Word Count: 2,747 Words
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Star Luo Empire, Star Luo City.
Today marked the annual noble banquet of the Star Luo Empire, a gathering the imperial family used to consolidate the core of the empire. Star Luo Emperor Xu Jiawei and Princess Xu Jiujiu both attended in person, and even the White Tiger Duke Dai Hao, stationed at the Ming Dou Mountain Range, sent his eldest son Dai Yueheng as his representative.
Bright, warm sunlight cascaded from above. Noble gentlemen in exquisite formal attire, their hair so meticulously oiled it reflected light, strolled confidently. Elegant ladies sat in their carriages, not forgetting to offer kind smiles to commoners along the roadside.
Imperial guards opened the main gates, revealing opulent decorations that adorned the nobles' faces with an arrogant golden sheen.
Star Luo nobles, dressed in splendid attire and accompanied by beautiful companions, exchanged pleasantries while subtly probing the possibilities of behind-the-scenes exchanges of family interests.
The crisp clinking of wine glasses rang out. Xu Jiawei and Xu Jiujiu each finished their wine in a single draft. Xu Jiawei surveyed the assembled nobles, his gaze settling on Dai Yueheng. He patted Xu Jiujiu's fair hand and spoke in a low voice:
"Imperial Sister, go chat with Yueheng."
"Mm."
Xu Jiujiu picked up a glass of wine and gradually moved toward Dai Yueheng while skillfully handling conversation attempts from nobles. Halfway there, however, a sudden chill pierced her body, as if a malevolent spirit was staring at her.
The Princess looked around alertly but found no suspicious figures. Only when ice-cold breath brushed against her neck did she whirl around, finding herself face to face with a somewhat familiar young man.
"You are... Viscount Mo Xing?"
A barely perceptible trace of disgust flickered in Xu Jiujiu's eyes. Viscount Mo Xing was notoriously degenerate, known for bullying men and tyrannizing women, committing all manner of evil deeds. Xu Jiawei tolerated him only out of respect for his battle-fallen father.
"Your Highness the Princess, it has been a long time."
Viscount Mo Xing's lips moved, yet it was another man's voice that emerged. Xu Jiujiu blinked in surprise, then her expression turned to horror. Without hesitation, she grabbed his sleeve, dragged him to a secluded corner, and scolded him in a fierce whisper:
"Ning Bai, are you out of your mind? This is the Star Luo imperial family's most valued noble banquet! Four Guardian Douluo are hidden outside the palace. What if they discover you!"
"Shattered Star, Heavenfiend, Juli, Giant Hammer."
Ling Bai listed the four Titled Douluo one by one. "I encountered them once in Star Luo City. None of them are skilled enough to see through my disguise.
I immediately went to the Princess's manor when the twin Spirit Guidance Device shattered. You weren't there, but I did find Star Cloud Douluo. She told me the banquet would last until late night, and I didn't want to wait around pointlessly. Might as well attend a palace banquet myself."
"What about the real Viscount Mo Xing? Did you kill him?"
"That fellow was rampaging through Star Luo City on a Dragon Scale Horse and, as luck would have it, charged right at me. I conveniently knocked him out and tossed him into the imperial palace's rear garden."
Xu Jiujiu said regretfully, "You should have just acted like a proper Evil Spirit Master and killed him! It would save the imperial family from his constant disgrace!"
Ling Bai gave Xu Jiujiu a strange look. Perhaps it was because she had taken over some political affairs, but her style seemed to have gained a hint of ruthlessness, showing a dangerous inclination to use Evil Spirit Masters to eliminate troublesome individuals.
"Let's get to business."
He brought the conversation back on track. "Has the Body Sect accepted your bounty?"
"That's a divine relic and one hundred million spirit gold coins!"
Mentioning the cost made Xu Jiujiu wince. "The Body Sect accepted the mission yesterday. After some preparation, they'll infiltrate the Sun Moon Empire.
They plan to dig tunnels to catch Illustrious Virtue Hall off guard, so the actual attack will come later.
The Body Sect is sparing no expense this time. Sect Master Du Busi personally leads seventy percent of their elites. Additionally, Illustrious Virtue Hall is the primary base for Spirit Guidance Masters, with several Class 9 Spirit Guidance Masters hidden within. It won't be that simple to be the fisherman who profits from the snipe and clam's fight. You need to be careful."
Xu Jiujiu paused for two seconds, her star-bright eyes flickering slightly as she added: "If possible, try to kill as many people from both the Body Sect and Illustrious Virtue Hall as you can."
"Using the tiger to devour the wolf?" Ling Bai saw through her intentions immediately.
"Yes."
Xu Jiujiu nodded frankly. "The Sun Moon Empire is the common enemy of the three original nations of the Douluo Continent, and Illustrious Virtue Hall is the Sun Moon Empire's Spirit Guidance research center. The more damage they suffer, the more all three nations benefit.
As for the Body Sect… the Heavenly Soul Empire and Star Luo Empire are, at the end of the day, two separate nations. Star Luo doesn't want its allies to be too weak, nor does it want them to be too strong.
Besides, you have a grudge against the Body Sect, don't you? Last time, you chased Chen Yu all the way to his hotel bed to kill him."
Ling Bai merely offered a meaningful smile without responding.
Xu Jiujiu found this smile rather detestable. She wanted to walk away but couldn't risk leaving a Super Evil Douluo to wander freely among Star Luo nobles. If any important figure accidentally offended this fellow, wouldn't the Star Luo Empire suffer a needless loss?
With a frustrated glare, she took Ling Bai by the arm and together they returned to the banquet hall.
As an imperial princess, Xu Jiujiu always attended banquets in her most glamorous state. Her golden hair was styled in soft, wavy curls draping over her fragrant shoulders, and her mermaid-tail evening gown accentuated a waist as graceful as flowing water, drawing the attention of every nobleman present.
What made them stare in disbelief was that the one fortunate enough to accompany Princess Jiujiu was actually the notoriously degenerate Viscount Mo Xing. Even more astonishing, he looked thoroughly reluctant, as if he disliked the princess fussing over him.
Although they were inwardly puzzled about when Princess Jiujiu had become so close to Viscount Mo Xing, no one dared to ask directly at the palace banquet. Everyone wore their masks of refined courtesy. To the music of the palace orchestra, they mingled with measured grace, the men witty and humorous, the ladies reserved and elegant.
'These pleasantries are much more exhausting than fighting.'
Ling Bai sighed. Rather than escorting a beauty, it felt more like being held hostage by one. Even within the Star Luo imperial family, Xu Jiujiu was the most sought-after.
An angelic face plus top-tier cultivation talent; countless noble scions had their eyes on this 'prize catch.' The gazes coming from all directions were like sharp knives, wishing they could stab 'Viscount Mo Xing' through and leave him cold.
"Since you're already here, Lord Death Abyss might as well enjoy the Star Luo palace banquet."
Xu Jiujiu's pace was just right, not too fast or slow. Beside her swaying star-shaped earrings was an impish smile.
"Princess Jiujiu."
A strong, resonant voice cut in. The spotlight fell on a handsome man whose rugged features were accentuated by the cut of his suit. His footsteps brought with them an aura as unyielding as steel.
It was Dai Yueheng, the eldest legitimate son of the White Tiger Duke.
After the Continental Elite Spirit Master Academy Tournament, Dai Yueheng had completed Shrek Academy's Inner Courtyard graduation examination and joined the Star Luo Empire's army to share his father's burdens. Having been tempered by blood and fire, he increasingly embodied Dai Hao's iron-blooded temperament, truly a case of a tiger father not having a dog for a son.
Xu Jiujiu took a glass of red wine from a passing attendant's tray, gently clinked it against the glass in Dai Yueheng's hand, and took a light sip, leaving a faint lip print on the rim.
"Viscount Mo Xing, I've long heard of your great name."
Dai Yueheng raised his wine glass and took a few steps forward, an unquenchable fire blazing in his eyes. This made Ling Bai instantly realize. This old classmate of his seemed to have his heart set on someone, and that someone was Xu Jiujiu. Having returned from the army full of joy, only to see his goddess close to a degenerate, a nameless fire now burned fiercely within him.
"White Tiger, meeting in person surpasses mere reputation."
The sharp clash of their two glasses was like a silver needle piercing into the minds of those nearby. In the instant that made everyone's hair stand on end, Dai Yueheng's mind went blank; his retreat came purely from bodily instinct, reacting to the threat before consciousness could catch up.
Dai Yueheng looked down at the wine splashed on his sleeve, his tiger-like eyes flashing with surprise. "I didn't realize Viscount Mo Xing possessed such an edge. One truly cannot trust all rumors..."
He'd heard that Viscount Mo Xing was an unlearned wastrel, but who would have thought he was a hidden powerhouse? Cupping his hands in salute, Dai Yueheng turned and walked away.
The White Tiger's descendant had been rebuffed! Was Viscount Mo Xing secretly powerful?
The nobles began to speculate. Some even started applauding unconsciously. The applause rose and fell in waves, as if what had just occurred was a momentous event worthy of being recorded in the annals of history.
The applause gradually died down. Xu Jiujiu spoke softly, "Imperial Brother wishes to strengthen our relationship with the White Tiger Duke."
"Mm-hmm, and then?" Ling Bai had his eye on a deep-sea lobster and led Xu Jiujiu toward the dining area.
"Dai Yueheng and I are of similar age and roughly equal talent. Imperial Brother intends a marriage alliance between the imperial family and the White Tiger Duke..."
"Apologies, I've ruined your good affair."
"Can you at least apologize like you mean it?" Xu Jiujiu was speechless. "At least offer some compensation."
"Certainly. What would you like?"
"I see you still possess your charms...
Interested in becoming the Princess's Consort?"
"Have you become so hungry you're not picky about your food?"
Ling Bai raised an eyebrow. "You won't even let an Evil Spirit Master off the hook?"
Xu Jiujiu revealed a faint smile, as beautiful as twilight. "The world operates on equivalent exchange. To enjoy imperial honor, one must contribute to the empire's interests.
Imperial Brother hasn't truly understood the White Tiger lineage. The White Tiger Duke, Dai Hao, is an upright and principled man. Dai Yueheng is cut from the same cloth as his father. There's no need to treat them too well. They will spill their blood for the Star Luo Empire regardless. Not for any other reason, but because this is the homeland they have guarded for more than ten thousand years. Whether I marry him or not doesn't really matter.
But you are different. You are very young, with limitless potential. The Hall Master of Star Luo's Guardian Hall is far too old—so old that even the Immortal Doctor Douluo can't sustain his life much longer.
Rationally speaking, the Star Luo Empire urgently needs a guardian. If I can tie you down using myself, it would be a fortunate thing for both me and the empire.
Emotionally speaking, Dai Yueheng grew up in the White Tiger Duke's mansion and at Shrek Academy. I hadn't even met him before the last tournament. No feelings exist between us. You, at least, saved me in the Luminous Mystic Forest and have been in my bedchamber..."
A faint blush crept onto Xu Jiujiu's cheeks. "This presents an excellent opportunity. Using Viscount Mo Xing's identity, we could whitewash your Evil Spirit Master reputation. To the outside world, you'd remain Death Abyss Douluo, an Evil Spirit Master who makes others tremble at your name.
But in the Star Luo Empire, you'd be the Princess's Consort and Viscount Mo Xing. I am the only person besides Imperial Brother who inherited the Star Crown Martial Spirit. If you then secretly do some things for the empire, you'd eventually stand equal with the White Tiger Duke."
Her gaze toward Ling Bai seemed to contain a myriad of emotions: the shyness of taking the initiative in courtship, the madness of colluding with an Evil Spirit Master, and also an irrepressible ambition to climb higher.
A young Super Evil Douluo possessing an Ultimate Attribute and limitless potential—this blade was simply too sharp. If one had the chance to grasp it, who would be willing to let it slip by?
With Death Abyss Douluo's support from behind, it would be as easy as turning a hand for the Star Luo Empire and Xu Jiujiu herself to implement plans and target certain enemies. The lawless killing of an Evil Spirit Master would instead serve as a smokescreen.
The imperial orchestra poured their hearts into their performance. Those mingling and socializing in the ballroom glittered like dazzling jewels under a spotlight. Xu Jiujiu clenched her fists, her beautiful eyes fixed unblinkingly on Ling Bai's face that bore Viscount Mo Xing's visage. She felt as if she could hear her heart pounding like a drum.
"No."
Ling Bai slowly but firmly shook his head. Agreeing to this would bring immense benefits. Xu Jiujiu was second only to Xu Jiawei in the Star Luo Empire, and through her, he could access nearly half the empire's resources. However, if they reached the most intimate step, his identity would likely be exposed.
If Xu Jiujiu later forced him to choose between the Star Luo Empire and Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, things would get very problematic. It could easily backfire, causing the Star Luo Empire to become completely adversarial. A simple relationship based purely on mutual interests seemed wiser.
Xu Jiujiu's willow-like brows shot up, and she pouted in indignation. "I'm only a step away from begging you to marry me, and you actually refuse!"
She had believed her status, beauty, talent, and their existing connection would be enough to move Death Abyss Douluo. Who would have thought he was truly a man of such iron resolve!
Xu Jiujiu fumed for a while, but seeing Ling Bai unmoved, her imposing manner gradually weakened. She sighed and said:
"If you won't agree, then so be it. But could I ask for a favor instead?"
"We haven't seen each other in over two years, Your Highness. Your political skills have improved."
An old saying went: if you wish to open a door, first propose opening a window.
The Princess' Consort proposal was opening the window. After being rejected, she then opportunistically made her request. Xu Jiujiu was quite sure Death Abyss Douluo would likely not refuse her twice in a row.
"Lord Death Abyss is all-knowing and mighty; nothing escapes your discerning eyes."
The Princess offered a little flattery, then proactively picked up a piece of shellfish meat and brought it to Ling Bai's lips. In the distance, young nobles who had designs on Xu Jiujiu witnessed this scene and tearfully bit their handkerchiefs.
"It seems the matter you want help with is not small; otherwise, you wouldn't be so overly attentive." Ling Bai said lightly, chewing on the tender and juicy shellfish meat.
"I want the design schematics for the Class 9 High-Altitude Aerial Surveillance Spirit Guidance Device. It's stored in a secret room in Illustrious Virtue Hall. It would be best if you could bring back a physical unit too."
"Quite an appetite, setting your sights on a Class 9 Spirit Guidance Device already."
"I have greater ambitions."
Xu Jiujiu smiled sweetly. "The Star Luo Empire has connections within Illustrious Virtue Hall. Recently, we spent thirty million spirit gold coins to purchase four words from our source:
Humanoid Spirit Guidance Device."
Xu Jiujiu deliberately made her voice syrupy sweet. "Bring that to the Star Luo Empire, and you'll become Duke Mo Xing, the Star Luo Empire's foremost meritorious official in ten thousand years.
Even if you are hunted by Shrek Academy, we would dare to defy the world's condemnation to protect you. So, what do you think? Want to consider it…?"