"Don't look at me with those eyes, you're scaring me."
'This girl…' Gu You smirked. "Impressive! So you're using a one-way sound transmission technique, huh?"
"Sort of, not exactly. Anyway, I can't tell you."
"I don't care enough to ask anyway."
"Hmph!"
The girl pouted, clearly annoyed.
The banquet ended fairly quickly. Both parties seemed to be enjoying the diplomatic exchange, though the dinner portion of the evening was just beginning and would last some time.
Inside the Star Luo Empire's royal palace…
"He's so annoying, Father. Help me teach him a lesson."
"Ridiculous," Dai Tianling said with an exasperated sigh as he looked at his daughter. "You always make trouble. What if you spark some kind of international incident? Do you want to cause a war between the empires?"
"I'm sorry, Father. I promise I won't do it again." Dai Yun'er lowered her head, looking completely obedient and remorseful.
Dai Tianling had seventeen sons but only one daughter. From birth, she had been the apple of his eye. Though she was mischievous and full of tricks, she always knew how to cheer him up. In his heart, she was a true treasure.
"I've heard that line from you so many times, my ears are growing calluses. 'I won't do it again'?" He narrowed his eyes. "Then who gave Consort Zhen that weird haircut last month? And the month before that... No, I can't just let this go."
Dai Yun'er's lips quivered, and tears welled up in her eyes. "Father, do you not love me anymore?"
Despite his powerful and determined leadership in strengthening the Empire, when it came to his daughter, Dai Tianling could never maintain the dignity of a ruler or a father. Her tearful act always got to him.
"Don't cry, don't cry." He rubbed his temples. "You're my nemesis, you know that? Alright, fine. I won't punish you. But promise me you won't cause any more trouble, especially anything that could harm our national reputation. Otherwise, I really will lock you up."
"Father is the best!" she beamed.
…
Gu You followed Wu Zhangkong into the royal banquet hall. He had to admit—the Star Luo Empire was loaded. Two grand halls just for one banquet?
Finding a quiet corner, Gu You slipped over to the food table and stealthily picked up two desserts to snack on.
The banquet was now in full swing. His Majesty the Emperor of the Star Luo Empire, dressed in resplendent robes and accompanied by the Empress, was engaged in friendly conversation with the high-ranking officials of the Douluo Federation's delegation. The atmosphere was lively and pleasant. Nobles and officials from both sides mingled with apparent harmony.
Suddenly, graceful music began playing. Emperor Dai Tianling walked over to a beautiful woman from the Federation's delegation and offered his hand for a dance.
The woman looked to be in her early thirties and was clearly flattered by the gesture. Still, she accepted graciously and joined him on the dance floor to begin the evening's first dance.
"Fancy seeing you here again!" a familiar, spirited voice suddenly rang out beside him.
Gu You paused mid-bite and turned to see Dai Yun'er standing there, a playful grin on her face.
"Can you dance?" she asked.
Gu You rested his chin on one hand, pretending to think. Then, a mischievous smirk tugged at his lips.
"Graduated as an eighth-level dance master! I'm a professional."
"Really?" Dai Yun'er raised an eyebrow, clearly suspicious.
"Of course. If you don't believe me, dance with me and see for yourself."
"Then this princess shall graciously accept your offer."
Gu You was already plotting his revenge for the earlier incident.
She pulled him onto the dance floor. As soon as he stepped in, he stumbled slightly.
"You sure you're a professional? Your footwork's all over the place!" Dai Yun'er teased.
"Trust me. You'll see what I can do soon."
"Alright then—ouch!"
Gu You deliberately stepped on the right hem of her dress.
"Wait—ah! You!" she yelped.
Then he stepped on her left foot.
"You infuriating jerk!" Dai Yun'er exploded.
"You tricked me! You can't dance at all!"
"Exactly. I was playing you the whole time."
"Ugh! I'm going to kill you!" she roared and lashed out with both legs.
'She's actually trying to kick me?' Gu You was shocked. He quickly grabbed her foot and held it in place.
"Let go!"
"Nope. Not unless you promise not to kick me again. This is a public event, remember?"
"Fine! Just let go already." Her face turned beet red.
'Great, this is so embarrassing,' she thought. 'In front of all these people, no less!'
"I'm letting go, but next time, don't mess with me. Let's just be… friends." Gu You yawned and casually walked away.
"Where are you going?" Dai Yun'er shouted after him.
"Back to sleep," he replied, waving lazily.
'This guy…' Dai Yun'er stared at him, speechless. 'He's actually kind of… fun.'
…
In the following days, the anticipation built for the Star Luo Empire's grand All-Continent Youth Advanced Soul Master Elite Tournament. This was one of the Empire's most prestigious events, a tradition that dated back to the ancient days of the Douluo Continent.
Back then, soul masters reigned supreme. The tournament was originally founded by the once-powerful Spirit Hall as a way to scout for outstanding young talent.
Though Spirit Hall was eventually overthrown by Tang San and the three great empires, the tournament tradition lived on.
After the formation of the Douluo Federation, the tournament faded from the continent's spotlight, but the Star Luo Empire kept the torch burning. Now, once every three years, the tournament was held in Star Luo City, the Empire's capital.
All soul masters under twenty years of age were eligible to participate—but there was a catch. A minimum of level 20 soul power was required, and participants had to pay an entry fee.
The registration period lasted a full month. Over time, the tournament had grown and evolved, featuring multiple categories: one-on-one duels, two-on-two battles, seven-on-seven team fights, and mecha battles. Notably, there were no contests for secondary professions like forging or mecha crafting.
This was a pure battle competition—designed to ignite the fighting spirit of the younger generation.
Those who achieved high rankings would have a shining accolade on their personal record. Whether pursuing higher education, seeking employment, or joining the military, they would all enjoy certain privileges.
The most prestigious event of all was the one-on-one challenge. This category had no restrictions—participants could use any and all weapons and equipment at their disposal. Mechas, soul tools, battle armor—anything went…
(End of Chapter)
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