Entering the Heaven Dou Empire

The next morning.

As usual, Shen Tianchen rose early, sat cross-legged in the courtyard, and began cultivating.

With my current strength, ordinary Soul Kings are no longer my match. Typical training missions can no longer offer me any major improvement. It seems it is time to put the Heaven Dou Empire plan on the agenda.

Shen Tianchen had long coveted the immortal herbs of Sunset Forest.

In any case, I cannot cultivate much further at this stage. I should go discuss it with the grandfathers at the Worship Hall now. I doubt they will refuse. Yes, that settles it.

Having made up his mind, Shen Tianchen immediately sped toward the Worship Hall.

Meanwhile, at the Worship Hall.

"Big Brother, don't you think Xue'er's progress as an undercover agent in Heaven Dou is a little too fast? I'm afraid Xue'er may end up drawing criticism," Demon Subduing Douluo remarked casually.

"Don't worry. How could I not understand Xue'er? Even when she was in the Worship Hall, she displayed exceptional political skill. She will handle things over there properly. Our top priority now is to balance the relationship between the Worship Hall and the Papal Palace," Qian Daoliu said with his eyes closed.

"But I still feel it is not enough. Those two from the Elders' Hall, Thorn Snake Spear, are eighty percent likely to be spies Bibi Dong planted at her side under the pretext of protecting Xue'er."

"Should we send a few more people over? Although the Heaven Dou Empire has fewer powerful experts than our Spirit Hall, it still has several Titled Douluo. If Thorn Snake Spear are discovered one day, they may use that as an excuse to make trouble for Xue'er," Demon Subduing Douluo said.

Just then, Shen Tianchen arrived outside the Worship Hall. Hearing the conversation within, he came up with a plan. He gave a light cough and stepped into the hall.

Qian Daoliu and the others opened their eyes. When they saw Shen Tianchen, gentle smiles appeared on their faces.

After bowing, Shen Tianchen said, "Grandfathers, I want to go to the Heaven Dou Empire for training and also help Sister Xue stabilize the situation there."

Qian Daoliu nodded slightly. "It is good that you have such thoughts, but the situation in the Heaven Dou Empire is complicated. Have you considered it carefully?"

Shen Tianchen replied firmly, "Rest assured, First Grandfather. I am confident that I can protect myself."

Demon Subduing Douluo suddenly said, "Xiao Chen, while you are there, keep an eye on Thorn Snake Spear for us. If they make any suspicious moves, inform us immediately."

Shen Tianchen agreed. After pondering for a moment, Qian Daoliu said, "Then go. I will also send Elder Ghost Leopard to protect you in secret."

After hearing that, Shen Tianchen said, "Isn't that a little too cautious?"

Qian Daoliu shook his head. "The safety of you and Xue'er concerns the future of Spirit Hall. How can that be called overly cautious?"

After thanking the Elders, Shen Tianchen returned to prepare his luggage, ready to begin his journey through the Heaven Dou Empire.

After Shen Tianchen left, the Elders seemed to discuss something further. The struggle between the Worship Hall and the Papal Palace was destined to be a war without smoke.

Golden Crocodile Douluo said, "Big Brother, that woman Bibi Dong has been coming on fiercely lately."

"She wants her disciple to earn the honor of the Golden Generation. For a long time to come, they will become the idols pursued by the young people in the hall. We are already having trouble suppressing the Papal Palace."

"Why not postpone the Golden Generation for a while? At the very least, give Xiao Chen more time to grow."

After hearing this, Qian Daoliu thought for a moment before agreeing.

After leaving the Worship Hall, Shen Tianchen did not return directly to his residence. Instead, he headed toward the Papal Palace. Qianjun Douluo's Soul Tool contained plenty of daily supplies, and he had only used a small portion last time, so there was no need to prepare anything.

One of his reasons for coming to the Papal Palace was the immortal herbs.

He did not know much about medicinal herbs. Although he knew the effects of some immortal herbs, he did not even know what most of them looked like.

In the original timeline, Chrysanthemum Douluo had recognized the Lovesick Heartbreak Red on Xiao Wu, then identified the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum consumed by Dai Mubai through its aura. He presumably had a deep understanding of immortal herbs.

Furthermore, Chrysanthemum Douluo's martial soul was itself an immortal herb.

There were many ways to learn information about immortal herbs, but Chrysanthemum Douluo was the most convenient option.

As Bibi Dong's follower, Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo usually remained at Bibi Dong's side whenever they were not carrying out missions.

Shen Tianchen waited outside the Papal Palace for over two hours before Ghost Douluo finally appeared.

"Why have you come?" Due to the peculiar nature of Ghost Douluo's martial soul, ordinary people found it difficult to discern his emotions.

Shen Tianchen bowed slightly to Ghost Douluo and said, "Senior Ghost Douluo, I have come to see Senior Chrysanthemum Douluo."

"You are looking for Ju Hua Guan? Wait here. He will be here soon."

Ghost Douluo did not understand why, but he responded nonetheless. After speaking, he turned into a ghostly shadow and disappeared.

About two minutes later, Chrysanthemum Douluo descended Papal Mountain and ran right into Shen Tianchen.

Upon hearing that Shen Tianchen wanted to discuss immortal herbs, Chrysanthemum Douluo simply brought him to his garden.

"Senior Chrysanthemum Douluo, I apologize for disturbing you," Shen Tianchen said sincerely.

Although the Papal Palace and the Worship Hall were locked in open and covert conflict, Chrysanthemum Douluo was a Titled Douluo and Shen Tianchen's elder. There was no reason for him to quarrel with a junior. With an indifferent expression, he said, "Go on. What aspect of immortal herbs do you wish to learn about? My research is not that extensive."

Shen Tianchen immediately swept his gaze around the garden. Immortal herbs possessed spiritual energy that other plants lacked, and Soul Masters could sense it.

After sensing the surroundings, he found that it was just as he had expected: Chrysanthemum Douluo's garden contained no immortal herbs.

Considering Chrysanthemum Douluo's identity as a laboring servant, even if he had obtained immortal herbs, he had likely presented them to Bibi Dong long ago.

Shen Tianchen said somewhat awkwardly, "If possible, I would like all of your research findings related to immortal herbs, Senior."

Chrysanthemum Douluo was somewhat bewildered as well.

There were very few people in this world who knew about immortal herbs. Many healers had never even heard of them, and even Dugu Bo, a Titled Douluo, did not understand them.

Shen Tianchen was merely a child. How could he know about immortal herbs? The Elders of the Worship Hall should not have told him such things either.

Could it be that he had found some plants resembling immortal herbs but did not know how to identify them?

With that thought, Chrysanthemum Douluo's mind immediately became active. "This sort of thing cannot be explained clearly. Why not let me help you identify them?"

Feigning sincerity, Shen Tianchen said, "I do not have any immortal herbs. I merely happened to hear others in the hall mention them, so I wanted to ask you for some information. That way, if I encounter one in the future, I will not miss it."

A trace of disappointment flashed through Chrysanthemum Douluo's eyes.

How could Shen Tianchen, at his age, possibly know about immortal herbs? What ill intentions could a child possibly have?

But he had spent more than half his life researching immortal herbs. How could he simply hand over his findings?

Shen Tianchen understood Chrysanthemum Douluo's thoughts and offered an exchange. "Senior, your martial soul, the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum, is also a heavenly-grade herb, correct?"

Chrysanthemum Douluo did not deny it.

Shen Tianchen continued, "I know where to find seeds of the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum. I may not know about the other immortal herbs, but I know the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum very well. So, is this exchange condition enough to catch your interest?"

The moment Chrysanthemum Douluo heard this, he hurriedly asked, "Where?"

Shen Tianchen shook his head. "Senior, as I said, this is my bargaining chip. If I tell you, would I not lose my chip?"

"I can guarantee that as long as you give me information on immortal herbs, I will personally present the seeds of the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum to you within three years. I can put it in writing. What do you say?"

Chrysanthemum Douluo fell silent for a long while before finally agreeing. Rather than searching like a needle in the ocean himself, he might as well gamble on Shen Tianchen.

However, Ju Hua Guan played a little trick here. He did not give Shen Tianchen all of the information, such as how to harvest them and their effects.

After leaving behind a written agreement, Shen Tianchen departed Chrysanthemum Douluo's garden with his gains.

To be honest, if the other party had not belonged to the Papal Palace faction, Shen Tianchen might have considered giving him a mature plant directly.

Chrysanthemum Douluo might not dare absorb the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum. If Bibi Dong found out, not only would he be punished, but he would also end up making a wedding dress for Hu Liena and the others.

The two sides were destined to walk different paths. Shen Tianchen had no intention of being a charitable fool.

After returning to his residence, Shen Tianchen eagerly opened the materials Chrysanthemum Douluo had given him and studied them carefully. He discovered that although the information was incomplete, it still gave him a deeper understanding of immortal herbs.

Just as he was immersed in the materials, he suddenly sensed a powerful aura approaching. Before long, Qianjun Douluo appeared before him.

"Xiao Chen, have you truly decided to go to the Heaven Dou Empire for training?" Qianjun Douluo asked.

Shen Tianchen nodded and explained his thoughts. Qianjun Douluo nodded approvingly. "It is good that you have such ambition, but the Heaven Dou Empire is a mixed bag. You must be extra careful."

As he spoke, he handed Shen Tianchen an ancient token. "This is a token of our Worship Hall. It will help you at a critical moment."

Shen Tianchen accepted the token happily and bowed to thank Qianjun Douluo.

Once everything was ready, Shen Tianchen set out for the Heaven Dou Empire, while Ghost Leopard Douluo protected him in secret.

He knew the road ahead was filled with challenges, but for his own growth and Spirit Hall's future, he feared nothing. Along the way, Shen Tianchen carefully concealed his aura as the two rapidly headed toward the Heaven Dou Empire.

Traveling day and night, Shen Tianchen finally arrived in the Heaven Dou Empire. The moment he entered Heaven Dou City, he felt an atmosphere entirely different from that of Spirit Hall.

The streets were bustling with activity, filled with people and endless cries from vendors. Shen Tianchen then found an inn to stay at, intending to familiarize himself with the surroundings before making plans the next day.

While resting at the inn, Shen Tianchen suddenly heard a commotion downstairs. Curious, he walked to the window and looked outside. A group of soldiers was driving away the crowd, and in the middle stood an ornate carriage.

The carriage stopped, and its door opened. A young man dressed in magnificent robes stepped out. Shen Tianchen recognized him at once. It was Xue Qinghe, whom Qian Renxue was impersonating.

Strange. Why would I run into her here? Shouldn't she be staying at the Crown Prince's Mansion? What is she doing here? After thinking for a moment, Shen Tianchen decided to go downstairs and meet Xue Qinghe.

He straightened his clothes and quickly headed downstairs. "Your Highness the Crown Prince, I trust you have been well," Shen Tianchen said with clasped hands.

Xue Qinghe was slightly stunned, then smiled. "So it is you. Why have you come to Heaven Dou City?"

Shen Tianchen did not answer, merely glancing around. Xue Qinghe immediately understood, and the two quickly headed upstairs.

After entering the room, Xue Qinghe had just prepared to ask Thorn Snake Spear, hidden in the shadows, to erect a barrier when Ghost Leopard Douluo suddenly flashed into view before her.

After setting up a barrier, he said, "Greetings, Young Master. By the Grand Elder's orders, this subordinate has escorted Young Master Tianchen to Heaven Dou City and is responsible for protecting him. In addition, the Grand Elder asked this subordinate to pass on a message. He said that he is doing well and that you need not worry about him." With that, he left.

Xue Qinghe smiled. "So it is Elder Ghost Leopard."

Then she turned to Shen Tianchen and said, "You have quite the reputation, don't you? You actually made Grandfather send Elder Ghost Leopard to protect you. All right, what are your plans next?"

Shen Tianchen smiled. "I plan to study at an academy for a while, then gradually help Your Highness stabilize the situation."

A trace of delight flashed through Xue Qinghe's eyes. "That would be wonderful. With your help, I will be even more confident."

Afterward, Xue Qinghe invited Shen Tianchen to go to the imperial palace with him, and Shen Tianchen readily agreed. As they walked and talked, Shen Tianchen gradually began to integrate himself into the Heaven Dou Empire's complicated political situation.