The room was permeated with a faint, almost imperceptible golden light, as if it had transformed into an illusory space.
From an outsider's perspective, Ju Zi was currently leaning against the wall in an alluring and seductive pose, yet Xu Zihuang's figure was nowhere to be seen. Not even the slightest trace of Xu Zihuang's presence or soul power fluctuations could be detected.
Even the subtle spatial ripples produced when he had earlier stepped out from the void had been completely concealed.
The reason Xu Zihuang had appeared in Xu Tianran's study was naturally due to the innate ability of his Golden Eyes martial soul, Void. However, to conceal his aura afterward, he had already released his martial soul's true body state.
Ever since he fused with Tianmeng Iceworm's million-year soul ring and broke through to the Soul Saint realm, the potential of his Golden Eyes martial soul had been completely unleashed. In his normal state, he could now control spatial power to a certain extent.
The innate ability Void Eye was derived from his mastery of spatial power, combined with the characteristics of the Golden Eyes martial soul. By hiding the projection of the Golden Eyes within spatial rifts, he could achieve the effect of scouting a certain area.
In terms of soul power cultivation, Xu Zihuang might still have some shortcomings. But when it came to the control and understanding of spatial power, even Limit Douluo like Long Xiaoyao and Ye Xishui might not necessarily be able to compare with him.
Only the Beast God Di Tian and the Evil-Eyed Tyrant Ruler Evil Emperor, who had condensed complementary yin-yang spatial-attribute soul cores, could reach the same level as him in this aspect.
However, in terms of potential, these two pinnacle super soul beasts were far inferior to him.
When he breaks through to Titled Douluo, no one below the god level will be able to rival him. At his current stage, Xu Zihuang possessed such confidence.
It was precisely because of this change in mindset that he had come here.
Her physical instincts and her feelings toward Xu Zihuang caused Ju Zi to unconsciously immerse herself in the moment. Yet rationally, she knew very clearly that they could not continue like this.
The imperial palace had been heavily fortified by Xu Tianran; this place was truly far too dangerous. She did not want to implicate Yu Tianhuang because of herself.
Xu Zihuang did not make things difficult for Ju Zi. Moments later, he stopped his actions. Their faces drew close, breaths mingling, gazes intersecting.
Xu Zihuang took a deep breath and spoke with firm determination.
"Come with me, Ju Zi."
His voice was not loud, but it rang powerfully in Ju Zi's ears. The tender affection in her gaze instantly cleared, replaced by rising mist.
Although she had already made up her mind when she left without saying goodbye back then, Yu Tianhuang's words at this moment touched the softest part of her heart.
"Tianhuang…"
Xu Zihuang gently wiped away the crystalline tears at the corner of her eyes. His brilliant golden pupils seemed to contain unparalleled majesty and dominance.
"You don't need to worry about anything else. With me here, neither Xu Tianran nor the Sun Moon Empire behind him can do anything to you. If all you want is revenge against the White Tiger Duke, in the future, I can personally accompany you to the White Tiger Duke's mansion. Why attach yourself to him?"
Ju Zi took the initiative to wrap her arms around Xu Zihuang's waist and back, resting her head on his shoulder. Tears kept spilling from the corners of her eyes, yet she revealed a smile that could move anyone's heart.
Thank you, Tianhuang. But my goal has long since ceased to be merely taking revenge on the White Tiger Duke. Instead, I want to help you control the entire Sun Moon Empire in the future, even unify the continent. To make you the most noble person in this world.
From the moment I left without saying goodbye and returned to Xu Tianran's side, I lost the qualification to monopolize you. You deserve a better girl. To occupy even a small place in your heart is already my greatest extravagance. And today, that has already been fulfilled.
Ju Zi murmured in her heart with dazed eyes, then pursed her lips lightly and broke free from Xu Zihuang's embrace. The smile on her beautiful face withdrew as she buried all her throbbing feelings deep within.
"I'm sorry, Tianhuang. I cannot go with you."
Receiving this answer, Xu Zihuang's figure immediately stiffened. Looking at Ju Zi's eyes, he understood.
At the present stage, due to their respective concerns and thoughts, neither of them could be completely honest with each other. But as long as Xu Tianran perished, all problems would cease to exist.
This also made Xu Zihuang even more resolute in his determination to assassinate Xu Tianran.
When Xu Zihuang said those words to Ju Zi, it was not to test anything; it was his true feelings from the heart. Now he already had sufficient confidence and no longer needed to resort to all kinds of calculations like before.
"Ju Zi?" At that moment, Xu Tianran's voice suddenly came from the adjacent room.
Ju Zi's expression turned serious. She anxiously urged Xu Zihuang, "Hurry and leave this place. Don't come again tonight under any circumstances!"
Yet Xu Zihuang paid no heed to Ju Zi's warning and once again pressed her against the wall corner.
"Ju Zi, I believe you have your own difficulties. But what I said earlier is my promise. If one day you change your mind, you can come find me anytime."
As he spoke, Xu Zihuang slowly leaned down. Under such circumstances, Ju Zi no longer avoided him.
The instant their lips met, circles of soul rings rose one after another from beneath Xu Zihuang's feet, and his figure vanished from the spot.
Ju Zi stood dazed in place, frowning slightly as she tightly clutched the hem of her skirt.
"Tianhuang, my body and heart will forever belong only to you. But I truly do not wish for you to risk yourself here tonight."
Soon Ju Zi calmed her emotional fluctuations, tidied her appearance, then picked up a tray with a pot of hot tea and walked out of the room.
"Your Highness."
Xu Tianran, seated at the desk in the adjacent room, turned to look at Ju Zi. Seeing nothing unusual, he smiled mildly and said,
"Let the palace maids handle such matters in the future."
"Everything Ju Zi has is given by Your Highness. Serving Your Highness is only proper."
Ju Zi replied with a charming smile. Not only did she know how to disguise herself, but she also understood Xu Tianran's thoughts deeply.
Sure enough, Xu Tianran nodded in great satisfaction.
"Push me to the window."
"Yes."
Ju Zi quickly complied and helped Xu Tianran open the window.
The night breeze blew in, bringing waves of chill. Tonight the sky was starless and moonless; as the night deepened, the light grew increasingly dim.
What Xu Tianran failed to notice was that Ju Zi's walking posture was slightly awkward. Because of the earlier intimate contact with Xu Zihuang, the numbing sensation in her jade legs beneath the palace dress skirt had still not completely faded.
Gazing up at the night sky, Xu Tianran couldn't help but narrow his eyes slightly.
Deep in Ju Zi's eyes, however, surged thick worry.
Not long after, an aged voice suddenly rang out in the air.
"Since you've come, stop hiding. All of you, come out."
Large numbers of guards quickly surged in from all directions, surrounding Xu Tianran's imperial study. Following that aged voice, a burst of white light shone in the sky, illuminating the pitch-black night as though it were daytime.
A figure stood proudly in midair above Xu Tianran's study. His black robe fluttered gently with the night wind.
He stood there expressionlessly, yet that aged face carried an indescribable pride—as though heaven and earth submitted before him.
"When did the Dragon Emperor Douluo actually become someone's guard dog? How truly lamentable the ways of the world have become!" A strange cackling voice rang out. The sky seemed to split open as a thick ink-green cloud emerged from a spatial rift. An old man with a bald head stepped out from the blooming green cloud.
Somewhat comically, though the old man was bald, he still kept a head of ink-green long hair trailing from the back of his head.
It was none other than the Body Sect Sect Master, Du Busi.
And the one Du Busi called Dragon Emperor Douluo could only be that Dragon Emperor Douluo Long Xiaoyao, the Limit Douluo standing at the pinnacle of the present age.
Facing Du Busi's sarcastic tone, Long Xiaoyao let out a cold snort.
"Your brother Du Bishi was gravely injured by Mu En. Today, if you also wish to remain here and cut off the Body Sect's lineage, this old man shall grant your wish."
Du Busi showed no fear and replied coldly, "Long Xiaoyao, spare us your self-flattery. Though Dragon God Douluo had private grievances with my Body Sect, I respect his character. For the sake of Shrek Academy, he devoted his entire life. Yet you, a native of the Heavenly Soul Empire, not only fell so low as to join an evil soul master sect, but even betrayed your own nation to become the Sun Moon Empire's lackey. This Sect Master looks down upon you."
"My sect is now the Heavenly Soul Empire's protector sect. Long Xiaoyao, if you still consider yourself a man of the Heavenly Soul Empire, then get out of this Sect Master's way."
Though Du Busi spoke this way, when truly facing a Limit Douluo like Long Xiaoyao, he still had to bear enormous pressure. If he could intimidate Long Xiaoyao into retreating, that would naturally be the best outcome.
The difference between ranks 98 and 99 might seem like only one step, but in reality, it was a chasm as vast as heaven and earth. Otherwise, given his personality, he would never have backed down so easily when facing Elder Mu at Shrek Academy back then. A Golden-class Body Martial Soul with secondary awakening, like Yu Tianhuang, was enough to drive their Body Sect mad. Yet against a Limit Douluo like Elder Mu, even if not at his peak, he truly did not dare to go all out.
Elder Mu's words back then were no bluff; even at his peak, he could firmly suppress him.
Hearing Du Busi mention that the Body Sect had become the Heavenly Soul Empire's protector sect, Long Xiaoyao's expression flickered slightly. He said calmly,
"How this old man acts is not for you to dictate. But out of consideration for your willingness to act for the Heavenly Soul Empire, today I shall spare your life. Enough idle talk. You all know the rules for Titled Douluo; we do not interfere in mundane disputes. Let us speak in the sky. Xuan Zi, come out as well. Today, this old man shall face all of you together."
As he spoke, Long Xiaoyao shook his body, and his figure instantly soared thousands of meters into the high sky.
Behind him, figures appeared one after another. The Holy Spirit Cult Leader Zhongli Wu and the Scorpion Tiger Douluo Zhang Peng were among them, along with more than a dozen other figures. Undoubtedly, all of them were Titled Douluo-level powerhouses or above. Some were Holy Spirit Cult elders, others were ninth-level soul mentors of the Sun Moon Empire.
At the same time, a beam of yellow light illuminated half the night sky. The figure of the Taotie Douluo Xuan Zi appeared, faintly echoing Du Busi from afar as they jointly pinned down Long Xiaoyao, who had risen into the air.
Behind Xuan Zi and Du Busi, more than twenty Titled Douluo powerhouses had followed them into the sky.
Even for a powerhouse of Long Xiaoyao's caliber, seeing this scene caused his expression to change slightly.
In terms of the number of Titled Douluo, his side had only half as many as the opponents. Moreover, given the foundations of Shrek Academy and the Body Sect, probably half of those Titled Douluo possessed Super Douluo strength.
Not only that, but Long Xiaoyao could also sense that two more auras were concealed here without revealing themselves. One of those auras was no weaker than Xuanzi or Du Busi, while the other was only slightly inferior.
However, since they had not shown themselves even now, it meant the two hidden in the shadows did not intend to intervene in their conflict.
The situation inside the imperial palace was far more complicated than imagined.
"Xuanzi, no need to be polite with this old black dragon. He's half a generation above us in seniority, let's go together." Du Busi laughed heartily. Barely after rising into the high sky, he flashed forward, transforming into a green giant over a hundred meters tall that charged toward Long Xiaoyao.
The giant's muscular body was knotted and bulging, as though it had come from ancient times.
Xuan Zi hesitated only briefly before also transforming into his Taotie Divine Ox true body and joining Du Busi in attacking Long Xiaoyao.
The equally massive Taotie Divine Ox had spiral horns, a dragon-like head, yet a body as sturdy as an ox. Beneath its feet were clouds formed of yellow light rings, carrying such a powerful sense of substance that it seemed to turn the sky into solid ground.
Facing the combined assault of Xuan Zi and Du Busi, Long Xiaoyao's gaze sharpened. He transformed into a huge black dragon over a hundred meters long. The black dragon was covered in thick scales, its pair of dragon wings blotting out the sky. Its pale golden eyes were filled with regal majesty.
With a flap of its wings, vast swathes of black airflow swept forth, distorting the surrounding space and instantly forcing Xuan Zi and Du Busi to halt and brace themselves.
Xuan Zi and Du Busi trembled slightly, their expressions growing solemn. Although they had resolved Long Xiaoyao's attack, from this clash, they personally felt that Long Xiaoyao had clearly held back.
A shadow immediately fell over both their hearts.
Even together, they might not be able to stop Long Xiaoyao.
A Limit Douluo, terrifyingly powerful. After all, unlike Mu En, who had suffered irreparable injuries, Long Xiaoyao was at his peak.
At that moment, a layer of brilliant golden radiance spread outward, like a gigantic bubble enveloping the entire Sun Moon Empire imperial palace, including even the many Titled Douluo confronting each other thousands of meters in the sky.
Instantly, the momentum of everyone on Long Xiaoyao's side began to decline. Various mental control soul skills took effect upon them.
Mental chaos, mental interference, mental paralysis, mental dizziness, mental weakness, and so on.
Zhongli Wu and Long Xiaoyao's pupils suddenly contracted.
This was a mental-attribute control-type soul skill?!
Ordinary mental-attribute control soul skills would not have made them so shocked. The key was that this soul skill seemed to possess almost every type of mental control effect, and its coverage range was terrifyingly vast.
They had once clashed with that Evil-Eyed Tyrant Ruler in the Evil Forest. Yet even if that Evil-Eyed Tyrant Ruler personally used a range of mental control soul skills, the coverage capable of affecting Titled Douluo-level powerhouses would be no greater than this.
Because if the range were expanded further, the soul skill's effect would weaken.
"Mental domain?! Tianhuang?!" Xuan Zi was shocked and immediately recognized it as Yu Tianhuang's soul skill.
Du Busi, on the other hand, shouted in wild joy, "Little ones, what are you waiting for? Attack now!"
Although this mental control soul skill had a limited effect on Titled Douluo-level powerhouses, in battles between Titled Douluo, even a slight influence could often decide victory or defeat.
Not to mention that they already held the advantage in top-tier combat power. As long as he and Xuanzi could hold Long Xiaoyao, tonight's assassination plan had great prospects.
Xuan Zi also decisively gave the order to attack. Since they had already decided to participate in this assassination, there was no need for hesitation.
It had to be said that the Body Sect's Titled Douluo were quite ferocious. Their style was similar to Du Busi's, launching fierce attacks right from the start. Evil soul masters skilled at confrontation were rare; their strength lay in insidious and vicious special abilities. For a time, they were directly suppressed by the Body Sect members.
As for the Sun Moon Empire's ninth-level soul mentors facing Shrek Academy's Titled Douluo, they had no advantage whatsoever.
Long Xiaoyao seemed unconcerned by the changing situation. His dragon body swept horizontally through the air, sending vast swathes of black airflow toward Xuan Zi and Du Busi.
Among the Sun Moon Empire's Titled Douluo, only Long Xiaoyao still held the upper hand. All the others, including Zhongli Wu, were, without exception, forced into a passive position.
The one facing Zhongli Wu was several Super Douluo from Shrek Academy and the Body Sect. Leading them were the Azure Shadow Douluo Elder Song and the Body Sect's Golden Body Douluo Jin Peng. Golden Body Douluo Jin Peng was a rank 96 Super Douluo; within the Body Sect, his status was second only to Body Douluo Du Busi. Combined with his Silver-class Body Martial Soul secondary awakening, his combat power was in no way inferior to Elder Song's.
Xu Tianran, who had been watching the situation in the sky the entire time, saw his side growing increasingly disadvantaged. His face could not help turning livid.
What pushed him to the brink of fury was that a fully masked assault team had already broken into the imperial palace and was advancing like a hot knife through butter, clearly about to breach the final line of defense.
The forward defenses had been broken too quickly. Under the effect of that range mental control soul skill, all guards around Xu Tianran below seventh-ring Soul Saint cultivation, had lost their combat ability without exception.
A layer of golden soul guidance protective shield rose from within the building; this was the final line of defense. The class of this soul guidance protective shield was impressively ninth-level!
Xu Tianran roared furiously,
"Someone! Pass the order to the Hall Master, prepare!"
But before anyone could carry out Xu Tianran's command, the person at the very front of the assault team turned completely translucent purple-gold. His figure moved like lightning. Even those seventh-level and above soul mentors, relying on their soul tools, could hardly get close to him. The Holy Spirit Cult's seventh- and eighth-ring evil soul masters instinctively avoided him. Merely touching that purple-gold lightning gave them the sensation that their souls were melting.
Four pulsing blood-red Hundred Thousand-year soul rings around him proclaimed the identity of the newcomer; it was none other than Xu Zihuang, who had left and returned. To avoid implicating Ju Zi, he could not remain in the imperial study to launch a surprise attack on Xu Tianran.
But the result was the same. Below the Titled Douluo level, who could stop him?
Thousands of meters passed in an instant. A purple-gold blade of light over a hundred meters long extended from the palm of Xu Zihuang's right hand. The blade swept horizontally. The moment it made contact, that layer of golden ninth-level soul guidance protective shield instantly turned crimson-gold.
Without the slightest resistance, it was sliced apart by the thunder-light blade.
In theory, a ninth-level soul guidance protective shield should be capable of blocking a Titled Douluo's attack. Yet in front of a truly powerful soul master, that theory did not hold.
An ultimate thunder attribute, combined with a Hundred Thousand-year-level soul skill Thunder Light Blade, possessed precisely such terrifying power.
"Xu Tianran!" Xu Zihuang's gaze was ice-cold, killing intent overflowing. As he thrust his right hand forward, the surrounding space distorted.
Before Xu Tianran could react, his entire body had already been teleported, appearing right in front of Xu Zihuang. His face was filled with utter horror and despair.
Xu Zihuang's right hand suddenly seized Xu Tianran's head. He gave a cold smile.
The blood-red fourth soul ring lit up once again. Countless purple-gold specks of light poured from the center of his right palm, drifting around Xu Tianran like fireflies filling the sky.
This time, Xu Tianran truly felt the threat to his life. His expression changed dramatically. But everything had happened too suddenly, before he could react, those countless purple-gold specks had already detonated.
This was another soul skill granted to Xu Zihuang by that Hundred Thousand-year Thunder Beast soul ring, Thunderfirefly. Compressing thunder power to the extreme into light points, then releasing the restraint to produce terrifying shock-blast force.
"Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom—"
Explosions rang out one after another throughout the imperial palace. Each purple-gold light point that detonated produced terrifying shock-blast power, causing the entire palace to shake as though the earth and mountains were trembling.
Xu Zihuang's gaze remained cold and ruthless. Recalling that blood feud, a trace of madness appeared on his face.
Xu Tianran! After twelve years of endurance, this one strike, how will you block it?!
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