A marriage alliance with Bai Chenxiang, bringing three great clans into the fold!

"Your Highness, we've arrived at Dragon Rise City."

Inside the carriage, Tai Tan lifted the curtain and looked out at the enormous city that was thirty feet high and ten feet wide, and said respectfully.

"Oh, let's go into town."

Zhou Chen leaned against the carriage wall covered with soft animal hides and said in a calm tone.

For the past two weeks, he has been traveling around, enjoying the scenery of the Heaven Dou Empire and the Star Luo Empire, and occasionally checking the military situation sent by the Tian Ji Guard.

The Thunderclap Plan, devised by Yu Tianmeng and Xue Ke, has been in operation for over ten days. The empire's million-strong army has successively destroyed several duchies and kingdoms, and is now approaching the capital of the Barak Kingdom, the most powerful separatist force in the empire, at the gates of Barak City.

However, the Spirit Hall did not react at all.

Faced with this situation, Yu Tianmeng and Xue Ke could only deploy a large number of secret agents to closely monitor the Spirit Hall's actions.

"Yes, sir."

Tai Tan cupped his hands in greeting and then ordered the caravan to slowly enter the city.

Upon entering the city, looking at the bustling marketplace and dense crowds on both sides of the road, Tang San couldn't help but take a few more glances and asked, "Senior Tai Tan, shall we go directly to the Defense Clan's encampment next?"

"Um."

Tai Tan nodded and said, "The Defense Clan's territory is quite large; it can accommodate all of us, so there's no need to book a hotel."

Dragon Rise City was much smaller than Heaven Dou City. The caravan traveled for less than a quarter of an hour before arriving at the residence of the Defense Clan.

The residence of the Defense Clan is similar in appearance to that of the Strength Clan. According to Tai Tan, the residences of the major Single Attribute Clans were all built by the Defense Clan.

As soon as the convoy stopped, several burly men came to greet them.

Compared to the members of the Strength Clan, the members of the Defense Clan appear more robust and imposing.

The burly man at the head of the group found Tai Tan's carriage, stepped forward through the window, bowed respectfully, and said, "Greetings, Titan Clan Leader, welcome to our tribe."

Tai Tan waved his hand and said in a deep voice, "No need to be polite. Tell your chieftain to come out quickly. We have distinguished guests arriving, and the Old Rhinoceros needs to greet them personally."

Upon hearing this, the burly man at the head of the group paused for a moment, then realized what he meant and said solemnly, "The clan leader is here, waiting to welcome you. Does Titan Clan Leader mean... there are other distinguished guests?"

"Exactly."

Tai Tan said solemnly, "This distinguished guest's status is a hundred times higher than mine. Tell Old Rhinoceros to come out and greet him immediately."

Seeing Tai Tan's solemn expression, the burly man dared not be negligent and quickly turned back into the mansion.

Just half a minute later, a deep voice came from the Defense Clan's residence. "Old Gorilla, who is so arrogant as to dare to make me personally greet them?"

Before the words were finished, a tall, robust old man walked out from inside the gate.

The old man had a face like a red date, a ruddy complexion, a pair of bright, large eyes, very broad shoulders, and a robust physique.

If Tai Tan is like a towering mountain, then this old man is a solid bulwark.

Upon hearing the old man's words, Tai Tan's expression changed. He quickly jumped off the carriage, walked to the old man's side, and said in a deep voice, "Niu Gao, you can eat whatever you want, but you can't say whatever you want. This distinguished guest's identity is not something you can joke about."

Upon hearing this, the old man named Niu Gao's expression instantly turned serious.

Niu Gao knew very well that his old friend Tai Tan was a very steady person, and the two had been best friends since childhood. Since Tai Tan was so cold, the distinguished guest who had not yet shown up must be someone of extraordinary status.

So Niu Gao quickly leaned close to Tai Tan's ear and whispered, "Who is that distinguished guest...?"

"Zhou Chen, Nation Protecting Prince the Heaven Dou Empire, Palace Master of Purple Micro Palace, and heir of the Xuanyuan Family!" Tai Tan whispered.

"What?"

Niu Gao's eyes widened, and he almost cried out in surprise.

Zhou Chen's name is probably known to almost everyone in both empires.

Especially a year ago, after Zhou Chen swept through Spirit City and Qian Daoliu, a level 99 demigod Peerless Douluo, his prestige was so great that it could be said to have shaken the world!

Faced with such a powerful expert, Niu Gao felt his heart pounding so hard that his Soul Power almost stopped circulating.

"Don't shout, be more polite in a moment."

Tai Tan patted Niu Gao on the shoulder and said.

"Of course."

Niu Gao nodded, coughed lightly, cleared his throat, and stood obediently in front of the mansion gate with his hands hanging down, like a servant specially there to greet guests.

Seeing that even their Defense Clan was so respectful, the other members of the Yu clan also quickly and obediently stood in two rows.

Tai Tan returned to the carriage and, looking at Zhou Chen who was leaning against the wall with his eyes closed in rest, respectfully said, "Your Highness, the Defense Clan is ready to welcome you."

"Yes, thank you for your hard work Titan Clan Leader."

Zhou Chen smiled at Tai Tan, nodded, and then stepped off the carriage in a flash.

Tai Tan and Tang San followed closely behind, jumping off the carriage as well.

Upon seeing Zhou Chen, Niu Gao immediately recognized him.

It wasn't that Niu Gao had seen Zhou Chen's face before, but rather that Zhou Chen was handsome, with a jade-like complexion, an air of nobility, and bright, sharp eyes like stars. His powerful aura was like that of an emperor descending, or like a crane standing among chickens, making it difficult not to recognize him!

Seeing Zhou Chen's gaze sweep over, Niu Gao quickly bowed slightly and said respectfully, "Your Highness, welcome to our clan's residence."

"Chief Niu Gao, you're too kind."

Zhou Chen smiled slightly and said gently, "I apologize for any intrusion I may have caused."

"His Highness's presence at our clan's residence is an honor, and it is by no means an inconvenience."

Niu Gao flattered him with a smile, looking every bit the sycophant.

Tai Tan, standing to the side, shook his head and quickly said, "Niu Gao, you Old Rhinoceros, aren't you going to invite us into your mansion? Are you just going to leave us here to starve?"

"Yes, yes, it's mainly because I was a little too excited to see His Highness the Prince."

Niu Gao smiled sheepishly, then stepped aside respectfully and said, "Your Highness, please."

"Haha, please."

Zhou Chen beckoned, and then, with the help of Niu Gao, Tai Tan, Tang San, he entered the residence of the Defense Clan.

Zhou Chen walked at the front, with his two old buddies Tai Tan and Niu Gao walking arm in arm, their cheerful laughter almost never stopping.

Tang San, Tai Nuo, Tai Long, and the members of the Defense Clan followed behind, chatting until they entered the hall, where they took their seats as hosts and guests.

Zhou Chen naturally sat in the head seat, while Tai Tan and Niu Gao sat in the second seat, and Tang San sat with the members of the Defense Clan.

Zhou Chen scanned the people present, his gaze settling on Niu Gao, and said, "I heard that these past few days have been a gathering of your major single-attribute sects, so I came to take a look. I wonder if the patriarchs of the Speed Clan and the Breaking Clan have arrived?"

Upon hearing this, Niu Gao quickly leaned forward and said, "Not yet, Your Highness. It's estimated that the people from both clans will not arrive for another two or three days."

"Oh."

Zhou Chen nodded, then smiled and said, "Clan Chief Niu Gao, do you know why I have come to your Defense Clan's residence this time?"

"This... I don't know, Your Highness, please enlighten me."

Niu Gao pretended to be confused and said...

Despite being over seventy years old, Niu Gao was burly and had a simple face, making him appear somewhat dim-witted.

In reality, Niu Gao was quite shrewd and experienced in life.

Therefore, Niu Gao had long guessed the purpose of this Nation Protecting Prince's visit, which was to subdue these three major clans.

As for Tai Tan, he probably already submitted to the Heaven Dou Empire.

However, Niu Gao, who was used to freedom, did not want to submit to any power.

They initially allied themselves with the Clear Sky Sect, but what happened? All of their major Single Attribute Clans were betrayed by the Clear Sky Sect.

That painful lesson left Niu Gao with lingering fear. There was absolutely no way they could get the Defense Clan to submit to the Heaven Dou Empire; there wasn't even a window of opportunity.

However, Niu Gao dared not utter these thoughts aloud.

Seeing Niu Gao's cunning and shrewd demeanor, Zhou Chen chuckled and said, "Clan Chief Niu Gao, you don't need to play dumb. I've come here representing the Heaven Dou Empire and the Purple Micro Palace to subdue your three clans. As the clan chief of the Defense Clan, you must make a clear statement today."

Upon hearing Zhou Chen's straightforward words, Niu Gao immediately lowered his head, his heart pounding wildly, unsure of how to respond.

Submitting to the Heaven Dou Empire is impossible.

Niu Gao didn't have the guts to openly refuse.

Zhou Chen is a super strong expert who can even kill Level 99 Peerless Douluo! Niu Gao doesn't even know if there is anyone in the mortal world who can compare with this Nation Protecting Prince.

Niu Gao remained silent for a long time, sweating profusely. The entire hall fell into an awkward atmosphere, and everyone present could feel the tense atmosphere.

Seeing this situation, Tai Tan, an old friend of Niu Gao, gave a wry smile, looked at Zhou Chen, and said, "Your Highness, Niu Gao is my old friend. He is extremely stubborn. Back then, after the Clear Sky Sect went into seclusion and betrayed the Defense Clan, my old friend felt that it was better to rely on himself than on others, and he resolved never to rely on anyone else again. Now, this has become a knot in my old friend's heart."

"Oh, I see."

Zhou Chen nodded and said softly, "I understand. The Clear Sky Sect really went too far back then, and it's normal that it chilled your hearts. However, Titan Clan Leader, how can you compare me to a coward like the Clear Sky Sect?"

Before he could finish speaking, Zhou Chen slapped the armrest of the chair and stood up abruptly!

"No, no, Your Highness, please calm down. I spoke without thinking."

Tai Tan was so frightened that he quickly stood up and said he dared not, while Niu Gao also stood up, his back covered in cold sweat!

"That's good."

Zhou Chen wasn't angry. Instead, he smiled at Niu Gao and said seriously, "You should know my character. Many years ago, the Holy Spirit Church dared to oppose me, and I killed seven of their Title Douluo and thousands of Evil Soul Masters!"

"Six years ago, the Spirit Hall dared to plot against my woman during the Soul Master Tournament. I, with my own strength, stood against fifteen Title Douluo from the Spirit Hall, and intimidated the entire Spirit City!"

"Six years ago, when the Spirit Hall dared to launch a coup in Heaven Dou City and the Imperial Palace, I intervened and killed Qian Daoliu, Level 99 Peerless Douluo, causing the Spirit Hall to suffer a crushing defeat."

"If we're talking about decisiveness in killing and protecting your subordinates, how many people in this mortal realm can compare to me? Chief Niu Gao, I know you have a knot in your heart, a fear of being betrayed, but if you pledge allegiance to me, you need not worry about any of that."

These words stirred up a storm in Niu Gao's heart.

Yes, this Nation Protecting Prince is extremely protective of his own, possesses exceptional wisdom and resourcefulness, and is decisive in killing. He is by no means like those cowardly and despicable people of the Clear Sky Sect.

However, even though his heart was wavering, Niu Gao still hesitated.

After all, Niu Gao was not alone; behind him were hundreds of clansmen.

Niu Gao's choice will profoundly affect the fate of hundreds of members of the Defense Clan. Therefore, Niu Gao must be cautious.

After much deliberation, Niu Gao still hesitated, so he raised his head to look at Zhou Chen and said respectfully, "Your Highness, may I consider this further?"

"Can."

Zhou Chen, aware of Niu Gao's hesitation, nodded and said leisurely, "Clan Chief Niu Gao, hesitation will only lead to trouble. You must make the right choice as soon as possible!"

Upon hearing this, Niu Gao gave a bitter smile, his mind in turmoil.

Seeing the somewhat confused look in Niu Gao's eyes, Zhou Chen felt there was a chance, so he suddenly asked, "Clan Chief Niu Gao, do you wish to break through to the Title Douluo?"

"Of course I want to."

Niu Gao nodded subconsciously, then, with a sudden thought and some surprise, asked, "Your Highness, do you mean you can help me break through to the Title Douluo?"

"Exactly."

A flash of light appeared in Zhou Chen's hand, and a purple crystal the size of a walnut appeared in his hand.

This purple crystal has golden runes imprinted on its surface. The runes flicker and radiate strange energy fluctuations outwards.

Upon seeing this, Niu Gao's expression instantly turned serious.

Zhou Chen said in a deep voice, "This purple crystal is called God Crystal, a divine artifact treasured by our ancestors of the Xuanyuan Family! This God Crystal can rapidly increase Soul Master's Soul Power Level without any side effects! Clan Chief Niu Gao, if you lead your Defense Clan to submit to me, I can bestow upon your Defense Clan several hundred God Crystal!"

Upon hearing this, not only Niu Gao, but also everyone else present except Tang San, who had already consumed the God Crystal, showed expressions of shock!

Something belonging to the gods!

Quickly increase your Soul Power Level!

No side effects whatsoever!

In their experience, anything possessing these three characteristics was simply unheard of!

This is clearly a priceless treasure!

And now, this Nation Protecting Prince is actually willing to exchange this priceless treasure for the loyalty of the Defense Clan!

In an instant, the breathing of all the members of the Defense Clan present became heavy!

Their eyes were all fixed on Niu Gao, hoping that their clan leader would lower his head and pledge allegiance to the Nation Protecting Prince.

At this point, Niu Gao was so shocked that he didn't know how to answer.

However, Niu Gao soon realized that the opportunity to break through to the Title Douluo and lead the Defense Clan to glory had arrived!

This time, Niu Gao did not hesitate. He immediately knelt on one knee and respectfully said, "Your subordinate Niu Gao is willing to pledge allegiance to Your Highness!"

Seeing that even the clan leader had knelt, the members of the Defense Clan also knelt on one knee and shouted in unison, "The Defense Clan is willing to pledge allegiance to His Highness the Prince!"

"Okay, very good."

Zhou Chen nodded in satisfaction. A flash of white light appeared in his palm, and with a series of crisp sounds, the God Crystal piled up into a small mountain of purple crystals, about half the height of a person.

"Get up, all of you."

Zhou Chen waved his hand and said gently, "All members of the Defense Clan, line up to receive one God Crystal each. Hold it in your mouth and then meditate to cultivate your Soul Power!"

Thus, led by Clan Chief Niu Gao, the Soul Master of the Defense Clan passed by Zhou Chen one by one, each receiving a God Crystal. They then bowed respectfully to Zhou Chen before returning to their original positions, sitting cross-legged, consuming the God Crystal, and beginning their meditation and cultivation!

Soon, the Soul Master of the Defense Clan began to emit fluctuations of Soul Power, and clusters of dazzling light began to appear on their bodies.

Their aura, however, increased rapidly, as if they were riding a rocket!

Most of the Soul Master of the Defense Clan have reached the peak of their respective ranks, and if it weren't for the limitations of their Soul Ring, they could continue to break through!

This scene, witnessed by the Tai Tan and Strength Clan, instantly turned their eyes into green with envy.

Unfortunately, their Strength Clan had already pledged allegiance to Tang San and joined the Tang Sect.

At this time, Niu Gao's strength had also increased to level 87, which was very close to level 90.

With his strength greatly increased, Niu Gao once again led his people to kneel on one knee to express their loyalty to Zhou Chen.

This kneeling gesture represents the heartfelt submission of the Defense Clan!

Having subdued the Defense Clan, the other two clans will likely be unable to escape his grasp!

Thinking of this, Zhou Chen couldn't help but look out of the hall, his star-like eyes sparkling!

Three days later, at dusk.

The Speed Clan has arrived.

The Speed Clan sent dozens of people this time, and Zhou Chen, along with Niu Gao and Tai Tan, went to greet them at the door.

Tang San, Tai Nuo, Tai Long, and the others followed behind.

The elder leading the Speed Clan was tall and slender, with long, snow-white hair cascading down his back, and a complexion as rosy as a baby's.

The old man's name was Bai He, the patriarch of the Speed Clan and a Soul Douluo- level powerhouse.

The Martial Soul of the Speed Clan is a bird with the fastest flight speed, called the Needletail Swift.

This kind of Martial Soul is quite fast, but its attack and defense are very weak, so it has no other use except as a scout.

However, the Speed Clan, from their patriarch Bai He down, are all proud individuals. They believe that their Martial Soul, the Needletail Swift, is a noble Martial Soul, and therefore have always refused to join any sect.

As a result, the Speed Clan is now having a really tough time. The reason why Bai He brought so many people this time is not to show off like the Strength Clan, but to have a meal.

Yes, they're here to eat, and hopefully they can also get some Gold Soul Coin from the other three sects to support the Speed Clan.

Following the Bai He crane was a girl who looked to be around seventeen years old.

The girl was tall and slender, with beautiful and delicate features, and a somewhat haughty look in her eyes. She was holding Bai He's arm, her beautiful eyes glancing around, and she looked very cute.

The girl's beauty and vivacity made Zhou Chen glance at her a few more times.

The girl quickly sensed Zhou Chen 'Zhou Chen gaze, and the lively girl immediately glared at him.

This sight immediately captivated the young girl, for Zhou Chen's appearance was simply too handsome.

"My name is Bai Chenxiang. What's your name?"

The girl moved closer to Zhou Chen, her face flushed, her eyes filled with anticipation.

"My name is Zhou Chen, you can call me Chen Ge."

Zhou Chen said with a smile.

"Chen Ge, how old are you this year?"

Bai Chenxiang twisted the hem of her clothes with her two small hands and whispered.

Zhou Chen smiled and said, "Twenty-two years old. And you?"

"I'm also twenty-two, what a coincidence."

Bai Chenxiang grinned foolishly, drooling from his mouth.

"Xiangxiang, what are you doing?"

Seeing his usually proud granddaughter getting so close to the handsome young man in front of him, even drooling, Bai He felt embarrassed and couldn't help but shout.

"I didn't do anything, we were just chatting."

Bai Chenxiang lowered her head in grievance and whispered her explanation.

"Haha, Old Bai He, how old are you? What's there to be angry about?"

Niu Gao laughed loudly, and couldn't help but admire Zhou Chen. This Nation Protecting Prince was truly amazing; he had already captivated the young girl's heart at their first meeting.

Tai Tan's lips twitched as he suppressed a laugh.

"Hmph, she's not your granddaughter, of course you're not angry."

Bai He snorted coldly, looked at Niu Gao, and asked, "Who is this kid?"

"Old Bai He, that's quite rude of you."

Tai Tan's expression changed, and he immediately introduced, "This is His Highness Zhou Chen, the Nation Protecting Prince of the Heaven Dou Empire!"

Upon hearing this, Bai He's expression changed drastically. He immediately bowed and said, "Your Highness, I was blind to Holy Sword Mountain. Please forgive me."

"Haha, Mr. Bai, there's no need to be so formal. Ignorance is no excuse."

Zhou Chen laughed heartily, glanced at Bai Chenxiang beside Bai He, and said meaningfully, "Old Master Bai certainly has a fine granddaughter. Haha, let's go inside and talk."

"Your Highness, please."

The Bai He dared not presume and said respectfully.

So, Bai He and Bai Chenxiang followed Zhou Chen, and entered the hall with Tai Tan, Niu Gao, Tang San and others.

The other members of the Speed Clan were naturally arranged to stay in guest rooms by members of the Defense Clan.

"Serve tea."

Niu Gao called out, and the servants in the Defense Clan's mansion immediately brought out cups of tea for everyone present to enjoy.

People drank tea and chatted, and before they knew it, more than half an hour had passed.

At this moment, Bai Chenxiang stood obediently behind Bai He, her big, bright eyes fixed on Zhou Chen without blinking.

She had heard the name Zhou Chen before.

In fact, there were very few people within the two great empires who did not know the name of this world-renowned super strongman.

However, Bai Chenxiang had only heard of such a ethereal figure before; she never imagined she would have the opportunity to see him in person.

I've heard that this Nation Protecting Prince's Martial Soul is the Xuanyuan Sword, a weapon Martial Soul even more powerful than the Clear Sky Hammer. With a single strike, Mountains and Rivers Shatter; it's incredibly powerful!

And this Nation Protecting Prince is so handsome!

Staring blankly at the handsome man, Bai Chenxiang drooled again, and the drool unconsciously dripped onto her grandfather Bai He's head.

"Xiangxiang, what are you doing?"

The Bai He wiped the drool from its head, clearly furious.

Seeing the smirking eyes of those present, Bai He felt utterly humiliated.

My granddaughter isn't usually like this, why is she acting like a lovesick girl today?

This is outrageous! In broad daylight!