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Soon, Dai Yueheng emerged from the camp—
and with him, several flight soul engineering devices.
They still had over 3,000 miles to go to reach the Ming Dou Mountains. Running would take them right up to the tournament's opening.
Though the Inner Court students had previously scoffed at soul engineering, they were familiar with flight devices. The real training fell to Huo Yuhao, Wu Feng, Wang Dong—those with lower cultivation—and to Bei Bei, Xu Sanshi, and Jiang Nannan, who'd never operated one.
After an hour of practice, they finally launched.
Xi Xi, He Caitou, Chen Junting, and Ning Tian—equipped with custom flight devices—took to the skies effortlessly. They formed the wings of a V-formation, with Ma Xiaotao leading, Dai Yueheng trailing, and the rest filling in.
As dusk fell, they landed to rest.
After dinner and soul power recovery, Elder Xuan strolled out of the woods—wine in hand—as if he'd teleported.
"You're too slow," he declared. "Let's speed things up."
With a sweep of his hand, special ropes lashed around everyone's waists.
"Brace yourselves!"
He shot upward—
and 17 others, including Wang Yan, rocketed skyward. Their flight devices roared, hurling them into turbulent winds.
Even the Inner Court students groaned—only the Invincible Barriers kept the reserve students from breaking.
Chen Junting shielded Ning Tian, about to deploy a defensive device—
when Xuan Zi's soul power surged, encasing them in an earth-yellow barrier.
Relief washed over the group.
"Elder Xuan," Chen Junting grumbled, "we nearly died."
"Forgot," Xuan Zi muttered—unfazed.
Chen Junting rolled his eyes. Does Elder Mu even know how unreliable you are?
Then—
"Ugh—!"
Huo Yuhao's panicked cry pierced the air. "Wang Dong—don't throw up!"
"I hate flying soul engineering devices !" Wang Dong wailed.
---
Star Luo Empire – Western Border
Night cloaked the land in ink.
Suddenly, a white streak tore across the sky—a meteor blazing through the dark.
This time, Xuan Zi landed them gently.
His earth-yellow light softened the ground into a cushion, ensuring a smooth touchdown.
"Phew—"
The group gasped for air.
Xuan Zi scanned them—no injuries—then vanished into the distance.
Just as confusion spread—
Chen Junting's head snapped up.
Others followed his gaze.
Dai Yueheng stepped forward. "Wait—they're from the camp."
He activated his White Tiger martial soul—
ROAR—!
His fourth soul ring flared. However, under Dai Yueheng's precise control, this White Tiger Meteor Shower soul skill had no lethal power at all; it was just used as a signal flare.
Within three breaths, thirty black-clad warriors descended.
At their lead stood a stern-faced elder.
But when he saw Dai Yueheng, his coldness melted into joy. "Young Master! The Duke awaits you."
"Uncle Du—no rush," Dai Yueheng said, dismissing his martial soul. "We've traveled all day. Let us rest first. Inform Father—we'll arrive in an hour."
"Yes, sir."
As Du Leisi sent a subordinate back, Chen Junting watched Huo Yuhao—pale, trembling—and Wang Dong soothing him.
He nudged Ning Tian. "Xiao Tian… remember our guess about Yuhao's origins?"
She nodded. "You said he might be a bastard son."
The Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect had investigated: Huo Yuhao was from near Star Luo City—but held no imperial registry. His illegitimacy was confirmed.
Now, connecting his hatred for Dai Huabin and his current distress, Ning Tian's eyes widened.
"Could his father be… Duke White Tiger!?"
"Let's ask him," Chen Junting said.
They approached. Once alone, Chen Junting asked softly:
"Yuhao—is your father Duke Dai Hao?"
Huo Yuhao paled, tears welling. "My mother said he is. But I reject him—and the White Tiger Manor. The Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect is my home. I hid it… because I feared the sect would cast me out."
Chen Junting sighed. This genius—terrified his sect would abandon him over birthright?
"Don't worry," he assured. "The sect won't stop you from avenging your mother. We won't aid you openly—but if the manor dares retaliate after you strike… they'll learn why the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect fears no one."
Ning Tian nodded firmly.
Huo Yuhao's eyes cleared. He understood.
---
Later – White Tiger Encampment
"Welcome, Shrek guests."
Duke Dai Hao rose from his seat.
Led by Wang Yan, the students bowed—Inner Court first, Outer Court behind.
Dai Hao shook Wang Yan's hand. "Please, rest under my hospitality."
Wang Yan declined. "A quiet place to regroup suffices. Also—we seek intel on the Death God Envoy."
A soldier to the core, Dai Hao complied. He handed over all gathered intelligence.
By noon the next day, Wang Yan convened a war council.
"Key points:
1. Death's Hand operates in the Ming Dou Mountains' heart.
2. 300+ members—all able-bodied; 10% are soul masters.
3. Leader's identity unknown—but confirmed as a Soul King."
He added, "Per the academy, he's the evil soul master Death God Envoy."
The group murmured.
Then Wang Dong asked, "If only the leader's an evil soul master… why do the others join him? They don't need evil methods to cultivate!"
Silence.
Chen Junting spoke: "Greed. Evil soul masters are fearsome—but human desire is worse. It devours conscience. They chase profit, not power."
"So… just for money!?" Wang Dong gasped, bewildered.
Huo Yuhao corrected gently: "Interest, not money."
Seeing Wang Dong's confusion, Chen Junting shook his head. "Don't waste time understanding monsters. Just remember: restrain your desires, guard your conscience. As for those who aid evil…"
"They deserve death more!"
The words hung like a blade.
Wang Dong etched them into his heart.
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