Chapter 761: Confrontation at the Gates
Huo Rui said nothing, only stared intently at Huo Yu'er, her lips curving into a slight smile.
"I'm not here to stop you, Xiao Yu'er. Let's go together. No one from the Huo family is going to let an outsider bully us and get away with it, even if that person is a Title Douluo."
In Ye Wen's original plan, he never intended for Huo Yu'er to get involved; he needed someone level-headed back home to ensure his plans went smoothly. So, when Huo Yu'er returned to the Huo residence, Ye Wen sent a letter to Huo Rui, disclosing his conflict with Dugu Bo. Without revealing specific details, he asked that, for the sake of everyone's safety, they temporarily leave the area to avoid any potential backlash.
But Ye Wen miscalculated one key detail: the Huo family was no ordinary family, with cold, distant relations like those in the ancient clans of centuries past. Huo Rui, having lost her own family members before, deeply understood the preciousness of kinship. Despite no blood ties, the moment she accepted Ye Wen as her grandson-in-law, she vowed to protect him as one of her own.
After making sure everything at home was in order, Huo Rui and Huo Yu'er set out for Heaven Dou City. Gazing resolutely into the distance, Huo Rui clenched her fists tightly.
"Even though I'm just a Soul Douluo, if Dugu Bo dares harm my son-in-law, I'll make sure he regrets it! And with this trump card, I have every reason to believe I can drag him down with me, Title Douluo or not!"
Leading the way, Huo Rui didn't notice the dazed look in Huo Yu'er's eyes. This was the first time in her life she'd felt the deep warmth of familial love, and it only strengthened her resolve to save Ye Wen.
"Dugu Bo," she thought, "if you dare touch my man, I don't care if you served under my teacher in another time. I'll make sure your family and your entire Jade Phosphor Snake lineage vanish from the Douluo Continent!"
Thanks to Huo Rui's connections, the two quickly found a flying-type Soul Sage willing to transport them, and by midday, they arrived at Heaven Dou City. As one of Heaven Dou's most prominent figures, Dugu Bo's residence was known to nearly every noble with some influence, and Huo Rui headed directly there without hesitation.
As they walked, Huo Rui cautioned, "Xiao Yu'er, Dugu Bo is unpredictable. Don't get too close when we meet him. Let me handle this old monster. If he's done anything to Ye Wen, I'll risk everything to make sure he pays for it. And if a fight breaks out, it's likely something terrible has already happened to Ye Wen. If that happens, I want you to leave Heaven Dou City immediately. I've arranged everything for you."
Huo Yu'er nodded, but her clear, serene eyes held an icy determination that suggested she hadn't truly listened. If things went that far, there was no way she would just leave. No matter what, she would take revenge herself if it came to it.
Though Dugu Bo held no official noble title from the Heaven Dou government, as the empire's only Title Douluo besides those in the Three Upper Sects and Spirit Hall, his residence was on par with that of Prince Xue Xing. His esteemed status commanded a degree of respect that few could rival.
Though she feared for Ye Wen, Huo Rui restrained herself. She would keep things civil until she knew the situation for certain. After taking a steadying breath, she approached the gate and addressed the gatekeeper.
"Hello, I am Countess Tianxin. I've come to request an audience with Lord Dugu Bo. Could you inform him of my visit?"
The gatekeeper, who had been dozing off, snapped awake at once, surprised to see a countess requesting entry. Though he couldn't outright refuse a visitor of this status, he still approached the situation cautiously.
"My apologies, Lady Countess," he said courteously, "but Lord Dugu is currently out. If you wish to wait, you may do so here. Alternatively, I can take your contact information, and once the lord returns, I will inform him of your visit immediately."
Huo Rui frowned but held her temper. Her primary goal wasn't necessarily to see Dugu Bo but to find Ye Wen. She quickly asked, "Do you have a young man named Ye Wen here? I'm his elder and came here specifically to check on him."
The gatekeeper, initially indifferent, grew wary upon hearing this. While Dugu Bo was frequently away, the household staff maintained their own network. They were aware that although Dugu Bo was technically the master of the house, it was Dugu Yan, his granddaughter, who wielded the true influence in his absence.
The staff had noticed Dugu Yan's growing interest in Ye Wen, the new young man who had appeared so suddenly in her life. There was a chance, they speculated, that Ye Wen might one day become their young master.
The fact that Huo Rui came here despite knowing of Dugu Bo's status and reputation was unexpected, as Dugu Bo had never hesitated to eliminate those who provoked him.
Believing that Dugu Yan held more than just a passing interest in Ye Wen, the gatekeeper now looked at Huo Rui with a mix of curiosity and caution. Testing the waters, he asked, "May I ask, madam, are you a relative or...?"
Not expecting such a question, Huo Rui briefly hesitated but quickly suppressed her impatience. "I'm his mother-in-law. He's been away for quite some time, and I grew concerned, so I came to inquire about him."
At her answer, the gatekeeper's heart skipped a beat. So Dugu Yan's interest was in a man who was already engaged? Was she hesitating because she was considering becoming the third party in someone else's relationship? The implications were scandalous yet intriguing!
With this realization, the gatekeeper felt a sense of determination rise within him. As a believer in the notion that love conquers all, he made a bold decision about how to handle this matter.
Chapter 762: The Clash Ignites
The gatekeeper's face held a polite smile as he apologized, "I'm sorry, Countess, but Mr. Ye Wen happened to leave with the master. He won't be back for some time. Perhaps you could return in a month to inquire again."
Internally, the gatekeeper was cheering himself on. Miss, I can only buy you a month, so you better make the most of it! Feeling quite clever, he was already dreaming of quietly informing Dugu Yan of his efforts tonight. Who knew—maybe she'd reward him handsomely? Perhaps a promotion, a raise, and a future as head steward? The possibilities were endless!
But the gatekeeper's smile took on a bit of a scheming quality, which Huo Rui perceived as a blatant provocation.
"This man is mocking me." Her gaze darkened, and in the next moment, her Soul Power surged forth.
Two yellow, two purple, and four black rings circled around her—a display of Soul Douluo strength that instantly drew the attention of everyone nearby and left the gatekeeper in utter shock.
He stammered, "Wh-what are you trying to do? This is the estate of Lord Dugu! Don't do anything rash!"
Huo Rui's eyes were filled with grief, memories of her first meeting with Ye Wen and all the moments they'd shared flashing through her mind. Her eyes, red with sorrow, locked onto the gatekeeper as she muttered, "Ye Wen, it seems I'm too late to save you. But don't worry, Grandma will avenge you!"
Then she turned her cold gaze back to the gatekeeper, her voice like ice. "You dared to toy with me? Pay for your insolence—with your life!"
With that, she threw a punch, straightforward and merciless.
The gatekeeper's face drained of color. How did things escalate to this so quickly? Was my bluff really that obvious? He cursed inwardly, knowing there was no time to hesitate. His own Soul Power erupted as he prepared to meet her blow.
The estate's gates, built to princely standards, crumbled almost instantly under the impact of the two powers colliding. The noise was tremendous, causing bystanders to gasp in shock.
"She's insane! Starting a fight outside a Title Douluo's estate?"
"She's either crazy or has a death wish!"
"Look at that punch—there's no way she's anything less than a Soul Douluo!"
People around murmured frantically before fleeing, realizing the danger. Dugu Bo's mere presence had a deadly effect; a single whiff of his poison could kill.
Huo Rui, meanwhile, was surprised. Her initial punch, though not her full strength, should have been enough to finish a common guard, but this one had blocked it. As the dust settled, she took a good look at her opponent.
Judging from his two yellow, three purple, and two black rings, it was clear this was no ordinary gatekeeper but rather a defensive-type Soul Sage—probably at least level 75.
Noticing his shield, Huo Rui understood why he could withstand her punch, but she didn't care. If one punch wasn't enough, I'll simply hit harder, she thought, cracking her knuckles and gathering even more Soul Power.
The gatekeeper, now surveying the ruined gate and their surroundings, looked furious. All I wanted was to curry a little favor. Now, she's destroyed the gates! How am I supposed to explain this? Glaring at Huo Rui, he spat, "Do you realize what you've done? This is the home of Poison Douluo! Aren't you afraid of his wrath?"
Huo Rui only scowled. I'm serious now, she thought, and then unleashed her next attack. "A serious punch!"
Sensing the overwhelming Soul Power, the gatekeeper's face darkened, and his sixth spirit ring, black and ominous, flared to life.
"Sixth Spirit Skill: Diamond Shield!"
A golden, phantom shield appeared, covering his physical one. Though translucent, it gave off an impression of unbreakable strength.
But Huo Rui's punch, infused with her utmost strength and will to protect, could not be stopped. When the attack met his shield, the resulting force whipped the air into a furious tempest, a gust that swept everything around.
The shield shattered in less than a second.
Huo Rui's fist continued, smashing into his shield. The gatekeeper tried to resist, but he was no match for the strength of Huo Rui's blow. In another moment, he was sent flying back.
Yet Huo Rui was not satisfied. "Slippery, aren't you? But you won't survive the next one!"
Just as she was about to launch her finishing strike, a scarlet spear shot out from deep within the estate.
Startled, Huo Rui sensed the weapon's trajectory and shifted her footing, deflecting it with a deft twist of her wrist, sending it spinning off to the side.
She could tell instantly that this was no ordinary spear. Whoever owned it was a highly skilled opponent, so she halted her attack and coldly called out toward the direction the spear had come from. "Who's there?"
An elderly figure appeared, moving with a straight-backed posture as sharp as a drawn sword.
One look, and Huo Rui understood—this old man was the spear's owner.
With a casual flick of his wrist, the spear leapt from the ground and returned to his hand. After a swift flourish that shook the dirt from the weapon, he revealed his spirit rings in sequence: two yellow, two purple, three black—the optimal configuration.
Huo Rui assessed his aura and could tell he was much stronger than the gatekeeper. In fact, he appeared to be right on the cusp of Soul Douluo level.
(End of Chapter)
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Chapter 763: Fist vs. Spear
"No matter who you are, destroying the gates of the Dugu household is equivalent to slapping my master in the face. As his steward, it is my duty to detain you until he returns to question you himself," the old man said calmly. The restraint in his tone and the fact that he explained himself before acting showed that he was no ordinary man.
The gatekeeper, still shaken from Huo Rui's blow, looked at the steward with a mix of respect and apprehension. "Be careful, Steward. This woman's strength is far beyond that of an ordinary Soul Douluo."
The steward nodded, his demeanor remaining cautious. Although he was an expert in his craft, the disparity in Soul Power levels was no small matter, and he couldn't afford to take her lightly.
"Forgive me, then. Fifth Soul Skill: Raging Spear Rain!"
The steward spoke in a low voice, leaping high into the air and throwing his spear with immense force. As the spear hurtled forward, it split into two, then into four, and so on, multiplying into a hundred blazing red spears that covered the sky above Huo Rui.
Huo Rui took a deep breath as her first and second soul rings lit up.
"First Soul Skill: Heart's Surge."
"Second Soul Skill: Life's Vibration."
When she began her training, Huo Rui's Heart Martial Soul had been dismissed as a "waste martial soul." After all, the martial souls of internal organs were rare, and a heart seemed difficult to weaponize.
Yet, upon obtaining her first soul ring, Huo Rui realized her potential when the ability she received wasn't auxiliary but a powerful self-enhancing skill called Heart's Surge. Her first skill gave her a 50% boost in all attributes for ten minutes—though it wasn't an offensive skill, it opened her eyes to her combat potential. Huo Rui took it upon herself to learn combat techniques from other beast spirit masters and began to create her own martial techniques, veering down the path of a battle soul master.
Her second soul skill, Life's Vibration, accelerated her natural healing and heightened her life force. With these two effects enhancing her, Huo Rui was ready to counterattack.
"Serious Series: Flowing Water Fist!"
Her muscles swelled, radiating power. Yet her movements were soft and fluid, calmly deflecting the rain of spears aimed at her. Each spear, though appearing ordinary, buried itself deep into the ground upon deflection, showcasing its lethal sharpness.
The steward's brow furrowed as he observed her mastery over martial techniques. In an era where most soul masters relied solely on their soul skills, her self-taught techniques were remarkable.
With the barrage neutralized, Huo Rui seized the final spear in midair, twisting her waist, ready to hurl it directly at the gatekeeper to make him an example.
Seeing this, the gatekeeper's hair stood on end; he knew all too well how deadly the steward's spears could be and doubted his own shield could withstand it. Nevertheless, he raised his sixth soul ring and shouted, "Steward, help me!"
The steward looked mildly displeased but didn't hesitate, understanding the urgency. He knew that to face Huo Rui, he couldn't rely solely on conventional moves.
Just as Huo Rui was about to release the spear, a deep chill washed over her—a warning from her innate sense of danger. Reacting instinctively, she leaped high into the air.
At the same moment, the steward's fifth soul ring lit up.
"Fifth Soul Skill: Crimson Lotus Burst!"
The spears buried in the ground suddenly exploded from below, springing upward like lethal, blooming flowers. Huo Rui had leaped in time, but several of the spears grazed her legs, leaving shallow wounds.
Unable to fly, Huo Rui utilized the spear in her grip to gain leverage, performing a powerful somersault. She twisted the spear, deflecting the crimson spears below as she landed. Realizing that she couldn't waste more time, she aimed to end things swiftly.
Her life force ability, Life's Vibration, activated, and the wounds on her legs began to heal, emitting a faint steam as they rapidly closed.
The steward, seeing her recovery and determination, tightened his grip on his spear. He sensed her intention and understood that she was finally prepared to unleash her full power. He focused, his seventh soul ring lighting up as he activated his Martial Soul Avatar.
"Seventh Soul Skill: Crimson Scale Form!"
In an instant, the steward transformed as his spear morphed into a crimson-scaled dragon spear, exuding a terrifying aura.
Simultaneously, Huo Rui's third and fourth soul rings glowed, amplifying her strength even further.
"Serious Series—"
Sensing her massive power build-up, the steward didn't dare to hold back. He finished his preparations as his last black soul ring shone brilliantly, infusing his spear with an intense energy.
"Celestial Cleansing Strike!"
"Loyal Spear—No Regrets!"
In the next moment, Huo Rui's powerful fist met the steward's crimson spear. Her small yet potent fist collided with the spear's seemingly earth-shattering momentum, each attack charged with the full force of its user.
Chapter 764: The Power of Six
At this moment, the battlefield shook as shockwaves rippled across the landscape for kilometers, sending dust and debris flying wildly. The Dugu residence, caught in the center of this storm, was bearing the brunt of the destruction.
Both sides refused to yield, and the intense clash persisted for several seconds.
Hiding behind his shield, the gatekeeper struggled to withstand the shockwaves from the fight, stammering, "They—they haven't even collided yet?!"
Watching her energy clash in midair with the steward's spear, a flash of irritation crossed Huo Rui's eyes.
Though weapon martial souls are often stronger in specific skills than beast martial souls, she was a Soul Douluo with full augmentation capabilities—yet here she was, being held back by this steward.
"Enough," Huo Rui thought. "Losing a bit of soul power for augmentation won't matter if it means I can take down Dugu Bo afterward. One more skill should do it!"
With that, Huo Rui's fifth black ten-thousand-year soul ring flared, causing her aura to surge once again.
"Break!" she commanded.
With her sharp yell, the balance of power broke. Her fist surged forward, inching closer and closer to the steward's spear, shattering his last defenses.
Seeing Huo Rui's newfound strength, the steward's face turned grim. He could no longer keep up; his opponent's strength was simply too overwhelming.
As Dugu Bo's steward, his mere Soul Sage rank spoke to his past prowess. He had once even bested a Soul Douluo, earning his place in the household. Yet now, facing this unknown but incredibly powerful Soul Douluo, he found himself powerless.
"Damn it, Biao! How did you get us into this mess?!" he muttered, blaming his underling. Though he knew this enemy was likely someone Dugu Bo had offended, the steward certainly wasn't going to criticize his master. Biao would just have to take the blame.
The steward's pride quickly dissipated in the face of survival, as he called out, "Biao, what are you waiting for?! Get over here and help!"
His voice snapped the gatekeeper back to his senses. With a quick shout, he activated his own Martial Soul Avatar, positioning himself in front of the steward with his shield.
With her full augmentations, Huo Rui felt an overwhelming surge of power. She looked at Biao's shield with disdain.
"Crush!"
Using the same powerful punch as before, Huo Rui swung straight at the gatekeeper's shield.
The shield cracked under the force and then shattered completely. When a Martial Soul Avatar is broken, the soul master experiences a severe backlash. Biao instantly turned pale, spitting a mouthful of blood as he staggered back.
The steward cast Biao a scornful glance, feeling only contempt for his subordinate.
However, Biao's intervention had bought the steward the few precious moments he needed to summon his Martial Soul Avatar once more.
"You'll pay for this, intruder!" he roared, engaging Huo Rui again.
Realizing he couldn't subdue Huo Rui alone, the steward called out loudly, "Any nearby Soul Sages, lend me your aid! The Dugu family will reward you handsomely!"
Huo Rui halted for a moment, mildly surprised at his tactic, but she quickly refocused. With a swift punch, she eliminated Biao, and advanced towards the steward again.
Soon after, numerous voices answered the steward's call.
"Don't worry, Brother Mu! We're on our way!"
"Who dares cause havoc in Heaven Dou City? Surrender now!"
"Wicked fiend! Face your end!"
Several figures appeared, all Soul Sages or higher.
Remaining calm, Huo Rui continued her pursuit of the steward, though she knew she would no longer be able to save her strength for Dugu Bo. Dugu Bo's sole status as a recognized Titled Douluo meant he had connections to numerous high-ranking figures. These Soul Sages were merely the beginning—the real threat lay in the incoming Soul Douluos who were loyal to him.
Drawing from her extensive battle experience, Huo Rui knew she couldn't afford a drawn-out fight. If she was surrounded, no amount of skill or power would save her. Her sixth black ten-thousand-year soul ring ignited, pushing her speed to a new level.
Before the steward could react, Huo Rui drove a heavy punch into his abdomen.
Seeing his eyes roll back, she prepared to follow up with a finishing blow, only to be interrupted by a barrage of attacks from the surrounding Soul Sages. Huo Rui let out a frustrated sigh.
"A nuisance," she muttered. But that was all they were.
If a peak-level Soul Sage like the steward couldn't stop her, these lesser opponents had no chance. With explosive speed, she darted around, engaging each of the Soul Sages individually.
Her punches and kicks landed with the power of sonic booms. In just five seconds, all the Soul Sages lay sprawled on the ground, bloodied and barely breathing.
Not a single one could remain standing.
Absolute power rendered even the most complex soul skills useless.
With a calm glance at the defeated Soul Sages, Huo Rui mentally dismissed them as unworthy adversaries. Ignoring them, she strode toward the steward.
Those gathered hadn't been personally involved in her grievances with Dugu Bo, and she had no desire to kill unnecessarily. She only wanted to collect the steward's life as an offering for Ye Wen.
Covered in blood and his white beard now filthy, the steward looked up at Huo Rui with a mixture of fear and despair, stammering, "You—you can't kill me… or the Master will… he'll never forgive you!"
Huo Rui raised her fist, her eyes icy.
"Perfect. Let him come."
(End of Chapter)
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Chapter 765: The Three Academy Elders
With her right fist charged with soul power, Huo Rui was ready to strike again.
"Stop!" A voice suddenly called out from afar. In the next second, green vines extended over hundreds of meters, instantly ensnaring Huo Rui.
Huo Rui's eyes flashed with irritation—yet another interruption. But with such a long-distance attack, even a Soul Douluo's skill was not enough to hinder someone as powerful as her, a top-level assault-type Soul Douluo.
"Die!" Huo Rui threw her punch with a fierce, lethal determination.
Boom!
Yet, as her attack landed, Huo Rui noticed something off about the sound. To her surprise, her punch was blocked by a massive iron wall! No, on closer inspection, it wasn't an iron wall—it was a gigantic incense burner-shaped Martial Soul.
With vines and incense burners both appearing, Huo Rui had a good idea of who had come to interfere.
"Countess Tianxin, please, stay your hand. Though I don't know why you're causing such chaos here, I ask you to calm down. Let His Majesty deal with this matter," spoke an elderly man, who then gracefully descended. This was none other than Zhulin, the second seat among the three high-ranking elders of the Tian Dou Royal Academy, a control-type Soul Douluo whose Martial Soul was the Celestial Vine.
As for the massive incense burner, Huo Rui knew it belonged to none other than the third member of the trio, Bai Baoshan, who wielded the Tianxing Furnace as his Martial Soul.
Being a high-ranking noble with children who had studied at Tian Dou Royal Academy, Huo Rui was familiar with the three academy elders.
Huo Rui's eyes suddenly narrowed, and she whipped her fist to her side.
Though she held back, the shockwave alone carved a trench into the ground nearby.
As expected, a shadowy figure gathered from the mist where her punch had landed, forming a sinister-looking apparition. Behind it, another elderly figure emerged from the shadows, appearing even older than Zhulin and Bai Baoshan. Despite his dark, ominous Martial Soul, the man himself had a gentle, kindly appearance.
"Huo Rui, stand down," he said. "You've made too much of a scene. Whatever grievances you have, bring them to His Majesty. He will see justice done. This behavior doesn't befit someone of your rank."
Huo Rui sneered at the offer. "Justice? Do you think I'm some naive girl to be easily deceived? This world is ruled by power, not promises. I doubt Emperor Xue Ye would risk conflict with a Titled Douluo for the sake of a mere Soul Douluo like me."
Sensing the futility of talking further, Huo Rui's soul power surged as she warned, "This is my last warning: if you three meddling elders keep standing in my way, I'll have no qualms about finishing you off first!"
Her threat cut through the air, and the three elders exchanged cautious glances. They could sense the fierce killing intent in her words.
Although they held their positions, each of them understood that individually, none of them could perform the feat Huo Rui had just demonstrated—taking down a dozen Soul Sages in mere moments. Yet, being sworn to protect their people, they had no choice.
Finally, the three elders exchanged nods, and Meng Shenji, the leader, declared, "If you refuse to yield, Countess, don't blame us for being merciless."
Huo Rui's eyes flashed with disdain, and she replied only with action.
In an instant, she moved with such speed that she seemed to teleport, closing the gap to Meng Shenji in a blink and throwing a punch at him.
The punch appeared simple, but Meng Shenji, aware of her prowess, wasted no time. In the blink of an eye, he activated his seventh soul ring.
"Seventh Soul Skill: Dark Fiend True Body!"
Meng Shenji transformed into a Dark Fiend, rendering Huo Rui's punch ineffective.
With his newfound confidence in this form, Meng Shenji was unfazed. His Martial Soul allowed him to assume an elemental state—essentially invulnerable to most physical attacks unless countered with a rare specialized technique.
"Stay still, Huo Rui!" he commanded. "Fifth Soul Skill: Nightmare!"
Taking advantage of his proximity, Meng Shenji immediately deployed a mental attack skill. His Nightmare ability could briefly stun even Titled Douluo with a weaker mental defense, and for Huo Rui, a mere Soul Douluo, it would likely be even more effective.
Since taking his seat as academy elder, Meng Shenji had long kept his powers dormant. Many had forgotten the true power of his Dark Fiend Martial Soul.
Seeing Huo Rui's dazed expression, Meng Shenji's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. He gestured to Zhulin to bind her with his vines.
But just as Zhulin stepped forward, Huo Rui's eyes suddenly cleared, and a black soul ring—the eighth ring—lit up around her.
In the next moment, intense flames erupted around her, forcing Meng Shenji to retreat with a howl of pain.
As Meng Shenji escaped, Huo Rui's confidence grew.
"So, all Martial Souls have weaknesses. This so-called invulnerable state isn't immune to everything."
Though Meng Shenji's mind control had briefly affected her, Huo Rui's disciplined, battle-hardened spirit kept her standing strong.
Huo Rui, having endured years of harsh training, was not so easily overcome by mental attacks. Dream-based soul skills were effective only against weaker minds. Just as in the original story, when Shi Nian's Nightmare Martial Soul failed to trap Tang San, Meng Shenji's skill was useless against Huo Rui's indomitable will.
However, Huo Rui refrained from attacking and took a moment to strategize. She knew that defeating Meng Shenji meant finding a way to strike him despite his elementally transformed state. Realizing this, she decided to counter his elemental form with her own elemental powers.
Her eighth soul skill, gifted by a fire-elemental true dragon soul beast and suggested by Ye Wen himself, granted her a powerful fire ability. In traditional medicine, the heart is associated with the element of fire, and Huo Rui's other skills were primarily physical; having an elemental ability added balance and versatility to her arsenal.
Thinking of Ye Wen only fueled Huo Rui's anger, and her flames intensified, glowing even brighter.
Her eighth skill wasn't an attack move but rather an augmentation skill that drastically increased her fire-based strength. This unexpected surge in power made her an even greater threat.
With her mind clear and her fists aflame, Huo Rui smirked, ready to show the academy elders just what her "Sixfold Power" was capable of.
(Chapter end)
(End of Chapter)
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Chapter 766: Unstoppable Fury
Huo Rui exhaled a blazing breath as the flames on her right hand surged violently, then compressed, becoming an intense, brilliant hue.
"Eighth Soul Skill: Flame Dragon Body, Enhanced—"
The flames enveloping Huo Rui had reached their peak, and the Flame Dragon Body skill now provided not only elemental enhancement but also a massive full attribute boost of 100% for thirty minutes. Fire attributes received an additional 200% boost, transforming her Martial Soul from a mere heart into the Flame Dragon Heart.
Though she had no personal vendetta against the three Academy Elders, they had chosen to stand in her way. Coldly, she warned, "I plan to wipe out everyone in Dugu's household. Whoever dares to stop me, I won't care if they die!"
With that, she unleashed a modified, searing punch.
"Ultimate Series: Blazing Sun Fist!"
The powerful punch tore through the ground, carving a deep trench as it shot toward the steward with lethal intent. The real horror, however, lay in the intense heat at the center of her strike, as if capable of melting anything in its path.
Seeing this terrifying attack lock onto him, the steward paled in terror. In a moment of life and death, he could no longer hesitate. Gritting his teeth, he flung his Martial Soul weapon forward in a desperate attempt to counter the attack.
Even without any accompanying soul skills, his weapon in its true Martial Soul form still carried immense destructive power.
The two devastating attacks collided in an earth-shattering impact.
The steward spat out a mouthful of blood as his Martial Soul weapon disintegrated before his eyes, sending a backblast of pain surging through him. Death loomed so close that he could almost feel its presence, his face twisted in terror. After all the effort he had put into securing his current position, the comforts he had just begun to enjoy, he wasn't ready to die.
In a last-ditch bid for survival, his battle-honed instincts took over. The only chance lay in reaching the three Academy Elders nearby, all Soul Douluo themselves. He quickly assessed them, dismissing Zhulin's Celestial Vine and Meng Shenji, who was still reeling from their last exchange, as unlikely saviors. His only hope was White Baoshan, the defense-type Soul Douluo.
"Lord Bai, help me!" he cried.
White Baoshan sighed, knowing full well the situation. He had been dispatched by Emperor Xue Ye, charged with protecting Dugu Bo's honor. No matter how daunting this blazing attack appeared, he had to step in.
With a focused shout, White Baoshan brought his hands together, activating his defensive Martial Soul True Body, the Celestial Star Body.
In this state, a Soul Douluo's defenses were amplified. At that moment, White Baoshan fortified his defenses to their utmost capacity, layering as many protective soul skills as he could.
Huo Rui's killing blow, meanwhile, incinerated the steward's weapon entirely and barreled toward White Baoshan.
With a terrifying fury, the intense heat instantly shattered lower-ranked defensive skills.
White Baoshan felt a cold sweat trickle down his temple as he observed his layers of defense being broken with such ease. Though his current skill levels and experience exceeded Huo Rui's, her attack displayed a shocking level of destructive power, akin to a Titled Douluo's ninth soul skill!
Only his eighth soul skill remained. If this final layer failed, he would have to withstand the attack with his Martial Soul True Body alone.
Recalling the steward's fate, White Baoshan threw decorum aside and shouted to Zhulin in desperation.
"Don't just stand there, Zhulin! Hurry up and help—I can't hold this off alone!"
As a control-type Soul Douluo, Zhulin wasn't equipped for full-on defensive maneuvers, but seeing his friend in danger, he couldn't just watch. His Celestial Vine surged forward, weaving into a green barrier that bolstered White Baoshan's defenses.
But as his vines withered and ignited under the intense heat, Zhulin went pale. The strength of Huo Rui's attack, already having bypassed so many defenses, was simply too much.
Realizing they needed even more help, Zhulin turned to Meng Shenji.
"Meng Shenji, snap out of it! If you don't act now, we'll lose this fight!"
Finally, Meng Shenji returned to his senses. As the Black Fiend Soul Douluo, Meng Shenji specialized in ranged and shadow-based attacks. He raised his hand, summoning his sixth soul skill.
"Sixth Soul Skill: Shadow Sphere!"
The shadowy sphere he created absorbed nearby energy as it moved, momentarily stalling Huo Rui's Blazing Sun Fist and even lessening some of its heat.
Seeing this slight reduction in the attack's force, Meng Shenji quickly formed several more Shadow Spheres to further sap its power.
Together, the three Academy Elders finally managed to neutralize the terrifying force of Huo Rui's punch. But the realization dawned on them that it had taken far too long.
Where was Huo Rui herself?
The steward felt a sudden chill and instinctively looked behind him.
What he saw made his heart nearly stop.
Huo Rui had stealthily circled around to the back of White Baoshan's Martial Soul True Body, her aura restrained but poised in a terrifying stance.
"Ultimate Series: Deadly Charge Punch!"
Gathering her full might, enhanced by seven soul skills, Huo Rui's devastating punch shot forward, unleashing a blinding flash that forced everyone to close their eyes.
When they opened them, White Baoshan was coughing blood. His once-imposing Celestial Star Martial Soul bore a gaping hole the size of an arm, and the steward was sent flying, blood spraying from his mouth.
Huo Rui raised an eyebrow, impressed that the steward had managed to survive. Despite the backlash from his shattered Martial Soul, he had instinctively defended himself in the final moment, enough to survive her strike.
However, Huo Rui was certain that her attack had fractured every bone in his body, rendering him as helpless as a living corpse, incapable of moving a single finger.
(End of Chapter)
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Chapter 767: Unyielding Fury
In truth, the steward's state was even worse than Huo Rui had anticipated. While Bai Baoshan's Celestial Star Furnace had absorbed most of the blow's power, the residual flames from Huo Rui's strike still seared into the steward's body, scorching the meridians in his arms beyond repair.
Yet, it hardly mattered how badly he was injured because Huo Rui intended to kill him outright. As for Bai Baoshan, who was suffering from a soul backlash after his Martial Soul shattered, he no longer posed any threat.
As she raised her hand to finish off the steward, Huo Rui couldn't help but reflect.
"I acted impulsively. Even if Dugu Bo killed Ye Wen, I should've waited for him to return instead of striking now. Because of these interferences, I've been forced to use my eighth soul skill, which means I have fewer cards left for Dugu Bo himself. Making him pay for Ye Wen's death will only get harder from here."
Attacking Dugu Bo's estate could turn every noble in Tian Dou against her, even stripping her of her noble title. But did Huo Rui regret it? Not in the least. Ever since she had tasted the agony of losing both her brother and her husband, she had vowed to protect her family no matter the cost. If she couldn't do that, then what good was all her power?
Determined to land the final blow, she resolved to take her granddaughter Huo Yuer to safety after this fight and then continue her quest for vengeance.
Yet, as she moved to strike, a powerful soul force surged from afar.
!?
Her patience now thoroughly tested, Huo Rui clenched her fists in frustration. But this newcomer's soul power far surpassed her own, and she was forced to brace herself defensively.
A terrifying soul skill descended from the distance, hurling Huo Rui back hundreds of meters.
Half the sky turned green as the attack landed.
"How dare you offend the House of Dugu? You're courting death."
Dugu Bo appeared, standing proudly atop the roof of his mansion. His wide robes fluttered in the wind, and the green-tinged sky from his attack cast an ominous glow over the scene. At that moment, he was the very picture of domineering strength.
But his composure quickly faltered.
From the rubble not far away, Huo Rui slowly stood, muttering to herself, "So this soul force... it's stronger than Marshal Ge Long's. It's you, Dugu Bo, the Titled Douluo. In that case, I'll make this my final stand."
Dugu Bo's expression changed as he sensed the lethal intent that only a veteran of countless battles could exude. In the next moment, a crimson, translucent heart appeared in the sky above her.
In this era, few soul masters had seen or even knew of Body Martial Souls. Dugu Bo himself paused, stunned at the sight of the heart hovering above her.
But the next instant, his nine soul rings flared into existence.
Simultaneously, the heart above Huo Rui's head glowed silver and slowly descended, merging into her body.
In an age when the empires were reluctant to hand out noble titles and fiefdoms, Huo Rui's status as the ruler of an entire city was earned through her outstanding achievements in war. Having endured endless bloodshed, she had unlocked a special state that allowed her to double her attributes temporarily.
Huo Rui called this state her "Dominance Form."
With her Martial Soul True Body already doubling her attributes, this additional boost instantly quadrupled her combat power.
"Dugu Bo! It's time for you to pay with your life for killing my son-in-law!"
As her battle cry echoed, a silver dragon head emerged above her.
"Ultimate Move: Dragonfall Strike!!!"
Sensing the concentrated, lethal energy heading his way, Dugu Bo's eyes narrowed in recognition. He could almost guess her identity. But he couldn't risk hoping she'd stop on his command; he cursed inwardly and activated his seventh soul ring.
"Seventh Soul Skill: Martial Soul True Body, Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor!"
Soul power surged, and from the ground beneath him, a giant emerald-green serpent emerged, bearing eight imposing horns and exuding a terrifying aura with its sharp fangs and piercing gaze.
Huo Rui charged forward, the silver dragon head bringing a whirlwind in its wake, as though a hurricane had torn through the land. Dugu Bo, standing atop his serpent's head, felt his eye twitch at the overwhelming power that was nearly on par with his ninth soul skill.
Dugu Bo had been summoned back by a covert signal from his steward, set to alert him in emergencies. At first, he hadn't been concerned, assuming it was merely routine. So he had left the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well alone, without bringing Ye Wen along.
Now, however, he realized his mistake. This woman was likely his potential in-law! Killing her was out of the question; doing so would alienate his disciple and potential future grandson-in-law Ye Wen.
In recent days, Dugu Bo had become increasingly impressed with Ye Wen, who had dedicated himself to studying a cure for his poison affliction. Alienating Ye Wen was the last thing Dugu Bo wanted.
But Huo Rui's unexpected strength complicated matters. His eighth and ninth soul skills were both extremely venomous; no matter her power, unless she was a Titled Douluo herself, she'd likely suffer serious or even fatal poisoning if she continued.
Silently cursing the dilemma, Dugu Bo decided to reveal one of his hidden trump cards.
As his serpent Martial Soul stared down Huo Rui's approaching attack, a third eye opened on its brow—this was his soul bone skill.
"Cranial Soul Bone Skill: Medusa's Gaze!"
A green ray shot from the serpent's brow, clashing with Huo Rui's silver dragon attack. Named after the mythical Medusa, this skill could petrify nearly anything it touched.
In the original story, this skill had even petrified the Holy Dragon in the Golden Iron Triangle's fusion attack, which demonstrated its overwhelming power. At the time, Flender was a level 78 Soul Saint, Liu Erlong a level 75 Soul Saint, and Grandmaster's minor contribution could be ignored. Still, their combined might approached Soul Douluo-level.
Yet even then, their combined soul fusion skill had failed against Dugu Bo's petrifying gaze. The reason was simple: as even the weakest Titled Douluo, Dugu Bo's power could not be challenged by Soul Douluo-level soul masters.
But Huo Rui, with her current quadrupled attributes, surpassed the power of the Holy Dragon fusion. The two attacks clashed for a full five seconds, and just as Dugu Bo felt his grip slipping, Huo Rui was finally pushed back.
(End of Chapter)
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Chapter 768: The Reunion and Resolution
As the fight raged on, the onlookers, sensing the looming danger, had already retreated to a safe distance. The ground where Huo Rui and Dugu Bo had clashed was now petrified, leaving the distant spectators dazed and in awe of their overwhelming power.
Huo Rui, once undefeated even against level 89 Soul Douluo experts—particularly the renowned Marshal Ge Long, a master of the Yazi Dragon Spirit—now felt a bitter taste at the back of her throat.
"Marshal Ge Long," she muttered, "you really deceived me. Back when I was just a Soul Sage, I could at least hold my own against you. But now, even after reaching Soul Douluo level, I'm only breaking even with Dugu Bo? And you said your powers were 'about the same'? Is that what you meant?"
But there was no turning back now. Huo Rui's determination held strong, if anything fanning her fighting spirit even further. Reassessing her stance, the silver dragon head of her spirit began to materialize once more.
"Dugu Bo, even if I die today, I will make sure you pay a price!" she declared, unleashing her accumulated power for another deadly strike.
Huo Rui could endure, but Dugu Bo was losing patience. If he could use his ninth soul skill, it would end quickly, but his restraint with his soul bone skill was hampering him. For Dugu Bo, who had always been decisive in battle, this hesitation was infuriating.
"Wait a moment, Huo Rui! There's no need for us to fight! When did I ever harm Ye Wen? Who told you such nonsense? If you keep this up, don't blame me for not holding back!"
Huo Rui halted, her attack stalling mid-air.
But instead of backing down, she glared at him with bloodshot eyes. "What are you trying to say, Dugu Bo? Do you think you, as a Titled Douluo, can lie to me so easily? Ye Wen—such a good child, barely a Soul Elder—and your servant said you'd taken him out of the city. Why else would you have done that, if not to avoid staining your estate with his blood? Perhaps you've dragged him to some remote area, using his life to test your poisons! Don't you dare deny it!"
Dugu Bo was flabbergasted. Where had she come up with such twisted details? His servant merely reported Ye Wen was with him—how had that ballooned into such a nightmare?
Realizing the mess he was in, Dugu Bo could only feel resentment bubbling up inside. "What nonsense are you spouting, Huo Rui?! Do I strike you as that cruel?"
Huo Rui's gaze spoke volumes, saying all she needed to say.
Dugu Bo opened his mouth to defend himself, but seeing the suspicious looks from bystanders watching from afar, he bit his lip in frustration. Reflecting briefly on his life, he realized that his solitary, poison-filled existence, coupled with his mercurial moods due to the effects of his own toxins, had indeed earned him quite the notorious reputation.
Suppressing a sigh, he spoke more calmly. "Believe what you will, but I haven't harmed Ye Wen. He's at my personal medicinal garden, studying and training. And look, you've torn apart half my estate, yet I haven't retaliated. I would have by now if I were really hostile toward you. How about this? Wait here, and I'll go bring Ye Wen so you can see for yourself."
Not giving Huo Rui a chance to respond, Dugu Bo ordered his Jade Phosphor Serpent to head swiftly toward the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.
Huo Rui hesitated, half expecting a trap. Dugu Bo could be buying time, letting her exhaust her strength before doubling back to finish her off. But being resolute by nature, she quickly decided. With her heightened state still active, she would follow him herself—at worst, she could always defend herself.
(Note: In this version of the Martial Soul True Body concept, once a soul master's Martial Soul True Body is dispelled due to a lack of soul power or its duration ending, it does not inflict backlash upon the user. As long as the soul power is restored, the ability can be used again without needing any recharge period—a rule seemingly forgotten in later parts of the series.)
Back at Dugu Bo's estate, much of it lay in ruins, littered with debris and wounded soul masters. The spectators looked at one another, uncertain of what to do next.
Among the injured, the steward weakly whispered, "Help…"
Hearing his call, the bystanders snapped out of their daze, rushing to aid the injured. As for Dugu Bo's unresolved issue with Huo Rui, they decided it was better left for him and Emperor Xue Ye to address.
Meanwhile, Dugu Bo noted Huo Rui tailing him but didn't object to her following him to his hidden garden. Given Ye Wen's role, he realized their fates were increasingly intertwined.
More than that, Huo Rui's strength had impressed him, and he began to appreciate her fiery spirit. If they became in-laws, he could imagine forming quite the alliance.
With that thought, another idea came to him. Over the years, his reclusive, poisonous methods had built him a terrible reputation. Perhaps, for the sake of his disciple Ye Wen, it was time to make a change.
"Now that I think of it, Ye Wen often says medicine and poison are two sides of the same coin," he mused, a hint of a smile touching his lips. "Perhaps his apothecary is the ideal way to rehabilitate my image."
The two soul masters traveled quickly, and as they crossed Sunset Forest, few soul beasts dared to approach. In less than half an hour, they reached the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.
Huo Rui didn't hesitate. Despite being unable to fly, her immense soul power shielded her from the poison surrounding the well. She charged straight in, drawing Ye Wen's attention as she entered.
Ye Wen turned, stunned to see her. He had already sent a letter home assuring them he was safe, so why was she here?
Ignoring his confusion, Huo Rui rushed forward, wrapping her arms around him tightly.
"Thank goodness you're safe, Ye Wen," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion.
Ye Wen, realizing the situation, gently patted her back, trying to calm her.
(End of Chapter)
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Chapter 769: Snowy Night, Part One
In the Tian Dou Palace—
Emperor Xue Ye sat high upon his throne, slowly opening his eyes. While the Swan Spirit possessed by the Xue family lacked combat power, his access to an entire nation's resources had allowed Xue Ye to reach a respectable level of Soul Douluo. With his level of spiritual power, he had naturally sensed the battle taking place at the Dugu estate.
"It's finally over, has it?"
Just then, a shadow passed silently across the hall, and a masked figure cloaked in black knelt before Emperor Xue Ye. The man drew out a report from his storage soul tool and presented it to the emperor. With a composed expression, Xue Ye accepted it, leafing through the document in a seemingly casual manner. Gradually, however, his eyes brightened, and even his lips curled into a subtle smile.
"Well, well, it seems we have a truly remarkable person in our ranks. Taking down over a dozen Soul Saints in mere moments, three of whom were high-level Soul Saints, and even my three senior advisors couldn't subdue her—such strength is indeed comparable to a Titled Douluo."
However, Emperor Xue Ye's smile soon faded as he refocused.
"Though this Tianxin Countess has a distinguished record of military achievements and has now demonstrated such strength, she acted rashly within the capital. Such behavior shows a blatant disregard for royal authority. Another spirit master, it seems, who doesn't take the throne seriously." He paused, his gaze growing colder before his expression shifted, taking on a calculating gleam. "Then again, does that matter?"
The Xue family had maintained its hold on the throne despite having a relatively weak spirit. They relied not on sheer power but on strategic alliances and negotiation skills. Emperor Xue Ye was confident that, as long as he could offer an appealing enough deal, this Tianxin Countess would become a loyal vassal, committed to protecting the empire's lands.
He resumed perusing the report more closely, his mind working over his method of governance. Every spirit master with family or something they cared about had a weakness, which he had long since learned to use to his advantage.
Soon enough, Xue Ye understood the situation's cause.
"Ah, so this all stems from her younger relative's disappearance at Dugu Bo's residence—a passionate woman, it seems, loyal to her family."
From a man's perspective, he admired Huo Rui's actions; such loyalty and affection for family were admirable. Were he not advanced in age and health, Emperor Xue Ye might have even found her intriguing. Yet as a ruler, he couldn't endorse her actions; they represented a clear example of someone wielding their power in defiance of royal decree, especially from a noble, which directly challenged imperial authority.
However, her combat prowess was precisely what his own weakened court needed as a foundation of strength, leaving him both tempted and cautious.
At that moment, another cloaked figure hurried into the hall, presenting an additional intelligence report. Emperor Xue Ye, though his heart held a trace of anxiety, accepted the paper with reserved hope—he prayed that the erratic Dugu Bo hadn't killed Huo Rui outright. Such a powerful new pawn would be wasted.
Scanning the report, he found it brief but revealing:
"Both sides fought with full force but ended in a stalemate. The two appear to have settled things and parted on peaceful terms, with Dugu Bo leading the Tianxin Countess into the depths of Sunset Forest, likely to his hidden base there."
"Additionally, after questioning Dugu Yan, it has been confirmed that the Tianxin Countess's grandson-in-law, Ye Wen, has officially become Dugu Bo's disciple. Analysts believe the two are likely to have reached an alliance."
Reading these conclusions, Xue Ye's brow furrowed before he relaxed and looked up.
For an emperor, the greatest fear was factional collusion, but a stagnant pool of loyal, cooperative officials could be even more dangerous; it could mean his ministers were too united, perhaps to the detriment of the throne's interests. Though both Dugu Bo and Huo Rui held neutral positions, their independence and devotion to their families made them the easiest kinds of individuals to manage.
Upon consideration, he realized the alliance posed no real threat to the royal court, but rather—
His gaze locked on the name "Ye Wen" on the report. Previously, he hadn't paid this name much attention, but now it struck him: the youth at the center of all this must be significant if two near-Titled Douluo figures both valued him. The name was familiar, too, though for the moment, he couldn't place where he'd heard it before; a headache began to pound subtly in the back of his mind.
Xue Ye placed a hand against his temple, his expression darkening. Though he was a Soul Douluo, he still suffered recurring illness, a source of constant humiliation, particularly given the inability of the palace doctors to find any cause or cure.
After collecting himself, Xue Ye ordered, "Fetch all available information on this Ye Wen for me."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The cloaked figure acknowledged the command before vanishing from the palace hall. Just then, a court attendant approached with a new report.
"Your Majesty, the crown prince requests an audience."
Xue Ye's eyes opened in mild disinterest. "Let him in."
The doors opened, and the young prince, Qian Renxue, entered, bowing respectfully. "Your son greets you, Father." He glanced up, feigning concern. "Are you unwell again, Father? Shall I call upon the royal physicians to tend to you?"
Xue Ye shook his head. "It's pointless. They've examined me many times to no avail. Speak. What brings you here? How goes the matter of pacifying the capital?"
"Your son has made all the necessary arrangements, Father. Fortunately, the Poison Douluo's estate is in a remote area, and with both parties directing their attacks away from populated sections, damage was minimal." Qian Renxue's tone was calm, hiding a glint of calculated reserve.
Xue Ye nodded in approval. "Good. And is there anything else you needed, my son?"
Qian Renxue, hiding his true purpose, maintained a dutiful tone. "Nothing more, Father. I was simply concerned about your health, and seeing you unwell troubles me greatly. I only wanted to check on you."
Xue Ye's eyes remained impassive. "If that is all, then return to your duties. I'm not well enough to govern at the moment, so you must take on more responsibilities for the empire's sake. Remember, Xue Qinghe, the throne will one day be yours. However, you must remain patient. Do not fight for it, and it will come to you."
Qian Renxue masked any reaction to the veiled warning, maintaining his façade of filial piety. "I understand, Father. However, I'm more concerned for your health than the throne itself. Please take care and refrain from straining yourself." He nodded, preparing to leave. "If that is all, I will take my leave."
((End of Chapter)
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Chapter 770: Snowy Night, Part Two
To Qian Renxue's display of filial piety, Emperor Xue Ye's expression remained utterly unmoved. He had, after all, taken the throne through cunning and schemes, and was more familiar with the dark side of royalty than anyone. It would be ridiculous if he couldn't see through Qian Renxue's feigned sincerity.
"Enough, leave me now. I'm weary," Xue Ye replied flatly.
Qian Renxue, realizing it was pointless to keep up the charade, respectfully saluted and exited the hall. Watching him leave, Xue Ye's gaze turned dark.
"A perfect heir, truly. Such agreeable traits—strength, decisiveness—but why do I always feel there's something... off?"
In the royal family, there were no true bonds. The deaths of two exceptionally gifted princes hadn't weighed heavily on Emperor Xue Ye's mind; if he wished, he could father as many brilliant offspring as he desired. In fact, he appreciated Xue Qinghe's ruthlessness; it showed the strength needed to secure power. Yet, Xue Qinghe had initially been a prince with no standing or influence, while his two deceased brothers had deep family backing. And yet, it was Xue Qinghe, lacking in power or allies, who had survived.
This could only mean that some unseen hand had been guiding Xue Qinghe's rise, and this made Emperor Xue Ye uneasy.
He knew well the cold truth that one must be ruthless to rule. But if his heir's loyalty lay elsewhere, or even threatened the future of the entire Tian Dou Empire, how could he, even at the edge of his life, rest without worry?
While Emperor Xue Ye felt he still had seven or eight years left, he was in no rush. He would take his time to watch and confirm his suspicions. Though he had no expectations for Xue Beng, his youngest son, he did have a capable daughter. If nurtured properly, she might yet safeguard Tian Dou's future.
Just after Qian Renxue left, another black-robed figure entered the hall, handing the emperor a fresh report. Upon reading it, Xue Ye's expression shifted to one of realization.
"So that's why this name sounded familiar—this Ye Wen is the young talent who co-founded the medical network with Qinghe!"
Yet, the fact that Ye Wen was connected to Xue Qinghe, the enigmatic prince, dampened Xue Ye's initial delight. But upon closer inspection, he saw that Ye Wen had only used Qinghe's name and a small sum of capital, with little interaction between them afterward. This brought Xue Ye a degree of satisfaction.
In his view, Ye Wen's medical network was clearly being used by Xue Qinghe to boost his own reputation, with no intent of involving Ye Wen in other schemes. This meant that, politically speaking, Ye Wen was likely "clean."
Thoughtfully, Xue Ye stroked his chin.
"This wasn't an issue before, but now that Dugu Bo and the Tianxin Countess are involved, Qinghe can't be allowed to remain tangled with him. If Qinghe truly does pose a risk, it could impact Ye Wen's influence—and by extension, all of Tian Dou."
As he skimmed further, Emperor Xue Ye's eyes suddenly widened at a line.
"Twelve years and seven months old with a soul power of level 34? This boy has the potential to become a Titled Douluo!"
The report included profiles on two young women close to Ye Wen—Huo Yuer and Xiao Wu. Their levels were equally astounding, prompting yet another look of surprise.
"Both have potential for Titled Douluo as well? These three children possess extraordinary talent!"
Xue Ye couldn't help but feel a pang of regret. If he had only discovered Huo Yuer and Xiao Wu earlier, perhaps one of them could have become his daughter-in-law, securing Tian Dou's very own royal Titled Douluo for the future.
But it was too late; Ye Wen already had the backing of two Titled Douluo-level powers. To interfere with the youth's engagement would be asking for trouble.
Then again, Xue Ye's eyes glinted slyly as a plan formed.
"The boy already has two fiancées, so surely he wouldn't mind a third. And with Xu Ke's beauty and charm, I doubt she would have any trouble catching his interest. If successful, with Xu Ke as the bridge, Ye Wen's household would effectively serve the royal family."
Xue Ye smiled at the thought, imagining his plan's success. This Ye Wen, given his ties to Dugu Bo and the Tianxin Countess, would undoubtedly make a valuable royal asset.
Flipping through more of Ye Wen's profile, Xue Ye's expression grew serious upon reading a certain segment.
"Following Ye Wen's initiation as Dugu Bo's disciple, Dugu Yan's spirit power rose three levels to level 40. Observers noted her improved physical state after Ye Wen accompanied Dugu Bo on several excursions. Based on Ye Wen's previous medical achievements with his network, it is suggested he possesses considerable medical expertise."
Xue Ye's serious expression softened into a satisfied smile.
Though the palace retained royal physicians, most relied on their healing abilities rather than true medical knowledge. Their skills in diagnosing illnesses—let alone his own mysterious ailment—left much to be desired. But here was a healer who had resolved the infamous poison afflicting the Dugu family; this was a talent he could hardly let slip away.
While eager to summon Ye Wen at once, Xue Ye restrained himself. Both Dugu Bo and the Tianxin Countess had recently gone to ground, so patience was needed.
The more he read, the more he realized Ye Wen's immense value, and his eyes gleamed with determination.
"No matter what, I must have this boy on my side. The very legacy of the Xue family depends on it," Xue Ye vowed inwardly.
Meanwhile, in the Ice-Fire Yin Yang Well—
With Ye Wen's explanation, Huo Rui came to understand that she had wrongly accused Dugu Bo. Yet her expression held no remorse.
"You can't blame me for this. It's Dugu Bo's own fault his reputation is so terrible! Even that doorman kept winking at me—I knew from his expression he intended something awful toward you, which is why I acted!"
Dugu Bo, exasperated at her unabashed defense, groaned.
"So it's all my fault now?"
Huo Rui stood tall and unyielding. "Of course! If your doorman had just spoken properly, there wouldn't have been this massive misunderstanding in the first place!"
((End of Chapter)
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