Ten days later, the scorching sun finally dispelled the dark aura, and Soto City regained its light.
However, Soto City was now desolate; the former city lord's mansion and the three major families were gone.
During these ten days, Ma Hongjun had gone to Musu Town to visit Ma Ping, Chu Tianye, and others.
The group set off again.
Xiang Chengxian's mood had gradually improved. The Xiang family was destroyed, and the culprit was the Evil God Sect. As for the roles played by the Xiang brothers, it was no longer important, nor was the specific events of that time. Now they were all members of the Evil God Sect.
Since disappearing that night, the Evil God Sect had vanished without a trace. The Spirit Hall sent people to search for them, but they found no trace.
In short, after this battle, the Evil God Sect had come into everyone's view, and they were on guard, knowing how to deal with it if they encountered it in the future. Originally,
there was still the idea of traveling around and slowly making their way to the Star Luo Empire, but after the matter of the Evil Soul Master, Ma Hongjun decided to first arrange the affairs of the Fairy Robe Pavilion. After settling the Shuang'er sisters and their entourage,
things are different now. Previously, when expanding the Fairy Robe Pavilion within the Heaven Dou Empire, they started with the surrounding duchy kingdoms.
Now, the Fairy Robe Pavilion has gained considerable strength, so their first stop is the Star Luo Imperial Capital.
The Star Luo Empire is stronger than the Heaven Dou Empire,
primarily in its successor selection. While the Star Luo Empire's method of choosing an heir is cruel, it avoids power struggles and ensures the stability of the royal family.
With a stable royal family, to a certain extent, as long as the emperor isn't incompetent, the country will remain stable.
In fact, a country has a strong capacity for imitation; what the superiors do, the lower families will follow suit.
Even the royal family is so resolute and decisive, its rules so ruthlessly passed down.
The lower families and other forces will undoubtedly be influenced by royal rules to varying degrees.
One can imagine what the country under their rule will be like.
Not to mention others, even with the Spirit Hall's influence spreading throughout the continent, it cannot act as brazenly in the Star Luo Empire as it does in the Heaven Dou Empire.
After Ma Hongjun and his group entered the territory of the Star Luo Empire, their whereabouts reached the ears of Emperor Dailot.
As the champions of the Continental Advanced Soul Master Elite Tournament, Ma Hongjun and his companions were practically celebrities in this world, so their identities were obvious without any investigation.
What puzzled Dailot was the presence of Sword Douluo and Poison Douluo traveling with Dai Mubai.
Two Title Douluos were a force to be reckoned with anywhere; even a powerful empire like the Star Luo Empire only had four Title Douluos.
However, for a nation, top-tier strength wasn't the most important factor; the army was the true measure of power.
Even Title Douluos wouldn't dare to directly confront an army of thousands of Soul Masters.
The bombardment of skills from thousands of Soul Masters was too much for even a Title Douluo to handle. They
traveled on, stopping frequently.
This return to the Star Luo Empire would be their final, decisive battle.
Therefore, improving their strength along the way was crucial.
Dai Mubai was already on par with Davis during the Soul Master Competition, and with his mutated Spirit Eye enhancing his combat awareness, defeating Davis shouldn't be a problem.
The only concern was Zhu Zhuqing, who was two levels below Zhu Zhuyun.
During their journey, Oscar and Xiao Yuanyuan prepared supplementary training food—hot dogs—specifically for the two of them.
The group also practiced sparring with the two daily, making their final push.
Besides training with hot dogs, Ma Hongjun also gave Zhu Zhuqing private lessons.
After fusing with a soul bone, Zhu Zhuqing's strength had increased significantly.
The Chasing Wind Right Leg Bone gave Zhu Zhuqing a speed boost; against other agility-type soul masters with the same title, Zhu Zhuqing could dominate with her speed advantage.
Half a month later, the group finally arrived at the Star Luo Imperial Capital.
Compared to the prosperous and welcoming Heaven Dou City, Star Luo City was noticeably more serious and orderly.
Rules and regulations were emphasized. As
soon as Ma Hongjun and the others reached the city gate, a group of impeccably dressed knights were already lined up there.
A middle-aged official in official robes knelt in the middle of the road, facing Ma Hongjun and the others.
"Welcome, Your Highness the Third Prince!"
Ning Rongrong and the other women at the front quickly made way, appearing somewhat flustered.
Dai Mubai, abandoning his usual demeanor, stood solemnly at the front, accepting the official's greeting.
This was a national etiquette; although Dai Mubai was known for his romantic escapades, his royal upbringing had instilled these customs in him.
Instead of immediately telling them to rise, Dai Mubai pulled Xiang Chengxian to his side, making her stand with him.
This was a rare display of Dai Mubai's domineering presence.
Xiang Chengxian was visibly uncomfortable. Although born into a prominent family, she had been separated from her family from a young age, building her own fortune—a woman who had endured hardship.
She found it difficult to accept such obsequiousness.
However, this did not diminish her current sense of happiness.
Dai Mubai's actions unequivocally declared his status and position.
The kneeling officials and knights dared not utter a sound, secretly glancing at Xiang Chengxian before lowering their heads again.
News of Dai Mubai and his team's victory had spread throughout the continent, and given the strength Dai Mubai displayed, he was highly likely to become the next Crown Prince of the Star Luo Empire.
"Get up!" Dai Mubai said calmly.
Having experienced days of wandering in foreign lands, his mind was now much more peaceful.
"Mubai was so domineering and handsome today. Chengxian is so lucky to be with Mubai. I always thought Mubai was very obedient, but now Chengxian is more like a little kitten!" Ning Rongrong whispered.
She didn't hold imperial power in high esteem, and her status was no lower than that of any princess or prince.
"Indeed very handsome!" Ma Hongjun agreed.
Mubai's performance just now had raised everyone's opinion of him even higher. Over the years, Dai Mubai had changed so much, from a dashing young man to a composed and peaceful prince.
"Your Highness, His Majesty cordially invites Sword Douluo, Poison Douluo, and your companions to the palace for a banquet. His Majesty has prepared the feast."
At this moment, a eunuch stepped out from behind the middle-aged official and whispered to Dai Mubai.
For such distinguished guests as Title Douluos, it would be appropriate for the emperor to personally greet them.
However, since they had all come with Dai Mubai, it was better for him to be the one to extend the invitation.
"Let's go. We're just here to tour your Star Luo Imperial Palace," Ma Hongjun said, patting Dai Mubai on the shoulder.
These people weren't worthy of speaking to two Title Douluos; their presence was merely to support Dai Mubai, so the invitation was naturally extended without hesitation.
Emperor Dailot's consideration for this showed his respect for the two Title Douluos.
Following the welcoming knights, they marched splendidly through the city towards the central palace.
Royal etiquette was indeed different; the prestige instantly increased. Looking at the curious and awe-inspiring gazes of the surrounding crowd, he felt incredibly pleased.
Ma Hongjun even felt a desire to be emperor.