Year XXX5
After being branded a criminal, Yu Ming was not afraid but only annoyed. His strength as a Titled Douluo ensured that ordinary forces could do little to restrain him. However, the freedom with which he had once moved across the Heaven Dou Empire began to deteriorate rapidly.
This time Spirit Hall partnered with the Empire and took the lead in dealing with him, dispatching Titled Douluos of Rank 95 to hunt him down.
Each encounter carried real danger, forcing Yu Ming to abandon his previous arrogance and operate from the shadows.
For the first time since obtaining Eros God's inheritance, he began to feel pressure.
Yu Ming—now widely known as Eros Douluo—was forced into hiding. He moved cautiously between cities and remote regions, constantly changing his routes and methods.
The chaotic pleasure he once indulged in had to be restrained, replaced by calculated survival.Yet, even under pursuit, his nature did not change.
Instead of retreating completely, he began searching for an opportunity—something that could overturn his situation and restore his advantage.
That opportunity appeared through an unexpected source.
From one of the women he had already placed under his control, Yu Ming learned of a hidden scheme—an ongoing plan aimed at hollowing out the wealth and power of the Heaven Dou Empire from within. The information was fragmented, but it was enough to catch his attention.
Following this thread, he eventually captured Vanessa, a Soul Sage connected to the Twilight Hermit Order.
Through her, Yu Ming confirmed that a shadowy organization was indeed operating behind the scenes. Although Vanessa herself did not possess critical information due to memory restrictions placed upon her, her existence alone was proof that something far more complex was unfolding.
However, constant pursuit by powerful Titled Douluos began to wear on him.
While Yu Ming could fight above his level in certain situations, he understood his limits. Facing a single opponent was one thing, but being surrounded or forced into prolonged engagements would inevitably lead to defeat. The pressure of being hunted from all sides forced him to suppress his impulses and think more strategically.
It was during this time that he witnessed something from afar that unsettled him.
Julia—an Order Douluo—appeared in battle.
At first glance, she seemed like any other high-level Spirit Hall powerhouse. But after sensing her aura and receiving confirmation from Eros God, Yu Ming's confidence wavered. There was a high possibility that she was an inheritor of the Angel Goddess.
That realization brought with it a deeper fear.
If an inheritor like Julia was already active, then it would not take long for Qian Daoliu to step onto the stage as well. The thought of facing such a figure, especially while already under pursuit, forced Yu Ming to reconsider his entire approach.
He needed chaos—something large enough to divert attention away from himself.
Yu Ming began formulating a plan to provoke conflict between Spirit Hall and the rapidly growing Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. If two major forces clashed, the pressure on him would ease, giving him room to recover and act.
But before his plans could be completed and just at the junction of capturing the mysterious leader of Twilight hermit, everything fell apart because Bibi Dong had made her move personally.
Despite using all his strength and relying on Eros God's assistance, he barely managed to escape her pursuit. The encounter left him shaken, forcing him into desperate flight.
Yet, even that escape was an illusion. In the end, Yu Ming met a gruesome death by Julia's hand—one he never saw coming.
From the beginning, he had been nothing more than a piece on the board, unknowingly moving within Qian Renxue's palm.
To the outside world, however, Eros Douluo simply disappeared.
Some believed he had gone into deeper hiding, waiting for an opportunity to return. Others speculated that Bibi Dong had killed him and concealed the truth, allowing rumors of his escape to circulate for her own purposes.
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Emperor Xue Ye pressed his temples as the memories of the past five years surged through his mind like an unending tide. Each event, when viewed alone, seemed manageable—but when placed together, they formed a pattern that made his head throb.
'That Eros Douluo has disappeared… I only hope he does not resurface again.
The Heaven Dou Empire cannot withstand another calamity like that incubus.'
His thoughts shifted, irritation replacing concern.
'And Xue Beng… that useless child.'
'Does he truly believe his actions can remain hidden from me? Even something as disgraceful as what he did to that tea-selling girl…'
Snort.
The sound escaped him involuntarily, laced with anger and disappointment.
Before his thoughts could spiral further, a knock came at the door.
Knock. Knock.
"Father, are you resting? May I come in?"
It was Xue Qinghe's voice—calm, respectful, as always.
Xue Ye exhaled slowly, suppressing his irritation. "Come in, Qinghe."
The door opened, and Xue Qinghe entered with measured steps. He bowed slightly, his posture impeccable.
"Father, I apologize for disturbing your rest. However, I believe this matter cannot be delayed."
Xue Ye's brows furrowed faintly. "What has happened?"
Xue Qinghe lifted his head, his expression carrying a trace of concern.
"The ministers have gathered and submitted a joint petition. They are seeking to impeach Xue Beng for his immoral conduct… The dignity of the royal family is being dragged through the mud."
For a brief moment, silence settled in the room.
Xue Ye's expression darkened. He immediately saw through it.
'Xue Beng's misconduct is merely an excuse. These ministers are trying to force my hand.'
Slowly, he rose from his seat and began pacing toward the door, his mind already calculating the next move.
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(AN: If you guys have an idea of Qian Renxue's next adavncement ritual maybe you can predict her next plan...)