Although Xu Zihuang had never met the old man in front of him before, during the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Youth Tournament, he had already sensed the other's aura multiple times.
Combined with the close similarity in their martial soul auras and soul power fluctuations, he could roughly confirm the old man's identity.
Yu Yangyan was also staring at Xu Zihuang expressionlessly. Despite sharing an inseparable blood relationship, the grandfather and grandson's first meeting unfolded in such a bizarre atmosphere.
Almost everyone present knew about the special relationship between Yu Tianhuang and the Heavenly Dragon Gate, so they tacitly remained silent.
Internal matters of the Heavenly Dragon Gate were indeed not something they should interfere in.
Elder Xuan let out a soft sigh and timely stepped in to smooth things over.
"Everyone, let's hurry and leave this place first. Old Poison, you lead the way. Also, have your people notify the other soul master sects from the original Douluo Continent so we can break out together."
During the round-robin phase, after reaching an agreement, Shrek Academy, the Body Sect, and the Star Luo Empire had shared information with those soul master sect teams that possessed considerable overall strength.
Whether it was Shrek Academy or the Body Sect, both were top-tier forces renowned across the continent, standing on equal footing with the Sun Moon Empire's Mingde Hall as the three great pillars. With the guarantees from both Wei Na and Xu Jiujiu, the two princesses, those soul master sect teams naturally had no reason to doubt them.
The Heavenly Dragon Gate was one of the groups that learned about the plan to assassinate Xu Tianran and voluntarily chose to join. Of course, only the top-tier and most trustworthy soul master sects were informed of this information.
As for those unlucky participants who had been eliminated in the first three elimination rounds and were eager to leave Mingdu only to be caught by the Sun Moon Empire, there was nothing that could be done. After all, no matter how many powerhouses Shrek Academy and the Body Sect had, they could not protect every participating team from the original Douluo Continent.
However, as long as the elites from the major sects escaped safely, it would not matter much if the Sun Moon Empire caught a few stragglers here and there.
"Let's go!" Du Busi showed no hesitation and decisively led everyone toward a viscount's mansion in the eastern part of Mingdu City. That was the secret base where the Heavenly Soul Empire and their Body Sect forces were hiding in Mingdu.
Just as the group began to move, a strong sense of palpitation suddenly surged in Xu Zihuang's heart. He immediately released his Golden Pupil martial soul. Golden halos flowed around the obscure patterns surrounding his pupils. Through the predictive ability attached to his left eye, he saw scenes of what would happen in the next three seconds.
Xu Zihuang's gaze slightly condensed. He abruptly reached out and grabbed Ye Guyi and Ning Tian's wrists. His entire aura instantly erupted.
Everyone present was momentarily stunned by the aura Xu Zihuang released at that moment and turned back to look, their expressions changing slightly.
Under everyone's gaze, Xu Zihuang spoke in a low, grave voice to Elder Xuan: "Elder Xuan, no matter what happens next, immediately take everyone and leave this place. After leaving, do not stop for any reason. Don't worry about me. With my abilities, I can handle any situation."
"Tianhuang?!" Ye Guyi and Ning Tian, who did not understand what was happening, exclaimed in unison.
Time was of the essence. Xu Zihuang had no time to explain. His right hand's index and middle fingers came together and lightly tapped his brow. A strand of purple-gold spiritual power infused with a trace of soul force was drawn out and merged into Ye Guyi's sea of consciousness.
A mystical golden pupil pattern faintly appeared between Ye Guyi's brows.
Before Ye Guyi and Ning Tian could react, a tide-like halo of gold and silver dual colors instantly enveloped everyone.
The group was startled and instinctively released their martial souls, using their strongest defensive abilities. But the overwhelming gold-silver light caused them no harm; it only suppressed them, rendering them unable to move. At the same time, it contained a special pulling force that drew Xu Zihuang and Wang Qiu'er's bodies upward into the sky.
Compared to Wang Qiu'er, who was full of shock and confusion, Xu Zihuang appeared much calmer.
The God King's scheme had finally arrived. When he learned that Niu Tian and Titan had come to Mingdu with Tang Wutong, he had already mentally prepared himself.
But the situation was different now; he already possessed the confidence to face Tang San's schemes without fear. The only surprise was that this time, Tang San seemed to have calculated both him and the Three-Eyed Golden Lion together.
In the blink of an eye, Xu Zihuang and Wang Qiu'er's figures vanished from their original spots. Before disappearing, Xu Zihuang cast a reassuring glance toward Ye Guyi and Ning Tian.
West of Mingdu City, in the Sun Moon Mountain Range.
This was a vast and boundless lake, nestled among encircling mountains. The lake water was crystal clear, but what was most peculiar was that its color was actually dual-toned, gold and silver.
At the very center of the lake's surface lay a circular patch of golden water. Intense golden light continuously bloomed outward from it, like a warm sun radiating light. Surrounding it was a crescent-shaped silver moon nestled close.
The gold-silver dual light grew increasingly brilliant. The pure golden radiance and bright silver glow suddenly soared upward.
Qiankun inverted, the sun and moon became the lake. Qiankun Love-Querying Valley.
At the same time, in the northern and southern regions of Mingdu City, two pillars of light over a hundred meters in diameter abruptly rose. Both pillars were strikingly gold and silver in color.
A tall and burly figure stood at the center of the golden pillar of light; it was Niu Tian. His hands were raised high, releasing a terrifying aura as if supporting the heavens. Dots of rich cyan light merged into the pillar, not soul power, but divine power far surpassing it in level.
Performing the corresponding action in the southern silver pillar of light was Titan.
The Qiankun Love-Querying Valley in the west of Mingdu faintly resonated with the two pillars of light, until finally the gold-silver radiance converged at a single point in the east of the city.
Under the combined effort of Niu Tian and Titan, the Qiankun Love-Querying Valley was projected into this area, affecting Xu Zihuang and Wang Qiu'er.
The sky over the eastern district of Mingdu was completely dyed gold and silver. The intertwined images of the golden sun and silver moon lingered for a long time without dissipating.
The anomaly in the sky drew the attention of Mingdu's citizens, greatly alleviating the panic caused by the chaos in the Sun Moon Empire's imperial palace.
The Sun Moon Empire revered the golden sun and silver moon, symbolizing the encompassing of heaven and earth. Such a phenomenon was truly a blessing from the heavens upon the Sun Moon Empire.
It was a pity that Xu Tianran was now gravely injured and his life hung in the balance. Otherwise, with his personality, he would certainly have made a big deal out of this to pave the way for his future ascension to the throne.
The Eastern district of the city is the convergence point of various forces. After the golden sun and silver moon images dissipated, everything seemed to return to calm. But among the group, Xu Zihuang and Wang Qiu'er were nowhere to be seen.
Elder Xuan, Du Busi, Gu Lao, Yu Yangyan, and the other powerhouses furrowed their brows tightly. What had just happened was completely unexpected and had suppressed their martial souls and soul power, leaving them unable to resist.
"That thing just now couldn't have been the Sun Moon Empire's latest developed soul tool, right?" Even with Du Busi's arrogant personality, his expression had become extremely grave, and he could not help but curse.
"That power was absolutely not something humans could resist. Even someone like Long Xiaoyao, a Limit Douluo, couldn't do it. Xuanzi, what do you plan to do? Yu Tianhuang is the hope of our original Douluo Continent. Worst case, we old fellows stay behind and fight them to the death. I'd like to see if they can stop me when I go mad." As he spoke, a fierce glint appeared in Du Busi's eyes.
"Why do you, old poison, seem even more anxious than I?" Elder Xuan glared at Du Busi irritably.
"Think carefully. Since that power isn't something humans can resist, how could it possibly be man-made by the Sun Moon Empire? Moreover, if they really had a soul tool with such terrifying power, I could understand using it against Tianhuang, but the one who disappeared together with him is Wang Qiu'er. And the words Tianhuang said earlier clearly showed he had foreseen something."
Although Elder Xuan remained outwardly calm and composed, the anxiety in his heart was no less than Du Busi's.
Du Busi's eyes widened.
"Then what do you say we do?"
After a moment of silence, Elder Xuan spoke seriously to Du Busi, Gu Lao, and Yu Yangyan:
"Old Poison, Old Bone Dragon, Yangyan, you three take the people and leave first. I'll stay behind to investigate Tianhuang and Qiu'er's situation. Tianhuang and Qiu'er are people of our academy; I have the responsibility to ensure their safety."
As he spoke, Elder Xuan raised his head to look toward the locations in the south and north of the city where the two pillars of light had risen earlier. He had naturally noticed those changes.
"Xuanzi, don't act rashly," Gu Long reminded him in a deep voice. But he also could not think of a better solution. Sensing Ning Tian's gaze filled with longing and expectation, he felt even more helpless.
At that moment, Ye Guyi took Ning Tian's hand.
"Bone-clothes sister?" Ning Tian, her face full of anxiety, instinctively turned to look.
Ye Guyi's eyes opened and closed, the surging emotions in their depths gradually calming.
"Elder Xuan, let's leave this place first. Believe in Tianhuang—he will definitely return safely. Just now, Tianhuang gave me a strand of spiritual power containing his soul force. I can sense his condition from it. If I'm close enough, I can also perceive his location."
Looking at the resolute determination in Ye Guyi's eyes that moved the heart, Elder Xuan took a deep breath and said gravely, "Fine. We'll leave Mingdu first."
Yu Yangyan's cold and stern face also flickered with emotion, but he remained silent as always.
"Don't worry, Tianhuang will be fine." Ye Guyi comforted Ning Tian by gently stroking her cheek.
Ning Tian nodded lightly. After such an incident, she truly had no mood left. Thick worry was written all over her face.
Zhang Lexuan, Bei Bei, Xu Sanshi, Xu Jiujiu, Wei Na, Long Aotian, Yu Tianlong, and the others had varied reactions. But since Elder Xuan had made the decision, they could not question it.
Moreover, if what Ye Guyi said was true, the safest course was to leave Mingdu first and then search for Yu Tianhuang.
...
Sun Moon Empire Imperial Palace.
Xu Tianran was currently receiving treatment from the Sun Moon Empire's imperial physician Douluo in his bedroom. This imperial physician Douluo, was one of the rare healing-type Title Douluos in the Sun Moon Empire.
Outside his bedroom, heavy security had already been deployed. All of Xu Tianran's trusted aides had been recalled by Ju Zi.
In just a short moment, more than half of Xu Tianran's life force had drained away. His head of long, black hair had turned gray-white, and even his skin had begun to shrivel and wrinkle densely.
The life-force-devouring effect of the Golden Dragon Spear was far too overbearing. Even with the assistance of various advanced medical equipment, this imperial physician Douluo could only barely preserve Xu Tianran's life; he could not completely stop the loss of life force.
A deep purple light lit up on Xu Tianran's forehead, and strange soul power fluctuations rippled outward. From the intensity of the soul power fluctuations, it was clear this was an extremely high-quality head soul bone.
How could someone of Xu Tianran's status possibly lack high-quality soul bones? Even the right arm that Xu Zihuang had severed had contained a soul bone. It was precisely because of this soul bone that the flesh of his right arm had barely remained viable.
However, the muscle atrophy was too severe; it was probably impossible to reattach.
"Cough cough—" A mouthful of blood sprayed from his mouth. Xu Tianran suddenly opened his eyes. Relying on the special ability of that head soul bone, he temporarily regained consciousness.
"What a Shrek! What a Yu Tianhuang!"
Xu Tianran roared in fury, looking almost insane. His wrinkled skin bunched together. The moment his consciousness cleared, he finally realized just how gravely he had been injured.
He was still so young; he had not yet accomplished the great feat of unifying the continent and becoming an eternal emperor. How could he be willing to fall like this?!
What enraged him most was that, as the crown prince of the Sun Moon Empire, he had suffered such heavy injuries inside the imperial palace.
"Useless! A bunch of useless trash!"
"Your Highness?!" Ju Zi, who had been guarding Xu Tianran's bedside, stepped forward with concern.'
Looking at Ju Zi, who had stayed by his side without abandoning him and showed true loyalty, the twisted expression on Xu Tianran's face eased slightly, though it remained terrifying, his eyes overflowing with killing intent.
"Ju Zi, you've done well, very well! Notify the State Preceptor: carry out the plan as before, eliminate everyone according to the list we gave him. Hmph! Some people are probably hoping to see me like this, but you'll never see tomorrow's sun."
"After that, quickly join forces with Elder Kong to take control of the situation."
"Yes, Your Highness!" Ju Zi lowered her head and immediately responded respectfully, her eyes flickering.
From the outcome, Yu Tianhuang's assassination attempt on Xu Tianran had greatly promoted her own goals. She absolutely had to seize this excellent opportunity.
Ju Zi, bending down, tightly pursed her lips.
"Tianhuang..."
She knew her willful reply had disappointed Yu Tianhuang, but this was all for the sake of giving him a far more precious gift in the not-too-distant future.
Qiankun Love-Querying Valley.
This was a translucent world. Everything around seemed constructed from gold-silver dual-colored crystal. Three figures were wrapped in a bubble and landed on a massive circular platform.
The platform was entirely pale gold, about twenty meters in diameter, with a one-meter-wide ring evenly arranged along its edge. Xu Zihuang's landing spot was exactly on one of those circles.
In his line of sight were two identical figures. Same appearance, same pink-blue hair and eyes, same indifferent expression, but the two could be clearly distinguished.
Without a doubt, these two were Tang Wutong and Wang Qiu'er.
The three eyed each other, but with the bubble separating them, no one's voice could be heard.
Above the platform shone the light of the golden sun and silver moon, while the surroundings were a blur of illusory light and shadow, vision unable to penetrate far.
Not long after the three landed, misty light fog rose from the golden circular platform beneath their feet. A long, narrow beam of golden light rapidly rotated with the platform as its center. The end of the light beam pointed precisely at the small circles under the three people's feet.
"Qiankun asks about love, a test of true heart. Begin." A particularly gentle yet gender-indistinguishable voice entered the three people's ears simultaneously. Immediately after, the rotating golden light suddenly stopped, pointing directly at the small circle where Xu Zihuang stood.
That emotionless voice rang again, but this time only Xu Zihuang could hear it.
"Do you have a lover?"
Xu Zihuang's gaze was cold. From memories of his previous life, he had long known that the owner of this voice was Ning Rongrong, one of the original Shrek Seven Monsters and the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Douluo.
Although he did not know what Tang San and Ning Rongrong were planning together, possessing divinity himself, he was not so easily manipulated.
"Do you have a lover? If you do not answer after being asked three times, the punishment is death."
Xu Zihuang looked up at the golden sun and silver moon light in the sky, as if seeing through all the illusions within.
"Original Shrek Seven Monsters, Ning Rongrong. Out of respect for you as Ning Tian's ancestor, I show you courtesy, but I do not like the tone of your words."
The voice fell abruptly silent, without responding for a long time.
A woman who appeared to be in her twenties stood amid mystical clouds and mist, surrounded by jade pavilions and palaces. A pale yellow long dress perfectly outlined her figure. Her appearance was beautiful, every frown and smile carrying an elegant and noble, round jade-like grace.
But at this moment, that elegance and nobility had completely vanished. Her eyes were filled with shock. As a deity, she could naturally sense that Xu Zihuang carried the divinity of two first-level gods. She was merely a second-level deity and did not dare offend him lightly.
She attributed Xu Zihuang's seeing through her identity to those two first-level divinities. The God of Time and God of Space, though first-level gods, possessed extremely mysterious abilities, especially the God of Time, an existence as ancient as the God of Destruction and other God Kings.
"Forget it, never mind. Third Brother, handle it yourself."
The voice in the Qiankun Love-Querying Valley seemed to change, faintly carrying a tone of exasperation and anger.
"Refusing to answer the question of this valley, punishment: proceed directly to deep adventure."
With a flash of light, Xu Zihuang suddenly appeared above a deep blue sea, falling toward the water. He frowned, circulated his soul power, and hovered in midair.
Beside him, two more figures appeared one after another, Tang Wutong and Wang Qiu'er.
Tang Wutong released her Bright Goddess Butterfly martial soul to maintain flight, while Wang Qiu'er steadied herself by stepping on golden flames.
The three immediately faced each other in silence.
At that moment, a black dot appeared in their vision and rapidly enlarged. The originally deep blue sea was quickly dyed black-purple, and even the sky turned the same color—gloomy and oppressive. Streams of black-purple water lines fell from the heavens, clearly about to spread toward this side.
Within that black-purple heaven and earth, an enormous blue-black body emerged from the sea. On the opposite side of that colossal creature, countless silver dorsal fins rapidly moved through the water.
The giant creature possessed an abyssal aura, while the owners of those silver dorsal fins held the advantage in numbers.
"Qiankun Love-Querying Valley adventure begins. Adventure topic: Rescue. The Demon Soul Great White Shark clan is being massacred by their natural enemy, the Deep Sea Demonic Whale. You must minimize casualties and help the Demon Soul Great White Shark clan repel their natural enemy. Failure punishment: death. Success reward: 50% Sea God affinity."
A golden trident symbol about an inch long but brimming with majesty appeared on each of the three people's foreheads.
"50% Sea God affinity?" Tang Wutong could not help exclaiming.
Not only Tang Wutong, but even Wang Qiu'er looked somewhat uncertain and surprised. What she cared about was only the words "Sea God."
"Is this a divine trial bestowed by a god?!"
But in the next instant, a discordant voice suddenly rang out.
"I refuse." Xu Zihuang sneered coldly, immediately turned, and made to leave the area.
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