptune said with a smile as he looked at Leaf City. Meanwhile, Xiao bai, standing beside him, was visibly tense, her whole body rigid, as if ready to break out of an encirclement at any moment. After all, she had no idea that these two were actually the same person playing both roles.
To Xiao bai, this was nothing less than stepping deep into enemy territory, and if negotiations failed, a fight would inevitably break out at any moment. How could she not be nervous?
"Successor of the Sea God, I have also heard of you for a long time," Leaf City replied with a slight smile. Despite having the face of an aloof and abstinent handsome man, his personality was far from being a cold and silent type. On the contrary, he was rather easygoing, something well known by those who had spent enough time with him.
"Please, take a seat."
Leaf City gestured for Neptune to sit, and soon, a maid respectfully served fragrant tea to the three of them.
Xiao bai had no interest in drinking tea. However, both Leaf City and Neptune acted as though they were simply host and guest, sipping their tea before addressing the real matter at hand.
"City Lord Leaf, I have come this time to reclaim the sacred treasure of Sea God Island the Heart of the Sea God. I have heard that this treasure was transferred from the Heaven Dou royal family to the esteemed Medicine King. I wonder if you could introduce us," Neptune stated directly, skipping any unnecessary pleasantries.
"The Heart of the Sea God…"
Hearing this, Leaf City's expression turned somewhat peculiar. After a moment of contemplation, he finally said, "If you are referring to the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud from the Heaven Dou royal family, then there is no need to look for the Medicine King. The senior has already given this treasure to me. It is now in my possession."
"Oh? So the Heart of the Sea God is in the hands of the City Lord?"
Neptune appeared quite surprised. Then, standing up, he clasped his fists and bowed, saying, "The Heart of the Sea God concerns the survival of the ocean. I humbly ask City Lord Leaf to part with it. I would be eternally grateful."
Xiao bai, watching Neptune who was destined to be the future Sea God humble himself like this, felt an immediate surge of frustration, mainly toward Leaf City. After all, the Heart of the Sea God was originally a sacred relic of Sea God Island. Now, they had to "lower themselves" just to ask for its return? To her, this was nothing short of infuriating.
"Hmm…"
Leaf City pondered for a moment before saying, "Since it concerns the survival of countless lives, I can return the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud to you. After all, it did originally belong to Sea God Island. However…"
Xiao bai, who had started to change her opinion of Leaf City after hearing his reasonable words, immediately tensed up again at the sudden shift in tone.
"However, what?" Neptune slightly furrowed his brows but did not lose his temper, seemingly wary of Leaf City's strength.
"This Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud was a gift to me from the Medicine King. If you wish to take it away just like that, it wouldn't be very appropriate…" Leaf City paused briefly before continuing, "So, let's follow the traditions of the soul master world and have a duel. After the battle, regardless of who wins or loses, I will personally hand over the Heart of the Sea God. What do you think?"
"Agreed!"
Neptune accepted without hesitation.
At that moment, a fierce battle spirit ignited in his eyes as he locked gazes with Leaf City. "Since the City Lord wishes for a match, I shall gladly oblige!"
And so, the two of them agreed to battle in ten days at a designated location.
When Neptune and Xiao bai left the City Lord's mansion, Xiao bai, who had been holding back her words for a long time, could no longer contain herself. "Why did you agree to his challenge? What if it's an ambush? Humans are the most cunning creatures!"
"Don't worry, he's not that kind of person."
Neptune shook his head calmly. "Besides, did you forget that I am also human? At our level, we stand so high that the loneliness is overwhelming. When one encounters a worthy opponent, it is natural to be excited for a duel."
"The moment he said he would hand over the Heart of the Sea God regardless of the outcome, I knew he just wanted an excuse to spar with me. And since I also wanted to test my current strength, I accepted."
"You humans speak in such complicated ways…" Xiao bai muttered. Only now did she realize that there were so many layers of meaning behind this conversation. It was way too convoluted.
…
Although Leaf City did not deliberately spread the news of his duel with the successor of the Sea God, the various forces lurking within White Cloud City quickly caught wind of it and relayed the information back to their respective factions.
Soon, the news somehow leaked further, until even ordinary civilians knew that two Ultimate Douluo were about to fight.
In an instant, the entire soul master world was in an uproar!
After all, the two who were about to duel were among the strongest powerhouses at the pinnacle of the soul master world!
Two individuals who had nearly reached the end of the soul master path each with one foot already stepping into the realm of the gods were about to engage in a one on one battle.
Such a rare spectacle might not happen even once in several centuries.
Who wouldn't be curious? Who wouldn't want to witness it?
If they could even glean a fraction of insight from observing these two supreme beings in combat, it would be a lifelong benefit.
For a time, everyone eagerly anticipated the day of the duel.
Some people even arrived early at the designated battleground, staking out the area in advance to secure the best vantage point for the fight.
Meanwhile, in Spirit City…
Compared to vast cities like White Cloud City and Heaven Dou City, Spirit City was much smaller, not even a tenth of the size of Heaven Dou City. However, despite its small area, its towering city walls were built to the standards of a capital fortress standing eighty meters high and exuding an imposing aura. The walls, over thirty meters thick, were constructed entirely from granite.
This city had not existed originally; it was built entirely through the funding of Spirit Hall. What made it unique was that, unlike ordinary square shaped cities, Spirit City was hexagonal, meaning it had six walls.
All the patrolling guards on these walls were soul masters, dressed in uniforms exclusive to Spirit Hall. On each of the six walls, there was a massive relief sculpture identical to the one on Spirit Hall's insignia, symbolizing six powerful martial souls.
From a bird's eye view, it was evident that the hexagonal Spirit City was built around a hill. On this hill stood two strikingly prominent buildings one at the mountainside and another at the summit.
The grander building at the mountainside was constructed in a classical columnar style with a dome, its outer facade covered in gold material that shimmered under the sunlight.
This was the recently completed Supreme Pontiff Hall, the official residence of the nominal highest ruler of Spirit Hall.
(End of Chapter)
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