Both Huo Wu and Xiao Mei had already finished absorbing their soul bones and broken through level 70. Their group now consisted of 1 Soul Grandmaster, 2 Soul Kings, 10 Soul Emperors, and 1 Contra.
Tang Yin and his companions traveled by rented carriage, with Zhuqing guiding them toward the Xing Luo Empire. The journey took more than five days, winding through forests, rivers, and rolling hills.
When they finally arrived at the imperial city, its grandeur far surpassed that of Tian Duo City.
"Impressive…" the girls muttered in quiet acknowledgment of the city's formidable presence. The city walls stretched endlessly upward, a testament to the empire's immense power and enduring legacy.
Soldiers patrolled the gates, merchants busied themselves with their work, and giant banners bearing the Imperial family crest fluttered in the wind, projecting the impression of a city that steeped in order and hierarchy.
Tang Yin's gaze swept over the towering walls. Sunlight glinted off the polished stone, a stark reminder of the city's formidable military might.
"How do we get inside? Our group stands out too much, and these soldiers could apprehend us as potential spies," Zhuqing whispered, glancing at Tang Yin.
Tang Yin said nothing. He unleashed his Blue Silver Domain and swaggered inside, striding through the city gates. The guards didn't react at all, as if he simply didn't exist.
"Like this," he said, flashing a cheeky smile at her. The girls were dumbfounded, unable to comprehend how he had done it. Tang Yin waved for them to follow, and they entered through the front gates.
"How did they not notice us? Tang Yin, just how many secrets have you been hiding?" Rongrong asked, curious, as she had never seen this ability before.
Yuehua glanced at the Blue Silver Domain and explained for everyone: "It must be an innate domain related to concealment, right? Much like my own innate domain, Inner Circle, which can soothe anyone's spirit through my music."
Tang Yin nodded. "Yes. This innate domain awakened along with my second awakening of the Blue Silver Emperor bloodline."
(Tang Yin could mask his presence and that of his allies, rendering all of them undetectable to the enemy perception while also sensing the emotional states of anyone within his domain.
Inside the domain, his telepathy could be used freely, allowing him to directly influence the subconscious of anyone who managed to see through the concealment)
The group followed Zhuqing closely as she began guiding them through the outer city, her steps calm and deliberate. Every glance she cast at the patrolling guards was sharp and precise, betraying a constant vigilance.
"This city serves as the political, cultural, and economic center of the empire," Zhuqing explained. "These formidable walls, reaching almost 100 meters in height, are built from the most durable stone—even the Soul Elders couldn't dent them with all their might."
Her words carried no nostalgia, only facts, as she guided them through the gates. Although she had grown up here, her cold expression remained calm and measured.
There was no room for sentimentality—their presence in Xing Luo Empire had a purpose, and every step had to be deliberate.
If Zhuqing were discovered, the Empire would stop at nothing to capture her, as she was expected to uphold the royal tradition and return in time for the destined match.
The group moved forward, alert and focused, entering the imperial city not to explore, but to carry out their mission of saving Zhu Zhuyun.
Without making any stops, Zhuqing led them straight to the Royal Palace of the Xing Luo Empire. The sprawling palace rose in the distance, grander and more imposing than even the Tian Dou Empire's Imperial Palace.
Tang Yin released his vast Telepathy, his consciousness sweeping across nearly the entire Xing Luo City.
He sensed about fifteen Soul Douluo within the city—most stationed inside the palace as imperial protectors. Roughly fifety Soul Saints were scattered throughout the capital, acting as secondary guardians.
Although he could easily overwhelm anyone below Titled Douluo, he couldn't guarantee the safety of his companions while fighting at full force. He wasn't about to gamble with their priceless lives.
"What do we do now?"Ning Rongrong asked, her eyes fixed on him, clearly expecting some kind of brilliant, heroic strategy for the rescue.
Tang Yin's blunt reply left her dumbfounded. "Simple. Kidnap Zhu Zhuyun from the Imperial family and rob them of their precious treasure as interest for their tyranny. What else? But you girls aren't strong enough yet, so just leave this one to me. Don't worry—next time, I'll make sure you get your fun."
"What?!" Everyone was stunned. He spoke of stealing a national treasury as if it were nothing more than picking fruit from a roadside tree.
Yuehua frowned deeply. "Tang Yin… Is it wise to attempt theft from the Imperial Treasury? I'm certain at least a Soul Douluo powerhouse is stationed there."
Tang Yin smirked, mischief flickering in his eyes. "Heh, you'll see soon enough just how easy it is for me to steal their treasure right under their noses."
He led them to a nearby hotel and ordered them to have a proper meal. Just as he was about to sneak out, Zhuqing suddenly stopped him, her voice trembling:
"Didn't you promise to take me with you to save my sister? Then why are you sneaking off alone, Tang Yin? Do you plan to rescue her by yourself while treating me like a burden?" Her eyes shimmered, tears threatening to spill.
Tang Yin let out a long, weary sigh, rubbing his forehead. This girl… too hard on herself, too emotional. Without another word, he scooped Zhuqing up in a sudden princess carry.
"Ahh—! W-What are you doing? Put me down!" she yelped, her cheeks burning crimson.
Before she could protest further, Tang Yin sealed her lips with a deep, passionate kiss.
The anger in her eyes melted away instantly as she gave in to the warmth and tenderness of his embrace, her body relaxing against his.
"Silly girl," he whispered against her lips, eyes soft yet firm. "Why put yourself in danger when you can rely on me? Don't you trust me?"
Zhu Zhuqing turned her gaze away, flustered. "It's not that I don't trust you… But I feel guilty involving you in my problem. You'll be making an enemy of the entire empire because of me. I just… wanted to share that burden with you."
Tang Yin stroked her cheek, speaking with unwavering tenderness. "The moment you became mine, your problems became mine. Don't forget that… you belong to me, always."
Her tears finally fell, but this time she smiled through them. "Please… help me save my sister, Tang Yin. And make them bleed."
"Leave it to me."
He kissed her once more—long, lingering, and passionate—before gently setting her down.
"Wait for me, Zhuqing."