The Lie from Twenty Years Ago (A True Double-Length Chapter)

Three months later, the border battlefield between the two countries, where the situation had already become clear, was suddenly thrown into turmoil again.

In the early morning, the sky was clear and cloudless, and a gentle breeze was blowing.

The Star Luo Empire's nearly hundred-mile-long military camp, like an ancient behemoth, lies across the plains in front of the mountains, exuding an atmosphere of tension and impending doom.

But beneath this menacing exterior lies an undeniable weariness and anxiety.

They are now at a significant disadvantage.

The military strength of the Heaven Dou Empire was actually much weaker than that of the Star Luo Empire. Both the combat skills of its ordinary troops and the average strength of its Soul Master legions were extremely average.

However, with the secret support of the Spirit Hall, the Star Luo Empire was suppressed and suffered repeated defeats, and could only continuously shrink its defenses.

Now, all they can do is hold their ground on the border and use the natural defenses to buy time, but they have no way to organize a counterattack.

Even if the renowned Titled Douluo elders of the Spirit Hall are unable to take action, there are always some lesser-known figures who can appear on the battlefield and put enormous pressure on the Star Luo Empire army.

Any Titled Douluo- level combatant would have a huge impact on the local battle situation, not to mention that the Heaven Dou has far more than one Titled Douluo at this time.

Furthermore, the large number of Soul Master stored up by the Spirit Hall were continuously deployed to the battlefield, resulting in an extremely exaggerated boost to military strength.

In the past few months, the Star Luo Empire's defensive lines on the plains have been rapidly broken down and dismantled.

Meanwhile, the Heaven Dou Empire was steadily advancing, and it was impossible to stop them.

Fifty miles outside the Star Luo Empire's war camp, after having breakfast early in the morning.

Then they heard the thunderous sound of war drums in the distance, and everyone knew that the Heaven Dou Empire had once again launched an invasion.

One after another, square formations appeared outside the camp, each of these massive formations consisting of tens of thousands of people.

As a series of orders were issued from the central army, hundreds of thousands of troops of the Heaven Dou Empire slowly moved forward. These were ten heavy cavalry regiments, all the heavy cavalry that the Heaven Dou Empire had brought this time.

They advanced slowly, but their overwhelming pressure made the earth tremble.

Following closely behind the ten heavily armored legions were 22,000 Soul Master assembled by the Heaven Dou Empire.

Then, ten more light cavalry legions rushed out from both flanks, all composed of Soul Master.

The plains battlefield was continuously divided into numerous smaller battlefields to maximize the role of the Soul Master in each legion.

With the combined efforts of tens of thousands of Soul Masters, fire and ice attribute Soul Skill were rapidly deployed across the battlefield.

With various auxiliary Soul Skill being applied to the heavy cavalry, the morale of the entire army formation increased significantly.

The overwhelming pressure made the commander-in-chief of the Star Luo Empire's military look increasingly grim.

This kind of situation has been repeated countless times over the past three months.

In this situation, all they could do was rely on the terrain to barely cope.

Fortunately, the Heaven Dou Legion is not in a hurry and has no intention of engaging in a war of attrition with the Star Luo Empire. Instead, it is slowly encroaching on the territory, gradually dividing the battlefield while preserving its own strength.

But everyone knows that this fragile balance won't last much longer.

Zhu Zhuyun walked through the military camp with a worried expression.

At this moment, her Soul Power was exhausted. As a high-level Soul King, she had a high degree of freedom on the battlefield and could retreat to the military camp to rest at any time.

However, he was alone and not with Dai Weisi.

On the one hand, given Dai Weisi's status, he didn't have many opportunities to go to the battlefield, and he also had many affairs to attend to in the capital.

On the other hand, the two of them haven't used their Martial Soul Fusion Skill for a long time now.

Since her conversation with Zhu Zhuqing many years ago, a considerable barrier has gradually formed between her and Dai Weisi.

Moreover, while Martial Soul Fusion Skill possess explosive power, they consume an extreme amount of Soul Power. On the battlefield, they are far less effective than her solo combat, utilizing the characteristics of the Hell Spirit Cat for assassinations and sneak attacks.

At this moment, Zhu Zhuyun's once bright and charming eyes were filled with confusion.

The current situation in the empire is deteriorating, and with her limited knowledge, she simply cannot think of any way to break the deadlock.

But at this critical juncture, Zhu Zhuqing, the true core of the Zhu Family faction, suddenly disappeared, casting a shadow over her heart.

When I asked my father before, all I got was to wait patiently.

But how can one feel at ease in a time like this?

Whether it's seizing the opportunity to take power in the capital, establishing merit on the battlefield, or even just to prevent being purged by the Heaven Dou Imperial Family after the country is destroyed, they can't remain inactive.

If the borders cannot be defended, then the demise of the entire empire is truly only a matter of time.

Not only Zhu Zhuqing, but also Su Cheng has been missing for some time.

Over the years, thanks to Zhu Zhuqing, she had become quite familiar with Su Cheng and knew some of his background.

Compared to his increasingly dazzling younger sister, Su Cheng, though not well-known, was a force to be reckoned with, and even surpassed her in cultivation.

Most importantly, Su Cheng often has some unexpected and ingenious ideas, but he always manages to hit the nail on the head.

Even a few words of guidance from her occasionally can help her gain many new insights.

She even had a strange feeling that Su Cheng's understanding of the Nether Civet Martial Soul was several levels better than that of the Zhu Family.

She had a strange intuition that if these two people could be present, even if they couldn't turn the tide, they would definitely play a crucial role.

Moreover, the Martial Soul Fusion Skill used by these two is completely different from hers.

That strange Hell White Tiger, apart from being slightly inferior in Soul Power, is absolutely no weaker than an ordinary Titled Douluo in terms of strength alone.

Just as she was lost in thought, she suddenly heard a series of exclamations.

"... What is that?!"

"It's the Hell White Tiger!"

"It's the Hell White Tiger, a Martial Soul Fusion Skill unique to the royal family and the Zhu Family!"

"..."

Upon hearing the noise, Zhu Zhuyun suddenly turned around and looked.

Then a phantom of a White Tiger, tens of meters in size, swept across the sky like a gust of wind.

But she was even more surprised at this moment, and even unconsciously parted her red lips slightly.

Zhu Zhuyun, who was very familiar with this Martial Soul Fusion Skill, could tell that it was not the Martial Soul Fusion Skill Hell White Tiger.

That was a person's Martial Soul Avatar!

"How is this possible..."

A giant White Tiger soared through the air.

The pair of transparent wings formed by the hurricane behind it roared and whipped up gusts of wind, instantly traversing hundreds of meters and heading straight for the center of the battlefield!

At that moment, Titled Douluo- level expert from the Heaven Dou Empire was unleashing various Soul Skill, relentlessly slaughtering the Star Luo Empire's Soul Master army.

The next moment, the man suddenly felt a terrifying Killing Intent sweeping over him from behind.

Immediately following was a gust of wind, and as soon as I turned around, a sharp claw slammed down.

The Hell White Tiger's Eighth Soul Skill - Divine Wind Slash!

This Soul Skill, which comes from the mutated 100,000 Year Spirit Ring, can integrate Zhu Zhuqing's full power into a single claw, maximizing her strength and speed. It is currently her strongest single-target attack skill.

The titled Titled Douluo, whose Soul Power was already more than half depleted, was instantly enveloped by the aura of death and hurriedly made a move to defend himself.

Although he successfully used his Soul Skill to defend, he still could not withstand its power. A huge claw mark pierced through his body, and his aura instantly weakened and dissipated.

After its massive White Tiger strike, the momentum was like a thunderbolt, unstoppable.

He leaped across the battlefield, and amidst the swirling wind, he pounced on another battlefield, killing another Titled Douluo who was Divine Might with a single claw strike.

Subsequently, the domineering Hell White Tiger began to roam the battlefield.

The Wind God Wings fluttered wildly, reaping the High-level Spirit Master of the Heaven Dou side with absolute power and speed.

By the time they realized what was happening and sent several more Titled Douluo to join the battle to hold them back, they had already suffered heavy losses.

At this moment, Zhu Zhuqing's Soul Power was exhausted. Seeing that the opponent had produced new combat power, she did not continue to entangle with him.

After using two area-of-effect Soul Skill, he quickly retreated back into the Star Luo Empire Army formation.

Titled Douluo are not so easy to kill.

Despite her swift and decisive attack that killed two powerful enemy figures, it was only because Zhu Zhuqing was incredibly fast, and the Heaven Dou faction had not anticipated such an unexpected turn of events.

Those two Titled Douluo had already consumed a lot of Soul Power in the previous battle, but Zhu Zhuqing used all her strength from the start, unleashing powerful Soul Skill in her Martial Soul Avatar state, which is why she was able to succeed.

It will be almost impossible to replicate the results of that battle in the future.

But that's enough.

For a time, the morale of the Star Luo Empire military was greatly boosted, and they even showed signs of gaining the upper hand.

However, the ordinary army of the Heaven Dou Empire did not suffer many casualties.

Zhu Zhuqing had not previously focused her attention on these mortals.

Her Soul Power is limited, and she must make the most of her first appearance. It would be pointless to waste too much Soul Power on these people.

With the combined forces of the two countries exceeding one million, even if the enemy stood still and let her kill them all with her limited Soul Power, she couldn't possibly kill them all. Not to mention that the enemy was not without high-level combat power. Delaying the battle would only put her in danger.

Besides, she wouldn't stoop to doing that.

The Hell White Tiger is indeed extremely bloodthirsty, but it enjoys the thrill of battle, not wanton slaughter.

Slaughtering mortals would only erode her will and would be more harmful than beneficial.

At her current level, what she values for further advancement is enlightenment, rather than simply accumulating resources.

Unless it's a special resource that transcends this world level, such as Godhood Inheritance.

This battle not only shocked the Heaven Dou Empire, but also completely stunned their own people Star Luo Empire.

Zhu Zhuqing almost single-handedly turned the tide of the situation.

Now, with the Netherworld White Tiger Martial Soul in hand, Zhu Zhuqing has just stepped into the threshold of Peak Douluo, but even those Peak Douluo of level 96 may not be her match.

Even the Spirit Hall, unable to offer its own offerings, is temporarily helpless against her if it doesn't want to expend a large number of lives in a direct confrontation.

Not long after, the Heaven Dou Empire chose to withdraw its troops.

However, it's foreseeable that in the next battle, those world -Peak Douluo from the Spirit Hall will likely take action.

After returning to the military camp, Zhu Zhuqing immediately deactivated her Martial Soul Avatar state and came to Zhu Zhuyun's side.

At this moment, her face was so pale it was almost transparent.

In just a short while, her Soul Power was almost depleted.

The Netherworld White Tiger Martial Soul's short-term burst power is almost unreasonable, but its Soul Power consumption rate is equally absurd.

"Zhu Zhuqing, you've finally arrived."

The dark clouds that had been hanging over Zhu Zhuyun's heart instantly dissipated.

Her eyes immediately brightened.

But amidst the joy, a hint of hesitation was also faintly revealed.

He glanced around and teased with a smile, "Where's your little follower? I remember you two were always inseparable."

"..." Zhu Zhuqing paused slightly before saying softly, "You mean Su Cheng? He can't come for the time being."

"I see..." Zhu Zhuyun nodded thoughtfully, then looked at Zhu Zhuqing, "But how did you suddenly become so strong? And that was the Hell White Tiger just now, right? But your Martial Soul...?"

"Yes, my Martial Soul underwent some mutations, which is why my strength broke through."

Zhu Zhuqing did not offer any further explanation.

In fact, with her current strength, she no longer needs to explain anything to anyone.

But Zhu Zhuyun was ultimately different for her.

"Mutation?" Zhu Zhuyun's smile froze.

She then quickly returned to her former sweet and gentle appearance.

"I really envy you, Zhu Zhuqing. I wish I could be like you." She sighed softly.

"With your current strength, you can finally take complete control of your own destiny. You can easily get rid of people like Dai Mubai. Moreover, you have a friend like Su Cheng who stands by your side wholeheartedly. He is strong, speaks kindly, and is very comfortable to be around."

Zhu Zhuqing was taken aback upon hearing this, turned to look at Zhu Zhuyun, and asked in astonishment, "Is that what you think?"

"What?"

"... Su Cheng is my friend, and it's very comfortable to be around him."

"Isn't that what you think?" Zhu Zhuyun's smile was hard to maintain. "In your eyes, Su Cheng is just a tool?"

Her softly shaped face now looked slightly stiff and unnatural.

"Zhu Zhuqing, perhaps you really have changed. No, you changed more than ten years ago, but I just didn't want to admit it." Zhu Zhuyun sighed.

"Sometimes I really feel fortunate. My abilities are insufficient, my strength is weak, and I have no value to you. This at least proves that your feelings for me are real."

Zhu Zhuqing stared blankly at Zhu Zhuyun, her already pale face growing even paler.

She never expected that Su Cheng would be that kind of person in her sister's eyes.

Is it because I've been with him for so long that I've taken his sacrifices for granted?

On the contrary, it is much clearer to outsiders.

Or perhaps it's because he never pretends in front of himself, often revealing his cold, ruthless, and cynical side, while always being polite, gentle, humble, and courteous to others.

Which one is the real him?

Perhaps I'm mistaken.

The side he showed to me was a disguise.

But why is that...?

Zhu Zhuqing suddenly realized that after spending more than 20 years with Su Cheng, she didn't really understand what kind of person he was.

How have I spent these years?

They diligently cultivate themselves day and night, and ruthlessly vie for power and profit.

Perhaps, as Zhu Zhuyun said, she only treated him as a tool? Or perhaps she treated everyone around her as tools to be used?

No, that's not how it works.

Both Su Cheng and Zhu Zhuyun were extremely special to him.

Perhaps I have indeed changed.

They can be very ruthless towards others.

However, when she first learned that she could seize Su Cheng's bloodline, she was extremely resistant to it.

"You're wrong, sister." Zhu Zhuqing looked at Zhu Zhuyun and said, word by word, "I have never treated Su Cheng as a tool."

Now that the war between the two countries has eased somewhat, Zhu Zhuqing did not linger on the border battlefield. After saying goodbye to the central army commander, she returned to the Star Luo Imperial Capital with Zhu Zhuyun.

The army commanders were naturally reluctant to give it up.

Such a powerful force, simply by being stationed on the border, can, to some extent, turn the tide of the battle.

But in terms of both status and strength, they were clearly not qualified to change Zhu Zhuqing's decision.

They could only let the two of them leave.

Upon returning to the Duke's Mansion, Zhu Zhuqing did not go to meet Zhu Hongtao. Instead, she casually chatted with Zhu Zhuyun in the courtyard about the current situation of the empire and their future plans.

As for Zhu Hongtao, Zhu Zhuqing doesn't really want to see him right now.

Logically speaking, she should have gone there immediately.

After all, her current strength is largely due to the guidance her father has given her over the years.

But after all these years together, she is no longer the little girl she used to be.

How could one not have doubts about those seemingly unreasonable details?

However, everything the other party had done was indeed to help her.

It could even be said that Zhu Zhuqing owes the most gratitude to Zhu Hongtao for getting to where she is today.

From the very beginning, we taught her how to conduct herself in society.

It's still about the techniques and medicines that follow.

Until the final step of Bloodline Seizure, she almost stepped into the pinnacle of the world.

But it was precisely because of the Bloodline Seizure that her emotions became even more complex.

Although she knew perfectly well that Zhu Hongtao was not to blame for this, and that the choice was in her own hands.

But that's just how people are.

No matter how objective one is, it's always hard to ignore those special reasons after the regret.

It's perfectly normal to take out your anger on others when you're in a state of extreme emotion.

It was precisely because Zhu Zhuqing was clearly aware of this that she was unwilling to go at this time, to prevent herself from losing control of her emotions.

Zhu Zhuqing had some doubts about this father, but she was undoubtedly more grateful than anything else.

After all, in the normal understanding of this world, there is no such heaven-defying skill as being able to perfectly disguise oneself as another person in terms of appearance, figure, and even Martial Soul aura.

It might take 100,000 Year Spirit Bone Skill to achieve that.

But if such a thing existed, Zhu Hongtao wouldn't have been unable to break through to the Titled Douluo realm for so many years.

In fact, Zhu Zhuqing had always suspected that there might be other forces behind Zhu Hongtao.

But now is not the time to explore the hidden truth.

After all, the empire is currently beset by internal and external troubles, and the future of the Zhu Family is equally uncertain. It would be pointless to concern ourselves with irrelevant matters.

Before long, the two of them found themselves outside Zhu Zhuqing's room.

"Come in and sit for a while?" Zhu Zhuqing said casually.

"Okay." Zhu Zhuyun smiled slightly. "It seems like I haven't been to your room since you were six years old."

At this point, she felt a pang of emotion.

Zhu Zhuqing's room was not much different from when Su Cheng came; it was as clean and tidy as ever.

Although she now holds great power, she is not a pleasure-seeking person and has never had the idea of changing her residence.

The two walked from the front hall to the main hall. Zhu Zhuqing went to the table and poured two cups of tea.

Zhu Zhuyun took advantage of this opportunity to look around.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the furnishings in Zhu Zhuqing's bedroom.

"Oh, you have this doll too?" she exclaimed in surprise.

"What?" Zhu Zhuqing was taken aback upon hearing this and walked closer.

"That's it." Zhu Zhuyun pointed to the teddy bear on the table. "It's a teddy bear my father gave me when I was little, before I awakened my Martial Soul. Sigh, that seems to be the last time he saw me alone. Heh, royal bloodline..."

After her initial sigh, a smile returned to her face. "But thankfully, Zhu Zhuqing, you'll be able to change all of this soon."

Zhu Zhuqing ignored what she said afterward and went into the room to take out the teddy bear.

"You just said... that was the last time Father saw you alone?"

"Yes, is there a problem?" Zhu Zhuyun sensed that something was wrong with her expression and asked cautiously.

Zhu Zhuqing shook her head, but did not explain anything further.

The two did not stay in the room for long.

After drinking two cups of tea, Zhu Zhuyun prepared to get up and leave.

The main reason was that she felt her younger sister's emotions seemed a bit off, which made her feel inexplicably depressed.

Zhu Zhuqing did not try to persuade her to stay.

At this moment, she appeared calm on the surface, but in reality, her heart was in turmoil, with countless memories churning within her.

After seeing Zhu Zhuyun out of the room, Zhu Zhuqing silently stared at the doll in her hand for a moment.

Then gently fling it out.

"Bang--"

Zhu Zhuyun had just walked a short distance, heard the noise and turned around in surprise.

The tattered teddy bear exploded in mid-air, turning into countless dust particles that drifted away in the wind.

Five chapters are still owed.