News that Skywater Academy lost a Soul Sage in the new contamination zone spread like wildfire throughout Heaven Dou City—a bombshell.
This was intentional on Feng Ying's part.
He hoped to attract more powerful soul masters to the contamination zone—only then might there be a chance to rescue Shui Ming'er, if she was still alive.
Though he knew this hope was slim, at the very least, they could avenge her.
On the top floor of a large, three-story restaurant, a handsome blond youth stood by the window, calmly watching the busy street below.
He exuded natural elegance and nobility in every movement.
Beside him stood a thin, middle-aged man in golden armor, asking in a deep voice, "Young master, should I go clear out that contamination zone? Such a special contamination zone might produce rare treasures."
This blond youth was Xue Qinghe, crown prince of the Heaven Dou Empire—Qian Renxue in disguise.
She shook her head slightly. "No need, Uncle She. You're not suited for this. Others will handle it—we'll just watch."
She wasn't interested in any treasures that might show up after clearing the contamination zone.
As both crown prince and heir to Spirit Hall, she'd seen all kinds of treasures; such things held little appeal.
"Hmm?" Suddenly, Xue Qinghe's gaze caught sight of a passing figure on the street, and a trace of surprise flashed in her eyes.
"Young master, what is it?" The slightly chubby, Porcupine Douluo, Ci Xue, asked.
Xue Qinghe's face showed interest. "I saw an intriguing person. Uncle Ci Xue, please invite him over—and be polite."
She was clearly more interested in the person than the contamination zone.
"Understood!"
Porcupine Douluo instantly locked onto the person with his Titled Douluo-level spiritual power and vanished in a blur.
…
Lu Jingming sensed a powerful gaze locking onto him and instinctively turned to the restaurant he'd just passed.
He was used to being stared at because of his looks and aura, but this was different—he was being targeted by spiritual pressure.
"A Titled Douluo!" Lu Jingming immediately recognized the strength of this spiritual power.
There were only a handful of Titled Douluos in Heaven Dou City—Poison Douluo, Sword Douluo, Bone Douluo, maybe Clear Sky Douluo. Who was interested in a mere Soul Emperor like him?
"Young man, my young master would like to see you. Please come with me."
Seeing the Porcupine Douluo block his way, Lu Jingming realized—he'd forgotten about the two hidden Titled Douluos in Heaven Dou City, and this was one of them.
"What if I say no?" Lu Jingming tilted his head, a faintly amused and provocative look in his eyes.
Porcupine Douluo regarded him with surprise. He'd deliberately released some soul power to intimidate, but it seemed to have no effect.
Looking carefully, Porcupine Douluo understood why his young master was so interested in this ordinary white-haired youth.
It wasn't only Lu Jingming's extraordinary looks—his noble, confident bearing and inner pride were on par with Xue Qinghe.
That was rare, considering his young master's background as both Spirit Hall heir and imperial crown prince.
"If that's the case, you'll have to forgive my rudeness," Porcupine Douluo said. If not for Xue Qinghe's explicit instructions, he would've just seized Lu Jingming.
Since Lu Jingming refused, he'd have to use force.
"Interesting—let's go." Just as Porcupine Douluo was about to act, Lu Jingming suddenly smiled and agreed, nearly making the Douluo stumble.
"Good kid, follow me!" Porcupine Douluo twitched but wasn't angry. After all, this was someone his young master was interested in.
Lu Jingming followed, eyes narrowed in curiosity.
Meeting the future Angel God, Qian Renxue, wasn't a bad idea—it might be entertaining.
They crossed the bustling street, entered the three-story restaurant, and went to the luxurious top-floor suite.
As soon as he entered, Lu Jingming saw Xue Qinghe—elegant, noble, yet gentle.
Looking at Xue Qinghe, Lu Jingming marveled inwardly: hard to believe under this male disguise was a stunning beauty.
Qian Renxue was a prodigy—able to hide for years as Xue Qinghe, with wisdom and patience. But at crucial moments, she always seemed to make mistakes.
Spirit Hall's downfall was largely due to Qian Renxue's love-stricken nature and occasional lapses in judgment.
With nearly twenty Titled Douluos and seventy percent of the continent's ten thousand soul masters, Spirit Hall was overwhelmingly powerful.
Yet, because they played it too safe, they let their enemies grow—and ultimately lost.
Lu Jingming knew that Spirit Hall, with its power and prestige among commoners, was truly the uncrowned king of the Douluo Continent.
Yet such a mighty force ultimately fell.
If anyone else had led Spirit Hall, victory would have been almost certain. But, unfortunately, two love-struck women ended up in charge.
"This young man, forgive me for the sudden invitation. I just saw you in passing, and your extraordinary presence made me want to make your acquaintance."
Xue Qinghe smiled, stood, and gestured politely.
Lu Jingming knew this was just a facade; the real Qian Renxue was cold and aloof.
"So it's the Crown Prince. May I ask why you wanted to see me?" Lu Jingming sat down without ceremony, picked up a cup of tea, and took a sip.
He'd seen Xue Qinghe brew it himself—why not enjoy it? He wasn't afraid of poison.
Seeing this, a glint flashed in Xue Qinghe's eyes. "Don't misunderstand. Since you know my identity, you must know I enjoy meeting talented people. At a glance, I could see you are exceptional—I'd like to make friends. May I ask where you're from?"
Xue Qinghe wasn't surprised Lu Jingming knew his identity—he was famous in Heaven Dou City and throughout the continent.
"So, you're recruiting me? But I'm from the Star Luo Empire!" Lu Jingming teased, bored and looking for fun.
He wasn't lying; in the parallel world, he would indeed be from the Star Luo Empire.
Xue Qinghe froze, not expecting such a direct answer, nor that Lu Jingming would declare himself from a rival nation.
Knowing Lu Jingming wasn't lying only made him more interesting.
Everyone knew Heaven Dou and Star Luo Empires were rivals, often at war if not for Spirit Hall's mediation.
Yet, Lu Jingming was more composed than the prince himself—Xue Qinghe didn't believe that was mere arrogance.
He was sure Lu Jingming wasn't stupid—no idiot could have that aura. His curiosity only deepened.
"I've told you my identity, but may I ask your name? You look young—no elders with you?"
Xue Qinghe began to probe.
With Porcupine Douluo and Snake Lance Douluo at hand, she was sure there were no other strong backers nearby.