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After sailing for over a month, the massive ship finally arrived at the Dou Ling Empire. The deputy master of the Spirit Pagoda branch personally received Qiangu Zhangting and led the group toward the Spirit Wave City branch.
"Uncle Hua," Qiangu Zhangting greeted politely. He had met the man before when he had visited with his grandfather as a child. Back then, Hua Tao was already a Titled Douluo, and now, Zhangting himself had also stepped into that realm.
"Zhangting, you've grown up. Come, the negotiations regarding the Spirit Pagoda's expansion in the northeastern part of the Dou Ling Empire will be left to you. Don't focus too much on benefits—just maintain appropriate conduct," Hua Tao said approvingly. Qiangu Zhangting was dignified in appearance and amiable in temperament, truly a rare talent.
"Understood."
"Let me show you around Spirit Wave City."
Qiangu Zhangting and the high-ranking officials of the Spirit Pagoda branch went ahead, while Bai Xu and the others were received by lower-ranking staff. For them, the purpose of this trip had already been fulfilled. The rest was just procedure—sightseeing, experiencing the exotic customs, and waiting for Qiangu Zhangting to conclude negotiations before setting sail back.
Suddenly, a disdainful gaze swept over them. A man swaggered forward and sneered, "Hey, you're that pretty boy Bai Xu, right?"
Bai Xu was speechless. He replied indifferently, "I am Bai Xu."
"Heh, I love teaching a lesson to so-called geniuses like you, especially those from Shrek Academy. How about a match at the branch's training grounds?"
"Gentlemen… esteemed guests from the headquarters, please remain calm. This is a bustling street in the Dou Ling Empire—fighting is prohibited. If you both agree, you may return to the Spirit Pagoda, where there are dedicated sparring arenas for disciples," a branch member interjected to stop them.
The man scoffed. "What's wrong? Too scared to fight me? Let's see what gives a mere Soul Emperor like you the right to refuse the Young Master's invitation!"
"Fine. Lead the way," Bai Xu said coolly.
The thick tension silenced the crowd, but soon, whispers of excitement spread. Another spectacle was about to unfold. The group followed Bai Xu and Qiangu Zhangting's follower, some even placing bets in anticipation of the duel.
"Master… there seems to be karma tied to you here…" The voice of the World Spirit echoed in Bai Xu's mind, perplexing him.
"Karma? This is my first time in the Dou Ling Empire. I don't know anyone here. Are you referring to this man?" Bai Xu glanced at the confident follower.
"No… the karma is vague. My abilities are not what they once were, so I cannot perceive it clearly. Perhaps it's due to the opponent's strength. Regardless, please be cautious."
Bai Xu frowned slightly, scanning his surroundings as his spiritual power expanded outward. How had he unknowingly become entangled in this inexplicable karma?
After touring the prosperity of Spirit Wave City under the guidance of the branch members, the group gradually gathered at the virtual training arena, where Bai Xu and his challenger stood ready.
The virtual training arena was a specialized space within the Spirit Pagoda, similar to the Spirit Ascension Platform, where even death would not be permanent—perfect for unrestricted sparring.
---
Spirit Pagoda Branch.
Underground – Third Level .
The Evil Soul Masters were conducting research here. Tang Ziran and his wife, clad in work attire, were forced to carry out experiments under their supervision.
"You guys just stay in this sunless underground all day, watching over a bunch of trash?" Yan Jie remarked in disbelief. He couldn't understand why experiments were being conducted beneath the branch. If anything went wrong, the Spirit Pagoda could easily silence them?
The Poison Spring Evil Soul Master sighed in frustration. "It's the higher-ups' orders. What can I do? If it were up to me, I'd rather slaughter commoners to boost my soul power than waste time here pretending."
"Whatever. Keep an eye on things. I'm going out for some air."
"Hey, remember—don't expose your identity. Otherwise, neither of us will live."
"I know, relax."
---
Virtual World.
Bai Xu and Qiangu Zhangting's follower stood on a vast plain. The latter summoned his martial soul—a sickle engraved with strange patterns—and donned his two-word battle armor, going all out without holding back.
"You're just a nobody who climbed up by clinging to women! How dare you reject the Young Master's invitation? Qiangu Zhangting may not act against you, but that's what we're here for! People like you, acting all high and mighty, pretending not to care about anything—I know your type! You're just scheming for greater benefits!"
Bai Xu had never felt so exasperated in his life. He wasn't even angry—he almost wanted to laugh.
For once, he responded, "Since you're so eager to be Qiangu Zhangting's loyal dog, let's see if those fangs of yours can actually tear into me!"
The follower's battle armor sprouted wings as he shot into the sky. "Two-word battle armor—Thousand Scythe!"
"Sixth Soul Skill—Heavy Falling Sickle!"
He dove down like a meteor, his sickle glowing ominously as its weight multiplied several times over. Combined with his speed, the Soul Emperor crashed toward Bai Xu like a cannonball.
Bai Xu materialized his golden sword, bracing himself to block the attack.
BOOM!
A violent explosion erupted, kicking up a massive dust cloud that obscured the view.
At that moment, Yan Jie happened to pass by the hall. The virtual training arena's real-time feed was displayed on a massive screen for the audience to watch.
As the dust settled, Bai Xu remained in his defensive stance, smirking. "Seems… not so impressive after all."
"You—!"
Before the follower could retort, Bai Xu's hand clamped onto his jaw with crushing force, as if intending to shatter his entire face.
"W-Wait… I surren—"
CRACK!
Bai Xu cut off his stammering words, his voice icy. "I hate busybodies the most."
"AAAAAHHH—!!!"
The immense pressure crushed the man's skull instantly. In the virtual world, he died; in reality, the follower awoke from the pod, screaming in agony, with no one stepping forward to help him.
Everyone stared at Bai Xu in shock. Both were Soul Emperors, yet Bai Xu hadn't even released his soul rings—he had effortlessly killed a two-word battle armor user with just his martial soul!
This was beyond terrifying.
But Bai Xu paid no mind. After a brief glance at the wailing follower—who would need time to recover—his gaze shifted to a black-robed figure standing outside the hall.
"Master, that person's connection to you just became crystal clear—it's him!" the World Spirit declared.
Yan Jie stood frozen in the doorway before his shadowed face twisted into a fanatical grin. He locked eyes with Bai Xu, neither backing down.
"Hah… It's you… It's really you! After three years, I've finally found you! To think you're with the Spirit Pagoda!"
The golden sword in Bai Xu's hand overlapped with the blurred image in his memories, sharpening into clarity.
Then, Yan Jie left. Bai Xu would surely hide his other martial souls. He was now certain—even the Spirit Pagoda had been deceived!
"He noticed me too… Does he know I'm a Evil Soul Master? Hah, no matter! Even with three martial souls, the difference between a Soul Emperor and me is absolute! I'll plan this carefully… I'll make sure you're captured perfectly intact!"
Even if Bai Xu reported a Evil Soul Master's presence to the branch master, it would likely backfire. He was like a lamb walking into a trap—Yan Jie just needed the right plan to seize him flawlessly.
Bai Xu watched the retreating black figure. Both the World Spirit and his own senses confirmed it:
A Evil Soul Master…