She Long had delivered a message, with Old Ghost present. When the "arrogant" words were relayed, both of them trembled, fearing the man on stage would explode in anger.
But She Long had explained—the man's strength was extraordinary. Not only was he personally recommended by the Emperor of Heaven Dou Empire and treated as an esteemed guest, he had even gained the recognition of Sword Douluo Chen Xin at a banquet.
He had even summoned a giant beast that obeyed his every command. She Long shuddered at the memory: with just one swipe, that beast could have crushed him into paste. It was proof of the man's terrifying power.
Thus, She Long and Old Ghost had come in person to meet this man.
Chen Xin was level 96—a peak even among titled Douluo. Anyone who could stir his fighting intent had to be at least level 95, and beyond that, each level was a chasm.
If this man was only a level 95 titled Douluo, he could scare She Long and Ci Xue, but not Old Ghost and Chrysanthemum (both level 95 themselves). To dare provoke Spirit Hall openly, even as a guest of Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, Spirit Hall would never let it slide.
Of course, that was what he hoped for. After all, every level 97 or above Douluo on the continent was famous by name. If one appeared out of nowhere, it was likely a fraud.
A mere level 95, unaware of his own limits, claiming to have emerged from some secret realm… that was plausible.
"Hm…"
The only girl among the three frowned slightly, her enchanting eyes blinking as she looked at the approaching group of six. "Why do I feel… something's different this time?"
"Nana, who do you mean?" Yan crossed his arms and looked down at the six below, his gaze mocking. "But come to think of it, they're short one person. Let's remove a member from our team too—don't say Spirit Hall bullies people."
"Yan!" The black-haired leader frowned.
"In any case, this match is bullying…"
"Dugu Yan," Hu Liena's beautiful gaze fell on the leading girl below. The latter's emerald eyes narrowed, suddenly snake-like, staring back at her. Their gazes met—snake and fox, both enchanting, but now sparking a battle intent.
"Poison Douluo Dugu Bo's granddaughter. Met her a few months ago, but she was only level 36 then. Yet today…" Hu Liena said with interest, her every move exuding charm, making many of Heaven Dou's playboys flush and breathe faster.
"Indeed, I feel it too," Xie Yue frowned.
"It's like being watched by a cold venomous snake. Anyone who can give me a sense of danger must be at least level 44 or 45, a Soul Ancestor."
"Boss, you're about to break through level 53, a mere Soul Ancestor shouldn't bother you." Yan grinned, still scornful.
With his own strength at level 49, and as one of the Hall's golden generation, he had his own pride.
"Be careful of her poison…" Xie Yue's gaze swept over the other five, his expression growing more solemn.
"Heh, Heaven Dou Class One has changed a lot under the tutelage of Mr. Su in just four months," Meng Shenji explained with a smile, clearly proud.
As they approached, the two sides locked eyes, sparks flying.
"Mr. Su Lin?" Ghost Douluo asked softly.
"That's right," Bai Baoshan nodded.
Ghost Douluo and Chrysanthemum Douluo exchanged glances. Ghost Douluo narrowed his eyes and asked, "Is Mr. Su in the academy? We are here by order of Her Holiness and wish to pay our respects."
"Mr. Su is elusive as a dragon, rarely seen these days." Meng Shenji replied lazily.
"…"
Ghost and Chrysanthemum exchanged looks, both seeing the cold gleam in each other's eyes. Clearly, upon hearing of their arrival, Su Lin had avoided them. If not guilt, what else could it be? But to think one could offend Spirit Hall and just walk away? Not so easy!
"It's best to inform the academic committee," Ghost said, carelessly playing with his fingers. "Otherwise, the next time we come, it'll be with a mission…"
"You're going too far," Bai Baoshan suppressed his anger.
"Too far?" Chrysanthemum sneered. "Out of respect for his friendship with the former Pope, Spirit Hall won't do anything to him. But if he thinks he can use that to act recklessly, even slander Her Holiness… hmph…"
"Uncle Su isn't that kind of person!" Dugu Yan couldn't stand it any longer, glaring at Ghost.
"That's right!" Yu Feng swallowed and joined in, even facing two titled elders.
Ye Lingling nodded, her stance clear even through her veil.
"Oh?" Ghost grinned, looking at all six with interest. "You're all so eager to defend him. Looks like he's given you quite a few benefits."
But then his smile vanished, and the crushing pressure of a level 95 titled Douluo descended upon the six.
"…"
"Ghost! What are you trying to do?!" Meng Shenji roared in anger.
The Class One students broke out in cold sweat, faces pale, forced to stand under the terrifying pressure, their backs slowly bending.
"Heh, just a little lesson…" Ghost sneered.
"And who are you planning to teach?"
Suddenly, a warm voice rang out. Ghost's pupils shrank as he snapped his head to the side. At some point, a handsome young man in snowy white had appeared beside him, smiling.
When? When had he arrived?
Ghost's throat tightened, his body frozen. His martial soul was "Ghost," famed for being mysterious and elusive, his speed unmatched among titled Douluo.
Who was this man, that even he hadn't noticed his arrival?
"You once followed Xunji?" Su Wen asked with interest.
"Yes… Yes…" Ghost stammered, forcing down his shock.
"Then I'll spare your life." Su Wen smiled, his palm somehow already pressed to Ghost's chest.
Wait—
Ghost's heart lurched. He instinctively looked down, only for a wave of icy cold to flood his body. His heart seemed to stop, the chill spreading from his heart to every limb.
Looking up at the young man's smiling face, he saw a hint of indifference and mockery, as if he were just an ant.
Emperor's Palm: Great Cold, No Snow!