On the Soul Duel Stage, Xiao Wu tilted her face upward slightly, filled entirely with pride and excitement.
As a Spirit Beast, she had finally stood on a human stage and even defeated the champion of the previous Soul Master Competition.
How could she not be proud!
Such dense human energy made her Soul Power incredibly active. Cultivating in Heaven Dou City, her progress could be described as advancing a thousand miles in a single day.
She turned her gaze toward the side of the VIP Stage, where Tang San was disguised among the crowd, watching the match.
Their eyes met, brimming with emotion.
Tang San hadn't been cultivating at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School but had instead come to the competition venue.
This filled Xiao Wu with immense satisfaction.
After all, given Tang San's current situation, he was in considerable danger—his External Soul Bone hadn't fully integrated yet.
But Tang San was clever; the VIP Stage was occupied by powerful figures like Sword Douluo, Bone Douluo, and Meng Shenji.
Staying near the VIP Stage ensured he would be protected.
Xiao Wu understood clearly that Tang San was doing this for her.
Tang San was so captivated by her that he couldn't focus, and while Xiao Wu was thrilled, she also knew she was dancing on the edge of a blade.
Only Tang Hao knew her true identity. As Tang San grew stronger, Tang Hao would inevitably set his sights on her 100,000 Year Soul Ring and Soul Bone.
However, at the very least, she had reached the Soul Emperor stage. Her identity hadn't been exposed before becoming a Soul Emperor, significantly reducing the danger. Now, she only needed to deal with Tang Hao's threats.
And Tang Hao's weakness was Tang San. By controlling Tang San, she could ensure her own safety.
Xiao Wu proudly scanned the entire Great Soul Arena, radiating arrogance.
Meanwhile, Zhu Zhuqing, Oscar, and Ma Hongjun were also basking in the cheers of the audience. The youthful storm of Shrek was about to begin.
"This is boring; the opponents are too weak!" Ning Rongrong pouted, pulling Dugu Feng away. "I know I've delayed your cultivation, so I'll make it up to you!"
Arm in arm, the two headed toward the hotel.
Ning Rongrong's eyes sparkled with mischief and playfulness as she spoke boldly.
"Brother Feng, once we're at the hotel," Ning Rongrong leaned closer to Dugu Feng's ear and whispered softly.
"At my mercy..." Dugu Feng said calmly.
Ning Rongrong's face instantly flushed with embarrassment, and she gritted her teeth with determination. "As if I'm afraid of you!"
After all, she was a Soul Emperor. If she couldn't handle it, she could always use her Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda for some enhancements.
The two quickly returned to the hotel.
On the top floor of the hotel, the entire level was Dugu Feng and Ning Rongrong's private space.
This floor was arranged like a private mansion, lavishly and extravagantly decorated.
The Glazed Crystal Lamp flickered with an illusory pink glow, casting an atmosphere of fantasy and charm under its light.
As soon as they arrived, Ning Rongrong had already melted weakly into Dugu Feng's embrace.
Dugu Feng gently held her waist, unable to help but marvel at Ning Rongrong's perfect figure.
He scooped her up in his arms, and the two settled together on the large sofa.
Since she had delayed his cultivation, she absolutely had to compensate him.
Soon, the room grew dim, with only the chandelier swaying gently.
The next day, Dugu Feng, having enjoyed the night to the fullest, left the hotel alone.
As for Ning Rongrong, he estimated she would need at least a day to rest.
Dugu Feng decisively left Heaven Dou City and headed to the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well to continue his cultivation.
With at least half a year left before Qian Renxue would mobilize the army to start the war, Dugu Feng had no intention of wasting time. He planned to keep cultivating.
Upon returning to the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well, Dugu Feng unexpectedly saw Dugu Bo.
Dugu Bo appeared solemn-faced, seemingly waiting specifically for Dugu Feng.
"Your Excellency was waiting for me?" Dugu Feng asked.
Dugu Bo paced back and forth a couple of steps before demanding, "What exactly are you and Xue Qinghe planning!"
Dugu Feng was momentarily stunned but quickly understood - Qian Renxue must have already informed Dugu Bo about launching the war.
As a Guest Minister of the royal family and its strongest fighter, Dugu Bo's involvement would be essential for initiating a war. Since Qian Renxue couldn't reveal her true strength yet, she must have approached Dugu Bo first.
"Your Excellency, I don't understand what you mean!" Dugu Feng replied calmly.
Dugu Bo's expression turned grave. "Don't play dumb with me! Xue Qinghe just ascended the throne and already plans to start a war. How could you not be involved? Without the support of major Soul Master families, what capability does Xue Qinghe have to launch a war!"
Dugu Feng shrugged. "Since Your Excellency already knows, why bother asking me!"
This made Dugu Bo even angrier, his face alternating between pale and purple.
It took him a long while to regain his composure.
"Hmph, newborn calves aren't afraid of tigers. Do you think the Heaven Dou Empire and Star Luo Empire maintain their opposition by chance? It's because of the Spirit Hall's balance - whenever one side grows too powerful, the Spirit Hall suppresses the other. The true ruler of this continent is the Spirit Hall, not the two empires. By starting this war, you're testing the Spirit Hall's limits - exactly like newborn calves unafraid of tigers!"
Dugu Bo looked utterly disappointed.
When he learned that Xue Qinghe intended to launch a unification war, he was so shocked his jaw nearly dropped. He could only attribute it to young people not knowing their limits and overestimating themselves.
Dugu Feng, however, was surprised. He hadn't expected Dugu Bo to be so aware of the Spirit Hall's power.
After pacing back and forth a couple of steps, Dugu Feng said, "Your Excellency, why concern yourself so much? I presume Brother Xue only asked you to hold off the Star Luo Emperor if he makes a move. Your Excellency isn't... afraid, are you?"
Though Dugu Feng spoke calmly, his words sounded particularly sharp to Dugu Bo's ears.
Afraid? Him, Dugu Bo? He was the one and only Poison Douluo! He'd even dare to confront the ninety-sixth level Yue Guan. What was the Star Luo Emperor to him!
Although no one had seen the Star Luo Emperor fight since his coronation, Dugu Bo estimated his strength wouldn't exceed ninety-fifth level. With his own ninety-second level strength and expertise in poison, he truly had nothing to fear.
Dugu Bo shook his head. "Don't try to provoke me. With your intelligence, you must know what I'm worried about. Today's Spirit Hall is different from before. From how Bibi Dong continuously absorbs other forces and expands the Soul Master ranks, we can see her enormous ambition. If Xue Qinghe leaves Heaven Dou City right after his coronation to launch a full-scale attack on the Star Luo Empire, and Bibi Dong seizes the opportunity, we could suffer complete defeat. That would mean the destruction of the Heaven Dou Empire. Don't think the Clear Sky Sect and Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School can do much. They can defend Heaven Dou City, but outside it, if the Spirit Hall strikes with full force, no one can stand against them! I just don't want the Xue family's great legacy to be destroyed in Xue Qinghe's hands."
"Moreover, without the Heaven Dou Empire, the Spirit Hall would dominate unchecked, which is bad news for all Soul Masters!"
Dugu Bo sighed, appearing somewhat helpless.
He clearly did not believe that Xue Qinghe could defeat the Star Luo Empire and unify the continent.
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