The throne, for mortals, is the pinnacle of glory, but in the Douluo Continent, a world where gods exist
, the divine throne is the ultimate pursuit.
Before enlightening Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun conveyed similar ideas to Zhu Zhuqing,
urging them to broaden their horizons and not be bound by the throne and power.
But in reality, they weren't interested in these things.
Having rebelled since childhood and struggled in the vortex of power, if there were better options, they certainly wouldn't want to fight on this path, which required killing their own family members as a price.
Lying on the lawn all night, despite the slightly warm weather, the dew still dampened their bodies, giving them a slight boost of energy.
The competition for the Star Luo Empire's heir was essentially an internal family matter.
Generally, outsiders weren't allowed to watch, but this time, Dai Luote invited Ma Hongjun and his group to observe and witness the birth of the new king.
On the Soul Battle Platform within the palace, chairs had already been set up on both sides.
This battle for the heir was already prepared, awaiting only the return of Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing.
Important members of the Dai and Zhu families were already seated on the surrounding chairs.
The number was small, less than a hundred, but those present were all important figures in the Star Luo Empire.
Today, two future rulers would be born.
Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing had defeated Davis and Zhu Zhuyun in the competition, thus earning their right to challenge today.
In the competition, they had the help of their teammates.
But here, they could only rely on themselves.
Ma Hongjun and others sat in the audience area on the left side of the stage. The four Title Douluos from yesterday's banquet were still in the center of the stage.
Sword Douluo and Poison Douluo had been invited as witnesses today.
Behind the four were elders, princes, empresses, queens, and other dignitaries.
Ma Hongjun immediately noticed one person; she sat behind Spirit Cat Douluo, her figure strikingly similar to Zhu Zhuqing's, still possessing a captivating charm and extraordinary bearing.
Actually, saying "still possessing a captivating charm" was somewhat inaccurate, as she didn't look old at all, but sitting there unmistakably indicated her status as a duchess, and her exquisite face bore a seven or eight-tenths resemblance to Zhu Zhuqing and Zhu Zhuyun. This proved she was indeed Zhu Zhuqing's mother, meaning she should be around fifty years old.
However, her face showed no signs of age, unlike Bibi Dong's perfect and noble appearance.
She gave off a youthful and innocent vibe.
Ma Hongjun thought of an idiom to describe her: " A youthful
face with large breasts!"
To be honest, at this moment, he was somewhat envious of the Spirit Cat Douluo.
No wonder the Zhu Zhuqing and Zhu Zhuyun sisters were so exceptional; they both inherited their looks from their mother.
This future mother-in-law was so young!
While Ma Hongjun was secretly observing his mother-in-law, she was also looking around.
She quickly locked her gaze on Ma Hongjun
's area, their eyes meeting . Ma Hongjun immediately felt embarrassed and quickly suppressed his wandering thoughts, giving an
awkward smile. The Duchess looked surprised, then covered her mouth and smiled, scrutinizing Ma Hongjun from afar. Finally, she nodded slightly. Casually glancing at Ning Rongrong beside Ma Hongjun, her face immediately turned cold, and she gave Ma Hongjun a sidelong glance. Fortunately, the match on the Soul Arena was about to begin. The Duchess withdrew her gaze. Ma Hongjun wasn't surprised by the Duchess's reaction. The affairs between Ma Hongjun, Zhu Zhuqing, and Ning Rongrong were easy to find out with a little effort; given the Duke's influence, such matters couldn't be kept secret. This time, besides the final duel for the heir, there was also the issue of marriage. Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing's marriage was arranged by the royal family, not something they could easily dissolve with a word. Dai Mubai and Xiang Chengxian were alright, since they had a Soul Fusion Skill, which made it easy to resolve conflicts. But Ma Hongjun was different; he had already become engaged to Ning Rongrong beforehand. Although he hadn't publicized it, he hadn't hidden it either, and those who needed to know knew. The second young lady of the Duke's mansion was actually no less powerful than the eldest young lady of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. Even if they didn't pursue Ma Hongjun's polygamy, they still needed to establish a hierarchy. The host on the stage had already begun. "Our two great families, the White Tiger and the Spirit Cat, have always been closely connected, inseparable. The reason our two families have prospered to this day is because we have followed the rules set by our ancestors... " The opening ceremony was somewhat like an ancestral worship ceremony, paying homage to heaven and earth and our ancestors, followed by a recounting of the glorious history of our two families. Finally, the selection of the Spirit Cat family's heir began. Zhu Zhuyun and Zhu Zhuqing made their entrance.
The method was simple: a one-on-one soul battle. It
would determine both superiority and death!
The loser, even if they didn't die, would have their soul power cultivation crippled by the family elders.
The battle began.
The same Netherworld Cat, the same four soul rings (yellow, yellow, purple).
This kind of battle required no skill.
"Netherworld Thrust!"
Both activated their first soul skills simultaneously, rapidly closing the distance.
"Clang, clang, clang~"
The metallic clang of claws clashing captivated the audience.
The Duchess, her face etched with sorrow, watched the battle intently, unable to bear it.
For her, the loss of either sister would be a painful blow.
"Zhu Qing, I didn't expect you to improve so quickly!"
Zhu Zhu Yun had already sensed Zhu Zhu Qing's strength; in terms of soul power, Zhu Zhu Qing was now a level below Zhu Zhu Yun.
However, in terms of speed and agility, Zhu Zhuqing far surpasses Zhu Zhuyun. This is not only due to the boost from her right leg bone, but also because of the insights gained from Ma Hongjun's movement techniques, allowing Zhu Zhuqing to create her own unique movement style.
Their soul skills are similar, but as agility-based soul masters, lacking an advantage in speed and agility means losing the initiative.
Therefore, from the very beginning of their exchange, Zhu Zhuyun was on the defensive.
"Zhu Qing's progress is too fast. Her movements are incredibly agile; I've never seen anything like it before. It doesn't seem like something your family has inherited. Zhu Yun can't even touch her."
"This movement technique is indeed exquisite. I've never seen it before either. It seems Zhu Qing has had her own experiences outside these years. This
movement technique of hers is very suitable for our family; perhaps it can be passed down as a family heirloom."
"Her speed is too fast! Her right leg is glowing—it's a soul bone!"
"I didn't expect Zhu Qing to already possess a soul bone, and one that enhances speed at that."
"Zhu Yun, there's no hope!"
On the stage, Zhu Zhu Yun had already used the Netherworld Shadow Clone Technique, but it still couldn't harm Zhu Zhu Qing. Despite the not-so-spacious Soul Arena, Zhu Zhu Qing still displayed agile movement. Combined with her slender and flexible waist, she easily dodged Zhu Zhu Yun's attacks.
The only thing that bothered Zhu Zhu Qing was the burden on her chest, which slightly affected her movements.
However, it didn't affect the overall situation.
"Netherworld Shadow Clone Technique!"
Zhu Zhu Qing also conjured seven shadow clones.
With eerie steps, seven shadow clones launched an attack on Zhu Zhuyun from seven directions.
Although it was supposed to be a battle between two people, fourteen figures appeared on the stage.
A dazzling display of movement followed, long, sharp claws flashing with cold light.
As the shadow clones disappeared one by one, only two figures remained. They
were still.
Zhu Zhuqing's hand was gripping Zhu Zhuyun's neck.
Silence fell. The outcome was decided, but the match was not over.
On the fighting stage, their Soul Master robes were torn in various places by each other's claws.
Zhu Zhuyun's clothes were more torn, but no one paid attention to that.
Their eyes were all focused on Zhu Zhuqing's hand, waiting for her next move.
Zhu Zhuyun stopped resisting. She had given it her all, unleashing her full strength, but ultimately she couldn't defeat Zhu Zhuqing.
Her expression gradually calmed down; the resentment in her heart vanished at this moment. She looked at her younger sister, who was so close to her.
This was probably the closest they had ever been since they were old enough to understand.
Zhu Zhuyun smiled calmly, but tears welled in her eyes.
"Zhuqing, strike. One of us sisters will eventually die.
Before this year's competition, I never imagined you would defeat me.
I was even prepared to kill you.
But after the competition, your strength terrified me. I've been living in constant fear.
I finally understand what you've felt all these years.
Originally, I was unwilling to accept it.
But at this moment, I feel liberated.
Sister, we are sisters, but we've never addressed each other as sisters.
Sister, kill me. I don't want to live on after becoming a cripple.
Dying by your hand is my best end."
Zhu Zhuyun closed her eyes. She had fantasized countless times about how she would kill Zhu Zhuqing after winning this duel.
She always told herself she could do it.
But every time she thought of this moment, she didn't know how to kill her sister.
Only now did she understand that she wasn't unaware; she simply couldn't bring herself to do it.
Her heart hadn't yet grown cold.
Now she no longer needed to agonize; the choice was in her sister's hands.
At this moment, thinking back to her past treatment of her sister, Zhu Zhuyun felt she could accept any outcome.
Fate, at its moment of arrival, brought a strange sense of peace.
Zhu Zhuqing looked at her sister, whom she held tightly in her hand; tears were streaming from her eyes.
For years, Zhu Zhuyun had hesitated to kill her sister
whenever she thought of Zhu Zhuqing. But Zhu Zhuqing had never considered killing her sister.
She simply refused to accept fate!
Zhu Zhuqing turned her head to look at the stands.
Her gaze fell on Ma Hongjun, and Ma Hongjun looked back at her.
Ma Hongjun simply smiled slightly at her, offering no further comment.
He had already said what needed to be said; the choice was Zhu Zhuqing's, and Ma Hongjun was only there to support her.
Zhu Zhuqing returned the smile, and at this moment, she relaxed.
All she wanted was freedom.
She released her grip on Zhu Zhuyun.
"I never thought of fighting for anything, sister!
What I need doesn't conflict with yours."
(End of Chapter)