At the border of the Star Luo Empire, inside a simple teahouse, voices were noisy.
In a corner of the teahouse, a man with a small mustache lowered his voice and said mysteriously to his companion, "Have you heard? The Emperor has passed away."
"What?" The companion's eyes widened, his voice unconsciously rising an octave. "How did the Emperor die?"
The man with the mustache hurriedly covered his mouth, looked around, and only after confirming no one was paying attention did he lean close to his ear and whisper, "I heard the Clear Sky Douluo wreaked havoc in the Star Luo Imperial Palace, injuring the Emperor, who eventually died."
"What!" The companion's exclamation rang out again, drawing side-glances from the people around.
The tavern instantly boiled over, and people gathered around, talking all at once.
"Tell us quickly, what exactly happened?"
"The Clear Sky Douluo is so fierce? First hammered the Pope to death, and now hammered the Star Luo Emperor to death?"
Seeing everyone's high interest, the man with the mustache no longer hid it. Anyway, this matter had long been spreading like wildfire across the continent. He cleared his throat and vividly recounted the details of the rumors.
Aside, a young man in blue clothes frowned, pulled down the brim of his hat, and quietly got up to leave.
His steps were brisk and steady, his back revealing a composure inconsistent with his age.
This person was Tang San.
He had originally waited in Holy Spirit Village according to his father's instructions. However, a month passed, and Tang Hao still hadn't returned.
A trace of unease gradually rose in Tang San's heart, so he decided to go to the Star Luo Empire to investigate.
Unexpectedly, halfway there, he heard the news that "Dai Mubai" had inherited the throne.
"Father was most likely delayed by other matters," Tang San pondered inwardly. "Since that's the case, I'll go directly to the next planned location."
He took out a yellowed map from his Soul Tool, looked at it carefully, and then walked toward the northwest of the continent.
Tang San and his father's plan concerned his fifth soul ring.
According to Tang Hao's description, to the northwest of the Silves Kingdom, there was a vast Blue Silver Grass forest where soul beasts suitable for him resided.
Originally, in Yu Xiaogang's plan, Tang San's fifth soul ring would choose a soul beast called the Soul Devouring Demon Spider.
This soul beast was famous for its deadly poison and increased its strength by devouring other soul beasts.
Absorbing its soul ring would very likely grant an ability similar to devouring, capable of consuming the opponent's soul power. Combined with the Blue Silver Grass's Bind and Parasite, it would be a seamless combination.
However, Tang Hao rejected this proposal.
Compared to his foster father's theory, after careful consideration, Tang San finally chose to listen to his biological father's decision.
After all, Tang Hao was a genuine Titled Douluo.
"Since Father asked me to go to that Blue Silver Grass forest, he must have his reasons." Tang San was firm in his heart, and his pace quickened a bit.
His gaze seemed to already see that mysterious Blue Silver Grass forest and the fifth soul ring waiting for him.
Inside the Pope's Palace.
Bibi Dong sat high on the throne, her gaze calm, looking at Hu Liena kneeling in the center of the hall.
"Have you really thought it through clearly?" Bibi Dong's voice was cold and majestic, echoing in the empty hall.
Hu Liena raised her head, her gaze firm and resolute. "Teacher, the Canyon of Death can no longer bring me any progress. I must break through my limits."
"The Slaughter City is just right for me." Her voice was calm, but her fists were clenched tightly, knuckles turning slightly white from the force.
There was neither joy nor sorrow in her eyes. However, her heart was like a surging tide, unable to calm down for a long time.
Hu Liena's thoughts involuntarily returned to the finals of the Soul Master competition.
That day, as the leader of the Golden Generation of Spirit Hall, she should have been radiant, winning everyone's attention.
However, reality gave her a heavy blow.
She not only lost the competition but also suffered unprecedented humiliation.
That hateful man actually slapped her face in public.
From childhood to adulthood, Hu Liena had never suffered such humiliation. That punch to her left eye not only hit her face but was also deeply branded in her heart.
Bibi Dong's gaze softened a few degrees, and she slowly raised her hand. A ring on her finger flashed slightly, and immediately, a crystal-clear white skull bone appeared in her palm.
"Absorb it before you go." Bibi Dong's voice remained calm but carried unquestionable majesty.
Hu Liena's pupils shrank slightly, a look of shock appearing on her face. "Teacher, this is too precious..."
Bibi Dong smiled faintly. "No matter how precious a soul bone is, it must be absorbed by a Soul Master to exert its effect, rather than gathering dust in a treasury."
Hu Liena lowered her head and respectfully accepted the soul bone. "Yes, Teacher."
Although her voice was calm, her charming big eyes flashed with unwillingness and determination.
She could never forget "Dai Mubai's" disdainful gaze at that competition. That condescending look made her feel like an insignificant ant in his eyes.
Especially when she heard that "Dai Mubai" had inherited the Star Luo throne, the unwillingness and anger in her heart burned like fire.
She couldn't even sleep at night, her mind constantly replaying that face she hated to the bone.
"Dai Mubai, just you wait." Hu Liena swore secretly in her heart, a sharp light flashing in her eyes. "One day, I will pin you down hard!"
On the official road of the Heaven Dou Empire, several ornately decorated carriages moved slowly forward.
The wheels crushed the stone road, making a slight creaking sound. Sunlight shone on the carriage bodies, reflecting dazzling light, looking exceptionally magnificent.
In the central carriage, Xue Qinghe and Ning Fengzhi sat opposite each other.
The carriage interior was elegantly decorated, soft cushions embroidered with exquisite patterns, and a faint fragrance of incense filled the air.
Xue Qinghe leaned forward slightly, his tone respectful. "Teacher, you are personally making this trip?"
There was a trace of doubt in his eyes.
Given the close relationship between the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan and the Heaven Dou Imperial Family, Ning Fengzhi only needed to send an Elder to show respect to the Star Luo Empire.
However, Ning Fengzhi came in person, which surprised him.
Ning Fengzhi smiled, looking composed. "Rongrong is going this time to see an old classmate. Besides, I also have some friendship with that Dai Mubai."
His tone was relaxed, but a trace of deep meaning flashed in his eyes.
Learning that Dai Mubai inherited the throne, Ning Fengzhi was already overjoyed in his heart.
This investment could be said to be his most successful one in recent years.
If he could obtain the full support of the Star Luo Imperial Family, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan would surely surpass the Clear Sky Clan and become the number one sect on the continent.
"Oh, so that's how it is." Xue Qinghe cupped his hands, a look of understanding on his face, but sneered inwardly: Sure enough, an old fox.
He keenly sensed that the relationship between Ning Fengzhi and Dai Mubai was definitely not as simple as it appeared on the surface.
However, Xue Qinghe didn't say much.
At the same time, his thoughts involuntarily recalled the past.
When Xue Qinghe first met Dai Mubai, the latter's performance was mediocre, even unremarkable.
However, in the finals of the Soul Master competition, he suddenly displayed amazing strength.
Not only did he break through to the Soul King level, but he also crushed the three Soul Kings of Spirit Hall single-handedly and won the championship.
"His strength skyrocketed a bit too outrageously," Xue Qinghe pondered inwardly.
What puzzled Xue Qinghe even more was that Dai Mubai actually emitted an aura that made his Martial Soul feel close, exactly the same as the aura on Lu Feng back then.
"What exactly is the connection between these two?" Xue Qinghe's brows furrowed slightly.
Ning Fengzhi seemed to notice Xue Qinghe's distraction and asked softly, "Your Highness, is there something on your mind?"
Xue Qinghe came back to his senses and smiled slightly. "Just thought of some trivial matters; let Teacher laugh at me."
Ning Fengzhi nodded and didn't pursue it further.
The carriage continued forward, and the interior fell into silence for a while.
Xue Qinghe's gaze looked through the carriage window toward the rolling mountains in the distance, secretly making up his mind: This time, I will investigate this Dai Mubai thoroughly.