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Qiangu Dongfeng sat in the host seat, his brows tightly furrowed as he scrutinized the detailed records in his hands—Bai Xu's origins, his experiences in the Spirit Pagoda, and the circumstances of his expulsion from Shrek Academy.
At six years old, he had innate full soul power, with the "Heavenly Eye" martial soul, and joined the East Sea Spirit Pagoda.
At twelve, he was admitted to Shrek Academy. After one semester, he was expelled due to his secondary profession. He then trained in the Star Luo Empire before transferring back to the headquarters.
His performance at Shrek had been outstanding—he had even taken first place in a combat tournament, earning the title of the top talent among the younger generation. Gu Yue and he could be considered childhood sweethearts, having grown up together from their days at East Sea Academy. It was understandable that they would end up together.
However, the pairing of two individuals with such extraordinary talents was something that demanded attention. Gu Yue was already a given—she would almost certainly become a Limit Douluo in the future. According to the records, Bai Xu's talent might even surpass hers. Given enough time, along with Qiangu Zhangting, the Spirit Pagoda would inevitably become an unrivaled force in the future.
But...
"Such an outstanding talent—even without a secondary profession, Shrek Academy shouldn't have expelled him. Now, he's already a six-ringed Soul Emperor, possibly even a twin-souled one. Yet, a talent like him is content to remain where he is, showing no concern for his own future."
"Are his personal aspirations just different?" Qiangu Dongfeng was puzzled. This young man was somewhat mysterious.
"Ah, forget it. If he's willing to assist Zhangting, staying in the Spirit Pagoda isn't a bad thing. If Shrek doesn't want him, that's their own lack of vision!"
——————
"How about this? Does this dress look good?" Gu Yue was clad in a white gown, draped with a sheer outer layer of pristine gauze. Silver threads embroidered at her waist formed delicate feather patterns, while a wide strip of light-purple brocade wrapped around her chest. As she turned lightly, the skirt flared out gracefully, her every movement as elegant as a willow swaying in the breeze.
Even Bai Xu was captivated.
"It's beautiful," he said sincerely.
Satisfied with his answer, Gu Yue ceased her primping. She took Bai Xu's hand and personally led him to the evening gathering.
The event was held within the Spirit Pagoda—not in the headquarters' official areas, but in one of its luxurious leisure spaces. The pristine white decor exuded an understated elegance, and many of the Spirit Pagoda's younger members had gathered here, some discussing important matters, others engaging in lighthearted gossip.
Even Bai Xu had changed into a pure white robe. Though somewhat reluctant, he had still come.
Their entrance didn't draw gasps from the crowd—most merely glanced their way before returning to their own circles. A few might have wanted to approach and strike up a conversation, but Gu Yue politely declined them all.
The two settled in a quiet corner, far from the center of the crowd, chatting and laughing softly—a rare moment of relaxation.
That was, until a young man made his entrance, his every step drawing the attention of the room. Qiangu Zhangting's golden hair was neatly combed back, and he, too, wore white robes, though his were adorned with intricate golden patterns, exuding nobility and opulence.
"You're Gu Yue?" Qiangu Zhangting spoke, his eyes appraising the girl before him. Her demeanor was refined, though her looks didn't quite align with his preferences. She wasn't someone he would pursue.
Gu Yue smiled. "Yes."
"I am Qiangu Zhangting, of the Qian Family. I look forward to working with you." He was impeccably courteous, nodding slightly at Bai Xu as well.
"I'm Gu Yue, and this is Bai Xu—my secretary."
Watching Gu Yue's radiant smile, Qiangu Zhangting's lips twitched slightly. A little digging would reveal the nature of their relationship.
But when he turned his scrutiny to Bai Xu, he was startled. The young man's aura was tranquil, his composure unshaken even in the presence of a Titled Douluo like Qiangu Zhangting. There was even a faint sense that Bai Xu's body seemed to emit a dazzling brilliance.
The three exchanged a few words, acquainting themselves before parting ways.
As they left, Bai Xu cast a fleeting glance toward the upper balcony—where a probing gaze had been fixed on him and Gu Yue the entire time. Since Qiangu Zhangting had come, the one watching from above was likely Qiangu Dongfeng.
Bai Xu wasn't wrong. The balcony was reserved for the gathering of high-ranking figures, who occasionally observed the younger generation below, exchanging praises and words of approval.
This young man was utterly unflappable, remaining perfectly composed even in the face of the Spirit Pagoda's heir. There was no trace of reverence, flattery, or sycophancy in his tone. In a place like Shrek Academy, where ideology reigned supreme, such a person would have no place to survive.
He didn't hold Shrek in any regard at all!
"But this boy doesn't seem to have any sense of belonging to the Spirit Pagoda either. And the feeling he gives off..." Qiangu Dongfeng, as a Limit Douluo, had sensed something unusual—that same aura of overwhelming presence that even Yun Ming had detected.
Either Bai Xu's potential was immense, or he was hiding something profound. Given his age, Qiangu Dongfeng leaned toward the former.
"In the future, Zhangting should interact with him more. Wasting such talent as a mere secretary to a woman is unacceptable! A person like this must be utilized for the Spirit Pagoda's benefit!"
——————
Star Luo Empire.
Yan Jie had spent years searching the empire's lands for Bai Xu, but with so little information to go on—only vague recollections of his techniques—he had found no trace.
After the destruction of that branch hall, Bai Xu had vanished without a trace. Yan Jie suspected he had long since fled to another continent. The boy was undeniably meticulous, leaving behind no clues. If not for the unique connection between the Zhong brothers' martial souls, even Yan Jie wouldn't have discovered Bai Xu's involvement.
Beep beep!
His soul communicator rang, and a hoarse voice came through.
"Scorpion..."
"My lord!" Yan Jie responded respectfully.
"The research in the Star Luo Empire is concluded. Our collaboration with the Spirit Pagoda is over. From today onward, you are to head to the Dou Ling Empire—there are still some studies there that need wrapping up..."
"Understood, my lord. I will depart for Dou Ling immediately."
Yan Jie ended the call and sighed. "Ah... such is fate. Why is it that others can ascend to godhood, while I'm stuck being ordered around, constantly fearing elimination? A 92nd-ranked Title Douluo still isn't enough to earn the Holy Spirit Cult's favor!"
At least he wasn't under Ghost Emperor's command—otherwise, he might have been among the Title Douluo sacrificed in the attack on Shrek. Even the collaboration with the Spirit Pagoda was risky—who knew if they'd silence him afterward? He knew all too well how these hypocrites operated.
"With my talent... 92nd rank is already my limit. I'll take a look in the Dou Ling Empire. Whether I find anything or not, I'll need to scout for a suitable successor soon."
Yan Jie had a premonition. The world might seem calm now, but the Holy Spirit Cult's ambitions were vast. With the Demon Empress as the most enigmatic figure among their ranks, and rumors of a major operation brewing on the Douluo Continent, it was clear that upheaval was coming.
A full ten thousand years had passed since the Spirit Ice Douluo Huo Yuhao's ascension to godhood. Would this era produce another deity?
And if so—why couldn't it be him?
A 92nd-ranked Title Douluo would stake everything for a shot at divinity!