Mingdu

As he spoke, Dugu Bo couldn't help but sigh, "Unfortunately, my Righteous Unity Sect cannot effectively accommodate you all. This time, if there is an opportunity, I will introduce you to His Majesty, hoping that His Majesty can make proper arrangements for you."

On the surface, Sea Horse Douluo appeared anxious, but inwardly he was overjoyed.

Getting close to Xue Qinghe means he's halfway done with his mission. If he gives him a little something extra, Xue Qinghe will surely use the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud.

"Brother Dugu, we've been working together perfectly well, what are you doing?"

Dugu Bo interrupted, "Brother Sea Horse, with your abilities, it's a waste for you to stay here with me. Do you intend to spend your whole life delivering goods for the Righteous Unity Sect?"

If Sea Horse Douluo isn't allowed to contact Xue Qinghe, the rest of the plan can't proceed.

Only by pushing Sea Horse Douluo into Xue Qinghe's hands will the former reveal its fangs.

As the Imperial Palace gates opened, officials of different ranks entered the Imperial Palace through different archways according to their status.

Before long, upon seeing acquaintances, Dugu Bo greeted them, "Sovereign Ning, Sword Douluo."

Ning Fengzhi stopped and smiled in response, "Sect Master Dugu, how have you been?"

After a brief exchange, the two walked together toward the Imperial Palace Hall. During this time, Ning Fengzhi and Sword Dao Chen Xin did not even glance at Sea Horse Douluo, nor did they utter a single greeting.

For a moment, Sea Horse Douluo felt extremely fortunate. If he had come into contact with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect back then, Ning Fengzhi would not have paid much attention to him, and he might not even have had the chance to come to the Imperial Palace today.

While feeling relieved, he also kept glancing at Sword Douluo.

Indeed, the strength of continental Soul Master is generally higher than that of Sea Spirit Master. If it weren't for Bo Saixi, the Great Enshriner, on Sea God Island, the Land Spirit Master would have eventually swallowed them up.

It's important to know that among the Seven Sacred Pillar Douluo, the strongest, Sea Dragon Douluo, is only at level 95. This Sword Douluo's aura is extremely restrained; in his eyes, he's no different from Ordinary Person, suggesting his strength far surpasses that of Sea Dragon Douluo.

The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, which used to develop quietly, has unexpectedly become such a powerful figure. The Clear Sky Sect has a large number of Titled Douluo, but in terms of quality, they are far inferior to Sword Bone Douluo.

The Imperial Palace Hall.

Officials at each level reported on their work progress over the past year in order of their rank.

It was called Grand Court Assembly, but it was more like an annual meeting. However, this annual meeting wasn't held at the end of the year, but rather in the middle of the year.

After the officials finished reporting their work, they could not leave. They needed to hand over the materials they had prepared to several Duke for verification. In the evening, a banquet would be held in the Imperial Palace, which officials of all ranks were also allowed to attend.

In the afternoon, Xue Qinghe received some officials privately in the Imperial Study.

Dugu Bo Ning Fengzhi, and Sword Douluo were summoned to the Imperial Study.

Seeing a stranger following behind Dugu Bo, Xue Qinghe asked in confusion, "Mr. Dugu, who is this?"

Dugu Bo chuckled and formally introduced Sea Horse Douluo to Xue Qinghe.

"Teacher, Lord Sea Horse?" Xue Qinghe looked at Ning Fengzhi with a slightly puzzled expression, seeking his help.

Xue Qinghe was a puppet of the Spirit Hall; how could he not know of Sea Horse Douluo's arrival?

However, this stand's abilities are lacking, and there's a fear that contact with Sea Horse Douluo might reveal a weakness.

Upon hearing this, Sea Horse Douluo immediately understood.

No wonder the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect could dominate the Heaven Dou Empire; it's unexpected that they had a master-disciple relationship with Xue Qinghe.

Ning Fengzhi chuckled and said, "Your His Majesty, do not panic. This Sea Horse Douluo was introduced by Sect Master Dugu, so he will surely be approved by Sect Master Dugu and will not be of any harm to Your His Majesty."

Xue Qinghe feigned a sigh of relief and took the initiative to speak with Sea Horse Douluo, "I am very pleased to see Your Lord Sea Horse. I wonder if Sea Horse Douluo has any requests for me?"

On their first meeting, Sea Horse Douluo wouldn't reveal his true intentions to avoid offending the other party.

Before he could speak, Dugu Bo offered a crucial assist. "Your His Majesty, Brother Sea Horse is, after all, Titled Douluo. Our Righteous Unity Sect has limited resources and cannot afford the expenses of Brother Sea Horse and his party."

"I see that His Majesty is in dire need of capable people, and I am thinking of having Brother Sea Horse serve His Majesty so that he can also receive a share of the imperial salary."

These words seemed frank, but everyone present knew that Dugu Bo was just putting on an act.

Only Sea Horse Douluo was kept in the dark, secretly rejoicing.

Xue Qinghe pondered for a moment, then rummaged through his desk and found a memorial. "To be honest, I do have an important matter at hand that requires the help of a strong person to handle."

"I wonder if Your Lord Sea Horse would be interested?"

Sea Horse Douluo immediately cupped his hands in respect, "Your His Majesty, I am willing to serve the Empire, but I beg Your His Majesty to give me a chance."

In their first meeting, Xue Qinghe certainly wouldn't assign any difficult tasks; his main objective was to assess the other party's "loyalty."

"Haha, good! I have a teacher, Sword Bone Douluo, and Mr. Dugu. Now, with the assistance of His Lord Sea Horse, my Heaven Dou Empire will surely prosper."

On the Sun Moon Continent.

After a month of travel, Wu Qi and his two companions finally arrived at the gates of Mingdu City.

They encountered no trouble along the way. Even if there were any, Wu Qi's perception and strength allowed him to avoid them in advance or kill them without them even realizing it.

Mingdu.

As the capital of the Blazing Sun Empire and one of the core cities of the continent, its prosperity far surpasses that of peripheral cities like Sea Plunder City.

Furthermore, compared to other cities, Mingdu has a large number of Soul Tool used in daily life, which greatly improves the living environment of its people.

Wu Qi, accustomed to modern metropolises, showed no surprise.

Zhao Chenggong glanced at him casually and saw that he remained calm and composed. He sighed inwardly, "With your status, you must have been to Mingdu many times. There's no need for you to be surprised."

Within the Mingdu, a single brick could kill several Earl.

Seeing that the carriage was luxuriously decorated, the city guards did not stop them, and did not even search them before letting Wu Qi and his two companions into the city.

Following Zhao Chenggong's directions, the carriage headed towards a street.

Looking at the lackluster street scene outside the car window, Wu Qi asked, "Your Mentor lives in a place like this?"

Zhao Chenggong looked slightly embarrassed and said, "My Mentor is indifferent to fame and fortune and dislikes the struggles in the Imperial Court. He lives in a relatively remote place, which allows him to clear his mind and devote himself to the research of Soul Tool."

The carriage stopped, Zhao Chenggong walked towards the mansion by the roadside, softly calling out, "My Mentor."

Wu Qi followed closely behind and got off the carriage.

Isn't the so-called indifference to fame and fortune simply a compromise with one's own abilities?

In the Imperial Court, if one truly possesses the ability, who wouldn't want to sit in that position second only to the emperor, above all others?

Zhao Chenggong's calls had an effect, and an old man with dry skin and a hunched back pushed open the gate of the mansion.

Upon seeing the person outside the door, the old man was taken aback for a moment, then asked, "Are you... Little Zhao?"