Xue Tianxing smiled, then changed the subject and looked at Dugu Bo, speaking sincerely:
"Old Master, there's actually something else I'd like to discuss with you. Now that Sister Yanyan is studying at Barak Academy, barring any unexpected circumstances, she and Oscar will likely remain in the Balak Kingdom in the future. Would you consider officially joining the Balak Kingdom as a Kingdom Enshrined?"
"That way, you can see Sister Yanyan often, and we can provide you with the best cultivation resources. Wouldn't that be the best of both worlds?"
Liu Tianfeng immediately chimed in as well:
"That's right, Dugu Bo, stay with us! With two Titled Douluo like us holding the fort, the Balak Kingdom's strength will definitely rise to another level. Then the two of us will have each other for company instead of fighting alone like before."
Having just broken through to become a Titled Douluo, Liu Tianfeng was in high spirits and eager to recruit more powerful experts for the Balak Kingdom.
Dugu Bo fell silent. His fingers unconsciously stroked his chin as he sank into thought.
Xue Tianxing's proposal was indeed tempting—the Balak Kingdom might not be as powerful as the two great empires, Heaven Dou and Star Luo, but it was peaceful and stable. More importantly, he could remain by his granddaughter's side, which had always been his wish.
But after a moment, he slowly shook his head, his tone carrying a trace of helplessness:
"I appreciate your kindness. Joining the Balak Kingdom would indeed be a good choice, but not yet. Back when Spirit Hall hunted me down, Prince Xue Xing of the Heaven Dou Empire helped me greatly. I must repay that debt.
"Once I settle this matter of cause and effect, I will definitely come to find you in the Balak Kingdom. Then I'll become your Kingdom Enshrined and retire in peace."
Xue Tianxing and Liu Tianfeng exchanged a glance, each seeing understanding in the other's eyes.
They both knew that Dugu Bo valued loyalty and righteousness. Since he had already made himself clear, pressing him further would be inappropriate.
Xue Tianxing nodded.
"Alright, we'll wait for you. No matter when, the gates of the Balak Kingdom will always be open to you."
Liu Tianfeng also patted Dugu Bo on the shoulder.
"Then we'll wait for you to come back! When that time comes, we two Titled Douluo will guard the Balak Kingdom together!"
Dugu Bo smiled, warmth filling his eyes.
The three said no more and accelerated toward the Balak Kingdom, their figures soon vanishing beyond the horizon.
After flying through the air for half a day, the outline of the Balak Kingdom finally appeared in their sight.
As they drew closer, the magnificent Barak Palace gradually became clear. Xue Tianxing and the other two sped up and flew straight toward the palace's training grounds.
Boom! The three figures landed steadily in the training grounds, stirring up a thin mist of snow.
Almost the instant they landed, a familiar figure hurried over from the direction of the palace—it was Xue Zhe, king of the Balak Kingdom.
He had clearly sensed the brand-new Titled Douluo pressure emanating from Liu Tianfeng, and his face was filled with urgency and anticipation.
"Uncle Liu, how did it go? Did you successfully absorb the ninth Soul Ring?"
Xue Zhe strode quickly before Liu Tianfeng, staring at him intently, unable to conceal his excitement.
Over the years, Liu Tianfeng had always been the pillar of the Balak Kingdom. Whether he could break through to become a Titled Douluo directly concerned the kingdom's future.
A brilliant smile spread across Liu Tianfeng's face as he nodded vigorously.
"I did not disappoint. I perfectly absorbed the Soul Ring of that more than eighty-thousand-year-old Blizzard Wind Wolf King, and I've successfully broken through to become a Titled Douluo!"
As he spoke, Liu Tianfeng unconsciously released a trace of Titled Douluo pressure, making the surrounding air tremble faintly.
"That's wonderful! Truly wonderful!"
Xue Zhe excitedly rubbed his hands together, his eyes gleaming with delight, before saying excitedly:
"Uncle Liu, our Balak Kingdom finally has its own Titled Douluo! I want everyone on the Douluo Continent to know this good news!"
Xue Zhe took a deep breath, forcefully suppressing the excitement in his heart as he solemnly addressed Liu Tianfeng:
"Uncle Liu, one month from now, we will hold a grand celebration banquet in Barak City to celebrate your ascension as a Titled Douluo! At that time, we will invite all major factions and formally announce your title to the entire continent!"
A flicker of emotion crossed Liu Tianfeng's eyes.
He had cultivated Soul Power for decades and endured countless hardships. Had it not all been for this day?
He nodded heavily.
"Alright! We'll do as you say!"
Xue Zhe then turned to Dugu Bo at the side, a grateful smile appearing on his face.
"For this journey to the Extreme North, we must thank Your Excellency Poison Douluo for watching over them along the way. Without you, Uncle Liu and Tianxing likely could not have completed this journey so smoothly."
Dugu Bo waved his hand, his tone casual.
"It was only a small effort. That boy Tianxing is clever, and Liu Tianfeng is steady enough. Even without me, they might not have failed. Besides, my granddaughter Dugu Yan is studying at your Barak Academy. I'll have to trouble you to look after her in the future."
"Rest assured, Your Excellency!" Xue Zhe immediately promised. "Taking good care of her is our duty in the first place."
Dugu Bo nodded in satisfaction and said no more. He had accompanied Xue Tianxing and Liu Tianfeng on this journey partly to repay Xue Tianxing for giving him the Snowy Swan Kiss, and partly to assess the Balak Kingdom—after all, his granddaughter would very likely develop here for a long time in the future.
And from what he had seen so far, both the Balak Kingdom's sincerity and strength were worthy of trust.
Xue Tianxing stood to one side, looking at the harmonious scene before him, his heart also filled with joy.
Liu Tianfeng had become a Titled Douluo, Dugu Bo held a favorable impression of the kingdom, and he himself had gained his fourth Soul Ring and the opportunity of the Ice God's Legacy. This trip to the Extreme North had truly yielded a full harvest.
"Father, Grandpa Liu, Elder Dugu, let's go into the palace first. The wind is strong out here."
Xue Tianxing spoke, interrupting their conversation.
"Right, let's go inside first! I've already had people prepare hot tea, wine, and food to welcome you back!"
Xue Zhe hurriedly agreed, warmly leading the three toward the palace.
Sunlight spilled over the training grounds, stretching the shadows of the four men long.
For the Balak Kingdom, this was undoubtedly a day worth remembering—a Titled Douluo had been born, and this was destined to bring new opportunities for development to a kingdom that had previously been insignificant on the continent.
And the upcoming celebration banquet would surely become the focus of the entire continent.
The following morning, explosive news erupted from the Balak Kingdom like a thunderclap and swiftly swept across the entire Douluo Continent—the Balak Kingdom officially announced that its Kingdom Enshrined, "Cold Sword" Liu Tianfeng, had successfully absorbed his ninth Soul Ring and broken through into the realm of Titled Douluo!
At the same time, the kingdom would hold a grand celebration banquet in Barak City one month later, sincerely inviting all factions across the continent to attend.
As soon as the news emerged, the entire Douluo Continent was shaken.