The grand hall fell silent for a moment.
Xu Jiawei gradually calmed his emotions. Countless thoughts swirled in his mind, but soon they all converged on the most pressing and realistic issue.
"Honored guests, the human world is vastly different from the Extreme North. It is bound by many worldly constraints and social norms. If you don't mind, I will personally handle any issues regarding your identities. As for your expenses during your time here, everything will be covered by the treasury of the Star Luo Empire—consider it a token of our sincerity."
The Snow Empress gave a slight nod, not rejecting Xu Jiawei's goodwill. After a brief pause, she spoke softly:
"There's no need to worry. Bing'er and I will not bring harm to the people of this city or your royal family. The foundation of any cooperation is mutual trust and a willingness to share information and interests openly. I can sense that you still harbor doubts about us—but that is understandable. Still, if we're being honest, in this vast city, the only one who barely catches my attention... is the old man behind you."
Xu Jiawei's expression remained unchanged. He had long heard of the Snow Empress's renown—as the ruler of the Extreme North and the third-ranked land beast in the world, failing to notice her level of awareness would be laughable.
Following her gaze, Xu Jiawei looked to the left side of the main seat. The space there twisted faintly, and from it slowly emerged a gaunt, elderly figure. A decaying aura swept over the hall as he stepped forward, and in that instant, the light within the hall seemed to dim.
The Snow Empress narrowed her eyes. Despite this frail elder's seemingly near-death appearance, she sensed a faint threat from him. Until now, he had been completely hidden, his aura masked. But now that he was fully revealed—she indeed felt something unusual.
The Ice Empress, too, became wary. In her perception, this old man was likely at Rank 98 like herself—but his aura was far too strange, like it was deliberately hiding something.
Xu Jiujing widened her golden eyes, staring in surprise. In her memory, when had the empire ever had such a powerful individual?
After digging through the depths of her memory, she finally recalled a vague figure. As the past began to overlap with the present, she instinctively clenched her clothes and whispered to Shu Yan:
"That man… he is the High Priest of the Star Luo Imperial Worship Hall. I met him once when my elder brother became a Titled Douluo."
Shu Yan looked surprised. His expression shifted slightly as he gazed at the old man.
The Star Luo Worship Hall was a mysterious institution to outsiders. While not as famed or legendary as Shrek Academy's Sea God Pavilion, it was still one of the most powerful soul master organizations in the world. Its members were largely unknown, only emerging during moments of national crisis. Even Xu Jiawei couldn't mobilize its strongest members without sufficient cause. The High Priest—this elusive figure—had always been shrouded in mystery. Most had only heard of him; few had ever seen him. And now, this living legend stood before them.
Xu Jiawei slowly stood, sensing the deteriorating, decaying aura coming from the old man. His expression turned solemn, and after a moment of silence, he spoke softly:
"I'm sorry to trouble you… Elder Qian."
The old man, addressed as Elder Qian, raised his head. A deep scar cut across his withered face. His cloudy eyes carried both age and tranquility. A single glance from him made one feel as if their soul had been shaken, their hearts instinctively trembling.
"No matter," the elder said gently, voice unexpectedly calm. "I've been sitting in seclusion for many years. It's good to stretch these old bones once in a while. If I don't get out and breathe some fresh air, I might as well be a mummy."
As he looked over Xu Jiawei, satisfaction flickered in his gaze. Leaning on a pitch-black cane, he slowly walked forward. Xu Jiawei made to assist him, but the elder waved him off. His gaze turned downward—and the moment it landed on the two Empresses of Ice and Snow, something in his eyes subtly changed.
At that moment, the Empresses looked up in unison. Three different auras clashed in the air—ice-blue, dark green, and dim gold. Soul power erupted above the hall with a thunderous collision, blinding white light exploding overhead.
Xu Jiawei remained still. Shu Yan shielded Xu Jiujing and retreated slightly, carefully observing the shift in momentum.
As the light receded, Elder Qian took three or four steps back. His aura was slightly unsettled. Ignoring the Ice Empress, his gaze landed on the Snow Empress with a touch of awe.
"So this is the power of a Limit Douluo… Compared to a Super Douluo, it's like heaven and earth. There's simply no comparison."
The Snow Empress's eyes gleamed faintly with surprise. She looked the old man up and down and said quietly:
"Human… you're strong. But this doesn't seem to be your limit. Your power feels restrained, as if something is binding it. You… are hiding something."
The old man chuckled softly and replied with ease:
"Old stories, that's all. Just sacrifices made in the pursuit of strength. One wrong step can make all the difference. I am Qian Guochaosheng, the High Priest of the Star Luo Worship Hall. And as for your fame, Empress… I've heard much. Now that I've seen you in person, I must say—it's well deserved."
"Qian Guo…"
Shu Yan slowly loosened his hold on Xu Jiujing. He quietly repeated the surname that had all but vanished from history, his heart stirring with speculation.
The Snow Empress gave a slight nod. Qian Guochaosheng was indeed powerful, and clearly hiding something even deeper. He had earned her respect—something only true power could command.
Meanwhile, the Ice Empress watched the two and clenched her little fists. She abruptly stood up and shouted:
"Hey! Old geezer! How dare you ignore me? I'm no weakling, okay?! Why praise Xue'er and not me? If you don't give me a reason right now, I swear I'll beat you up!"
Her outburst was like a child's tantrum but Elder Qian only smiled gently, unmoved. He took a few more slow steps with his cane and looked at her kindly.
"Little girl, aren't you like me? We both believe in the rule of strength—where the strong reign supreme. Let me be clear: you are powerful. But you are not my match. If you don't believe me… you're welcome to try."
The Ice Empress waved her arms furiously, glaring at him. In her eyes, this previously unassuming old man had instantly become insufferable. All she wanted now was to smash him flat and show him just what the Ice Empress was made of!
But the Snow Empress held her back, her tone calm but firm:
"Bing'er, don't make a scene. He's right you're not his match. If you don't believe me, test it yourself later."
The Ice Empress was stunned. Snow Empress was being completely serious and she could feel it. She wasn't joking. Snow Empress's judgment was rarely wrong… Could it be true? Was she really no match for this decrepit old man?