Ma Hongjun had never been to a palace before and had never truly seen what one looked like.
While the palaces of each empire might differ slightly, the Star Luo palace wasn't the high-walled compound he had imagined.
To Ma Hongjun, the Star Luo palace felt more like a manor. It wasn't in the very center of Star Luo City, but rather in the far north, somewhat similar in location to the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy. However, it was built on a small hill.
Various luxurious pavilions remained, but there was much more greenery and lawns.
"The entire environment of this palace is a simulated training ground!"
The Grandmaster was also shocked, recognizing the scale of the palace's layout and construction.
It was indeed a grand undertaking; the vast palace was built to the standards of a simulated training ground.
The Star Luo royal family's inherited martial soul was the White Tiger, so this simulated training was quite plausible.
The tiger was the king of beasts, and the royal family possessing this martial soul was indeed fitting, and the Star Luo royal family also displayed the White Tiger's domineering aura.
Dai Haote is the current White Tiger Douluo. In the Star Luo Empire, almost every titled Douluo is represented by a White Tiger, and the lineage of White Tiger titled Douluos has never been broken, sometimes even with several titled Douluos living simultaneously.
The Reception Hall.
This is where the Star Luo Empire entertains guests. A banquet has been prepared in the hall, with seats arranged in two rows.
Knights stopped outside the hall, standing in neat rows.
"Please come in!"
The middle-aged official gestured and stood at the side door.
"Your Majesty Sword Douluo, Brother Dugu, welcome to the Star Luo Empire!"
A strong, resonant male voice came from inside the hall.
Dai Mubai was just about to lead the two seniors when two men, around sixty years old, emerged. They
weren't wearing magnificent dragon robes; both wore simple Soul Master robes, one white and one black.
These two were the two most powerful figures in the Star Luo Empire today.
White Tiger Douluo, King Dai Luote.
Spirit Cat Douluo, Grand Duke Zhu Ziwo.
These two were not to be underestimated. Aside from their noble status, both were at level 95 in terms of strength.
They were about the same age as Poison Douluo, but looked much younger than the old man.
Although Sword Douluo was currently a level higher than them, he didn't dare to be careless. While a single level difference was a huge gap at the Title Douluo level, these two were no ordinary individuals.
The Netherworld White Tiger Martial Soul Fusion Skill was an inherited skill; almost any Martial Soul of White Tiger and Netherworld Spirit Cat had a high probability of fusion, provided the two Martial Souls were of similar quality.
Dailot and Jutzwo were revered among Title Douluos precisely because of their Martial Soul Fusion Skill.
Just imagine, two level 95 Title Douluos using a Martial Soul Fusion Skill—the damage would be off the charts!
"White Tiger Douluo, Spirit Cat Douluo, you're too kind.
We brought a junior out for training, and we just happened to be bringing Mu Bai back."
Seeing that the two weren't wearing dragon robes, it was clear they weren't being entertained as the rulers of the Star Luo Empire. Sword Douluo addressing them by their titles was perfectly normal.
"Please come in!"
"Please come in!"
There were four seats at the head of the table, and the four titled Douluo took their seats, from left to right: Spirit Cat Douluo, White Tiger Douluo, Sword Douluo, and Poison Douluo.
This arrangement revealed the Star Luo Empire's style; they always believed in the supremacy of strength, and here, only the level of power mattered.
Ma Hongjun and the others were roughly half men and half women, so they sat in two rows on the left and right, men on the left and women on the right.
This was considered a state banquet, so a more dignified atmosphere was necessary.
The dishes were already prepared, and they began to be served after everyone was seated.
There was no need for a grand display; the personal hospitality of the two titled Douluo was the greatest sign of respect.
From the moment they entered, Dai Haote hadn't said a word to Dai Mu Bai, only exchanging a glance with him. It was unclear what message the father and son were conveying.
"Welcome to the Star Luo Empire! You are all Mu Bai's teachers and classmates. Thank you for taking care of Mu Bai all these years.
This cup is a toast from the Emperor!"
Dai Luote raised his cup and stood up, speaking magnanimously.
Everyone followed suit, raising their cups. Although Ma Hongjun hadn't learned any etiquette, he imitated Dai Mu Bai's gesture.
Everyone drank their cups in one gulp and then began their meal.
Having traveled to Star Luo, it was now almost dinnertime.
"Mu Bai, introduce your teachers and classmates to your father."
"Yes, Father!"
Dai Mu Bai stepped forward and began to introduce them.
"Sword Douluo and Poison Douluo, Your Majesty, Father already knows them.
This is one of our academy's teachers, whom we all respectfully call Master...
This is Teacher Liu Erlong...
Xiang Chengxian..."
Dai Mubai introduced them one by one, and Dailot raised his glass in acknowledgment.
To be honest, the atmosphere was quite tense, and no one was very relaxed. However, it was also a unique experience.
Actually, according to their plan, they hadn't intended to enter the palace when they came to Star Luo City. Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing would go home, and the others would just stay in Star Luo City for a while and then open the first shop of Fairy Robe Pavilion.
Once Dai Mubai's status was stable, they would have settled Fairy Robe Pavilion, leaving Bai Baoshan and the people of Fairy Robe Pavilion behind.
They would then set off to travel around.
But now, due to the Star Luo Empire's warm hospitality, they had suddenly become guests of honor of the emperor.
Emperor Dailot's hosting of this banquet was not only because of the two titled Douluo.
Almost all of their members had performed outstandingly in this competition.
It could be said that the future of the Soul Master world might very well belong to them.
The emperor's humility was to express his high regard for them.
Among them, the two people Dailot valued most were Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang and
Ma Hongjun.
After appearing in the competition, it was difficult for the two to keep a low profile. The "master
's theory of invincibility" used to be a joke, but this competition proved it. He truly was theoretically invincible. And Ma Hongjun was undoubtedly the number one young soul master of this generation.
At only thirteen years old, level fifty-five, with his yellow-purple-black soul master skills, his talent surpassing the limits of soul masters was clearly proof of his abilities.
The banquet was halfway through, and the wine was flowing freely.
Dailot and Jutzwo personally came down to talk to Ma Hongjun and the others.
Zhu Zhuqing's original aloofness was gone, replaced by shyness and fluster.
Fortunately, Jutzwo didn't mention her relationship with Ma Hongjun at the banquet.
It's difficult to have heart-to-heart talks in such a formal setting as a state banquet.
However, this was their first meeting, and Dailot's actions undoubtedly conveyed the importance he placed on them.
Dai Mubai's return clearly meant it was time to compete for the throne. Although Dailot could remain in power for a long time, the successor also needed to rise gradually; there was still a distance between the crown prince and the throne.
Ruling a country was not so simple.
After the banquet, the welcoming officials arranged for everyone to rest.
That evening,
Ma Hongjun, having finished his bath, was about to rest when there was a knock at the door.
"Mubai, why are you here so late?
Did you knock on the wrong door? Chengxian is in the building next door."
Ma Hongjun looked at Dai Mubai outside the door, puzzled.
Ma Hongjun was wearing a bath towel.
"Get dressed first!"
Dai Mubai glanced at him and turned away.
"So dramatic!"
Ma Hongjun muttered, going back to get dressed.
Now everyone had families; they were no longer the brothers who could be so open with each other.
"What's wrong, Mubai? Something on your mind?"
The two walked to the lawn, lay down, and looked at the stars.
"Yes, Hongjun, I'm troubled."
"Tell me about it!"
"I don't know how to face tomorrow's battle."
"I don't want to fight each other!"
"Yes."
With Dai Mubai's current strength, defeating Davis was no problem.
Before, he worried about not being strong enough, about not being able to compete, about death and being crippled; now, however, he felt soft-hearted and didn't want to cripple his brother.
Ultimately, Dai Mubai still couldn't adapt to the brutal competition within the royal family.
Over the years at the academy, he had become close brothers with Ma Hongjun, Tang San, and Oscar, making him value relationships even more.
"Mubai, do you want to be emperor?"
Ma Hongjun asked earnestly.
"I don't know. I thought about it before, but not as strongly now."
"What about becoming an immortal? Does she like the royal family?"
"Becoming an immortal… immortals don't like constraints!" "
With your current strength, competing with your brother is no problem at all.
So, the choice is yours; you can choose not to be emperor!" "Not be emperor? Then what will I do?" Dai Mubai asked helplessly. Ma Hongjun pointed to the sky. Dai Mubai turned his head, puzzled, and said, "Go to heaven!" Ma Hongjun said impatiently, "Become… a god!" (End of Chapter)