Of course, if a certain family were to decline gradually and fail to produce strong experts, other families would undoubtedly take advantage of their misfortune without hesitation.
Dugu Feng, currently a one-ring Soul Master at level 16, had long made up his mind to dominate in this realm of Soul Masters.
No matter which family sent their representatives, he was determined to defeat them all.
He just hadn't expected that one of his opponents would be Zhu Zhuqing.
Dugu Feng found it somewhat strange. From the conversation between the two sisters, he realized their relationship wasn't as hostile as he'd thought.
Zhu Zhuyun seemed genuinely concerned about Zhu Zhuqing.
"Dugu Feng, are you eavesdropping?!"
Suddenly, Zhu Zhuyun turned her face toward Dugu Feng. Though her words were accusatory, her expression remained smiling.
"Oh, you know my name!" Dugu Feng was surprised. After all, the Dugu Family had just arrived here.
Zhu Zhuyun's beautiful eyes flickered with curiosity as she studied Dugu Feng. "Everyone here belongs to the six great families. With your single-ring cultivation and that green hair, who else could you be but Dugu Feng?"
"So you two must be Zhu Zhuyun and Zhu Zhuqing. I wasn't eavesdropping—I was listening openly. You were speaking so loudly, and the topic happened to be about me!"
Dugu Feng replied nonchalantly.
"Hmph! Dugu Feng, all your Dugu Family knows is poison. Can't stand being called out for it? And you even accused us of recruiting the Destruction Clan to poison your caravan? Our Zhu Family acts with integrity—we'd never stoop to such shameless acts!"
Zhu Zhuyun suddenly lashed out, as if remembering something.
"The Sacred Dragon Sect told you that, didn't they? Heh, they're the ones who recommended the Black Tiger Sect to replace the Defense Clan's position after their withdrawal. Use your brain!"
Dugu Feng mercilessly mocked her.
"You—Dugu Feng! How dare you—"
Zhu Zhuyun was furious, her chest heaving visibly.
No one had ever dared to imply she was brainless before.
As the most talented woman of the Zhu Family, she had been betrothed to a prince after her Spirit Awakening. In the Star Luo Empire, everyone fawned over her. Moreover, her cultivation progressed rapidly—she hadn't even reached fifteen yet, but her Soul Power had already reached level 37.
It was almost certain she would become Star Luo's future empress.
Zhu Zhuyun was deeply proud. Though she recognized the Sacred Dragon Sect's intention to sow discord, she maintained the mindset of a superior, hoping to use this to pressure Dugu Feng.
Yet Dugu Feng had mocked her without mercy.
"Do I need to repeat myself?" Dugu Feng looked at her as if she were insane, his expression full of disbelief.
Zhu Zhuyun was on the verge of exploding.
"Sister, he's clearly trying to provoke you. Don't let him get to you. I'll avenge you in the arena!"
Zhu Zhuqing stood up and held Zhu Zhuyun back.
Zhu Zhuyun's expression calmed slightly. "In the arena, I'll make sure the Dugu Family understands my strength. Let's go, Zhuqing!"
She felt that if she continued speaking with Dugu Feng, who knew what other harsh words he might say?
Secretly resentful, she vowed to teach them a lesson in the arena.
Hand in hand, the two sisters left Dugu Feng with only their retreating figures.
"Such sisterly affection. This only confirms my suspicions—Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing coming to Suotuo City in the future must have an ulterior motive!" Dugu Feng shook his head.
"Young Master, that one's taken, you shouldn't stare too much!" Little Snake had somehow appeared beside Dugu Feng.
Dugu Feng was speechless. What was he even thinking?
He simply sat down on the circular platform where Zhu Zhuyun and the others had been sitting earlier.
"Young Master, I noticed you've had quite the appetite these past two days, so I went and bought your favorites!"
Little Snake swiftly produced a food box.
The array of delicacies immediately made Dugu Feng's mouth water.
He dug in heartily.
Now was precisely the time he needed energy the most.
Over the past two days on the road, his Core Pearl had already evolved to level ninety-two.
At most, in another four days—through relentless cultivation and replenishing various energies—he could fully condense its power.
Dugu Feng was genuinely excited.
The appearance of Titled Douluo along the way had put immense pressure on him.
Especially since Spirit Hall was growing increasingly dominant, and within the Heaven Dou Empire, there was also Qian Renxue.
At any moment, they could pose a threat to his family.
According to his father's judgment, the poison affecting Xue Ye the Great would persist for a long time.
It was likely that Qian Renxue wasn't yet prepared to ascend the throne—after all, her true age was only seventeen, and her strength hovered around Soul King level.
Still far too weak.
For a long time, his father wouldn't expose the truth about Xue Ye the Great's poisoning, buying them some buffer time.
But eventually, they would have to face it.
In theory, pledging allegiance to Qian Renxue was an option.
But Dugu Feng had no intention of becoming someone else's enforcer. Besides, this was the Douluo Continent—Qian Renxue and Bibi Dong weren't exactly the most rational women.
He, Dugu Feng, would have to rely on himself.
The more he thought, the more he ate, making Little Snake wonder if he hadn't bought enough.
"Whew—"
Dugu Feng exhaled deeply, satisfaction written all over his face.
Now that he was full, he had no interest in watching the Soul Duels below.
He returned directly to his room to cultivate.
A fulfilling night passed, and his Core Pearl's energy rose by another two points, reaching ninety-four.
Dugu Feng's eyes gleamed—the feeling of progress was utterly intoxicating.
He took a deep breath, quickly finished breakfast, and stepped out of his room.
The Soul Duels between the six great families were about to begin—straightforward, with no unnecessary meetings.
The entire competition would be overseen by the Great Soul Arena's director, spanning six days.
Of course, due to the Sacred Dragon Sect's recommendation, the Black Tiger Sect would also participate this time.
Unfortunately, neither Heaven Dou nor Star Luo would willingly allow the Black Tiger Sect to join—they were bound to face brutal suppression.
Aside from Dugu Feng, the Dugu Family's participants included Little Snake, Old Scorpion, and Old Snake.
The other five were referred to by Dugu Shuo as the Five Spirits, though their Soul Power levels varied greatly.
Three of them would take the stage: an Ice Toad Soul Master, a Cave Centipede Soul Master, and a Flower Spider Soul Master, with cultivation levels of Soul Expert, Soul Ancestor, and Soul King respectively.
In total, six participants would represent the Dugu Family, covering every tier from Soul Master to Soul Saint.
Each participant would face one Soul Master from each of the other six families in their respective tier.
For example, Dugu Feng would battle opponents from the other six families at the Soul Master level.
Though the Dugu Family had six participants, the one truly expected to dominate a tier was him.
Thus, he had to win all six matches.
Led by an attendant, Dugu Feng arrived at the Soul Duel Stage.
To his surprise, he saw spectators—he was speechless.
He had assumed such a significant event would be held privately, yet tickets were still being sold for profit.
Truly, nothing could stop the Great Soul Arena from making money!
After a brief moment, a youth stepped onto the Soul Duel Stage. Dressed in black robes with broad shoulders and a sturdy back, his dark eyes shimmered with a sinister light.
Dugu Feng's first Soul Duel opponent was a disciple of the Black Tiger Sect.
"Dugu Feng, Martial Soul Azure Phosphorus Serpent, Level 16 One-Ring Battle Soul Master!"
"Hei Tian, Martial Soul Black Demon Tiger, Level 18 One-Ring Battle Soul Master!"
As Hei Tian finished speaking, a glint flashed in his eyes. His hands suddenly enlarged, covered in black tiger fur, with claw-like blades extending from his fingers.
His body coiled like a spring before launching forward like a starving tiger, pouncing straight at Dugu Feng.
(End of Chapter)